Page 48 of Beautiful Deception

“So, Viktor, any idea of when we might get married?”

“Not yet. I’m still… figuring things out.”

“You were the one who wanted a wife, I thought. And I’m in need of a husband. We could make a powerful couple. You know that. So why are you resisting?”

“I’m not resisting.” Maybe a little. And maybe it has something to do with my maid who I can’t seem to stop thinking about.

“Is this because of Inessa?”

I stop in my tracks. “Inessa?”

“Do you like her?”

“She’s my maid.”

“And that’s not an answer.”

I pull away from Natasha. “This date wasn’t a good idea. You’re not in a good mood and I’m distracted with work.” Distracted with what Erik said to me. “Let’s call it a day.”

“But we had a date planned.”

“You can come over tomorrow.” I hail a taxi for her. “Sound good?”

She huffs. “I mean… I guess. I just don’t want to feel like I’m losing you.”

That’s funny – seeing as Natasha never really had me at all.

Inessa

Mrs. Green is angry with me for dropping the plates. I don’t have the courage to tell her it was Natasha trying to hurt me again. She has it out for me but I’m not going to let her win. I’m keeping this job, even if it kills me.

“Just stay out of trouble,” Mrs. Green snaps as I’m vacuuming the guest bedroom.

“Just doing my job, Mrs. Green.”

“And stay out of trouble. Mr. Smirnov is inviting his girlfriend back over today. So be mindful of her.”

I always am.

I’m in the living room, sweeping the floor, when Natasha arrives. The sight of her makes my stomach drop to my feet. What is she going to do to me this time?

“We’re trying to have a date,” Natasha says to me as she and Viktor enter the living room. Viktor catches my eye and I quickly look away. “You should leave.”

“Of course. If you need anything, just let me know.” I’m more than glad to be away from Natasha but once I reach the hallway, I hear someone behind me. It’s Viktor. “Sir?”

“We haven’t had a chance to talk since…” He motions to my bandage leg. “I just wanted to say that what happened cannot happen again.”

“I understand.”

He takes a step closer to me. “And what happened in my office cannot happen again.”

A heat flares in my lower stomach. The way he touched my thighs was intense and electric. I haven’t been able to stop thinking of it ever since.

“I understand.”

“Good. Because I have… Natasha.” He says it like he’s trying to convince himself.

“Of course. I am just your maid. And she is your girlfriend. She’s the one you should spend time with. Not me.”

---