Chapter 5

5

June

Ohmigod. Ohmigod. Did he just... Did I see him… Did he? I shake my head and stare blankly at the computer screen in front of me. I managed to grab a few tissues from the box on my desk and go back in and hand them to him without meeting his eyes. Then, I fled back to my seat. Why had I gone to his office in the first place? I can't remember the reason; it must have been something trivial. An excuse for me to see him. And boy... Did I get an eyeful. I squeeze my thighs together in recollection. The image of him jerking off is burned into my retinas.

My ears are ringing from that groan of his as he came. The way he threw his head back to expose the cords of his neck. The way his biceps tightened, and his shoulders swelled, to such an extent, I was sure he'd hulk out of his clothes.

It was erotic and sexy, and so, so hot. Oh god. It was obscene. But also, it turned me on. And it shouldn't have. My mouth is so dry; all of the liquid in my body seems to have pooled in the space between my legs. Why oh, why had I gone in there? Why hadn't I knocked first? Why…did I stay there, unable to move until he orgasmed?

My belly stutters. My core clenches. There's this hunger deep inside me that seems to have hooked its claws into the moist walls of my center. There's this yearning that fills every cell in my body; strange need that squeezes my chest and turns my insides to jelly. My fingers tingle, and I find myself reaching for the hem of my dress, when the phone on my desk rings. I jump, then stare at it. My heart booms in my ribcage.

I watch the ringing phone in horror, and when it doesn't stop, I force myself to reach for the receiver and snatch it up.

"Kelly Assistant?"

I'm so unnerved that, just as I stopped earlier when he called me that in his office, I squeak.

"Send off the email to the agency in Tokyo and come see me after you're finished."

Oh yes. I so want to come.

WHAT? NO! SHUT UP.

"What did you say?"

I hear his growl and realize I said the words aloud.

"I mean, coming," I burst out.

There's silence, then I hear him chuckle. "Is that all it took?"

My cheeks flame. "No. I mean, I…yes. I mean, I'll be with you soon."

Without waiting for him to respond, I drop the phone into its cradle, then lower my forehead to the desk once, twice. Someone kill me . What's wrong with me? I didn't do anything wrong. I walked in on my boss pleasuring himself and now he wants to see me again. How embarrassing. Not for me. For him. So why am I blushing so hard?

I straighten, then reach for the glass of water on my desk and drain it. There, that's better. For the next half an hour, I focus on answering a few more emails which have come in, until the translated document with the feedback arrives.

I read through it, correct the grammatical errors, and some factual ones, too, based on what I know of the product in question, then send off the email. Then, I rise to my feet, stretch, and roll my shoulders. I can do this. Composing my features into an expression that doesn't betray my inner turmoil, I hope, I knock on the door .

"Come in." His hard deep voice sends a shiver down my spine. Crap. I can't afford to react like a woman in heat every time he speaks to me. I walk inside his office to find he's standing by the window with his back to me. The lights of the city shimmer in the distance. The days have been shortening, and somewhere in the distance fireworks explode, possibly over Alexandra Palace. It's Guy Fawke's day. How could I have forgotten?

I watch him watch the horizon; a hand thrust into his pocket, so it draws the seat of his pants tight across his rear. It accentuates his muscular behind. The perfect curve of his arse cheeks, the power inherent in his thighs. Then he half turns to face me and catches me in the act. "Like what you see, Kelly Assistant?" He drawls.

I blush, unable to look away from the perfection that is his face. Those cold blue eyes. Those sharp cheekbones, that pouty lower lip, and the way that scar lends an air of danger to his features. It makes him seem both human and a savage. A wounded soldier and a fallen brute. A barbarian who yearns for a tender loving touch. It makes him so very appealing. Why do I find him so appealing?

He continues to glower at me, and I realize I need to say something to protest the fact that he's calling me by someone else's name.

"It's June." I clear my throat. "J-U-N-E. June."

