Page 39 of Claim Me (Dmitriyev Bratva #2)

K azimir

“Do not say a word. Not one.” I pointed my finger at my Pakhan as soon as Mikhail walked toward the bar, my other brother Alexsey in close proximity. I glanced toward the tables in the small restaurant, several now occupied by members of both families.

The look on their faces when seeing Marissa would forever burn into the back of my mind. Their expressions had nothing to do with being chauvinistic as we all knew women could easily be more dangerous and cunning than men.

Their twisted expressions were based on knowing what I cared about.

Almost nothing.

Now a woman and fate had managed to bulldoze my life with the gear stuck in drive.

I adjusted my jacket, casually looking around the room.

My cousins Vissarian, Sasha, and Nadia were already enjoying a cocktail, all three conversing as if we were attending a celebratory function. Nadia was laughing, acting as if she didn’t have a care in the world. And who was providing the entertainment for her happy mood?

The woman who kept my jaw clenched, my cock fully aroused, and my anger at a heightened level.

Somehow, Marissa seemed unfazed she was in a room full of highly skilled killers who just happened to be from a crime syndicate. Either she was the world’s best actress or Marissa was truly enjoying herself despite the horror she’d been through. How many layers did I need to peel away?

“I’m not saying a single thing other than I hope you know what you’re doing,” Mikhail stated, grinning before motioning the bartender. “Whiskey. Neat.”

“Yes, sir,” the young woman said.

“But I am,” Alexsey teased. “She’s hot.” He crowded against the bar, swilling whatever beverage he’d ordered earlier.

My instinct had me in his face in a split second. While I kept my voice low, there was no ignoring the tenseness or warning in my tone. “Touch her and you’ll need to answer to me.” Immediately, my brothers grinned as they locked eyes. Sighing, I rubbed my jaw, Marissa catching my eye.

“You like her.” Alexsey purposely pulled away as if I had plans on punching him in the face.

The thought had crossed my mind. “She’s a pain in my ass, insisting she come with me. She’s calling it a date.”

Mikhail chuckled. “At least she’s stronger than you originally thought. Does she understand how dangerous this is?”

“I’ve told her,” I gritted out. “The murder of her brother has her seeking revenge.”

“A sweet piano player?” Alexsey threw out.

My upper lip curled. “She’s a goddamn virtuoso. Have you heard her play before? She’s amazing.”

“I understand you’ve followed her career with bated breath. Maybe we should call you her stalker.” Alexsey was enjoying the hell out himself.

I took a swallow of my drink, waiting as the bartender brought Mikhail’s beverage.

Three other tables were filled with employees of the Dmitriyev organization, all nine men highly skilled in handling violent enemies.

There were a dozen more men positioned throughout the resort, doing their best to blend in so the guests weren’t petrified of seeing hulking men carrying weapons.

“As I said, she’s more insistent than I originally believed and it would do you some good to have some culture in your life.

Classical music might soothe the nasty side of you.

” I purposely threw Alexsey a harsh glare, which he laughed at.

Both he and Mikhail had the exact same tastes, two men who could pass as twins. I was the odd man out.

“I’ll have you know I enjoy the hell out of music.”

Now Mikhail and I looked at each other, our amusement evident by the funny faces we both made.

“Let’s see. I don’t think the music of Five Finger Death Punch or Jelly Roll will ever be considered classics.

” I finally grinned. Drake had come through, suggesting the restaurant as the perfect location.

While there were access points, one leading outside to the massive pool and recreational facility, the other to the lobby, both could be easily protected.

And as a bonus, from where we stood at the bar, we could see anyone approaching either door.

Alexsey feigned pain. “I’m hurt.”

“Right,” Mikhail said. “You mentioned Marissa is also insistent on attending some benefit concert since she’s a soloist. Did you tell her it’s too dangerous?”

“I did. To which she told me she was still going.”

“You need to chain her.” While Mikhail was half kidding since there was no chance of controlling his wife, Bristol, I could see the concern in his eyes. Fucking with Vladimir Popov was like playing a game of Russian roulette. Eventually, the bullet would make its mark.

I took a few seconds to glance directly at Marissa. When I did, her body stiffened and she slowly turned her head. With a further tilt of her chin, she offered a slight smile. The ride had been… interesting, the heat in the rental car insufferable.

