I must have let my irritation show because Yuri asked, "tsar, just say the word and I will kill that lawyer.''
I give him a death glare, "never threaten to kill that woman again?"
He looks at me like I've grown two heads, then laughs, "Boss, what's up with you? Since when did you develop a human heart?"
I reply smoothly, "want to find out if there's a human heart here?'' I pull out my gun removing the safety.
He speaks up raising his hand in surrender, "Okay, boss, so we can't kill her. What now? Do we just kidnap the senator and get the answer?"
I'm about to respond when I hear, "Let me go! I must see him!" Another voice says, "Ma'am, you don't have an appointment, you can't barge in!" Just as the voices echo, the door swings open and the woman who's been plaguing my mind steps in.
The female receptionist bows to me, apologizing, saying she tried to stop her and will call security.
I wave her off, and Iris yanks her hand away from my receptionist, then comes straight toward my desk.
She says, "Sorry for the intrusion, but I must speak with you, Mr. Ivanovich." I don't like that she still uses my surname—what happened to just Ilay? I frown, not wanting to hear her call me that.
She says again, "Sir, can I have a moment of your time?"
I look up at her, swaying in my chair, and say, "Yes, Iris. What can I help you with?"
I take my time to stare at her. She's breathtaking, with her red hair in waves around her shoulders, her eyes shining green like emeralds. Her pouty pink lips are set in a permanent pout, and her face is flawless. Today she's in a black business skirt and a fitted green shirt, and those heels—damn, I love a woman in heels. She's the embodiment of perfection.
She opens her mouth, smiles, and puts her bag on my desk, bringing out a thick stack of files—three in total. "This is one week of digging, and I have to say, it's not looking good for the senator. Or for you, if I decide to show the court this evidence. So I'd suggest you stop backing the senator and help me."
I pick up one of the files, skim through it, and let out a loud laugh. She's clever. Very clever. I love it.
She smiles at me, knowing she's got me, but I steel my expression, "Hmm. So what am I supposed to do with this information? You have nothing of value I want, and I'm not inclined to help you."
She snaps back, "Goddamn it, have a conscience. There's a man in danger, constantly harassed by the senator and the goons you send. Do you really want that on your conscience?"
I look her dead in the eye. "Who told you I had one?"
I lean forward in my chair ready to get up, "If that's all, angel, maybe you should take your leave—or would you rather join me for something more interesting? I have a lunch reservation, and I would love for you to join me."
I get up from my seat and walk toward the door ready to leave her alone in the office. Her voice rose in anger. "You're not taking me seriously."
I don't stop. "I am. I'm offering you another angle. You already know I don't have a conscience. I don't have to help you. Even if you show that evidence in court, it won't do anything for you or me. I'm not going to jail. You'll just be wasting your time. So, Angel..."
Just as I reach for the handle, something sharp whistles past my ear and slams into the door. A signature ink pen, buried deep, leaving a dent.
I freeze. What. The. Fuck.
I turn. She's right behind me now, close enough that I can feel her heat. Her eyes are blazing, her lips are set in a tight line.
That should have been a threat, but my pulse is pounding, and it feels like a rush I haven't tasted in years.
She lifts her chin and fearlessly faces me, "Will you take me seriously now, or should I aim for your shoulder next?"
Yuri's gun is out in a flash. "You crazy bitch..."
"You shoot, you die," I growl, not looking away from her.
"But, boss—"
I ignore him. I step forward, closing the gap, and grab her waist. I pull her flush against me, my head dipping to her ear. I can feel her body tense, then melt just a little, her breathing becoming labored.
My lips brush her ear. "Next time, aim for my shoulder. I'd love to wear your mark."
