If I had a choice, I wouldn’t be in this office, trying to get hired for a job I didn’t want.
I didn’t tell him any of that, of course.
Instead, I pasted on a cheery smile and said, “I believe I’m more than capable, sir. I gladly accept the position.”
He didn’t smile or move to shake my hand. He simply nodded.
“Very good. You start tomorrow. Eight o’clock sharp. See Fiona, the receptionist, on your way out for further instructions.”
“Yes, sir.” Taking that as my dismissal, I stood, collecting my satchel and the paperwork I hadn’t needed after all. Turning, I began moving toward the door.
“Oh, Ms. Rivers, one more thing.”
I stopped and glanced back at him, a frown tugging at the corners of my mouth. “Sir?”
He was still leaning back in his chair, his posture nonchalant, his fingers steepled together against his lips, but his frigid blue gaze was hard.
“The next time you question my motives, know there will be consequences. I expect total obedience from now on.”
His words should have offended me. Instead, heat rushed through my body, and I felt a tingling between my legs that made my cheeks—hell, my entire body—catch fire. I didn’t say anything in reply. I couldn’t seem to muster any words.
Breaking away from his powerful gaze, I pushed through the door and scurried out of the office without a backwards glance.
3
Dmitry
Winter Rivers was not at all what I expected.
Not one fucking bit.
When I thought of a person who’d studied a subject like philosophy, I never imagined a sweet, curvy little blonde with big amber eyes and an ass that could bring any sane man to his knees, but that’s precisely what she was.
I still sat in my chair, glaring at the door she’d just escaped through. My mind was a whirl and my cock was rock hard. It was why I hadn’t stood to shake her hand when I’d offered her the job.
Ten minutes with that woman had left me hungry for more. Had left me wanting to peel away those snug layers of clothing to get a taste of what was beneath.
Her resume had intrigued me. I couldn’t say for sure why, but I’d come back to it again and again when personally deciding who to interview. Why would a woman like Winter want to work in this firm? The pay was good, that was true, and the benefits generous, but it was obvious this wasn’t where she wanted to be. Yet, there was a desperation about her, as if she had to get this job, no matter what. I’d read it between the lines of her cover letter and seen it on her face when she’d sat across from me.
So, I’d offered her the position because curiosity had won. I wanted to see why she needed it so badly. Well, that was part of the reason, anyway. I also wanted to fuck her.
Hard.
I relished control in my business as well as my bed. I’d developed a knack through the years in spotting women who would enjoy my commands. One look at Winter Rivers, and I could tell she was one. I didn’t think she realized it yet, but I hadn’t been willing to let her go until she did.
I knew it was wrong. I knew I’d be crossing countless lines if I acted on my desire for her while she was under my employ. A flash of conscience had struck me as she’d gotten up to leave, and I’d almost rescinded my offer. When she’d turned back to me, however, and I took in the hope in her eyes, I’d squashed any lingering hesitations.
Then, there was the sight of her ass in that too-tight skirt as she rushed off.
The image of her thrown over my knee flooded my mind, and I’d clenched my fists on my desk, fighting every instinct in me screaming to chase after her. I’d had to remind myself that I didn’t need to catch her. Not right now.
She’d be back.
I reached across my desk to hit the speaker button on my phone, then the speed dial. It rang three times before it was answered.
“Yes, Mr. Maslow?” a deep voice spoke, his word barely discernible aroun
d the thick Russian accent.