Читать книгу Modern Romance Collection: January 2018 Books 1 -4 - Dani Collins - Страница 17
ОглавлениеHIGH-END MELBOURNE HOTEL, stunning river and inner-city views, check.
Top floor restaurant, good table, time and number of guests, check.
Luxury two-bedroom suite, each with en suite bathroom, and separated by lounge, reluctant check. A familiar business arrangement when travelling as Roman’s PA.
However Alexei was not her father.
‘I’d prefer a separate suite on the same floor.’
Alexei’s eyebrow rose. ‘On what grounds?’
She had a few, only one of which she was prepared to voice. ‘Privacy.’
The faint lift at the edge of his mouth was so fleeting, she wondered if she’d merely imagined it.
‘Afraid, Natalya?’
‘Of you?’ Her gaze met his with cool equanimity. ‘Not in this lifetime.’
‘In that case, I don’t perceive there to be a problem.’ He checked his watch. ‘Order coffee in ten. Bring your iPad.’ With that he collected his bag and disappeared into the bedroom on his right.
She ordered room service, took the second bedroom, freshened up, unpacked, and re-emerged into the lounge to find him seated at a desk checking data on his laptop.
He’d removed his suit jacket and tie, released the top few buttons of his shirt, and bore a raw masculinity that tugged at her nerve-ends, heated her blood and made her aware of every breath she took.
Not fair. Any of it.
Coffee arrived, and she filled both cups, placed one within Alexei’s reach, opened her iPad and went to work keying in minor and a few major alterations to contractual clauses, highlighting the changes, then sent the amended contract to Alexei’s laptop and checked the evening’s schedule.
Four guests...three men well known in the electronics field and a PA.
There was time to shower, change into black silk evening trousers, attend to her make-up, style her hair, then slip on a stunning red jacket with matching silk lapels. A simple gold chain at her neck, small gold ear studs, a solid gold bracelet and her watch completed jewellery. Killer black Louboutins, and she was ready to go.
At six-fifty, evening purse tucked beneath her arm, satchel in hand, she emerged into the lounge to join Alexei.
Sensation arrowed deep within her as he turned to face her, and she had no control over the heat warming her body, or the way her pulse thudded to a quickened beat.
There was nothing classical about his features. Cheekbones a little too wide, the jawbone strong and emphasised by dark close-clipped designer stubble. Broad forehead, and eyes so dark they were almost black...equally expressive and warm, or cold as Russian ice. A generous beautifully moulded mouth, groomed hair a little longer than the current conventional style, a lithe toned body, an inherent air of power, success.
Unequivocally the wow factor.
So what?
She’d come into contact with equally attractive men. Yet none affected her the way Alexei had...and still did.
An admission she refused to give the slightest consideration.
Moving right along. They had a business dinner to attend, undoubtedly a late evening ahead, and any delays could lead to a further meeting the next day.
Superb food, splendid views of a stunning nightscape. Tall brightly lit city buildings, neon billboards...and skilled high-powered business as Alexei outlined his terms for a proposed deal involving one of ADE’s subsidiary companies.
Interesting and slightly amusing to intercept the occasional glance aimed at Alexei by the super efficient blonde PA, a hint of sultry in her smile, the slow sweep of perfect mascara-enhanced lashes. Little doubt an attempt to signal discreet interest.
Like she cared if Alexei returned it? Natalya determined, and focussed on the job at hand.
The conglomerate represented by the three men wanted concessions written into the existing contract, which Alexei refused to consider.
Negotiations moved up a notch, Natalya acknowledged as she declined a second glass of wine in favour of sparkling mineral water.
Power became an effective sword, one which Alexei chose to wield with ruthless purpose, resulting in the spokesman for the group making a calculated attempt over coffee to regain some balance in the power play.
Without success, as Alexei brought the evening to a close by rising to his feet, inclined his head in dismissal, and silently signalled Natalya.
‘Gentlemen.’
