Page 25 of Boss

“One of the biggest investors in Gamtron is a man known as Kovalevsky. His son is here trying to negotiate an expansion plan with LuxeOil. They are working jointly on this drilling project. It’s not going well. I think I can help him.”

“Oh? Okay. What will you need from me?”

Tarek smirked. “I’ll let you know when the time is right.”

The drive to the airport was short. She dreaded leaving the car. It was seven degrees in Anchorage and below zero in Deadhorse. A kind of cold she’d only read about in books. She had no way of understanding the frigid depths of that kind temperature.

She put on her gloves and he did as well. He had a coat similar to hers except it was black and the hood wasn’t trimmed in fur. They both had half ski-masks tucked in their collars, which were ready to be pulled up over their noses and under their eyes.

Tarek nodded that the helicopter waited for them and it was time to go. She got out of the car after him. They moved quick. Once inside the helicopter he fastened her in before doing himself. This was far different than the plane. She really felt exposed to the elements. She grabbed his hand and he squeezed hers to reassure her. They lifted up off the ground, hoovered, and then off they went. After her initial fear was chased away by the thrill of a new unexplored adventure she opened her eyes. The helicopter flew over rigid slopes of mountains and icy planes that broke off into a coastal ocean. The sun was blocked by the snow clouds. So visibility was blanked in grey.

“I need to warn you Angela. The camp we’re visiting has few women. Men are stationed here for close to a year at a time. And they’re not the best behaved. You stay close to me. And do as I say. Understood?”

“I understand.”

7.

Tarek pulled the half ski mask up over his nose and mouth. He stepped out of the helicopter into the wintry mix. He reached back to help her do the same. He could see nothing but her eyes from under the cover of her hood. Still they were the eyes any man could love.

“Mr. Marshall!” A man yelled over the howling wind. “This way sir!”

Tarek gripped Kassidy by the arm and forced her to move quickly. The elements, no matter how one dressed, was not something an untrained person for this kind of climate could physically withstand for long. They went fast toward the door to the dome shaped building. Once inside the force of the snow and wind pushed at them still. They had to pass through two additional doors to breach the inner warmth.

The first person he saw was Yegor Kovalevsky. He was a man hard to miss. He wore dark snow pants with suspenders over his black turtleneck. The tattoos on his neck were covered but the stars and tats and on his hands were clearly seen. Yegor had a shaved head with a blonde beard that was at least three inches long.

“Tarek! Welcome!” Yegor opened his arms. Tarek didn’t do much in forms of public shows of affection but he understood it was a customary greeting. He embraced Yegor and then Yegor grabbed him by the face and kissed his left and his right cheek.

“We didn’t think you’d make it past the storm. It won’t set us free for another week. You’re mine now,” Yegor chuckled.

“I’m here to prove once and for all that we belong in business together.”

“Da! Try convincing father of that. He fucking hates you Marshalls,” Yegor chuckled. “He gave me so much shit when I said you were coming to Deadhorse.”

“We can work on that together.” Tarek reassured him.

“Da, and who is this?” Yegor’s gaze swung to Kassidy. Every man gathered in the hall did as well. Kassidy removed her hood and pulled down her ski-mask. Amongst the pale faces her austere beauty and golden brown skin was a striking contrast. To Tarek she looked more delicate and ethereal than ever.

She walked toward Yegor with confidence aware of the appreciative stares. She extended her hand. “Hello Mr. Kovalevsky, I’m Angela Brown. I work for Mr. Marshall.”

“Work?” Yegor asked. “What is this about Tarek?” The Russian glanced to Tarek for an explanation. Tarek was unable to look away from Kassidy. She should have at the very least been intimidated in the lion’s den. She looked eager to join the meeting and then angry when Yegor dismissed her.

When Tarek didn’t respond Yegor returned his attention to Kassidy. She lowered her hand after an awkward moment. However, Yegor captured it in his before it slipped to her side. He pulled her closer and gently kissed her left and right cheek.

“Zdrastvooyte,” Yegor said. “We don’t bring women here, Tarek. But she can be an exception.”

Kassidy’s hand was released from his but Yegor continued to stare directly into her eyes.

“She’s needed for our talks,” Tarek replied. “I’ll explain.”

“Da,” Yegor said, and his gaze lingered. “Explain.” He stroked his beard and smiled. “Have you eaten? We were just set to have dinner. You join us! Okay?”

Tarek nodded his acceptance. Kassidy glanced at him and he gave her a reassuring wink. That was all she needed. She was back in the game.

8.

Kassidy swallowed her nerves. She felt completely isolated and vulnerable. Tarek cut his gaze to her and then away as he walked with Yegor and they began discussing business. She followed but not too close.

Her eyes kept darting left and right to observe the behaviors of the men that walked at her side. They headed down several halls before they entered a room that could only be described as a cafeteria. There were at least thirty men eating. The only women she saw was two older ladies over by the food tables. Every eye in the room switched from Tarek and then to her.

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