“No,” Gio says immediately when I raise my head.
“You don’t even know what I have planned,” I argue.
“You planning is enough of a problem. We’re not doing this, Juls. I’m not willing to take any risks with you. I don’t care how good it is. You’re safest with Konstantin and me,” Gio hisses.
“So you don’t trust Max either?” I ask.
“Don’t start with me. I’m trying to give you what you want, a serious response, including you when I’m not supposed to. I’m trying, Juliana.”
“I appreciate that, but this is still my life.”
“And your life is what I care about.” Gio insists.
We stare at each other, a glare settling on my face. He huffs. “You try talking to her. I’m going to the lobby. I’m sure Max will be here soon and I need to deal with his approach.”
Gio walks out, slamming the door behind him and making me jump. One day, I won’t have that reaction. One day I’ll be able to shake off all of Daddy’s punishments, all of the lingering fears of the dark and shadows on the wall, all the paranoia of people after me for Daddy’s money.
“Juliana,” Konstantin whispers. “Where’s your head?”
“Up my ass apparently.” I laugh and shake my head. “Gio just told me people are after me and I was nearly shot on the street, but I’m most worried I’m full-on hallucinating.”
Konstantin moves closer. I draw back, find an excuse to stand up, and feed my dogs.
“Why hallucinating?”
“I thought we did something last night, but I guess we didn’t. Or if we actually did, it clearly didn’t mean shit to you.”
I watch Nolan and Charlie eat and shake my head. “Why is that upsetting me the most right now?”
“Because I’m on your couch and you’re not on top of me?”
I turn to face him slowly while rubbing my arms. “I’m freezing.”
“Information overload will do that. Come here.”
I walk to him but leave a safe distance between us. Kon rolls his eyes, hooks one massive hand under my knee, and drags me against him. He wraps both arms around me and rubs my back.
“Better?”
“My pride hurts.”
“Last night happened,” He whispers in my hair before kissing the top of my head. “But if I let on, I won’t get these moments with you and I might be a little greedy.”
Slowly, I look up to meet his eyes. “Do you want to hear my plan?”
“Tomorrow. Let your mind relax for today, okay? Think it through. If it sounds good in the morning, it is.”
“Wiser because you’re older?” I guess.
He smiles. “Age has perks. You’ll learn that as long as we’re successful.”
9
MAX
Who knew innocent little Juliana would grow into a bombshell? And she is an absolute knockout. One look at her and every other woman seems duller in comparison. It could be the added thrill of a challenge. It could be that she’s just so damn sexy.
I rub my jaw as I sit on the couch in the lobby. At least three women are eying me like I’m better than wherever they should be. Of course, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t at least toss them a bone. Well, maybe notmybone but a little bit to brighten their day.