Obsequiousness was out, but Natalya detected a hint of silent back-pedalling as the head partner attempted to counter. ‘We’ll confer and contact you tomorrow.’
Alexei didn’t hesitate. ‘I have another meeting in the morning at nine.’
The implication was clear. Play ball on Alexei’s terms, or not at all, Natalya reflected as they rode the elevator in silence, exited at their designated floor, and headed towards their suite.
A faint element of tension curled around her nerve-ends as he used the entry card to disengage the door and indicate she precede him into the lounge.
Professional, remember?
‘Goodnight.’
It was easy to turn towards her chosen bedroom, and she was almost there, her hand extended towards the door handle when the sound of his voice caused her to pause.
‘I want the evening’s report accessible on my laptop by seven in the morning.’
It was all she could do not to grit her teeth. Instead, she turned towards him, inclined her head and added with sweet emphasis, ‘An indication of tomorrow’s agenda would help facilitate a workable schedule.’ A fractional pause accelerated by a steady unwavering look lent intended emphasis. ‘Seven-thirty?’
She could have sworn she glimpsed a flicker of amusement in those dark eyes, then it was gone.
‘We’ll confer over breakfast. Order room service for two at seven-fifteen.’
A minor concession... Whether she compiled the report tonight, or rose early to complete it was neither here nor there.
Without a further word she turned and walked towards the adjoining bedroom.
‘Sleep well.’ His faint drawl held a tinge of amusement.
Natalya didn’t miss a beat as she spared him a glance over one shoulder as she entered her room. ‘I always do.’
With that, she closed the door behind her, turned the lock, and silently pumped a fist in the air.
There was something eminently satisfying in having the last word.
* * *
A victory short-lived, Natalya conceded as business ruled their early morning breakfast.
A relaxed CEO, she perceived, with the top two buttons of his shirt undone, sleeves turned back, suit jacket spread over the back of his chair.
A casual look she silently assured she was perfectly comfortable with...and knew she lied.
Five years had added a few slight changes if one looked closely enough. Fine lines fanned out from the far corners of his eyes. Close-clipped designer stubble added a ruthless quality to his facial features...and she squashed the stray thought whether it would feel soft or slightly bristly on a woman’s soft skin.
Are you insane?
Just...curious, she hastened silently, and filled her cup with coffee. It said much for her level of control that her hand remained perfectly steady. So what if she took the coffee black, strong and unsweetened for the maximum caffeine hit?
Cool, professional, as they ran an updated check on the day’s schedule. Tight, Natalya perceived, with little wiggle room for any unforeseen delay.
Vastly different from the leisurely meals she’d shared with her father during his regime when the first business meeting of the day began with an extensive lunch and rarely concluded until late afternoon. Dinner inevitably morphed into a social event with a well-imbibed Roman generously picking up the tab.
Chalk and cheese, she perceived as she drained the last of her coffee, slid the iPad into her satchel, and waited dutifully as Alexei buttoned his shirt, fixed his tie before shrugging into his jacket.
Attired in a black pencil-slim skirt and fitted jade-coloured jacket, killer heels, she felt ready to deal with whatever the day would bring as she preceded Alexei from their suite.
It didn’t help that the elevator doors opened to reveal an almost full occupant capacity entailing up close and personal contact with her nemesis. Nor did it aid an increased pulse-beat as unwanted awareness unfurled deep within.
Natalya stood rigidly still, consciously ensuring her breathing remained even, measured, and didn’t pound to a rapid beat as it threatened to do.
In a few short seconds the elevator would reach ground level, release its passengers...and she’d be able to breathe normally again.
Did he have any idea how his presence affected her?
Or how hard she fought against it?
There were many reasons to hate him, and she did...vehemently. So why did the light musky drift of Alexei’s cologne tease and heighten her senses?
His height and muscled frame proved a powerful force impossible to ignore. So, too, the sexual chemistry he managed to exude with little or no effort at all.
