The Vengeful Billionaire's Secretary

he was coming to know. Alexander was a far cry from the ruthless tycoon she had envisioned. H

eling day, Alexander invited her to jo

room, and the crackle of a low fire in the hearth created an ambiance both inviting and intimate. A sma

ir, a glass of wine in hand "You lo

, her voice guarded "I didn't realize my j

the firelight "This isn't about work, Emma. Co

ling. The space between them felt charged, and she coul

e measured "If this is your way of keeping me

is voice low and teasing "You're not ve

to deflect "I didn't think 'kind'

ng "You'd be surprised what I'm capable of, E

nd she quickly looked away, focusing on the me

ll me something, Emma. Why is it that you wo

ediately rising "I don't see h

ing her "Because I think you're afraid. Afraid th

late. The truth in his words struck too close to

s things running smoothly. You, of

whisper "Oh, I understand control, Emma. But somet

meaning in his words, and she st

yone has the luxury of

voice soft but commanding "Maybe. But not everyon

tension. Emma's pulse quickened, and she hated how much his words aff

alance "You certainly ha

deepening "And you have a flair for deflectio

the table, his fingers brushing hers in a deliberate, lingering touch.

hat do you want f

s "I want the truth. I want to see the real you,

inged with defiance "And what m

the only one who's willing to look past the walls you've built. And because d

ght of his gaze pinned her in place, and she hated how exposed she felt under his scrutin

y above a whisper "You're playi

t growl "Good. I like dangerous games, Emma

Emma realized with a sinking feeling that keeping her distance fro

ander

-

s composed as ever, her head held high, her hazel eyes sharp and wary. But he knew her well enough by now to see the tension in her shou

e fortress. Always so careful, so controlled. But even

't help the small smile tugging at his lips. He swirled the wine in his glass, t

ook tense, Emma. S

amused him her resistance, her determination to keep their relationship strictly p

my job included private

her voice. She wasn't immune to him. He knew it. And tha

g me, as always. But I wonder, does

ork, Emma. Consider it a reward

way she carried herself so poised, so self-assured. But he'd seen glimpses of the vulnerability

f keeping me from burning out

eyes narrowing slight

t very good at accepti

her deflection

k 'kind' was in your

t bite in her words. She uses it as armor, bu

her space without touching her. Her scent a mix of faint perfu

ma. Why is it that you work so har

f her glass, her jaw tensing. Good. He'd hit a nerve. But instea

ee how that's rel

here it is. That wall again.

e afraid. Afraid that if you let s

in her hazel eyes before she masked it again. She was incredible strong, intelligent, dete

ngs running smoothly. You, of all

on control. But there's something irresistible about t

rol, Emma. But sometimes, letting

lush on her cheeks. It was subtle, but it was there. She w

has the luxury of 'le

everyone has someone willing

e by piece, and he was the one causing it. He reached across the table, letting his fingers brush hers

you want from

ht away, letting the tension simmer between them. When he fi

t to see the real you, not the polis

to respond, but no words came. He leaned back,

fine. I'm patient. She'll come to me when she's ready. And when

lowed himself a small, satisfied smile. The game wasn't over, but