Page 8 of King of Malice
Another reason the nanny department works for me. I work with a lot more women than I do men.
Retrieving my bag, I wave goodbye to Anna and then draw in a deep breath as I meet Dimitri’s eye.
I’m surprised when my body reacts again, the ache between my legs pulsing despite the fear I’d experienced just a minute ago.
“You’ll call me and let me know about the temporary placement?”
“Of course,” I nod. “Is there a time that’s too late for me to phone?”
“No, any time is fine.” He reaches out his hand and I only hesitate for a second before I slip my fingers into his.
There is no fear at his touch, in fact, red-hot excitement pulses through me. “I’ll call you as soon as I’ve secured someone for the short-term position, but I’ll also get started on your long-term placement.”
“Excellent. Thank you, Ava.” He squeezes my hand, the slight pressure making my pulse jump.
My breath catches as I fight down the attraction. This is a client, but more importantly…I don’t do this—ever.
I press my lips together as I try to get my body under control,pulling my hand from his before I smooth my pencil skirt over my hip.
I dart my gaze to his just in time to note that his eyes are on my hands, following the trail.
Just this once, I wish I could put my issues aside, take him up on the offer I think I see in his eyes.
I know men find me attractive.
I’ve got long blonde hair, blue eyes, a nice nose and mouth, a good figure. I work at being thin, but I’m curvy by design, so I fill out a bikini.
I went to three different high schools in four years, and I’d had my pick of boyfriends. Not that I let things go too far, back then I was a little scared of the unknown and sex was some exciting, but mysterious act.
Now, though, I’m petrified of the known. The moment where a man can completely dominate you and there isn’t a thing you can do about it.
That memory makes me draw in a deep, cleansing breath, filling my lungs, before I give him my bright, professional smile. “I’ll be in touch.”
And then I turn, even as he presses the button for the elevator, the doors sliding open as I step inside.
It isn’t until the doors close, that I release the breath. And make a note. I have to do as few home visits with Dimitri Ivanov as possible.
I’ve tried this before. Where I meet a man I decide I want to date. I mean, I’ve never felt the pull like I do with Dimitri, but still, I have attempted dating.
The two other times I’ve felt an attraction the night ended the same. Me freaking out in the bedroom once clothes started coming off and his body climbed on top of mine.
I just don’t want to see the disappointment in his eyes when he realizes how broken I am.
Which is why it’s best to keep away from Dimitri Ivanov.
CHAPTER THREE
Ava
I hangup with Gertrude smiling into my empty living room. It’s after nine, and I’m home, in my little sleep shorts and a tank top, eating my premade salad I picked up at the market down the street.
She’ll cover the position starting the day after tomorrow. She needs a day to get her affairs in order before she can move into Dimitri’s home.
I know Dimitri was hoping for tomorrow, but this is a very quick turn around and I hope he’s pleased.
Even thinking about him makes me warm all over and I throb again between my legs. I shake my head, wondering if my body has gone into complete revolt over the whole twenty-five-and-celibate thing.
I stand, starting to pace the room as I look down at my phone. I need to call Dimitri, but his voice is going to further amp my overwrought system.
