On Her Knees by Jenika Snow

5

Karina stared at herself in the mirror of her bathroom, feeling her heart race, her entire body feeling like she’d just run a marathon. She didn’t know why she was so nervous.

It’s just a party. Nothing more.

But it wasn’t just a party, not really. All she could think about was the encounter she’d had in Viktor’s office, how her body still felt like it was alive from his touch, from his warm breath along her nape. It was crazy, but she couldn’t help it, and kind of hated it all in the same breath.

Bracing her hands on the sink, she closed her eyes for a second and tried to calm herself. The taxi would be picking her up shortly, and here she was acting like she was going to her execution.

Dramatic.

Opening her eyes, she looked at her reflection. She had done her own hair and makeup, and although it wasn’t as formal as tonight probably would be, it wasn’t half bad. She was wearing a long gown in a deep emerald color with delicate straps.

She’d had to borrow the gown from one of her friends, because aside from a few black dresses, she had nothing that would have been appropriate for tonight.

Pushing away from the sink, she shook her hands and gave herself an internal pep talk. She could do this, and act like what happened back at Viktor’s office hadn’t happened.

He probably was so drunk that he doesn’t even remember.

She left the bathroom and her apartment, realizing that tonight would certainly let her know how things would play out. If he didn’t remember, then she was in the clear, because she didn’t have to worry about things being awkward. But if he remembered... yeah, it being awkward would be an understatement.

* * *

The party wasintimate and held at an exclusive and fancy restaurant downtown. Karina had never been to it because the price tag for the meals was far out of her budget, and she felt a little out of place here. Despite the restaurant being exclusive and catering to some pretty high-class people on the social spectrum, it was never formal as the party was tonight.

That made her ten times more nervous because this was the first time she’d ever dressed so elegantly.

He must have really scored on that contract and merger to spring for something like this for his employees.

She paid the cabdriver and got out, feeling a little weird that she was in this fancy dress, and going to this restaurant, but getting out of a cab. The car left, and she stood there for a second, the thick shawl that went with the dress snugly around her to stem off the chill in the air.

The sound of a car door shutting had her looking over her shoulder and seeing Barbara and presumably her husband walking toward her.

“Karina, you look beautiful,” Barbara said, her gown a deep red color.

“And you, too,” Karina said and turned to face the older couple.

After introductions, the three of them headed inside.

“Can you believe he sprang for this for us?” Barbara whispered.

Karina just nodded, because right now she was taking in the elegance of the place and realizing she was so out of her element.

A few more employees entered, and although Karina mainly saw Barbara because they worked so closely with Viktor, there were several analyzers, attorneys, and the environmental service aids in attendance. After a while, the restaurant was filled with people who worked for Mr. Port, although the man in question was nowhere to be seen.

“Here, honey,” Barbra said and handed Karina a glass of champagne.

Thank you.” Karina drank a large swallow and glanced around the room. Hors d'oeuvres had already been served, and the alcohol was flowing in the form of glasses of champagne and an open bar.

“Where is Mr. Port? This is his party, but I haven’t seen him.” At the thought of Viktor, Karina’s heart started beating harder. She finished off her glass of champagne and grabbed another when a waiter passed by.

“I’m sure he’s being fashionably late,” Barbara said and started chuckling. It was clear the woman was taking advantage of the free alcohol, what with her rosy cheeks and personality that was becoming even more open. Karina liked it.

She finished off her second glass of champagne just as she saw Viktor walk in. Her body’s reaction was instant: her pulse raced, her palms started to sweat, and her throat tightened. He wore a tuxedo, the black and white garment molding to his impressive and muscular body.

The bowtie didn’t make him look any less manly, and in fact she found the sight of him dressed up even more attractive.

He’d be good-looking no matter what.

All Karina could think about was being in his office, his hand light on her, skimming her body, his breath brushing along her neck. A shiver worked its way through her, and she turned and headed toward the bathroom, needing to get away, to gather her thoughts.

Everything will be fine. He probably doesn’t remember.

But what if he regrets what he did? What if he fires you because of how inappropriate it was?

She shook her head.

He won’t fire you over that.

She breathed in through her nose and exhaled out her mouth, feeling herself calm slightly, although she knew as soon as she saw him again she’d feel so unsteady, so nervous. The sound of someone knocking on the bathroom door brought her back to reality, and she washed her hands, dried them, and left the bathroom.

Everyone was seated for dinner, and she found her table, sat down next to Barbara, and saw Viktor. He was speaking with one of the attorneys who handled his contracts. One of the environmental service aides was on his other side. The woman was gorgeous on regular days, but all dressed up she was stunning.

She was looking at Viktor despite the fact he was speaking with someone else, and it was clear there was arousal in her gaze.

The waiters brought out the first course, but Karina was still looking at Viktor. He finally straightened, and although there was a good amount of distance between them, his gaze locked right with hers. They stared at each other for so long she started to shift on her seat, but it was his expression that had her body lighting up.

He remembers everything.

Yes, just by his expression she knew he remembered, and it was clear he wasn’t regretting it.

Or maybe that’s just what you want to think, want to hope for?

She broke eye contact and started eating, knowing that even if Viktor wanted something more with her, it would never work. She would never be anything more than a piece of ass for a man like him. She’d never heard of him in any kind of committed relationship.

He’d be with one woman, have her hanging off his arm, but the next week he was seen with someone else.

No, she wouldn’t be a notch in his bedpost, no matter how appealing that sounded in the carnal kind of way.