Page 10 of Konstantin

“What?!” she snaps as I register her shuffling off my desk. “You made me go through all this just to deny me?”

Her tone grows even more irate, and that doesn’t bring me much satisfaction now because in truth, I want to see her again, and I don’t like feeling this way. My hand curls at my side just as she comes around to face me, unfortunately dressed now. My teeth rattle with the desire to tell her why I can’t have her close.

“You’re a real asshole, aren’t you?” She shakes her head in contempt. “I’m sure Mira told you I need money to pay rent, and you just humiliate me, then toss me out? What kind of man does that?”

The kind who will never risk his heart. I remember what happened the last time I did.

“The kind who knows you don’t belong in my world. I’m doing you a favor, Ms. Monroe. You’d be eaten alive. Then I’d be left cleaning up your mess, and I’ve got plenty of my own to take care of.”

Reaching into my pocket, I take out my wallet and remove a stack of hundreds.

She stares at it, her eyes flashing with rage. “I’m not a prostitute, you fucker. Take your money and shove it up your ass.”

I let out a laugh. “All I’m doing is helping you. This money isn’t to pay you for such an exemplary performance, and I must thank you for that. It was definitely everything I hoped it would be.”

Her slap comes out of nowhere, and a small smirk tips up one side of my face. In a flash, I’m on her, my large hand fastened around her small, delicate throat, pushing her up against the wall. I shake my head, unable to stop the way my pulse beats faster as her eyes grow with both arousal and anger.

“I will let this slide just once, Ms. Monroe, but try that again andI will punish you until that perfect ass of yours is red and aching. Understand?”

She nears, her mouth curling into a tight, rage-filled smile. “Fuck off.”

I grunt, my breath close enough to feel her lips hover just above mine. But I don’t give in. I refuse to take it. Nothing good would come of it. I can feel it.

“You’ll never see me again. Don’t worry,” she snaps.

“Don’t be so sure.” My knuckles draw up her cheek, and her lashes flutter as though she likes it.

Nu blyat, why can’t she just hate it?

Zakrutila moyu golovu.She’s messing with my head.

“Iamsure. You’re not someone I would ever want to work for.”

The last thing I was thinking about was us working together.

Then again, shewouldbe working for it…

When a grin curls on my face, she huffs, pushing against my chest with her small hands. I don’t move at first, but with a harsh sigh, I back away, allowing her to slide out of my grasp.

Pity.

“I agree. Us working together would not serve either one of us. I am sorry this didn’t work out, Ms. Monroe. If you find yourself in need of some money, you know where I am.”

“I would never accept a dime from you.”

“Suit yourself.” I round my desk and settle into the chair, stuffing the money back. Opening my laptop, I refuse to look at her anymore before I keep her here permanently. “Please close the door on your way out.” Pressing a few keys, I pretend to be occupied.

With a muttering curse, she storms out, leaving me there wishing I never met the enigmatic Tessa Monroe.

TESSA

My fists slam into the padded mitts Roger, my mixed martial arts coach, holds up as the sharp crack of impact slices through the air. My breath is harsh, my body coiled tight like a wire ready to snap.

I need to hit something. Hard.

“Again,” I bite out, adjusting my stance.

Sweat drips down my back, my muscles burning, but it’s nothing compared to the fire raging inside me.