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Claiming His Queen Chapter 15
(ADLER)What had he done?He raked his fingers through his hair, walking down the hallway, silently past doors, and on a long red rug leading towards the room at the far end.In the room with her, her question had struck him. She had asked who he was, asking if every damn thing he showed her during the last few days their paths had crossed was a fake.Adler would have answered if he knew. How was he to tell her he was a self-absorbed human who couldn't get his thoughts across without involving a gun?How could he tell her he spent the last few days staring at his bed, wishing she was in it, writhing, and screaming his name?How could he tell her he wanted her hands tied above her head while he felt her, kissed her, tasted her?Was this some witchery? He had always had a thing for her, wanting to find her, and now that he had, what next?Hopefully, she didn't decide one day to leave; else, it might just be a kidnap situation. For the first time in his life, he was afraid, afraid a da
Claiming His Queen Chapter 16
I never saw relief wash over anyone's face the way it did Don Domenico's. His shoulders were relaxed as I continued to spill, even going as far as telling them what had happened days ago."He doesn't feel for me the way you think he does, Sir," I wished he'd stop staring at the pictures of me scattered across the room; I wanted he'd believe me and leave. "He wouldn't even engage in a conversation with me..."Domenico's eyes narrowed, "And do you want him to converse with you?"My voice was threatening to get lost again.Rune, who was behind Adler's father, widened his eyes at me, and I knew that sign he wanted me to say something, get myself out of it.But how? When I just put myself in it.Domenico bent down and picked the largest broken portion of glass from the floor.My throat went dryer; I felt so cold I couldn't feel my body; watching him stare at his reflection in the piece, he drew close to me. "All my life, I never expected this day to come, Lily."He stopped in front of me
Claiming His Queen Chapter 17
Author's POV. (SALVATORE)They drove back to the manor when it was already dark, and unlike she had been on their way to the beach, this time she was silent, even asleep.Her few hours of energy finished, and now she rested her head against the car window, her shallow breath filling the quiet car.There was no need for music; this was better.Okay, what was he saying? She needed the upliftment, and he had done that because it was his job, what his boss wanted.Alright, he had never been a liar; he wasn't doing this because of Adler. He was doing this because of her. From the first day in the church, he couldn't help but ponder how she still managed to smile with all that hurt.She lost her parents, almost died in the hands of childish Don, who wanted his way with everything, then was taken to a place she had no clue about and still hated by the one person she was doing all this for, her sister.So he had recognized the pain because he once lived it.Giving her the pass to share his mo
Claiming His Queen Chapter 18
AUTHOR'S POV (ADLER)One thing he detested was communication and expressing himself.Good thing he was in a position where only a glare could send his message across. And so far, it worked for him.But then, with her, it wasn't, not even the slightest bit; each time he tried, he did it wrong.And watching Priest get it right was frustrating. Easy to see that she had trusted him at a glance. Was that what attracted her? Good?If that, he certainly did have a long ride ahead of him, which involved the struggle not to glare at Priests back and seek help from his Consigliere.Wasn't he going to Low? He would worry about that later.For all he knew, Priest would never think that way towards Lily. Priest was a pure soul that got misguided and ended up in a place where he had to kill his guilt before he muttered prayers.He was being jealous for the wrong reason.His second hatred went towards the 'rats.' Goddamn tattletales, fucking informants, and if they were from the Russians, breaking
Claiming His Queen Chapter 19
LILY'S POV "Here, Adler sent me to give this to you."I looked at the girl at my door, blonde hair in a bang and brown eyes reminding me of Salvatore's, except the warmth wasn't present. She was his sister, I knew. They looked a lot alike except for their personalities.For when I had opened the door, still misty-eyed, judging that I had just woken up, I had tried on a friendly smile, which was reciprocated by a death glare.So I had resorted to behaving myself, and when she gave me the bag, I couldn't stop the confusion that etched on my face, and that it came from Adler even made me more curious."Sorry for taking your time, but..." I raised the bag, "What's in it?"The glare wasn't deserved, and neither was it expected. She crossed her arms, "You know about the Bratva, right? Of course, you do; somehow, you got yourself in trouble with them."That was an accusation."Adler called in a masked event, but that's just a cover-up, for upstairs, there'll be a meeting, possibly on whethe
Claiming His Queen Chapter 20
We seemed to have been the last to leave for the event, for when we went downstairs, there were just a few goons in sight.We arrived at the party hours later, and before we left the car, Adler instructed me to fix the mask over my face before he had me under his touch in the guise of being walked into the hall.As Adler led me into the hall, I adjusted the mask, the feathers tickling my skin. I could feel the curious gazes of the party attendees on us, their whispers filling the air. Walking beside Adler, I couldn't help but notice the shift in his demeanour. He carried himself with authority and confidence, his icy eyes surveying the room with a sense of control.So this was the other side of him, and he suddenly appeared taller, fiercer, and rigid.I could sense the tension within me, the weight of the situation sinking in. This was not just any party; it was a gathering of influential individuals, some of whom could be dangerous. The stakes were high, and I knew I had to be cautio
