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“Mr. Volkov has created such situations in the past to earn sympathy from doubting members or to keep others loyal. Sometimes these ... incidents are tests, however not passing them can cause many issues and it’s not something to overlook. It can be a serious threat, especially now that he’s given the reins to chase,” Lief says.

Valerie looks between Chase and me, waiting for one of us to back down. When we don’t, she crosses her arms over her chest. “I don’t like my fiancé’s being angry with each other. It’s a turn off and it makes me worried about our future. When you two fight, I worry that I’m going to have to pick sides and that will hurt our relationship.”

My shoulders drop. “I’m frustrated that we’re still serving our father whenever he needs. You’re in charge, Chase, and I want to support you.”

Chase takes a slow breath. “I’m used to every decision being life and death ... every development demanding an immediate answer. I could have waited for you to answer and I’ll try to have more patience next time.”

Valerie arches an eyebrow at him and he rolls his eyes. “Iwillhave more patience next time.”

We each earn a kiss on the cheek and Valerie looks at Lief. “I know you’re keeping something from me to, I haven’t forgotten.”

Lief blinks a few times and the corner of his mouth turns down. “It’s a good thing.”

“Uh-huh. You’re lucky that this is more urgent. I have yet to get you in my office,” Valerie says to him before grabbing her purse and coat. “Let’s go take care of your father’s list of enemies so we can plan our engagement party.”

“I feel like she should be more frazzled,” Chase whispers to me.

“I feel like she should have noticed we did not invite her to fix this,” I grunt.

“Iknowwe should hurry before she leaves without us,” Lief says before we hurry to join her in the waiting limo.

EIGHT

Valerie

Despite my focuson making sure my future-husbands’ father is okay, I’m frustrated as hell. I was naked with Lief and Hunter, ready to break our sauna in after Hunter was good enough to talk about things that frustrate him! Instead of taking care of two of my fiancé’s, I get to listen to more problems and cross my fingers that they’re easy to fix.

I wouldlovefor those letters to be nothing at all.

Vera, one of the usual mafia wives I play cards with, spots me and waves. “Come play!”

I glance at Chase, and he shakes his head once. I give her a sympathetic pout. “I wish I was here for fun.”

“How many times do we have to tell you how to get what you want?” She asks, before motioning to her crotch. She arches an eyebrow at me. “You know, da?”

“Da,” I agree, “that won’t help me get out of this, though. Soon!”

“That means multiple drinks next time,” she warns.

I roll my eyes. There’s no way I can keep up with those women. They might be older than me, but they don’t slow down. I’m half-convinced they’re stronger than their husbands. If they can drink straight vodka nonstop through multiple poker games while smoking on an almost daily basis, I have no doubt they could solve any problem the mafia is faced with in one hour or by killing the enemy with alcohol poisoning.

Chase holds the door for all of us until Lief stands there, waiting for him to go into the conference room. I look around as I sink into one of the chairs. “You know, I’ve been in this mansion several times and I’ve only been in three rooms.”

“I have a feeling I know your favorite room.” Chase chuckles.

I wink at him.

“That’s three more rooms than you should have been in,” Mr. Volkov says as he walks in.

Lief shuts the door behind him, only to open it again for an additional security person. Said person goes to the corner and stands there like he’s in time out. I sigh and rest my elbow on the table while looking at Mr. Volkov.

“We should be friends, Mr. Volkov,” I say with encouragement.

“Why?”

“I’m marrying your sons and your most trusted security guard,” I point out. “Can’t we find some common ground?”

He rests his hands on the table and interlocks his fingers. “I’d like if you’d marryoneman and keep the others as non-sexual friends.”

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