“You sound different.”
“I’m fine. Just a little jetlagged.”
“Oh.”
“We’ll chat later.”
Inessa wasn’t a fool. It was only a matter of time before she put two and two together and realized what I was dealing with once I told her about my trip. I’d have to tell her. I had no choice. My sister and I had been through a tough time. I swore I’d always protect her, and I wasn’t about to drop the ball.
Inessa was mad as hell when I told her what Grigoriy wanted me to do. She was pretty vocal in the delivery of her sentiments. The poor waiter must have thought I was in imminent danger when Inessa went off at me in Russian.
My sister calmed down eventually. I told her to trust me. I would string our Russian benefactor along for a bit while I figured out what to do. Inessa wasn’t happy but she agreed to stay out of it. The last thing I needed was my sister telling off one of the most dangerous and ruthless men in Russia. He’d swat her like a fly. Bless her heart.
* * *
I was at the office early on Monday morning. It was that time of year again when the staff were edgy after a long year of hard graft. I called my PA into my office.
“I think the gang needs a break. Let’s book a villa for the weekend. Staff only, please. Last year was a disaster.”
“Good thinking, Boss. James and Peter’s wives were unpleasant.”
“You’re the epitome of political correctness, my dear,” I laughed. “Those two women almost ruined a great weekend away with their bickering.”
“I’ll arrange it.”
Word of the weekend getaway spread around the office grapevine like a brushfire. Big smiles all around. By noon I was firmly in the running for the boss-of-the-year award.
I looked up from my desk when I heard her silky voice coming from the doorway.
“I don’t know what you’ve promised everyone, but you seem to be extremely popular at the moment.”
Angel was her usual sexy self. She was even more gorgeous when she smiled.
“The weekend away from work and home, and an endless supply of alcohol usually does the trick. How about it? Are you coming?”
“Looks like I joined just in time.”
“Indeed. It will be a good exercise in getting to know the rest of the nuts who work here,” I smiled, hoping not to be too obvious about wanting her there.
“Sounds like fun.”
“Good.”
We looked at each other for a while before I spoke.
“How are you coming along?” I asked–work talk was safer.
“I’m impressed. You run a tight ship, Max.”
My name sounded magical when it spilled over Angel’s luscious lips. My cell phone rang before I could respond.
“I’ve gotta run,” she said, “see you later.”
Damn.
“Okay.”
I watched her walk away. Boy! The woman’s ass would be my undoing.