Page 50 of Konstantin

“Yeah. I’m good.”

“In and out, you hear? I won’t be able to protect you if there’s a fallout. You understand, right?”

“I know.” I can’t say more, and he knows that.

He releases a sigh. “I don’t want anything to happen to you, and I already regret this.”

“Too late for that.” I laugh.

“Mm-hmm. Just watch your back. I know you’re loyal to your brother. But don’t get too close. These men, especially Konstantin, they have a way of pulling people in until they can’t escape.”

“Don’t worry so much. It’s not good for your heart.”

He snickers. “Yeah, yeah. You sound like my wife.”

“Well, maybe try listening to her for once.”

“I’m getting off now.” He’s silent for a beat too long. “If you need anything, anything at all…”

“I know. Thank you.”

“You bet. Nate is like a son to me. And you? You’ve always been my daughter.”

I clear my throat, hating the flood of emotions rising deep within me. “Gotta go.”

“Alright, speak soon.”

Just as I’m about to stab another soggy piece of lettuce, Konstantin steps into his office, heading for the door separating us. Tailored black suit, no tie, black shirt unbuttoned. It’s just enough to distract the rational part of my brain.

His eyes find me immediately, dragging over me like a slow caress. A smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth.

Caught checking out the boss again. I don’t even bother pretending I wasn’t.

“How are you today, Ms. Monroe?” His voice is a decadent drawl. “Tragic, really, how little I’ve seen of you this morning.”

I meet his gaze evenly. “But look at you. You somehow managed to survive.”

My lips curve at the corners, and his smile widens, unapologetic and cocky. I hate the way my body lights up in response—tighteninglow, burning hot.

I need this to stop. I need him to stop being…this.

“Do not worry.” He steps closer, his presence swallowing all the space between us. “We’ll make up for lost time tomorrow.”

I blink. “And what makes tomorrow so special?”

He lifts his hand, brushing a strand of hair from my cheek with maddening tenderness, and I feel it in every inch of me. Like lightning crackling beneath my skin.

“We’ll be flying out together on my private jet. Bright and early.” His tone dips lower. “Pack light.”

My stomach drops.

Perfect. Just what I need: a day trapped in the sky with the man I’m supposed to be manipulating, who already seems to have complete control of my body without even trying. At least here, I have grounding. Safety nets. Distance. That won’t be the case wherever he’s taking me.

“Where are we going?”

“Chicago. I have meetings. You’ll be assisting me. And of course…” He leans in just enough for his breath to skate across my lips. “You’ll be available for anything else I may need at any hour of the day.”

A single brow shoots up. “Professional things, I hope.”