Five years ago she’d relished every stolen moment with him, no matter how brief. His touch, warmth of his smile, the knowledge of more, much more, as soon as they were alone. Did he remember, as she did? Wake in the night wanting, needing what they’d once shared?
Obviously not.
So who’s the fool haunted by images of a past best forgotten?
You have a life...or at least she did have until Alexei reappeared on the scene.
Her relief was palpable as the elevator slid to a smooth halt, and she accompanied Alexei across the marble-tiled lobby to the black limousine and driver parked adjacent the hotel entrance.
Any hope she had of occupying the rear seat alone was dashed when Alexei slid in beside her, and she silently cursed his close proximity as the limousine cruised through city streets towards their destination.
‘No last-minute instructions?’ Natalya managed quietly, and incurred his measured glance.
‘None.’
Okay. Time out from idle conversation. Which suited her just fine.
Instead she reflected on the meeting’s key points, and the background research she had managed to glean on the major player in opposition.
An open mind, adhere with polite formalities, record all details from both parties...and become the quintessential PA.
In other words, be prepared for anything.
The limousine pulled into a semi-circular driveway and drew to a halt adjacent an impressive entrance lobby.
Showtime, Natalya accorded as they were met and led towards a bank of elevators, one of which transported them to a high floor where they were escorted to a designated boardroom.
There was a brief moment when Alexei’s hand inadvertently brushed her arm, and she hated the way her pulse immediately quickened to a crazy beat.
In the name of heaven...focus.
The fact she did owed more to the experience of long practice, and she took her seat at the conference table, extracted the necessary iPad, and mini-recorder.
Playing tough in the business arena was an art form Alexei had mastered with unfailing ease as he calmly stripped negotiations to a base level of take it or leave it. Something which didn’t augur well, and resulted in harsh criticism of ADE CEO’s tactics.
Cut-throat didn’t come close. Although Natalya had to concede the methodology worked. A break for lunch involved food eaten in one of the hotel’s private rooms...and a review of key points from the morning’s meeting.
High-powered, with Alexei’s unyielding stance, and his superb negotiation skills.
Natalya could only quietly admire his ability to figuratively pin his business competitor to the wall...while her personal jury remained out regarding the inherent ruthlessness he managed to employ.
The pace increased during the afternoon, with Alexei adamant his terms were final, which led to a hastily arranged meeting the following morning.
‘Reschedule our flight to mid-afternoon tomorrow,’ Alexei instructed as their limousine took the route to their hotel.
Natalya sent him a killing look as they entered their hotel suite. ‘In this technological age legal documents can be digitally signed and emailed.’
‘True.’ He removed his suit jacket, loosened his tie and tossed both onto a nearby chair as he sent her a piercing look. ‘You’re questioning my decision?’
‘Merely expressing an opinion.’
‘Which you feel entitled to do?’
Why did she suddenly feel as if she’d ventured onto shaky ground? ‘It wasn’t specifically mentioned in my employment contract.’
Was that a faint gleam of humour in his dark gaze?
‘Consult the menu and order a meal to be delivered to our suite at seven.’ Alexei waited a beat. ‘I’ll have the seafood pilaf.’ He reached forward and collected his jacket and tie, then turned towards his room. ‘I’ll change and go down to the gym for an hour.’
All this togetherness didn’t augur well, especially from her perspective. She could manage days, business lunches and dinners. It was the overnight thing that bothered her. Especially the sharing of a suite, despite it being a sensible business arrangement.
Hadn’t she accompanied Roman to interstate meetings? Shared similar suites in several different hotels?
So why, now, did she feel wary? Defensive, on edge?
Yet she did, and it angered her that she should.
Worse, a full-blown suspicion Alexei took pleasure in figuratively ruffling her feathers.
Civil during business discussions in the presence of others, yet when alone with him she detected a watchful element, almost as if he was deliberately intent on...what?
There had been a time when she could read him well. Yet the passing of time had wrought changes. Few of which she could condone. For even now, her heart ached for the loss of the love they’d once shared. The pain of him leaving her so suddenly without a word and no further contact, despite all her efforts, still existed...like a wound that had never completely healed.
