Page 74 of Claim

Alexei lets out a cackle and Lara rolls her eyes, sliding off his lap behind the desk and straightening her white blouse.

“Sorry, Ana.” She looks at me apologetically with her blue eyes.

I offer her a smile and a raised hand.

“No worries. We will go wait in Miki’s office, knock when you’re ready for me.”

Mikhail is already heading into the hall, intertwining his fingers with mine as we stroll down the corridor.

“I like your family. They’re fun.” I nudge his side playfully and he grunts.

By the time we get to his office, Lara is calling after me in a panic.

“I’m ready, I’m ready. I am so sorry.” We turn to face a red faced Lara, who is holding up her car keys. I can’t help but laugh. Tugging on the neck of his t-shirt, I drag him down to me and smack my lips on his.

“Here, my card.” He slides out his black Amex.

He silences me by pressing a finger to my lips as I begin to speak.

“I don’t care what you spend. There is no damn limit. Whatever makes you smile, buy it. Lara has very expensive taste.She can help. And maybe a little something for me to rip off you.”

With no established life or job here, I’m left with no choice but to accept.

“Very good husband.” I wink and pat him on the head.

My gesture causes his eyes to widen, almost in disbelief.

“I will see what I can do, big man. No limit, you say?”

“Try to max it out, I dare you.”

I blush. The man has clearly more money than sense. I’m standing in his damn casino, and they never lose.

“So, looks like I am actually off mansion and yacht shopping? Maybe some fine art?”

He shrugs, the rough texture of his jacket brushing against my arm, as he pulls me into his embrace.

“I’m not with you for money, Mikhail. You could be broke and I’d still be by your side,” I whisper in his ear.

“I know, baby. That’s why I’m saying spend it. If I’m going to use it for anything, it might as well be to see you smile.”

“You are too cute, Mr. Volkov.”

“Don’t push it, iskorka. Now, shop to your heart’s content.” He taps my ass as I pull away. Now it’s my turn to blush.

I drop my heavy bags onto the floor with a thud, and sink gratefully into the worn, plush chair of the coffee shop. Mikhail was not joking when he said Lara knew how to shop.

My god. It’s more of a sport than anything.

“So, are you happy with everything you’ve bought?”

I look down at the mountain of bags.

She literally means everything, from underwear, outfits for every season, a dress for the ball. I even bought Hades a blue diamond encrusted collar. I’m cringing at what the total might be for all of this.

The server brings our coffees, the aroma of roasted beans filling the air. When I blow on the still-steaming mug, my gaze fixes on the decadent chocolate cupcake. I pause as I reach for it.

“Would you like to share?” I ask.

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