Page 19 of The Mafia's Quadruplets

A frown creases my brow as I consider the complications she brings to my life. She’s unlike anyone I’ve ever dealt with before. I can’t predict how her presence will affect my carefully ordered world.

Maybe she’ll be good for me, shaking up the monotony of my existence. Or maybe she’ll be my downfall, a weakness my enemies can exploit. Perhaps she’ll be both—a blessing and a curse wrapped in one intriguing package.

I turn away, forcing myself to leave the room before I do something foolish, like touch her hair or kiss her forehead. As I close the door behind me, I take one last look at Claire’s sleeping form. Whatever complications she brings, I’m looking forward to unraveling them.

7

Claire

The next evening, I step into the gray guest room, now transformed into a massage suite. The space is soft and intimate. The soft gray walls are inviting in the glow of dimmed lighting, and the crisp cotton scent of fresh linens hits my nose. Everything is carefully arranged, yet my hands still tremble while I adjust the dimmer switch.

Valerian’s presence presses against my back, making the hairs on my neck rise. He lingers in the doorway, watching me, his gaze heavy and unreadable.

“You seem nervous, Claire.” His voice is low and edged with amusement.

I force a professional smile and busy myself arranging the massage oils. “Just making sure everything is perfect.” I turn to him. “Which essential oil would you prefer? Lavender for relaxation, eucalyptus for clarity, or peppermint for invigoration?”

His eyes narrow slightly. “Surprise me.”

I nod, selecting the lavender, more for me than for him. Its calming scent fills the air as I adjust the diffuser settings. “The room temperature is adjustable. Do you have a preference?”

“It’s fine as is.” His deep voice vibrates through me, unsettling in a way I can’t afford to acknowledge.

I focus on arranging the fresh towels, willing my hands to stop shaking. “Any particular areas you’d like me to focus on? Any injuries or chronic pain?”

“My shoulders carry some tension,” he says. “Otherwise, I’ll leave it to your expertise.”

I take a steadying breath. “Alright. If you’d like to disrobe and lie face down, I can step out to give you privacy.”

“No need.”

I turn just in time to see him shrug off his robe. It pools at his feet, leaving him completely bare. A gasp slips through before I can stop it. Valerian is all hard lines and smooth skin, his body a map of muscle and sex appeal. A sleeve of intricate Russian tattoos runs down his right arm, disappearing into geometric designs that span his chest.

I hate that I notice how defined his abs are, and how his powerful thighs flex as he moves. I snap my gaze away, heat creeping up my neck.

Valerian climbs onto the massage table with effortless grace, settling face down. “I’m ready when you are.”

I exhale slowly, initiating routine. “I’ll start with your back and shoulders,” I say, keeping my voice neutral. “Let me know if the pressure is too much or too little.”

Warming the oil between my palms, I press my hands to his back. His skin is hot, muscles tight beneath my fingers. I begin with long, sweeping strokes, easing into the work.

“That feels good,” he murmurs, his voice muffled against the face rest.

I increase the pressure, working out the knots in his shoulders. When I hit a particularly tight spot, he groans softly, and I try to ignore the way the sound affects me. The way that it makes heat pool down low in my body.

“You’re very good at this,” he says after a few minutes.

“Thank you.” I focus on a stubborn knot near his shoulder blade. “I’ve had a lot of practice.”

“How long have you been a massage therapist?”

I hesitate, surprised by the personal question. “About five years now.”

Valerian hums, the sound deep and considering. “You have talented hands.”

I’m grateful he can’t see the flush rising to my face. “Thank you. I take my work seriously.”

Silence settles between us, punctuated only by the soft rhythm of my movements. It’s almost comfortable until he speaks again. “Tell me about your brother, Claire.”

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