Volkov

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

The sound of my heels against the marble floors of the office echoed as I made my way to the elevator. Monday morning always had a special kind of energy—the buzz of phones ringing, keyboards clacking, and employees greeting one another with weary smiles and large cups of coffee. But this Monday felt different.

It wasn't just the start of a new week; it was the first time I'd see Maksim since Friday night.

The elevator doors slid open, and I stepped inside, smoothing the fabric of my fitted pencil skirt. My reflection in the polished walls stared back at me—poised, professional, but underneath, I felt anything but. The memory of his lips on mine, the heat of his hands against my skin, had been on a loop in my mind all weekend.

I pressed the button for the top floor and leaned back, taking a deep breath. Just another day at work, I told myself. You're a professional, and he's your boss. End of story.

The elevator chimed, and the doors slid open to reveal the sleek expanse of the executive floor. The reception desk sat empty, but the faint hum of conversation drifted from Maksim's office. I squared my shoulders and stepped out, making my way toward my desk.

"Good morning, Raven!" Matthew, my assistant, chirped as I approached. His crisp navy suit and eager smile were a refreshing sight.

"Morning, Matthew," I said, returning his grin. "You're here early."

"Always," he said, handing me a stack of neatly organized folders. "I've already gone through the morning emails, and Mr. Volkov has a packed schedule today. Also, there's a client waiting for him in the conference room downstairs."

"Got it," I said, scanning the folders. "Thanks, Matthew. Anything urgent?"

"Not yet. But..." He paused, lowering his voice. "He's in a mood today."

I raised an eyebrow. "What kind of mood?"

"The kind where everyone stays out of his way unless they absolutely have to talk to him."

Great, I thought, nodding. "Thanks for the heads-up."

I settled into my chair, flipping through the files Matthew had given me. But as much as I tried to focus, I couldn't stop my gaze from drifting toward Maksim's office. The frosted glass doors were shut, but I could feel his presence behind them, commanding, intense.

I busied myself with the emails and schedules, but my pulse quickened when the door to his office opened, and he stepped out.

Maksim was a force, even in the simplest of moments. His tailored gray suit hugged his broad frame, emphasizing his broad shoulders and tall, imposing stature. At 6'6", he commanded the room with ease, his sharp grey-green eyes scanning the office with calculated precision. His movements were fluid, deliberate, and when he stepped into the main area, every conversation seemed to pause momentarily.

I kept my eyes on my laptop, pretending not to notice him. But it was impossible to ignore the magnetic pull that seemed to accompany him everywhere he went.

"Ms. Tremble," his deep voice called out.

I glanced up, meeting his gaze. "Good morning, Mr. Volkov."

The faintest twitch of his lips hinted at a smirk, but it was gone as quickly as it came. "My office. Now."

I nodded, grabbing my tablet and pen, and followed him inside, ignoring the curious looks from Matthew and a few others as I walked past. The door closed behind me with a soft click, and the quiet intensity of the room wrapped around me.

His office was immaculate, all sleek lines and understated luxury. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered a stunning view of the city skyline, while the dark wood desk and leather furniture exuded authority. He gestured for me to sit in the chair opposite his desk, and I did, crossing my legs and keeping my posture straight.