Page 123 of Claim Me

“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 Imade 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.”

CHAPTER 32

Marissa

Las Vegas.

Sin City.