Page 33 of The Mafia's Quadruplets

That terrifies me more than any threat the Petrov Syndicate could pose.

I inhale and exhale sharply, squaring my shoulders. I need to get a grip. Whatever I’m feeling, whatever Valerian might be feeling, it doesn’t change the reality of our situation. I’m here to work off my brother’s debt and nothing more.

Yet heading back to my room to prepare for the day, Valerian’s words linger in my mind.You won’t be able to stop thinking about it.

He’s right. That knowledge haunts me more than any ghost ever could.

12

Valerian

Nearly a week later, I stride into the kitchen as Claire stands at the counter, a glass of red wine in her hand. Her back is to me, but I notice the slight tension in her shoulders as she senses my presence.

“Good evening, Claire,” I say, keeping my voice low and smooth.

She turns, her cheeks flushing as our eyes meet. “Oh, Valerian. I didn’t hear you come in.”

I move closer, noting how she shifts her weight, almost imperceptibly angling her body away from me. “May I join you for a drink?”

Claire hesitates, then nods. “Of course. There’s plenty of wine left in the bottle, and it’s your wine and your house.”

Not exactly an enthusiastic invitation. I bite back a small smile while pouring myself a glass, savoring the rich aroma before taking a sip. The Cabernet is excellent, but I’d expect nothingless from my cellar. “You’ve been scarce lately,” I say, watching her reaction carefully.

Her fingers tighten on the stem of her glass. “I’ve been busy,” she says, not quite meeting my gaze.

“Busy enough to skip three of my massage appointments?” I raise an eyebrow. “I’m beginning to think you’re avoiding me.”

Claire’s cheeks darken further. “I... I suppose I have been,” she admits quietly.

“May I ask why?”

She takes a long sip of wine before answering. “It’s complicated.”

There’s no need to press for an answer since I know why she’s been avoiding me since that kiss. I lean against the counter, close enough to catch the faint scent of her shampoo. “I enjoy complicated. It keeps life interesting.”

She laughs, a short, nervous sound. “I’m sure you do.” Her gaze flicks to mine, then away again. “I received a letter from Jay today. He wants me to visit him in jail.”

The abrupt change of subject doesn’t surprise me. I’ve been expecting this. “I see. When do you plan to go?”

Claire blinks, clearly caught off guard by my calm response. “I... I’m not sure. Soon, I suppose.”

I nod, swirling the wine in my glass. “I’ll accompany you.”

“What?” Her eyes widen. “Valerian, that’s not necessary. I can handle it on my own.”

“I’m sure you can,” I say, my tone gentle but firm, “But I have business with your brother as well. It makes sense for us to go together.”

Claire’s shoulders slump slightly. She knows she can’t argue with me on this and expect to win. “Alright.”

I study her face, noting the worry lines creasing her forehead. “Tell me about Jay,” I say softly. “There’s more to his story than simple gambling, isn’t there?”

She looks up at me, surprise evident in her expression. “Why do you say that?”

“I’ve been in this business a long time, Claire. I can recognize when there’s more beneath the surface.” I take another sip of wine. “Talk to me. Please.”

Claire is quiet for a long moment, her fingers tracing patterns on the countertop. When she finally speaks, her voice is quiet as she reveals more to me about him than she’s already shared. “Jay wasn’t always like this. He used to be different.”

I remain silent, giving her space to continue.

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