Page 31 of The Claiming

I run to catch up with him and as his house looms before us, I say quickly, “You told me you may not be taking part in The Claiming. If it was your idea, why wouldn’t you take part? It doesn’t make sense.”

He stops and turns and his mask is back in place as he smirks, “Why would I reveal all my cards before the game has started? You will soon learn, little Cass that is no way to win the game.”

He jerks his head in the direction of the house.

“Come, I’ll make you coffee and grab you something to wear. I dare you to accept my offer.”

His eyes flash as I roll mine and mutter, “You’re a jackass, Frankie.”

He shrugs and then turns, obviously expecting me to follow and somehow that doesn’t bother me, even though it should.

* * *

My second visitto The Elusive house is to visit another occupant’s bedroom.

Once again, I follow a guy up the grand staircase, but this time we turn right and not left. There appears to be nobody home because the house is in silence and my heart is racing as I consider what this would look like if anyone saw us.

Rather than stop at any of the doors, Frankie takes another staircase set at the end of the hall and as we climb them, he says as an aside, “I chose to set up home where my mom did.”

“She lived here?” I’m amazed. “With your father?”

He chuckles. “No. Mom was forced to live here with my Uncle Angelo and her friend Emma. They were to be kept away from his friends and relegated to the attic.”

“But she fell in love with your father here?”

I don’t know why I’m prying into their family business, but I’m intrigued.

Frankie nods. “They fell in lust and then in love. It didn’t end well, though.”

“Why not?”

He shakes his head. “Family secrets, Cassie. I’m guessing you have a few of those yourself. Maybe I’ll tell you a few one day – pillow talk perhaps.”

“In your dreams, asshole.” I growl, causing him to laugh out loud.

“We’ll see, little one. Stranger things have happened.”

He stops at a door at the top of the staircase and as we enter, I’m amazed at the sheer luxury in front of me.

“Wow, this is what I imagine penthouse living would be like.”

“Not even close, baby girl.” His arrogant smirk causes me to roll my eyes, especially when he adds. “We have three penthouses, and theyare all way better than this. If I was to liken it to anything, it would be a suite in a five-star hotel, anything more would be generous.”

“But it’s no frat boy’s room.”

I remind him where we are and he shrugs. “I’m no frat boy and never will be.”

“Newsflash.” I smirk. “Whether you like it or not, you are living in a house called The Elusives. If that isn’t a self-styled fraternity, I don’t know what is.”

He shrugs, my words bouncing off his ego as he disappears through another door.

I am tempted to follow him, but I’m guessing it’s his bedroom. I am standing in what appears to be a giant cinema room, judging from the huge comfy leather couch with more scatter cushions than a store. The oversized screen on the wall sits above a built in modern fireplace, with LED lighting and alcoves filed with trophies.

I wander over to one and pick up the nearest.

Winner.

That figures.

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