Mr. Volkov shakes his head, but Vanya holds him in place. “Hunter and Lief, my two most trusted partners.”
Hunter wraps a protective arm around Valerie’s waist.
“We are all in a relationship. Isn’t that right?” Chase holds his hand out to Valerie.
She looks a little surprised, a little confused, but nods. “Yes. I’m dating all three of you. Happily.”
She kisses Chase’s cheek. “None of us are bothered by it. I will, however, be bothered if her name or face is publicized. She has her own life that doesn’t need to be interrupted by scandal.”
The press looks to one another. One of them takes a picture and I walk toward them. They back up nervously. “I believe Chase Volkov made himself clear.”
“Right.” They show me they’ve deleted the photo and swallow. “It’s just such a big story. I mean, to know that the tabloids from two months ago were right ... I mean ... I’m sure something will slip.”
“I’d be very grateful if it didn’t,” Chase says clearly. “Considering how much we donate to the local publishing companies and news affiliates ... it would be a shame for us to be at odds.”
“This is ridiculous!” An old man yells. “The three of you sharing one woman. Absurd. She might as well be a whore.”
“He’s only saying that because he can’t even get a whore to look at him, dorogaya,” Hunter promises.
She shrugs. “Girls in the sex industry are doing a job just like anyone else. It’s just not my cup of tea.”
“Although you’re good enough,” Hunter says in a low whisper.
I roll my eyes. Hunter and Chase hand Valerie to me. “Take her home, please.”
“Oh yeah, now you’re going to hide it.” Another person says as I escort Valerie away from the main room.
She huffs. “Stuffy old men need to get laid so they stop complaining about what other people do in the bedroom.”
“There’s my viper.” I pick her up.
She squirms. “Lief!”
“You seem a little wavy.” I wink at her. “I wouldn’t want you to fall on my watch.”
“Mmhmm. That’s all it is? Not you wanting to wrap me around you and take full advantage?”
I lower my voice as I hear Chase order Hunter to remove the press. He’s going to play dirty to get people in line. I’m betting he’s going to be making an example out of Andre as well.
“You don’t deserve to hear any of this, Valerie. Are you okay?”
“They can say whatever they want.” She huffs. “I get three sexy men and only a few people name calling? They’re less clever than the high schoolers I had to deal with.”
“Would you like me to deal with them?” I offer.
She smiles and strokes my jaw. “I’d rather you deal with me. If I say I’m sad and oh so hurt, does that mean you’ll cuddle me and love me all night?”
“How much have you had to drink?”
“Unimportant.”
“We’re getting food on the way home.” I decide.
“No!” She doesn’t let go when I set her in the passenger seat. “I want to cook with you, Viking. I’ll just take off my dress, pull on an apron and we’ll be good to go.”
I groan and kiss her with passion, devouring her mouth until she tries to pull me on top of her. I chuckle. “I’m not built for car sex.”
“Good. Watching you get all pissy and scare Andre was hot by the way. I think I have a thing for dangerous men.”