Page 118 of Claim Me

The veil of decency and legitimacy he’d been seemingly proud to wear had been ripped into shreds, exposing the violent and protective Bratva soldier. In truth, I wasn’t certain which man I liked better. Then again, why did I need to choose?

I’d also learned my house was still considered unsafe and with business yet to conduct, we were safely holed up in the resort. From what I’d overheard, additional Dmitriyev soldiers had been brought in from Las Vegas to make the building and surrounding grounds a fortress.

Even then, he’d been like a caged lion prowling the suite while constantly checking on me. I’d had enough of playing the victim.

As soon as I walked into the living room, I was surprised to see he was sitting on the stool in front of the baby grand. The afternoon sun had created a golden halo around him and for afew seconds, I enjoyed just being able to watch him as he tickled the keys.

On the surface of the piano sat a drink on a napkin placed an inch away from his weapon. I shuddered from the thought, remembering the gunfire I’d heard only hours before.

I’d seen Rurik being held by two members of the Costa family, the man’s leer following me even as I was carried from the building to safety.

As soon as I walked closer, Kazimir stiffened. “You’re supposed to be resting.”

“I was resting. I’m bored.”

He chuckled as if my comment had been unexpected. As soon as he swiveled around, he pulled me into his lap. “You’re very disobedient.”

I wrapped my arms around his neck. “So punish me.”

“Don’t tempt me. How are you feeling?”

“I ache, but not bad. I was rescued by a hero.”

“I’m hardly a hero.” His face clouded over.

“What happened to Rurik?”

He brushed his fingertips against my face. “You don’t need to worry about details at this point.”

“He’s dead. Isn’t he?”

“Not yet.” He smiled, yet it waned immediately, the man as exhausted as I’d ever seen him.

“How did this happen? How did a Russian crime syndicate manage to fool my father?”

“I don’t think your dad was fooled. I think he truly believed he could pay back the loan easily. He loved you. It’s apparent in who you are, an incredible woman with the toughest resolve I’ve ever seen. Don’t think badly of him. He wanted to give the world to you and Charlie.”

Hearing his words meant more to me than I could imagine. “I’m not angry with Daddy. I’m angry there is so much evil in this world. That’s why I need to learn the truth, Kazimir. I’m not fragile. I won’t fall apart if you tell me what happened.”

He chuckled. “No, I don’t think there’s anything you could face that will break you. A network of people loyal to Popov including the general operations manager from the resort proctored a very well thought out plan.”

“Including Joseph. He followed me. He kept track of what I was doing.”

His nod was slow and slight. “Unfortunately so. My men are searching for him. He’s Popov’s nephew.”

“I knew there was something strange about him. What now?”

“Now, we play the game by my rules.”

“Which are? And don’t tell me I don’t need to know. We’re partners. Fifty-fifty.”

“Fifty-one, forty-nine.” At least he was able to grin. “Now, I have a meeting with Popov where I will explain things to him one final time.”

“What about the incoming shipment of weapons?”

The twinkle in his eye indicated he had a plan. “A surprise.” He eased me off his lap, gently placing me onto the bench. “Would you like something to drink? Juice, coffee?”

“A mimosa.”