Page 34 of Konstantin

She lifts her chin. “Not at all, considering how difficult it is for you to keep your hands to yourself.”

God, she has no idea how tempting she is when she’s like this.

“Never know. You might actually like it.”

“Doubtful,” she scoffs.

I let out a wry laugh. Her witty tongue shouldn’t turn me on, but it does. Everything she does hits like a shot of good vodka.

“I have to go. But if you need anything, you come to me.” My knuckles caress down her cheek—so soft, I’m almost undeserving of it.

Almost.

When I step out of her proximity, she turns away from me, staring out of the floor-to-ceiling windows at the view of New York City beyond us.

I step behind her, palms across her hips as I look out with her, the city buzzing and unaware of the predators that lurk around every corner. “What do you see when you look out there?”

She shrugs. “People. Problems. Chaos.”

“I see power.” I lean in just enough that my breath stirs her hair. “Everyone plays a role, serves some sort of purpose. Some of them just don’t know it yet.”

She stiffens slightly. I like that. I like the way her body reacts before her mouth can catch up.

“And what role do I serve?”

I run a finger lightly over her shoulder, a feather of a touch. “We’llfigure that out together, I promise. But I want you ready.”

She turns to face me, her expression unreadable, but her body leans in, drawn toward me like a tide she can’t fight.

“Ready for what?” she asks.

I reach up, fingers brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, letting my touch linger. “Anything.”

Her eyes cling to mine with charged silence and thick with everything unsaid.

This thing between us…it hums beneath my skin, electric and alive. Whatever this is, it’s not a spark. It’s a fuse.

And we’re seconds from detonation.

CHAPTER TEN

EMILIA

He walksout of my office and into his, getting ready for the meeting he’s about to head into, which will give me the perfect opportunity to get to know my new surroundings. But I don’t know how much time I actually have, considering I have no idea where this meeting will be or for how long. And if I had to bet, I’d say he’s watching me through secret cameras installed all over his office.

I have to be smart. There’s no way I can simply head for his desk and log in to his computer. There has to be a reason.

But nothing says I can’t get comfortable in my new space. Walking toward his desk, I glance at the glossy desktop, a leather planner sitting neatly in the corner, but I pretend I’m simply looking out at the beautiful view of the city.

With my cell in hand, I tap out a message to Riley without looking like I’m doing anything out of the ordinary.

Emilia

Window open. Storm may pass through. Will send weather updates when possible.

Translation: I got the job. I’m in. Will send info when I can.

Seconds tick by before she responds.