Книга - Alexei’s Passionate Revenge

Alexei's Passionate Revenge
HELEN BIANCHIN


Reunited…Natalya Montgomery had thought she was over Alexei Delandros,but working with him again rekindles old feelings and promises of the intense ardour they once shared. But if Natalya once held Alexei’s heart, now she only holds his contempt…For revenge!Natalya’s love almost destroyed Alexei, their lust having blinded him to the truth about her. But the formidable Greek won’t be fooled again! Natalya will pay for her betrayal in the most passionate way Alexei knows, and his vengeance will be all the more sweet…







Reunited...

Natalya Montgomery thought she was over Alexei Delandros, but working with him again rekindles old feelings and promises of the intense ardor they once shared. But if Natalya once held Alexei’s heart, now she only holds his contempt...

For revenge!

Natalya’s love almost destroyed Alexei; their lust blinded him to the truth about her. But the formidable Greek won’t be fooled again! Natalya will pay for her betrayal in the most passionate way Alexei knows, and his vengeance will be all the more sweet...


Alexei lowered his head and brushed his mouth against Natalya’s. He felt the slight tremble of her lips and parted them, tasting the sweetness of her mouth with the erotic slide of his tongue, sensing her hesitation and teasing her into compliance. He absorbed her faint sigh and went in deep.

Revenge—did this feel like revenge?

Not in any sense.

As his mouth closed over hers the edge of his tongue sought to breach the tight seam of her lips and won, and her resistance faded as she fought against desire.

‘Let me go, Alexei. We shouldn’t be doing this.’

‘Why? You’re enjoying this as much as I am.’

Natalya pulled away from him and Alexei let her go, despite wanting to pull her back into the strength of his arms. The kiss had stirred feelings in him he’d long tried to forget. Feelings only Natalya could ever evoke.

‘You think I’m willing to just scratch an itch with you, Alexei? Not going to happen.’

‘No?’

‘No. And if you think so you misjudge me,’ she replied, turning away from him—but not before noticing how his eyes had darkened and become almost black.

‘As you misjudge me,’ he assured her, far too quietly.


HELEN BIANCHIN was born in New Zealand and travelled to Australia before marrying her Italian-born husband. After three years they moved, returned to New Zealand with their daughter, had two sons, then resettled in Australia.

Encouraged by friends to recount anecdotes of her years as a tobacco share farmer’s wife living in an Italian community, Helen began setting words on paper and her first novel was published in 1975.

Currently Helen resides in Queensland, and her three children are now married with children of their own. An animal lover, Helen says her two beautiful Birman cats regard her study as as much theirs as hers, choosing to leap onto her desk every afternoon and sit upright between the computer monitor and keyboard as a reminder that they need to be fed…like, right now!

Books by Helen Bianchin

Mills & Boon Modern Romance

Alessandro’s Prize

Public Marriage, Private Secrets

The Andreou Marriage Arrangement

Bride, Bought and Paid For

The Italian’s Ruthless Marriage Command

Purchased: His Perfect Wife

The Martinez Marriage Revenge

The Greek Tycoon’s Virgin Wife

Purchased by the Billionaire

Wedlocked!

The Marriage Possession

Visit the Author Profile page at millsandboon.co.uk (http://millsandboon.co.uk) for more titles.


Alexei’s Passionate Revenge

Helen Bianchin






www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)


ALEXEI’S PASSIONATE REVENGE

© 2018 Helen Bianchin

Published in Great Britain 2018

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

By payment of the required fees, you are granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right and licence to download and install this e-book on your personal computer, tablet computer, smart phone or other electronic reading device only (each a “Licensed Device”) and to access, display and read the text of this e-book on-screen on your Licensed Device. Except to the extent any of these acts shall be permitted pursuant to any mandatory provision of applicable law but no further, no part of this e-book or its text or images may be reproduced, transmitted, distributed, translated, converted or adapted for use on another file format, communicated to the public, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of publisher.

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ISBN: 978-1-474-07158-1

Version: 2018-01-24

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)


ALEXEI’S

PASSIONATE

REVENGE


For my daughter, Lucia, with all my love.


Contents

Cover (#u7323ac8b-e0f2-509b-8740-8cd8b9a45b28)

Back Cover Text (#u9bee9cf4-8685-52f8-a25e-37bf30cf64fc)

Introduction (#u77f9793c-b8fc-5615-9fce-0a52dd6e680f)

About the Author (#ueab0c3a6-7138-5638-924e-3dc188b7bec2)

Title Page (#u59941dad-f34c-5900-a9a5-09e5fd609dd9)

Dedication (#u666c0a64-c845-5079-b25b-5c860d4e1cfd)

CHAPTER ONE (#uc4875ab6-5444-56f8-9ee8-fd67845dd448)

CHAPTER TWO (#u7b4f85d2-01c0-5299-a674-1c286b6616ae)

CHAPTER THREE (#u93f88705-961c-5002-9757-06ea2feda996)

CHAPTER FOUR (#u37ab5fdb-54bf-5540-9be9-6522f9217e0e)

CHAPTER FIVE (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER SIX (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER SEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER EIGHT (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER NINE (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER TEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER ELEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER TWELVE (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER THIRTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER FOURTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER FIFTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

EPILOGUE (#litres_trial_promo)

Extract (#litres_trial_promo)

Copyright (#u33262b8c-848a-5506-a8da-71c56fc5451e)


CHAPTER ONE (#u020e7a8d-919e-5314-93bf-f7ea48c0a77a)

‘GIVE ME A few minutes, then send her in.’

Alexei ended the call, slid the smartphone into the inside pocket of his jacket and stood in reflective silence as he studied the scene beyond the tinted plate-glass window.

Viewed from a high floor in an inner city office building, it appeared picture-postcard perfect with sparkling blue harbour waters against a backdrop of partially dark shrub-covered rock face showcasing glimpses of expensive real estate.

Sydney. The iconic Opera House, the expansive harbour bridge.

A large cosmopolitan city he’d departed beneath a deliberately fabricated cloud.

A city he’d vowed to return to in vastly different circumstances.

Which he had.

With a plan.

One which covered all the bases, and every possible contingency.

Five years ago he’d stood in this office space, denounced and discredited by Roman Montgomery, the owner of Montgomery Electronics, for daring to conduct a covert affair with Roman’s daughter, Natalya.

A young woman who had enjoyed a life of wealth and privilege since birth. Intelligent, having graduated from university with an MBA degree with honours...savvy, and employed as her father’s PA.

A life in which a thirty-year-old American nobody of Greek origin could never be a contender. As an added insult, Roman Montgomery had laughed at Alexei’s expressed honourable intentions, written out a cheque in lieu of notice and issued an immediate dismissal, adding the rider Natalya had merely been amusing herself with a temporary fling. What followed became an orchestrated farce as Alexei’s calls, emails and texts to Natalya were ignored, and within a matter of hours he discovered all her contact numbers had changed to an unlisted category.

