Page 58 of Claim Me (Dmitriyev Bratva #2)

K azimir

As our brigade of vehicles pulled up to the locked gates of Vladimir’s estate, I glanced over at Stefano sitting in my passenger seat. He’d been instrumental in eliminating the bodies from the cabin in the woods.

Meanwhile, I’d spoken with the Seattle mayor for almost thirty minutes.

It turned out he was an old friend of both our fathers’ and was very helpful as I’d told him how corrupt I suspected his police department was.

He’d also been notified about Detective Torres and had managed to confirm the detective’s wife and children were safe visiting family in Oregon.

Now was the second to last cleanup phase. By now, Popov knew about the warehouse being burned to the ground. Whether or not he knew who was to blame for the early fireworks display didn’t matter. I was bringing him two presents as well as a warning.

After that… well, I’d see what mood I was in.

“This should be fun,” Stefano said.

“Just an old game my father used to play.”

“And you’re not going to tell me the ending.”

I rolled down my window as we approached the guard house. “It’s more fun to live through it, but you need patience.”

He laughed. “Always learning something around your family.”

“Who are you?” the guard asked gruffly.

“Kazimir Dmitriyev for a meeting with Vladimir Popov. And no, we’re not scheduled, but let the Pakhan know he doesn’t want to turn us away.”

The guard acted as if he was going to shove the weapon in my face. I simply opened my jacket and nodded to the backseat. His quick glance was enough for him to realize I had enough firepower to torch the place. They didn’t want to push me today.

He backed away, immediately grabbing a phone.

“How’s Marissa?” Stefano asked as we waited.

“Very strong. The woman will be the death of me.”

“That’s what love does. So I’ve heard.” He laughed.

“Don’t start.” I drummed my fingers on the steering wheel, my patience already waning.

“Not saying a word.” Within seconds, the gate was opened and we rolled through.

After parking, I took my time climbing from the car. We’d staged how we were going to handle the meeting since this was merely the appetizer. Why not enjoy every moment of watching Popov squirm?

Since other soldiers had been brought in from Las Vegas, we had a tight group of men that Popov would be idiotic to fuck with. Plus, there were still a dozen men at the resort carefully watching and protecting the most valuable asset I’d ever possessed.

Marissa.

Admitting I loved her had given me a sense of freedom. How strange to think I’d been doing my best to avoid it for so long. Now? I felt as if I was walking on air.

I felt sorry for the poor girl opening the door. Her face was pensive, her eyes almost vacant. I glanced at Ryker, who’d been assigned the arduous task of carrying the heavy duffle bag.

Behind them were three men escorting our guest. At least he was gagged and a bag placed over his head. Silence was golden. And lo and behold, who stepped out of the shadows but a young man I realized must be Joseph. Perfect.

Mikhail and I walked in together, finding Vladimir and three of his men in a dark library full of books. The setting surprised me.

“Kazimir. Welcome. You as well, Pakhan Dmitriyev.” There was a glint in Vladimir’s eyes. We still had an element of surprise. “What can I do for you? If this is about the resort, I’d be happy to write you another check.”

I laughed softly as I nodded to Ryker and Simon, who placed the bags far enough away from Vladimir he couldn’t reach them easily.

“That’s not the reason for our visit. In truth, I bring you gifts.

” I backed away, allowing the other men to bring our guest forward.

“Lo and behold. I found Rurik’s best friend working at Marengo.

” I ripped off the bag, taking a step away so Vladimir could begin to understand.

His face immediately hardened. “What is the meaning of this?”

“As I said, a gift to you. He was quite helpful in providing information about how your son used your nephew to kidnap Ms. Valentine.” I shifted my gaze to the dark-haired kid who stood defiantly by his uncle’s side.

“Now, when I found them, and thank God I did, Rurik was about to rape her. Imagine how angry I was, as you would be if anyone touched your daughter or your wife. Yes?”

Popov glanced at Joseph, allowing his anger to show.

“At least Drake was very helpful in allowing me to save her.”

I allowed the information to sink in. Admittedly, I was surprised when Vladimir expressed his dissatisfaction to his nephew, the words frank and haunting.

You will suffer for this act.

“I’m sorry. Did they forget to tell you they kidnapped her?” I continued.

Mikhail chuckled. “You know how family members can be. At this point, Vladimir, I think you can understand and accept why we won’t be doing business with your organization now or in the future.

The Marengo resort will stay within the family holdings.

