Page 48 of Claim Me (Dmitriyev Bratva #2)

K azimir

“Do rubies go with the color purple?” Marissa asked out of the blue.

I tossed her a look, able to smile for the first time since leaving the resort to head to the performance. She’d worn the necklace I’d purchased for her from months before. “Spectacular, although I will admit I’d prefer to see you in the jewels, heels, and nothing more than a pair of stockings.”

The tension had remained between us since meeting with the attorney. I’d felt her coolness since allowing me to know she cared for me. I should have told her doing so wasn’t in her best interest, but here I was, unable to stop thinking about her in the most inappropriate ways.

The simple fact was that I cared more about Marissa than I wanted to admit. Plus, she’d been right in her assessment of me. I could no longer trust my judgment with regard to women.

However, seeing the blush of rose on her face created a moment of arousal that couldn’t be denied now any more than I’d managed before. “You’re terrible.” The sultry tone of her voice alone was enough to drive me crazy.

I jumped in front of her, walking backward as I signed my response. “Yes, I am.”

We continued walking, another moment of tension settling in.

“You’re very distinguished. When you’re not fidgeting.” Her lilting laughter echoed in the hallway.

I pulled my hand from my bowtie. In my line of work, I was often required to wear a tux, but the quick purchase at a local bridal shop had left much to be desired. I growled loud enough for her to hear me. Even the shirt was ill fitting. By the end of the night, I’d be sweating like a pig.

“Stop worrying. Plus, you look very handsome, more so than any other man.” Marissa said tartly as we walked through the expansive corridor, her high heels clicking on the cold marble floor.

Guests were already arriving, the symphony’s benefit concert sold out.

While I’d ordinarily be thrilled for her, tonight the crowds were difficult to deal with.

My instinct was also working much too diligently, allowing thoughts and images of tragedy to form in the back of my mind. We rounded the corner, a few people I didn’t know waving at her.

Up until now, she’d been quieter than normal, dutifully walking beside me with a bag holding various belongings tightly held in her hand. I sensed her nervousness, but I’d also seen the look of determination on her face.

Tonight’s performance wasn’t just for a good cause. She was insistent on performing in honor of her parents and for Charlie. I admired her spirit. She reminded me of someone from a long time before.

I pulled her even closer. “You better not be looking at other men.”

“Ha. I didn’t think we were exclusive. We couldn’t be. We’ve only had one date.”

Her nervousness was about the performance, but at least she was following my directions about how tonight would go.

I held her arm as if fearful she’d run away.

While I wouldn’t have put it past her doing so before, since the meeting with Popov, she’d been completely reflective.

Granted, the tigress I’d been surprised to witness was still just below the surface, but the breadth of what she would be forced to deal with weighed heavily on her mind.

At this point, I wanted nothing more than to get on a plane and head for Vegas, but she’d had her heart set on performing her solo piece and the last thing I wanted was to crush her dreams.

That didn’t mean I wasn’t on edge where I’d be until I had her safely locked in a room at the resort. Thankfully, she hadn’t fought me when I’d told her we would be staying there instead of her house.

Surrounded by armed guards.

I stopped her long enough so she could study my lips.

“If you’re a good girl, we might have more dates,” I quipped, trying to be jovial.

“I’ll always worry, Marissa. That’s how I’ve remained alive through various attacks.

” As soon as the statement was issued, she bristled and I grew angrier with myself.

Why the fuck had I mentioned the level of danger once again?

I didn’t need to hammer the concept into her any more than I already had.

A weakness.

I’d been truthful with Marissa. Perhaps too much so. She was a beautiful, beguiling, intelligent, troublesome weakness.

Sighing, I adjusted the fingers holding her arm, constantly scanning the area.

I hadn’t been this worked up since an Irish enemy had decided to rear his ugly head months before.

This was an entirely different scenario, yet just as potentially dangerous.

I didn’t like not being able to fully control the surrounding area.

Benaroya Hall was considered a cultural anchor in downtown Seattle, the building itself a masterpiece of creativity, exquisite in design.

