She blinks at me and does exactly as I say. I call her father. “I have a safe house to take Juliana to and I’m doing it now.”
“What?”
“The windows turned out not to be as bulletproof as believed. I’m making sure she’s safe. Update Gio and Sharon accordingly.”
Just like that, I manage to get Juliana to my vehicle, then take her to the Volkov mansion. She looks around in awe, but when someone asks if she has an appointment she mentions something about knowing Valerie.
The next thing I know, there’s a guy only slightly smaller than Konstantin standing with us. His long blonde hair doesn’t seem to pair correctly with him, but Juliana looks up at him. “The safe house. We need it. Immediately.”
“Sniper.” I explain.
He looks between us and says something in Russian. Konstantin walks out in a tank top and I can see the attraction written on Juliana’s face. She swallows and leans into me. “God, I’m lucky.”
I chuckle and rub down her back. “Seeing you this turned on ... be careful.”
“Take them to the agreed upon safe house.”
Juliana’s dog growls in her purse and the stranger lifts an eyebrow. Nolan falls quiet and the man nods. “Valerie will be updated shortly. She’s currently ... busy.”
“Oh.”
“I can take care of this, Lief.” Konstantin assures.
He leads us back to the car and drives us to the designated place. He waves his hand as he opens the door. It’s a beautiful home, small, but secluded. The fenced in back yard offers more security, and considering there is motion detection all around the house, I’ll feel better.
I actually relax as Juliana walks around.
Konstantin clears his throat. “It’s not as ... luxurious as the penthouse.”
“It’s better.” She sighs. “It has personality. All cozy and sweet. Two bedrooms?”
“Yes.” Konstantin reports.
I rub my jaw, then see Juliana shaking. She sits on the couch and both her dogs nudge at her. She pets them and tries to calm her breathing. She puts on a brave front, but I can tell this has her rattled. Of course it does. She was just shot at.
“What happened?” Konstantin asks me softly.
“Her windows aren’t bulletproof and we found that out.” I answer.
He looks from me to her, then takes a slow breath. “Any idea who?”
“I have a feeling she knows. But her father only told Gio anything, he was sure that he wouldn’t say a word.”
“Neither of you are being quiet.” Juliana hisses. “The guy who put the hit on me is Mr. Alister. I don’t have a first name.”
“I do.” Konstantin whispers. He looks at me. “What are you able to do?”
“I have a knack with stocks. I could tank his business, make sure he can’t pay a damn thing towards the hitman.”
“It might.” He agrees.
“I know you and Gio don’t think I’m serious about things, but I didn’t get to where I am by being ridiculous or outspoken. I’m going to do everything I can to make sure Juliana is safe. I know she’ll fight along our sides to do all this, but she will be safe.”
“We agree on that.” Konstantin says. “It doesn’t matter who’s my boss, I’d bend over backwards to protect Juliana.”
I pat his shoulder. “You and me both. Gio goes without saying.”
And it’s the truth. Even if I’m not buddies with Konstantin and Gio, there’s no one I trust more when it comes to Juliana’s safety and happiness. I know that they are going to do everything humanly possible to make sure she gets through this.