Page 22 of Hostage of the Russian (Nikolai Bratva Brides #7)

“I’ve been thinking about this since you walked into my office,” he murmured against her lips. “About how professional you were trying to be when I could see the exact moment you started undressing me with your eyes.”

“I was not undressing you with my eyes.”

“Liar.” He nipped at her bottom lip. “You were checking out my ass when I went to the window.”

“Your suit fits very well.”

“Just the suit?”

“You’re fishing for compliments.”

“Maybe.” His hands slid down to her waist, thumbs tracing along her ribs through the thin fabric of her blouse. “Is it working?”

“You look incredibly handsome in a suit. Happy?”

“Getting there.” He pressed a line of kisses along her neck, making her shiver. “Though I have to say, seeing you in professional attire is doing things to me I wasn’t expecting.”

“What kind of things?”

“The kind that makes me want to bend you over that desk in there and show you exactly how much I appreciate your qualifications.”

“Kostya.” His name came out breathless, and she felt him smile against her throat.

“Yes?”

“I can’t work for you.”

He pulled back to look at her, frowning. “Why not?”

“Because of this.” She gestured between them. “Because I can’t be professional with you when you make me feel like this. Because people will think I only got the job because I’m sleeping with the boss.”

“First of all, you’re not sleeping with the boss.

You’re married to a silent partner who won’t be involved in your day-to-day work.

” His hands cupped her face, thumbs stroking along her cheekbones.

“Second, you’ll get this job because you’re brilliant and qualified and exactly what this company needs. Not because of me.”

“How can you be sure?”

“Because I won’t be part of the hiring decision. That interview was purely for my own entertainment.” His grin was boyish and completely unrepentant. “The real interview is tomorrow with the department head.”

“You mean...”

“I mean, today was just an excuse to see you in business attire and watch you try to be professional when you clearly wanted to jump me.”

“I did not want to jump you.”

“Really?” He pressed closer, pinning her more firmly against the door. “Because I’m pretty sure you were thinking about what I look like under this suit.”

“Maybe a little.”

“Just a little?”

“Fine, a lot. You look ridiculously good in a suit, and it’s very distracting.”

“Good to know.” He kissed her again, softer this time, full of affection rather than hunger. “I wanted to do something nice for you. Something that would give you the independence you want while still keeping you close.”

“This is you being nice?”

“This is me being selfish. I like having you nearby.”

“Even if it means dealing with workplace sexual tension?”

“Especially if it means dealing with workplace sexual tension.” His smile turned wicked. “Though I should probably mention that this building has several very private conference rooms.”

“Kostya Nikolai, are you suggesting we use company property for inappropriate activities?”

“I’m suggesting that my wife deserves to be thoroughly appreciated, and I’m not particularly concerned about where that happens.”

“Your wife also deserves to be taken seriously as a professional.”

“She does. And she will be.” His expression grew more serious. “Azriel, I meant what I said. You’ll earn this position on your own merit. I won’t interfere with the process, and I won’t let anyone question your qualifications.”

The sincerity in his voice made her chest tight with emotion. “You really mean that.”

“I do. You’re brilliant and capable, and you deserve to have a career that challenges you and makes you happy.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I just want to be close enough to watch you succeed.”

“And to drag me into conference rooms for inappropriate kissing?”

“That’s just a bonus.”

She laughed, the sound echoing in the small room. “You’re terrible.”

“You like it.”

“I do.” She straightened his tie, smoothing the silk beneath her fingers. “I really do.”

“So you’ll take the job? Assuming you actually get it through legitimate channels?”

“I’ll consider it.”

“Just consider it?”

“I’ll take it,” she admitted. “But only if you promise to behave yourself during business hours.”

“Define ‘behave myself.’“

“No kissing in conference rooms. No inappropriate comments about my professional attire. No looking at me like you want to bend me over your desk.”

“That’s a lot of restrictions.”

“Those are the terms.”

“Fine.” He stepped back, straightening his own suit jacket. “I accept your terms.”

“Just like that?”

“Just like that.” His smile was pure mischief. “Of course, I should mention that lunch breaks aren’t technically business hours.”

“Kostya.”

“And neither are after-work drinks.”

“You’re impossible.”

“You married me anyway.”

“That wasn’t exactly my choice.”

“No,” he said, his voice growing softer. “But staying married to me is. And I’m very glad you’re choosing to stay.”

The tenderness in his words made her heart flutter. “So am I.”

“Good.” He opened the door and gestured for her to precede him. “Now, let’s get you back to Janet so she can schedule your real interview. I have a feeling you’re going to impress the hell out of them.”

“And if I don’t?”

“Then they’re idiots, and I’ll find you something better.” He pressed a quick kiss to her temple. “But you will. You’re going to be amazing.”

As they walked back toward his office, Azriel found herself smiling. For the first time since this whole mess had started, she felt like she had something to look forward to. A real job, a chance to use her education, the possibility of building a life that was truly her own.

And maybe, just maybe, a husband who actually wanted to see her succeed.

It was more than she’d ever dared hope for.