Page 12 of Beguiled

As if seeing me in an entirely new light.

I’d experienced flirtation before, including when serving as a barista. I had my share of admirers and could always easily tell what they were thinking.

Not this man.

Right now, I wasn’t thinking of him as Mr. Chertov, my boss and a powerful man within the company. I was seeing a different side of him, somewhat playful while challenging both my motives and my knowledge. More like the man I’d met at the party.

His eyes locked onto mine with almost an obsessive focus.

I’d gathered him to be an obsessive person, but this was something else entirely. This was as if he’d seen through my private layer of armor that was necessary in this industry, exposing my thoughts and desires.

But for what purpose?

A slow and steady chill shifted down my spine.

Maybe I should throw caution to the wind. After all, why should I provide such a detailed report, which would take me hours to complete, without obtaining something in return? Yes, I had a job to do and analyzing financial data was in my job description. However, what he was asking went above and beyond my typical duties and stood a chance of making the company and perhaps him personally significant bucks if things went as well as I knew they could.

Why shouldn’t I get a piece of the pie?

“Mr. Chertov. As I said before, I’m happy, even eager to provide you with a detailed report.”

“But?” He tilted his head almost as if in anticipation I wanted more.

“But I want to be involved.”

He was either hot or cold in his reactions, both so subtle those who didn’t know him would miss it.

I didn’t.

The amusement had drifted into intrigue. “And exactly what would that be, Ms. Mitchell?”

Shit. He’d called my bluff and I had no idea what I wanted. “A true position as financial analyst and not in name only. I’d like to be involved in the decision-making process of moving the company forward. In addition, I’d like a percentage of any contract that I proctored for you.”

Why not shoot for the moon?

“You’re asking for a significant increase in responsibilities as well as salary and benefits. Are you certain you’re ready to handle moving into an executive level position?”

“I am.” I stated the two words with confidence.

He took a deep breath, holding it in his lungs for a few seconds before exhaling. “As you might imagine, Ms. Mitchell, often companies are required to move into gray areas within business techniques. Are you prepared to face both the difficulties in doing so and the possible consequences?”

Gray areas. I looked him square in the eyes. The term ‘no pain, no gain’ wasn’t truly appropriate in this instance, but those were the only words that came to mind. “I am.”

His features softened and this time, I couldn’t read him at all. “Then I guess we’ll see.”

“Understood.”

“I hope you do because if I trust you enough to offer a promotion, there is no going back.”

No going back. I wasn’t certain what he was insinuating, but I wasn’t prepared to ask because I wasn’t certain I wanted to know the answer. “As I said before, I understand.”

I was somewhat queasy when I stood, the swarming butterflies indicating I’d stepped into a mess of something. Nodding as he’d done with me, I turned toward the door, fighting with myself to keep from racing through it. I was both nervous and excited at the opportunity.

“Just for the record, Ms. Mitchell, I absolutely adore and value strong, intelligent women who don’t mind getting a little dirty while handling business.”

What?

The words were like the ones I’d…