The last words are spoken softer, and I swear I hear an edge of reverence that throws me entirely off my game.
“What?” Imanage. “That’s not true.”
There is no way this man has thought about me even half as much as I’ve thought about him, except he won’t let me brush it off. He won't let me look away from those ice-blue eyes, pinning me with that stare until I can't help but believe him.
He backs me up until the conference table is digging into my hip, and I can’t go any further. His hand slips down my side and down my slacks until he is cupping the softness between my legs. Just like that night, he has me instantly. His finger slips past my panties, but not inside me. I can only hang on, digging my fingers into his arm and grasping at the fabric of his shirt as he teases me until my entire body is flushed and my breath is coming in short gasps.
His other hand runs over the curves he professed he couldn’t stop thinking about. I still can't tell whether he is being sincere, or if he’s playing with me, and I hate that I am so lost in my lust that I can't tell the difference or force myself to pull away.
He is playing me like a fiddle again, and I can already feel that edge rushing toward me. It’s as though he learned all my secret places in that single hour we spent together. My whole body tightens, and I’m desperately biting the inside of my cheek to remain silent when there is a sharp knock at the door.
Dmitri pulls back instantly, and I hurry to right myself, entirely aware I am still furiously flushed as the door opens. I don't even see who it is before I blurt, “Thank you for answering my questions, Mr. Smirnov. I am looking forward to working with you.”
Irushpast whoever it was thatcamein, my head down, my cheeks hot, and my body still burningfor the man in the office behind me.
5
DMITRI
Iwatch as Clara slips out the door. Her hair covers her face, but I know her cheeks are burning red beneath that cascade of darkness. I saw it on her face as she was coming entirely undone, felt it beneath my hands as she gave into me.
Pavellooksafter her, too, thenlooksback at me, a brow raised in question. But Idon'tanswer. Instead, Iwatchas Claragathersherself. Her shouldersriseand fall as she takes deep breaths, her chincomesup, her shoulderssquare, and sheflipsher hair back before walking across the office floor as though nothing at allhappened.
Her ability to gather herself is admirable. I can’t help but respect the grit she showed when others would’ve caved or made a hasty retreat. Few dare to stand up to me for long.
“Who was that?” Pavel asks, my last image of Clara disappearing as he closes the door firmly behind him.
I shrug, switching to Russian. “She is the new hire in the legal department.”
Again, his eyebrowarches, and heglancesover his shoulder at the door, as though hecanseeher through it. “Iexpectedsome balding, middle-aged man. Not—” HeindicatesClara with a jerk of his head.
I don't say anything. That’s answer enough.
Pavellaughs. It’s a rough, deep sound that’s more chilling than itisjovial. But I’veknownhim all my life, and Iknow what that soundmeans. “Iknowyou’re good, Dimitri, but Ibelievethat’s record time. Whatwasthat? Fifteen, twenty minutes before you had her?”
“She and Ihave metbefore,” Isay, returning to my seat behind my desk.
“Oh?” Paveltakesone of the guest chairs across from me,leaninghis long, wiry frame back in a way no one elsedaresto in this office.
I nod but say nothing more. Pavel has known me long enough; he doesn't need anything else.
“Don't tell me she’s your mystery woman who stumbled into your suite when she was supposed to be somewhere else?”
Imakea noncommittal noise in my throat.
“Are you serious?” Pavel presses. “You said she was wearing a blindfold, and it was over two months ago.”
“Oh, I’m certain. Sherecognized me with no problem. Immediately.”
“Really? And how did she do that, exactly? Did you whip it out the minute she stepped inside? Is that how you greet all your new hires?”
I give Pavel a dirty look, which only results in a gravelly chuckle. “You must have made quite an impression on her, although it sounds like she made quite the impression on you, too.”
He can say that again. I haven't been able to get Clara Benson out of my head since that night, no matter how much time has elapsed.
I wasn’tlying when ItoldClara that the only curves Isee arehers. I’vetakenother women to my bed since butfound them unsatisfactory—an issue Ihaven't hadin a very long time—and now I’ve stopped entirely, frustrated that none of them have been enough.
I knew it was her the instant she walked into my office, and it wasn't because of the recognition on her face. I knew her body instinctively, memorized it during that passionate hour we spent together. My mind retraced her curves over and over, remembering the way she felt under my hands, underneath me.
