She doesn’t know it yet, but whatever scars she’s hiding…they belong to me now.
CHAPTER SEVEN
EMILIA
I can still feelhis mouth on me.
Even as I sit here, catching my breath, adjusting the hem of my dress over my trembling thighs, the ghost of his tongue lingers. The warmth of his breath, the roughness of his fingers. Every part of me feels wrung out, but it isn’t exhaustion. It’s adrenaline. A high I never expected.
I liked it. More than I should have. And I liked knowing he was watching when Veronika touched me. Knowing it made him jealous, that it made him want me more.
I can use this. Use him.
That’s all this is. All it’s ever going to be.
Konstantin stands, adjusting his cuffs, the picture of control despite what just happened between us. He stalks toward the bar in the corner of his office, and as he turns his back to me, I finally take a moment to really look at him.
His shirt molds to his body, emphasizing broad shoulders and a powerful frame. The muscles in his back shift beneath the fabric as he pours himself a drink, every movement precise. Even from here, I can see the strength in his hands, the thick veins running through them.
He’s built like a predator, coiled and ready, but for this moment, he’s letting his guard down.
If he was anyone else, if he hadn’t destroyed my brother’s life, maybe I’d actually want him.
But I can’t afford to think that way. Not when I know what kind of man he is. Konstantin Marinov will always be an enemy.
He turns around, glass in hand, his dark eyes locking on to me as if he can hear my thoughts. “I have a proposition for you.”
A humorless laugh escapes me. “No, I won’t sleep with you just because you’re good with your mouth, even if you offer me the job.”
His smirk is infuriating. “Fucking me? That’s inevitable, malyshka. But no, that’s not what I meant. I’m offering you a job.”
Relief washes over me. “So I can work at the club?”
“Not exactly.” He takes a slow sip of his drink, watching me over the rim. “I want you as my personal assistant.”
I blink, sure I misheard. “Yourwhat?”
“My secretary, whatever you want to call it. But you will be at my every beck and call.” He steps closer, his presence suffocating in the best and worst way. “Anything I want. Anything I need. At whatever hour I need it.”
Shit, that’s not what I had in mind.
“Isn’t that Tanya’s job?”
His lips quirk as he approaches his desk and presses a button on his intercom. “Tanya, come in.”
Within seconds, the door opens, and the short brunette steps in, her eyes bright and eager. “Yes, sir?”
Konstantin doesn’t hesitate, doesn’t even glance at me, before looking her directly in the face and saying, “You’re fired.”
Tanya’s breath stutters, her eyes widening. “W-w-what?”
“Gather your things and go. You can collect your severance check from Veronika.”
She stares at him, horror creeping into her features. “Did I…do something wrong?”
“No.” His voice is as cold as the drink in his hand. “But I won’t be needing you anymore.”
The girl blinks rapidly, eyes glassy as she nods. “I-I understand.”
