His to Punish, Hers to Revenge

"This is a big mistake."

Ashley Kelly stood still in front of the tall Carson Enterprise building, her fingers sweaty despite the chilly morning wind. This was her dream, the big break she had been looking for. Her instincts urged her to flee as her anxiousness skyrocketed, but she pushed herself to walk ahead. There will be no turning back now.

"Don't trip, don't mess this up." She mumbled to herself as she walked through the glass doors.

Inside, everything seemed clean, modern, and sleek. It simply made her more uneasy, and she was already regretting the decisions that had led her here. She felt tiny and out of place. As she neared the elevator, she noticed her reflection in the mirrored walls. She thought she looked great in her black suit when she left the house, but now...

The receptionist offered her a knowing grin, which somehow helped to soothe her anxiety. "First day?" she inquired.

Ashley nodded, trying not to appear as apprehensive as she felt. "Yeah. "Any advice?"

The receptionist grinned. "Do not get in Mr. Gary's path. And whatever you do, do not be late. Do not say no to him. Don't..."

Ashley's stomach churned. "Great start."

"Good luck," the receptionist murmured, her tone suggesting something more sinister. Ashley didn't have time to consider what she meant before being hurried in the direction she suggested.

As she approached Carson Gary's office, her heart quickened. Carson Gary's office door looked like the entrance to a lion's cave. Her heart raced, and she wasn't sure if it was from fear or excitement.

She'd seen his pictures online, but nothing prepared her for seeing him in person. He was tall, and his sharp, sculpted features exuded a chilly, threatening aura. His black suit was impeccable. He was flawless. His black suit and his chilly, calculating eyes made her feel small.

Carson Gary sat at an enormous mahogany desk, his fingers tapping steadily across the top. When she arrived, he did not glance up, and the stillness lasted for an awkward moment.

"I-uh, Mr. Gary?" I'm Ashley Kelly," she said, just above a whisper.

"Sit," he said, without glancing up from the papers in front of him.

Ashley eagerly obliged, sitting across from his massive mahogany desk, feeling as if she was going to be grilled.

"You're late," Carson remarked without looking at her.

"I-um, I'm sorry, I didn't think-"

"I don't care what you think," he said, eventually raising his eyes. His piercing blue eyes fixed on hers, locking her in place. His look was hard and calculated, as if he was determining her worth with a single glance. The full weight of his look caused her to shrink. "In my world, time is critical. "You are either on time or irrelevant."

Ashley blinked. "I... I'm sorry, I didn't realize-"

"Did I ask for an explanation?" he interrupted sharply, finally standing and walked around the desk toward her. He appeared much taller up close, and the air between them seemed to thicken as he closed the gap. "In my world, excuses are meaningless. Everything revolves around results. "Do you understand?"

Her throat dried up, and she nodded quickly. "Understood."

Carson walked back to his seat. He leaned back and studied her with the same hard attention. "Your resume indicates that you are technologically proficient. But let us be clear about one thing, Ashley, you are not here to change the world. As my secretary, you are here to obey every of my commands. Can you handle that?"

She nodded again and swallowed hard. "Yes, Mr. Gary."

Carson's eyes hardened and his presence oppressive. "Let's get this straight, Ms. Kelly. I do not accept incompetence. I do not forgive faults. And I don't like weakness."

His comments stung, but something in his tone, a touch of challenge, made her want to stand higher. But before she could respond, he dismissed her with a wave of his fingers.

"Get out." Your office is directly opposite mine. "Be ready when I call."

Ashley stood on wobbly legs and turned to go. But when she did, she noticed a little quantity of cash on his desk. Her fingers twitched, and the familiar yearning crept up her spine. "No, not here or now. "Do not do it." But her body responded before her brain could stop it, and she quickly slid a bill into her pocket.

She exited the office, her pulse pounding with adrenaline and guilt.

"What have I done?"

***

Hours later, her phone vibrated. It was Carson.

"Oh no!"

"Ashley. My office. Now."

Her heart thudded in her chest as she neared his door, her legs trembling with fear. She walked in, feeling his gaze on her from the moment she stepped inside. The tension in the room was unbearable.

"Shut the door," Carson said, his voice harsh as steel.

She complied, her hands trembling.

"I think we need to have a conversation." He sat back in his chair and watched her intently. "You know what happens to thieves in my world, don't you?"

Her throat became dry. "Mr. Gary, I-"

"Shut up." The remarks were harsh and decisive, cutting through her argument. "You took something from me."

Ashley's knees wobbled. "I didn't mean to-"

Carson laughed grimly. "Do you know who I am, Ashley?"

She blinked, perplexed. "You're... my boss?"

Carson grinned darkly. "Yes and I am the Mafia."

Ashely's blood ran cold.

"The What?"

Her throat became dry, and her heart halted for a second when he walked towards her.

"Do you know what happens to people who steal from me?" Carson's voice was low and unsettling.

She wanted to lie and deny it, but she couldn't find the right words.

"In my world, if you steal ten dollars from me, you owe me a hundred thousand," he stated with his eyes staring at her soul. "If you don't have it..." He leaned forward, his breath warm on her ear. "I collect your life."

Ashley's vision blurred as terror took over. She was utterly broke. And totally screwed.

"I... I didn't mean to," she said quietly. "I am... a kleptomaniac. I can't help it. ""Please, I did not mean-"

Carson drew closer, so much that she could feel his body heat, surrounding her like a predator. "Your situation does not interest me. Ashley, I do not care about your justifications. "You stole from me, and now you're paying."

Tears welled up in her eyes as she fought to find an exit. "I don't have the money... I swear."

Carson's eyes darkened as he leaned in, his breath hot on her ear. "Then what are you offering me?"

Her pulse raced as she knew what he meant. She did not have the money. She had nothing left to trade with...Did people not say use what you have to protect yourself?

In a moment of desperation, the words spilled from her mouth before she could stop them. "I'll repay you... with my body."

Carson's smirk deepened. He leaned out and lifted her chin, forcing her to face his eyes. "Is that true?" Alright."

I am absolutely screwed. He agreed.