Security guards posted in the main lobby of her apartment building ensured Alexei was denied access, and a determined attempt to reach her involving mild force resulted in a Restraining Order issued against him.

Which Alexei disregarded...to his folly.

The appearance of two police officers at his apartment with an arrest warrant provided a sobering experience at best. Invoking his right to legal representation ensured Alexei’s incarceration was brief.

The desire to vent at what he perceived to be an injustice had been eased...slightly...by a harsh soul-destructive session with a punching bag at a local gym. He could still recall the cautionary shout from a fellow member nearby...‘Hey, man, you aiming to kill that thing?’...resulting in one final vicious hit before he steadied the bag, tore off his boxing gloves, then turned and strode towards the changing rooms without so much as a word.

‘Better a punching bag than Roman Montgomery’s jaw,’ he muttered beneath his breath as he stood beneath a hot shower to dispense the sweat from his body before switching the dial to cold in a bid to cool off physically, mentally and emotionally.

Within a matter of days Alexei had boarded a flight to New York, reconnected with his widowed mother, his two brothers in Washington and worked every waking hour, prepared to do anything within the bounds of the law—and a few that hovered on the fringes—in order to establish the foundation of an empire to rival others in the world of electronics.

And he had, exceeding his own expectations, aided by a new invention embraced worldwide that had elevated him to billionaire status.

During the past five years success and wealth had provided Alexei with much. Real estate in several countries, including a Paris apartment, a vineyard nestled on the slopes of northern Italy, an apartment in Washington, a Santorini villa inherited from his paternal grandfather.

Women? He’d bedded his share...a selected few of whom he continued to regard with affection. Yet not one of them had captured and held his heart.

While innate ruthlessness had ensured Alexei gained control of Montgomery Electronics, Roman Montgomery’s daughter fitted another category entirely.

Five years of planning, negotiating, dealing, had been with one goal in mind. To make Montgomery Electronics his own via the Australian arm of his global ADE Conglomerate.

No money had been spared in implementing state-of-the-art equipment at the electronics plant situated at one of Sydney’s industrial sites, together with complete refurbishment of downtown city offices previously leased to Montgomery Electronics.

The media had featured the coup, speculated on the new owner’s identity, and relayed Roman Montgomery’s failing health, financial mismanagement and the global recession as the reason for sending Montgomery Electronics to the wall.

CVs and performance reports of existing employees had been examined, decisions made, with employment contracts prepared...currently in the process of being offered by Marc Adamson, Alexei’s legal advisor, to selected employees for signature.

Among whom was Roman Montgomery’s daughter, Natalya.

An act of vengeance?

Against Natalya’s father? Without doubt.

Natalya?

The decision was personal.

Make that very personal.


CHAPTER TWO (#u020e7a8d-919e-5314-93bf-f7ea48c0a77a)

THE MEETING WITH the new company’s CEO was a mere formality, Natalya assured herself as she left Marc Adamson’s office and made her way along a wide corridor with strategically placed alcoves featuring magnificent floral displays on glass-topped stands. Professional renovations, individual reception areas bearing luxe new carpeting, expensive leather seating, artwork gracing the walls.

A major upgrade from the old-school style her father had favoured.

A faint smile curved her generous mouth. New owner, new vibe.

From a personal perspective, there was a sense of satisfaction in having been offered the position as the new company owner’s PA. The plus aspect being a very satisfactory salary package.

It would be interesting to discover how many office staff employed by her father had been retained.

As yet the new owner’s identity hadn’t been disclosed, with one media-projected rumour referring to an American-based billionaire.

If correct, she mentally sketched him as being over fifty, maybe older, with access to inherited family money. Of average height, possibly bearing a paunch, together with thinning hair or a toupee.

A new broom sweeping clean...or perhaps a figurehead content to delegate and spend time schmoozing at various functions with the city’s social elite?

Whatever...first impressions were key, and she tamped down the faint onset of nerves as she approached the CEO’s executive area.

‘We’re not fully operational until Monday. Just knock on the door and walk right in,’ Marc Adamson had instructed.

Okay, no problem.

She had a signed contract as proof the position was hers. All she had to do was smile, be professional and relax.

What could possibly go wrong?

Natalya curled fingers into her palm, rapped a firm double knock against the open heavily panelled door and entered a spacious office containing high quality furniture, floor-to-ceiling bookcases along one wall.

A quick glance revealed a wide custom-made desk bearing a laptop, various electronic devices, in front of which there were four single studded leather chairs spread out in a spacious semi-circle.

Within scant seconds it made a statement—wealth, excellent taste and power.

It was then she registered the tall broad-shouldered male frame silhouetted against a wall of reinforced plate-glass, affording an angled glimpse of strong features, a firm jawline, dark groomed hair.

A corporate wolf in his mid to late thirties clothed in black designer jeans, open-necked white shirt and a black soft leather jacket was vastly different from her preconceived image of the new company CEO.

A swift unbidden curl of sensation deep within surprised her, and was immediately discounted as a ridiculous flight of imagination.

Alexei held the advantage, one he used without compunction as he slowly turned to face the young woman who’d once shared a part of his life.

Dark almost black eyes regarded her steadily...waiting for the moment recognition hit.

As it did within a few fleeting seconds, and Alexei took pleasure in witnessing the faint widening of her eyes, the way her mouth parted, the quick swallow as if a sudden lump had risen in her throat as she visibly fought to school her expression into a polite mask.

Alexei? Here?

Coherent words momentarily failed her big-time, as she struggled to control the feeling she’d been hit by a forceful, if metaphorical, punch in the solar plexus.

Breathe, she bade herself silently as emotions rose to the surface, a gamut almost defying description, for how often had she attempted to cast aside images from their shared past?

Too many times to count.

Nights, on the edge of sleep, were the worst.

For it was then the memories returned to haunt her...the way his smile affected each and every pulse in her body; the gentle trail of his fingers down her cheek to trace her soft trembling lips. His mouth savouring her own, teasing, tasting, as he drove her wild with wanting more. The heat in his dark gleaming eyes a prelude to mind-blowing intimacy.

Five years on there was no warmth apparent in his demeanour, just an inflexibility that sent a chill scudding down her spine.

What did you expect...a romantic reunion?

Seriously?

After five years... Are you insane?

From a time when she’d been able to accurately define his every expression, now she felt as if she’d been flung into a maelstrom of wild conjecture where nothing made any sense as he allowed the ensuing seconds to weigh heavily in the electrified air permeating the room.

Her mind reeled with unvoiced questions. Initially, his motive to buy out the firm formerly owned by her father?

Rapidly followed by...how could Alexei Delandros have accumulated so much wealth in the space of five years?

Groomed designer stubble shadowed his jaw, adding an edgy quality, and there was a hardness apparent which didn’t equate with the man she’d once known...and loved.

Natalya kept her eyes fixed on his in a determined effort not to escape his steady gaze. An act of defiance...or a mix of self-preservation and stubborn pride?

Both, she conceded.

