Page 65 of Claim

“Since you created the mess, it’s your job to get your hands dirty, and clean it the fuck up.” His dark eyes narrowed. “Then again, it never came naturally to you, did it?”

I clenched my jaw. “Tell that to Maria’s brother. He’d disagree with your assessment.”

“You want to go there?”

“You seem to, so why not.”

“Who saved your martyr ass that night?”

“I didn’t ask you to do anything? You stuck your Morelli nose into my business.”

“As if I’d leave you hanging, especially when you were too damn stupid to see her brother was just as culpable as you.”

“I would have taken the fall. I deserved it.”

“Maybe. But that’s not how we work. Favor for a favor, or did you forget our deal?”

I shook my head. “Asshole. You act all mean and shit. Then come in all white knight style.”

“Fuck off with that. Whose construction sites handle all of my inconveniences of a certain type?” He lifted a brow which I mimicked, making him glare at me. “Now, back to the issue at hand. What are you going to do about Sophia’s situation?”

“You told me to stay away from her. Have you changed your mind?”

“No. You aren’t what a brother would pick for her.”

I gestured with my chin below us to where Lucian’s wife, Elaine, stood, talking with her older brother Winston. “Are you saying your lady’s brothers would say you’re the perfect match for her?”

“You’re an asshole, Pierce.”

“As are you, Morelli.”

Lucian’s face grew hard.

“I want that fucker handled.”

“Did you forget I don’t take orders from you?”

“You need to remember that our history will never supersede the fact she’s my baby sister, and you fucked with her life.”

“I had no intention of hurting her.”

“Too fucking late for that.”

His words felt like a direct blow to the gut. I’d screwed it up royally. My visit to Randolph may have added more fuel to Sophia’s notorious reputation and ruined her career.

“He won’t be a problem for her in the future.”

“Meaning?”

I held his hard stare. “I’ll take care of it. That is all you need to know.”

* * *

“I want it set in motion as soon as possible,” I relayed over the phone to my investigator and security leads, who were all on the line. “I want it airtight. Nothing will link back to her.”

I paused as a discussion broke out about connecting my plans for Randolph to me.

Cutting them off, I said, “If and when that possibility arises, we will deal with it. Besides, I’m not the only player with grievances against him on the board. I can think of at least eight other suspects in addition to myself. So the concern isn’t necessary.”

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