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

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      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.

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