Chapter Eleven
Tatiana
TAP United Logistics, Fulton Industrial District, Atlanta…
Tatiana lowered her coffee cup, eyeing Levin Jackson across her glass-topped desk. His tall frame filled the visitor’s chair with the same easy confidence he’d shown during his interview twelve years ago. Time had added a few creases around his eyes, but those keen hazel orbs still assessed everything with razor-sharp precision.
“We never had any aspirations to expand outside of Atlanta. Why now, all of a sudden?” His fingers drummed against the tablet in a manner that had started during their early days when they had worked out of a cramped office with secondhand furniture.
Tatiana studied her COO, remembering why she had hired him. Two years after completing his MBA, with dual specialization in logistics and economics, he arrived in Atlanta during the peak of the recession. While other candidates had showcased their achievements, Levin presented solutions to TAP’s operational challenges. She had been impressed by his strategic mind and ability to analyze problems and construct working solutions that cut through their problems like a knife.
She’d offered him a bare-bones salary with a promise. “Work as hard as I do, and we will both reap the rewards.” He had taken her words to heart, and within eighteen months, he’d streamlined their operations, modernized their tracking systems, and they had quadrupled their revenue. When profits stabilized, she made him COO with a fifteen percent stake in the company.
“We’ve dominated Atlanta long enough.”
Levin leaned forward as his analytical mind kicked in. “This feels different. More urgent.”
“The economy is unstable,” she responded after a sip of coffee. “Fuel and labor costs are rising. Small companies with little operating capital are shutting down or are being bought out for pennies on the dollar by predatory investment firms who, in turn, stage hostile takeovers, then sell off what’s left of the assets for huge profits. We need to diversify before the storm hits.”
But that wasn’t the only reason or even the whole truth. Her grandfather’s pressure to marry Barto Petrov grew more worrisome with each passing day. She needed options and a way to protect everything she had built without bending to his will. TAP was her life’s work. The thought that it would end up being used as a dowry in an arranged marriage was anathema to her.
Levin listened intently, absorbing the look of concern he read in her eyes. “Atlanta’s been our fortress. Moving out means competing with bigger players.”
“We’re not moving out, just expanding our footprint. Remember when you mapped out our first diversification plan? Three warehouses, two trucks… and a prayer?”
“How can I forget, especially since you trusted me with your life savings? Most CEOs wouldn’t have gambled on an unknown newcomer.”
“Most newcomers wouldn’t have helped transform a startup logistics company into a juggernaut within five years. That’s unheard of.”
“I didn’t do it alone. It was a team effort.” Levin straightened. His eyes narrowed in thought. “There’s more to this than meets the eye. What aren’t you telling me, Tats?”
Tatiana wasn’t perturbed by the nickname. Levin had long since surpassed being a mere employee. Today, he was her most valuable business partner and friend. She walked to the window overlooking the vast acreage of marshaling yards and terminals. The view was a constant reminder of everything that was at stake. If her grandfather didn’t back off, however difficult such a decision would be, she’d have no choice other than to move TAP’s head office to New York. Out of sight would hopefully mean out of mind and curb his interference in her life and business.
“The political climate is shifting. I’m afraid our old alliances might start breaking down. If we stay isolated in Atlanta, we’re vulnerable. We need contingency plans.”
“That makes sense.” Levin’s fingers moved across the tablet as his mind shifted to calculating logistics mode. “I suppose you want me to initiate the groundwork?”
Returning to her desk, Tatiana sat down, opened her laptop, and pulled up a map on the screen.
“Since you started working for me, you’ve never let me down, Levin. This time…” She paused and tapped her fingers on the desk. “I’m going to need more from you. We’re going to push an aggressive timeline.”
“I can’t help but wonder if there isn’t more than market strategy driving this project.” His intense gaze searched her face.
“I’m being proactive. You know how I operate—full throttle once a decision has been made.”
“Now that much is true.” Levin opened a folder with TAP’s current distribution network. “So, where are we expanding our footprint?”
“New York and Arizona.”
His eyebrows shot up. “You’re targeting routes into Canada and Mexico? That’s not just ambitious, Tats. That’s pushing the envelope… big time. We’d be competing against established giants. Meridian Logistics owns the Northeast corridor, and Southwest Freight has Arizona locked down.”
“Maybe so, but TAP’s reputation is solid across the U.S. We’ll start small with warehouse leases in strategic locations and partner with local cartage firms to handle the ‘last mile’ deliveries in the densely populated urban areas. We need to build trust with regional clients before expanding services.” She opened a spreadsheet.
“Look at these numbers. Conservative estimates show we could capture twelve percent of cross-border shipping within three years. Even if we initially only capture five percent, our revenue will soar.”
Levin studied the projections. “We’d need at least three distribution centers in New York. Buffalo for Canadian routes, Albany for the Northeast corridor, and something near the city for urban distribution.” He typed notes in rapid succession on his tablet. “Arizona is trickier. Phoenix as central operations, Tucson for Mexican trade, and maybe Nogales for specialized cross-border services.”
“Exactly. Phase One establishes domestic presence. We build our occupancy quietly while securing key accounts. Once we are established...” She smiled. “Then we show our full hand with Phase Two, expanding into international logistics.”
