“Lies. You’re a whole mountain of a big man.”
“And no one would expect you. Hunter and Chase are determined to keep you hidden and away, they think that’s the best way to keep you safe.”
“What do you think?”
“I won’t let you get hurt in public. It’s not an option for me. But you could protect yourself too. This seems … excessive.”
“Agreed.” I kiss his chest. “Not to mention, you guys want a full read on Stefan, which would mean I’d need to be there.”
“I’m aware.”
“Two versus two.” I sigh. “Sophie didn’t outline this kind of negotiation for me when dealing with multiple men.”
Lief chuckles and strokes through my hair. “Kill the final tomorrow first. Then we’ll look at the rest of our hit list.”
After all that cuddling and softness, Lief takes me to my room and keeps stroking me, petting me, reading my notes to me as I fall asleep. In the morning, I crush my final, I can feel it as I work through it, then beam as I finish.
Cracking my knuckles, I look at the sticky note that Hunter left telling me to kick ass. Oh, I plan to. Starting with Stefan who bruised my gorgeous boyfriend. He’s not going to know what hit him.
Although … I might be willing to wait to destroy him if I get another night with all three of my men. I can be bought for the right price and by the right people.
LIEF
Mr. Volkov paces, obviously frustrated. “Is there a reason you three can’t be in the same area at once? Something keeping one of you at all times?”
My eyes flick to Chase. We both know that Hunter is very actively rewarding Valerie for her grades. Now that we know she’s passed, he’s determined to celebrate fully. He made it clear that when we get home, it’s a free for all and we’re more than welcome to join. Which means this meeting needs to hurry.
My body burns for her.
“Any answer?”
“You’re aware we’re using the safe house,” Chase says simply. Being with Valerie seems to have calmed much of his quick temper in these meetings. “We won’t leave it unprotected.”
“Then the question arises – is it a safe house or the girl?”
Chase gives himself away, his eyes flicking to his father with fury.
“So there is a girl. Which would mean she’s being shared. No wonder Stefan’s been curious about what you lot are doing.” He motions to both of us. “Answer. Now.”
“There wasn’t a question,” I state.
“Is there a girl!?”
“Yes.” Chase shrugs. “There is. She’s lovely.”
“She’s making you all sloppy. Lief barely walked away from the last shoot-out. Hunter was injured-”
“Stefan surprised him by punching him in the open at dinner! A dinner where Stefan’s been offering up a truce!” Chase says.
Mr. Volkov looks to me. “You are distracted. I recognize it. It’s in these moments where the men show among the boys.”
Chase bites his tongue.
“Your mother distracted me thoroughly. If she didn’t you wouldn’t be here. But business is the focus. Without being able to compart…” He snaps his finger. “You know the word.”
“Compartmentalize.” Chase fills in.
“Da. Without that, you will die. Not fail, die. There is only success or death in our business. For you as well, Lief.” He points at me but doesn’t look at me. “So drop the girl and protect yourself before you get in a situation where you cannot remove her from your life.”