He doesn't give any indication that he's heard my plea. Instead, he says, "What you saw earlier?—"

"I won't tell anyone." I swallow. "Even if I hadn't signed the NDA, I wouldn't go around telling people that I saw my boss, ummm…"

"With his dick in his hand?" He smirks.

The flush on my cheeks extends to my hairline. O MG, why did that sound so filthy coming from him? And why am I not giving up this job and leaving? And why are images of his pleasure-filled face crowding my mind all over again?

One side of his mouth dents, and I realize he's taking immense pleasure from my mortification. When really it should be him feeling humiliated. Which he isn't. So, why should I feel awkward?

"I'm not going to apologize for that." He tilts his head.

And now, I'm gaping again. Not that I thought he'd apologize, but to hear him say he won't, shows just how arrogant this man is.

"But I won't embarrass you again."

I frown. "You won't? "

"You've shown you can manage yourself in the trickiest of situations without losing your cool. I believe that proves you're a valuable addition to the team."

"Wait, what?" I blink rapidly. It takes a few seconds for his words to sink in. "Are you saying that all of that?—"

"You could take it as a test, yes. Though I hadn't meant it to be, but turns out, it was for the best. None of my previous assistants would have conducted themselves with such dignity. And while I don't promise that I won't test you again, I won't be embarrassing you in this way."

I nod slowly. I shouldn't feel so deflated, so let down. I didn't realize how much I was turned on by seeing him masturbate. And honestly, I wouldn't mind seeing him do that again. I'm not going to tell him that. But I have enough images in my head to masturbate to myself.

"You'll also be getting a raise in your salary."

"A raise?" I gape.

"You need to be compensated for what I put you through this week. For what I'll be putting you through in the coming days."

"That sounds ominous." I manage a smile, but when there's no answering one on his face, I wipe it off mine. "Not that I don't welcome the additional money."

"Trust me, you'll be earning it, too." He looks me up and down. "I need you to give me a wake-up call each morning, starting tomorrow."

"A wake-up call?" I blink rapidly. "Surely, your phone has an alarm and?—"

"A wake-up call at five a.m. every day," he interrupts me.

"Five a.m.?" I stare in horror. "B-but... That's so early."

"Including weekends." There's a gleam in his eyes—gone quickly, but not before I register it. "Starting tomorrow." He turns back to face the window. "You will find my car and driver, waiting to take you home."

"But—"

"You can leave now."

I open and shut my mouth again. That self-assurance in his voice indicates there are very few people who dare to disobey him. I'm going to hate waking up so early. On the other hand, he's also looking out for me by arranging to have me dropped home because it's late. And the salary. Don't forget the salary. It's going to be worth it for what he's paying me, right? And if I keep this job, even for three months, I'll have enough to pay off all of my debts. The thought placates me. Enough for me to accept his offer of a car and driver without protest. Enough to paste a fake smile on my face.

"Thanks for the advance payment of my salary," I offer.

He doesn't reply, doesn't even turn. Simply points his thumb at the door. I pivot and scramble out of his office. I race to my desk, shut down my computer, then grab my handbag and the garment box, and head down the corridor.

I pass Mary's desk, which is empty. So are the desks of the other assistants. In fact, there is no one in any of the offices. Everyone has gone home. I check my phone and realize it's almost midnight. I'm secretly glad he arranged a ride home for me. I step into the elevator, ride down, and leave the building. I get into the waiting car—the same limo that brought me here. As the vehicle slides forward, the tension in my body slowly fades away. Only then, do I glance around and take in the plush interior; I was too distracted to notice it earlier Wow, I've never been driven in such luxury before.

I sink back into the leather seat and press my head back into the cushion. I inhale deeply, and the scent of leather, and something else, the lingering darkness of his scent teases my nostrils. It's comforting and arousing, and I allow myself to be cocooned in it. My lips curve in a smile. I did it! I made it through my first week in the job from hell. Only question? Can I get through at least another three months of being attracted to my ridiculously hot boss?