17. Claire

CHAPTER 17

CLAIRE

THAT SAME DAY – THE THREATS ARE REAL

“ T ime’s up,” the prison officer said, and I reluctantly packed up. Tears threatened to spill as I faced the harsh reality of leaving Luca trapped in this cold, dangerous place. The thought of something happening to him again made my stomach churn.

“Be careful, Luca. I couldn’t bear for anything to happen to you either,” I told him, and I meant every word. The man had got under my skin and there was no denying the fact that my heart wanted him even if my mind was still reluctant to agree.

“I will, babe. Don’t worry about me. Just make sure you do what I told you. Talk to Miki and follow his instructions, and I’ll see you soon,” he replied as I left the room.

When I first saw the state of his bruised face, I was desperate to go to him and hold him tight. The watchful eyes of the prison guards monitoring the cameras were all that held me in check.

The past hour with Luca had been a whirlwind of emotions. After my conversation with Elizabeth, I grappled with her veiled threats, struggling to maintain control. Each bruise on my sexy Russian’s face deepened my turmoil.

We suspected the MP might try something since Luca hadn’t been granted bail, but I had hoped the guy wasn’t behind that, and it was down to the judges caving under the media pressure. Knowing that wasn’t the case frightened me.

Rage coursed through me. How dare anyone lay a hand on Luca?! Elizabeth’s implications only added to the danger. The thought that the MP had not only framed Luca but was manipulating the very system I believed in to secure his conviction sickened me.

Why not simply wait for a moment of vulnerability to eliminate him? Did the MP really need to have Luca behind bars to carry out his plan? What was the purpose of murdering Julie and framing Luca for it? Was this all part of a twisted game to dismantle his reputation and send a warning to the Rominovs while also exacting revenge?

There was so much more to this than I understood. The rationale behind the MP’s actions was lost on me, but one thing was clear: he was a dangerous psychopath, and I had no intention of delving into his twisted psyche.

Regardless of his reasons, he wouldn’t win. And neither would Elizabeth.

The prosecution’s case was flimsy at best. Given the assault Luca had endured, it would be nearly impossible for the judges to deny bail without facing serious backlash, even amid the media storm.

Despite what Elizabeth wanted, I’d get Luca out of prison next week and then I was going to help Bradley get my guy off these charges, no matter what.

Oops, my guy?!

I was still teetering on the fence with that one, yet thinking of him as “my guy” felt undeniably right in that moment. Damn, I was still so bloody confused.

Shaking my head, I pushed my uncertainty aside. Now wasn’t the time to dwell on my tangled love life and my feelings for Mr Sexy Kisser.

Nodding goodbye to the prison officer at the external door, I headed toward my car.

As I approached, something felt off. Shit, my tires were flat! Both front lights were smashed, and someone had keyed the side.

Fuck! This was the bloody prison car park. How had this happened?

I returned inside to file a complaint. Ironically, the camera that should have covered the car park had been repositioned to face another direction, leaving no footage of the vandalism. Of course, there were no witnesses either.

As I left the building again, I got a text: “Back off, or you’ll be next!”

My blood ran cold. Shit just got real. The vandalism to my car was an unmistakable warning, and I suddenly realised just how much danger I was in. If they could reach me in a prison car park, they could get to me anywhere.

Luca was right, I needed protection. I gave Miki a quick call and then arranged a tow truck.

Within half an hour, Vlad arrived just as the tow truck pulled up next to my car. After arranging for my car to be taken to my local garage, Vlad took me back to mine.

“Pack a bag. Miki wants you to stay at the Estate until this is over,” Vlad said, his voice as gruff as ever.

“Hell, no!” I shot back, crossing my arms defiantly. “All I need is a bodyguard.”

“Claire, you received several threats today. You need protection. Miki wants you with us where you can be looked after properly. This isn’t up for debate.”

“I don’t need to be babysat in some mansion! I have a job to do. I can take care of myself—just someone to watch my back is all I ask.” My frustration bubbled over, flushing my cheeks.

“Look, I get it. You’re tough, but this isn’t something you can handle alone. They got to you in a prison car park. You could be a target anywhere. You’re safer with us.”

His calm demeanour only made my annoyance flare more. “I’ve faced threats before. I won’t hide away like some damsel in distress!” My heart raced with indignation; my life was spiralling out of control, and I hated it.

“Then take it up with Miki. He’s the one calling the shots here, not me. Just know he wouldn’t suggest this if it weren’t necessary.”

“Fine!” I retorted, voice sharp. “I’ll call Miki and give him a piece of my mind!”

I dialled Miki’s number, my heart pounding as I braced myself for the conversation.

“Claire,” Miki answered, his voice calm yet firm. “Are you safe?”

“I’m fine, but I don’t appreciate being treated like a child. I don’t need to stay at the Estate. I can handle this on my own.” Even as I said the words, I knew I was being foolish. Miki was right, I just wasn’t ready to accept that yet.

“Your car was vandalised, and you received a threatening message. You need protection, Claire.”

“Protection? I’m not some fragile thing that needs coddling.” My voice strained with the effort to maintain my composure.

“Luca would want you to be safe,” he replied, a hint of steel in his tone.

His mention of Luca sent a jolt of annoyance through me. “You think bringing him into this will make me comply? This isn’t about him!”

“It is about him. He can’t protect you right now, but I can. Staying at the Estate is the safest option. You’ll have guards, and you can still work from there. Plus, Gracie is here; I know she’ll feel better having you close, especially given the circumstances.”

I inhaled deeply, the weight of my situation pressing down on me, and let out a rush of breath. He had me.

“Fine, Miki. I’ll stay, but only because I want to help Luca and don’t want to worry Gracie.”

“Thank you, Claire. Your safety is my priority, and I’ll ensure you’re well taken care of. I promise.”

I hung up, frustration and resignation heavy in my chest. I loathed feeling forced into actions I didn’t want to take, yet deep down, I recognised their necessity.

Not long after, I found myself settled in a room at the Rominov family estate. I was right where I didn’t want to be, yet part of me felt oddly relieved. The added security of the estate allowed me to justify my stay by spending more time with Gracie. But beneath that, a knot of dread twisted in my stomach. The shadows encroaching around us felt darker, and I couldn’t shake the nagging sensation that my safety—and Luca’s—hung by a thread.