Page 77 of Claim Me

And failed.

Which had led him to the only source of income available. Vladimir Popov. Jameson hadn’t wanted to sell the resort any more than the Russian had wanted to purchase it. Not with the scrutiny from the various law enforcement agencies.

“How much is Popov owed?”

I laughed. The brief conversation I’d had with the accountant had left the poor man in a fit, cursing up a storm at the risinginterest rate. “Fifteen million and increasing every hour. At least if you ask Popov.”

“The original loan?” Mikhail asked.

“Ten million.”

My brothers whistled. “Not chump change,” Alexsey said as he rubbed his jaw.

Mikhail threw Marissa a look. “I doubt given the market you’re going to find a buyer easily. What do you think you’re going to do?”

“I have a smoking gun with knowledge on the cargo ship of weapons heading toward the port, but I don’t want to play that card just yet.” Which was true.

The Pakhan narrowed his eyes. “You’re thinking about repaying the loan. Aren’t you?”

Shrugging, I swirled my drink. “Maybe. It depends on how he behaves.”

Movement caught my eye and I immediately tensed. “What are they doing here?” Months before, we’d developed an alliance with another crime syndicate out of Reno. The Costas were Cosa Nostra, the patriarch Nico a direct descendant of one of the most powerful Italian mafia families in Italy in decades. Now being run by his four sons—Stefano, DiAngelo, Alessandro, and Giovanni—the family had diversified much like we had, no longer using illegal drugs or weapons as their main source of income.

Our alliance, sealed with the marriage of Giovanni and our sister Liliana, had presented several new business opportunities in both cities. Their love could be considered a beacon to bothfamilies. That was if we could trust the Costas, and at this point, we were wary of our forced connection. Although I had to admit, so far so good and my sister was head over heels in love with Giovanni.

That’s good because if he hurt her in any way, I’d gut the man. We all would.

“I thought it would be an excellent idea for a show of force,” Mikhail said casually, but in a way that reminded me he was my Pakhan and as such, his decisions were not to be questioned.

All four men approached, soldiers in suits trailing behind them. I had nothing against the Costa family. In fact, I liked Stefano. He had the same sense about life I did. We’d spent a couple of days together in Reno with him being the family member responsible for entertaining me while I was there. We’d taken in a Reno Aces game on one freaking hot day.

He was the first to approach, throwing out his arm for a handshake. “Ciao. I brought help.” He nodded to the group of men who’d already spread out as trained to do.

“Dobro pozhalovat’ na vecherinku,” I offered in return, grinning when his eyebrows knitted together. I grasped his hand roughly, squeezing his fingers.

“You Russians are all alike. Using your native language to keep your friends confused,” Stefano said as he nodded to my brothers.

“I simply said welcome to the party.”

“Good to be here. I think. Where are the party favors?” Stefano glanced toward Marissa, giving a nod of approval.

“I think the lovely lady in red is the woman in question,” Giovanni offered. “We’re glad to be here, Pakhan.”

Mikhail shook his hand. “Today I don’t need the title. I suggest you gentlemen grab a drink. We’ll order some food while we wait.”

“Nice place,” Alessandro added. “I hear you’re a majority stockholder.”

I threw Mikhail a look, lifting one eyebrow. “News that’s supposed to be kept private until it’s necessary to use.”

“And don’t mention it to the lovely lady in red. I hear Marissa is a tigress in disguise.”

Everyone laughed at Alexsey’s joke, although DiAngelo was far more interested in ogling Nadia. “Marengo rightfully belongs to Marissa, which is one reason she insisted on being involved in the meeting.”

“And the other?” DiAngelo finally piped in.

I took a deep breath, once again admiring her from afar. “Revenge.”

“Understandable,” Giovanni said. “I know some of how Popov handles doing business. He and my father tangled many years ago.”