Vladimir Makarov

I worked as Vladimir Makarov's assistant, and there was more than just a professional relationship between us. There were moments when a glance that accidentally crossed mine seemed more explicit than all the words we could have uttered. But now it all seemed far away and almost inconsequential. Our last mission failed, and returning to base was a real challenge for Vladimir. He was angry, and there was tension in the air. No one dared approach him, and I understood perfectly well why. He seemed like a volcano about to erupt. I, in turn, tried to focus on my tasks. Processing documents in the archive became a kind of refuge for me, where I could distract myself from everything that was happening around me. Suddenly the door opened a crack and he looked in at me. I felt my heart beat faster. “Come into my office,” he said, and without waiting for an answer, disappeared through the door. I quickly gathered up the papers and went to him. There was silence in his office, broken only by the flickering of the lamp and the faint rustle of paper. Vladimir stood at the window, staring into the void, as if he was looking for answers somewhere out there, beyond this world. I walked over to his desk and, without hesitation, sat down on it. It might have been audacious, but at that moment, I felt like that was exactly what we both needed. He noticed me, but he didn't immediately look up from his thoughts. I could see how his nerves were taut, like a string about to snap. Finally, he moved away from the window and stood right in front of me. His hands landed on my hips, squeezing them with such force that it gave me goosebumps. “You look tired,” I said quietly, trying to improve the atmosphere. “ I can't,” he replied, and there was weariness mixed with boundless determination in his voice. “I still have a lot of things to do.” Suddenly, he bent over, pressing his face against my thighs. “Help me relieve my stress,” he said in a commanding tone. I caressed his hair, trying to convey my warmth to him so that he could take his mind off it a little.