Madison
Tom from Accounting stood there, a stack of papers clutched to his chest like a shield. His round face pinched with concern. Are you okay? You look flushed.”
“Fine! Just fine.” My voice came out squeaky. “Little warm in here, isn’t it?”
“Actually, the AC’s been blasting all morning.” He adjusted his thick–rimmed glasses. “Anyway, I need Mr. Knight’s signature
on these reports.”
“Of course.” I reached for the papers, willing my hands not to shake. “I’ll get these to him right away.”
“Great!” Tom lingered, shifting from foot to foot. “You sure you’re alright? Maybe you should get some water. Your face is really red,”
“Thanks, Tom, but I’m good.” Please go away before I die of embarrassment.
“If you say so.” He finally shuffled away, leaving me alone with my inappropriate thoughts and a stack of papers that needed
my very aroused boss’s signature. Perfect.
I knocked on his door, clutching the papers like a shield. Alexander held up one finger, still deep in conversation on his
phone.
“Yes, that’s correct. The meeting should proceed as planned.” His voice was pure silk, wrapping around each word like a
caress.
I stood there awkwardly, shifting my weight from foot to foot. The AC must have kicked into overdrive because my nipples were embarrassingly hard beneath my blouse. Or maybe it was how his eyes lazily traced over my body while he continued
his call.
“Tom needs these signed,” I said, placing the stack on his desk.
Alexander reached for the papers, his fingers brushing against mine. The brief contact sent electricity shooting through my
arm.
“I’ll review these and sign them shortly,” he said, ending his call. “That’ll be all, Miss Harper.”
That’ll be all? Really? No pressure for an answer? Not even a suggestive comment about my clearly aroused state?
I stood there for a moment, waiting for something. Anything. But he just started reading the reports like I wasn’t even there.
Back at my desk, I tried to focus on work. But my mind kept circling back to his non–reaction. I glanced at his office again. He was on another call, gesturing animatedly while he spoke. Probably making another million dollars.
My phone buzzed with a text from the hospital – a reminder about Mom’s next appointment. Reality crashed back in, dampening my arousal better than a cold shower.
The hospital text hit like a bucket of ice water. $47,000 for the next round of treatments. My bank account laughed at the
mere suggestion.
“Fuck,” I muttered, dropping my head onto my desk.
A year. Just one year of being Alexander Knight’s fake girlfriend. Put on some designer dresses, smile pretty, and warm his bed. Simple transaction.
My pride screamed in protest, but pride wouldn’t pay those medical bills Pride wouldn’t keep Mom alive.
The office had emptied out, leaving just the hum of the AC and my thundering heartbeat for company
I gathered my things, triple–checking the day’s reports. My heels clicked against the marble floor as I approached Alexander’s
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office, each step echoing my racing pulse.
I knocked on his door frame, though his eyes were already on me. He sat behind his massive desk, jacket discarded, sleeves rolled up to reveal strong forearms. The sight made my mouth go dry.
“Miss Harper,” he greeted me, his voice as smooth as silk. “What brings you here so late?”
“I just wanted to update you on tomorrow’s schedule.” My voice wavered slightly. “You have a meeting with the board at 10
AM, followed by lunch with Mr. Hawkins from Hawkins Enterprises.”
He leaned back in his chair, folding his hands behind his head. “And after lunch?”
“After lunch, you have a conference call with the Texas office to discuss the new merger proposal.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Busy day.”
“Yes, sir,” I replied, trying to ignore how those two simple words made me feel.
Alexander rose from his chair with the grace of a predator. Each step toward me sent my heart racing faster, like a rabbit spotting a wolf. A very expensive, well–dressed wolf.
“Something on your mind, Miss Harper?” His eyes locked onto mine. “You have that look.”
“What look?”
“The one where you’re overthinking everything. Your nose scrunches up just slightly.” He tapped the spot between my eyebrows. “And you get this little wrinkle right here.”
I swatted his hand away. “I do not scrunch my nose.”
“You’re doing it right now.”
Damn it. I forced my face to relax. “Fine. I do have a question about your proposition.”
“Ah.” He perched on the edge of his desk, crossing his arms. “I was wondering when you’d bring that up.”
“If – and I mean if I were to accept, would there be some sort of agreement? Something in writing?”
“Of course. I’m a businessman. Everything will be clearly outlined in a contract expectations, duration, compensation, confidentiality clauses.”
I shifted my weight, fidgeting with the hem of my blouse. “And this would all be… discreet?”
“Concerned about office gossip?” His lips curved into that infuriating smirk.
“More like concerned about my entire professional reputation going up in flames.” I crossed my arms. “Being known as the assistant who slept her way to a better paycheck isn’t exactly my career goal.”
Alexander’s expression hardened. “Is that what you think this is?”
“Isn’t it?” The words came out sharper than intended.
He stood, closing the distance between us. “If I wanted just sex, Madison, there are easier ways to get it. What I want is a partner who can handle both the boardroom and the bedroom. Someone intelligent, capable, and discreet.”
“You make it sound like a job posting. ‘Wanted: Girlfriend with benefits. Must have excellent multitasking skills and look good in designer dresses.“”
His laugh was unexpected, rich, and genuine, “Your sense of humor is definitely a bonus.”
“I’m serious about the discretion part, though ” I met his gaze. “The last thing I need is to end up as tabloid fodder or office gossip”
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“I assure you. We can keep it a secret. No one needs to know.“1
“If you can quarantee that it stays between us, then I have no objection to accepting your offer.“”
A triumphant smile spread across his face, and he stepped closer. “You won’t regret this.“”
“I already feel like I might,” I muttered.
“What was that?”
“Nothing.” I forced a smile. “So, what’s the first step? Do we have a contract or something?”
“Yes,” he said, returning to his desk and opening a drawer. He pulled out a thick document and handed it to me.“I had myy lawyers draft this up today.”
“Wow,” I said, taking the contract and flipping through it. “You don’t waste any time.”
“When it comes to business or matters of personal importance – I don’t see the point in delaying.”
I scanned the pages quickly,, noting exclusivity, confidentiality, and compensation clauses. It was all very professional andd surprisingly thorough
“This is quite comprehensive,” I said, looking up at him.
“I wanted to ensure everything was clear from the start,” Alexander replied. “That way, there are no misunderstandings later.
“Right.” I flipped to the final page, where a space for my signature awaited. “So this is it?”
“This is it.” He handed me a pen.
I hesitated briefly before scrawling my name on the dotted lime. There was no turning back now.
Alexander took the contract from me and signed his own name with a flourish. “Welcome aboard, Miss Harper.”
I rolled my eyes. “You make it sound like I just joined some exclusive club.“”
“In a way, you did.” His eyes twinkled with amusement
“Oh great,” I said sarcastically.
–
“Come here.” Alexander crooked his finger at me, that devilish smirk playing on his lips.
“I should really get going…” But my feet carried me forward anyway like they had a mind of their own. Traitors..
His hands found my waist, pulling me between his spread legs as he sat om the edge of his desk. My heart skipped several
beats – pretty sure that wasn’t healthy.
“So,” he murmured, fingers tracing circles on my hips. “Should we celebrate our new arrangement?”
“Here? Now?” I squeaked. “In your office?”
“The cleaning staff won’t be here for hours.” His thumbs slipped under my blouse,, finding have skin.
“That’s not exactly reassuring ” But I didn’t move away God help me, I wanted this.
“No?” His breath tickled my neck. “Would you prefer somewhere more private? My penthouse, perhaps?”
The memory of our last encounter there made me shiver “The last time didn’t end so well!”
“I wasn’t myself then.” His lips brushed my pulse point. “But I am now.”
