Chapter 3

She turned when she heard my footsteps, and for a moment she could not hide the surprise in her eyes. I do not know what surprised her more: the fact that I had walked into reception so unceremoniously and intended, without preamble, to occupy the general director's office. Or the fact that there was no visible resemblance between me and her boss.

It did not matter. In any case, she quickly got herself under control and went tense. So did I.

And if Granddad's secretary had turned out to be a stunning beauty, it would have been easier for me to understand how she had made it from the street into the heart of Sezam and stayed there. I had almost expected to see a fatal predator in front of me. But the girl who met me in reception turned out to be ordinary. Yes, she had a good figure and delicate features, but she was more sweet than anything. And definitely without that challenge in her eyes that striking women carry when they present themselves to the world and get everything they want.

That was when I tensed even more, expecting a catch. So what had this redhead used to hook my grandfather? What were all these rumors about? What was there in her that had made Matvey Voronov, ignoring everyone, bring her close?

And why the hell was I interested in that now, when I already had enough to think about?

That day, I received no answers to any of my questions. The answers came later. But even then, the first swallow of a guess fluttered onto my shoulder the moment Rooster stepped out from behind the desk and introduced herself. Came closer, held out her hand, and lifted thick, soft lashes, opening to my view the hazel-green gaze of slightly slanted eyes…

Witch! I froze, seeing her for an instant with her hair disheveled and her shoulders bare. I nearly shut my eyes against the image that struck my imagination. Why the hell would I?

…And said to me in a pleasant voice:

"Hello, Andrey Igorevich. I am very glad to see you at Sezam! Please accept my sympathy. I am so sorry about what is happening with Matvey Ivanovich! Your grandfather is a wonderful person, and I continue to hope he will certainly recover and return to managing the company!"

And then even smiled:

"And while you are here, you may rely on me completely! I will help you with everything! Here, please, this is your new office." A slender wrist with alabaster skin flashed before my eyes. "The company's lawyers have already prepared all the necessary documents and had the seals made. Please come in, and I will give you the safe code… We have been waiting for you so much, if only you knew!"

I had no idea "how." But as for "wonderful person," I had a very complete picture. And, hmm, I would not have said that about my grandfather.

And what did she mean, "While I am here"? What exactly was she offering me to rely on?

And… had I misheard, or did she actually have access to the company's main safe?!

My heart knocked dully against my ribs from some incomprehensible irritation and something else I never did find an explanation for while I looked at the Redhead's neat nape, following her into my office. While I watched her throw the door open for me and bustle around, bringing the rather spacious room to life by opening the blinds on the windows, straightening the director's chair, and adjusting the vase of fresh flowers on the massive mahogany desk.

Several more white-and-green bouquets, beautifully arranged by a florist, stood on the long conference table.

What was that for?

She saw my grim look and hurried to explain:

"Matvey Ivanovich spent a great deal of time at work. He liked flowers and plants, so that is why it is so green here. A delivery service brings flowers every other day, but if you do not like them, I will cancel their services."

"You?"

"Well, yes." The Redhead pretended not to notice my surprise and smiled tactfully. "As your secretary, I am supposed to ensure your working comfort. So if you have any preferences, Andrey Igorevich, just say so, and I will try…"

"I am more likely to have a question."

"I'm listening."

"And how 'completely,' my dear Roosterova, do you intend to satisfy my preferences? What exactly falls within your duties?"

"I am Rooster. S-sorry." The Redhead's lashes blinked in astonishment. "I don't understand?"

"You are not especially quick, I see."

A second of confusion, and my new subordinate pressed her lips together. She awkwardly fixed the hair at her temple, but did not look away. Her cheeks, however, flushed just like a girl's.

I wondered how old she was. She looked no more than twenty-three, though in reality she was probably older. Valerka had hinted that she had children, and that if I used my head, I would understand whose they were. After all, Rooster had no husband, but she did have guarantees at Sezam.

Nonsense. I advised Valerka to shut up and stop talking crap. Unlike him, I did not believe that part of the rumors. The Kupriyanovs were not the Voronovs. If the children were Granddad's, they would bear his surname, not some ridiculous "Rooster." Unless I did not know my relative's character. But Granddad could certainly have been tempted by the attention of a young girl. And repaid her for her "affection" with the position of his secretary. There was no other explanation for how she had ended up here.

But to hell with it! What did any of this matter when I had to keep the corporation in my hands? And why did the mere sight of this Redhead anger me? Was it really all because of two sleepless nights and my unwillingness to return to this city?

I swept my gaze around my new office and brought it back to the secretary. I still had a great deal to sort out, including the questions: how deep were Rooster's connections inside Sezam? And could she really be trusted?

"I don't understand what you mean, Andrey Igorevich. Could you be more specific?"

I unbuttoned my jacket and loosened my tie.

I could be, but why? She had understood perfectly well.

"No," I cut off shortly.

"S-so you want me to leave?"

"You read thoughts much better, Roosterova. I have not yet decided what I want myself," I admitted honestly, taking off my jacket and tossing it over the back of the chair, after first pulling the chair out from behind the desk. "But I am not sure you and I will work well together."

"But you don't know me at all!"

"But I have heard all about you as a valuable employee!" I answered the girl harshly, not letting her finish.

The day had not yet crossed noon, and it already seemed too long because of all the driving, information, and people. Because of Valerka underfoot and his damned tongue.

I fear I was not restrained with many people that day, wanting only to be alone.

Rooster went pale and froze, parting her lips in agitation. She gasped, this time almost inaudibly:

"Oh, is that so?"

Leaving the vase alone, the girl nervously took the carafe in her hands and stepped away from the desk. Pressing the glass vessel to her chest, she stopped on the carpet and lifted her chin.

Something flashed for an instant in her greened eyes, as if sparks had struck, and for one brief second it seemed to me she intended to clobber me with it.

That was all I needed!