So go do something constructive, an inner voice urged. Check out the hotel boutiques. Or better yet, go swim laps in the hotel pool and work off some pent-up angst.
The pool won out, and she quickly rang Room Service, placed an order, then retrieved a one-piece from her bag, changed, caught up a towelling robe, popped the suite swipe card into one of two capacious pockets, and took the elevator.
Most of the guests were readying themselves for drinks at the bar or in the lounge, and Natalya felt a sense of relief on discovering she had the pool to herself.
The water was enticing, crystal clear and sparkling. Without hesitation, she shrugged off the robe and dived in.
It felt so good as she rose to the water’s surface and began stroking laps, one after the other, steady at first before picking up speed. After a while she lost count, content simply to power up and down the pool’s length, varying strokes as the whim took her, until she simply rolled over and lazily backstroked to the pool’s edge.
How long had she been in the water? Half an hour?
A quick glance at the wall clock revealed longer, and she hastily emerged, dried off, then pulled on the towelling robe. Ten minutes should be sufficient to return to the suite, shower and dress before room service delivered their evening meal.
Alexei was already seated in one of the lounge chairs as she entered the room, and she met his gaze, rolled her eyes, lifted a hand in a silent gesture and hurried towards her bedroom.
Oh, hell, emerged as a silent condemnation as she caught a glance at her mirrored reflection. Bright lights enhanced her damp hair...rats’ tails was an apt description...bare face...great!
So what? He’s seen you in less...a lot less. But that was years ago when things between them had been different.
Way different.
Suck it up, girl. Take the fastest shower ever, dress and wind wet hair into a knot on top of your head, add lip gloss and go.
Food, perhaps a shared wine, followed by coffee and a recap of the day’s business at hand. An hour, maybe two. Then she could escape to her room, duty successfully executed for the evening.
Three hours, slightly more to be exact, Natalya perceived, as she checked her laptop, read and discussed pertinent points, gave her opinion when asked, and provided a requested overview from her perspective.
‘Honesty? Or circumspection?’
Alexei leaned back in his chair. ‘Both.’
‘They want the deal on their terms.’
She was good, he conceded, aware just how well she’d covered for her father during the past few years. Without her, Roman’s business would have crashed and burned way before it had become vulnerable to a takeover.
Family loyalty...or desperation? Maybe both.
‘Not going to happen.’ A statement, no wiggle room.
Of course not. Alexei held the power, and was unafraid to use it.
‘You’ve decided on a predetermined figure,’ Natalya ventured. ‘I imagine they will offer ten percent lower, then prepare for you to negotiate.’
‘Astute.’
She inclined her head. ‘Thank you.’
‘Did your father request your opinion on any of his business dealings?’
Now there was a question. ‘Occasionally.’ In a befuddled alcohol-infused state, only to resort to something totally different in the light of day.
‘Yet he rarely implemented them.’
The truth hurt, in more ways than one. At peak, Montgomery Electronics could have sold at almost double what ADE had paid for it. ‘No.’
‘Did you resent that?’
This was becoming upfront and personal. She was a daughter, not the son Roman envisaged Ivana would dutifully bear him.
‘Is there a point to this?’
His eyes took on a watchful quality. ‘It fills in a few blanks.’
She drained the coffee in her cup, closed her iPad and stood to her feet. ‘I think we’re done for the evening.’
Alexei silently commended her efficiency, enjoyed the challenge she presented...and wondered what it would take to crack the shell she’d erected to protect herself.
From him? Or men in general?
It shouldn’t bother him.
Yet it did.
She offered a polite goodnight and crossed the room to her bedroom suite.
‘Sleep well.’ His faintly mocking voice curled around her nerve-ends as she reached for the door handle.
What she wouldn’t give to best him at something...anything, just for the satisfaction of doing so.
A feeling which continued as she undressed and made ready for bed, rearranged pillows and settled comfortably with a current paperback.