“I doubt that would do any good.” I meant what I said. Plus, as much as I should remember how much danger she was in, I enjoyed her company. And not only because of our hot sex. Fuck. My balls tightened. Keeping my hands off her would be difficult if not impossible.

I’d called her mine then pledged to keep my distance. There wasn’t enough alcohol in the world to keep me satisfied so I could.

Chaining her to the bed was sounding more pleasurable.

“Any sign of Popov?” Mikhail asked.

“He’ll be here. Ryker or Simon will let me know when his brigade arrives.

” And I had no doubt the Russian wouldn’t come without at least a dozen men for protection.

While I knew of his reputation as a brutal savage, the Dmitriyev family could beat any rich corporation using pens in methods of wars instead of weapons. That could prove to be an advantage.

But we’d use whatever methods were necessary to win a war.

And there was no doubt after today, a war would ensue.

Not surprisingly, I’d heard nothing from the detective since my visit. It would seem questioning Marissa was no longer necessary.

“Have you studied the financials?” he continued.

“Briefly. The actual income exceeded the projected income. A nice surprise. If this was any other situation, I’d say the corporation is on its way to being solvent.

” Which would be true if Jameson Valentine had either gotten a loan from a reliable financial institution or had found solid investors. He’d tried.

And failed.

Which had led him to the only source of income available. Vladimir Popov. Jameson hadn’t wanted to sell the resort any more than the Russian had wanted to purchase it. Not with the scrutiny from the various law enforcement agencies.

“How much is Popov owed?”

I laughed. The brief conversation I’d had with the accountant had left the poor man in a fit, cursing up a storm at the rising interest rate. “Fifteen million and increasing every hour. At least if you ask Popov.”

“The original loan?” Mikhail asked.

“Ten million.”

My brothers whistled. “Not chump change,” Alexsey said as he rubbed his jaw.

Mikhail threw Marissa a look. “I doubt given the market you’re going to find a buyer easily. What do you think you’re going to do?”

“I have a smoking gun with knowledge on the cargo ship of weapons heading toward the port, but I don’t want to play that card just yet.” Which was true.

The Pakhan narrowed his eyes. “You’re thinking about repaying the loan. Aren’t you?”

Shrugging, I swirled my drink. “Maybe. It depends on how he behaves.”

Movement caught my eye and I immediately tensed.

“What are they doing here?” Months before, we’d developed an alliance with another crime syndicate out of Reno.

The Costas were Cosa Nostra, the patriarch Nico a direct descendant of one of the most powerful Italian mafia families in Italy in decades.

Now being run by his four sons—Stefano, DiAngelo, Alessandro, and Giovanni—the family had diversified much like we had, no longer using illegal drugs or weapons as their main source of income.

Our alliance, sealed with the marriage of Giovanni and our sister Liliana, had presented several new business opportunities in both cities.

Their love could be considered a beacon to both families.

That was if we could trust the Costas, and at this point, we were wary of our forced connection.

Although I had to admit, so far so good and my sister was head over heels in love with Giovanni.

That’s good because if he hurt her in any way, I’d gut the man. We all would.

“I thought it would be an excellent idea for a show of force,” Mikhail said casually, but in a way that reminded me he was my Pakhan and as such, his decisions were not to be questioned.

All four men approached, soldiers in suits trailing behind them.

I had nothing against the Costa family. In fact, I liked Stefano.

He had the same sense about life I did. We’d spent a couple of days together in Reno with him being the family member responsible for entertaining me while I was there.

We’d taken in a Reno Aces game on one freaking hot day.

He was the first to approach, throwing out his arm for a handshake. “ Ciao . I brought help.” He nodded to the group of men who’d already spread out as trained to do.

“ Dobro pozhalovat’ na vecherinku ,” I offered in return, grinning when his eyebrows knitted together. I grasped his hand roughly, squeezing his fingers.

“You Russians are all alike. Using your native language to keep your friends confused,” Stefano said as he nodded to my brothers.

“I simply said welcome to the party.”

“Good to be here. I think. Where are the party favors?” Stefano glanced toward Marissa, giving a nod of approval.

“I think the lovely lady in red is the woman in question,” Giovanni offered. “We’re glad to be here, Pakhan.”

Mikhail shook his hand. “Today I don’t need the title. I suggest you gentlemen grab a drink. We’ll order some food while we wait.”

“Nice place,” Alessandro added. “I hear you’re a majority stockholder.”