Page 30 of The Mafia's Quadruplets

Claire’s hands clench into fists in her lap. “And now?”

“Now, Matvey Petrov is aware that his investment is sitting in a jail cell, and he’s not the type to let such things go easily. He’s probably invested at least a hundred thousand in ensnaring your brother, which is a bargain for a foot soldier who can’t afford to be disloyal, or ask for much of a cut of anything. Not a good deal if that asset gets put in prison.”

“Matvey Petrov,” Claire repeats. “Who is that?”

“A rival of mine, in the same line of work.”

Claire’s eyes narrow, a spark of defiance igniting in their depths. “So, what you’re saying is that you and Matvey are actually quite similar. You’re both using my family to settle your scores.”

Her words hit me sharply. I open my mouth to protest, but the truth of her statement silences me. In a way, she’s right. I’m holding her here to settle Jay’s debt, just as Matvey would use her family if he decides to get back the money he spent trying to trap Jay.

“The difference,” I say finally, more harshly than I intend, “Is Matvey won’t be content with letting you massage him. He’ll expect far more, Claire, and he might never let you go.”

Claire goes very still, her face paling further. “What can be done?” she asks quietly.

I rest my elbows on my knees. “I’m increasing security for you and adding a detail for your parents. My men will be watching Bloom House around the clock. Sergei and Ivan will be your shadows as they have been, but more visibly as a deterrent and as a way to get closer to you faster, if need be.”

Claire nods slowly, processing this information. “Thank you,” she says, and I’m surprised by the sincerity in her voice. “You didn’t have to do all this.”

“Of course I did,” I say, perhaps more forcefully than intended. “Your safety is paramount.”

Claire studies me for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Finally, she stands, smoothing out her jeans. “I should go shower before your nightly massage. Unless you’d prefer to skip it tonight?”

“No,” I say quickly, perhaps too quickly. “The massage would be appreciated.”

Claire nods. “Alright then. I’ll see you in an hour.”

As she leaves the room, I’m struck by an overwhelming urge to follow her, to offer comfort, and to soothe away the worry I can see etched in the lines of her face, but I have no right. We have what’s supposed to be a business arrangement that doesn’t include anything personal. She wouldn’t appreciate my efforts to comfort her, I’m sure.

I sink back into the couch, letting out a ragged breath. This woman has gotten under my skin in a way no one ever has before. I should pull back and maintain professional distance. It’s the smart thing to do.

I won’t. I can’t. Despite the danger, despite the complications, I’m falling for Claire Bennett. I have no intention of stopping before we figure out how and where this spark can lead, and I’m sure she feels it too despite the brevity of our acquaintance and the situation into which I’ve maneuvered her.

11

Claire

Ipace the foyer, my heels clicking against the marble floor. The sound echoes through the cavernous space, amplifying my frustration. Valerian’s men hover just out of sight, their presence a constant reminder of my golden cage.

This mansion feels suffocating. I can’t even visit my parents without Valerian or one of his goons escorting me. Sure, they make themselves scarce when I’m at Bloom House, but I still sense their watchful eyes. It’s maddening.

I’ve had enough. My hand reaches for the doorknob, ready to make a break for it, but before I can turn it, Valerian materializes in front of me, his broad shoulders blocking my escape route.

“You’re not going anywhere,” he says, his voice low and firm.

The words ignite a fire in my belly. “What about my parents?” I snap, my voice rising with each word. “Are you really protecting them? I haven’t seen any sign of those guards you supposedly assigned.”

Valerian’s face remains impassive, his calm demeanor only fueling my anger. “They’re there, Claire. My people are professionals. They don’t need to be visible to be effective.”

His reasonable tone grates on my last nerve. I’m not angry at him, not really. It’s this whole situation, feeling trapped, powerless, scared for my family, but he’s here, a convenient target for my frustration.

Before I can stop myself, my fists connect with his chest. It’s like hitting a brick wall. “I can’t trust you!” The words explode from me, raw and desperate.

In an instant, Valerian’s hand wraps around my wrist. He pulls me close, our bodies nearly touching. His grip is firm but not painful, his eyes boring into mine.

“You can trust me with your life, Claire,” he says, his voice low and intense. “And with the lives of your family.”

I try to wrench my arm away, but he holds fast. “How can I? You’ve turned my world upside down. I’m practically a prisoner here!”

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