Page 87 of Claim Me

“You are such a troublemaker,” he growled. “You can make this up to me later. We’ll call it loan paid back in… Well, you’ll need to find out what I have in mind.”

He refused to take no for an answer.

As usual.

As he walked through the crowd of guests, it was obvious word had gotten out that he was part owner. From what I’d seenand read on the internet, Genesis was doing extremely well, a favorite of various high rollers who enjoyed being catered to lavishly.

I’d yet to have the time to fully understand Marengo’s method of operation or financial condition, but I would guess a financial analyst would say the resort could be doing much better. A part of me knew I had no business even trying to operate a business of this magnitude. Even considering meant I’d be partners with Kazimir for the long term.

This girl was no fool. Men like Kazimir Dmitriyev didn’t do permanent relationships. I watched him walk away, commanding the room as he’d done with my body and my soul. He was charismatic, charming everyone when he wanted.

Terrifying the rest because he was a force of nature.

And one hot man.

It was also obvious he’d taken what Vladimir had said as a threat, which he was taking seriously. He was on edge and at any second, he could grab his weapon. The thought was suffocating.

I shifted my attention to the game I was being forced to play. While I would never claim to be an expert, the dealer seemed to know exactly what she was doing. When the dice landed on a number, a girl cheered, immediately turning to the man next to her, jumping into his arms.

The kiss was exactly like something I’d seen in a romance novel.

Passionate.

Deep throated.

Hot as sin.

Exactly the way I felt when in Kazimir’s arms. Dirty little girl that I was.

I couldn’t help it. The Russian was terrifyingly gorgeous.

The moment was exciting. In all the years my father had owned the resort, I’d come to one dinner and had been escorted through the casino by my father just after he’d purchased the monstrosity.

I was mesmerized as the dealer placed several stacks of colorful chips in front of the girl. The table was shocked when she bet her entire previous win.

And just like that, she lost it all.

A cold chill suddenly coursed down my spine, the intense sensations a clear indication I was being watched. I carefully scanned both sides of the casino unable to see anyone who was paying me any attention whatsoever. Yet I felt the intense stare as if the person was standing right next to me. I held my breath before nonchalantly glancing in the direction where Kazimir had disappeared.

He was nowhere in sight.

I suddenly felt completely alone even though as required, at least a dozen of the brawniest soldiers from the Dmitriyev organization remained roaming the resort and grounds. I had no idea where the members of the family and the Italians had gone, but I knew a main priority was keeping an eye on me. Maybe that’s what I’d felt, merely a burly member of the family watching me as ordered.

When a loud noise grabbed my attention, I jumped and instantly the thud against my back blocked out the moment of fear.A strong hand gripped my shoulder before long, thick fingers brushed down both arms.

“Did you miss me?” he whispered in my ear, a shockwave of energy erupting from him. Leaning over, he placed a tray of casino chips on the edge of the roulette table.

“Were you gone? I hadn’t noticed.” His growl was deep and instinctively, I felt safe.

He swatted my bottom, pushing me closer to the table. “Trust me, my little virtuoso, you’ll be screaming my name by the end of the evening. Place your bet.”

His voice was so commanding, I turned to face him.

His heated gaze roamed over me as he’d done before.

Slowly.

Meticulously.