Page 35 of Maximus

There was silence. “I will make it a point to be at the showing. I believe I may owe you a raise, Elena—very good work. I was concerned when Sokolov told me you were sleeping with this art dealer. I guess you’re using your talents to my advantage.”

She straightened and shook with outrage. Had she heard that right? “What?”

“What part of my statement didn’t you understand?” The man’s retort lashed her to the quick.

She ran her hand through her hair and shook her head as she blurted, “How dare you? I am your employee, not someone who would use my body to gainyoufavors. And why would Sokolov know of my relationship with Mr. Stryker? Why would either of you be concerned? I swear I have never been so insulted in my life.”

“Your outrage is unnecessary, Elena. I don’t care who you sleep with, but I do care that you’re loyal to me and only me. Sokolov watches all of my employees. Your sudden romance was questioned; he has every right to bring it to my attention. He’s an extension of me, and his loyalty is not questioned.”

“Butmineis?” She lifted her hand and slapped her leg when it dropped. “Thanks for that. Your question of my character makes all the work I’ve been doing for you so completely unfulfilling.”

Abrasha laughed. “Deal with your emotions on your own time, Elena. Loyalty is rewarded in my world, and anyone who isn’t is dealt with. Make sure you remember who you work for. Get my paintings ready to be shipped and send me the documentation when they’re loaded on the truck.”

“I always do,” she snipped. “And for your information, I have always been loyal to you. I have always followed your instructions even when I don’t understand or think you’re making a mistake with your money. It isn’t my place to question you. My job is to ensure you have the knowledge and connections to obtain the art you want, and I do a damn good job. Tell Sokolov to stay away from me and Max. If he confronts Max, it could cost you theSalvator Mundi. That is the truth. Max Stryker isveryinfluential.”

She glanced over at Max. His position hadn’t changed, and his expression gave nothing away.

“A valid point. I will see you at the showing.” The man hung up, and she slammed the phone down.

“Bastard.”

Max blinked at that. “Please repeat the conversation you just had with your employer as close to verbatim as possible.”

Pushing both hands through her hair, she told him exactly what the asshole had said. “I just can’t believe he’d think I’d use sex to gain favors for him!”

Max stoodand walked over to her. “He’s only showing a small portion of his colors to you. He was testing you. If you’d acted anything but outraged, he would’ve known you were lying.”

“Sokolov knows about us and told Abrasha. What has he seen? What does he know about us? I just can’t.” She covered her face with her hands, and Max’s arms enveloped her.

“Sokolov has made a logical conclusion. I don’t leave your home at night and have checked out of my hotel. If he hadn’t told Abrasha, he’d be stupid. And now, we have his word he’ll be at the showing.”

“Can we get the canvases secured in the case and out of here by Wednesday?” She lifted her head off his chest. “Sokolov is watching. God, why didn’t that register? He had a picture of you at the front door of the office. Do you think he has cameras in my apartment? Dear God.” She covered her face with both hands. Had he been watching her? She felt so violated.

He grabbed her hands and pulled them away from her face. “No, he has no camera in your home.”

“How do you know that?”

“Because I checked. There are no monitors of any kind except for your internet access. They know what sites you go to and what you do when you’re online.” Max lowered so he was looking directly into her eyes. “I would never let anyone watch us. What happens between us is private; no one but us will ever know what happens in your home. Do you understand?”

She nodded. “You’re sure?”

“Absolutely positive.” When he smiled, all the shame she’d felt evaporated.

“Okay.” She nodded. “Okay. So, we need to move the canvases before Wednesday. How do we get the case in and out without Sokolov knowing?”

Max smiled at her and winked. “Leave that to a magician I know.”

She narrowed her eyes. “You’re talking around things again.”

He nodded. “I am.”

“And I shouldn’t ask questions.”

“Nope,” he said as a smile spread across his face.

“I’m getting good at that.”

“Very good.” He laughed.

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