Page 30 of Staking His Claim

She intrigued the hell out of him.

If anyone had told him he’d be hot as a mink in season for lawyer Ella McLeod a few weeks ago he would’ve howled with scorn. Ridiculous. But now the joke was on him. Only minutes ago he’d been ready to devour her with a desperation that stunned him.

Had he lost all reason?

Could Ella the Icicle really be Ella the Enchantress?

Yevgeny turned away, lest his face reveal the turmoil of his thoughts. Ella was sharp, and he didn’t want her recognizing any chinks in his armor that would render him vulnerable to her.

“My parents—when I was younger.”

He realized she’d finally answered his question. “They’re the only people you accept help from?”

A frown creased her brow. “Probably.”

He could see her thinking, trying to come up with other names...and failing. “How about your sister?”

“Keira?” She gave a laugh of astonishment. “She’s too young.”

“I’m sure you were making decisions at her age.”

She shrugged. “Maybe. But Keira always needs help from me.”

Yevgeny hoarded that nugget of information away, to retrieve and examine later. “What about a mentor...or something?”

Ella immediately shook her head.

He stared then. It was inconceivable to him that she’d never asked for—never needed—help. Even he, who prided himself on his self-made success, had relied on mentors to get where he had so rapidly. How much harder would it have been without the men who had advised him...guided him...helped him?

From slitted eyes he gazed at her with fresh respect. She’d cleaved a way out for herself—amidst fierce competition—and she’d gained a good reputation. He’d seen the recognition and wary respect her name produced. Ella had done it all by herself.

Without anyone to hold her hand.

“Your parents must be proud of you,” he said at last.

“They’re very much older.”

She’d mentioned that before....

And it didn’t answer his question. But it prompted another thought. “Don’t tell me you look after them, too?”

In response, Ella inclined her head slightly.

“You do!” He blinked in disbelief. She shouldered the burden of her entire family. “And your sister still comes running to you for everything she needs.”

“She always has, but I don’t mind. We’re sisters, after all.” She came instantly to Keira’s defense. “Your brother does it, too. I know because Keira told me.”

Yevgeny bristled. “I don’t have your patience. I told him to make a man of himself.” And that decision had probably cost him dearly. For a time Dmitri had torn through the Volkovoy fortune while Yevgeny could only watch. He’d been wild—and irresponsible. A spendthrift and a wastrel. He’d run through everything that was handed to him—and then come back to demand more.

That’s when Yevgeny had put his foot down—he’d refused...and demanded that Dmitri come with him to Auckland to set up the new headquarters for Volkovoy cruises.

Dmitri had argued that it was a job for a menial manager. But Yevgeny had refused to bow. Do a job, earn a salary or get out.

They’d quarreled. Dmitri had chosen to get out, screeching off to the smell of burnt rubber and Yevgeny had shuddered with fear and regret. For four days his brother had not returned home. Yevgeny had held vigil and waited for news of the worst.

On the fifth day Dmitri had called and sullenly said he was on his way to Auckland. Yevgeny had thanked the gods and hoped his brother wouldn’t do anything recklessly stupid.

Yevgeny later learned he had Keira to thank for Dmitri’s success in New Zealand.

Meeting Keira had saved his brother—or maybe it had been being cut off from funding for his lavish lifestyle and being forced to work, to be accountable for his actions for the first time in his overindulged life.

Whatever it was, Dmitri had finally started to grow up.

“I’m very proud of what he’s done in Auckland. He’s hired premises and sourced some excellent staff.”

Behind her glasses, Ella rolled her eyes. “Keira said anyone could’ve done it. That Dmitri felt it was an insult to be given such a menial task to do.”

“At least he didn’t screw it up.” He flashed her a smile.

“You expected him to,” she said after a long moment.

“Honestly?” Her eyes demanded the truth, so he gave it. “Yes, I did.”

“How could you think he would fail?”

“I didn’t think he’d see it through. He’s never had any firm idea of what he wants from life.” He paused, then turned the focus back on Ella and her sister. “How can you talk. You don’t expect anything of Keira. You still take care of her, sort out all her messes. She never needs to take accountability for anything. You’re even sorting out the adoption for a baby she wanted then discarded.”

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