“Just how aggressive is this timeline you mentioned?”
“Six months for facility acquisition and licensing. Six for market penetration. Full operations within eighteen months.” She pulled up another document. “We hire locals for warehouse operations. Key management positions will be filled internally since it promotes loyalty and maintains culture. I want our best people leading these hubs.”
Levin whistled low. “That’s beyond aggressive, Tats. That’s fucking insane! To have any chance of achieving success, we’ll need substantial capital investment. New fleet, personnel, licensing...”
“Already arranged. The Bolton account gave us the cushion we needed and because of the sustainable relationship with them over the past five years, they offered to invest into the growth of TAP as a silent, non-participative partner.”
“I know they’re loyal associates, but they’re more tech-focused, aren’t they?”
“In general, yes, but Bolton Enterprises is part of an Angel Investment Company, and they’ve watched our growth since becoming a client of ours five years ago. They’re offering fifty million dollars as silent partners.”
“There has to be a catch.”
“If there is, I can’t see it, and you know how pedantic I am. The agreement is with our lawyers at the moment. I’ve given them strict instructions to look for hidden clauses or loopholes. Bolton’s only requirement is for us to pay back the investment after five years, along with two percent interest that is payable every year. If my projections are accurate, we’ll be able to pay them back within three to four years. They want no shares, no control.”
Levin leaned back with a skeptical expression on his face. “That seems unusually generous.”
“Bolton sees beyond immediate returns. They’re building a network of stable, growing companies across sectors. Our expansion strengthens their supply chain infrastructure.”
He nodded slowly as the big picture was revealed. “You’ve been planning this for quite some time.”
“Six months. Every detail is already mapped out.” Tatiana looked at him with a wry smile. “But I need you to make it happen and find any loopholes in the initial project plan I might have missed.”
“I’ll work with our legal team to iron out any wrinkles in the paperwork. When do we start?”
“We just did. I want property scouts in both locations by the end of the month. Keep it quiet, Levin. Set up shell companies for the initial leases.”
Levin’s fingers flew across his tablet. “I’ll have operational proposals by Monday morning. But Tats...” He looked up. “Whatever’s driving this timeline,”—he shook his head as he studied her intently—“you know you can trust me, right?”
Tatiana’s expression became guarded. “For now, focus on making it happen. That’s why you’re here, Levin. To make my ideas come to life. It’s what you thrive at. What you’ve always done so unselfishly.”
He nodded, understanding the unspoken message of unconditional trust since he knew her family history and the burden it placed on her shoulders. “I’ll start assembling the team. I assume you want to keep the project compartmentalized?”
She nodded. “Essential personnel only. We move quietly until we’re ready to launch.”
“And Bolton?”
“They stay in the background. As far as anyone is concerned, this is TAP’s natural evolution.”
A quick rap on the door echoed through the office. Zee Eckley, Tatiana’s executive assistant, poked her head around the door. Her usual composure was absent and had been replaced with flushed cheeks and a trembling voice.
“I’m sorry for the interruption, but there’s a Mr. Jarek Farrel here to see you. He doesn’t have an appointment but asked if you could spare him a couple of minutes.”
Heat bloomed across Tatiana’s chest at the mention of his name. For weeks, she had tried to ignore the memories of their last encounter at the club but had failed miserably. Her nights were haunted by phantom sensations of his commanding touch and the way he had stripped away her control until only raw surrender remained.
“It’s fine, Zee. I have some time. You can let him through.” Her voice emerged hoarse, betraying her composure. She cleared her throat. “Levin, let’s meet tomorrow morning to discuss this further.”
Levin gathered his tablet. He shot her a curious glance. “Let’s rather make it around noon. I have quite a lot to work to get through.”
Tatiana nodded since she didn’t trust her voice. As Levin reached the door, Jarek’s frame filled the entrance. Her breath caught. The sight of him unleashed a flood of memories of the bite of his bare palm against her skin and the way he’d expertly manipulated her body until she’d begged for release. Her pulse thundered in her ears. Jarek Farrel, aka Master Hades, had left a stamp of ownership on her that she just couldn’t shake.
“Ms. Polov.” His voice carried the same authority that had dominated her thoughts for weeks.
Her fingers gripped the edge of her desk as she struggled to compose herself. “Mr. Farrel.” She gestured to the chair as she nodded at Zee to close the door. “Please, take a seat.”
Ignoring the invitation to sit, Jarek’s muscular frame prowled and stalked as if measuring up a potential meal. The broad shoulders and powerful gait exuded a feral power that made the spacious room feel claustrophobic. Dressed to kill in Saville Row splendor, the snug fit of a blue silk shirt whispered in soft rustles against the perfect cut of the black jacquard wool suit to express the exacting presence of a powerful businessman.
“So polite and formal, Ms. Polov,” he teased as his penetrating gaze held her captive. Stopping at the floor-to-ceiling windows, he clasped his hands behind his back as he watched planes descending toward Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.
“I have to commend you. This is the perfect location for your business. Very strategically located. The view of the active runways completes the feeling of control and power you’ve amassed.” He turned to study her reaction. “Even so, it still begs the question—why here?”
