Right now, with Hunter still inside me, I almost think I could get used to this life.
CHASE
Saturday, Hunter keeps fucking whistling and it’s grating on my nerves. It doesn’t help that Dad has me going through and verifying all the work computers since there have been security concerns.
All it takes is one slip, one person being able to access what they shouldn’t and then all of his dirty secrets are out there. We should use a different hard drive instead of relying on people. People are like a house of cards. They can collapse under the slightest pressure.
When Hunter comes to check on me still whistling the damn Indian Jones theme song, I turn on him and narrow my eyes. “Knock it off. I’m trying to focus.”
“I’ve heard music helps with that.”
“Not with your off-key whistling. What’s there to whistle about anyway? Our girl is shutting us out, Dad is pissed that we’re not devoting our entire waking life to the organization, and I have multiple computers to go through.”
“Perhaps you should text her,” Hunter says casually, but the lingering smile on his face says plenty.
He got laid.
And he only wants one woman.
My hands curl into fists. “You fucked her?”
“You too?” Lief says when he comes in. He shuts the door, then nods to me. “Mr. Volkov requested an update.”
“Tell him to do it himself. I’m the only one doing the work if you two are fucking her.” I’m furious. Not so much as a text to me, but she’s been with my brother and Lief? This is bullshit.
“Hey, relax. I told you to text her,” Hunter says.
“Your counseling session went well?” Lief asks.
“Very well,” Hunter smirks. “Date night was better.”
I’m going to hit my wit's end. “I’m going for a walk.”
“Don’t text her,” Lief says simply. “Call her. Or show up.”
“No, no.” Hunter shakes his head. “She’s about boundaries now.”
“Sure,” Lief says.
I curse at them both and grab my car to head to a park. I know shit needs to get done, but I can’t think straight. I had a counseling session with her and tried to open up. She seemed pleased with that, but she was in counselor mode which is very different from her normal self.
As I walk around the park, trying to focus on the emerald leaves, the fresh air, even the sunshine, I can’t stop the frustration from clouding my head. My phone rings and I pick it up ready to fight. “I’ll get back to the fucking system soon enough.”
Silence greets me and I pull the phone back to see that it’s Valerie, not my father. I sigh. “Sorry, Valerie.”
“Work stressing you out?”
“Not just work.” The bite’s still in my voice.
“Hunter.” She guesses. “Once you finish work, why don’t you come over so we can talk outside my office.”
“I don’t need a counseling session.”
“I know, Chase,” She says softly.
Just my name in her mouth calms my nerves. “I’m trying to give you time.”
“And I appreciate it. I do,” She insists. “Just like I’m very gladyoudidn’t violate my trust and put a camera in my apartment.”