Page 3 of Use Me, Daddy

A flicker of suspicion went through me. He wasn’t the kind of polished professional I’d expected, though he wore the suit well enough to make you think he was. The whole situation felt oddly secretive, almost… dangerous.

“It’s true,” I said, lifting my chin. “But I also believe in going where I’ll be challenged. You value art, and you’re not afraid of unconventional opinions. That’s a combination I rarely see.”

“Mm,” he murmured, his dark eyes narrowing with interest. “And why, exactly, are you drawn to… challenge?” The way he said it made the word sound personal, like he knew it wasn’t just art that drew me to situations that tested me.

I hesitated, feeling his gaze pierce deeper than I liked. I wanted to sidestep the question, but something in his expression made it clear that he’d notice my evasion and press harder.

“Because,” I began slowly, “I’ve learned that if I don’t push myself, no one else will. Men rarely see women as competition. At least, not real competition.” I smiled tightly, watching him for a reaction. “I’ve had to fight my way in. The art world can be exclusive, to put it lightly.”

“Indeed, it can be,” he said, his voice calm, though his expression turned thoughtful. “You’re the ambitious type, then.” His words were measured, but there was something else in his tone—a subtle hint of approval.

Or maybe it was admiration. I didn’t know, but I thought it felt like a good thing.

“Isn’t that what you’re looking for?” I countered, folding my arms across my chest. “Someone who’ll see things others miss? Someone who doesn’t need to be told what to do?”

It was a bit forward, but I wasn’t here to play coy.

Aleksei’s mouth lifted, a darkly amused smile. “I prefer employees who don’t waste my time, yes. But there is a fine line between confidence and… arrogance.” His voice dipped as he leaned closer. “And sometimes it takes a strong hand to keep it in check.”

What the hell did he mean by that?

“I wouldn’t describe myself as arrogant,” I replied, though the heat of his gaze made me feel exposed. “I’d say… competitive.”

He chuckled, a low sound that stirred something in me, and then he turned back to me, his gaze stormy and tumultuous.

“I’ve found that most people compete for control. But what are you willing to do to keep it?”

His gaze was challenging, as though he’d already guessed that answer about me.

I forced myself to hold his gaze. “I don’t believe in control for its own sake. I believe in merit. If I earn my place, I expect to be treated accordingly.”

The words were firm, but inside, I felt a flash of unease. His questions were digging past the defenses I’d spent years building.

And to top things off, he seemed to know he was doing it.

Even worse than that, he seemed to be enjoying it.

Aleksei’s eyes glinted, a look that made it clear he understood exactly what I was feeling. “I like that you’re direct. But tell me, Amy… are you as honest about everything else?”

The question threw me off guard, and I hesitated, trying to read his expression. I could feel him closing in, his gaze steady and unwavering, and I could sense that he was testing me—not just my skills, but my resolve. It was strange, but I felt as if he could see every part of me down to the very depths of my soul.

It was unnerving to say the least.

I took a deep breath, meeting his eyes, refusing to be intimidated. “If you’re asking if I’m here for anything other than the job, the answer is no.” I gave him a pointed look. “And you can trust that my motives are entirelyprofessional.”

His smile turned slightly predatory, his eyes darkening. “Oh, Miss Whitaker, trust is earned, not given.”

He took a step back, and I realized I’d been holding my breath.

“Then let me earn it,” I replied, my voice soft but sure.

I was letting him know I could rise to whatever challenge he presented, but even as I said the words, I realized they were more than just an answer.

They were a dare.

And from the gleam in his eyes, he knew it too.

Aleksei’s eyes lingered on me, and I could feel the weight of his scrutiny, as though he was carefully deciding if I was worth the risk. Finally, he gave a slight nod, his lips curling in a way that was both approving and unsettling.

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