Page 101 of Claim Me

However, even though I owned the majority of stock, the decision belonged to the stunning blonde with luminous eyes.

“You two were busy. You’re fearful the attorney is also in bed with Popov,” Mikhail suggested.

“I can’t rule it out. And I have a bad feeling there’s someone on the inside feeding Popov information. We need to return to Las Vegas. I’m sure she’ll agree.”

“Nope. He hasn’t told her. She’ll be pissed even if she agrees later,” Alexsey suggested.

I noticed the house lights dimming and another moment of feeling completely suffocated forced me to rub my face.

Mikhail inched closer. “What else is wrong?”

“I don’t like this.” I continuously scanned the crowd.

“We’ve searched everything. I coerced the building’s security to pull up cameras from the last twenty-four hours. There’s no sign of anyone coming and going in the building who shouldn’t be here.”

Exhaling, I turned around the face the main part of the corridor. Three of our men were waiting only yards away. A bodyguard for each. At least I sensed my Pakhan was taking the level of danger seriously. “It’s not like Popov to roll over like some dog.”

“My professional guess is that he’s waiting to perform some disservice after we’ve returned to Las Vegas. At least there will be better protection for Marissa while we determine the best course of action.”

At this point, all I could do was nod although I wouldn’t relax through her entire performance.

“Come. Let’s get our seats. You did purchase roses. Right?” Mikhail asked, obviously trying to brighten the mood.

Huffing, I threw my head back.

“You didn’t?” Alexsey threw in. The man was suddenly in my face. “Let me get this straight. You had dozens of roses sent to her over the last few months, plus you purchase enough priceless jewelry for her she doesn’t need the proceeds from the sale of the resort, yet you forgot tonight of all nights?”

“Don’t fucking rub it in. I’ll make it up to her.” Flowers wouldn’t cut it this time. She wanted the truth about my past.

“Oh, no,” Mikhail said as he waved his hand. “She will never forgive you. That’s not how to get into the meat of a relationship.”

“Ha. And we’re not in a relationship.” My insistence had both men rolling their eyes. “It’s not good for either one of us.”

“I’m getting a drink while you convince our brother he’s an idiot.” Alexsey kept his arrogant look while strolling away.

“I resent that,” I called after him, to which he threw his hand over his shoulder.

Mikhail took a deep breath. “Another memory?”

“What do you mean?”

“You know what I mean. You’ve been thinking about Jasmine.”

“I told you never to mention her name.”

“I wouldn’t if you’d kept your promise to forget about her.”

“How the fuck can I forget when…” I couldn’t finish the sentence.

Mikhail lifted his eyebrows. “When she’s part of the reason for your obsessive attraction to Marissa?”

Fuck. Now I was sweating. “It’s not obsessive.”

“Are you sure about that? You stalked her. You sent her gifts.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“You didn’t see it.”