Max smirks at me, but I feel it all across my skin. It’s better than just about any line he’s given me. Max leans towards me, his lips brushing my ear. “Can’t say I didn’t try to help with relaxation.”
“And fun.” I remind him.
“Who would ever try to attack you while getting a massage, Juliana? I think they’d be noticed quickly in all the towels and robes.”
Yeah. Attacking. That’s what I’m worried about. I’m not leaving these three alone and letting them get to talking before I’m ready to out things myself. Gio takes my hand, pulling me from Max.
“Hit on someone you have a chance with,” Gio orders.
I look at my nails. They don’t need to be done, but a pedicure does sound relaxing, especially if I’m about to meet my dad. Plus, I flash my most innocent smile at the three guys and Gio pales.
Konstantin’s eyes widen. Both of them know me well enough, but Max’s smile answers mine. “Looks like Juliana knows what we’re going to be doing.”
“Weare getting pedicures,” I decide. “all four of us. It’ll be fun.”
Gio looks like he’d rather be stabbed, but I see Konstantin nod. And Max shrugs. “Then I can cancel the appointment I have for next week.”
I laugh and drag them to my favorite place. It’s like a spa, with calming music, low lights, and plenty of plants. I’ve never had a single questionable session here. I get us four seats together and take one in the middle. Konstantin loses out since I see he’s looking over the shop. Gio and Max sit on either side of me and we enjoy having our feet taken care of.
Gio flinches a little like he doesn’t like his feet being touched, but he’s polite to the people taking care of us which is good. I sigh as the woman massages my feet, then let out a soft moan, my head falling back.
Max’s fingers stroke over my hand, then his voice is in my ear. “You keep making noises like that and I’m sure that all three of us are going to get in trouble right here.”
“You and your promises.”
“You say that like you’re considering it, doll.” Max purrs, one of his fingers slipping between mine. It feels dirty despite how innocent the movement is. “Are you sure you’re the one who needs protecting?”
I open my eyes to flash a wicked grin. “I never said that.”
He looks me over and exhales slowly. “You’re right. Your father did, but maybe he has it backward. He might just need to learn that lesson.”
“What lesson?”
“That you are plenty wicked and capable in your own way.” Another one of his fingers slips between mine as his eyes flick to my lips. “A woman who could take on the world if she only has the right access.”
“What access is that?” I lean towards him.
Max’s eyes return to mine. “I’d be happy to have a very long, in-depth conversation about this with you. But we should go someplace more fun, someplace where we can really pound out the details.”
“Oh yeah? Details are what you want to pound?” I tease.
“I’m a good man.” He puts a hand to his chest, but that wicked glint in his eyes says plenty. “I would never assume you’d want anything more than information.”
“Despite how wicked I am?”
He chuckles. “Wicked is something entirely different. Attractive, but ...”
“Watch it,” Gio warns.
I roll my eyes but enjoy the rest of the pedicure. None of the guys get polish and I can tell that Gio is thrilled that we’re done so we can move on, but I see Konstantin smiling. “You enjoy it?” I ask Kon.
“It was very relaxing.” He reports.
“It’s time for lunch,” Gio reports.
“For a kid, you live your life like an old man,” Max teases. “would it kill you to live a little? Break some rules. Maybe even have some fun?”
Gio’s eyes flick to me quickly. “I do plenty of that.”