Page 104 of Claimed By Desire

When in our family, in our home,he’sthe one in charge.

Well, mostly.

And we like it that way.

“We were just discussing business,” Valentin says as I sit down beside Alex.

Karine groans. “You’re always discussing business. I had no idea criminals could be so boring all the time.”

Valentin pats her arm and smiles as he bends down to kiss her cheek. “We don’t say we’re criminals out loud, darling.”

“You don’t, maybe,” she mutters and kisses him back.

It’s disgustingly adorable.

“Things with the Marinos seem settled,” Valentin says, turning to Alex. “I spoke with the Don yesterday, and he’s happy with the situation.”

“You should probably know that his son has more power than they let on. Adriano’s the one that made all this happen.”

Valentin frowns slightly and glances at his wife. “Yes, well, I’ll keep that in mind. And what about Lev? How’s he handling the situation?”

“Good enough. Things are complicated, but he’s doing what he has to do.” Alex seems slightly standoffish, and I don’t know why.

“That’s fine with me, so long as this war is averted and we can get back to making money.”

The meeting breaks up. Valentin says they’ll announce Lev’s engagement soon; Karine hugs me tightly and tells me to come back anytime. Nikkita sees us to the door, and then I’m on the sidewalk with Alex. He seems strangely withdrawn.

“That went well,” I tell him as we walk to the car. We’re parked a couple blocks away, but it’s a nice day and I don’t mind.

“I guess so.”

“What’s the matter? You seem off.”

He grunts and puts an arm over my shoulders. “You’re too perceptive.”

“I know you, Alexander. You can’t hide shit from me. What’s going on?”

I don’t like the way he glances back over his shoulder like he’s making sure we’re not being followed. “Lev made a deal with Adriano.”

“I know. He’s marrying the girl.” My eyebrows raise when Alex gives me a long look. “There’s more?”

“Listen, I want you to know that he didn’t tell me until I was put on the spot.”

“Tell you what?”

Alex slows his pace. “Lev’s going to take down your father with Adriano’s backing.”

I nearly trip over my own shoes. Alex holds me upright, face lined with concerned, and a thousand feelings rush through me.

I never wanted this. I never wanted my family to tear itself apart. My brother against my father. It’s going to split the Federov, and it might ruin us.

But god, what a fucking relief.

“Took him long enough,” I say and bury my face in Alex’s shoulder.

He hugs me tight. “That’s not the reaction I expected.”

“I know. I think I’m to stunned and numb to really process what’s about to happen. But I want Lev to win.”

---