Page 11 of Savage Boss
Emily.
I’ve been debating all day whether or not to tell her who owns the company. Does it really matter? I don’t think I’m going to be interacting with him that much. At least, I hope not. Or shall I say, part of me hopes not. The other part wants to finish what he started this morning.
I get my answer when the elevator doors slide open to reveal none other than Dmitri Smirnov himself.
Itakea step back at the sight of him, clutchingthe strap of my tote, as I say, “I’lltakethe next one.”
He raises his eyebrows, his mouthcurlingup on one side. “Are you sure? This buildinghastwenty floors, and the elevatorsarenotoriously slow.”
“I’m fine.” The doors start to slide closed, but Dmitri—no, Mr. Smirnov—sticks his hand out and pushes them open again.
“Ride with me.”
The wordsarenot a request, but an order. Ihesitantly stepinto the car,settlingin the corner farthest from him, my gaze straight ahead.
“Are you afraid of your new boss? I’veheardhe’s quite fair and easy toworkwith.” His voiceiswarm with amusement, like he’senjoyingmy reaction to him.
I need to set a boundary.
“I’m not scared of anyone. I’mtryingto maintain a professional work environment.”
“Ah.”
I don't glance his way, but I do wonder what the hell that response is supposed to mean.
“And how was your first day with the Smirnov Corporation?”
“It was good. They didn't hold back, but I didn't expect them to. I’m glad. It means that they trust me to get the work done, instead of starting me off easy. I think I proved myself to John today.”
“Well, you certainly proved how far you’re willing to go for the owner of the company this morning.”
With a hiss, I jam the button to halt the elevator car and turn to my mystery man.
No, Mr.Smirnov. Why do I have to keep reminding myself to call the owner of the company I work forby his name? He’s not my mystery man; he’s my boss.
“Look, I am here to do a job, one you hired me for. I’m good at what I do, and I’ve worked really hard to get here. This is my dream job, and I am not going to have some misogynistic bastard mess it up for me.”
The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them, and when Dmitri’s smile disappears instantly, I barely manage to keep myself from cringing.
Imight have hada wild night with this man, but heismy boss now. Not only is he my boss, but he’s the owner of the corporation I work for. Idon't knowif I’ve justcrosseda line with him, but I do know I needtosetboundaries and expectations. And if hefiresme because Irefusetohavea relationship with him beyond business, then sobeit. I’m notgoingtodemeanmyself for others anymore.
“Is that how you feel?”
“Yes. That is how I feel. I am not going to jeopardize my career by getting intimate with the boss in his office.”
“Who said anything about that?”
“Don’t play innocent with me.”
“You know no one can touch you, don’t you? I own this company.”
“That’s beside the point.” I have to stop myself from stomping on the floor like a child. “Idon't wantanyone herethinkingI onlygotthis job because of you. I’veworkedmyassoff togetto where I am, and I’mgoingtoproveto everyone that Igotthis position on my own merit and my own hard work. If that’s a problem, then I’llfindanother position somewhere else.”
“Not before you finish the prep for the SEC audit.”
Thatdrawsme up short because it’s not at all the answer Iexpect. “The what?”
“I am assigning you to finish the prep for the SEC audit tomorrow.”
