Page 10 of Shared By 3

“We’ll just have to redo it then,” Hunter says. “On an anniversary or something.”

I roll my eyes, but peck his cheek.

“And you know you can’t marry all three men, correct? That is against the law,” Mr. Volkov chimes in.

“I know that,” I say, even if I want to ignore it. I have a feeling there will be an Olympics for whoever marries me on paper.

“We’re going to work that out,” Chase says without obvious worry. “We just want to be together and be happy. That’s all this is about. We want a future together.”

“Sharing one woman?” Mr. Volkov says. I can see it would take three men to capture Valerie, but ...”

“But what?” I ask, refusing to back down. “Am I not good enough for your sons and Lief?”

“That’s not what I said,” Mr. Volkov says. “You’re a strong woman, smart, capable, but you’re ... one woman.”

“Yes,” I answer. “I am. I’mthewoman that these three amazing men want.”

“Easy,” Lief murmurs. “No one is arguing that we don’t want you, little viper.”

I bite my tongue–to keep myself in check. What is it about Mr. Volkov that riles me? I’ve already proved myself time and time again and I know I’m good for my men. I know they’re good for me. We bring out the best in each other and that’s what’s important–not if someone else approves.

“I am trying to ... make sure that everyone ishappy,as you all keep stating. I don’t want to deal with a messy divorce after such a complicated marriage,” he explains.

“Divorce isn’t in the cards,” Hunter says in a calm voice. “We’re marrying a psychologist. Counseling and talking is kind of mandatory.”

“I don’t force you to go ... do I?” I ask him as Chase talks about how well we’ve been living together and everything else.

“No, Dorogaya. You don’t force anything,” he assures me, rubbing my knee. “I enjoy counseling and I enjoy you.”

“Do you enjoy me?”

He leans forward so his lips brush my ear lobe. “We don’t have to wait until we get home for me to prove that to you. I’m sure there’s a bathroom here.”

“Hunt,” I whisper.

“Do you remember the gala Gunner brought you to? You had a lot of fun with Chase and me in a bathroom.” His hand inches higher on my leg. “It’s been too long since we’ve been dangerous in the right way.”

“Krolik, you’re fishing for trouble,” I rasp. “Behave until after lunch.”

“We used to be fun,” he pouts.

“We are stillveryfun. I didn’t say the car was off limits. With Chase and Lief watching from the front seat, unable to do a thing except enjoy the view.”

He groans and kisses me, keeping it PG.

“Not in public please, we’re a respectable family,” Mr. Volkov hisses.

Lief arches an eyebrow at me and Chase rubs my other knee, distracted. I take a few deep breaths. “So, what is everyone ordering?”

It’s a miracle that we get through lunch without a fight. Considering Mr. Volkov and I don’t have an excellent track record for meetings without fights. After Mr. Volkov grabs the bill, I can already see the guys plotting for something, something I’m sure we shouldn’t do in front of the senior-level adults.

“We’ll have to have a party to celebrate the engagement. Don’t worry, we’ll set it all up. Lief, your parents should come,” Vanya says. “I love your mother.”

“They’ll be here soon. They’re coming for Christmas,” he answers.

Jeeze, that’s not far away. I think they’re joining us tomorrow night and staying for Christmas and a few days after, but ... where does the time go?

I need more stockings.

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