Page 78 of Claim Me

“What happened?” I was eager to have a firsthand story.

Giovanni moved closer to the bar. “Let’s just say it was a bloodbath.”

His admittance was a reminder we were swimming in treacherous waters. The last thing we wanted or needed was a repeat, especially given our disadvantage of being out of town.And the fact our entire family and alliance was standing in the same room.

While there was no way for Popov to learn that beforehand, careful steps had been taken in case Popov was determined to take out our entire regime. The extra precautions left a bad taste in my mouth.

“Don’t underestimate him,” Giovanni added. “If he’s set his sights on Ms. Valentine, he will stop at nothing to claim his prize.”

The Costa brothers looked amongst themselves with a story to tell.

Alessandro cleared his throat. “Tell them, Gio.”

I wasn’t expecting Gio’s answer, the admittance said with the same breadth of rage that I’d felt over the last two days.

“Our mother became the object of Vladimir’s desires twenty years ago.”

Instantly, I felt the electricity in our small group surge. “And?” Mikhail gritted out.

“She was taken,” Stefano interjected.

“And raped.” Giovanni finished, immediately looking away. “Vladimir has a collection of women he uses and shares with his… friends. Know that, Kazimir. If Ms. Valentine is taken, you’ll need to burn down his entire operation to get her back. And if you do, she will never be the same.”

“Your mother,” I said absently, immediately on edge more than before.

He sighed. “She’s never fully recovered.”

My fucking God. I made certain Marissa was still in the same place, my skin prickling from fury.

“What the fuck?” Alexsey growled. “Why isn’t Vladimir dead?”

“Our father tried,” Alessandro stated as he motioned the bartender. “But the loss of life became too great. Our father instigated a truce, but trust me, he never forgot and will never forgive. One day we will have our revenge.”

I sucked in my breath as the others ordered drinks, finally turning toward Mikhail and crowding his space. “That is not going to happen to Marissa.”

“No, it’s not, brother. Keep her close. We’ll help keep her safe.”

Nodding, I immediately walked away from them and toward Marissa. Vissarian caught my eye, heading me off before I could reach her.

“Are you certain this is a good idea?” he asked.

“I’m not certain of anything except that when Vladimir leaves here today, he will understand the ramifications of acting against our family.”

“And the woman you obviously care for. She’s lovely. I can’t wait to hear her play. She’s invited everyone to her concert tomorrow night. Are you down with that?”

Exhaling, I shook my head. “Not even close, but I won’t be the person responsible for destroying what’s left of her dreams or her life.”

“Just be careful getting further involved. Losing your sense of control could allow his to strengthen.”

I glanced at my cousin, nodding once. He was right. How the hell was I supposed to protect her when I couldn’t keep my thoughts of defiling her off my mind?

Marissa didn’t fight me when I pulled her away. In fact, her eyes lit up as if happy we had a moment together. “You have a nice family,” she said.

Chortling, I shifted my angry gaze from the entrance leading to the lobby back to the one just outside the pool. I was beginning to think this was a very bad idea. “They’re like any family, annoying yet protective.”

“You’re even more worried.”

I turned fully toward her, feeling the beating thrum of electricity in every tendon and muscle. She could obviously feel it too. Her lower lip was quivering and it had nothing to do with fear. She should be afraid. She should be terrified. Telling her what I’d just heard wasn’t something I’d use unless absolutely necessary. “We both should be, although the posturing is nothing new to me. However, this isn’t a game, Marissa. These people are dangerous and will stop at nothing to get what they want.”