‘Do you have an interest in creating opportunities for women in developing countries, Mr Dragunov?’ Bianca couldn’t keep the crispness from her voice. Neither did she miss the hardening of his jaw, or the glint of steel in his eyes. Could he really be using the Di Sione Foundation as a way of speaking to her again? She’d made it clear her company was not in a position to handle his next launch campaign, something he obviously had difficulty accepting.
She clutched her folder tighter against her chest, unsure what it was about this man that made her feel nervous and also excited. He’d unlocked something inside her, provoked her in a way no other man had, and her instant response was to defend herself. But against what?
Already it was a sparring of words, just as it had been the first time he’d arrived in her office. She’d put her reaction to him down to shock of her grandfather’s request, but wasn’t so sure any more. Liev Dragunov was a force to be reckoned with and right now that was the last thing she wanted to do.
He didn’t take his eyes off her but she refused to look away, refused to give him even one tiny amount of power over her. She’d learnt that trick early on in life—how to outwardly remain in control when inside she was all nerves and apprehension. It was many years since a man had made her feel so uneasy, but it had never been quite like this. Not that she’d ever allow the Russian billionaire to know that, not when he brought out her insecurities and vulnerabilities with just one glacial look.
‘No. But I do have an interest in you.’ The answer was blatant and she almost let a shocked gasp slip out but managed to hold it back.
Only once before had a man been so bold about his interest in her and she’d almost fallen for it. Ten years on, the humiliation of her prom night still raced through her. Brought into the present by a man she instinctively didn’t trust, yet was drawn to, like a moth to an irresistible flame.
What was it about him? Well, there was no way she would be finding out. Life was far too busy at the moment to indulge in such nonsense.
‘I explained last week, Mr Dragunov, that I am not in a position to represent you or your company.’ Irritation caused her words to be sharp and unyielding and his eyes narrowed slightly in suspicion, adding to his aura of power.
‘I don’t believe that.’ He moved a step closer and she caught a hint of his aftershave, as strong and dominating as the man himself.
She couldn’t look away, her gaze locking with his. Her pulse leapt and she wondered if she’d ever breathe normally again. Just when she thought she couldn’t keep up the pretence of indifference any longer he stepped back.
‘And I don’t believe you do.’ He continued before she could gather herself and form a reply. He looked back out across the room as he spoke, giving her much-needed time for recovery. When he turned his attention to her once more she was ready for him. ‘You don’t believe it at all.’
He really was pushing her too far and she glared at him, wondering if she should summon security. Then she recalled what he said, that he’d made a sizeable donation to the charity. Her sister’s charity. She couldn’t very well have him thrown out.
Allegra had enough worries at the moment and she couldn’t heap on more, just because of a man who didn’t understand no. She would have to deal with this herself. There was no way she could run a PR campaign for his company when it was a competitor of her biggest client. Couldn’t he understand that?
‘I meant what I said, Mr Dragunov.’ She stayed behind the protective mask of professionalism she always wore, even though inside, things she’d long ago locked away were now being disturbed, just by his very presence. ‘I am not in a position to discuss this now, but you are welcome to make an appointment with my secretary on your return to New York.’
Applause filled the room and she forced her attention to the stage, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that he still had power over her. Somehow he’d gained the advantage; she had no idea how, but he was now in a position above her and able to use that power. ‘If you will excuse me, I need to speak with my sister,’ she said quickly, grasping at the first thing she could think of. She hadn’t felt this out of her depth for many years.