“There’s a gentleman here to see you. Says his name is Marcus Fleming?”
Anka frowned. She didn’t recognize the name, but Viktor’s expression had gone carefully blank in the way that meant trouble.
“Send him in,” Viktor said.
Marcus Fleming turned out to be a tall, lean man in an expensive suit who carried himself with the kind of easy confidence that suggested he was used to being the smartest person in any room. He was attractive in a polished, sophisticated way—the sort of man who probably collected art and spoke multiple languages and knew which fork to use for the fish course.
“Viktor,” he said warmly, extending his hand. “Good to see you again.”
“Marcus.” Viktor’s handshake was firm but brief. “What brings you by?”
“Actually, I was hoping to steal a few minutes with your lovely wife, if she’s available.” Marcus turned to Anka with a smile that was probably meant to be charming. “I’ve heard such wonderful things about your work here.”
Something cold settled in Anka’s stomach. She’d been in this world long enough to recognize when someone was fishing for information, and Marcus Fleming definitely had an agenda.
“I’m flattered,” she said carefully, “but I’m not sure what wonderful things there could be to hear. I’ve only been working here for three days.”
“Ah, but what an impressive three days they’ve been. The Winthrop contract revisions, for instance, are brilliant work. Really demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of international shipping law and risk management.”
How the hell did he know about the Winthrop contract? That meeting had ended less than an hour ago, and the proposed revisions hadn’t even been formally submitted yet.
“Marcus works in acquisitions,” Viktor said, his voice deceptively casual. “Always keeping his ear to the ground for promising talent.”
Acquisitions. Right. The kind that probably involved acquiring more than just business assets.
“How kind of you to take an interest,” Anka replied, matching Viktor’s casual tone while her mind raced. “Though I’m quite happy where I am.”
“Of course, of course. But surely you’d be open to exploring other opportunities? Someone with your skills could write her own ticket at any number of firms. Particularly firms that might offer more... collaborative working relationships.”
The implication was subtle but unmistakable. He was suggesting that working for her husband might not be the best use of her talents, that she might find more fulfilling opportunities elsewhere, away from Viktor’s influence and protection.
“I appreciate the interest,” she said, standing up to signal the end of the conversation. “But as I said, I’m very happy with my current position.”
Marcus’s smile never wavered, but something sharp flickered in his eyes. “Well, if you ever change your mind, you know where to find me.”
After he left, the conference room felt charged with tension. Viktor was staring out the windows with his hands clasped behind his back, his posture rigid with barely controlled anger.
“Friend of yours?” Anka asked.
“Business associate. Sometimes.” He turned to face her, and the cold fury in his expression made her breath catch. “He’s also connected to several organizations that would benefit from having inside information about Nikolai operations.”
“You think he was trying to recruit me as a spy?”
“I think Fleming doesn’t do anything without multiple motives. And I think his interest in your capabilities has very little to do with your professional development.”
The protective edge in his voice sent heat spiraling through her. This was Viktor at his most dangerous—notthe controlled businessman or the careful strategist, but the predator who eliminated threats to what belonged to him.
“So what do we do?” she asked.
“We do nothing. You stay alert, you trust no one outside this family, and you remember that your loyalty belongs to me.” He moved closer, his presence overwhelming and intoxicating. “Can you do that, Anka?”
“My loyalty has always belonged to you,” she said softly. “Even when I couldn’t show it.”
Something shifted in his expression—surprise, maybe, or recognition. The air between them grew thick with unspoken tension, weighed down by their shared history and the electric pull that had never truly disappeared.
“Viktor,” she began, not sure what she wanted to say but needing to fill the charged silence.
But before she could finish the thought, his phone buzzed with an incoming call. The moment shattered, and he stepped back with visible effort.
