No sexy time for you, traitor.
“Sharon, we’re honestly worried about Juliana.” Konstantin has actually popped popcorn. He places one piece in his mouth while keeping the icy mask. “Someone was in the backyard last night.”
“No one had given me the location. If they had, I could have prevented that.” She puts a hand on her hip. “And I wouldn’t be distracted by the client.”
Konstantin doesn’t react. Gio sighs. “There’s so much going on right now, it’s hard to keep everything straight.”
Sharon moves closer to him and rubs his arm. “It seems like you need some stress relief, Gio. You deserve a break, you know that. It’s Konstantin’s day apparently and with the two guards outside, I can make sure you get some of those worries off your shoulders.”
She’s not even hiding the flirting. I grit my teeth and pet Charlie. Nolan growls again. Sharon looks over and forces a smile. “I’m half convinced those pups could protect you without a problem.”
“They’d love the opportunity,” I say.
I see her eyes go to the pink knife next to me and she arches an eyebrow. “Feeling a little paranoid, Juliana?”
“Sure ... paranoid.” I keep waiting for Gio to drop the act and dive into the accusations.
“I’m tempted to take you up on that offer, Sharon. Can you recommend a spa?” Gio says instead.
I take a slow breath, not loving this encounter even a little bit. Sharon gives him a thorough eye-fucking before stroking over his shoulder. “I could get these knots out easily. I’m better than a number of spas and I have a more ... intimate touch. Satisfaction is guaranteed.”
I’m ready to burst. I’m ready to step in and mark my territory. This is going too far.
Konstantin stands and blocks my path to Sharon and her path to the exit. Gio is blocking her exit to the back door. Konstantin casually says something in Russian. Sharon turns around and answers him spitefully before going pale.
The tension ramps up to eleven and then Gio has her in cuffs and on the couch. She huffs and flicks her hair out of her eyes. “If you wanted to get kink, you just had to ask, sweetie. Cuffs and an audience is right up my alley.”
“You have the hit on Juliana.”
“Don’t know what you’re talking about.” She runs her heel up Gio’s leg. “Convince me to be truthful.”
Konstantin steps up instead. His muscles flex in anticipation and he growls out something in Russian. I don’t understand a word, but the way his voice deepens, clings to the words, promises something dark and vicious all on my behalf is so sexy that I know I’m wet.
Sharon gasps. “You wouldn’t.”
“Try me,” He hisses.
“I was one in alineof people eager to take the assignment. It was supposed to be easy. Just to spook her daddy. But then you three got involved and ... well, a girl like me can’t resist a challenge.” Her gaze goes back to Gio.
“And your helper?”
She laughs. “Oh please.”
“He’s clumsy.” Gio shows her the badge.
Her eyes darken. “Fucker couldn’t do even one thing. I should have known.”
“Explain.” Konstantin barks.
I make a mental note to work him up again. This level of intensity, the orders being barked, oh, I’m such a sucker for my men. I look at Gio, ready to kick her ass, shaking off every bit of flirting, impossible to distract.
Gorgeous, attentive, and dangerous. Apparently, I have a better type than I did in college.
“I bribed him. He doesn’t get a cent. With some wining, dining, and attention, he was more than happy to get involved with my plan. Apparently, you have a list of people who don’t like you princess.”
Oh no she doesn’t.
Gio tries to warn her, but before either of my men can stop me, I have my knife against her throat. I lean forward and exhale slowly, remembering control. “The thing is,Jane, I don’t give a fuck who likes me. I care about getting shit done the right way. I’m thinking the right way to deal with you is to eliminate you as a threat.”