Page 81 of Claim

I glanced toward the doors on the far side of the terrace connecting to my bedroom, where Sophia still slept. “Are you so sure about this? There is a chance being with me got her into trouble last night.”

He ignored my question and focused on the latter part of my statement, “Speaking of trouble. How are you handling the situation you created for Sophia with media outlets and tabloids? The fucker has put her through enough. I want him out of her life.”

“I have things in motion. She’s mine to protect.” I had no doubt Lucian heard the underlying context in my words.

“So it’s like that, is it?”

“Yes.”

“Good to know. One last question for you.”

“I’m listening.”

“Do you regret not letting me handle the brother after everything went down? You could have avoided the drama of last night.”

“It depends on the day. At the moment, no. I’m in a better place than he is.” I lifted my gaze to see Sophia standing in the doorway between the living room and the balcony terrace.

She’d freshened up, with her face bare of makeup, wearing her hair in a knot atop her head, and donning one of my dress shirts. The material engulfed her petite frame, looking more like an oversized dress as it skimmed the bottom of her knees.

This was the unguarded Sophia Morelli. How long would she last before the walls slid back up?

And how much of my conversation had she heard? I guessed I’d find out soon enough.

“Are we done, Morelli?” I asked, wanting to end the call.

“We’re done. Remember my warning, Pierce.”

“Fuck off.” I hung up the phone as Sophia lifted a brow.

“Lucian, I take it?” She moved in my direction. “You two have an interesting relationship.”

“It is what it is.”

“Most people don’t talk to him the way you do.”

“The same can be said in reverse.”

A crease formed between her brows as she studied me. “Are you so much like him?”

“Yes and no. He’s more in your face. I take a more low-key approach.”

“Which of you is more…ummm.” She tapped her lip.

“Unhinged, you mean? I’ll give it to your brother. But I may give him a run for his money if it came to you.”

Something flared in her dark eyes. Was it surprise or something else?

“Then I guess I shouldn’t call on this architect I know to help me escape this mansion in the sky. He is good at helping me get out of tight situations.”

“It’s too late for that. You’re trapped, or didn’t I make it clear enough to you.” I grabbed her hips as she neared, drawing her against me.

“Let me remind you that I’m only here as long as I want to be.”

“And we both know you’re not going to leave any time in the foreseeable future.”

She lifted a brow. “Because you claimed me.”

“My claim is all over you.”

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