Page 67 of Claim

I couldn’t stand the looks of disgust I received after Ivan scarred me.

The mask is just easier. And for a man in my position, it’s added to the mystery.

If my enemies don’t know what I look like, they can’t pinpoint me. Cameras have a harder time tracking me. Many people wear masks nowadays, so it’s almost easier to blend in.

There have been some advantages.

My damn phone has been buzzing with messages since we left the casino. I’m sure most of them are my siblings, each wanting the full story of where I’ve been and what happened over the last few weeks.

There will be time.

It’s only when it rings that I dig it out.

“Hello, Enzo. It’s been at least—” I roll my arm to check my Rolex. “—thirty entire minutes since I’ve seen you last.”

“Well, I didn’t get a chance to tell you about the big event I have planned. Now that you’re back on the surface, I want you to be one of the headliner guests.” His voice takes on a pained tone. “I think it will pull Ivan and Tatiana out of hiding.”

“That’s a good idea. It’s time to finish this shit. Do you think we’ll find their moles? Someone has to be feeding them info.” How else would my father know that I was in Russia?

“I have Romeo looking harder into Drago. I still wonder if he turned you in.” Enzo takes a long breath. “Also, about Zoya…”

I can feel my gut twist at the mention of her name. “What about her?”

Ana shifts in her seat to watch me attentively.

“She showed up at your office. Fortunately, it was after everyone else had left.” He sighs. “But then she went down to the foyer and the casino floor.”

For fuck’s sake. “What did she do?” I slam the car in park outside of the house and stomp to the passenger’s side.

“She verbally attacked the floor manager demanding to see you, and started saying how everyone was in danger because Ivan was coming.” Enzo laughs lightly. “I don’t think she should stay here.”

I rub my temples and follow Ana into the house.

Hades runs up and leans against her legs, nearly knocking her over, wiggling for her attention.

He doesn’t even look at me.

“Fine. Set her up in the guest house here. I can’t have her throwing a fit and exposing our organization to the public.” I click the end button and toss my phone onto the counter.

“Rough day at work, big man?” Ana drops her purse next to my cell.

“Zoya and Galena will be coming here. They’ll stay in the guest house.” I’m used to being the one in control of every situation.

Lately, that has been tested constantly.

“Why? She looked completely fine when we saw her a little while ago.” Her lips flatten and she twists her wedding ring.

I drop my palms on either side of her and run my nose up her neck. “You know how you got tired of being caged in by your mother? How the desperate need for freedom finally overcame the urge for safety? I think that’s what is going on with her. She’s been in hiding as well since this.” I point at my mask. “So I’ll do my best to be patient, for Galena’s sake.”

Movement out the window catches my focus.

Enzo’s fleet of black SUV’s cutting through on the back driveway to the guest house.

I can’t imagine that his sex clubs are ever slow. He must want her moved out as badly as she does for him to act so quickly.

“So…is she always like this?” Ana’s eyes narrow as she follows my gaze.

I shake my head. “I haven’t had direct contact with her for years. It was only when I went to get you that I saw her again for the first time.”

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