Page 31 of The Mafia's Quadruplets

Valerian’s jaw tightens. “You’re here for your protection. The Petrovs?—”

“The Petrovs, the Petrovs!” I cut him off. “I’m tired of hearing about them. They’re just another bogeyman you’ve conjured up to keep me under your thumb.”

His eyes flash dangerously. “You have no idea what they’re capable of.”

“And you do?” I challenge, tilting my chin up defiantly. “What makes you so sure they’re after me? After my family?”

Valerian tightens his hold on my wrist, but it feels more protective than confining as my anger peaks and starts to wane. “Because I know how they operate. I’ve seen firsthand what they do to people who get in their way.”

Valerian’s grip on my wrist sends electricity coursing through my body. His touch is firm yet gentle, a contradiction that mirrors the man himself. For a moment, I consider giving in to the pull between us, but before I can make a decision, Valerian closes the distance.

Our lips collide, and heat explodes between us. His mouth is demanding, hungry, and I respond with equal fervor. I act on instinct, pressing closer to his solid frame. Instinctively, I wrap my leg around his hip, pulling him flush against me.

Valerian’s lips never leave mine as he slips a hand under my blouse, his fingers leaving trails of fire on my skin. I gasp into his mouth, overwhelmed by the sensations. His touch is intoxicating, and I crave more.

His fingers trail up my ribcage, and suddenly it’s like being doused in Arctic water. I jerk away from his touch, our lips separating with an audible pop. My breath comes in short, staccato bursts while I gape at Valerian, his blue eyes dark with desire.

“Stop,” I croak, my throat raw. My hands press against his chest as I stumble backward, bumping into the wall. “I can’t—we can’t?—”

“Claire...” Valerian reaches for me, his voice thick with need.

“No!” The word tears from my throat. The walls of the hallway blur and twist as I spin away from him. My feet carry me down the corridor at a sprint, my silk blouse clinging to my heatedskin. The thundering of my pulse drowns everything else except for the ghost of his kiss, with the lingering taste of whiskey and mint that makes my lips tingle. I slam into my bedroom, fingers trembling as I fight with the door handle. The lock finally catches with a satisfying snap, and I collapse against the wood, sliding down until I hit the floor.

I press my forehead against my knees, trying to steady my breathing. How can I be attracted to Valerian? He’s dangerous and a criminal. Everything I should stay away from.

As my panic subsides, I realize something unsettling. Despite everything, I don’t actually feel unsafe around Valerian. He’s never hurt me or threatened me. In fact, he’s gone out of his way to protect me and my family.

I lift my head, staring at the blue carpet without really seeing it. The memory of our kiss replays in my mind on an endless loop. The heat of his body, the taste of his lips, the way his hands felt on my skin...

I shake my head, trying to clear the thoughts. I shouldn’t want him. Ican’twant him. Yet denying my attraction is becoming increasingly difficult.

I unconsciously touch my lips with my fingers, still tingling from Valerian’s kiss. I close my eyelids, remembering the intensity in his gaze just before our lips met. There was desire there, yes, but also something deeper. Something that makes my heart race for reasons beyond mere physical attraction.

“This is insane,” I mutter to myself, as I open my eyes. “He’s a criminal. A dangerous man. I can’t be falling for him.”

Even as I say the words, I know they’re a lie. I’m already in too deeply. The lines between captor and protector, enemy and ally, have blurred beyond recognition.

I stand up on shaky legs and make my way to the en-suite bathroom. The woman in the mirror looks flushed, her lips slightly swollen from Valerian’s passionate kiss. I splash cold water on my face, trying to regain some semblance of control.

After I pat my face dry with a soft towel, I catch sight of the Fabergé egg collection through the open bathroom door. The delicate, jeweled eggs sit on their display shelf, like a reminder of Valerian’s complexity. A man capable of appreciating such beauty can’t be all bad, can he?

I return to the bedroom and sink onto the plush mattress. I absently trace patterns on the blue comforter while I try to sort through my jumbled thoughts and emotions.

On one hand, Valerian represents everything I should avoid. He’s involved in illegal activities and surrounded by violence and danger. Getting close to him could put me and my family at risk.

On the other hand, he’s shown me kindness and consideration. He’s protected me, even when he didn’t have to—and there’s an undeniable connection between us that goes beyond physical attraction.

I flop back onto the bed with a frustrated groan. “What am I going to do?”

The rational part of my brain screams at me to maintain distance and remember why I’m here in the first place. However, my traitorous heart whispers of possibilities, of seeing beyond Valerian’s dangerous exterior to the man underneath.

I roll onto my side, curling into a ball as confusion and desire war within me. The memory of Valerian’s kiss lingers, a phantom sensation that refuses to fade. I close my eyes, knowing sleep will be elusive tonight.

Lying in the dim light of my room, surrounded by luxury that feels both comforting and confining, I can’t pretend Valerian hasn’t gotten under my skin in ways I never expected. Worse yet, I’m not really convinced I want to stop whatever is happening from continuing.

I wake early,my mind still reeling from yesterday’s events. The kiss with Valerian replays on an endless loop, tormenting me with its intensity. I’m unable to shake the memory of his hands on my skin, his lips demanding and passionate.

Finally giving up on sleep, I drag myself out of bed and into the shower. The hot water does little to calm my spiraling thoughts. As I dry off and get dressed, I prepare myself for the inevitable confrontation with him. Much as I hate to admit it, I overreacted and owe him an apology.

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