Claiming His Queen Chapter 21
The meeting room was a magnificent extravaganza display featuring towering marble columns, intricately carved ceilings, and glittering chandeliers. The spacious room, furnished with plush velvet sofas and antique mahogany tables, serves as the meeting room. The soft glow of dimmed lights created an eerie ambiance, casting long shadows across the room.Adler sat at the head of the table, his fingers playing around the rim of his glass of wine, settling back against his seat, his eyes struggling to capture Dimitri's mood.Which was quite challenging in the dim space they were in, where the men appeared restless and tense, although ammunition had been collected at the entrance to the meeting room.For they all knew the outcome of this meeting would either shape or even mar the underworld.About twelve men were surrounding the table, Consisting of him, Domenico and Priest, and the Capos who spearheaded the minor regions. Besides him, Priest was passed a small tray of white powdery subst
Claiming His Queen Chapter 22
LILY'S POV."The fear in your eyes? it's the kick I didn't know I needed." Larissa flicked her hair back before she clutched the purse with both hands, looking so at ease.And I, still repeating the words of comfort, could feel my blood rushing through my veins as I spotted the men.There were about four individuals wearing black short-sleeved Polo shirts, and with every glance I took, they seemed to be closer.And each time they drew nearer, and I noticed how big they were, I realised how much chance I didn't stand against them.I shut my eyes, hoping when I blinked them back open, my fear would be gone, or maybe even all of this, and I would be back at my workplace the hour before I graced Greg's invitation in Palazzo CremisiBut when I flashed them open, she was still right there, staring at me.I clutched the fabric of my gown, "Adler will not allow me to be taken,"She turned her back on me and began to waltz away, "RIP, Lily; I wish I never met you."There were times I wished I
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Claiming His Queen Epilogue
ONE YEAR LATER**RUNE—KYRA**"...I'm just saying it's not fair Laron gets to spend the summer break with Luigi," Rune followed Kyra to Laron's wardrobe. "Luigi gets all of his weekends. What time do I get to have?"Kyra snatched Rune's equestrian leggings and walked back to the bed. "You're exaggerating again." She folded the leggings and tucked them into Laron's nearly overflowing box before turning to him. "You gave him the go-ahead, remember?""Yeah, but that was before I realized it was for a whole month. He's monopolizing all of Laron's free time," Rune sighed, flopping onto Laron's bed dramatically. "I just miss hanging out with my son, you know?"She stayed silent, and when he looked up, she was staring at him."Why?""Well," she zipped the bag close and walked up to him, "why does it seem like you haven't learned how to tell Laron no?"Rune frowned. "What are you saying? I tell him no all the time.""No, you don't." She straddled him, placing her hand flat on his chest. "Alri
Claiming His Queen Chapter 240
ADLERWhen he reached the Villa, the memories came hurling in. The last time he had been here, under that open shed, Larissa and Dimitri were having the time of their lives.He could still remember the lively evening, how he heard the chatters as soon as he parked, looking around him at the goons on every turn.Presently there was no single soul on this premises, but Adler knew better.Parking Kyra's motorcycle right in the center of the compound, he observed the house, its windows, all dark, except one of them, on the ground floor, the orange glow giving it an eerie touch.The gun firm in his left hand, Adler moved through the shadows, the moonlight his aid as he advanced headfirst through the entrance.Maneuvering his way through doors, following the orange glow, he placed his finger readily on the trigger, listening for a sound.But nothing came, just the faint silence.He felt it was coming to this, watching his opponent spiral down a rabbit hole as he struggled with the obsession
Claiming His Queen 239
ADLER**FOUR MONTHS AGO**He could hear the elevator go down and for the first time in his life since the afternoon his mother died, he wanted to drop to his knees and give it all up.It was over. The wet towel seemed to burn against his skin, the wet towel over his head was now hot lava, and the metal around his finger was rapidly heating up and cutting off his circulation.He couldn't make it, there was no use trying, for what he had done, this was well-deserved, two hells in one lifetime, he dared anyone to beat that?But Lily? His mind tugged. What about Lily? The thought that he was never going to see her again was too great a loss to take without trying.Adler rose.Then came the beam, whirling down and landing on where his lower legs were supposed to have been if he hadn't rolled over just in time, his palm flattened on the hot ground.Holy fuck! He snapped it back to himself and hastily yanked out the hot ring, hoping to save it but then kicked against the idea when the band s
Claiming His Queen Chapter 238
