Page 50 of The Mafia's Quadruplets

“The ones who...” She trails off, unable to finish the thought.

I nod grimly. “Yes. The ones who tried to use Jay before. They’re not done with him, it seems.”

She pushes away her plate, appetite clearly gone. “What can we do? There has to be something.”

“I’m handling it. I’ve got people watching out for him, but this changes things for you too.”

Her brow furrows. “What do you mean?”

I take a deep breath, bracing myself for her reaction. “It’s not safe for you to be out on your own anymore. From now on, you don’t go anywhere without me or one of my men.”

Claire’s eyes widen. “Valerian, that’s... that’s extreme, and with no real indication I’m at risk. I can’t just?—”

“You can, and you will,” I interrupt firmly. “This isn’t just about our arrangement anymore, Claire. It’s about your safety. The Petrovs won’t hesitate to use you to get to your brother, or to me.”

She sits back in her chair, stunned. “I... I don’t know what to say.”

“Say you’ll do as I ask. Promise me you won’t take unnecessary risks.”

She’s quiet for a long moment. When she looks up, there’s a mix of emotions in her eyes—fear and uncertainty, but also something warmer. “Okay,” she says softly. “I promise.”

Relief fills me, followed quickly by a surge of protectiveness. I reach across the table, taking her hand in mine. “I won’t let anything happen to you. You have my word.”

She squeezes my hand, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I believe you.”

The moment stretches between us, charged with unspoken feelings. I want to pull her into my arms, to shield her from the dangers of my world. Instead, I release her hand and stand. “Come on,” I say, offering her my arm. “Let’s go somewhere more comfortable. We have a lot to discuss.”

She rises, slipping her arm through mine. As we leave the dining alcove, I’m acutely aware of her warmth at my side. The need to keep her safe, to protect her from the storm that’s brewing, is overwhelming.

We settle in the living room, Claire curling up on one end of the sofa while I pour us each a glass of whiskey. The amber liquid catches the light as I hand her a glass.

“Tell me everything,” she says, her voice steady despite the fear I can see in her eyes. “I want to know what we’re up against.”

I sit beside her, closer than strictly necessary. “The Petrov Syndicate is a powerful organization, similar to mine in many ways. We’ve been rivals for years, but things escalated recently when I...eliminated their previous leader.”

Claire’s eyes widen. “You killed him?”

“It was necessary,” I say, not elaborating. Some truths are better left unspoken. “His brother, Matvey, has taken control now. He’s ruthless, unpredictable, and he wants revenge.”

“And my brother? How does he fit into all this?”

I take a sip of whiskey, letting the burn ground me. “As you know, they were grooming him to be a foot soldier. Perhaps they want to ensure he’s still an asset, or maybe they regard him as a loose end. Until he talks, it’s hard to say.”

Claire’s knuckles whiten around her glass. “What will they do to him?”

“If we’re lucky, nothing. My men will try keep him safe, but you need to understand the situation. If they’re targeting him to get to me, based on knowledge of my relationship with you, the Petrovs won’t stop at Jay. They’ll use anyone and anything to get to me.”

“Including me,” she says softly.

I nod, meeting her gaze. “Especially you.”

Claire takes a long drink, wincing slightly at the strength of the whiskey. “So, what now? Do I just...stay here indefinitely?” She frowns. “Their harassment might have nothing to do with you.”

I nod. “True. He has a history with them that predates his history with me and his debts at ‘The Velvet Cage.’ Caution is still warranted, so for the time being, yes. It’s the safest place for you.” I pause, choosing my next words carefully. “I know this isn’t what you signed up for. If you want out, I’ll understand. I can set you up somewhere safe, far from all of this.” The thought of her leaving twists something in my chest, but I force out the words. She deserves a choice.

She’s quiet for a long moment, her gaze on the glass in her hands. When she looks up, there’s determination in her eyes. “I’m not going anywhere,” she says firmly. “My brother’s in danger, and I want to help however I can.”

I let out a shaky breath. “You’re sure? This won’t be easy. My world is dangerous.”

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