Page 39 of The Mafia's Quadruplets

He looks solemn. “Sheila confirmed he signed the paperwork. He’ll be transferred to ‘Curran-Fromhold’ within the next two weeks.”

The bite of steak and vibrant chimichurri turns to ash in my mouth. I set down my fork, struggling to swallow. “That’s...good, right? It’s what we wanted.”

“It’s a step in the right direction.” His voice is gentle. “He’ll be closer to you and your parents. The rehabilitation program there is one of the best in the state.”

I nod, blinking rapidly. “Right. Of course.” My vision blurs, and I press my lips together, fighting the sudden ache in my throat.

His chair scrapes against the hardwood floor as he stands. He moves around the table, coming to crouch beside me. “It’s okay to be upset.”

The dam breaks. Tears spill down my cheeks, hot and relentless. “I’m sorry,” I choke out. “I don’t know why I’m crying. This is what we wanted. WhatIwanted.”

“You’re allowed to have mixed feelings.” His hand hovers near my arm, not quite touching. “It’s a complicated situation.”

I laugh, the sound watery and bitter. “Everything about this is complicated.” I gesture between us, encompassing the opulent dining room, the mansion, and our entire arrangement.

Valerian’s lips quirk into a half-smile. “True enough.” He hesitates, then asks, “May I hug you?”

The question catches me off guard. I nod, not trusting my voice.

His arms wrap around me, strong and warm. I bury my face in his chest, inhaling the scent of his cologne. My tears soak into his expensive shirt, but he doesn’t seem to mind.

I pull back slightly, looking up at him. His eyes are soft and filled with an emotion I can’t quite name. “Thank you for getting him a local prison.”

Valerian’s gaze drops to my lips, and for a moment, I think he might kiss me. My heart races with anticipation and fear before he blinks, and the moment passes.

“You don’t have to thank me,” he says, his voice low. “I’m just glad I could help.”

I nod, suddenly aware of how close we are, and how intimate this position feels. I clear my throat and sit up straighter. “I should probably go clean up,” I say, gesturing to my tear-stained face.

He stands, offering me his hand. I take it, allowing him to pull me to my feet. “Of course,” he says. “Take all the time you need.”

I nod, then slip out of the dining room. As I make my way upstairs to my room, I can’t ignore the lingering warmth of Valerian’s embrace, or the way my skin tingled when he almost kissed me.

I close my bedroom door behind me, leaning against it with a sigh for a moment. Crossing to the en-suite bathroom, I splash cool water on my face, watching my reflection in the mirror. My eyes are red-rimmed, and my cheeks flushed. I look vulnerable. Raw.

A knock at the door startles me. “Claire?” Valerian’s voice is muffled through the wood. “Are you alright?”

I inhale and exhale to steady myself before answering. “I’m fine,” I call back. “Just freshening up.”

There’s a pause, then: “May I come in?”

My pulse skitters, and I smooth my hair, then open the door.

Valerian stands in the hallway, his expression concerned. “I wanted to make sure you were okay,” he says.

“I’m better,” I say, offering a small smile. “Thank you.”

Valerian nods, his gaze searching my face. “Good. I...” He trails off, looking uncharacteristically uncertain. “I meant what I said earlier. You can lean on me if you need me.”

The sincerity in his voice makes my chest tighten. “I appreciate that,” I say softly.

We stand there for a moment, the air between us charged with unspoken words. He takes a step closer, and I hold my breath.

“Claire,” he murmurs, cupping my cheek.

I lean into his touch, my eyelids fluttering closed. It would be so easy to give in, to let myself fall into his arms again. To seek comfort in his kiss, but I can’t. Not yet, when everything is still so uncertain.

I take a step back, breaking the connection. “I should get some rest,” I say after clearing my throat.

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