Alexei took a degree of dispassionate interest as he examined Natalya’s slender curves, narrow waist, slim hips, showcased in a black tailored business suit, with killer heels emphasising toned legs encased in sheer hose.

Subtle use of cosmetics enhanced her delicately boned face, emphasising expressive dark eyes and generously curved mouth.

The length of brunette hair styled into a sleek chignon made his fingers itch to free the pins to allow the thick waves to frame her face.

Professional cool...successfully achieved, Alexei admitted.

Absent was the vibrant, fun-loving girl who’d once embraced the world and all it had to offer. The sweet curve of her mouth parting in a laughing smile...eyes sparkling with teasing humour. The touch of her mouth on his own, magical, incredibly sensual as passion transcended to intimacy.

Alexei lifted one dark eyebrow in a gesture of musing cynicism. ‘Nothing to say, Natalya?’

Where would you like me to begin? presented a tempting start.

Instead, she cut straight to the point. ‘If this is some kind of sick game,’ she offered with controlled calm, ‘I refuse to be a part of it.’

He’d expected no less of her, given his deliberate act to conceal the new owner’s identity from the media.

He inclined his head in silent mockery, enlightening, ‘I prefer...a calculated strategy.’

Any sense of calm was discarded as anger rose to the surface, almost robbing her of speech as she fought the desire to slap his face hard.

‘What else from a man such as you?’

Dark eyes speared her own. ‘You have no knowledge of the man I’ve become.’

So very different from the Alexei she’d once known as memories flashed through her mind...hauntingly real for a few heart-stopping seconds as she recalled her body beneath his...supple, avid, in a manner that drove her wild.

For him, only him.

Dear God in heaven...stop.

Reflection in any form was a madness she could ill afford.

Almost as if he knew the passage of her thoughts he indicated the nest of chairs framing the front of his desk. ‘Take a seat.’

Natalya spared him a dark glare, which had no effect whatsoever. ‘I prefer to stand.’

He merely inclined his head...and waited.

An action which ramped her animosity up a notch, and her eyes speared his as she sought a measure of calm. ‘The employment contract your henchman presented for my signature bears no mention of your name.’

‘Henchman, Natalya?’ The query held a vague musing quality. ‘Marc Adamson is ADE’s legal consultant.’ He eased his lengthy frame against the edge of his desk as he spelled it out. ‘Alexei Delandros Electronics.’

‘Very cleverly disguised in the contract I signed,’ she accused as she reached into her satchel, removed the folded document, ripped it in half, then tossed the pages onto his desk, quietly pleased when a few of the torn pieces fluttered onto the carpet.

She wanted to hurt him, as she had been hurt by his abrupt disappearance from her life. Days when she could barely function. Nights where sleep eluded her until the early dawn hours.

Weeks, dammit, spent examining every possible reason he could have left without a word.

An inexplicable action which compounded when she woke one morning feeling queasy and had to make a mad dash into the en suite bathroom. Something she ate became less likely when a second early morning bathroom dash occurred the following day, and the next. A positive pregnancy test had tipped her into a state of shock...they’d always used protection, so how?...until she recalled a night when need had obliterated common sense.

A rapid calculation of pertinent dates had merely confirmed a distinct possibility, followed by a host of scattered emotions that briefly pitched her between delight and despair, and the inevitable...this can’t be happening. Except a further three pregnancy tests over several days had eliminated any vestige of doubt.

Vivid images swirled unbidden through her mind of times shared, long nights together, the joy of love and quietly spoken plans for their future...then nothing, no word as to why Alexei had seemed to disappear like smoke in the wind.

The energy she expended attempting to track him down without success. Details of staff employed by Montgomery Electronics revealed Alexei’s file had been deleted—but she had no idea who by or why.

It appeared he’d intentionally slipped off the radar...but for what possible reason?

She’d lain awake for nights searching for an answer...any answer. Only to come up with a few scenarios, none of which seemed to fit the man she thought she’d known so well.

Was she that desperate to locate the father of her unborn child, when he’d presumably taken steps to disappear? And what if she did manage to make contact? Would he be someone with whom she’d want to do battle over shared custody?

Seeking medical confirmation was a given, providing the reality of early pregnancy, closely followed by her determination to carry the child to full term. The only person in whom she’d confide was her mother...except she needed the right words, the chosen moment.

Only to have the decision taken out of her hands when she’d suffered a miscarriage just six weeks into the pregnancy.

A tiny foetus not meant to develop and take life’s first breath.

There was little solace in medical opinion a second pregnancy would need to be carefully monitored with ongoing blood tests during the initial three months of pregnancy. Facts which didn’t begin to equate with Natalya’s emotional distress, until Ivana took action by booking flights and accommodation for a ten-day vacation on Queensland’s Hamilton Island.

On reflection, they’d shared a lovely apartment with views over tropical waters, restaurants, time to relax and enjoy what the resort had to offer, indulging in facials, body massage, treatments at the Island’s Resort Spa.

Sunshine, soft warm breezes, an idyllic beach. A healing period which strengthened their mother-daughter bond.

‘Love you, darling,’ Ivana had offered quietly as they exchanged hugs while the cab driver transferred Natalya’s travel bag from the vehicle’s boot. ‘Are you sure you don’t want me to come in with you?’

‘I’m fine. Really,’ Natalya assured her, aware once she settled into her apartment and resumed work as her father’s PA life would assume its normal pattern...or as close to a facsimile of it.

And it had, over time.

All of which now flashed painfully through Natalya’s mind, and served to heighten her anger as she rose to her feet, choosing to icily indicate the destroyed paperwork lying on the carpeted floor of Alexei’s office.

‘Not even a million-dollar salary would convince me to work for you.’

There was nothing she could gain from his expression, or his demeanour, then one eyebrow lifted to form a slight arch as he queried silkily,

‘Are you done?’

Courage...she owned it in spades, Alexei acknowledged. Together with a flash of temper, which showed for a brief instant before she visibly gathered it in.

‘Yes.’ Succinct, and final.

Natalya turned to leave, and he waited until she reached the door before relaying with drawled intent, ‘I strongly suggest you change your mind.’

He watched her shoulders stiffen, their slight lift as she took a calming breath before she swung back to face him.

With determined effort she took in his sculptured facial features accented by scrupulously groomed designer stubble...impossibly sexy, highlighting a raw edgy quality she found disturbing.

Dark eyes...not warm as she remembered, but cool, analytical. The faint groove bracketing each cheek seemed a little deeper, and the mouth which had caressed her own, devoured and taken, was now set in firm lines.

His shoulders...had they been so broad? His hair, so silky she’d exulted in ruffling it into disorder. Matching the dark promise in his eyes, a soft throaty chuckle an instant before he claimed her mouth, her heart...her soul.

Then.

Not now...and it rankled more than she would ever admit to how much the admission had the power to hurt.

She was over him. Way over.

Alexei Delandros belonged in a previous chapter of her life. One she had absolutely no intention of revisiting. Only a degree of stubborn pride ensured she remained facing him...when every cell in her body urged she should simply turn and leave. So why didn’t she?

