Modern Romance Collection: January 2018 Books 1 -4. Dani Collins

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       CHAPTER SIX

      ALEXEI’S PREDICTION OF a full day fell short of the reality, as scheduled meetings ran late; an important presentation was held up due to an unforeseen delay, and there were occasions when the air in the conference room of an affiliate firm could have been cut with a knife.

      The pace was relentless. A restless seemingly sleepless night meant Natalya needed to maintain focus, and as the afternoon wore on it took concentrated effort to keep up.

      ‘Did you get that?’

      Natalya met Alexei’s studied gaze without so much as a blink. ‘Of course.’

      She did her work, executing each assignment with dedicated professionalism. No one was aware she downed painkillers for a persistent headache, or that her body became limp with relief when Alexei called an end to the afternoon meetings, issuing a curt demand to a contemporary associate to supply the relevant information within three hours or the deal was off.

      Then he closed his laptop, gathered his briefcase, spared three associates a brief nod, and strode from the room with Natalya at his side.

      Alexei’s limousine was stationary in a temporary parking bay as they exited the building, and she slid into the rear seat, leaned back against the cushioned rest and appreciated the silence during the relatively brief ride while Alexei checked messages on his smartphone.

      All too soon the limousine slid to a halt in the forecourt of their office block, where within minutes they reached the bank of elevators to take the first available one to their designated floor.

      ‘Have Louise send in coffee, and arrange for food to be delivered here at six,’ Alexei instructed, shooting her a glance as they approached his office. ‘If you’ve made arrangements for tonight...cancel them. We’ll be working late.’

      ‘Tonight isn’t convenient for me.’ It was a retaliatory answer, despite being politely couched. More than anything she wanted to finish what was left of the working day, drive home, soak in a hot bath, then crawl into bed.

      ‘Make it convenient.’ Without a further word he moved to his desk and opened his laptop.

      She was so tempted to utter a comeback, and almost did. Instead she turned away, effected an expressive eye-roll, stepped into her office and summoned Louise, who raised an eyebrow and offered, ‘You look ready to slay dragons.’

      For a few seconds she contemplated her weapon of choice...not that it changed anything, but the image of winning provided momentary satisfaction.

      ‘The CEO requests coffee asap.’

      ‘Hot, black, strong. Got it. Anything else?’

      ‘Dinner for two, to be delivered here at six p.m.’

      Louise glanced up, pen poised over her iPad. ‘Sourced from where? Preferences?’

      Natalya named a nearby restaurant, specified orders, and waited until Louise retreated before allowing herself a faint smile.

      Choosing Alexei’s least favourite food would afford a slight victory of sorts...and if challenged, she had the perfect answer.

      Meanwhile she compiled notes on an extensive report, and transferred it to Alexei’s laptop.

      Dedication was key, and it said much for her stoicism that she achieved an enviable workload. What was more, she managed cool...albeit polite cool.

      By five-thirty most of the office staff had departed for the day, and promptly at six an alert came through announcing their dinner delivery.

      Natalya checked the foyer camera onscreen, cleared the delivery, then went to Reception. Minutes later she collected two containers of food, paid the delivery guy, returned to her office and alerted Alexei.

      ‘Take it through to the staff room. We’ll eat there.’

      Not if she could help it. ‘I’ll take a half-hour break at my desk.’ Plus strong coffee and more painkillers.

      Alexei spared her a brief glance as she deposited his food within reach, inclined his head in acknowledgment, and returned his attention to the screen.

      Witnessing his reaction when he checked his meal would have been a plus. Although the visual aspect was less important than the deed itself.

      The evening ran longer than anticipated, the pace full on...so much so, she began to suspect deliberate payback. Yet she refused to bend, achieving everything he threw at her until enough was enough.

      With care she closed her laptop, stood to her feet and extracted her bag.

      ‘You have a problem?’ His voice was pure silk. ‘We’re not finished.’

      Her gaze met his, fearless, unequivocal. ‘I am.’

      The air appeared to chill a little, and she stiffened her shoulders against the icy finger feathering down her spine.

      ‘Angling for dismissal?’ Alexei posed quietly as she stepped towards the door.

      ‘Be my guest.’ A foolhardy response, but right at that precise moment she didn’t care.

      ‘We both know that isn’t going to happen.’

      Natalya swung round to face him, and for an infinitesimal instant the atmosphere became electric. Her eyes met his in open defiance, silently daring him to react.

      His eyes hardened, and a muscle bunched at the edge of his jaw. ‘Think before you indulge in a war of words.’

      ‘Really? Why?’

      He waited a beat. ‘Give it up, Natalya.’

      ‘And if I don’t?’

      He didn’t answer. There was no need.

      She could plead exhaustion, a throbbing headache...she should probably apologise.

      Instead she did neither, supremely conscious with every passing second of being alone with him in an empty suite of offices...no phones ringing, smartphones chirping or the buzz of background noise.

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