His dark eyes hold mine after that statement. I’d love to dig into it, to ask exactly how interesting he’s going to be, but I know that power he carries so well on his shoulders is from his dad and mine.
I pull Nolan onto my lap and stroke him slowly, then look over at Konstantin. “Would you like to hold Charlie? He just might let you since he hasn’t growled.”
He can’t quite cover the excitement which is adorable. He clears his throat. “No, thank you, Juliana.”
“Well, if you’re going to be so formal.” I lean towards him and make sure our legs brush. “You should call me Miss Giovani, don’t you think?”
He clears his throat and takes a long drink of water. As if I’m the one trying his patience. If my dad wasn’t watching, I could be on top of Konstantin like little sixteen-year-old me fantasized. I bet he’d feel amazing too. Well, I hope he would.
Konstantin exudes power now, but I remember how nervous he’d get when I’d flirt way back when. Was it because I was flaunting myself knowing he couldn’t touch or was it because he’s not used to women who know what they want?
“So you don’t want to hold Charlie?” I point at my sweet little Pomeranian that’s very interested in Konstantin’s sock. “I’m sure he’d love some attention. I know I would, especially from a man like you.”
Konstantin doesn’t give anything away, just shakes his head.
He’s almost cute.
“Stop playing with the bodyguard, Juliana. He has enough on his plate.” Gio growls.
“And I thought you said you were going to be interesting,” I grumble, then tap Konstantin’s empty plate. “But I don’t think I see anything here. If I was to sit in this exact spot, then you’d have plenty to do. Should we give it a try?”
Gio takes my hand. I immediately look at him. If Daddy hurts men that look too long, what does Gio think he’s going to get out of touching me? His eyes bore deep into mine, reminding me of that ‘almost’ kiss we had in college.
It would have been stupid, wouldn’t have counted since we were both tipsy, but he’d looked at me just like this. Intense, hungry, and full of demands he’s ready to give and a whole lot more.
“Think of the trouble he’d get into.”
I shake Gio’s hand off. “Andyouknow that my father doesn’t just punish the men I play with.” Gio takes a drink from his glass but doesn’t look away. Doesn’t even blink. I scoff. “Anyway, it’s just pretend. All for fun.”
I stand up and see Konstantin ready to follow. I gently pat his shoulder. “I’m planning on some girl talk. Be good and stay.”
He blinks at me and I gently stroke his jaw. I make sure Dad can’t see me do it, proof I have more mercy than my reputation promises. I lean down to Konstantin. “If you’re a good boy, I’ll reward you later.”
I see his face go a little pink and smile as I walk my dogs over to the woman with Hunter Volkov. They didn’t print her name. Hunter looks at me, noting my existence, then back to the woman. He pulls her close.
“Dorogaya, you’re so cold.”
“Good try, Hunt. You know if I’m cold, I fix it quickly.” She teases, a smile tugging on her lips. When Hunter glances at me again, she turns to greet me. “Hello.”
“I’m Juliana Giovani.”
“The daughter of one of my father’s business partners,” Hunter explains.
“Oh, nice to meet you. I’m Valerie.” She offers me her hand.
I glance at Charlie and Nolan. No reaction. I shake her hand. “Could I drag you away from your company for some girl talk?”
Valerie glances at Hunter and he sighs, but walks away, his eyes flicking back. She rolls her own eyes. “Overprotective.”
“He has every reason to be.” Of course, I’ve learned all my father’s most dangerous secrets, like colluding with the mafia, or any mafia as long as it brings his profits up. “I saw the tabloids where you were featured.”
Her gaze turns sharp.
“I wanted to thank you.”
“Thank me?”
“For being unapologetically yourself. You don’t know how rare that is. What a dream it is for some,” I say.