Page 40 of Beautiful Deception

“Just tell me who ruined the cake, Inessa. You’re safe with me.”

I know I’m not. Viktor is the ultimate danger to me and I walked right into his home.

“Please don’t make me say.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t want to lose this job.”

“I will not fire you. No matter the answer you give me.”

I have to trust that Viktor is telling the truth, and so far, he’s been honest with me. I’ve been the one who’s been lying.

“Natasha.”

His hand stills on my upper thighs. It’s warm on my skin. “Natasha? You saw her do this?”

“No,” I admit. “That’s why I didn’t say anything. But she was in the kitchen and when I returned, the cake was ruined. I assumed it was her. But maybe it was an accident. Maybe she didn’t mean to do it. I didn’t get the chance to ask her.”

“Maybe,” he murmurs. “But you didn’t see her for a fact?”

“No. Not for a fact. That’s why I didn’t want to say anything.”

“I’ll have to ask her about it. Maybe it was an accident.” But he doesn’t exactly sound convinced of that. She’s his future wife from my understanding. Why would he not be sure of her?

Viktor does not remove his hand from my thigh. It’s all I can think about. How good it feels. How warm and strong.

He begins to rub circles into my skin with his thumb. “I should move.” But he doesn’t.

“Yes.” I don’t fight hard to make him move either.

This is crazy. I can’t be feeling these things for my boss, no matter how handsome and striking he is. He would kill me if he knew the truth. That is not a man to have feelings for.

Viktor inches his fingers up higher. I gasp when he touches my inner thigh. He’s so close to my underwear. So close to my most intimate area.

“I know it’s not my place to ask but do you have a boyfriend?”

“No.”

“Good,” he practically growls. I inhale sharply; my hands grip the desk tighter. “You’re so innocent. Have you had a boyfriend before?”

“No.” It comes out as a breathy whisper.

Viktor’s hand clenches around my thigh. “Why not?”

“My dad was strict about it. He didn’t want me dating anyone.”

“But you’re an adult. You could date now if you wanted.”

“It’s not that simple,” I say.

“Then explain it to me.”

“I’m focused on making money. I need to. I don’t have time to date. And… I’m trying to help my dad.”

“Can he not fend for himself?”

“He tries but he has a gambling problem.”

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