Page 28 of Shared By 3

“And what’s the answer? For that person to fuck right off because you’re loved, and you being gone would kill so many others?” I ask.

Chase kisses me. “We’re coming back to you.”

Hunter pulls my hair from under my dress and kisses up my neck. “I don’t think the devil would take us anyway, Valerie. He’d know you’d come and fight him.”

“I would,” I agree.

“And no one can handle Dr. Sexy on the war path,” Hunter growls in my ear before grabbing my ass. “I’d love to see you outsmart the devil, then punch him in the dick to get us back.”

“Sure, because I’m known for punching, not for having a knife on me,” I grumble.

Hunter groans and pulls me tighter as he kisses me hungrily.

“Hunter!” Chase orders.

Hunter flips Chase off, then releases me. “Don’t you hurry me along when you got to have her for hours.”

I roll my eyes, but follow them to the door. A few security guys go with them, but Lief’s hand in the back of my dress keeps me from following. I’m sure that they left us together to make sure I don’t go.

Glancing at Lief, I sigh. “You’re retiring.”

He nods once. “I’m trying to.”

“You didn’t tell me,” I whisper. “I found out from Mr. Volkov, Lief.”

His brow furrows, then he draws me closer. “I’ve been trying to retire for a while now. Something always brings me back to the front lines instead of allowing me to step back. I told you I was planning a pre-wedding surprise.”

“You did,” I agree softly.

“You’re worried about Hunter and Chase,” he says.

“Very.”

“Do you have your knife on you?”

“Always.”

Lief nods and walks me to a car. Someone stands in front of it. “Lief, you’re to stay.”

Lief just stares at the man. The blank expression shakes the younger man. His throat bobs. “I was instructed not to let you leave. If something happens to the boss and his brother, you’re the back-up.”

“I see,” Lief says, still not backing down.

The man glances at me. “And you ... you’re to be protected.”

I smile and step forward. “You are very good at your job. I know how appreciated you are.”

He blushes. “Well, I ...”

“Have you considered how important you are to the organization? Ensuring that everyone falls in line, sharing orders among people. Being a messenger is more important than anyone will admit.”

“Some wars could have been avoided or changed if messengers had been on time,” Lief says.

The guy smiles and walks us back inside, clearly basking in the approval. Lief sits with me for five minutes, then takes my hand. “This way.”

“Where are we going?”

“There are ways to be close and safe,” he grumbles.

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