Page 55 of Luca
“What? They wanted you to risk your integrity to frame me?” My voice shook with barely controlled rage.
“Yeah. They said the MP wanted you back inside but also he was planning to bring your Bratva activities to police attention and not just by planting the drugs on you. You need to let Miki know,”
“I will. What else did they say?”
“They said if I did it they’d forget about the incident with Damien and even ensure I got my partnership next year when Mr Hanson retires. They hinted at physical harm, if I didn’t. Even suggested my mum’s accident might have been something more sinister,” she replied, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
I crossed the room in a few strides and took her in my arms. “Claire, you did the right thing by refusing. I’m proud of you for standing your ground.”
“Do you think it’s true what Elizabeth implied about my mum’s death?” she asked, the break in her voice almost breaking my heart.
“I don’t know, babe. But I will get Marko to look into it. And if it is, I promise you, we’ll find who was responsible and make them pay,” I vowed.
She nodded, but I could see the worry still etched on her face. “I’m really concerned about what the MP is planning, not just for you, but for everyone else. He’s determined to bring the Bratva’s activities to the attention of the police. I don’t know what he’s capable of, but it scares me.”
I hugged her tightly. “I’ll handle it, Claire. I promise you, I’ll protect you. The MP won’t get away with causing us anymore harm.”
She looked up at me, her eyes searching mine. “You really think we can stop him?”
“Yes,” I said firmly. “We’re putting our own plan in motion tomorrow night and that should make any of his plans harder to accomplish until we can rid ourselves of the bastard once and for all. And you were right to resign. The bastards don’t deserve you. I know you had your heart set on becoming one of their partners, but there are other opportunities out there for you. Better ones. You’ll see,”
“Now, why don’t I run you a hot bath and you can relax and forget all of your worries for now while I go and talk to Miki and get Marko looking into your mum’s accident?”
A small smile tugged at her lips. “Thank you, Luca. A bath sounds good right now, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“You’ll never have to find out,” I replied, kissing her forehead. “We’re in this together.”
A short while later, I returned to the bedroom, carrying a tray of food. Claire was just coming out of the bathroom, looking all relaxed and sexy wrapped in a fluffy white towel that barely covered her. My mouth went dry, and my libido awakened at the sight. I stood there, staring. She gave me a slow, sultry smile when she noticed me openly ogling her. I gulped and cleared my throat.
“I brought us some dinner and wine. I didn’t think you’d feel like joining everyone in the dining room as usual,” I told her.
“That was thoughtful of you thanks,” she smiled and approached the small living area I had. My room was a glorified suite, really. When I’d lived here as a child, we’d lived on the estate in a cottage which afforded us privacy while still being close to the Rominov’s.
When my parents had returned to live in Russia permanently, I hadn’t wanted to remain there alone and preferred staying here with the other guys. So, the place was now used as a guest house for when they, or other members of the family, visited and there wasn’t enough room in the main house.
Up until now, this room had been adequate for my needs, especially since I had my own flat in the centre of London too. Now, though, sitting at my tiny two-seater table, eating with Claire, I figured I’d need to rethink my living arrangement.
After what happened with Julie, I hadn’t been back to the flat and wasn’t planning on ever returning. Once I was exonerated of the crime, I’d get someone to dump the bed and then get the movers in to pack everything up for me and put it into storage until I decided what I wanted to do with it.
“That was lovely. Nonna has outdone herself again,” Claire said.
“She’s the best,” I agreed. Nonna was what we called Maria, the housekeeper here at the Rominov estate. She was Miki’s mother’s nanny in Italy and then when she married Miki’s dad, Nonna had moved to Russia with her to become their housekeeper. Then later she followed us all to the UK. Since we all grew up with her looking after us, she insisted we call her Nonna. She was like a grandmother to us and we loved her deeply. She was also the best cook I’d ever known.
“This is nice. Spending time like this together. Very domesticated,” Claire said, a twinkle in her eye. “I could get used to being treated like this. Hot baths, lovely food, pleasant company. Almost makes a girl not want to leave,” she said, sighing contentedly.
“Almost?” I asked, getting up and stalking towards her. “And what would make that almost, into an absolutely?” I asked as I grabbed her and pulled her into my arms.
“Oh, I don’t know. A girl has more needs than simply food, comfort and conversation.” The glint of playful mischief in her eyes felt like an invitation.
“You’re right, of course. I am neglecting those other needs. I will have to remedy that,” I told her before claiming her lips. My kiss devoured her, leaving her breathless.
I smirked. “Is that a good start, Little Miss Sexy Ass?”
Claire chuckled and rolled her eyes at my nickname for her, as she always did whenever she heard it.
“Hmm, I think you can do better,” she replied.
“Indeed, well, my sexy lawyer, challenge accepted.”