“All done,” Hunter says.
“Cool. You know the way out.”
“Valerie,” He says calmly, then his hands smooth over my shoulders. He kisses the top of my head. “Be sweet for me right now, please?”
“Thank you, Hunter,” I whisper. “I appreciate you remembering I wanted curtains.”
He kisses my temple. “I remember everything you tell me, sweetheart. The dirty and sweet.”
My blood runs hot through my body as he kisses my neck. “Kick that essay’s ass or I’ll swat yours.”
“Promises,” I hum.
I look up at him and he grins. He rubs my jaw. “Sexy, smart, and sassy. I don’t stand a chance with you.”
“Just wait until I know how to fight. Then I’ll have the upper hand,” I grumble.
He kisses me softly. “You already do, sweetheart.”
LIEF
Hunter flicks me off as he closes the curtains and I shrug. We added another two cameras in the lobby as well as one just outside her door. I know she’ll be safe. But I do want to teach her some basic defensive moves.
It won’t hurt. She’ll enjoy it. I fail to see a downside.
Still, I hang around the area for an hour since I don’t have anything else to do. Finding myself in a bar, I drink, ignore the women that approach me, and think of Valerie. I want her again. Already.
But that will stir up problems. I don’t do problems.
My lips turn down as I take a drink. A few men come in that draw my attention. They’re speaking Italian. As they continue, I realize they’re tourists, not involved with Stefan or the Italian mafia.
And now that Sven isn’t leaking information to Stefan, he’s become compliant for the most part. Despite that frustrated look in his eye. Like a little boy that didn’t get his favorite toy. He’ll make himself a problem soon enough.
Until then, I refuse to worry.
My phone vibrates and Valerie’s name appears.
I pick it up. “Yes, pet?”
“Can you come over?”
I finish my drink and pay the tab. “Did something scare you?”
“I can’t stop thinking and you don’t have that problem, so maybe talking to you will help.”
“Am I your counselor now?”
“Lief?”
“A real question.” I clarify.
She sighs. “I don’t know. If anything, I can focus on dissecting your brain a little instead of letting my thoughts run away with me.”
It feels dangerous to be alone with her, but I agree. The last time we were alone was very good. Finally being inside her again, tasting her, knowing that what I feel isn’t one way. It validated me.
If she’s asking me to be with her, it’s because she needs me right now. Especially considering the lack of flirting. When I knock twice, Valerie answers. “What’s the password?”
“Open the door, little viper,” I encourage her.