I kiss his neck again, the warmth of the drink lingering on my lips. “I like learning more about you and really getting to know you.”
Before we can even start dinner, the door is knocked on, Kon stands, checks his waistband for something, and heads to the door. Charlie trots by his side, willing and ready to be his backup.
Nolan takes a stance between me and the door on the couch, his tail wagging twice before he focuses entirely. Konstantin opens the door, letting Max and Gio in. Max is as easygoing as ever and winks at me, while Gio walks in and shakes his head.
“We have a problem.”
I swallow. “Does Dad ....”
“No, doll. He doesn’t know about the fun we get up to.”
“And I don’t need to hear about it.” Gio hisses. “I worked with some of Konstantin’s friends on the problem and I think that Mr. So and So may be working with an actual hitman, Juliana. He doesn’t want you kidnapped and ransomed. He wants you dead with no traces.”
I swallow that information along with more hot chocolate. All three men walk to me. I clear my throat. “Well, then. I guess I should be more careful when I go out.”
Gio walks over to my windows and jerks them shut. “It means things are going to have to change. A professional just needs to get you in the line of sight and take the shot. You shouldn’t be leaving the house.”
“What?” I demand.
“And we should consider the safe house.” Max actually agrees with Gio. “Of course, we can bring you everything you need.”
Well, now I’m the cat that ate the canary stuck in the damn canary cage. I take a slow breath. “There has to be something I can do.”
“Doll.” Max cups my face in his hands. “Gio has a good head on his shoulders. If he’s saying that’s what’s best, we need to listen to him.”
I look to Konstantin for help. He has his arms crossed behind his back. “I don’t want to take any risks with you.”
I huff. “And I don’t want to be locked away until it’s ‘safe’. That could take a lifetime.”
None of the guys' answer. They know it’s true. Worse, a change of scenery isn’t going to stop a professional, according to the movies anyway. If it’s possible to draw him out or to pay the hitman more, that would probably be the best option. I know that if we kill the hitman, it’s just a matter of time before he’s replaced.
“Can you find the man that was hired?” I ask calmly.
Konstantin hesitates, then nods. “I could, yes.”
Gio watches me. “Why?”
“If you can find him, leave him a note and tell him an interested party is willing to double what he’s being paid to kill the original person of hire, our solution would be clear. Not to mention, Mr. So and So.” I follow Gio’s lead, pretending I don’t know who it is, “must have life insurance so that would pay out to whatever family he has, it would solve our issue.”
The guys look at me. Gio shakes his head, but Max grabs me and kisses me. “You’re twice as sexy when you’re ruthless, doll.”
Konstantin shrugs. “It’s going to depend. If he’s bribed the hitman with something other than money, or they’re friends, that would be a hard sell and could be more problematic.”
“I will ask the Volkov family for some backup. I don’t want any of you hurt, but I’m done with doing nothing. If my father just wants to sit around and wait, that’s on him. I’m not going to let him use this opportunity to shove me in a place I don’t want to be.” I growl.
Gio nods once. “Then Max and I have work to do.”
“Such a shame.” Max looks me over. “I’d much rather stay here and-”
“We agreed not to talk about this. I don’t want to think about you fucking Juliana.” Gio snaps.
“Oh, don’t you think you should watch and take some notes? Maybe you’ll be able to learn something to make you her favorite.”
Gio and Max keep bickering as they head out. Well that temporary kindness between them is gone. Konstantin locks the door behind them and lingers there for a moment. He was strangely quiet during that whole conversation, only speaking twice.
I stand up, ready to make sure he’s okay and didn’t spy a problem I didn’t. The low rumble of his voice greets me. “Do you have a favorite?”
“I don’t know. You’re all so different. I’d be hard-pressed to choose one of you.”