Two chapters, then she’d close the bed lamp and sleep.
Except an escape into blissful oblivion didn’t appear to be happening anytime soon, as Alexei’s compelling image filled her mind and refused to disappear, no matter how hard she fought to dispel it. Nor her ability to evade dreams of their shared past. The intimacies...erotic, all-encompassing, as she became alive beneath his touch in a mutual gift of passion in all its guises. Lost, so completely lost she had no recollection of anything other than Alexei.
Magical. Transcending to a place where heart, body and soul became one...until the dream began to fade into a reality where she slowly woke to discover her body damp with sensual heat. Bereft, wanting...with silent tears slowly drifting down her cheeks.
Her breath hitched for a second before she caught hold of the now, and the need to shower, dress and face the day ahead. As well as the man who managed to slip through her subconscious and invade her heart.
* * *
Their shared morning breakfast was interrupted by the ring tone of Alexei’s smartphone, and Natalya lifted her head to witness his eyes darken.
Trouble?
Undoubtedly, as Alexei’s voice hardened during a conversation with, she assumed, a spokesman representing the group with whom they’d shared dinner the previous evening.
It didn’t sound promising, as Alexei firmly refused to consider any further negotiation.
He ended the call, calmly drained the rest of his coffee and refilled his cup. ‘They’ve requested a two-hour extension. A delay with their bank.’
‘In a bid to gain more time.’ She made it a statement, not a question.
And you have no intention of playing into it, Natalya conceded. Nor would I, in your position. ‘So we wait.’
We...a slip of the tongue, and a throwback to the days when she prompted her father, whenever he required it...more frequently than it should have been.
‘They have my number, flight departure time,’ Alexei stated. ‘The ball is in their court.’ He checked his watch. ‘I’m catching up with a friend for an hour or two. During which time I need you to complete a few shopping items on my behalf.’
Natalya’s eyes widened. ‘Shopping?’
‘Is that a problem?’ There was a hint of wry amusement in his voice, and she met his gaze, held it.
‘I gather you intend to supply a list?’
‘Note it will be business combined with family while we’re in New York,’ he enlightened, as she retrieved her iPad.’
Natalya attempted to ignore the slight blip in her heartbeat, and stilled the temptation to tell him to choose his own gifts.
Yet if she displayed the slightest hesitation...
‘I guess I can add it to my job description.’ Just don’t make a habit of it, she added silently. Helping the boss choose family gifts came under personal...and personal wasn’t ever going to be in the picture.
‘Your mother?’
‘Books.’
‘That’s really not helpful,’ Natalya offered. ‘Fiction? Fact? Romance...modern, historical, suspense, crime? Shall I elaborate further?’
‘Romantic suspense.’
This could go on for a while. ‘Favourite authors? Or don’t you know?’ She named a few, which presumably didn’t strike a chord.
‘Scarves,’ he added. ‘To add to my mother and sister-in-law’s existing collection.’
‘Any particular designer?’
He named a few, then handed over a credit card.
Safe choices, Natalya mused, and two hours later she had acquired numerous gifts beautifully wrapped and placed in a clutch of glossy carrier bags.
Ignoring the occasional brief...very brief moment, she recalled other occasions of shared shopping excursions. A time when Alexei would place an arm across her shoulders and catch her body close to his own. The dark emotion evident in his eyes, and the silent promise of how the day would end.
The memories shouldn’t affect her...except they did, and she mentally struggled to put them back into a figurative box, and throw away the key.
She re-entered the hotel foyer to find Alexei standing to one side, newspaper in hand as he appeared seemingly engaged in reading an article.
Alexei’s smartphone beeped as she drew close, and he moved aside to take the call, kept it brief while Natalya checked her watch, noted they had an hour and a half to pack, check out, and reach the airport to make their flight.
‘The deal has been accepted,’ Alexei relayed as he returned to her side.
Of course, she acknowledged silently. Had there been any doubt?
