Page 49 of Shared By 3

Chase looks at his phone and groans. “I’m not going in. I’m not doing it. I won’t.”

I take his phone from him. “I’ll handle the panic at the mansion. Stay here with our fiancée and spoil her. I’ll be back.”

I clean up, get dressed, and go to the mansion to deal with the security concerns. I make it clear that only those who are recognized are allowed in right now. Recognized and on duty are the new prerequisites. They all agree. The only wiggle room is with the Volkovs since it’s their home, but if anyone joins them, I’m to be made aware of them.

After that, I head home. I notice someone lingering at security. I walk over and they duck their head. I narrow my eyes. “You are?”

“No one. A delivery man.”

“Leave,” I order. “The gates are closed.”

He does so without question. I look at the guard stationed there. “No one in other than the Volkovs and those on shift.”

“Yes, sir.”

“If anyone gets past you, you answer to me,” I snarl.

He cringes back and trembles. I nod once. Even if I’ve put in to step back, I have more kills under my belt than just about anyone here. I’m efficient, I’m clear, and I don’t give second chances to anyone but my fiancée.

I head home, taking rounding routes, going the wrong way on one-way streets, and heading home when I know I’m not being followed.

The next day, I lie around with Valerie she pampers me, giving me a bath complete with a happy ending, a very appropriate massage with lotion that smells just like her, and brushing through my hair until I feel like a brand new man.

Valerie beams the whole time. “When you’re retired, I’m going to dote on you so much, Viking. You’ll be so happy.”

“I’m with you, pet,” I say, pulling her into my lap. “I’m happy just for that. Happy right now.”

She kisses my neck and strokes my chest. We sit like that for a long time, just touching and cuddling, saying nothing at all. As far as I’m concerned, it’s the perfect way to spend the day.

But soon enough, Valerie has to go to work. She comes downstairs in slacks that fit her perfectly and a button up that’s professional, but doesn’t hide her perfect body. I groan, and Hunter licks his lips. “When do we have an appointment?”

“Two days,” Valerie says before looking at both of us. She sucks in a breath. “No, looking at me like that. I’m going to work. You’re going to be good and keep following this asshole with every avenue you’ve got.”

“Yes, viper,” I promise. “Do you have a knife?”

She nods and pats her purse. “And Mr. Volkov’s engagement present. Hunt, we’ll need to resume shooting practice.”

Hunter perks. “I can’t wait.”

She nods once, but seems a bit bothered, then goes to her car. I pull up the tabloids that show we were with Valerie on New Year’s Eve. He nods. “Chase, let it stay up. We haven’t gotten any letters since.”

“I have a feeling that’s going to change soon,” I comment.

“Well, until it does, we have to continue life. That’s imperative. If anything slips or looks odd, the consequence could be lethal.” Hunter rubs his jaw.

“I’m well aware of how dangerous your plan is,” I say.

“Valerie has the new desk that I’m sure you can fit under. Once we get information on a new client, we’ll take it from there. Until then, we make sure we’ve taken care of everything we can and proceed as normal,” Hunter replies.

“And Chase?”

Hunter glances at his watch. “As long as everything is going well, he’ll be home by the time Valerie does. Which means we need to go in. You have potential replacements to evaluate and others to train.”

“The work never stops,” I sigh, heaving myself off the couch.

Of course, after plenty of training, Hunter and Chase are detained. I get home just before Valerie does. She walks in and sighs as she drops onto the couch next to me. I take off her heels, consider rubbing her feet like Chase did, then pull her onto my lap.

“Long day, pet?” I ask.

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