Chapter Three

Ryan

I stare pensively at the bustling streets of Seattle beyond the large windows of my company's boardroom, but my mind isn't on the magnificent view. Instead, it's consumed by the thoughts of Jenna Henson. For some reason, I still can't get her out of my head. Having her taking notes for me at the meeting last night only reinforced my need for her—she keeps up with everything I throw at her, and I love it. I want her out of my life, but I also can't bear the idea of never seeing her again.

I wasn't surprised when my private investigator called to confirm that Jenna was indeed Henry's stepsister, but I couldn't help the feeling of disappointment that came with the confirmation. It could be a coincidence that she came to work at MedPlus, but I'm not convinced. There's something about her, a shrewdness that I've never seen in a woman before… It's the awareness in those sharp green eyes as she takes in everything around her, every single detail while pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. There's something subtly sexy about that gesture and sometimes I find myself wondering what it'd be like to slide those glasses off her face and feel the full intensity of those intelligent green eyes on me while I trace the contours of her face, slowly…

A soft knock interrupts my thoughts and I turn around in time to see Jenna walks through the door. For a moment, my breath ceases in my throat. She's wearing one of those damn pencil skirts that accentuates her hips, paired with a crisp white blouse that compliments her pale skin. Her long dark hair, as usual, is tied up in a messy bun, her glasses perched on the tip of her nose, giving her the air of a nerdy temptress.

"You're late," I say, my voice sounding curter than I intended.

"I'm sorry, sir," she replies in that calm tone that makes me want to ruffle her feathers. "I had a few tasks to catch up on."

"Oh, really?" I say, jamming my hands into my pocket as I slowly lock my eyes on hers. "I would assume that a task given to you by the CEO should be your top priority," I say, advancing slowly until I'm standing directly in front of her. "Don't you think so, Miss Henson?"

"I- yes, sir, you're absolutely right," she says, holding my gaze, her green eyes brimming with apology and something mischievous I can't quite place.

My intrigue gives way to something stronger as the dominant part of me wants to grab her and kiss her senseless. I want to see her eyes change from being full of apology to begging me for more. I want to rattle her and watch her restraint slip away; I want to know she craves me as much as I crave her.

Fortunately, the door opens just as I'm about to give in to the crazy urge to pull her into my arms and seal my mouth over hers. Grant Den, my chief technology officer, and three other executives walk in.

"Good afternoon, everyone," I greet them, keeping my tone even. "Thank you for joining us. Shall we commence?"

The executives exchange polite greetings before taking their seats around the table. As the meeting starts, I glance in Jenna's direction, but she pointedly avoids my gaze, keeping her expression blank as she shares refreshments with everyone. When she gets to Grant, he says something to her, and she smiles. I suddenly feel a tightness in my chest as I watch them exchange words in low tones.

How can she smile at another man like that when she looks at me with nothing but timidness?

I watch her walk away from him, my hands fisting under the desk at Grant's lingering gaze. That sly bastard.

My hands are still tightly fisted when she reaches my side of the table. Her soft flowery scent crowds my senses and it's taking every bit of control in me not to throw her over my shoulder and take her back to his office, lay her over my lap, pull down that damn provocative skirt and spank her naked ass until she begs me not to stop. I want to punish her for smiling at Grant, then reward her for being so fucking gorgeous.

What the fuck is up with me?

I've never felt this out of control before, my emotions running wild in a whirlwind of conflicting desires. But there's something about Jenna… She gets under my skin, making me want to break free from my usual restraints.

As she hands me a bottle of water, our fingers touch, and I feel a jolt of electricity run through my body. I look up at her, and for a moment, our eyes lock. I see a flicker of something in her gaze, something that looks like a response, but she quickly looks away, hurrying on to the next person.

"Mr. Anders?" Grant calls, his deep voice piercing through my hazy thoughts.

I snap back to attention, looking away from Jenna's retreating figure. I can sense the subtle glances exchanged around the table, the unspoken shock at my momentary lapse in attention.

"Yes, Mr. Den?" I ask, trying to sound casual despite the embarrassment coursing through my veins

"Mr. Farrell asked for your thoughts on leveraging targeted digital marketing campaigns to reach our key demographics effectively," Grant supplies, doing nothing to hide the arrogant smirk tugging at his lips.

