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

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      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.

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