Page 47 of Hostage of the Russian
“I’ve got you,” he whispered into the darkness. “I’ve got you, and I’m never letting you go.”
It was a promise he intended to keep, no matter what it cost him. Danny Hartford would pay for what he’d done, andAzriel would finally be free to live the life she deserved. The life Kostya was determined to give her, if she’d let him.
He closed his eyes and let himself drift off to sleep, one hand buried in her hair, the other wrapped protectively around her waist. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new complications, but tonight she was his, safe and warm in his arms.
And that was enough. For now, that was everything.
Chapter 16 - Azriel
Azriel stood outside the sleek glass building, smoothing down her pencil skirt for the third time in as many minutes. The morning sun reflected off the chrome and glass facade of what appeared to be a perfectly legitimate consulting firm, complete with tasteful signage and well-dressed professionals streaming in and out of the lobby.
“Morrison & Associates,” she read aloud, checking the address on her phone one more time. This was definitely the place Kostya had suggested, though she still wasn’t entirely sure how he’d managed to arrange an interview so quickly after she’d mentioned wanting to put her degrees to use.
The lobby was adorned with marble floors and modern art, the kind of place that screamed wealth and success. Azriel approached the reception desk, her heels clicking against the polished stone.
“I’m here for an interview,” she told the impeccably dressed receptionist. “Azriel Hartford, ten o’clock appointment.”
“Of course, Ms. Hartford. Please take the elevator to the twentieth floor. Someone will meet you there.”
The elevator ride felt endless, her nerves building with each passing floor. She’d been on plenty of interviews during her college years, but something about this felt different. Maybe it was because she genuinely wanted this job, needed the independence it would bring, and the chance to prove she could succeed on her own merit.
The twentieth floor was even more impressive than the lobby, all polished wood and floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a stunning view of the Chicago skyline. A woman wholooked to be in her forties approached her with a professional smile.
“Ms. Hartford? I’m Janet Mills, HR director. Thank you for coming in today.”
“Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.”
“Not at all. Your resume is quite impressive.” Janet led her down a hallway lined with conference rooms and offices. “The hiring manager is waiting for you in the corner office. He’s very much looking forward to meeting you.”
They stopped outside a door with frosted glass, and Janet knocked before pushing it open. “Ms. Hartford is here for her interview.”
“Send her in.”
Azriel’s blood turned to ice at the familiar voice. She stepped into the office and felt her jaw drop as Kostya looked up from behind a massive mahogany desk, wearing a perfectly tailored charcoal suit that made her mouth go dry.
“Thank you, Janet. Please hold my calls for the next hour.”
The door closed behind the HR director with a soft click, leaving them alone. Kostya leaned back in his leather chair, a slow smile spreading across his face as he took in her appearance.
“Ms. Hartford, is it? Please, have a seat.”
Azriel remained frozen by the door, her mind reeling. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“Language, Ms. Hartford. This is a professional environment.” His eyes danced with mischief as he gestured tothe chair across from his desk. “Please, sit. We have a lot to discuss.”
She moved on unsteady legs to the chair, her professional composure warring with the desire to either kiss him senseless or throttle him. Maybe both.
“You didn’t tell me you owned this company.”
“You didn’t ask.” He picked up a folder from his desk, presumably her resume and application materials. “Now, let’s begin. Tell me why you’re interested in working for Morrison & Associates.”
“I’m interested in working somewhere legitimate, which apparently this isn’t if you’re involved.”
“I’m hurt.” He pressed a hand to his chest in mock offense. “Morrison & Associates is perfectly legitimate. We provide consulting services to various businesses throughout the city.”
“What kind of consulting?”
“The kind that helps people solve problems.” His smile turned predatory. “But we’re here to discuss your qualifications, not mine. I see you graduated summa cum laude with degrees in psychology, criminal justice, and business administration. Impressive.”
