“You’re right.” I decide right then and there. “As soon as this bullshit is over, I’m going to do it. Now if you tell me you’re an artist too, I’ll give you a discount as my first client.”
“I’m not, but I know plenty of people who love showing off amazing pieces of art and at least three who want portraits done of themselves the old fashioned way.” He says before kissing me. “You don’t settle for your father’s rules, make your own.”
Konstantin cuddles me as we watch a movie. Neither of us talk. He pets the dogs while stroking my hair and we have an amazing night together. No sex needed, which is shocking. I sit up at the end of the movie, ready for a serious discussion about what we’re feeling, where he wants this relationship to go, but he’s already asleep.
I sigh, tuck him in and call the dogs to go out. Gio stands there, looking at the back yard with a nod as Nolan and Charlie romp around. He exhales. “This is a good place for you, Julia. Far better than where you were.”
“I think so too.”
“I need to talk to Konstantin. I believe he has more information about the man running the hit.” Gio says seriously.
“He’s asleep.” I murmur.
“We don’t sleep on the job, Julia.”
I feel myself get defensive, but Gio wraps an arm around me and pulls me tightly against him. I inhale his cologne, light and almost sweet. He hugs me tightly, cups the back of my head and I feel him shake.
“Your father told me that Max didn’t give many details. He didn’t even know if you were hurt. Do you have any idea how crazy I’ve been. The Volkovs wouldn’t even tell me where you were until Hunter saw me and gave it up.”
I clutch at his sides. “I’m sorry, Gio. I should have called.”
“Yes.” He pulls back and studies my face. “But I’m sure you were upset.”
“I just can’t ... I can’t believe that I.” I shake my head and take a slow breath, trying to calm down. “It was so fast. I was just sitting there, talking to Max about my plans for the safe house and the future and then he grabbed me and jerked me under the table and there was glass everywhere.”
Gio looks at my hand. There are a few cuts on my arm that I didn’t notice. Gio kisses each one softly. “And now your guard is sleeping on the job.”
“We weren’t ...” I shake my head. “Off limits.”
“A movie night?” Gio guesses. “Kon wouldn’t push for sex after something like this.”
“You know him well.”
“And Max. How is he dealing with this?”
“He’s going to fuck with something to bankrupt Mr. Alister. And the Volkovs got more information so Dad won’t know you told me. I was careful about that, Gio.” I insist. “I don’t want you in trouble at all.”
He softens and holds my face between his hands. “I don’t give a fuck about your father. I care about you, Juliana. Haven’t I made that clear? All these years I’ve ignored his orders, but pretended to do exactly what he said so I could stay close to you.”
“Gio.” I breathe.
“Do you really think I would ever side with him?” He asks seriously. “It’s always been about you, Julia.”
I just hug him tightly, then kiss up his neck. Gio cups my face, guiding me to his mouth. I moan as I kiss him, stroking over his sides, needing to feel him against me, for this to be real. Gio kisses me again, his tongue gently stroking mine.
I can tell he’s not angling for more which just makes it even more special to me. As I cling to him, he slowly ends the kiss. My heart races in my chest. Gio strokes under my eyes. “I’ve never ridden the fence, babe.”
“I’m sorry. I just assumed.”
“I just do things a different way.” He says with a smile. “The smart way to balance out all your impulsiveness.”
I laugh and squeeze myself closer to him. “Insulting me now?”
“I like your impulsiveness. I like your passion and drive and how you let nothing stand in your way. So now, how about we wake up Konstantin and make this hitman regret his choice to try and take you out.”
“Promise I get to kick him in the dick?”
“Promise.” Gio says.