A Secretive Deal with My Billionaire Boss

Madison

I lifted my gaze from the computer screen as the elevator dinged. A woman in a red dress strutted toward me, her heels clicking against the marble floor like a timer counting down to chaos.

"I'm here to see Alexander." She planted her manicured hands on my desk, leaning forward with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"Do you have an appointment?"

"I don't need one. We have... history. Just tell Shim Vanessa's here."

"I'm sorry, but Mr. Knight only takes scheduled appointments. I can help you set one up for next week-"

"Listen here, little secretary." She interrupted. "I'm Vanessa Caldwell. I spent the night with Alexander last weekend, and I'm not leaving until I see him."

"As I mentioned, without an appointment or express permission from Mr. Knight-"

"Who do you think you are? Just because you stand next to him all day, fetching his coffee and taking notes, you think you're special?"

"Ma'am, I need to ask you to leave-"

"You're pathetic. Playing gatekeeper, pretending you matter. I bet you fantasize about him noticing you, don't you? Honey, even if you spread those thighs on his desk, he wouldn't give you a second glance. He needs a real woman, not some desperate little assistant playing dress-up in her Target blazer."

"Security will escort you out if necessary."I maintained an expressionless face.

"You wouldn't dare. Do you know who my father is? I could have your job with one phone call."

"And I could remove you from the premises with one button." I placed my hand near the security alert under my desk. "Your choice, Ms. Caldwell."

Vanessa's face contorted with rage. In one fluid motion, she snatched the water pitcher from my desk and emptied its contents over my head. Ice-cold water drenched my hair, makeup, and brand-new blouse – for the record, it wasn't from Target.

"Oops." She smirked, dropping the empty pitcher on my keyboard with a clatter. "Looks like someone needs a towel."

But before I could process my next move, the elevator dinged again.

Alexander Knight stepped out, filling the lobby like a storm front. His easy stride faltered as he took in the scene - me looking like a drowned rat, Vanessa preening like a cat who'd gotten the cream, and water pooling across my desk and expensive electronics.

"Well." His voice cut through the tension. "This is certainly not the greeting I expected."

Vanessa's face lit up. "Alexander, darling! I was just-"

"Assaulting my PA and damaging company property?" He crossed to us in three strides. "Bold strategy."

"I was simply having a conversation with your PA." Her voice dripped honey while her eyes stabbed mine. "She refused to let me see you."

"Because that's her job." Alexander handed me his monogrammed handkerchief. His touch sent an unwanted tingle up my arm. "Miss Harper follows my protocols to the letter. That's why she's invaluable."

I dabbed at my face, grateful I'd worn waterproof mascara today. The handkerchief smelled like