Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 83221 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 416(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83221 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 416(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
I tear my eyes away to prevent myself from gawking and realize my thoughts have come to a stuttering halt. I swallow and regain my composure just in the nick of time.
"Why the hell are you in my office?" Oh, God. That voice. Deep and dark and cold as ice, like a plunge into the unknown depths of a sea in winter.
Don’t run. Don’t run.
“We had a meeting, sir,” I bluff. “Cybersecurity.”
“I did not make an appointment with anyone about cybersecurity. We have a cybersecurity expert. And I wouldn't have made an appointment with someone like you.”
Great. Add male chauvinist asshole to that list. Or is the direct insult aiming at another one of my traits? The prick.
I bite my tongue to keep from snapping at him. It won’t behoove me now at all. I have to play nice.
“You’re excused, Chantelle,” he says seconds before he clicks the door shut behind him.
Fuck.
“Cut the bullshit and stop lying to me about why you're here, and I might let you live.”
Wow, so we went straight there, didn't we.
This is my last chance for protection. I take a deep breath, my voice shaking with a mixture of fear and determination.
"Mr. Romanov,” I begin. “I am here for another purpose. I needed to speak to you and came here out of desperation.”
Still scowling, he rounds the desk. I’m faintly aware of the scent of pine and leather. I watch him pull out the chair and fold himself into it with surprising grace.
“You have thirty seconds.”
Before…what?
God.
I speak faster, telling him my purpose in a rush of words. “I’ve uncovered a ring of powerful and influential people who’ve committed unspeakable atrocities. They’ve infiltrated even the highest levels of authority. I need the help of someone who operates outside the reach of the law.” I lick my lips and swallow. “Someone like you, sir.”
Mikhail Romanov regards me with a cold, calculating gaze as the fingers of one hand come to rest on the desk. I notice the blunt tip of each finger and tattoos on his knuckles. The havoc he could wreak with hands like those…
"Why should I help you?" he snaps.
I lean in and hold his gaze with every ounce of bravery I can muster. “No one can out-code me. I will work for you and all I ask in return is that you grant me safety and sanctuary.”
Mikhail leans back in his chair, his stony expression hardening.
“What makes you think I need you?”
I can’t help it. Tears spring to my eyes. I blink them away, but he doesn’t miss them. “I'm out of options. Please, Mr. Romanov, help me. I promise you won’t regret it.”
“A woman like you is smart enough to know that I don't give a fuck about your cybersecurity bullshit." He gives a derisive look toward my ample chest as if implying he has a lot more use for my body than my brain.
The nerve.
I snap my teeth together. I didn't really expect a meeting with Mikhail Romanov to exactly go swimmingly, but I wasn't quite prepared for this level of dickheadedness. I wish I could slap his beautiful face or at least tell him off, but that’s way too risky.
I clench my teeth together. "A friend of mine suggested I come here. I've uncovered information that puts every major institution in America at risk. Your enemies, sir.”
He narrows his eyes to slits. “You have no fucking idea who my enemies are.” My pulse spikes. I will myself not to shrink back. "So you were fucking around in places you never should have been.” His voice takes on a tone of mockery. “The big bad guys found out, and now they want to punish you.” He shrugs. "Fair. If you'd hacked into my organization the punishment would be swift and severe.”
Oh no.
He sneers. “Though I have to admit, I’d thoroughly relish punishing a woman like you.”
It takes every effort of self-control to school my features. I feel too hot and too cold and for some reason, a little dizzy.
I swallow. And still, I press on. I can’t give up. “I know what I'm asking you is a tall order, but I also know that you're the only person that can actually do this.” I’m starting to feel desperate. “Please. I’m crashing on my friend’s couch, in hiding. And I promise you if you hire me, you’ll be happy you did.”
He shakes his head. I try not to cry.
"I told you. I have no use for your skills. It's not my fault you trespassed where you don’t belong.” He dismisses me with a wave of his hand. “Get the hell out of my office." He turns back to his paperwork and doesn't look up when he speaks again. “Oh, and before you leave? A word of advice.”
My cheeks flame with embarrassment as he continues. “Never, ever wear your hair like that in front of a man like me, and especially not when you’re being tracked. No ponytails. No buns.”