Page 15 of The Councilor

Other than my family and Vadim, no one knew what I considered my hobby. Hiking not only relieved stress but also anger from whatever case or asshole tumbled into my life.

“It sounds wonderful.”

Another group of corporate moguls was celebrating something, their voices getting louder. As soon as they turned their attention in my direction, I sensed Raphaella was becoming more and more uncomfortable. Not everyone was used to the notorious level of light I’d brought onto myself over the years.

“Why don’t we go for tonight?” I pulled out a hundred-dollar bill, tossing it on the table. It was something else that seemed to surprise her. “I’ll take you home.”

“No. I can take the subway. I like riding the subway.”

I shook my head. “That’s not going to happen this evening.”

“Seriously, no need.” She threw out her hand as if that was going to stop me.

“If you’re worried I’ll discover where you live, all I need to do is look in your file.”

I wasn’t entirely certain that gave her comfort or more angst, but she finally nodded in agreement.

“Welcome to Whitfield and Semenov, Raphaella. I hope you’ll find what you’re looking for in my employ. And keep in mind,I do bite but only with assholes who cross me.” I winked as I started to stand. “Oh, and about this morning.”

“Do not mention this morning. No man treats me that way and gets away with it.”

I felt a lawsuit coming on.

Now her lovely face was devoid of color.

It made me wonder what the beautiful girl was hiding.

CHAPTER 5

Raphaella

“I’m going to feast on every inch of you. When I’m finished, I’ll start again. After you’re wet and trembling, only then will I drive my cock deep into your sweet pussy,” he whispered, the dark and husky tone setting my skin on fire.

“What if I don’t allow you?” I asked, almost laughing at how ridiculous the question was.

He wrapped his hand around my throat, lifting my chin with his thumb. As he leaned in, the feel of his hot breath cascading across my face was incredible. Now, my core was on fire, every nerve standing on end.

“You seem to forget no one says no to me. Plus, I take what I want. And right now, that’s you.”

“Shit,” I whispered, the delicious but ridiculous fantasy just one of many since I’d returned to his car after our drink together.

Why was it I was even having trouble mumbling his name?

Playing with fire.

You hate him. Remember?

That was the best mantra to use.

My mother had warned me against my typical behavior more than once. I needed the job, but I hadn’t planned on being so attracted to my boss. The internet pictures didn’t do him justice. I also hadn’t anticipated he’d give me the time of day. He was a busy man, his expertise sought after far and wide.

Yet as I walked up the stairs leading to the shared apartment, all I could think about was how lush his lips were and how chiseled his jaw was. It was entirely unprofessional of me and I’d worked very hard to get this job, but spending time over a drink had caught me off guard. He wasn’t as nasty as I’d heard he was.

However, I was so surprised I was thinking about him sexually so quickly. I’d all but made a decision to swear off men, at least for now. I guess I could consider him eye candy and nothing else. A low moan escaped my lips. If I continued to be a nervous wreck around him, I doubted it would matter as I wouldn’t have a job very long.

As I unlocked the door, I allowed myself a smile. I felt good about the day, even if I’d been tongue tied most of it, making a fool of myself.

Even if the man had spanked me.

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