Any further act of retaliation will be considered a full act of war, which I’m certain you don’t want. ”

He continuously glanced at the bag on the floor. At some point, blood would begin to seep through, staining his Persian rug. “I am sorry for what my son and my nephew have done. They will be punished for their egregious actions.”

I pushed Drake forward. “I’ll allow you to handle Mr. Carlisle as well, although I hope you’ll find it in your heart to forgive him as I have. He has a family, which is important to all of us.” My voice was dripping of sarcasm.

“Yes, very true.”

“And don’t worry,” I added. “We’ve handled the only punishment that will be doled out for the horrific act performed on Ms. Valentine. You know what they say, an eye for an eye. Thank you for your time. I would say it was a pleasure, but I’d be lying.”

Had we taken a chance leaving Rurik’s body for his father? Perhaps, but as with all things worthwhile, the risk was worth the reward. In this case, justice served.

For now…

In the three days since our visit with Popov, he’d laid low.

I’d heard him scream, cursing in Russian while we’d left his house.

There hadn’t been a single attempt to stop us from leaving or any retaliation.

Of course, it was only a matter of time, although after tonight, it would take him ten to twenty years to get around to it.

“Why are you looking so smug?” Marissa asked from beside me.

We were headed to the airport. We’d return for Charlie’s celebration of life when necessary, but for now, I’d be given the opportunity to show her around Vegas.

“Me? Smug?” I signed the letters and she choked, also signing her answer, which I repeated. “Yes, you, Mister Savage. I think I need to remind you who’s boss.” Unable to help myself, I yanked her over my lap, immediately bringing my hand down her rounded bottom.

“Stop. You’re horrible,” she moaned, wiggling to the point my cock was engorged within seconds.

“Yes, I am. I don’t think you need to keep reminding me.” I glanced ahead at the back of Ryker’s head. He’d offered to drive us to the airport. Stefano had offered to remain behind to begin the search for another general manager. With his expertise, the place would be in great hands.

Maybe I didn’t mind the Costa alliance any longer. Without Alessandro’s help, I could have lost her.

She was so resilient, her strength something I admired greatly. However, she would always be mischievous.

“We’re not alone,” she hissed.

“No, we are not, but I don’t think Ryker will mind. Will you?”

He grumbled his answer and immediately turned on the radio to hide the sound.

I cracked my hand down a few more times, enjoying her moans and whimpers.

Sadly, my cock couldn’t take it much longer and I’d need to control myself for at least a couple of hours during the flight. I wasn’t entirely certain that was possible.

“Ouch. Let me go,” she pleaded, even as she ground against my cock.

After issuing four more, I threw a look toward the front of the car and slipped my hand under her dress.

When she stiffened, I slid one finger under the elastic of her thong. “So wet.”

“I’ll get you for this.”

Maybe I was a bad boy, but she’d awakened so many emotions and desires within me I couldn’t seem to get enough of her.

I pumped a few times before realizing we were only a couple of miles from the airport.

What was nice was that the private airfield was close to the port.

We’d be able to see the fireworks before we took off.

Marissa sighed, brushing hair from her heated face as soon as I eased her onto the seat. The late afternoon sun provided a perfect setting to catch the warm blush cresting across her jaw. My God, the woman was so beautiful.

“What am I going to do with you?” she murmured.

“Anything you want. Isn’t that what you told me before?” I slipped my juice-soaked fingers into my mouth, savoring the taste of her as I would a lollypop. “Perfect like cherries.”

A sly smile crossed her face and she didn’t bother seeing if Ryker was paying any attention before wrapping her long fingers around my dick.

“Oh, you are a very mean woman.”

“Mmm… I suggest you keep that in mind.” Her laugh sparkled like glass inside the cab. She stroked me for a few seconds before pulling her hand away. “Are you certain this is going to work?”

I placed my hand over my heart. “You’re doubting me?” She was now my full partner in the resort, even insisting on tweaking the contract as prepared by the unwanted attorney. I had to give the woman credit. She had a good business head on her shoulders.

“Doubting you? Of course not. But do I know you? Yes. You’re not finished with Popov yet.”

My laugh was enough of an admittance for her. “Perhaps you do know me far too well. I have a little surprise.”

As Ryker pulled in through the gates leading to the jet, she narrowed her eyes then pinched my jaw with her fingers. “You didn’t do anything stupid. Did you?”

“Not this guy. I have too much to live for. You should keep that in mind.”