I might just fire the cheeky bastard one of these days.

"That's a great idea," I say, looking at the visual representation on the screen. "Show me the numbers from the last three years."

The rest of the meeting is a blur as I struggle to keep my focus on what's being said. Try as I may, my mind keeps going back to Jenna and it's taking every iota of my self-control not to look at her.

This doesn't make any sense… I barely know her, and her intentions are questionable; the mere fact that she's related to Henry is a fucking red flag. There are so many reasons I shouldn't pursue her, but I want her. It doesn't make any sense… Whatever it is, though, it needs to stop and the only way that can happen is to get rid of her.

The sooner the better.

***

The instant I get into my office, I grab the telephone and dial the temp agency's number. A woman with a nasal voice picks up and quickly connects my call to the director's office the moment she hears my name.

The executive director of the temp agency, Tom Carson, picks on the second ring, his eager-to-please laughter ringing annoyingly in my ears.

"I'm surprised to hear from you personally, Mr. Anders," Tom says after we exchange pleasantries. "How may I help you?"

I hesitate, trying to find the right words to articulate my thoughts. "I was wondering if it's possible to replace the temp you sent over last time."

"Do you mean Jenna Henson?" Tom asks, sounding perplexed.

"Yes. How soon can a replacement be sent?"

"I'm sorry, but may I ask why?" Tom asks and I can almost imagine his bushy brows wrinkling in confusion. "As far as I know, your HR department sent a report just yesterday about her excellent performance at the company. I must say I'm surprised you're asking for her to be replaced."

"It's not that she isn't a good worker, it's just…" I trail off, wondering how to explain to the man that even though Jenna Henson is my ex-business partner's stepsister, and I doubt she's up to any good, I'm attracted to her and constantly thinking about what it'd be like to throw her over my desk and fuck the living shit out of her. How do I explain to Tom Carson that I need her out of my space before I lose control and do something that I might end up regretting?

"She doesn't seem like a good fit for the position," I finish lamely. "I went through her resume and she's over-qualified for the job."

Tom remains quiet for a while, as if carefully thinking about his next words, then he clears his "I understand what you mean, Mr. Anders but Miss Henson is an excellent worker, and I don't see any reason you should let her go just yet. How about you let her work until the end of the month?

If she still doesn't seem like a good fit then, we'll send a replacement."

"Fine, Tom," I say reluctantly. "She can stay until the end of the month. But if I still feel like she's the wrong fit, she's gone."

"Thank you, Mr. Anders," Tom says, sounding relieved. "I appreciate your understanding. And who knows, you might find that Jenna grows on you."

I grunt, feeling a sense of unease. I have a feeling that's exactly what's going to happen. And that's exactly the problem.

"Thanks, Tom. I'll talk to you soon," I say, hanging up the phone.

I lean back in my chair, feeling frustrated and trapped. I need to get a grip on myself. I can't get too wrapped up in these confusing emotions when my company is at stake. If Henry indeed sent Jenna here, then there's a possibility she plans to do some damage to the company, and I need to keep a close eye on her.

But how can I do that without blowing my cover?

Suddenly, an idea pops into my head, like a lightbulb; I'm going to seduce Jenna Henson! I'm going to make her fall for me, so hard that she'll spill all of Henry's plans, and then I'm going to get revenge.

The thought sends a thrill through me, and I can't help but smile to myself. Seduce Jenna, get her on my side, and use her to get back at Henry. It's a brilliant plan, and I can't wait to put it into action. I'm a master in the art of seduction, a naive nerd like Jenna Henson has no chance. If Henry has decided to go low by setting me up with his sister, I'll go lower to destroy them both.

I lean forward in my chair, my mind racing with strategies and tactics. I'll start by apologizing and calling a truce. Then I'll charm my way into her heart, gain her trust, and then slowly reel her in. I'll make her feel special, wanted, and needed. And once she's hooked, I'll use her to get the information I need to take down Henry and his plans.

I feel a welcome surge of excitement and anticipation. Pursuing Jenna Henson is going to be a game, an intriguing challenge. I haven't felt so excited in a long time. With a newfound sense of purpose, I stand up and walk over to the window, looking out at the city skyline, an unconscious smile tugging at my lips; the amazing scene beyond my window has suddenly regained its allure.