KONSTANTIN
Juliana comes out of her room after a bit of Gio and Max just talking. I can tell things are tense, but they’re trying which is more than I would have expected with them. Juliana checks her options for where to sit. Max has his arm slung over the back of the couch, offering plenty of space. Gio sits on the loveseat.
And here I am in a recliner. She takes in each option, then sits on the coffee table. I smile slightly. She’s so determined not to pick favorites. I wonder if she does have a favorite at this point.
Juliana’s foot bounces. “So I know that we just had a close call, but it seems kind of crazy for them to try again. But, I don’t think it was Sharon in the backyard.”
“Did you get a clear view?” I ask.
She shuffles her feet. “No. I guess I didn’t. But I want this to be done, guys. I have enough to deal with considering my father wants to see me.”
I can tell that’s getting under her skin. It might even be bothering her more than the hit that’s placed on her. Gio looks at Juliana and clears his throat. “Let’s have a different conversation right now.”
“What kind of conversation?” Juliana asks.
“One about the four of us.”
She crosses her arms before Charlie jumps into her lap. I know just what he feels. I just want to pull her into my arms and comfort her. It’s killing me that I can’t do exactly that. I start to reach for her but hesitate due to that damn clause. Why can’t we just keep the sexual stuff hidden?
“You and I already talked about what happens after the hit is gone. You said you’re still going to want all of us,” I say.
Juliana nods. “I will. I can’t imagine not having the three of you around any longer. You’re supportive, sweet, genuine, prickly, but not assholes ... usually.” She smiles.
Gio’s face softens. “I will be right here with you. I can’t go back to just being friends with you now.”
Juliana nods. Max clears his throat. “We kind of talked about this too. I want to figure things out with you, doll. I don’t mind sharing your time. I can tolerate seeing Muscles and the kid kiss you and comfort you. Honestly, I could probably tolerate some dirty talk too. Might turn me on.”
Gio shoots him a glare, but then they both laugh. Gio shakes his head. “What about you, Kon?”
In my early fantasies about Juliana, she was mine and mine alone. It was always the two of us. And that was good enough. That was everything I craved. But now, I can’t imagine destroying her happiness by making her choose me and no one else. She said there’s enough of her to go around. I have to trust that.
“I’m happy that you’re happy, angel. I’m not willing to give you up. I can’t. You’re the only woman for me.” I lay it out easily.
Juliana blinks at me and I see Gio do a double take while Max shifts. Gio sighs. “Well, if we’re going to be doing this ...”
“Gio.” Juliana reaches out for him.
“Don’t interrupt me and it won’t scare you,” He says simply, like he can read her mind. “if we’re going to be doing this, seriously, then there’s no reason that we should be constantly restraining ourselves. Just keep it PG.”
“PG-13,” Juliana barters.
“Let’s start at PG. I’m still easing into the idea of sharing. I’ve never been good at it.”
“Oh, I know.” She grins, but as soon as the grin is there, I see her eyes go blank.
“I’m going to check the perimeter,” Gio decides.
“Take Gemma!”
“Who is-” I start.
Juliana hands Gio a knife. He kisses her forehead and gives it to her. “I have my own weapon. Thank you, babe.”
He walks out and Max goes to the system. “I need to figure out how this was hacked.”
Of course, he doesn’t move. But I pat my leg and Juliana gets in my lap and hugs me. She rubs my chest. “Are you really okay with this, Kon?”
“I had to go without you for two weeks,” I remind her while stroking her back. “All I wanted to do was storm over there, but I remembered the rules and I didn’t want to get you in more trouble with your father.”