Standing so close to Sevastyan, she couldn’t help but feel a cloak of power.
She glanced around anxiously, pinpointing all exits.
Four sets of eyes laser-focused on her and instinct forced her to retreat.
She stepped back and then again. Directly into Matteo’s arms.
He placed a steadying hand on her lower waist. “Easy. You’re safe here. For now.” Each word came out more controlled than the last, as though he needed her to feel the power in his words, not just hear them.
She stared back at him, her lips parted. His eyes flashed with reassurance. Lit fireworks replaced every nerve ending in her body seeing the other three turn her way.
He nudged her gently with his hand when she hesitated.
“It’s about time you arrived.” Her attention drew to her right. Cool blue eyes roved over her from head to toe, “But the wait was worth it.”
Roman stepped up wearing the brightest smile she’d seen tonight and with his hand out. A slight glimmer in his gaze brought about a strange sensation she could only compare to sexual curiosity.
Arresting blue eyes and long black hair pulled back highlighted strong facial features. From the show he performed the other night, she knew him more than anyone should know their boss. Despite looking like he stepped out of Norse mythology, his body wasn’t Thor bulky. But his muscles strained the fabric of his dress shirt all the same. Broad smile, killer eye contact that dipped the length of her body before returning to settle on the tender spot just beneath her ear. She bet his lips there would shoot her straight to heaven.
She forced a smile on her face and slid her hand into his. “Roman, I presume?”
Rough in all the right places. Strong yet gentle.
“The one and only, sweetheart. The broody Russian behind me didn’t say just how beautiful you truly are.” He placed a warm kiss on the back of her hand, his gaze never leaving hers. The act pulled a soft laugh from her.
“A pleasure,” she offered, her hand still in his.
“The pleasure is all mine, sweetheart.” He drew her in closer until she stood in front of him. “I’ve waited for what feels like forever to meet you. You’re as delicious in person as you were from afar.” He leaned in and touched his clean-shaven cheek to hers. In a low voice, he whispered, “Tell me if these men don’t treat you like a queen. I’ll kill them and take you all for myself. You can wear my crown, my ring.”
She gaped softly. “They’ve been nothing but kind.” She dared a look over her shoulder at first Matteo then Sevastyan.
“A pity.” He touched her cheek with a gentle kiss, his masculine scent so consuming she stole a moment and let her eyes drift shut. She placed a hand on his chest and released a soft laugh. “You sound so disappointed.”
“You have no idea.”
Lucian and Matteo joined Sevastyan who stood leaning against the railing, his eyes watchful. They stood shoulder to shoulder discussing something.
“I’m dying to know your name.” Roman still held her hand in his own while resting another on her shoulder. The current passing through both points whipped through her like a charged bolt of energy so intense she took a moment to realize Roman had asked her a question.
“Oh, umm…Seraphina… Seraphina Carmichael.” She stumbled at first but quickly righted her thoughts before she messed up further. Damn it, get it together. That stutter had almost cost her. “And as of thirty minutes ago, I’m Mr. Volkov’s new assistant. And yours.” This time her words came out smooth as glass.
She glanced around Roman to Sevastyan. “I’m still learning what all that entails. If there’s anything I can do for you…” She let her thoughts trail off, not sure where she was going with them in the first place.
Sevastyan’s partner considered her for a moment. Unlike with Lucian and Matteo, she felt his gaze deep inside her as though he wanted to see her soul, touch it and determine his own conclusion about her. Only Sevastyan had ever looked at her with such raw intensity.
“Seraphina,” he rolled her name across his tongue. “It’s a pleasure to meet someone who actually leveled up to the Russian’s high expectations.” He loosened the top button of his shirt and stepped back. From the corner of her eye, she caught Roman exchanging a silent look with Sevastyan.
“I hope you find working here an experience you will never forget. If you ever need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m pretty sure we’re all affable to be around. Well, expect him.” With an obviously playful note in Roman’s voice, he nodded toward Sevastyan.
“He’s a broody bastard on the best of days.”
She stood completely fascinated by the spark of humor in his eyes and teasing words.
“If you’ll excuse me, sweetheart.” One more kiss and he stepped away. With a backward glance, he slipped from the private box.
She took the moment to study Lucian. Like the other men, he liked a good pair of dress pants and a crisp shirt. While Sevastyan liked bold-colored ties, Lucian went with all black. A sharply defined nose and muscular shoulders completed the polished look.
The man wore sophistication like he owned the trademark on the term. Sevastyan held a hand out for her to join them. She offered a kind smile and closed the distance and despite the sudden onslaught of nerves, the gentle way he took her hand in his large one helped ease the tension building in her muscles.