Russian Billionaire's Virgin Assistant

“Maxim, have some shame,” Alexei laughed, cocking his head at Ruth. “This one looks straight out of the cradle. What are you, twice her age?”

“No, and she’s old enough,” I said, shaking my head at him. “I’m going to have to fire my secretary now for letting you in here without telling me. You’re ruining lives, as usual. I hope you’re happy.”

“It looks like you have an excellent replacement right here,” he observed. “Ripe for the taking. I’m glad you’re taking my advice and looking to get a little more pleasure out of your work.”

“She’s my intern, not a secretary,” I corrected, aware of the way Ruth was fidgeting beside me. She had no idea the ways I was going to make her squirm for me.

Alexei chuckled. “Pervert. I know the ways you like to mentor women.”

I switched to English. “Alexei, meet Ruth Miracle, my new intern. Ruth, this is my brother.”

“Miracle?” Alexei asked Ruth, even though he hadn’t taken his eyes off me. “What an unusual last name.”

She was so close to me I could hear her swallow hard. “It is. One I’ve had my whole life.”

“Well, we’re certainly blessed by your presence here,” Alexei said solemnly before bursting into laughter.

“My brother,” I muttered to Ruth. “Have you heard that one before?”

“Not for a very long time,” she said diplomatically.

“Do you have anything you need to retrieve from your previous manager?” I asked her. “Any personal belongings?”

“I pretty much have everything,” she said, patting nonexistent pockets on the sides of her skirt, then having the presence of mind to look embarrassed about it. She was so awkward it was almost endearing.

I growled aloud at yet another intrusive thought, and Ruth took a step back, eyes widening. Where were these fucking ideas coming from? My focus was legendary. It was how I’d created my empire. And somehow, the woman I was going to use like a tool to get the revenge I deserved seemed to be slowly unraveling me.

“Then get my secretary to show you where you’ll be sitting — and how to use the espresso machine, for that matter,” I said, effectively dismissing her. “My brother and I will each take a cup. Get yourself whatever you want.”

The color rose on her cheeks again, and she opened her mouth before closing it again, apparently thinking better of whatever she had been about to say. Was there a backbone under all that fumbling? I would be interested to see it if she ever chose to reveal it.

“I’ll be back,” Ruth said, nodding to my brother before stepping out. She clearly thought she was above making and fetching beverages. I was looking forward to putting her in her place.

“Why are you here?” I asked Alexei point blank, interrogating him before the door slipped shut behind Ruth.

“Can’t I just drop in and see my favorite brother?”

“I’m your only brother.”

“That’s right,” he said, looking satisfied. “And as your only brother, it is my duty to check in from time to time to make sure you are doing well.”

“Younger brothers don’t check in on their older brothers,” I complained. “What is it, Alexei? What took you away from your travels and brought you back here?”

He waved away my words. “All that can wait. Is she who I think she is?”

I nodded. “The only child of Gerald Miracle.”

Alexei whistled. “And how have you managed this?”

“I managed nothing. She’s here by sheer chance. It’s the universe telling me that it’s time to do what must be done.”

“So what are you prepared to do, Max?” My brother heaved a sigh. “Why are you still so hellbent on this idea of revenge?”

I scowled at him. “You know damn well why. Gerald Miracle tried to take everything from us.”

“From you,” Alexei corrected gently. “And now look at where you are.”

“No thanks to him.”