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Chapter 19: Sofia
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Claiming What's Mine Chapter 20: Sofia
"Hey, stranger," Drew says from around the side of my office door. "I stopped by a few times, but you've been busy."We haven't spoken since our date on Saturday. After what happened with Roman, I've dreaded running into him again.I smile brightly, hoping it doesn't look as forced and awkward as it feels. "Hey, yourself. This week has been crazy. I've had back-to-back meetings scheduled with students almost every day." I'm aware that he popped in a handful of times because Sherry, our secretary, let me know with a sly grin and a twinkle in her eyes."I haven't had a chance to talk with you since Saturday." He studies me for a moment. "I had a great time. I hope you did, too.""I did, it was a lot of fun."And it had been up until my run-in with Roman. Unfortunately, that incident made me realize that I'm not ready to begin a relationship with Drew. Or anyone else, for that matter. It wouldn't be fair to start something when my heart isn't in it. His smile broadens, relief
Claiming What's Mine Chapter 21: Sofia
Hearing footsteps in the outer office, I rise from behind my desk and stick my head out the door. "Mr. Dmitriyev?"A man with icy blue eyes studies me with an intensity that sends a shiver racing down my spine. "Yes, I'm Victor Dmitriyev." He holds out a hand. "And you're Ms. Bianchi? I force a friendly smile and step forward. "Sofia Bianchi. Please, call me Sofia." I give him a firm shake. "I'm one of the counselors here at Lincoln High School. I'm delighted you were able to squeeze in a tour before heading home tomorrow."His gaze leisurely travels around the office, which is empty since everyone already left for the day. "Thank you for sticking around to meet with me. We've been house hunting for most of the day, so this was the only time that worked."His voice has a slight accent that I can't place. It might be Slavic."It's no problem at all. Choosing a school district is an important decision. I hope I'll be able to answer any questions you might have." I fight t
Claiming What's Mine Chapter 22: Sofia
My mind empties. All I can focus on is the warm blood trickling down my throat."Do you understand what I'm saying?" I'm afraid to deepen the cut by breathing or swallowing or nodding. Tears fill my eyes as he presses down harder. "Yes," I whisper."Good girl. No one needs to get hurt." He chuckles. "At least not yet, they don't.""What do you want?"The heaviness of the blade stays firmly pressed against me. If I try to move, it'll slice right through my jugular. The way he holds both me and the knife suggests this man is a professional. Too late, I realize I should have listened to the warning bells ringing in my head instead of dismissing them as paranoia. "There's a message that needs to be passed along to your father.""My father?" I ask, confused about why he matters right now. "Yes, Enzo Valentini." Again, he chuckles. "Did you think we weren't aware of the connection? That we weren't keeping tabs on you? That we couldn't take you anytime we wanted?" His paper-
Claiming What's Mine Chapter 23: Sofia
"Until the situation has been resolved, you'll move back to the compound immediately." Papa adds, "And you'll also take a leave of absence from your job.""You can't be serious!" I shake my head. "I'm not moving to the compound. And I won't quit my job!"Papa leans across his desk, rage filling every line of his face. A muscle ticks near the corner of his eye. He's holding onto his temper by a thread.I understand that his fury is fueled by fear. He's livid that someone dared to lay hands on me and threatened his family. But still, I can't be expected to stop living my life."Sofia," his voice cracks like thunder in the silence of the office, "I will not allow anything else to happen to you. Do you understand me?"It's on the tip of my tongue to point out that whatever he took from the Russians is precisely why I was ambushed and threatened. But I don't. I refuse to lash out at him for wanting to keep me safe.Attempting to wrangle my heightened emotions, I suck in a deep br
Claiming What's Mine Chapter 24: Sofia
A knot forms in my gut. I don't want blood on my hands. But I know better than to interfere. My father won't listen to anything I say when it involves people who have actively targeted his family.Papa shakes his head. "Let's figure out what happened first. We'll find who stole the shipment before we make any moves. We need to find out who Victor Dmitriyev works for."Roman frowns. "Dmitriyev?"My father nods."Sounds familiar. Maybe he's with the Vikashev crew?""Marco will run the name. For now, Sofia needs protection." Papa jabs a finger in Roman's direction. "And I want you to handle it."What? Oh, hell no!I assumed Roman was called into the office to take care of-which is a nice way of saying eliminate-the problem, not be my babysitter. After what happened last weekend, I don't want to be anywhere near him. I want to forget that he even exists, which I can't do if he shadows me. "Papa," I begin.My father cuts me off by holding up a hand. He levels me with a glare
Claiming What's Mine Chapter 25: Sofia
As we leave the school parking lot the following Thursday, I text Roman to let him know that I need to stop at the market and pick up a few ingredients for dinner.I usually don't cook during the week, but there's something enjoyable about preparing a meal that will be eaten with another person instead of scarfing down a bowl of cereal at the kitchen counter or in front of the TV.Roman silently walks beside me in the store as I pick up chicken breasts, a wedge of fresh parmigiana, noodles, and sauce since I don't have time to make my own. My mother would keel over if she found out I'm eating, let alone serving, jarred sauce.The way Roman stands next to me while I pull boxes and cans from the shelves feels ridiculously domestic, like we're an ordinary couple shopping for groceries. Once I realize what I'm doing, I shove the fantasy aside. Imagining a romantic relationship between us is laughable. Intellectually, I understand this. But my heart isn't ready to accept the inevitabl