Because it was the easy way out. And she didn’t do easy.

Like she’d even consider working for the man who had ruthlessly set out to destroy her father’s business empire?

Natalya lifted her chin and threw him a fulminating glare. ‘As far as I’m concerned, you can take your employment contract and shove it.’

She was either a very good actress, Alexei conceded, or she genuinely had no inkling of the verbal bombshell he was about to deliver.

‘You might consider leaving your options open.’

Her eyes never left his own. Dignity and sarcasm didn’t mesh, but she really didn’t care. ‘Please don’t hesitate to enlighten me as to why?’

Family values had been her strong point. One he’d admired...until he’d dug deep into her father’s business and private affairs and uncovered a number of discrepancies revealing the antithesis of the man Roman Montgomery managed to portray.

Had Natalya been aware of her father’s transgressions? Possibly not, given Roman’s penchant for subterfuge.

There was no point in sugar-coating the facts, nor did he feel inclined to soften his words.

‘My accounting team have uncovered an elaborate scheme involving several bogus offshore accounts created by your father for the illegal transfer of Montgomery company funds.’

Alexei watched her eyes sharpen with disbelief. ‘There’s no way my father would commit fraud.’

It was a gut reaction and, on the surface, genuine, he perceived. Although she’d managed to fool him in the past.

‘You’re so sure of that?’

‘I’d stake my life on it,’ Natalya voiced emphatically, ignoring the folder Alexei extended towards her.

‘I suggest you examine the paperwork.’

‘And if I choose not to?’

He studied her features as she ran a pale lacquered nail over the folder’s seam, noted the soft pink colouring of her cheeks, the defensive spark in the depths of her eyes, and for a brief moment he almost felt sorry for her.

Almost.

‘The report details dates, account numbers, the series of complicated layers deliberately created to prevent detection.’

Natalya cast him a withering look, only to witness it had no effect whatsoever, and she tossed the report, unread, onto his desk.

‘You can’t be serious.’

The silence became an almost palpable entity as she refused to shift her gaze. Difficult, when a host of conflicting thoughts swirled through her mind.

If...and in her opinion it was a vastly improbable if...the report held a grain of accuracy, the question had to be what Alexei intended to do with it.

At best the details would reveal any fraud had occurred without her father’s knowledge.

At worst...she wasn’t prepared to give that thought any credibility.

‘Read the report.’

Only a fool would fail to recognise the steely intent beneath his silky drawl, and she shot him a baleful glare as she picked up the proffered folder and flipped aside the covering page.

The first thing she noted was the name of the firm who’d compiled the data...and recognised it as one of the foremost sources well known worldwide for its excellent reputation.

Why did she have the instinctive feeling the goal posts had suddenly undergone a subtle shift, when it was she who’d determined to maintain control during this brief...very brief encounter?

A small ball of tension manifested itself in the region of her mid-section, and she took a calming breath before she began skimming the range of figures, dates, only to slow down as growing alarm escalated with each turn of the page. Detailed entries tracking each amount as it passed through an elaborate tracery of accounts.

A trail initiated by direct instructions from Roman Montgomery.

Amounting to millions of dollars.

Natalya felt as if she needed to sit down, and she froze for a few heart-stopping seconds as reality hit home.

If the report was brought to the notice of relevant authorities, her father would face restitution, penalties incurred for tax evasion, and probable jail time.

It was beyond belief.

She lifted her head and looked at Alexei with undisguised incredulity for a few unguarded seconds, before reassembling her features into a taut mask as realisation hit.

‘There’s more.’

Natalya’s eyes flashed dark fire as they fixed on his own. ‘How can there be more?’

Alexei reached behind him, collected a second folder from his desk and handed it to her.

Her reluctance to examine the contents was apparent, and he watched in silence as her shoulders stiffened before she turned her attention to the written details, the photographs, and caught the moment irrefutable proof led to the only possible conclusion.

Roman Montgomery led a double life and had been doing so for many years.

There was an apartment in Paris, occupied by a mistress. A London apartment in fashionable Notting Hill housed a second mistress. Each of whom were maintained by Roman, whose visits coincided over the years with so-called business trips to both cities.

Deeds to both properties were buried beneath a list of subsidiary companies, ultimately tracing back to one man...her father.

Disbelief, together with emotions she was loath to name, coalesced into anger she fought hard to control.

The burning question had to be why had Alexei Delandros hired accredited investigators to delve deep into Roman Montgomery’s business affairs and his personal life?

Why expend so much time, effort and money?

To do what?

Blackmail?

Her father? Her?

On the surface, such conjecture appeared unconscionable.

It took considerable effort to remain relatively calm, when her overwhelming desire was to toss both folders onto Alexei’s desk and walk out, take the elevator down to basement car park level and exit with a squeal of tyre rubber.

Not the best idea...but incredibly satisfying. Provided she maintained control and didn’t crash the car. Or worse, suffer an injury or three.

Her eyes darkened as they fused with his own.

‘What do you intend to do with this information?’

Alexei regarded her thoughtfully, noted the tension evident in the way she stood, the straight back, squared shoulders, her eyes fixed intently on his own.

‘That depends on you.’

The only visible indication apparent was a slight narrowing of her eyes, followed seconds later by an increased pulse-beat at the base of her throat.

A vivid reminder of past occasions when he’d touched his lips to that pulse, savoured it, before kissing it gently with his mouth. Her soft husky groan followed by a faint gasp as he used his teeth to tease and nibble a little.

Almost as if his body remembered, he felt its damning response, and silently cursed as he shifted position, using the moment to transfer a slim document and pen from his desk and extend it towards her.

Natalya’s eyes flashed with fine fury as she recognised it as a duplicate of the contract she’d just destroyed.

‘I have no intention of attaching my signature to a document representing any company involving your name.’

‘That’s your final decision?’

‘Yes.’

‘You might care to consider the fallout if I disclose the information I have on your father to the relevant authorities and the media.’

He’d do that?

The answer was clearly apparent in the chilling darkness in his gaze, and her mind reeled at the impact the exposure would have on her parents, their lives, her mother once Roman’s infidelity became known.

Anger burned her throat. ‘You bastard.’

‘Language,’ Alexei chided mildly.

For a brief moment she wanted to cause him physical harm, unaware how well he was able to read her.

Silence filled the room...ominous, intrusive, threatening.

‘Decision time, Natalya.’

The silky warning apparent in his voice acted as a reality check, and earned him a baleful glare.

‘I need to consider my options.’

‘There are two.’ His gaze seared her own. ‘You sign, or you don’t.’ He waited a beat, then added with irrefutable inflexibility, ‘It’s a simple no-brainer.’

Her father’s indiscretions made public. Worse, much worse...her mother’s humiliation and heartbreak.

The mere thought of the snide whispers, the disdain as the social elite tore her mother’s marriage, her very life to shreds...

A silent curse rose and died in her throat. She couldn’t do that to a caring, loving woman who in no way deserved such denigration.

