We spring apart, both breathing hard, lips swollen, hair disheveled. I'm adjusting my suit jacket to hide my obvious arousal when the doors slide open.
Lev Baranov stands waiting in the marble lobby, his dark eyes taking in our appearance with immediate understanding. Hisexpression hardens into something cold and dangerous, and I know there will be consequences for this loss of control.
15
EVA
The elevator ride to the forty-second floor feels longer than usual this Monday morning, my reflection in the polished steel doors showing a woman who looks far more composed than she feels. I've barely slept since Friday night, since Roman's mouth claimed mine in this very elevator, since Lev's dark eyes witnessed our disheveled appearance and knew exactly what we'd been doing.
I smooth my navy dress for the third time, press my thumbnail into my index finger until it hurts, then force myself to stop. Professional. Composed. Like nothing happened.
The doors slide open, and I step onto the floor with my chin up and my spine straight, even though my stomach is churning with anxiety. Roman's office is empty when I pass, and I exhale slowly, grateful for a few moments to collect myself before facing those piercing blue eyes that see too much.
I settle at my desk and dive into work with focused intensity, organizing files and reviewing Roman's schedule for the day. But my mind keeps drifting to Friday night, to the desperate way wekissed, to the heat of his body pressed against mine, to the way his hands gripped my hips like he was claiming me. My thighs clench involuntarily at the memory, and I force my attention back to my computer screen.
By mid-morning, I need coffee desperately. The break room is blessedly empty when I enter, but then the door closes behind me with a soft click that makes my spine stiffen.
I turn to find Lev Baranov leaning against the door, his dark eyes flat and dangerous in a way that makes my pulse spike with fear. He's wearing one of his perfectly tailored suits, his hands in his pockets, his expression revealing nothing. But there's something predatory in his stillness, like a wolf deciding whether to attack or simply watch its prey squirm.
"Miss Markova." His voice is low, controlled, the kind of tone that forces you to lean in to hear properly. "We need to talk."
My throat goes dry. "Of course. What can I help you with?"
Lev moves away from the door, closing the distance between us with measured steps. I want to retreat, but the counter is at my back, trapping me. He stops just close enough to invade my space without actually touching me, and I catch the scent of expensive cologne and something darker, more dangerous.
"You need to stay away from Roman."
The words are delivered with such cold finality that for a moment I can't process them. "I… I don't know what you mean. I'm his secretary. I work for him."
"Don't play stupid." Lev's dark eyes bore into mine. "I saw you Friday night. I know what happened in that elevator. And I'm telling you it needs to stop."
Heat floods my cheeks, but I force myself to meet his gaze without flinching. "Nothing happened. We were just?—"
"Lying to me is a waste of both our time." He leans slightly closer, and I press back against the counter, my heart hammering. "You're a distraction Roman can't afford. A weakness that will get people killed."
"I'm not?—"
"You are." His voice drops even lower, becomes almost gentle, which somehow makes it more terrifying. "Roman is the Pakhan. Do you understand what that means? He runs an empire built on blood and violence and ruthless calculation. He can't afford to be distracted by a pretty face and a tight body. He can't afford to make decisions with his dick instead of his brain."
The crude words make me flinch, but I force steel into my voice. "There's nothing between us. I'm just doing my job."
Even as the words leave my mouth, I know I'm lying. To Lev. To myself. I'm wildly attracted to Roman Sokolov despite knowing he's dangerous, despite every logical reason I should run as far and fast as possible. The memory of his kiss, his hands, the controlled power in his body makes my skin flush with desire I can't suppress.
Lev sees it. I watch recognition flicker in his dark eyes, and his expression hardens further. "You're already in too deep. I can see it on your face."
"What do you want from me?" My voice comes out steadier than I feel. "You want me to quit? To leave?"
"I want you to understand what you're walking into." Lev's tone shifts, becomes something darker, more ominous. "Roman'sworld destroys innocent things. I've watched it happen for twenty years. Beautiful, naive women who think they can handle him, who think love will be enough. They all end the same way—broken, traumatized, or dead."
The words send ice through my veins. "Are you threatening me?"
"I'm warning you." He straightens, putting a few inches of distance between us, but his eyes never leave mine. "Roman protects what's his with brutal efficiency. But he also destroys it. That's what men like us do. We consume everything we touch until there's nothing left but ash."
My hands are shaking now, and I press them flat against the counter behind me to hide it. "Why are you telling me this?"
"Because I've known Roman since we were fifteen years old. He's my brother in everything but blood, and I'd die for him without hesitation." Lev's voice carries absolute conviction. "But I also know what he's capable of. The darkness inside him. The violence that's always just beneath the surface. You think you've seen it, but you haven't. Not really. And when you do, it will be too late."
He moves toward the door, then pauses with his hand on the handle. "Stay away from him, Miss Markova. For your own sake. For his. Before this situation destroys you both."
