Page 116 of Claim Me

“No, they won’t. I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this, but they’re dead.”

What did he say?

“That’s not possible.”

He cocked his head and took another step closer. “Fortunately, it is. They died in a fire. Maybe I should say they fried in a fire.”

No. No. No!

That wasn’t possible. He wouldn’t leave me here. He couldn’t… die.

The tears continued to flow, the images of Kazimir’s face rocking through my mind. There was no way he was dead. None. I’d knew he’d walk through fire. I felt it deep inside. He was my protector. He was my rock, a man who’d already risked so much to keep me safe. No one could hurt him. That just wasn’t possible.

Rurik’s face twisted as his expression turned to perverse joy.

“You fucking asshole.”

“Yes, I am. Soon, I’ll be your husband. The joys of teaching you to obey me will be spectacular.”

As he laughed, I threw myself at him, ignoring the anguish. I managed to claw his face, almost able to drive my fingers into his eyes.

He stumbled backward, spewing Russian as his entire face twisted from rage.

“That wasn’t very ladylike.”

“I’m not interested in being a lady. Not around you.” As he lunged for me again, I continued punching and scratching.

Seconds later, he’d finally had enough, leaning back and smashing his fist against my face.

The pain was blinding, stars floating in front of my eyes. I was knocked onto the mattress, completely dazed.

“You’re such a little bitch. Aren’t you?” He wrestled with me, trying to pry my legs apart. I kicked and tried to fight him only to be struck again.

This time, my ears were ringing, yet I could still hear Kazimir’s voice telling me everything was going to be okay.

“I need to remove your ankle bracelets. You be a good girl for me and I won’t hurt you.”

I could barely hear him, the words muddled, but I knew the intent. He was going to rape me.

Blinking, I choked on my own saliva, tasting blood from when I’d bitten my tongue. “Kazimir,” I managed, only to be laughed at.

“No one is coming to save you, princess. Don’t think you can escape. I have six men waiting outside. They will hunt you down like a dog. I suggest you accept your fate. I’ll take it nice and slow.”

Something inside me wanted to continue fighting. I was so lost, so angry, and I’d never felt so helpless. Yet I refused to allow this to happen without doing everything I could to fight him. As soon as the pressure was relieved from my leg, I kicked him with the last strength I had.

His laugh echoed in my ears.

“That will cost you, princess.” He pushed me down, wrapping one hand around my throat as he yanked my legs apart with the other.

“No. No.” I tried to struggle, but he was too big and powerful. The moment he ripped away my thong, I issued a strangled cry.

His laugh continued, as deep and evil as the man.

As he squeezed my neck, the feeling of utter suffocation washed through me and another series of lights shifted in front of myeyes. Soon, there was nothing but a heavy haze, but I could still see Kazimir’s face.

The will to live remained strong. I used the last of my strength as Rurik wrenched my legs free to call our Kazimir’s name one last time.

Pop! Pop! Pop!