Marina bit on her lower lip again. Lips that were still a little puffy from their earlier kiss. The moment she slid into his lap, his self-control began to unravel. If that had gone on a little longer, he would’ve pushed her into his desk. Stripped her down. Then have his way with her hot and tempting body. He’d fuck her right there like a beast, without any care in the world, and she’d beg him for more. Pavel knew the moment their lips locked that she wanted him as much as he did. She just had a little trouble restraining herself.

Why did they have to lie and deceive each other until they got what they truly wanted?

“Say something, Pavel. Please.”

Her last word undid him. His proud Marina seldom asked anyone for help, but she went to him but only because she had no one else. Aldo and his goons had trapped her in a corner. Good thing he still felt something for her. Vestiges of affection? Perhaps. Loathing? Certainly. After all, when she left him, she broke something vital in him.

“I’ll take care of everything. Rest assured your little store will be saved,” he said. “Consider your father’s debts paid.”

“In exchange for my soul?” she asked, sarcasm leaking in her voice.

He smiled and she shivered. “Someday, your sharp tongue will get you in trouble, Marina.”

“You said my tongue was one of the things you liked about me,” Marina said.

“One among many things,” Pavel agreed. He let his gaze linger on her body again. On those curves he’d probably keep envisioning long after she left his office.

“So that’s it? We’re not going to discuss what you want from me?” she asked.

“This isn’t a negotiation,” he reminded her. “I’ll make it simple for you. When I want you, I’ll send word and you’ll come running to me without question. Fail to answer me once, and I’ll feed you to the sharks.”