Page 98 of Claim Me
The simple fact was that I cared more about Marissa than I wanted to admit. Plus, she’d been right in her assessment of me. I could no longer trust my judgment with regard to women.
However, seeing the blush of rose on her face created a moment of arousal that couldn’t be denied now any more than I’d managed before. “You’re terrible.” The sultry tone of her voice alone was enough to drive me crazy.
I jumped in front of her, walking backward as I signed my response. “Yes, I am.”
We continued walking, another moment of tension settling in.
“You’re very distinguished. When you’re not fidgeting.” Her lilting laughter echoed in the hallway.
I pulled my hand from my bowtie. In my line of work, I was often required to wear a tux, but the quick purchase at a local bridal shop had left much to be desired. I growled loud enough for her to hear me. Even the shirt was ill fitting. By the end of the night, I’d be sweating like a pig.
“Stop worrying. Plus, you look very handsome, more so than any other man.” Marissa said tartly as we walked through the expansive corridor, her high heels clicking on the cold marble floor. Guests were already arriving, the symphony’s benefit concert sold out. While I’d ordinarily be thrilled for her, tonight the crowds were difficult to deal with.
My instinct was also working much too diligently, allowing thoughts and images of tragedy to form in the back of my mind. We rounded the corner, a few people I didn’t know waving at her.
Up until now, she’d been quieter than normal, dutifully walking beside me with a bag holding various belongings tightly held in her hand. I sensed her nervousness, but I’d also seen the look of determination on her face.
Tonight’s performance wasn’t just for a good cause. She was insistent on performing in honor of her parents and for Charlie. I admired her spirit. She reminded me of someone from a long time before.
I pulled her even closer. “You better not be looking at other men.”
“Ha. I didn’t think we were exclusive. We couldn’t be. We’ve only had one date.”
Her nervousness was about the performance, but at least she was following my directions about how tonight would go.
I held her arm as if fearful she’d run away. While I wouldn’t have put it past her doing so before, since the meeting with Popov, she’d been completely reflective. Granted, the tigress I’d been surprised to witness was still just below the surface, but the breadth of what she would be forced to deal with weighed heavily on her mind.
At this point, I wanted nothing more than to get on a plane and head for Vegas, but she’d had her heart set on performing her solo piece and the last thing I wanted was to crush her dreams.
That didn’t mean I wasn’t on edge where I’d be until I had her safely locked in a room at the resort. Thankfully, she hadn’t fought me when I’d told her we would be staying there instead of her house.
Surrounded by armed guards.
I stopped her long enough so she could study my lips.
“If you’re a good girl, we might have more dates,” I quipped, trying to be jovial. “I’ll always worry, Marissa. That’s how I’ve remained alive through various attacks.” As soon as thestatement was issued, she bristled and I grew angrier with myself. Why the fuck had I mentioned the level of danger once again? I didn’t need to hammer the concept into her any more than I already had.
A weakness.
I’d been truthful with Marissa. Perhaps too much so. She was a beautiful, beguiling, intelligent, troublesome weakness.
Sighing, I adjusted the fingers holding her arm, constantly scanning the area. I hadn’t been this worked up since an Irish enemy had decided to rear his ugly head months before. This was an entirely different scenario, yet just as potentially dangerous. I didn’t like not being able to fully control the surrounding area. Benaroya Hall was considered a cultural anchor in downtown Seattle, the building itself a masterpiece of creativity, exquisite in design.
It was, however, a difficult facility to tightly secure. Yes, there was the typical security provided, but with several entrances and dozens of hiding places, the opportunity for Popov and his soldiers to crash the party was golden.
I certainly wouldn’t enjoy playing against them in Vegas.
With Mikhail’s assistance and the men he’d brought with him, we’d established a perimeter, prepared to use our technical surveillance skills to prevent any unwanted guests.
That didn’t make me any less nervous or abate the anger that had continued to furrow after the meeting the evening before. From the information provided, Popov had crawled back into his comfortable hole, his sprawling estate designed for a king. Both he and Rurik were being watched, which should add to the comfort level, but I wouldn’t put anything past Popov.
I knew exactly how men reacted when they weren’t allowed to have the treasure they’d coveted. They would stop at nothing to get what they wanted.
Both the interior and the grounds had been swept for bombs, but only with a cursory check. Mikhail had called in a couple of favors, which had allowed for a separate security team to augment our soldiers. Still, the number wasn’t enough in my mind.
She stopped at a set of doors, turning to face me immediately. “This is as far as you go.”
“I need to be by your side.”