Natalya subjected Alexei to a killing look which should have felled him on the spot, and gritted her teeth in sheer frustration when he displayed no reaction whatsoever.

‘Give me the damn paperwork.’

Seconds later she tore it from his extended hand and began reading the various clauses. Carefully checking no word or phrase had been changed from the contract she’d initially signed.

Every detail was clearly defined, stating as his PA she’d be on call twenty-four-seven when necessary, and available to accompany him on business trips within Australia and overseas. The contract would be valid for one year...renewable by mutual agreement.

While a term of one year had seemed perfectly reasonable, now it stretched way too long. ‘I insist renegotiating the one-year term down to three months.’

‘No.’

His unequivocal refusal ramped up her anger to boiling point. ‘Revenge or blackmail?’ she demanded tightly. ‘Which?’

‘Neither.’

He expected her to believe that? ‘And the moon is a ball of blue cheese,’ she offered with deliberate disparagement.

If he displayed so much as a glimmer of humour, she would hit him and be damned to the consequences. Only a forward flash of reality provided her saving grace, and she forced herself to mentally calm down, breathe, and stick to the basics.

‘What guarantee do I have you won’t go public?’

Alexei spared her a steely look. ‘My word.’

‘Not good enough,’ Natalya dismissed with a retaliatory edge, and glimpsed his eyes harden at her temerity.

‘The original certified documentation is held in a bank’s locked security box.’

She didn’t hesitate in issuing a cool demand. ‘Copies?’

‘Returned to the bank’s security holding after you’ve signed a new employment contract.’

‘I’ll require a certified bank receipt in confirmation.’

He leant back against the desk, seemingly relaxed, but only a fool would ignore the restrained power apparent, or doubt his intent to use it. ‘Done.’

Her eyes silently warred with his own, her mouth tight as she fought for a semblance of control as Alexei handed her a pen.

A mesh of angry pride caused her to hesitate for a few seconds before taking it from him.

‘Just for the record... I hate you.’

‘An emotion which should make for an interesting relationship.’ His voice was a smooth drawl which did little to improve her anger level.

‘Business-related only.’ The emphasis was fiercely stressed with finality as she attached her signature to a copy of the contract, watched as he countersigned, then she stood to her feet, walked out of his office, and took the lift down to the basement car park.

Alexei was intent on playing hardball, expecting her to meekly comply?

Comply, yes.

There really wasn’t an option.

But meekly?

Not a chance...


CHAPTER THREE (#u020e7a8d-919e-5314-93bf-f7ea48c0a77a)

NATALYA ENTERED HER HOME, greeted Ollie, her beautiful Birman cat, caught him close for a customary cuddle, gave a light laugh at his plaintive miaow as she made her way into the kitchen.

‘Okay, I get it. Dinner time.’ She toed off her stilettos, dropped her bag onto the marble-topped servery, then moved to the walk-in pantry.

‘Chicken or fish?’

Unable to answer, Ollie merely butted his head against her chin and began to purr.

‘Chicken,’ Natalya decided as she extracted the appropriate tin, removed the seal, spooned the contents into the cat dish and placed it on Ollie’s food mat. ‘There you go.’

Her apartment was one of two situated in a large two-level converted family home in an exclusive bayside suburb overlooking a sweeping promenade bordered by a stand of tall Norfolk pine trees along the seafront.

Inherited from her maternal grandmother three years ago, the home rested high on a sloping hill with sweeping views over the bay and neighbouring suburbs.

Renovated into two beautifully decorated apartments, one of which she leased to a responsible tenant, the property represented a valuable investment, providing Natalya with a place where there were no memories of her shared time with Alexei to haunt her.

Except now he was back.

Food held no interest whatsoever, and she reached for the remote, activated the TV, checked local and international newscast, and scrolled through the host of programmes until she found something that might provide a distraction.

A night in was a conscious choice. Not that she was a social butterfly, although there were a few very good friends whose company she enjoyed...live theatre, movies, social events for worthy charity causes; lingering over a shared coffee, and there was a sports complex she frequently visited with an indoor swimming pool, and several large rooms hosting a variety of exercise equipment. None of which held immediate appeal.

She wanted out of her clothes, a leisurely shower, then she’d slip into something comfortable and carefully examine her copy of the employment contract in the unlikely event she’d discover a possible loophole.

An hour later she tossed the contract aside, aware there appeared no evident room to manoeuvre within the skilfully crafted legalese.

Food was a requisite, and having nibbled without appetite she settled into a comfortable chair and channel-surfed the TV for a while, noticed a much-viewed programme, only to discover it was a repeat episode she’d already seen.

What next? Phone a friend? Skype? Flip through the pages of a current magazine?

Indecision wasn’t one of her usual traits, so she decided to retire to bed with a good book. Ollie merely tilted his head in silent askance at this change in his mistress’s usual evening routine, and leapt onto the bed when it became apparent Natalya intended to settle in comfort.

Half an hour in, the written word failed to capture her complete attention, given her mind seemed intent on reliving events of the day.

No matter how hard she tried to focus on the story, Alexei’s image kept intruding, until she simply gave up, closed the bed lamp, and attempted to sleep...with no success whatsoever.

Emotional reflection eventually tipped her back into a place which transported her back six years to a time when she first met Alexei...at an end-of-year social gathering for employees of her father’s affiliate firm responsible for the manufacture of electronic components.

Tall, dark-haired and ruggedly attractive, he’d stood apart from the rest of the men present. For a heart-stopping moment she’d become acutely aware of every breath she took, unable to look away as he turned slightly as if drawn by her attention.

Dark gleaming eyes met her own, lingered, before returning to the young woman who clung to his side. Understandable, Natalya conceded, given he possessed the wow factor in spades.

She could, if she was so inclined, cross to his side and effect an introduction. Hadn’t she slowly circled the room achieving the social etiquette required of the boss’s daughter separately, and at her mother’s side, as the evening progressed?

Except she’d been forestalled by one of her father’s foremen, intent on introducing his son, and when she moved on the object of her attention was nowhere in sight.

Shame, she mused, aware she’d probably never see him again.

Yet she did, days later, when she entered a suburban supermarket to purchase a few groceries needed to replenish her fridge and pantry. And there he was, in the same aisle. Their eyes met, and they both exchanged a smile at the coincidence, whereupon Alexei introduced himself, and Natalya did likewise. Coffee, the universal suggestion, worked, and led to conversation and the exchange of phone numbers.

What followed rose to the surface, intact and in glorious Technicolor...a relationship so special, caring, so attuned to each other there had been no need for words. Just the touch of his hand, the warmth of his smile, dear heaven, his mouth as it possessed her own. The hard strength of his body, aroused emotions taking them both to a place where they existed in a sensual world of their own. Erotic, exquisite, mind-blowing.

A time when she’d felt so happy...so alive, in mind, body, and soul. Sure in her heart they were destined to share a life together.

Only to wake one morning to find herself alone in her flat, no explanatory note, only a brief text message on her cell phone later in the day indicating little, and not followed up at all.

