“Shame.” I lean away and stroke Hunter's cheek, giving him my full attention. He grumbles hurry up in my ear, but this is a long game if he has a quick temper. Hunter didn’t just open up in one session. It took work.
“Don’t women love bad guys?” Stefan asks.
I kiss the corner of Hunter’s mouth before meeting Stefan’s eyes again. “Some do, I’m sure. I’m more interested in the ones changing the world.”
“I’m more than happy to do that. I want the best for my people, I want them to live a safe life. Don’t want them to have to struggle for jobs or schooling.”
“That is what I hoped to hear.” I treat him to a smile. “Violence can be so meaningless compared to empowering people. No wonder you want a truce.”
Stefan swallows and rubs his jaw like he doesn’t want me to know that. I take his hand in mine, tracing the lines in his palm. He clears his throat. “You said you are a mind reader. What am I thinking?”
I laugh softly. “You are a hard one to read, Stefan. So enigmatic. I know you have more than one thought in your head … at least right now.”
His lips turn up. I lean toward him closer, invading his space, but considering how he invites me with a smug smile towards Hunter, I know how he sees me. I’m not a threat.
I whisper in his ear. “If Hunter knew how curious I was to meet you, to get to know you, he never would have brought me. But I want to know everything about you, Stefan. You fascinate me.”
I stroke over his thigh gently, drawing an innocent little heart. Hunter jerks me back and I giggle. “Did you miss me?”
“Behave,” He warns.
Stefan clears his throat. “I could tell you plenty, Val.”
“Please do. I’m eager to learn.”
He goes over some basics, but I learn when he’s lying. He doesn’t look to the left like few do anymore. When he lies, he distracts, reaching for his glass, adjusting his watch, and touching his necklace. He draws his eyes away from his face and the shit he’s saying.
And he lies about things that seem unimportant. Like what he wants to do in the future, the kind of car he drives the fact that he’s his own boss. I take another drink through my straw and hum in my throat.
“What’s your favorite thing about being you, Stefan?”
“The women!” He laughs. “I’m sure your men can say the same.”
“I can hope so.” I kiss Hunter’s cheek. I know he’s over this. “I work hard to please them.”
“I’m sure it takes no work at all, piccola.” Stefan has a habit of doing this too. Anytime I give Hunter my attention, he touches me, leans closer to me, and compliments me.
“I’ve been so worried about him, you know?” I pout at Stefan. “You powerful men and the dangerous lines you walk on.”
“He’s capable,” Stefan huffs. “As am I.”
“So why not work together against enemies? You both want the best for your people. You both want to enjoy the … the pleasures.” Another stroke to his thigh. “That life has to offer.”
“But we have different politics and different views. Not to mention our tempers. In our world talk is talk, but action … that’s where you see a man’s intentions. And I think I’ve made myself clear when it comes to Hunter.”
“Hunter?” I turn to look at him only to have Stefan catch my chin and force me close to him. I swallow, trying to remember how much Sven scared me.
“You should choose a more competent team, sweet one. Or perhaps you enjoy being Helen of Troy?”
“I’m not a bargaining chip, Stefan, though I’ll take it as a compliment.” I gently pull his hand off me but play with his fingers. “I’m just a curious girl who wants to know more about her men’s lives.”
“They are short. As are anyone’s who live in this business. Short and difficult. Perhaps, if you truly want them to give you everything, you should suggest a trip. It’ll keep you safe and them safe.”
“What do you mean?” I focus on his mouth. “You think that Hunter and Chase would like a cruise?”
“Oh no. They have a private yacht and that would make it all the better. Though, I’m sure you’ve been on it,” He says confidently.
“Don’t bring up those memories here.” I blush and fan my face. “I won’t be able to focus on a thing.”