The question, cloaked in sheep’s clothing, seemed innocent enough, but something in his tone triggered Tatiana’s internal firewall. She slipped unnoticed into siege mode and started talking—faster than usual, filling the charged silence with a mundane response.
“The property was undervalued, so I bought it. The previous owner went bankrupt during the recession. The proximity to both the airport and major highways makes it ideal for logistics. We can monitor incoming shipments, coordinate with air freight, maintain direct contact with customs...” She realized she was babbling but couldn’t seem to stop. “The building itself needed work, but the bones were good. We renovated floor by floor, modernized the systems, and added solar panels—”
In three long strides, he crossed the room and pulled her against him.
“Hmm… I must remember that you talk too much when you’re nervous,” he murmured, then claimed her mouth with a devastating kiss.
“Jarek, we can’t…” Her protest drifted off as he backed her up to the leather sofa against the wall. “Someone could—”
“Could what?” He pressed her down onto the soft leather and boldly pushed himself between her legs. “Walk in? I doubt it, little one, especially since you have a very efficient assistant who knows not to disturb you.” His mouth traced her jaw.
“Oh!” she gasped as he reacquainted himself with that sensitive spot below her ear he had discovered during their last scene.
“Besides, isn’t that part of the thrill?”
She pushed against his chest, but her body had other ideas and arched into him. “This is my office—”
“Where you’re always in control.” His teeth grazed her neck. “Always the composed CEO.” His hand slid up her thigh, bunching her skirt. “Let go, sweet little Venus. You know you want to.”
The command in his voice broke through her last defenses. Her fingers curled into his jacket as he kissed her again, deeper this time, more demanding. She moaned into his mouth as his hand brushed aside her panties to tease the wet folds he found there.
“Oh, Lord,” she moaned as he boldly pushed two fingers deep inside her hot body while toggling her clit with his thumb.
“Just as hot and wet as I remember,” he drawled in a dark voice. “Have you kept to your promise, my pet?” He leaned back to watch her with glowing eyes. “Do you still belong to me… and only me?”
“I… ohh!” she cried as another finger pushed inside her. Her hips jerked as he started to thrust them rhythmically while his thumb continued its merciless attack on her swollen nub. The room swirled around her as she became lost in untethered euphoria fed by the chemistry that drew her to him every time. She was quickly losing herself in the raw passion he exuded. Then, his movements stopped. Tatiana smothered a protest and opened her eyes.
“I’m waiting, Venus,” he bit out darkly. “Did you keep your promise? Are you mine?”
“Yes… I am!” Tatiana’s hips canted against his hand in desperation. She was overwhelmed with unknown emotions. Master Hades had exposed her to sensations she had never experienced before. He had unleashed a sensual wantonness to which she willingly conceded. She had never allowed any man to exert such a level of sexual power over her, and yet, here she was… twitching and dancing like a marionette to his command.
“Good girl.”
Tatiana boomed at his praise, which in itself was a foreign concept for her. She had never needed or aspired to be praised by a Dom. Jarek Farrel had the power of the devil.
A flash of heat surged through her stomach as he once again probed his fingers deep inside her. A rich moan resonated within her throat, racing up only to be muted as she clenched her jaw, remembering Zee was on the other side of the door.
“No, Venus. No holding back. Wider, little one. Open your legs for me. We both know you want to.” Rotating his hand while gently toggling her taut, erect nub with his thumb, he quickly added a fresh spark to her hungry body.
“Ahh! Ooh.” The carnal moan rose half a scale as Jarek stroked and probed her swollen labia at the same time pressing his thumb against her clit and rubbing hard.
“Yes,” Tatiana cried out as the pressure inside her mounted, and heat started to rush through her core. “NO!” she cried as he pulled away, leaving her breathless, disheveled, and teetering on the brink of an orgasm. His own breathing was heavy, and his eyes flashed with an unspoken promise.
“We best stop now; otherwise, sweet Zee might walk in on something that would permanently traumatize her.”
“You are not serious!” Heat flooded Tatiana’s cheeks as he chuckled and lifted himself to his feet. Mumbling incoherently about a “Demonic Dom”, she straightened her clothing with trembling hands.
“Come now, little one. Give me a smile,” he coaxed as he caressed her flushed cheek. “Hmm… no?” Another wicked laugh crawled from his chest as she glared at him instead. “I’ll pick you up from your apartment at seven. Wear something elegant.”
That snapped her back to herself. She got up with unsteady legs.
“I prefer to be asked to dinner, not informed. Thank you very much.”
“Why waste time with pretense, Ms. Polov?” His smile was pure sin as he straightened his tie. “The end result will be the same.”
He strode out before she could respond, leaving her sputtering with indignation. The worst part? The absolute worst part? He was right, damn him. She’d be ready at seven, and they both knew it.
Pressing cool fingers to her glowing cheeks, she sank back onto the sofa. His scent lingered on her skin as a reminder of how completely he had dominated her in just minutes. Even now, her body hummed with unfulfilled desire, throbbing and aching for his touch… and sexual relief.
Seven o’clock couldn’t come soon enough.