Page 44 of Blood Mosaic

Tatyana blinked. “You’re the CEO.”

“I’m the CEO of several companies, and those companies are run by very competent executives. The only reason you know me at all is because you worked for Zara. So no, this is not a typical employee-and-employer relationship, and there is no reason to pretend it is.”

Oleg sat back and picked up his wine, sipping the Spanish red, rolling the rich liquid around his mouth and imagining what her blood tasted like. Her scent was an intriguing blend of salt and something green. It would be sharp and biting on his tongue.

His mouth watered at the thought, and his fangs ached in his jaw.

There was nothing floral or sweet about Tatyana Vorona. Despite her looks, her body chemistry was elemental. Earthy. Her limbs were slim, her shoulders square, her neck long. Oleg suspected she was stronger than she looked and most people would underestimate her.

He did not.

For a human, she was smart and perceptive. She was headstrong but logical. She reminded him of a predator, pursuing her goal with focus but not forgetting that there were dangers lurking in the forest.

The corner of his mouth inched up. “I would enjoy seducing you.”

Tatyana covered her mouth as she nearly spat out her wine. She immediately put her white napkin to her mouth to dab her lips. “That is… That will not be happening.”

Now that the words had escaped him, Oleg was determined. This was an excellent idea. He hadn’t had a proper paramour in years. “Why not?”

Her eyes went wide. “You are my employer.”

What a ridiculous argument. “You’re an independent contractor, and Elene is in charge of you. Do you like music?”

“Yes.” She blinked. “Not that it matters. Why would you tell me something like that?”

“About music?”

“About…” She sputtered. “Not the music thing.”

“So you mean” —he leaned forward— “seduction?”

Her lips were flushed. From anger or desire?

“Yes,” she hissed. “That.”

“Because I thought it. I prefer being direct in these matters.”

“And I prefer to keep a professional relationship with my boss.”

Oleg smiled. “You’ve never had a boss like me.”

She rolled her eyes. “I’ve known plenty of men like you.”

He could only smile. “No, you haven’t.” His fangs were lengthening, but she didn’t notice.

Tatyana sipped her wine and met his eyes with unflinching candor. “It will not be happening.”

“I agree. Not unless both of us want it.”

She opened her mouth, but whatever she was going to say was choked by something that was trying to be indignation and failing miserably.

She wanted him too.

Oleg kept his eyes on her, enjoying the rapid parade of expressions on her face.

Shock.

Interest.

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