Page 19 of Claim

He yanks himself from me, stemming the sudden flow of blood.

“You fucking bitch,” he growls, pressing a linen napkin against his jowls.

I don’t want to wait for him to lash out.

Kicking my chair out, I run upstairs to my room as fast as I can.

CHAPTER 7

MIKHAIL

Her big browneyes match her mother’s as she stares at me, clinging to Zoya’s side.

I can see my father in her nose and jaw.

Galena reminds me of Lara, showing that Volkov spunk.

“She might be less intimidated if you took that mask off, Mikhail.” Zoya pats Galena’s head, smoothing her dark hair.

“Believe me, it’s best I keep it on.” Ever since the fight with Ivan those years ago, the scars on my face are too unsettling to show.

It’s just been easier to keep them covered than constantly see the unnerved reaction of anyone who sees them.

“I remember you being handsome.” Zoya gives me a wide smile. “You were my hero, and have been since.”

My teeth grit. “I’m a villain, remember that. I’m only rescuing this girl to try and get Ivan out of his hole.”

“Are you really my brother?” Galena says from behind Zoya’s leg. “But you’re a bad guy?”

I squat so I’m level with her. “I am your brother. And you’ll want to learn early that things aren’t black and white. Sometimes the worst men can do the most good.”

It’s always been hard for me to talk to kids, even those that are my own flesh and blood.

Nikolai’s daughter has always seen past the mask, accepting that it’s just a part of who I am.

But my littlest sister doesn’t know me.

She’d be wise to stay as far away from our family as possible, it’s safer.

Except she pulls away from Zoya and steps closer to me, her small face moving within inches of mine. Her tiny hands rest on my knees as she peers into my eyes.

“I think you’re nicer than you pretend to be.” Her cheeks widen in a grin. “I’ve always wanted a brother. Now I know that Wilhem won’t mess with me on the playground if you’re there.”

That draws a chuckle out of me. “If I ever see him being mean to you, I’ll make sure he never does it again.”

“Do you, um…” Zoya chews on her lower lip. “Will you come back?”

I shrug as I stand. “Depends on Ivan. This has to end.”

“Well, it would be nice to see you more than once every five years.” Zoya glances down to her daughter. “At least for her sake.”

She’s right. I’ll protect my sister as long as there’s breath in my body.

“I’ll see what I can do.” Hefting my heavy bag over my shoulder, I move outside where the truck Enzo arranged for me sits.

It should be fully decked out with all of the weapons I need to break into Ivan’s compound.

Watching Zoya stand with Galena watching me leave makes a pang of guilt go through my chest.

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