His Wicked Heart

Chapter Sixteen

minerva
(n.) a woman of great wisdom

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PRESENT

ALEKSANDR

"Here's the signed recognition agreement for your deal, boss," I took the papers from Ryan's hand before dismissing him. "Go and make sure nobody comes here for the next three hours. If anyone asks about my availability, let them know that I'm taking a rest."

He nodded in understanding before leaving the room, disappearing from my sight. A sigh escaped my mouth as I slumped against my bed; the touch of the soft mattress made me feel like I was in heaven.

Well, of course, a man who hadn't slept for thirty-seven hours would consider his bed heaven, period.

After flying to Astana, I could only take a nap for ten minutes before having to rush to the meeting with the Sokolovs. Only God knows why these people had to hold a simple assembly on another continent.

Removing the rubber band from my hair, I placed it on the nightstand before picking up my phone. I wasn't sure why, but a part of me immediately felt the urge to send a text to Genevieve.

She's fine, for God's sake.

I couldn't pick her up yesterday due to the occurrence of this unexpected situation. I wondered how she felt about my absence. Given the fact that she felt burdened by being picked up by me, she was probably relieved.

Perhaps she thought that after giving her a job, I was being gracious for picking her up every day. She was wrong. It was me who wanted that. Not out of graciousness, but to satisfy my own desire to have Genevieve close by my side.

I have to stay here for two more days, and I definitely need to resist the urge to harm anyone responsible for preventing me from seeing Genevieve for three days due to this unannounced schedule.

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GENEVIEVE

With no sign of Aleksandr again on the next day, I felt even lonelier and more anxious. Despite Emi's so-called reassurance about his whereabouts the previous day, I found myself strangely uneasy about his absence.

What if he doesn't come anymore?

I should feel relieved. But the problem was, I couldn't.

"Good morning, Gen." Emi found me in the hallway at work and approached me with a huge grin on his face. I fought the urge to roll my eyes at his presence.

He was not entirely unpleasant. His quirky yet mysterious mischievousness provided a bit of entertainment, except for his less-than-gracious deeds he seemed to delight in sharing with me.

I wasn't sure if he was really that unhinged or intentionally messing with me, but whatever it was, I didn't find joy in his company. If anything, Emi was not a comforting sight for someone in distress.

Not that I was grieving, but still. Talking to him would only add to my frustration.

"Good morning," I said lazily, avoiding his gaze. "Why are you here?" I asked, looking around.

"Obviously, for you," he winked, walking alongside me.

See? That's why I didn't want to see him right now.

"You say hideous words, Emi," I sighed. "I'd suggest not saying such things if you don't want to be mauled by women."

"Such harsh words!" Emi gasped dramatically. "You wound me, Gen." His expression was almost comical, as if I had said something extremely offensive. "I thought we could be friends, but you're pushing me away. Don't come crying to me when my brother leaves you."