“That scares me even more. But I don’t want anything to happen to you and you can be reckless.” Marissa was suddenly more serious.

“Reckless. I take offense to that,” I teased. “Nothing will happen to me. We’re a team.”

“A team, huh? Then I need to ask you about forging a deal for the Seattle Symphony to play in one of your resorts.”

I burst into laughter as Ryker pulled to a stop. “I think we can make that happen. If you’re a good girl.”

“I’m always good. Remember?”

As I stepped out, I nodded to my family members, who had already arrived. They were waiting by the jet for the entertainment of the evening. I reached into the back of the car to help her out. Once her foot was on the tarmac, I pulled her into my arms. “Mmm… You smell divine.”

“Champagne?” she asked. “What are you hiding?”

“This is just a celebratory send-off. Nothing more.”

“I don’t believe you.” She pressed her hand against my chest, arching her back as she leaned into me. As I lowered my head, she blew across my face.

“My perfect virtuoso.” I captured her mouth, instantly slipping my tongue between her lips.

“Get a room!” Alexsey yelled.

“Not allowed on the plane,” Mikhail bellowed.

I lifted my middle finger in response while enjoying the kiss tremendously. The way she was clinging to me reminded me just how lucky I was.

As a man. As her partner.

And as her lover.

Maybe to become her master. At some point.

When she pushed away, she rubbed her thumb across my lips, bringing it to her mouth and sucking. I shook my head. “So naughty.”

“Mmm…”

“Champagne?” Mikhail asked.

“Why not? As I said, we are celebrating.” I handed her a glass and checked my watch. “Any minute now.”

“For what?” Marissa pressed. “You will tell me.”

“Patience, my darling woman. Have patience.” I laughed and turned her to face the direction of the port, pulling her tightly against me.

The champagne was refreshing, the evening beautiful, and everything was set in motion.

As the seconds ticked by, I started to relax.

“I’m curious. What happened to Drake?” she asked as we waited.

“He’s alive. For now. My guess is he’ll be enjoying some solitary time in the state penitentiary soon. If he survives the brutal actions of inmates, he might make it.”

“I wish I felt sorry for him. Did you have a conversation with Ms. Mullins of the symphony?”

After I’d heard about the woman’s strange behavior the night of the concert, I’d had Alessandro run a deeper check on her. She’d been one of Rurik’s lovers. “She disappeared before I had a chance.”

“What a shame,” she said with her usual lilting voice. I’d witnessed her nightmares, something she hadn’t wanted to talk about. She had no idea the last three nights I’d remained awake, watching over her.

“Do you think we did the right thing?” Alexsey asked.

“Yes, I do. We’re getting a huge number of illegal weapons off the streets making Seattle much safer.” My answer had Marissa tipping her head.

“I hope you’re right,” she said quietly.

“I’m always right.”

Mikhail choked on his champagne and moved closer to Marissa where she could see him. “Don’t let him fool you, Marissa. He’s almost never right. Be careful what he tells you.”

“Don’t worry. I know how to handle him.” As soon as she tried to slide her hand down my chest and between my legs, I wrapped my fingers around hers, pulling her palm to my lips.

“Nice try, little girl.”

She laughed until vibrations could be felt under our feet.

“I think the party has just begun.” Alexsey crowded closer, his smile huge.

“What is this?” she asked again.

“You wanted a man who would walk through fire. How about one who provides you with fireworks?”

The explosions were impressive even from where we stood almost two miles away. The explosives hadn’t been difficult to plant, at least when you had ex-Marines who’d been bomb experts working for you.

“You did this?” Her gasp was followed by laughter.

“I’m confessing nothing.” Together we watched the display as several of Popov’s warehouses went up in flames, the explosive devices used providing a fiery blaze shooting across the sky.

Was it a bit of an overkill? Likely, but why not?

The woman I planned on spending time cherishing while exploring every inch deserved nothing but the best.

“And look. It would appear the ATF has arrived.” Mikhail leaned over, showing the screen on his phone. Not only had I made contact with the ATF and DEA, but had coordinated the military-style action of securing the cargo ship with the mayor. All in all, it would be a good day for law enforcement.

“You know how to play dirty,” Marissa cooed.

“Don’t you ever forget that.”

“I don’t plan on it. I’ll just need to learn to keep you in line.”

My turn to laugh. “As if you’ll ever be able to do that.”

“I have my ways.”

“Of that I have no doubt. No doubt at all.”