The CEO (Sweet Bastard)

r me. I strolled down the tree-lined streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the awaken

buzzed with activity-businesspeople in suits, students clutching backpacks, and parents bidding f

eat near the window. I settled in, observing the passin

t. I finally reach my stop and peel myself out of my seat. Like every morning,

led my nose as I made my way

blending harmoniously with the melodic hum of conver

e towering structure, its glass façade reflecting the g

chest. I adjusted my neatly pressed suit and smoothed out my curly blonde hair, trying to regain my composur

of my insecurities. Doubts swirled in my mind like a tempestuous storm. The pol

trying to summon my

ered under my breath, desperately

opportunity. Don't let self

reflection in the mirrored walls r

ubts and fears entwined like vines, threatening to strangle my hopes and aspirations. I glanced at

the present. The doors slid open, revealing the

loor, a wave of fear washed over me,

ere confirmed. The place

ed with a circular desk made of cherry wood. Behind the desk sat a striking blonde woman who exuded an air of efficiency f

rridor to the right, leading to

you?" the

es, I'm Raine Walker. I am the new executive secretary for Mr. Peterson. Today is

e an eternity, she picked up her phone and made a call. I strained to listen but co

with a slightly softer expression. "Ms

mployees diligently worked on their tasks. We reached a door with a silver nameplate that read "Ms.

in a tailored suit. Her piercing blue eyes assessed me from head

ot unfriendly. "I am Ms. Allison White, Mr. Knox's ex

ing to appear composed despite

me about you. He handpicked you for a reason, so I expect you to prove yourself worthy o

nox Peterson, the enigmatic billionaire who built an empire from scratch.

le for managing his schedule, coordinating meetings, handling correspondence, and various other tasks t

id. This was a chance of a lifetime,

enging to work with. He expects nothing but excellence from his employees. Any m

s, I am. I am ready to give my best and le

e with me, and I'll show you to your new office," Allison offered, motioning for me to follow her down the hallway.

ed offices, Allison eventually stop

knocking before entering. I followed closely

CEO Knox engrossed in a phone conve

ed by the rich, raspy timbre of his voice as he barked instruc

took a moment to observe Knox. When he final

gas

to the captivating presence he exuded in person. His husky voice had mom

ed, muscular forearms. A loosely knotted black tie hung down his broad chest,

se and piercing, seemed to penetrate right through me. The slight stubble on his square jaw only enhanced his rugged hands

ugging at his crimson tie before unbuttoning the top button of his shirt.

attentively to the person on the other end of the line. I couldn't help but wonder who

ion, and to my mortification, his narrowed green eyes settled on me-where they remained for several long

o me now. I felt the color rise to my cheeks, partly in embarrassment and partly from the sheer pressure and intensi

yebrow slightly

e hell a

rp, cutting through

o meet his gaze. My instincts kicked in, and I shifted into high