“Smirnov Corporation is one of the most prestigious in the city,” she says, a note of pride in her voice as she smiles at me. “If they hired you, I’m sure you’ll be a good addition to the team.”
The compliment sparks a warm little glow inside me. I’m beginning to think it might be a good day after all, and a good start to my new career.
That is, until a voice echoes across the stretch of the executive floor. At first, it’s a faint rumble in the back of my mind as the PA and I continue to chat. But it soon becomes a familiar sound that pulls at my attention until I’m having a difficult time concentrating on the woman’s words.
“This is Mr. Smirnov’s office,” she says. “The head of the law department, John Messina, whom you should have already met, is inside.”
I knock lightly, and an accented voice calls out, “Come in.”
It’sthatvoice.
Holy shit!
I look back at the PA, who is urging me inside, her smile growing tighter the longer I hesitate. Finally, I stumble in, the door opening onto a pair of ice-blue eyes—the same ice-blue eyes I’d seen as the elevator doors were closing.
The world tilts, and I steady myself as a smile spreads across those full lips, sharp, predatory, desirous.
Am I trapped in a nightmare? Or is it a fantasy?
Or perhaps both?
“Close the door,” the voice says.
My stomach flips.
4
CLARA
Holy. Shit.
I step forward, about to say something—though I have no idea what—when my mystery man’s eyes flick to something beside me. I realize then that there are two other people in the room. I snap my mouth shut and do my best to pretend I’ve never met this man before.
“Mr. Smirnov, I’d like to introduce you to our newestmember of theSmirnov Corporation’slegal team. This is Clara Benson.” My bossgestures towardme with a wave of his hand, then to the man Iknowonly as the one I had the best sex of my life with. “Miss Benson, this isDmitri Smirnov, president and CEO of the Smirnov Corporation.”
Dmitri Smirnov.
Dmitri, my boss’s boss,pusheshimself away from the desk, uncrossing his arms as heextendsa hand to me. Istumbleforward, barelymanagingto anchor myself before Imeethim halfway, my handslippinginto his for a firm shake. Ihave to bitethe inside of my cheek to keep theshiver thatthreatensto run through me at bay. His handisjust like Irememberfrom that night—large, warm, strong, and commanding.
“Ms. Benson, it's good to have you on our team. I’ve heard great things about you.”
That rich baritonefindsits way to the marrow of my bones, and itisall Ican doto remain outwardly calm andreturnhis challenging gaze with a pleasant smile.
“Mr. Smirnov, it’s an honor to be working here. I’m looking forward to doing great things for your company.” The replysoundsinane to my ears. But then again, almost anythingwill, seeing as Iknowmy new boss intimately. Not onlyhaveIseen him entirely naked, but I’ve heard,felt, andpossessdeep knowledge of what itislike when hecomesundone, just as hedoesme. Ifeelmy cheeksgrowwarm at the memory.
“What have you heard about me?” His toneisteasing, accompanied by a slightly amused curl of his mouth.
“Oh, well, let’s see.” Ishrug, unwilling togivein to his fishing expedition. “That you’re a billionaire, that you rebuilt the company from the ground up after your father retired, that your reputation in law and business circles is ruthless.” Iletthe last word hang between us, injecting a subtle test.
“You seem very well-informed.” His eyesholdmine, and Iseethe challenge in them—a challenge Iamentirely up to meeting.
“I consider it part of my job. Understanding my clients’ roles in the world and the world’s perception of themcomesin handy when you’re facing an opponent.”
The light in Dmitri’s eyesgrowscurious, appraising, before turning mischievous again. “I see. So, you like to go deep, find every single weakness, and drive home until you get your desired result.”
Ican’t helpbutchoke,losingmy reply between an intake of breath and the sudden, vivid recollection of what heisimplying. I waveaway his concern when heasksif I’m okay. Idon't know whether to be annoyed or turned on when Dmitri himselfdoesn'teventryto stifle his grin.
The PA whobroughtme to the officeoffersme a glass of water, which Igratefully accept. We allsitfor the meeting as Iam introduced to my role expectations and company guidelines. But I barelyhearany of it. Instead, all Ican doisconcentrate on the fact that my mystery man issitting across the table from me, so close Icansmell the cologne thathas hauntedmy dreams since that night two months ago.
