“But true love is real, right?” I’d asked at fourteen.
“It can be, but while you’re young, you need to have fun. Explore every opportunity so you don’t go crazy under a mountain of ‘what if’. You should try on at least ten dresses before buying one. You should test drive a few cars before buying one.”
“So I should date around before settling down with one man?”
“Exactly. And only settle down when you’re sure. When you know this is the person you want forever. Don’t let anyone bully you into it or make you question what you know.”
“Okay.”
“Doll?”
I open my eyes to look at Max. “Sorry. I got stuck in my head.”
“You were talking about dresses, then cars, then men. I have to admit, I’m confused at how they’re similar.”
“It would be insulting if I told you.”
“All the more reason to do it. Go ahead and try to take my ego down a peg. I’m confident it’s big enough to survive it.” He chuckles.
“Not tall enough, though,” Gio says, saving me.
Konstantin comes down behind him. Max gives them a look that looks almost like frustration and Gio holds up his hands. “We’re here for a check-in and nothing else.”
“The woman has disappeared as far as we know. We can’t get a lead on her at all, but since you’re under Volkov’s protection, if anything were to happen to you, their reputation would take the hit. They have two people stationed outside.”
“Max, your plans with the stocks is working. So is my email. The combination has Alister running scared. He’s made a rather crazy comment on the news, sounding paranoid and unhinged, even though he’s right on the money.”
“Assuming people are out to get him?” Max asks.
“Exactly.”
The silence continues and I roll my eyes. “I’m fine, Gio. The news that my dad wants to see me comes at least once a year. I’m getting through it. Excuses are an option and who knows, maybe the hitman will strike and I’ll just have to stay inside.”
“Not exactly what I’m hoping for,” Kon replies.
“I know that I have you three to help me through it. I’m not alone.”
Saying it makes me feel powerful. Patricia has made sure I don’t feel alone in many ways, but she has limitations. She can’t exactly go toe-to-toe with my father, but these men can. They can make waves and problems and twist things up until I seem perfectly well-behaved.
Gio glances at the main floor of the house. “Konstantin and I will leave. Get some sleep tonight. Not you, Max.”
“Well, if I’m not sleeping, I know who I’m not sleeping with, kid.”
Gio narrows his eyes at the insinuation, but decides not to say anything. I wave to him as he leaves.
Konstantin points at me. “Make sure you eat. Take care of yourself, Juliana. Please.”
How can I turn him down with those damn puppy-dog eyes. So I nod, giving in easily. Max rubs my shoulder when we hear them leave. “I’m going to show you how the security feed works.”
“Even though you’re glued to my side?”
“You deserve to know how you’re being watched, doll. I’m trying to do more than flirt with you.”
“Oh, we’re bonding.” I smile.
“Oh yeah. Over security feeds, past trauma, and teasing Gio mercilessly we are doing just that, doll.”
“Max.”