Page 76 of Claim Me

“Yes, sir,” the young woman said.

“But I am,” Alexsey teased. “She’s hot.” He crowded against the bar, swilling whatever beverage he’d ordered earlier.

My instinct had me in his face in a split second. While I kept my voice low, there was no ignoring the tenseness or warning in my tone. “Touch her and you’ll need to answer to me.” Immediately, my brothers grinned as they locked eyes. Sighing, I rubbed my jaw, Marissa catching my eye.

“You like her.” Alexsey purposely pulled away as if I had plans on punching him in the face.

The thought had crossed my mind. “She’s a pain in my ass, insisting she come with me. She’s calling it a date.”

Mikhail chuckled. “At least she’s stronger than you originally thought. Does she understand how dangerous this is?”

“I’ve told her,” I gritted out. “The murder of her brother has her seeking revenge.”

“A sweet piano player?” Alexsey threw out.

My upper lip curled. “She’s a goddamn virtuoso. Have you heard her play before? She’s amazing.”

“I understand you’ve followed her career with bated breath. Maybe we should call you her stalker.” Alexsey was enjoying the hell out himself.

I took a swallow of my drink, waiting as the bartender brought Mikhail’s beverage. Three other tables were filled with employees of the Dmitriyev organization, all nine men highly skilled in handling violent enemies. There were a dozen more men positioned throughout the resort, doing their best to blend in so the guests weren’t petrified of seeing hulking men carrying weapons.

“As I said, she’s more insistent than I originally believed and it would do you some good to have some culture in your life. Classical music might soothe the nasty side of you.” I purposely threw Alexsey a harsh glare, which he laughed at. Both he and Mikhail had the exact same tastes, two men who could pass as twins. I was the odd man out.

“I’ll have you know I enjoy the hell out of music.”

Now Mikhail and I looked at each other, our amusement evident by the funny faces we both made. “Let’s see. I don’t think the music of Five Finger Death Punch or Jelly Roll will ever be considered classics.” I finally grinned. Drake had come through,suggesting the restaurant as the perfect location. While there were access points, one leading outside to the massive pool and recreational facility, the other to the lobby, both could be easily protected.

And as a bonus, from where we stood at the bar, we could see anyone approaching either door.

Alexsey feigned pain. “I’m hurt.”

“Right,” Mikhail said. “You mentioned Marissa is also insistent on attending some benefit concert since she’s a soloist. Did you tell her it’s too dangerous?”

“I did. To which she told me she was still going.”

“You need to chain her.” While Mikhail was half kidding since there was no chance of controlling his wife, Bristol, I could see the concern in his eyes. Fucking with Vladimir Popov was like playing a game of Russian roulette. Eventually, the bullet would make its mark.

I took a few seconds to glance directly at Marissa. When I did, her body stiffened and she slowly turned her head. With a further tilt of her chin, she offered a slight smile. The ride had been… interesting, the heat in the rental car insufferable.

“I doubt that would do any good.” I meant what I said. Plus, as much as I should remember how much danger she was in, I enjoyed her company. And not only because of our hot sex. Fuck. My balls tightened. Keeping my hands off her would be difficult if not impossible.

I’d called her mine then pledged to keep my distance. There wasn’t enough alcohol in the world to keep me satisfied so I could.

Chaining her to the bed was sounding more pleasurable.

“Any sign of Popov?” Mikhail asked.

“He’ll be here. Ryker or Simon will let me know when his brigade arrives.” And I had no doubt the Russian wouldn’t come without at least a dozen men for protection. While I knew of his reputation as a brutal savage, the Dmitriyev family could beat any rich corporation using pens in methods of wars instead of weapons. That could prove to be an advantage.

But we’d use whatever methods were necessary to win a war.

And there was no doubt after today, a war would ensue.

Not surprisingly, I’d heard nothing from the detective since my visit. It would seem questioning Marissa was no longer necessary.

“Have you studied the financials?” he continued.

“Briefly. The actual income exceeded the projected income. A nice surprise. If this was any other situation, I’d say the corporation is on its way to being solvent.” Which would be true if Jameson Valentine had either gotten a loan from a reliable financial institution or had found solid investors. He’d tried.