Page 89 of Claim

By the time I’m done he will be sleeping at the end of our bed.

“Do you think he will like it?” I show Galena the collar.

“Yes!” she squeals and claps.

“It’s so pretty.”

“Hades, here.”

He trots over and sits in front of me.

I put the leather around his neck and secure the buckle.

“Beautiful boy.”

I can’t wait to see Miki’s face.

“Okay. So TV and candy or a game of hide and seek?”

It’s the first thing I can think of. Miki’s house isn’t exactly overflowing with games for kids.

“Hide and seek!” She jumps up and down with excitement.

“You go hide first. I’ll count. I’ll give you one minute.”

Turning to face the wall, I cover my eyes with my hands.

“One, two, three…”

I hear her run off, still giggling to herself. I turn around and Hades is sitting where I left him.

I keep counting in my head until I get to thirty and call it out and then continue to sixty.

“Ready or not, here I come.”

I make my way out of the room, Hades close behind. Opening up the spare bedroom, I stay silent waiting to hear her.

Nope.

I look through all the bedrooms. Hmm.

Maybe downstairs.

With a light jog, I head to the kitchen, opening up the bigger cupboards she might fit in.

I jump backwards as the front door opens.

“Jesus.”

I look up and Miki stalks towards me.

He closes the distance quickly. As he’s just about to take his mask off, Galena comes bounding out from behind the couch.

“Miki!” She crashes into his leg.

“Hey, little sis.” He picks her up into his arms, then leans over pressing a kiss on my cheek through his mask.

“Hey, beautiful,” he whispers in my ear and I blush.

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