6. Annalise

6

ANNALISE

S hould I just leave while nobody’s looking?

Getting called to the boss’s office isn’t exactly the most desirable thing to happen on my first day of work…especially not when it turns out that I slept with my new bosses a few years ago.

And that I have kids by them that they don’t even know about.

And it’s not like I can forget that they’re stone-cold killing machines, members of a bratva—which I didn’t even think was a real thing until I met them.

There’s no way this could be about that, could it? It couldn’t be, because Cassius didn’t even seem to recognize me. Maybe I’m just overthinking, and all of the new employees are meeting the boss one by one…starting with me.

Or maybe I am being singled out, and I need to turn around and walk out while I still have the chance. This is a dangerous line I’m treading, and if I’m not careful, I could end up in some serious trouble.

Or in a body bag.

I feel like I can hear my heart beating, but I steel myself, unwilling to let fear dictate my actions. I need this job for my daughters, no matter the risks. It pays too well for me to just let go of it that easily.

When I applied to the job, I didn’t have a clue that these men would be here. It was only when I was called for an interview that I did some digging and found out who the owners are. I should have stopped then, but…

“Excuse me,” I say, striding up to the front desk with as much confidence as I can muster. The receptionist—Tatum, according to her nameplate—looks up with a polite smile that quickly morphs into surprise when she sees me.

“Hey,” she greets. “Aren’t you one of the new recruits?”

I nod. “Yes, I am.”

“You shouldn’t be here then. The only office up from here is Mr. Volkov’s. If you need help finding somewhere else, I’m happy to?—”

I cut her off. “I was told to ask for Mr. Volkov’s office.”

“Mr. Volkov?” Tatum echoes, her eyebrows shooting up. “As in Damian Volkov?”

“Yes,” I reply, trying to keep my voice steady, but her reaction and the look on her face doesn’t exactly make me feel better or like any of this is normal.

“Are you sure?” Her eyes widen further, and she bites her lip, clearly shocked by my request. “I mean, he’s not exactly…friendly.”

“I was starting to gather that,” I say, swallowing hard. “But he wants to speak with me personally.”

“Alright,” she says cautiously, rising from her chair. “Follow me.”

As we walk toward the elevator, Tatum casts me sidelong glances, obviously struggling with something. Finally, she speaks in a hushed tone. “Did you do something wrong?”

“I don’t think so,” I answer.

“Usually employees are only sent here when they’re getting fired.”

I swallow nervously. “I would hope I wouldn’t be hired and fired on the same day.”

“That would be a first.” She bites into her lips. “Just so you know, even though Damian Volkov is probably the hottest man you’ll ever lay your eyes on, don’t flirt with him or get distracted.” She blushes and clears her throat. “He’s very serious about his no fraternization policy. I’ve seen so many women fired because of his brothers.”

“Thanks for the warning,” I murmur, unsure how to respond, although that’s hardly a concern for me. My stomach churns with unease, but there’s no turning back now. “But, I’m not interested in any of them.”

“Really?” She looks shocked. “Not a single brother?”

“I’m not exactly at a boyfriend stage of life.”

“Oh, honey.” Tatum looks at me like I’m a little kid. “None of them are the boyfriend type anyway.”

Tatum presses the button for the top floor and punches in a code before the elevator doors close. The elevator hums softly as it ascends, and I can’t help but let my thoughts drift back to that night I spent with Cassius and Nikhil. No, they don’t seem like boyfriend material. Not that I would know…I’ve never had a real boyfriend.

I’d never had a threesome before I met them either.

I still can’t believe that Cassius didn’t remember me.

Don’t even go there.

I glance down at my trembling hands, clenching them into fists to steady myself. It doesn’t matter if Cassius remembers me or not; I have to do this job. I need the money to provide for my daughters. They deserve a better life than what we’ve been scraping by with, and working for the Volkovs could be my ticket to financial stability—even if it means placing myself in potential danger.

As long as they don’t find out the truth…

The elevator dings softly, signaling our arrival at the top floor. Tatum leads me down a long, dimly lit hallway adorned with expensive-looking artwork. My heart pounds harder in my chest as we approach the massive double doors at the end of the corridor. This is it—Damian Volkov’s office. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever lies beyond those doors.

“Good luck.” Tatum puts a hand on my shoulder.

“Thank you.”

“Knock when you’re ready,” Tatum instructs quietly before slipping away, her heels clicking against the floor, leaving me alone in front of the imposing entrance.

My fingers itch with anticipation before I raise my hand and knock firmly three times, each rap echoing in the stillness of the hallway.

A part of me hopes that he won’t be in his office, that all of this was some kind of mistake, and I can go back downstairs to be with all of the other new employees.

“Enter,” Damian’s commanding voice calls from within, reverberating through the thick doors.

I should have known I’m not that lucky.

I take a deep breath, drawing in the lingering scent of his expensive cologne that fills the hallway, and push open the heavy doors.

As I step into the office, my eyes struggle to adjust to the dim lighting. The room is larger than I imagined, with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the city’s skyline, casting long shadows across the polished hardwood floor. Damian stands behind his desk, his tall, muscular body unable to be missed.