Claiming What's Mine Chapter 26: Sofia
My eyelids snap open as a shrill, earsplitting sound fills the air.The house alarm has been triggered, I realize.Roman bursts through my bedroom door wearing only a pair of unbuttoned jeans and clutching a gun. He grabs me by the elbow with his free hand and hauls me out of bed.He freezes when the sheet slides off of my body to reveal I'm not wearing pajamas, his fingers continuing to bite into my flesh. When I wince, he comes alive and drags me to the bathroom."Stay in here until I return," he orders gruffly."What's going on? Did someone break into the house?" My mind conjures up an image of Victor Dmitriyev, knife in hand, coming for me just like he promised. A sliver of fear scampers down my spine. "I don't know, but I'm sure as fuck going to find out. Don't open the door for anyone." His gaze turns stern. "You got it?"I nod and move further into the bathroom. Even though his eyes never deviate from mine, I'm uncomfortably aware of my nudity."And find something to
Claiming What's Mine Chapter 27: Sofia
When the alarm goes off the next morning, I throw off the covers and get dressed.The aroma of coffee hits me full force as I leave my bedroom. I head to the kitchen, stumbling to a halt when I find Roman sitting at the table with a steaming cup in his hands.I thought for sure he'd make himself scarce and avoid me like the plague after my brazen behavior last night.My cheeks heat as snippets flash through my mind. I'm still not sorry for pushing his buttons.His reaction had been worth it.I take a fortifying breath to steady my nerves and smile at him. "Morning."He continues to stare at his mug, grunting something unintelligible that could either be "good morning" or "fuck you." Apparently, Roman Santori isn't a morning person.Shrugging off his surliness, I grab a mug from the top shelf in the cupboard and pour myself a cup. I add a small scoop of sugar along with a dash of cream, then take my first sip.It scalds as it slides down my throat.Which is precisely the way I pref
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Claiming What's Mine Chapter 50: Sofia
Mama moves around me and stands toe-to-toe with Roman, who bows his head in deference even though he towers over her. Her fingers slide under his chin and turn his head from one side to the other so she can take a good look at his bruised and bloodied face. "You were let off easy. Don't make my husband regret his generosity.""I won't," Roman says gravely."I always liked you," she muses. "It's disappointing to realize you spent so many years lying to us."Regret flashes across his face. "I'm sorry about that, Mrs. V. If I could go back and change it, I would." His gaze dips to me. "But then I wouldn't have met Sofia."Mama tilts her head to the side, her fingers digging into his chin as she studies him. "If you hurt my darling girl or this grandbaby, there will be nowhere on this earth you can hide that I will not hunt you down."Roman winces as her fingernails cut into his skin. "I'm asking for the chance to make Sofia happy. I want to give her the life she deserves." Loo
Claiming What's Mine Chapter 49: Sofia
Surprisingly, my brothers release Roman right away.Roman leans against me, trying to hold himself upright so as not to appear weak in front of my family. We stagger toward a leather armchair, and he slowly lowers himself onto it. The swelling and bruises have worsened in the last few minutes. His right eye is almost fused shut and a rainbow of streaks color his chin.As I turn to face my family, my gaze lands on my mother, who I hadn't realized was standing behind me. Grace is there as well, her blue eyes wide as saucers."You don't have to do this," Roman mumbles.I slip my hand into his and rub his knuckles with my thumb. "Yes, I do." My parents, my brothers, and Grace are all on one side of the room while Roman and I occupy the other. I've never felt so isolated from them. My family has always stood together. That's what we do. The Valentinis present a united front to anyone who tries to harm us.And I'm breaking that code by defying them.Is this man worth it?Is he wor
Claiming What's Mine Chapter 48: Sofia
I shoot Grace a questioning look over my mother's shoulder, but the other woman shrugs in response. "I'm just relieved that you're okay." Mama tucks a lock of hair behind my ear and pats my shoulder.I frown in confusion. "Why wouldn't I be?" Is she referring to the Russian situation? I can't imagine my father hasn't kept her up-to-date with the recent developments. "Roman never let me out of his sight, Mama. I was perfectly safe the entire time."Instead of softening with relief, her expression turns murderous. Her dark eyes fill with a mixture of contempt and disgust. She glances toward the wing my father's office is located in. "That man will no longer be working for us."My throat closes. "What are you talking about?"She shoots a nasty glare at the hallway. "He's a traitor.""Roman?" I breathe."Don't ever say that man's name in this house again!" she snaps, drawing herself up to her full height.I thought we had time to make a plan before talking to my father. But we
Claiming What's Mine Chapter 47: Sofia
