atmosphere had taken a subtle change. A personal element that didn’t sit well, for too many reasons she was reluctant to explore.
Consequently it was a relief when Alexei drew the car to a halt outside the hotel entrance, where a uniformed attendant hailed a waiting employee to drive the car down into the underground parking area.
A few words, a generous tip, and a leisurely pace through the foyer to the bank of lifts...one of which swiftly transported them to their designated floor.
* * *
One day led to another, as Alexei, Cristos and Dimitri conducted high-powered meetings, each with their individual PAs in attendance, as they brokered deals, added valuable real estate to their company portfolio at a pace which left Natalya in awe of their combined expertise and staying power.
Ruthless power, she added silently, at the end of a particularly fraught day...one that was far from over. Debrief, dinner, highlight pertinent points from recordings, send same to Alexei’s laptop. Shower, bed, sleep...
Except sleep proved elusive, and she lay staring sightlessly at the darkened ceiling for what seemed an age before emerging from the bed to pull on a wrap and quietly emerge into the lounge, where she crossed to the wide floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors, parted the drapes a little and looked out over the brightly lit city, lingered on the kaleidoscope of neon signage on numerous city skyscrapers.
‘It’s a bit late to be admiring the view.’
Alexei’s quiet drawl caused her breath to hitch as he moved to stand at her side.
‘It beats counting sheep.’ The words were out of her mouth before she gave them thought.
‘Something is bothering you?’
You, she wanted to throw at him. There, in my face...all day, every day. A constant I don’t need or want.
Because...she didn’t want to explore the why of it.
Okay, she totally got the business part. What she hadn’t bargained for was the constant twenty-four-seven away from home bit. Far away from where she could retreat at day’s end to her own home. Dammit, her own sanctuary.
‘Go to bed. We have another full day tomorrow.’
‘Perhaps you should take your own advice.’
Admit he couldn’t sleep? Her image haunted him, firing the need to pull her into his arms, claim her mouth with his own...and let whatever would happen, happen.
So why hesitate?
With any other woman he’d play the seduction game, accept the unspoken invitation and enjoy the sexual activity...heart untouched.
Natalya...their shared history was gaining too much intrusion on his original intention to gain revenge. So why now question what he’d believed to be fact?
Something didn’t add up...but what?
He felt compelled to do the unexpected, and lifted a hand to trail light fingers down her cheek. And felt her tense.
‘Don’t.’
His mouth curved a little at the slight huskiness apparent in her voice. ‘No?’
If she acted on sexual need, she’d tear the clothes from his body...and to hell with the consequences.
How many nights had she lain awake restless with the aching need of wanting him? Only him. Fighting an overwhelming urge to stem the tears that filled her eyes, angry with herself for lapsing into an emotional watershed as she wretchedly fought for control.
Alexei watched as she turned and escaped into her bedroom suite, heard the faint snap of the door clasp...and remained where he was for several long minutes, unaware of the night skyline, the many lit buildings, flashing multi-coloured neon, the traffic.
Instead he became caught up by her reaction...the faint quiver of her lips, the warmth of her cheek beneath his touch.
All too aware of his own body’s damning response.
For the past five years he’d worked eighteen-to-twenty-hour days, fuelled by the need to succeed beyond measure in the name of revenge, ruthlessly crafting each move, each strategy in a personal vendetta where there could be only one survivor...him.
He’d won. Big time.
Satisfaction should be his...and it was.
So why this feeling a subtle shift had come into play?
* * *
The weekend provided a welcome change from the hectic week’s business schedule. It was a beautiful day, and Natalya decided to revisit a few of the many glamorous stores and fashion boutiques New York city had to offer.
She was entitled to take some down time, to savour a coffee, a delicious pastry, browse a little...simply explore where the mood might take her. Sit a while, and watch the people walk by. Enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Not to mention relax away from Alexei’s powerful presence.
Something which earned a studied look from Alexei on learning her intention.
‘Ensure you have your smartphone for contact, should it be necessary.’
It was simple to voice the few necessary words. ‘Of course. Although I might remind you it’s my day off.’
‘But not the evening. The Delandros corporation sponsor an annual invitation-only dinner to commemorate my late father’s love of his birthplace and Greek heritage. My mother insists you join us.’
Now there was the thing...an invitation from Calista Delandros made it difficult to refuse. ‘I don’t think it’s...’
‘Appropriate?’ Alexei prompted.
‘No.’
His smile held a tinge of amusement. ‘Your reason being?’
‘It’s a significant occasion for family and friends. My position as your PA doesn’t fit either category.’
‘Consider it a personal request.’
‘Personal is not on the agenda.’
A musing smile curved his mouth. ‘The lines are becoming a little blurred.’
‘Not,’ Natalya confirmed, ‘from my perspective.’
He wanted to change her mind, and would...soon.
Subtle persuasion was an art form, one he’d mastered at a young age. Only to realise seduction didn’t equate to love, and while some women were content to play a part, he had tired of that game.
He wanted more.
‘My mother will be disappointed if you refuse.’ Manoeuvre and conquer was a skill in itself...one he owned unequivocally, and didn’t hesitate to use to his advantage.
Natalya
