Page 80 of Claim Me

I assure you that this is not a welcoming party, but simply a single courtesy that you’d be advised to take.

My brother was nothing if not succinct.

“Sit down,” Mikhail instructed. He was already swirling his glass back and forth, his expression meant to provide a clear warning.

Vladimir smiled as he unbuttoned his jacket and sat down, the younger version doing so afterwards. He seemed genuinely surprised by the attendance of the Costa family.

Giovanni inched closer with Alexsey touching his arm to try to keep him from going off the rails. Today wasn’t the day to settle old scores.

“My son, Rurik. He will be Pakhan one day.” He turned his full attention to me. His smile was knowing.

I took my time, studying the two of them together before taking a sip of my drink. Popov seemed put off by what he likely considered insolence. Enough so, he didn’t wait for Mikhail or me to officially start the meeting.

“It is my understanding you have interest in Marengo. I must admit I was surprised hearing the news.”

After taking my time placing my glass on the table, I chortled. “Yes., very interested. Consider me the resort’s caretaker, now part owner and operator given the murder of my friend.”

He’d had time to get over the surprise. Now he was perturbed that in killing Charlie, the pathway to ownership wasn’t as easy as he’d expected.

“Such a loss. Life is so precious.” Vladimir was trying to goad me. I wasn’t interested in taking the bait. I had all the time in the world. “Part owner. Quite an honor since you’re very busy running a resort of your own in Las Vegas. Genesis, I believe. Yes?”

“Let’s cut to the chase, Vlad. We’re both busy in our lives. Since you’re here, you’re aware that any intentional actions against my family, this resort, or any resort employee will not serve you well.”

Vladimir was obviously angry, his entire expression hardening. “You allow your brother to speak for you, Pakhan?”

Mikhail leaned forward. “Any of my brothers, my cousins, or members of the Costa family are welcome to provide suggestions or recommendations at any time. We are not just a family, but a well-oiled machine. Kazimir speaks for all of us. If you fuck with one, you fuck with every person in this room as well as countless others.”

Rurik snorted, leaning over and whispering something in Russian to his father.

I drummed my fingers on the table.

Vladimir finally motioned for one of the waiters. I threw the young man a look and shook my head.

“This isn’t a social call, Vladimir, and you’re not welcome here.” My tone was darker than usual.

“Straight to the point. I like that in a man. So I will be as well. I had a deal with both Jameson and Charles Valentine. Unfortunately, they chose to renege on the business arrangement, their untimely and horrible deaths preventing me from clearing up the misunderstanding. Given your involvement and that you’ve come in behind the eight ball, I thought I’d make this very easy for you.”

“Meaning?” I did what I could to prevent myself from bristling.

“Since the original deal had been broken not once but twice, I’ve come to make an offer for the resort instead.” When he reached into his jacket pocket, about a dozen of our men stepped forward. He slowed his actions, tugging what appeared to be a check from the interior pocket. “I think you’ll find this more than acceptable and given the circumstances, extremely reasonable.” He slid it in my direction.

Rurik wasn’t happy with his father’s offer. His eyes were filled with anger, yet he knew better than to contradict his father.

I barely glanced at it, but seeing the number of zeroes, I could easily tell he was at least minimally concerned that the strength in our numbers could prove destructive.

“I’m certain the number should help ease the blow of such a tragedy.” Vladimir was pleased with himself.

As I lifted my gaze, I immediately shifted my eyes toward Rurik. “As part owner, I’m certain you’ll understand I need to consult my business partner.”

“Business partner?”

Good. Another point for Charlie’s attorney, the second element of surprise keeping Vladimir on edge. “Yes.” I tipped my head over my shoulder. Right on cue, Marissa walked into the light. As I’d hoped, she took her time walking closer. I could smell her anger from where I sat, but to her credit, she didn’t come out swinging.

Yet.

Good girl.

While there was an empty chair beside me, she moved behind me, placing her hands on my shoulders.