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Chapter 153
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Claiming His Queen Chapter 154
LILYI turned to her with a frown, "It makes me look bigger.Alessia exhaled her frustrations into her palms, and, looking at me, she sang my fear again, "You can't keep hiding your pregnancy, Lily. You're gone past that stage, and that gown is perfect."Scowling at her, my hands unconsciously flew to my bump, and realizing what I just did, my scowl was turned to myself.I never believed I would get this obsessed with a situation I wanted to get rid of, a situation I felt was a misfortune, for when I thought I was free of Adler, this little guy was kicking.__**FOUR MONTHS AGO**__"...You don't understand; she's dead. She died last week."My heart stopped beating. The phone pressed to my ear, threatening to fall off my hold, as I listened to the woman sob over the phone. She couldn't be serious. Was this the wrong number? Who the hell was she, and why was she playing this prank?"Excuse me, who are you? Clare can't be dead; I SAW HER WEEKS AGO!"It was a lot of heartache for one day;
Claiming His Queen Chapter 155
KYRA"... I'm having a hard time believing they'd be so open in having that gathering in Campania, but it's the last place anyone would check, so it has some actuality," Adler said.Kyra restrained the frown from spreading across her face as the annoyance bubbled. She couldn't believe he gaslit her about being so 'Domenico,' then went behind her to investigate.Adler, seated in an armchair, had a pale complexion from avoiding sunlight for weeks, and his bloodshot eyes revealed signs of fatigue. Restless and gaunt, he appeared worse.But although looking a wreck, she was proud of him for having his instincts ringing when things weren't right; it still didn't mean she was okay with him pretending not to take her seriously."After some digging, we discovered that these meetings took place at Lucid on specific nights—perhaps once a month and during the late hours of the night. This provides insight into the nature of the individuals we're dealing with." He deposited a stack of papers on t
Claiming His Queen Chapter 156
KYRA.She wasn't ready for this.Kyra fought the urge to yank the hanky from her purse and protect her nose from the stank hovering around her. Instead, at every turn she took, she groaned, "Adler!"Pointing out a reason he had kicked her into the smelly wild was easy, but he could have warned her at least. She wasn't prepared for it to be in a fish-smelling town, in which its inhabitants sized her from under large hats.She was just a few steps away from the intended bar, and she couldn't wait to get this mission done and get the hell out of there. Still, she found herself tracing the outline of her gun, held in place by her skirt, ready for her first made-up scenario to launch at her.In a bid to blend, she had gone the extra mile in wearing a long brown flowing skirt and a plain shirt sleeve shirt, but here she was standing out, women in bum shorts giving her skirt a pointed look and men observing her every step.Pulling out a hanky would be the ultimate move in showing she was not
Claiming His Queen Chapter 157
He scaled over brick rubble, and when he thought he lost them and made up his mind to get a shovel for a little dead body, he heard the whining, "I took nothing, ma'am, you have the wrong thief."Kyra's voice followed, "Oh, now you agree you're a thief; I enjoy progress, the same way I'll relish cutting your hands.""Let me go! Your crazy; somebody help!"Rune followed the noise, and it took him to another rubbled fence, and this time, there they were.Kyra held the kid by his collar and pinned him to a wall. The terror on the boy's face was palpable as he stared into hers, and what was the bet Kyra was doing all she could to describe the horror she wanted to inflict on him.Jumping down the residue, he hurried towards them and quickly yanked Kyra off the kid and shielded him, feeling the little one peek under his arm. He wasn't sure how to tell him they were both helpless in this situation."Kyra, what are you doing? You can't harm a kid."But she was just as ready to face him. Squar
Claiming His Queen Chapter 158
LILY"This is why you caught the flu." Sarah snarked. "Did you tell your doctor that you stay outdoors for hours uprooting vegetables you can get at the store?"Looking sideways, I picked up the basket of uprooted carrots. Then I turned to her, sitting in her wheelchair beside Claudine, who was reading a book on the patio."Left to you, I would be sitting on my ass twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and three sixty-five days a year." I yanked my gloves off and threw them into the basket. "Claudia Darling, what are you reading to your grand aunt?"She scrunched her nose. Without looking at me, she grumbled, "It's not important, and it's embarrassing."I gasped, drawing near them, "How can you say reading is embarrassing?""Reading this..." She flipped roughly through the pictured book in frustration, "It's embarrassing. I want the books you read. The ones with the men on them."Despite the cold, I felt the heat rise to my face. Then I joined Sarah in her ongoing laughter, alth
Claiming His Queen Chapter 159
KYRATrue to her word, she had gotten rid of Rune without his knowledge, leaving him behind in the guise of getting some errands done, but ... Here she was, back at Fish Town, but this time... alone!Wasn't that wonderful?There were other beautiful aspects to being alone; the fish town at night was another haven on its own. The smell of tar soap and dough filled the air, and so did booze.The drunken laughter of men and women choked the atmosphere. While she sat alone, it was typical for a couple to waltz drunkenly outside and hit her table.The only thing suspicious was a few children close to tables. They drew closer when their occupiers became even more tipsy. When they moved away, it was with haste.Kyra raised the cup to her lips, about to pull her eyes off the suspicious children when she caught sight of the familiar frame that sent deja vu running through her.Under the yellow lights hanging in lines in the bar, his pupils took on a yellow hue. It was even more enchanting than
Claiming His Queen Chapter 160
LILY"In the pages of a book, we find an escape and a mirror reflecting our own stories, struggles, and triumphs. I encourage you to share your thoughts openly, fostering an environment where the exchange of ideas becomes a cherished part of our meetings..."I stood amidst the crowd, staring into space, hating the feeling that had enveloped me.Elated. I was supposed to be elated.Running a book club for senior citizens? This was my dream come true. Among the people I loved, what more could I wish for?Alessia delivered a hurried speech with Claudine at her side. Her restless movements and hopeful gaze conveyed her excitement, seeking a reflection of her emotions on my face.My lips twitched, sending her little heart at peace. Beside me, Sarah held my hand, squeezing for comfort. For the second time, I saw her fighting tears and losing."...Let this book club be a source of inspiration, fostering new friendships and providing a space where the love for literature transcends age."Obse
Claiming His Queen Chapter 161
ADLERHe was sober for the first time in months, and it was not because Athena was most likely waiting for him before a church altar but for another reason; he had given hints, but little enough to fly over their heads.Listening to the chatters coming from downstairs, Adler sighed and looked into the mirror; a fresh haircut and a shave didn't hide that he was a shadow of himself.The last four months were no easy feat, waking up to the weight that increased with every thought of her. He wasn't sure how he held on. Did he? That wasn't holding on; sending himself through gruesome torture wasn't holding on.But it wasn't enough. It wasn't enough punishment for being the core culprit of her demise. He was supposed to be there for her. He was supposed to fucking be with her. He let her go.Adler turned on the sink and splashed water against his face to keep more awake. He needed to feel every bit of it, every pain, the loneliness, and most significantly, the fear.It was D-day. The month
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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