“Sit down,” he orders in a cold and harsh tone, pointing toward a luxurious leather chair positioned in front of his desk, getting right down to business. He seems upset with me, but I can’t comprehend why…not unless it has something to do with what happened three years ago. And he couldn’t hold that against me, could he?

I didn’t even sleep with him…just his brothers.

“Have I done something?” I ask, unable to help myself.

“Sit down!” he snaps.

There goes my thoughts that this was just some onboarding process. This is personal.

I lower myself into the chair, sinking into its plush embrace. His piercing blue eyes seem to see right through me, and I can’t help but feel exposed under his intense gaze.

“I’m a busy man, Annalise, and I don’t have time to waste,” he says brusquely, leaning forward and resting his clenched fists on the desk. “You know who I am, don’t you?”

“My boss,” I answer.

“Annalise.” The way he says my name is a warning.

I stare at him hard, trying to figure out whether or not to tell the truth. “Am I supposed to know you apart from that?”

“Do you want to play stupid? Because I have other ways of getting the information I need.”

My heart skips a beat. He doesn’t have to tell me that his threat is serious for me to know. So, this is about three years ago? I never should have gone to that masquerade party. “Yes, I remember you.”

I should have run when I saw Cassius. I was naive to think he didn’t recognize me.

“What are your motives for being here?”

My motives? Taken aback by his sudden interrogation, I rack my brain for an answer that will satisfy him. “I’m here because I need this job, Mr. Volkov. I was told it pays well and has good benefits. I was hired just like everyone else.”

“Is that so?” he asks skeptically, his eyes narrowing as he sits down in his seat. “Or is there something else you want from me and my family?”

I frown. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know what you mean.”

“If you came here in an attempt to blackmail us, you’ll soon realize you made a mistake, one that’ll land you in the grave.”

This is the second time he’s threatened to kill me. My body goes cold. “I didn’t even know you owned the company until after I’d already interviewed,” I respond firmly, trying to keep from freaking out. “My only interest was to have a job, but if that’s a problem?—”

“Who have you told?” he growls, cutting me off.

I start shaking my head repeatedly. “I never told anyone what happened that night.” Well, except for Sienna, but she’d never breathe a word of it to another soul. She was far too scared to do that.

Damian leans forward in his chair, his piercing blue eyes narrowing as they bore into mine. “Is that so?” he asks, his tone dripping with skepticism. “I don’t believe in coincidences.”

Neither do I, but I never would have planned this. “I can’t force you to believe me.”

He hums, studying me hard. “Or are you perhaps hoping for a repeat performance?”

A repeat performance? As in, more sex?

My cheeks flush with anger and embarrassment at his insinuation, but I refuse to let him see just how much his words affect me. My fear is replaced with fury. I lift my chin defiantly, returning his gaze with equal intensity.

Who does he think he is? Damian doesn’t have a clue who I am, and for him to imply that…

“Your arrogance is astounding,” I snap, my hands clenching into fists in my lap. “What happened between me and your brothers was a mistake—one I have no intention of repeating.”

He chuckles darkly, his eyes never leaving mine. “A mistake? That’s not how I remember it, Ms. Tryst. In fact, if memory serves, you were quite eager to share yourself.”

His venomous words seep into the air between us, thick and suffocating. Why is he doing this? Does he want a rise out of me? I feel my chest tighten as I struggle to draw breath, my face flushed with a mix of anger and humiliation. The room seems to shrink, closing in around me as I grapple for control over the emotions threatening to bubble over.

“Is that really what you think of me?” I spit, my voice shaking with indignation. “That I’m some sort of slut?”

“If the panties fit,” he replies coldly, his eyes darkening with contempt.

The tension within me snaps, and without thinking, my hand flies up and connects with his cheek. The sound of the slap echoes through the room, and for a moment I’m just as shocked by my own actions as Damian is.

What have I done?

“Annalise!” His voice is a snarl, his anger palpable as he glares at me with fury in his icy-blue eyes.

“I’m sorry,” I apologize quickly, but it does nothing to ease his anger. What came over me? I’m not even a physical kind of person. It had happened too fast. “I didn’t mean to.”

He crosses the distance between us in one stride. Grabbing my arms with bruising force, he pushes me against the wall, his body pressed dangerously close to mine. “Let me make myself perfectly clear, Annalise. You will not defy me again. Do you understand?”

His breath is hot against my cheek, and I can feel my heart pounding in my chest. But despite his brute force, a fire continues to burn within me…and I can’t bring myself to respond.

“Answer me!” His grip on me tightens.

“I understand.”

“And if you touch me like that again, Annalise…”

He doesn’t have to finish his sentence; the threat lingers between us. But, there’s something else lingering between us—an electric current. The heat of his body presses against mine, and I find myself unable to look away from his piercing blue eyes.

Our faces are mere inches apart. His grip on my arms tightens, but I don’t flinch. I can feel my panties getting a little wet.

It’s not fair for my body to react to him this way when I’m absolutely terrified by him.

“Let me go,” I say with unexpected calmness, surprising even myself. “Please.”

Before both of us do something we shouldn’t.

The doors swing open, shattering the moment like a fragile pane of glass. A girl with wide eyes and flushed cheeks stands in the doorway, gasping at the scene before her.

“Wow, Damian,” she stammers, her gaze darting between Damian and me. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

Who is she?