AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Aleks’ menacing voice echoes in my mind again, and I shudder at the thought of disappointing him. He’ll hurt Nilo – or worse – if I don’t get this right. I have no doubt about it. Cautiously, I push the door open, and I’m greeted by the sight of office furniture. The room is filled with an imposing desk, stacks of papers, and high-tech gadgets that seem to hum with power.
Thank God!
I carefully scan the area, searching for the perfect hiding spot for the microchip. An ornate vase on a shelf looks like it will do nicely. I stealthily move across the room, each step as quiet as a cat stalking its prey, when a sudden creak from the floorboards nearly stops my heart. Footsteps! Panic grips me like a vise, and I swear I feel my blood run cold.
God, please, not now, not when I’m this freaking close!
Desperate to complete my mission, I race over to the vase, my hands shaking like a leaf in a hurricane as I tuck the microchip into the small opening at the base. The footsteps grow louder, and I know I’m running out of time.
Fuck, fuck, fuck!
I force the microchip into place just as the door to the meeting room swings open. My heart pounds like a jackhammer, and I scramble to find a place to hide, silently praying that I’m not discovered. Because I have no doubt that it would spell death.
Chapter 9
Sophia
I HAVE no time to hide now. My body tenses, my eyes locked on the door as it creaks open. I’m like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming car, frozen in place, fear and adrenaline coursing through my veins.
The door opens, and for a split second, I hope against all odds that it’s not Luka. But my hope is short-lived. There he is. And even though I’m scared witless, it’s hard not to stare at him standing in the doorway.
Holy shit!
He’s completely naked, his toned body covered in tattoos and scars, exuding raw sexuality.
Wh-why is he walking around naked?
“What in the hell…?” Luka’s voice is tinged with amusement and disbelief, his eyes flicking between me and the room around us. I remain rooted to the spot, my mouth dry and my heart racing a hundred miles an hour. I can’t even muster up the courage to apologize or attempt an explanation.
The silence stretches between us, punctuated only by the sound of our breathing. I can feel the weight of his gaze, the intensity of his scrutiny making me feel exposed, vulnerable. I know I need to say something, but words seem to have abandoned me, leaving me defenseless in the face of his penetrating stare.
Luka, however, seems to be enjoying this bizarre tableau. A smirk plays at the corners of his mouth, and he tilts his head, examining me like a scientist studying a fascinating new specimen.
“You know, most people would at least try to hide or make a run for it,” he drawls, clearly amused by my paralysis.
A hot flush creeps up my neck, and I feel the heat of embarrassment burning in my cheeks. I open my mouth to respond, but all that comes out is a pathetic, strangled squeak.
He chuckles, the sound rich and deep, his amusement only adding to my humiliation. But despite the humor in his eyes, I can’t shake the feeling that he’s evaluating me, assessing my every reaction, searching for any sign of weakness.
“What are you doing here?” he says when I’m sure the tension is going to tear me apart.
My breath catches in my throat as I take in the sight of him. His dark hair is tousled, and his piercing gaze sends a shiver through me. Despite the fear and uncertainty, I feel a sudden surge of desire course through me.
What the fuck is wrong with you??
“I… I…” I stutter, unable to find an excuse for my presence. The realization dawns on me that I’m clearly snooping, and I press back against the wall as Luka stalks up to me, closing the distance between us.
“Did you think you could just come in here without my permission?” he demands, his voice low and dangerous. I feel the heat of his gaze and instinctively shrink back.
“I’m so sorry,” I blurt out, trying to play it cool. “I just, uh, got lost looking for water,” I stammer. “I, um…really like your meeting room. It’s super fancy.” I force a nervous laugh, then add, “I guess you’re too rich to have plain old water anywhere, huh? Maybe I should be looking for champagne?”
Oh Jesus, what the hell, Sophia?
I inwardly cringe at the lame joke, hoping to high heavens that he doesn’t see through my pathetic attempt at an excuse. But instead of getting angry, he steps even closer, and I can feel the heat radiating off his body.
God, what is he thinking?
Probably how he plans to dispose of my body. Trying to ignore the way my heart races, I take a step back, putting some distance between us.