‘The number you are dialling has been disconnected’, a disembodied robot had intoned, sending her reeling with alarm. Worse, the crushing news he no longer worked at her father’s electronics plant.

Five years, with no satisfactory explanation.

For all she knew he’d disappeared off the face of the Earth, followed by months of her agonising why. Ultimately, the realisation he didn’t want to be found.

Now he was back. Not the man she’d once known and imagined she’d loved, but a hard, resolute stranger bent on revenge—no holds barred. Bent on destroying her father, using her as a tool.

Blackmail...no other word suited as well.

She wanted to hit out...verbally, physically.

Silently didn’t begin to cut it.

Getting physical, however, did.

First up, her apartment, which she cleaned to within a whisker of perfection.

A long session at the local squash centre expended excess energy, and there was a certain satisfaction in continuously slamming a ball against the wall, especially as she mentally imposed Alexei’s body centre front and deliberately aimed to hit target every time.

Revenge of sorts for his physical image which had entered uninvited in dream form throughout the night, providing vivid memories she assured herself she’d long forgotten.

And knew she lied.

‘Why so aggressive?’

Oh, hell.

Natalya closed her eyes, then opened them again as she turned towards her squash partner and endeavoured to catch her breath.

‘There has to be a reason.’

Aaron offered her a penetrating look. ‘Spill.’

One of the pitfalls of a good friendship being they knew each other too well.

Initially they’d met at a social gathering hosted by her father. A partner in a prominent law firm and the eldest son of a wealthy family, Aaron was sophisticated, charming and considered to be a very good catch in the matrimonial stakes. Only a chosen few knew he maintained a relationship with a long-term same-sex partner.

‘Nothing I can’t handle,’ Natalya assured him as they emerged from the court.

Aaron read her better than most, a good friend who’d provided unstinting support when she’d needed it most.

Such as now, when his teasing anecdotes would do much to help lighten the dark mood threatening to destroy her composure.

‘Share dinner with me this evening.’ The invitation was tempting, yet she hesitated as she collected a towel from the neatly folded stack adjacent the locker rooms.

‘I’ll make a reservation and collect you at seven.’ His smile held a tinge of humour. ‘Enlighten me or not, your choice.’

She didn’t, because she couldn’t bear to drag into the open how deeply Alexei’s presence affected her. Or revive memories too breathtakingly real to share.

Instead they kept the conversation light, touching on the ordinary, and simply enjoyed fine food, a little wine, and the relaxed benefit of good friendship.

It was a pleasant evening, and Natalya thanked him as he deposited her outside the entrance to her home.

Surprisingly she slept well and woke early, pulled on a Lycra body suit, added a singlet top, affixed earbuds to channel music and took her customary morning run...at a more gruelling pace than was her norm.

Following a shower, she dressed, munched on an apple as she collected keys, shouldered her bag and drove to the nearest mall to stock up on essentials.

As she drove to her parents’ home later that day to share Sunday lunch she couldn’t help but silently question what was real, as opposed to what had been a superbly acted sham on her father’s part, given he’d managed to fool her so well. There were no incidents she could recall to indicate her parents’ marriage had been anything other than a devoted union. There had been the odd private meeting while in London when her presence as his PA was not required. Likewise Paris.

The knowledge refreshed memories of her father taking time out for a relaxing massage. Personal shopping time. The supposed private business meetings he attended alone.

How naive had she been?

Worse, did her mother suspect?

Doubtful, given Roman had provided the perfect cover by employing Natalya as his PA, ensuring his daughter accompanied him to interstate and overseas business meetings.

A string of silent castigations didn’t come close to easing the anger she felt at her father’s deceit. There was a part of her that wanted to confront him, rail her fists against his chest and demand to know how he could have put his marriage, dammit, his life, in jeopardy by such selfish careless actions.

Play nice, Natalya cautioned as she eased her car into the driveway leading to her parents’ modern home set in beautifully tended grounds.

Smile, chat, and pretend nothing has changed.

Except it had, and the conscious effort to maintain a façade affected her appetite.

It was during dessert the question arose regarding her future plans.

‘Darling,’ Ivana broached with interest. ‘Are you going to take a break before applying for another position?’

Oh, my. Evade the issue, or aim for the partial truth? It had to be the latter...

‘No break, unfortunately,’ she managed with a credible smile.

‘Really?’ Disappointment was apparent in her mother’s voice. ‘I was hoping we might share some girl time. Lunch, shop. Book a massage, facial, mani-pedi.’

‘Who will you be working for?’ Roman queried, direct and to the point, as ever.

There was no easy way to break the news, other than to make the truth as simple as possible...then wait for the inevitable fallout.

Natalya met her father’s narrowed gaze with outward calm. ‘The ADE Conglomerate.’

His eyes hardened, so did the tone of his voice. ‘You intend to work for the firm who bought me out?’

Natalya chose not to remind him that technically the bank had foreclosed.

‘Is that a problem?’

Roman’s features darkened. ‘You’re aware of the CEO’s identity?’

‘My interview was conducted by a legal representative.’ Initially it had been, and not precisely an untruth.

The media presses would run overnight for newspapers delivered at dawn. In a matter of hours the news would become public knowledge.

‘Alexei Delandros is ADE Conglomerate.’

‘Delandros?’ Roman’s face grew dark with a mixture of anger and disbelief. ‘Alexei Delandros? What the hell are you thinking?’

Of my mother... Except the words never left her lips. Instead she lifted her chin a little and met his anger with determined spirit.

‘He made an offer I couldn’t refuse.’ The truth...just not all of it.

Dark, almost black eyes hardened, and she saw his mouth thin to an ominous line as he made a visible attempt to rein in his wrath. ‘How could you even consider working for Delandros?’

Because there’s no alternative.

‘In what position?’ The demand was palpable.

With no easy way to break the news...except tell it as it was. ‘PA.’

Roman regarded her with disbelief for several long seconds, then he slammed a fist onto the table, sending crockery rattling in protest. ‘I’m calling my lawyer.’

‘Who’ll only confirm the contract was signed without duress and therefore legally valid.’

A telling silence reigned as Roman processed the inevitable. ‘I hope you know what you’re doing,’ he warned heavily.

Her eyes didn’t waver from his own for several seconds, then she discarded her dessert fork and pushed the plate aside. The thought of taking another bite of food made her feel slightly ill.

For as long as she could remember, she’d prided herself on being part of a close loving family worthy of her implicit trust.

Now she was forced to recognise the father she had adored was not the man she’d believed him to be, and the pain of betrayal was almost a physical ache.

The desire to leave was uppermost...now, before she uttered words that, once said, couldn’t be retracted.

Another hour, that was all, then she could escape.

Consequently Natalya accepted coffee, lingered over it, and accepted Ivana’s invitation to admire her treasured garden.

Together they moved outdoors, leaving Roman to add a generous snifter of brandy to his coffee, and smoke a cigar, presumably in the hope the alcohol and nicotine hit would soothe his temper.

