Page 56 of The Mafia's Quadruplets

I nod slowly. “No, there’s no going back, but I’ll do everything in my power to keep you and your family safe whether or not Jay is being targeted because of me.”

The car slows as we approach the hospital. There’s tension in Claire’s body, clear in the way she leans forward slightly, eager to get to her brother.

“Wait,” I say, placing a hand on her arm as Viktor pulls up to the entrance. “Before we go in, you need to know something.”

Claire turns to me, gaze questioning.

“From this moment on, things are going to be different. You’ll have security with you at all times. They’ve always been there, but discreetly. They’ll be far more visible now, to send my own message to Petrov. Your movements will be monitored and protected. It’s for your safety, but it won’t be easy.”

She nods, looking resigned. “I understand. As long as it keeps my family safe, I’ll do whatever it takes.”

“So will I.” As we exit the car, I scan the area, noting the positions of my men strategically placed around the hospital entrance. Claire doesn’t wait, striding purposefully toward the doors. I follow closely behind, my hand instinctively moving to the small of her back when we enter the bustling emergency room.

The harsh fluorescent lights cast a sickly pallor over everything. The air is thick with the smell of antiseptic and underlying notes of fear and pain.

She approaches the reception desk, her voice shaking only a little when she inquires about her brother. “Jay Bennett. He was brought in earlier. He’s my brother.”

The nurse types something into her computer, then looks up with a sympathetic expression. “He’s in surgery right now. If you’ll have a seat in the waiting area, the doctor will come speak with you as soon as there’s any news.”

Her shoulders slump slightly, but she nods and turns toward the waiting area. I guide her to a quiet corner, away from other worried families.

As we sit, I notice Claire’s hands trembling. Without thinking, I reach out and take one of her hands in mine. She looks up at me, surprise evident in her expression.

“He’ll be okay,” I say, trying to inject confidence into my voice. “Jay’s tough. He’ll pull through this.”

She nods, squeezing my hand. “I hope you’re right,” she whispers. “I can’t lose him, Valerian. He’s my brother, no matter how much trouble he’s caused.”

I understand her sentiment all too well. Family is everything, even when they disappoint you. It’s a lesson I learned early and painfully.

We sit in silence for a while, the hustle and bustle of the hospital fading into background noise. I keep a watchful eye on our surroundings, noting every person who enters or leaves the waiting area.

20

Claire

The hospital waiting room buzzes with nervous energy as I pace back and forth. The antiseptic smell burns my nostrils, a constant reminder of where we are and why. My stomach churns with worry for Jay.

The elevator dings, and I whip around to see my parents rushing toward us. Mom’s face is pale, her eyes wide with panic. Dad’s jaw is set in a hard line, his fists clenched at his sides.

“Claire,” Mom cries, enveloping me in a tight hug. “What happened? Is Jay okay?”

I pull back, struggling to find the right words. “He’s in surgery. We don’t know much yet.”

Dad’s gaze locks onto Valerian, who stands a few feet away. His eyes narrow dangerously. “You. This is your fault, isn’t it?”

Valerian steps forward, his hands raised in a placating gesture. “Mr. Bennett, I understand you’re upset?—”

“Upset?” Dad’s voice rises. “My son is in surgery because of you and your criminal activities.”

“Dad, please,” I interject, but he ignores me.

“I should have known better than to trust you with my daughter,” Dad continues, advancing on Valerian. “You’ve brought nothing but trouble to our family.”

Valerian’s face remains impassive. “I assure you, sir, I had nothing to do with?—”

Dad’s fist flies out, aiming for his jaw. In a blur of motion, he sidesteps the punch, catching Dad’s arm and holding him steady. Sergei and Ivan rush forward, but Valerian waves them off.

“Let me go.” Dad struggles against Valerian’s grip.

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