Page 19 of Dark Seduction

"Agreed," Vladimir says, his expression turning serious again. "We'll do whatever it takes. You can count on that."

The meeting concludes with strategic decisions mapped out and the team reinvigorated. I stand up, signaling the end of our session. "I'll have Dalia schedule a follow-up in a few days," I tell Vladimir and Vanya, shaking their hands firmly.

"Sounds good, Lev. We'll be ready," Vladimir responds.

Chapter 8

Dalia

One week later…

My phone buzzes loudly on the desk, jolting me out of my workflow.

I’ve been grinding away at this late hour—my new norm since starting to work for Lev. I’m deep into organizing his schedule and typing up emails that need to go out during tomorrow’s business hours.

I glance at my phone. The Thai food delivery I’d completely forgotten about is here.

I stretch, feeling the stiffness in my shoulders from hours of being hunched over my laptop. I grab my phone and head to the lobby to pick up my dinner, thankful for the break and the chance to refuel.

As I head out, I notice that the only lights still on are those in Lev's office.

I grab the food and wait for the elevator to take me back up, reflecting on my job. Lev is demanding, but he’s also asurprisingly fair boss.The more than generous salary makes the late nights and high expectations worth it.

When I return to my office, I decide to check in with Lev about tomorrow’s schedule and offer him some food. I knock gently on his door, and in that deep, gruff, and insanely sexy voice, he calls out, “Come in.”

Pushing the door open, I find him seated in the meeting area of his office, his feet propped up on the table, sleeves rolled up revealing his ropy forearms. His collar is undone, lending him a more relaxed charm, and his face is knitted in concentration as he pores over a form in his hands. Just the sight of him like this, effortlessly sexy, sends a rush of heat through me.

“What do you need, Dalia?” he asks, not looking up from his paperwork.

I clear my throat, trying to steady my voice. “Dinner,” I manage to say.

He looks up, confusion crossing his features momentarily. I can tell he forgot all about eating—something he tends to do when he’s buried in work. “Dinner?” he echoes.

“Yes, you know, that thing people do in the evening when they’re hungry,” I say with a light laugh, trying to ease the sudden tension I feel. “I figured you might have forgotten, just like I almost did. You're not the only one who skips meals when busy.”

He sets the papers down and rubs his eyes, a faint smile breaking through. “That was thoughtful of you. Thanks for looking out.”

I set the food down on the table and hand him a container. Watching him ease back into his chair and start to unwind causes desire to bubble to the surface.

He cranes his neck to peek into the bag, noting there’s more food than one person could possibly eat in one sitting. "I'm hungry, but notthathungry," he jokes.

I laugh, picking up my own container. "That one's mine.”

"Join me then," he offers, gesturing to the space across from him.

The invitation sends a thrill through me, and despite the nervous flutter in my stomach, I accept. He hops up from his chair and grabs a bottle of mineral water for each of us from a small fridge under one of the shelves.

We both dive into our food, devouring it in silence. The intensity of my hunger surprises me.

Sitting across from Lev in the quiet of his office, sharing a simple meal, feels unexpectedly intimate. The lines between boss and assistant blur just a bit, making this ordinary moment feel like something more.

After polishing off half his meal, he takes a long swig of water, and I find myself fixated on the bobbing of his Adam’s apple as he drinks.

My thighs press tightly together under the table, trying to quell the growing heat within me. I silently curse, knowing I'll have to change my panties if I get any more aroused.

Lev wipes his hands on a napkin as he shifts his focus toward me, his expression turning slightly more serious.

"So, tell me, how are things going with you? That prick of an ex-husband causing any more trouble?" he asks, his tone protective.

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