Scrupulously tended and picture perfect no matter the season, the beautifully sculptured shrubbery and numerous borders were Ivana’s pride and joy. While a part-time gardener took care of the heavy work, Ivana was very hands-on with the choice of plants and succulents designed to provide a glorious balance of symmetry and colour.

‘Darling, I’m very concerned for you,’ Ivana said quietly as they wandered through the grounds. ‘Having to sell Montgomery Electronics was a blow to your father’s pride and self-esteem,’ Ivana added. ‘It doesn’t sit easily on his conscience he needs to rely on the money and investments I inherited from my late mother’s estate.’

Natalya’s grandmother had expressed a dislike of Roman Montgomery from the onset, and had been fiercely against the marriage, ensuring each and every one of her assets on Ivana’s demise would pass directly to Natalya.

Natalya had adored her babushka, the regular visits with her mother, the joy and the laughter, tales relayed of an early childhood in another land, the treasures representative of a different country and culture...the division between wealth and poverty.

Ivana caught Natalya’s hand and brought it to her lips. ‘Will you find it difficult working with Alexei?’

The answer could only be an unspoken yes. ‘I’m no longer the lovesick young girl of five years ago, Mama,’ Natalya reminded her.

‘Perhaps not. But...’

‘I’ve moved on.’

You have? Like the initial encounter with Alexei Delandros was totally impartial and devoid of any emotion?

‘I hope so,’ Ivana opined evenly. ‘For your sake.’

It was easy to offer a smile and brush lips to her mother’s cheek. ‘I’m fine.’

Little white lies and pretence. Not something she favoured, but forgivable in the circumstances...surely?

She lingered a while as they leisurely wandered through the structured pebbled paths, pausing to admire numerous plants, commenting on the subtle scent of roses, while listening to gardening tips Ivana chose to share.

There was a sense of relief when they reached the silver BMW parked in the pebbled forecourt.

‘Come inside, darling, and have a refreshing drink.’

‘Another time, Mama, if you don’t mind.’

‘You’re leaving so soon?’

‘New job,’ she managed lightly. ‘I need to check my wardrobe, laptop, and grab an early night.’ She leant forward and hugged her mother close. ‘Love you. Thanks for lunch.’ A quick movement released the BMW’s locking mechanism. ‘I’ll phone during the week.’ She slid behind the wheel, fired the ignition, and blew a customary kiss as she eased the car forward.

Not the most convivial lunch, Natalya perceived wryly as she traversed the main road en route to her own home.

Tomorrow was likely to be a whole lot worse.

Working in close proximity to Alexei Delandros featured way down at the end of her choose-to-do list. So how did she prepare to meet her nemesis?

Perfectly groomed, elegantly attired, immaculate make-up, heels to die for...and presenting solicitous professionalism together with a degree of unruffled cool.

Something she achieved following two attempts to acquire the desired effect with her make-up.

Laptop, iPad, leather satchel, smartphone, car fob...check.

Minutes later Natalya joined early Monday morning traffic into the city, fought the long delays at numerous controlled intersections before entering the underground parking area assigned to the building housing ADE Conglomerate.

Easier said than done to tamp down the onset of nerves as she rode the lift to a high floor.

She’d been her father’s PA for several years, she knew what the position entailed. There might be a few adjustments, but how difficult could it be?


CHAPTER FOUR (#u020e7a8d-919e-5314-93bf-f7ea48c0a77a)

NATALYA ENTERED THE ADE reception and was met by a personable young woman who moved forward to offer a polite greeting.

‘Natalya?’ A hand was extended, which Natalya accepted.

‘Marcie,’ the blonde enlightened by introduction. The smile was genuine, which helped ease any preconceived tension. ‘I’ll take you through to your office suite.’

A comfortably large room, Natalya perceived, executive fittings, new state-of-the-art electronic equipment.

‘Louise is your assistant, whose office is to your right, separated by a shared lounge,’ Marcie offered with a smile. ‘I’ll introduce you, when we’re finished with the tour.’

So far, so good.

‘Alexei is at the industrial plant today. His office is to your left, accessed via his assistant’s office, and their shared lounge.’

A reprieve, Natalya accorded, aware the day just became a little better.

Space, lots of it with room to move. Comfort, synchronised professional privacy...and far different from her father’s former set-up.

Introductions completed, Marcie indicated Natalya’s office. ‘I’ll provide a brief overview of Alexei’s schedule for the current week, and answer any questions you might care to raise before I leave to take a mid-evening flight back to the States.’

Efficient, capable and very clear re the CEO’s schedule. One which Natalya reluctantly admitted appeared daunting.

Did the man sleep?

Not a wise thought, given it led to imagining if anyone shared his bed, and, if so, whom?

So what do you care?

You hate him, remember?

Focus, she admonished.

‘I’ve printed out notes you may find helpful.’ The attractive blonde bestowed a conciliatory smile. ‘I’m confident you’ll be fine.’

Natalya was sure she would be even if it killed her. For no way would she permit Alexei Delandros to have any reason to find fault with her performance.

As to her emotional heart...it was guarded in self-imposed lockdown. Deliberately sought, to regain a sense of purpose. Sure, she’d indulged in a social life, even flirted a little...if you counted a pleasant smile, intelligent conversation, light laughter.

Did anyone see beneath the façade? Detect her broken heart had been figuratively stitched together, never to be torn apart again? Healed, resolute, as she fought for contentment...and thought she’d achieved it, until a few days ago when Alexei Delandros reappeared on the scene and any pretence of contentment went out of the window.

Worse...unless she was wildly wrong, he’d deliberately taken advantage of her father’s misdeeds to place her between a rock and a hard place.

Damn him.

He sought to play hardball?

Then so would she.

‘Are you okay with that?’

Marcie’s intrusion wrenched Natalya back into the here and now.

Schedule, overview. ‘Got it.’ At least she thought she had, and, failing that, there was Plan B... Marcie’s printed notes.

Besides, she knew the electronics business well. Her father’s list of contacts was on speed dial, and saved in her computer’s email address file.

How difficult or different could it be?

* * *

Different, Natalya discovered soon after she entered the offices of Alexei Delandros Electronics the following morning.

Absent was the relaxed, almost laid-back atmosphere generated during her father’s regime. Instead there was a fast-paced vibe as she passed through Reception. The receptionist’s usual warm friendly smile was absent, replaced by a slightly harried look, and Natalya arched an eyebrow in silent query, only to receive an expressive eye-roll in return.

Alexei Delandros was in the building, and obviously bent on ensuring everyone followed a high-powered work ethic.

Which indicated she should merely offer a smile in return and walk on through to her office...instead she paused to indulge in a brief post-weekend chat.

Staff camaraderie had always been an important factor during Roman Montgomery’s reign...

At that moment her smartphone buzzed and she retrieved and answered it, only to hear Alexei’s secretary’s voice.

‘Natalya. Mr Delandros expects you in his office.’

Now...was an unspoken directive holding a slightly ominous tone.

‘Two minutes,’ she advised patiently, and fluttered her fingers at the receptionist before heading down the corridor.

