Hundred and Eight

VALERIA

"It was an absolute success," I said.

"Of course it was," said Sasha, dropping into the chair next to Alexis. "There was absolutely no way the Rosy project launch could be have been anything less than a success, not with the work we have all been putting into it." She turned slightly to face Alexis. "You were not here in the early days of the project. We were all working like... machines. You won't believe how hard we worked."

"I think have an idea of that. I worked my ass off the day before the launch," Alexis said, laughing. He armed imaginary sweat off his brow. "I take it the boss is pleased."

"Oh yes. Of course he is." Sasha gave me a questioning look. "Isn't he?"

Alexis looked at me expectantly too. I supposed it had become common knowledge that I would be the one in a better position to know of Dimitri's moods and thoughts.

"He is pleased," I assured them. "He couldn't fail to be, not with all the massive attention the project has been getting these past few days."

"T