Page 120 of Claim Me
“This should be fun,” Stefano said.
“Just an old game my father used to play.”
“And you’re not going to tell me the ending.”
I rolled down my window as we approached the guard house. “It’s more fun to live through it, but you need patience.”
He laughed. “Always learning something around your family.”
“Who are you?” the guard asked gruffly.
“Kazimir Dmitriyev for a meeting with Vladimir Popov. And no, we’re not scheduled, but let the Pakhan know he doesn’t want to turn us away.”
The guard acted as if he was going to shove the weapon in my face. I simply opened my jacket and nodded to the backseat. His quick glance was enough for him to realize I had enough firepower to torch the place. They didn’t want to push me today.
He backed away, immediately grabbing a phone.
“How’s Marissa?” Stefano asked as we waited.
“Very strong. The woman will be the death of me.”
“That’s what love does. So I’ve heard.” He laughed.
“Don’t start.” I drummed my fingers on the steering wheel, my patience already waning.
“Not saying a word.” Within seconds, the gate was opened and we rolled through.
After parking, I took my time climbing from the car. We’d staged how we were going to handle the meeting since this was merelythe appetizer. Why not enjoy every moment of watching Popov squirm?
Since other soldiers had been brought in from Las Vegas, we had a tight group of men that Popov would be idiotic to fuck with. Plus, there were still a dozen men at the resort carefully watching and protecting the most valuable asset I’d ever possessed.
Marissa.
Admitting I loved her had given me a sense of freedom. How strange to think I’d been doing my best to avoid it for so long. Now? I felt as if I was walking on air.
I felt sorry for the poor girl opening the door. Her face was pensive, her eyes almost vacant. I glanced at Ryker, who’d been assigned the arduous task of carrying the heavy duffle bag.
Behind them were three men escorting our guest. At least he was gagged and a bag placed over his head. Silence was golden. And lo and behold, who stepped out of the shadows but a young man I realized must be Joseph. Perfect.
Mikhail and I walked in together, finding Vladimir and three of his men in a dark library full of books. The setting surprised me.
“Kazimir. Welcome. You as well, Pakhan Dmitriyev.” There was a glint in Vladimir’s eyes. We still had an element of surprise. “What can I do for you? If this is about the resort, I’d be happy to write you another check.”
I laughed softly as I nodded to Ryker and Simon, who placed the bags far enough away from Vladimir he couldn’t reach them easily. “That’s not the reason for our visit. In truth, I bring you gifts.” I backed away, allowing the other men to bring our guestforward. “Lo and behold. I found Rurik’s best friend working at Marengo.” I ripped off the bag, taking a step away so Vladimir could begin to understand.
His face immediately hardened. “What is the meaning of this?”
“As I said, a gift to you. He was quite helpful in providing information about how your son used your nephew to kidnap Ms. Valentine.” I shifted my gaze to the dark-haired kid who stood defiantly by his uncle’s side. “Now, when I found them, and thank God I did, Rurik was about to rape her. Imagine how angry I was, as you would be if anyone touched your daughter or your wife. Yes?”
Popov glanced at Joseph, allowing his anger to show.
“At least Drake was very helpful in allowing me to save her.”
I allowed the information to sink in. Admittedly, I was surprised when Vladimir expressed his dissatisfaction to his nephew, the words frank and haunting.
You will suffer for this act.
“I’m sorry. Did they forget to tell you they kidnapped her?” I continued.