SALVATORESalvatore stirred, his lids opening as he gradually regained consciousness, eyes meeting the bright lights of the chandeliers above him.His head felt like a shattered egg, memories mangled and hitting him piece by piece, as the familiar aura registered. He was still in the manor, he could tell, but where exactly?The wails of a baby had his eyes snapping fully open, and Salvatore was sitting up in a jolt. The pain that went through him was like torrents, his head felt heavy, and the world around him seemed to spin."Hey look, our main guest is awake," Victor's taunts clouded his ears. "Christ, don't go back to sleep again, we've been waiting."Salvatore struggled to his feet, the sight before him sending his heart thudding.Victor sat on a settee, crossed-legged, with Eva beside him, hair stuck to her wet face, and her red-rimmed eyes staring forward, the hopelessness in them so obvious.If Constance's cries came from the crib, next to a goon, then where was Lily? He turne
Claiming His Queen 237
RUNERune could taste the blood that coated his mouth. Still, he gritted his teeth, refusing to let the cries out. With his hands held back, the old man pounded his fist into his abdomen unrelentingly.The pain was excruciating, each blow sending shockwaves through his body. Rune's vision blurred, but he forced himself to stay conscious, to keep thinking.There was no way out of this, he knew. They were behind closed doors, in a room that smelled like dust and cobwebs; no one could hear him here.Well, no one except Laron, whom he constantly ordered to shut his eyes. The boy stood before the second goon, eyes shut, yet tears still rolled down his face.Every sniffle he heard from Laron cut through like a knife, and he wished he could do something, be the super dad Laron believed in, but right now the only thing he could do was stare at the floor."Had enough?" the old man sneered, his knuckles smeared with Rune's blood. "I thought to make this easier on you, but..." He grabbed a handf
Claiming His Queen Chapter 236
SALVATORE"...What did you use this time?" Salvatore asked, slamming the booth shut. "Will they live?"Rune blinked, staring wide-eyed at him. "You wanted them to live?"Kyra's head shot up from the driver's seat. "What did you do?"Rune chuckled, raising both hands in mock surrender. "I'm kidding. The soldiers are alive. They'll feel some type of way tomorrow, but that's just Ketamine for ya."Salvatore fought the urge to pull out a pistol and aim at the fucker's right leg. This wasn't the time to be stupid; tension was high, and it was D-day.Just like Rune had promised, the compound had few goons, and they also seemed to be in panic. It would be this way until they got out of this godforsaken place."The back gate is empty," Rune whispered as he walked up to Kyra, cupping her face with both hands and kissing her full on the lips. "See you on the other side in a few minutes, Princess."But she drew him back in. Urgh, Salvatore groaned and turned away. Those two behaved like they wer
Claiming His Queen Chapter 235
SALVATORE"...There's been another attack." Victor inhaled the smoke from the lit end of his cigar. "It happened at the same time as the fire yesterday. Ruslan is finally convinced of my innocence."Salvatore shared a glance with Kyra and then back at Victor. Was he actually saying the fire he had started to disrupt the engagement and that had somehow gotten out of hand was connected with an attack?Quietly wincing as the cloth grazed his partially burnt arm, Salvatore returned his gaze to Victor, who was suddenly deep in thought."I'll be gone again," Victor waved away the smoke, "but this time for a few days. Again, Salvatore will stay behind. I wish it didn't have to be so, but I need someone I can trust to keep Eva safe."He resisted the urge to share another glance with his sister. Even though he couldn't read anything on her straight countenance, he knew she was still mad at him."Can you?" Victor asked. "I can easily put her under Kyra's care. Give my father's favorite princess
Claiming His Queen Chapter 234
EVASince Victor came back, he had been so busy he barely found time to see her. The days seemed even more void, the future gloomy. Hiding away in the confines of this room, she listened to the sound of the chapter of her life closing.Now she climbed down the bed, went to her wardrobe, and crouching to her knees, pulled open a compartment and brought out a small wooden box. It had been months since she last looked at its contents, afraid it would bring back unwanted memories and reignite her obsession with him, but here she was.Eva looked behind her at the door, then back at the box. Taking a deep breath, she flipped open the cover, staring absently at the contents inside a little beaded necklace that held a crucifix. His crucifix.She had sunk so low as to steal a part of him while he slept. She doubted he ever searched for it. If he did, he’d know it was missing and no longer in the pretty house that smelled of him.She struggled, praying for the embarrassment to wash over her so
Claiming His Queen Chapter 233
LILY"I was six when I discovered that the convent sisters who came once a week to take children from the orphanage were anything but angels," Ruslan said, rocking my daughter's cradle. "It became clear why the boys never came back, and the girls who did barely lived."Twenty minutes ago, I had laid my sleeping daughter in her crib and rushed into the bathroom for a quick soak, despite knowing she wouldn't stir.Two seconds ago, I stepped out of the bathroom with a towel around my chest and damp hair still dripping, only to see Ruslan standing over Constance's crib and staring at her.Even though he didn't touch her, my racing pulse refused to die down.But he paid no heed to my presence and continued, "They needed us in a coal mine in this little spot in Serbia." He paused, his gaze remote. "Our starved, wiry, agile bodies were the perfect fit for narrow spaces, running errands, and sometimes checking if the explosives had completed their work."My hawk-like eyes on Constance made it
