I pick at my plate, then set it down. After the sex, I realized exactly how much trouble Chase must be in. I remember him and Lief intimidating reporters and people shouting. Since when is killing more acceptable than a woman loving three men and those three men being okay with it? It wasn’t even their business.
“Pet? Is something wrong with the food?” Lief asks, setting down his own empty plate.
I shake my head. “No, Viking. It’s delicious. I’m just stressed.”
He takes me in his arms and rubs my shoulders slowly. His hands continue down my back, then he wraps me up in his arms, hugging me close. “Are you having second thoughts?”
Liefneeds assurance? He’s been so consistent, so confident. I glance back at him and notice he won’t meet my eyes.
“You never wanted to be in the spotlight. You never wanted to be involved in the press, and you were thrown to the sharks in the middle of the party.”
I play with my fingers. “It’s a good thing I was drunk.”
“Valerie .... please be honest.”
“I’m not having second thoughts about us,” I assure him. “not about you, not about Chase, not about Hunter. I love the three of you and you all handled it so well. No shame, no embarrassment. You stood up for me.”
“I didn’t say anything.”
“You threatened a reporter ... nicely.” I kiss his cheek. “Even though you had my favorite stabbing knife.”
“Words do a great deal. You taught me that,” He whispers.
We cuddle each other, promising everything is fine until someone knocks on the door. Lief goes to collect his pants while I run upstairs to grab pajamas. Sweat pants and an oversized t-shirt do the job, even if it’s not the sexiest thing ever.
When I come back down, I’m surprised to see Lief’s parents and Vanya. Vanya and Josefine come right to me. Vanya takes my hand while Josefine checks my face.
“Oh, dear. I wanted to make sure you were okay. Of course, Chase insisted on a whole thing about keeping you quiet, made it very clear that he doesn’t tolerate any kinds of defamation.” Josefine says.
“But something might slip. Many of those men are easy to bribe.” Vanya warns.
“Are you really okay? I can’t imagine the stress when you’re trying to start your career. If something does happen, we have a place in Amsterdam you are welcome to use. Most people there speak English and therapists are badly needed.” Josefine continues.
Vanya nods. “And of course, I can use the influence I have. Perhaps we can-”
“I’m okay,” I assure them, not exactly comfortable with the amount of mothering I’m getting.
“Are you sure, honey? We will help any way we can,” Josefine promises. “Roger has good connections when it comes to news outlets.”
“Not huge, but it could help,” He offers.
I look to Lief and see him smiling softly, leaning back against the wall like he expected this. Why? Why would his parents do this for me? Is it because I’m the first girlfriend they’ve met or something else?
“I know how hard this violent world is for a woman,” Vanya whispers. “I want to help, especially after how you’ve helped Hunter and I talk.”
“And you’re important to my son which makes you important to me,” Josefine agrees. She leans forward and whispers in my ear. “I’m hoping to call you daughter one day.”
My face must be bright red. But it’s information overload.
When the doors open and Chase and Hunter come in, I’m at least released. Josefine and Vanya go to them for answers while Lief takes me outside. Hunter follows shortly after. I exhale and shake my head.
“That was more overwhelming than the party.”
“It looked like you were being crushed.” Hunter chuckles. “I guess mothers like you.”
“They recognize when a woman is good for their sons,” Lief says while patting my hand.
“We got things as taken care of as we could,” Hunter reports after kissing me softly. “Proof I’m capable of plenty while drunk.”