"Once I earned Enzo's trust, he brought me to the compound himself and gave me access to the heart of the operation. He opened his home to me and treated me like a son." His eyes drop to his lap."He cared about you. He still does. He planned for you to take over since my brothers have no interest," I grate out, unable to hide the fury tinging my voice at how Roman duped my father.Roman shakes his head and runs a hand over his closely cut hair. "I know."His troubled gaze meets mine again, and my heart softens because I can tell he's just as conflicted over the situation as I am."This assignment was supposed to be a two-year stint. I was instructed to make connections in the lower ranks and gather intel. Just as I was about to be pulled out, Enzo took an interest in me. No one had managed to make it into the Valentini inner circle before. My lieutenant and the DA decided to let me stay. But the problem is that you can't work undercover indefinitely. The deeper you get entr
Claiming What's Mine Chapter 46: Sofia
A guard waves our car through the gate, and we pull into the wooded grounds of the Valentini compound.Roman received a text from my father informing him that the Russian threat has been eliminated. I'm no longer in danger, and my security detail has been called off.It's a relief to have one less issue to worry about. My hand rests on my stomach as Roman navigates the long driveway. Neither of us said much during the twenty-minute ride. I think we're both in shock. I know I am. I may have suspected this outcome, but was still unprepared for it. I shift on the seat as Roman glances at me and wait for him to start this much-needed conversation.He doesn't though. He just continues to drive in silence as the test results flash through my brain for the hundredth time.I'm pregnant.I'm going to give birth to a tiny human being in less than nine months.My whole world has just been rocked. There's no going back to the way it used to be. I would be lying if I didn't admit that th
Claiming What's Mine Chapter 45: Sofia
I rush toward my car in the school parking lot with one thing on my mind.And that's stopping at the pharmacy on the way home to get a pregnancy test.In my two years as a high school counselor, I've had several girls pop into my office, frightened that they could be pregnant. The first thing I tell them is to talk to their parents because this isn't an issue they should deal with on their own. The second is to take a test. For the most accurate results, I advise them to make an appointment with their family doctor or Planned Parenthood to run blood work and take a urine test. If they aren't comfortable with either of those options, I tell them to pick up a home pregnancy test.Most of the time, they stop in and tell me their results were negative. We then have a come-to-Jesus discussion regarding safe sex practices. Abstinence is the only foolproof method, but that's not a realistic option for many teenagers nowadays. And I get that. We go over the different kinds of birth con
Claiming What's Mine Chapter 44: Sofia
I scrutinize my appearance in the mirror to make sure I'm at least semi-presentable. Unfortunately, I look like death warmed over. The best thing I can do at this point is call it a day. I'll let Sherry know I'm taking a few hours of sick time and head home. I can drive over to the compound once I feel better and tell my parents about Roman's deception in person.Just as I'm shutting down my computer, Ella pokes her head through the open doorway."Hey, Ms. B, do you have a few minutes?" She smiles."Hi, Ella." I hold my hands up, palms out in a stay-put fashion because I don't want her to get sick if I've picked up a virus. "Don't get too close. I'm not feeling very well. I was just about to head home for the afternoon."Her expression turns sympathetic. "That sucks."I chuckle. Throwing up at work in the middle of the afternoon sucks big time. "It really does.""Hopefully whatever you caught will pass quickly. Is it a stomach bug?""I think so.""I bet some Saltine cracke
Claiming What's Mine Chapter 43: Sofia
I blink back tears, refusing to let him see how much he's shattered me. "You should have done us both a favor and never given in."He scrubs a hand over his face. "Don't you think I know that?" he asks in a low, ugly snarl. "Don't you think I fought my feelings every single goddamn day? Every fucking moment was a battle. The last thing I ever wanted to do was hurt you. You have to believe that."Unable to listen anymore, I stand. "I don't know what to believe. I need to get to work.""I expected you to call Enzo last night." He tilts his head. "Why didn't you?"I look away.That's an excellent question. One I've asked myself a million times already. I should have called my father right after getting in the cab.Papa would have snapped up Roman by now.Which is precisely why I didn't do anything.Because I can't sentence the man I love to death.My shoulders slump as I acknowledge my own truths. This delay doesn't mean I won't tell my family. It just means I haven't placed
Claiming What's Mine Chapter 42: Sofia
Groaning, I roll toward the alarm clock and slap it.My eyelids feel like they've been cemented shut. Prying them open takes a Herculean effort. Unable to force my limbs into action, I lay in bed as memories of yesterday assault me.Roman is an undercover police officer.Never in a million years could I have foreseen this. If anything, I'd wondered if he worked for the Russians.But the police?The Chicago PD?No. I feel completely blindsided by the revelation. What am I going to do? Acknowledging what a mess this situation is makes me burrow deeper under the covers, wishing I could stay in bed for the rest of the day. Maybe the next few. I had a difficult time falling asleep after getting home because my mind wouldn't click off. As a result, I feel tired and irritable.I would love to call in sick, but can't.Two parent meetings and an IEP are on my agenda for today. These parents have rearranged their schedules to come in and discuss their children's educational needs, whic
