— Please, go ahead.
The secretary—apparently in the chat—got permission to let me through.
I cautiously step in.
— Good day, Margarita Sergeyevna—he doesn’t look anywhere at all; he remembers my name.
Of course!
— Hello—my voice doesn’t obey me; I clear my throat—Timofey Leonidovich—I nod.
I try to greet him warmly, but it doesn’t work. I can see it on his lips as his smile spreads, and on his yellowing eyes. What the hell?
— I’m sorry— I pause, searching for words—about the incident in the lobby…
— Oh, don’t—he laughs, showing his beautiful white teeth— that’s me who should apologize to you.
And his gaze is sharp and testing.
— I blocked your way so clumsily—he lowers his voice, leans forward…
He wanted to simply consume her.
But she decided to resist!