It was, however, a difficult facility to tightly secure. Yes, there was the typical security provided, but with several entrances and dozens of hiding places, the opportunity for Popov and his soldiers to crash the party was golden.

I certainly wouldn’t enjoy playing against them in Vegas.

With Mikhail’s assistance and the men he’d brought with him, we’d established a perimeter, prepared to use our technical surveillance skills to prevent any unwanted guests.

That didn’t make me any less nervous or abate the anger that had continued to furrow after the meeting the evening before.

From the information provided, Popov had crawled back into his comfortable hole, his sprawling estate designed for a king.

Both he and Rurik were being watched, which should add to the comfort level, but I wouldn’t put anything past Popov.

I knew exactly how men reacted when they weren’t allowed to have the treasure they’d coveted. They would stop at nothing to get what they wanted.

Both the interior and the grounds had been swept for bombs, but only with a cursory check. Mikhail had called in a couple of favors, which had allowed for a separate security team to augment our soldiers. Still, the number wasn’t enough in my mind.

She stopped at a set of doors, turning to face me immediately. “This is as far as you go.”

“I need to be by your side.”

The way she looked at me reminded me of faces I’d seen on television programs of expectant fathers waiting to hear news regarding the birth of their child.

“Stop being petulant. You’ve grilled me about safety precautions.

You have men at every exit, including the one leading from backstage.

They’re armed and have no issue stopping anyone daring to enter such hallowed grounds.

Remember?” She pressed her hands on my chest.

Her pouty lips were already painted a vibrant purple to match her dress. At least for tonight, the usual macabre attire wasn’t required.

Laughing, I slipped my hand to the side of her neck, fingering her long curls. “Petulant? Me?” My thoughts drifted to Jasmine. I didn’t like the coincidences of the moment.

“Very much so. Just relax. The concert will begin in less than thirty minutes. I’m already late. I promise you I’ll be right here at this door immediately after my performance.”

Nodding as another musician carrying a violin approached, I stiffened until she gave me a look.

“There you are!” The girl wrapped an arm around Marissa. “I didn’t think you were coming.”

“I had to check with my bodyguard first.” Marissa laughed as she pulled away. They were obviously friends, although without knowing the identity of the woman, my reaction was exactly the way it should have been on one night years before.

I shifted closer, invading the girl’s space.

“Oh, he is the big, brooding type. Marissa has told me all about you. He’s handsomer than you told me, girl, and much more so than his pictures.”

The two women laughed while I took the opportunity to scan the corridor for the fifth time.

Maybe it was too quiet given there’d been no overt sign of retaliation.

Even the men scouring the streets had heard nothing from what few informants Mikhail had some level of contact with from business handled in Seattle over a decade before.

He’d learned violent crimes had escalated by over sixty percent since Popov had come into power. With his control over a significant number of law enforcement officers, nothing had been done to curtail the scourge.

Strangely enough, Marissa’s idea of exposing their shipment to the right authority held merit.

However, the possible solution would need to be thought through and there wasn’t much time to do that before the cargo ship sailed into port.

“Yes, I do enjoy brooding,” I told the girl, which set her off in a fit of giggles.

“I hate to break this up,” Teresa said, “but the conductor is looking for you. And you know how he gets when he loses track of his subjects.”

“Of course.” Marissa turned to me. A sudden awkwardness cooled the moment. She finally rose onto her toes, leaning forward and pressing her soft lips against my cheek. Her whisper was meant for me only. “I’ll call you if anything happens. I promise.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

She squeezed my hand while Teresa opened the door, the girl already jabbering on about the concert.

Two young women in the prime of their lives.

I reminded myself for a second time they were friends, although the instant dull ache from memories of my past lingered. A noose reformed, refitted and thicker than before.

Familiarity didn’t just breed concept. It also bred danger.

“Thank you. I’m glad you’re here,” she said just before disappearing into the fray of musicians.

Was she thanking me for saving her life or ruining it?

I stood with my hands in my pockets, staring at the closed door. A part of me wanted to throw it open, find her amidst the sea of performers, and demand she return to the resort with me.