A brief stop off in her office to deposit her bag and laptop, then she collected her iPad, breathed in deep and tapped on Alexei’s door.

She could do this...and fervently wishing otherwise wasn’t going to change a thing.

So ignore the man, smile, be so efficiently professional he’ll have no cause for complaint.

Easy in theory...difficult in practice when all it took was a glance at Alexei’s arresting features for her heartbeat to quicken. Worse, the sudden spear of sensation arrowing deep within her belly.

What was with that?

Her body out of sync with her brain. Granted, her polite smile didn’t waver as she met his impenetrable expression.

The dark superbly tailored three-piece business suit, crisp dark blue shirt and perfectly knotted silk tie did little to tame the predator image.

If that was Alexei’s aim...he’d unequivocally nailed it.

Cool, professional, remember? ‘Good morning.’

One eyebrow lifted slightly. ‘Your lateness is an oversight?’

Natalya checked her watch. Three minutes past eight. ‘My usual start time is nine,’ she managed civilly.

‘I gather you failed to check your smartphone for messages...or your laptop?’

She had. Last night. Not this morning.

‘Twenty-four-seven contact,’ Alexei reminded her.

‘Ultimatum,’ she corrected without missing a beat, ignoring the silken warning apparent in his dark gaze.

He rested back a little in his chair and regarded her with a steady appraisal. If she was bent on a confrontational path...he was a few steps ahead of her.

‘Written into your employment contract and specifically drawn to your attention during Friday’s interview.’

Tough. While she had every intention of being the quintessential PA, and polite in the presence of others, any pretence when they were alone went out of the window.

She was something else, Alexei conceded as he took in her groomed appearance, the smooth chignon, skilfully applied make-up, red lipstick which matched the jacket she wore over a pencil-slim black skirt.

He experienced an urge to ruffle her composure, to dig beneath the professional façade. Then what? Rattle her cage?

His body stirred with sensual adrenalin, unwanted and inconceivable, but there. A need to pull her close and ravish her mouth...to remind her of what they’d once shared.

To what end? Play it forward to rumpled bed sheets and hot sex? Simply to satisfy an urge?

Evidence he unsettled her could be detected in the fast-beating pulse at the base of her throat, the edge of tension whenever he entered her personal space.

He had never aimed for the grab-and-conquer method with a woman. Mutual attraction and mutual need were his requisite for sex.

Natalya? Why this instinctive feeling there was a missing link? One only she could provide?

Patience. And time...the latter of which he had plenty.

Alexei indicated the structured curve of studded leather armchairs. ‘Take a seat. I’ll outline the day’s schedule.’

Extensive, Natalya breathed as she noted appointments, calls to be made, two afternoon meetings to arrange...and lunch with a business associate.

‘Book a table for one o’clock,’ Alexei instructed, naming a restaurant with inner harbour views and known for its excellent cuisine. ‘Contact Paul, my driver, and arrange to have my car waiting outside the main entrance at twelve forty-five.’ His eyes didn’t waver from her own. ‘Naturally, you’ll accompany me.’

Hadn’t she attended many business lunches with her father? So why would this be any different? Professionalism ruled as she held his gaze. ‘It would be helpful if you could reveal who’ll be joining us.’

‘Elle Johanssen and her PA.’

Natalya maintained a polite expression. Eleanor, or Elle as she insisted on being called, held a reputation for winning, by whatever means it took. Those among the business sector who’d parried with her and lost were known to refer to the woman as Hell-Jo...an unflattering but self-explanatory term.

Elle Johanssen, the noted ball-buster, locking heads with Alexei Delandros?

A woman associate with whom Roman Montgomery had refused to do business following one scalding episode that had left him red-faced and publicly humiliated.

Lunch should be interesting, to say the least.

She could do this, Natalya assured herself silently a few hours later as she rode the elevator with Alexei to the ground floor.

So why did she feel conscious of every breath she took, together with an incredibly heightened awareness that threatened to destroy her hard-won composure.

He radiated male sexuality, too much for any woman to ignore. Especially her, having known how it felt to be possessed by him. Sensual heaven...and then some.

Even now, when she had every reason to hate him, he still held the power to affect her emotions.

Five years...during which time she’d attempted to convince herself she was over him...disappeared like mist beneath rays of the sun.

Not good. Not good at all.

So much for self-survival skills.

And this was only day two in her contracted employ.

So...suck it up.

Which she did. Although there was a moment when Alexei indicated they share the rear seat of the chauffeur-driven limousine.

A deliberate ploy to unsettle her?

Who could tell?

She could analyse it to hell and back, and still not arrive at a definitive answer...so why even try?

The key being to adhere to the rules...a faultless PA during business hours, amenable and highly professional, even if it killed her, for no way would she allow him to glimpse so much as a chink in her emotional armour.

Consequently Natalya entered the restaurant at Alexei’s side, where the maître d’ offered a deferential greeting and led the way to their table.

Not the bar, which had been her father’s preferred starting point. Or, she perceived in retrospect, where Roman plied his guests with alcohol before adjourning to a table where he ordered fine wine with no regard to cost. By which time, business, as such, became a secondary consideration.

Elle Johanssen made her entrance a fashionable five minutes late, offered a faux smile, apologised briefly as she slid into the seat politely held for her to grace it, and took control by ordering wine.

A female shark baring her teeth, Natalya mused, all too aware of the woman’s reputation for shrewd deals tailored to her advantage.

In a contest of strong wills, Elle most often won out, her gritty formidability legend. So, too, was her intolerance for fools.

Natalya sat still, aware, alert...and prepared to watch the play between two business titans, each of whom were determined to win.

A little wine, which did nothing to soften Elle’s forceful tactics...and the wheeling and dealing began.

It was quite something to watch, as Alexei simply listened while Elle outlined her terms, declared them non-negotiable...only to stiffen defensively as Alexei discounted all but one of them, before stating his terms.

Stalemate.

‘You’re new in town,’ Elle dismissed haughtily, only for Alexei to qualify,

‘But not new to business dealings.’

‘My terms cannot be bettered.’

Alexei merely lifted an eyebrow. ‘I disagree.’

‘Really? By whom? A firm who’ll use a superior to broker the deal, then pass the client on to a less experienced staff member?’

‘No.’

Natalya saw Elle’s eyes narrow in speculation. The ADE Conglomerate was huge. To have Alexei as a client would be a very large feather in the woman’s cap.

It would be interesting to tell which card Elle would play.

‘Then there is nothing more to say.’

Alexei’s shoulders lifted in a negligible shrug. ‘So it would seem.’

The word-play game had just moved up a notch.

A waiter delivered their entrees, which were eaten in supposedly companionable silence.

Was this the final act in negotiations, and, if not, who would concede?

Natalya’s money was on Elle, given it was Alexei who held the power.

Conversation during the main course centred on world economics, a subject in which both Alexei and Elle were well-versed.

Dessert was declined, and Alexei chose not to linger over coffee, stating the meeting concluded.





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