Chapter 104
Madison
The books on his desk caught my eye again–a reminder of the real work ahead. My arms already ached at the thought of carrying them. At least he was investing in my professional growth, even if his personal demands kept escalating by the day.
“I remember everything from the document, Mr. Knight.” I reached for the heavy books, stacking them against my chest. “I’ll spend Saturday with my mom and be yours on Sunday.” The words slipped out before I could catch them. Yours. As if I belonged to him. “But how am I supposed to learn all this material if I’m always at your beck and call p>
“Yes, you need to learn these. I’ll leave this weekend to you. Come to my penthouse Sunday evening p>
“Thank you for giving me time to study.” The words came out more sarcastic than intended, but I couldn’t help it.
The nerve of this man. ‘Giving me time.‘ Like he was some benevolent king bestowing favors upon his subjects. Next thing you know, he’d want a parade thrown in his honor for allowing me basic human functions like sleeping and eating.
What’s next? Permission slips to use the bathroom? A formal request form to breathe? Maybe I should start bowing every time he enters a room. ‘Oh, thank you, mighty Mr. Knight, for graciously allowing me to exist in your presence p>
My inner monologue continued its rebellion as I adjusted the weight of the books in my arms. The stack felt like it contained every construction manual ever written, plus maybe a few stone tablets for good measure.
“Will that be all, Mr. Knight?” I kept my voice professional, even as my mind conjured increasingly ridiculous scenarios of his controlling tendencies.
He nodded, dismissing me with a wave of his hand that made me want to throw one of these books at his perfectly styled hair.
I turned and left his office, my heels clicking against the floor in what I hoped was a dignified exit rather than the awkward book–juggling dance it felt like.
At least I had Saturday free–free–ish–unless his majesty decided he had another ‘urgent matter‘ that required my immediate attention. Because apparently, that’s what girlfriends were for–being on standby 24/7 for their demanding fake boyfriends with control issues and insatiable libidos.
I gathered my purse and switched off my computer. The stack of books taunted me from my desk – a mountain of knowledge I needed to absorb. My back ached just looking at them.
1/4
Chapter 107
+25 BONUS
“I’ll drive you home p>
I jumped at Alexander’s voice behind me. He stood in his office doorway, Jacket slung over one arm, looking unfairly handsome after a long workday.
“Thank you, but I can manage on my own.” I reached for the books, determined to maintain some independence.
“Those books weigh more than you do.” His eyes sparkled with amusement. “Let’s go p>
My core clenched at his commanding tone. Damn body’s Pavlovian response to his voice. Every time he spoke like that, my mind flashed to previous car rides – his fingers sliding under my skirt, teasing me while poor John pretended not to notice.
But this time, Alexander kept his distance as we rode the elevator down.
John opened the car door, and I slid into the back seat, tensing when Alexander settled beside me.
Here it comes, I thought. Any second now, his hand would find its way to my thigh; those skilled fingers would trace patterns on my skin until I was squirming…
Nothing happened.
He pulled out his phone, typing emails like I wasn’t there. As if he hadn’t bent me over his desk just hours ago. As if my body wasn’t primed to respond to his slightest touch.
The relief was… disappointing? No, definitely relief. Absolutely relief. Not disappointed at all.
I sneaked glances at his profile, wondering what game he was playing. But he remained perfectly professional, not even a hint of the man who’d commanded me to clear my weekend schedule.
My inner voice snickered. Look at you, almost pouting because he’s not molesting you in the car. What happened to want boundaries?
I shifted in my seat, trying to focus on the passing buildings instead of the heat between my legs. This arrangement was seriously messing with my head.
The car rolled to a stop outside my apartment building. I gathered the books, my arms already protesting their weight.
“Keep your phone close, Ms. Harper.” Alexander’s voice carried that familiar mix of command and promise that made my thighs clench. “I might need you tonight p>
Need me. Right. Because CEOs regularly needed their assistants at midnight for urgent spreadsheet reviews. More likely, he’d send another fake drunk call just to see if I’d come running.
I watched the sleek car disappear into traffic, leaving me alone with my thoughts and this stack of
2/4
Chapter 107
+25 BONUS
construction manuals that could double as weightlifting equipment.
What the hell had I gotten myself into? One moment of desperation, one signature on that carefully worded document, and suddenly, I was at his beck and call. I reminded myself that my mother’s care at Hallmark was worth it. The best doctors, private room, round–the–clock nursing… but at what cost to my sanity?
The elevator dinged on my floor. I fumbled with my keys, nearly dropping the books in the process. My apartment welcomed me with its familiar silence – no demanding CEOS, no judgmental coworkers, no whispers about how I’d earned my promotion.
I collapsed onto my couch, kicking off my heels. The books landed on my coffee table with a thud that probably startled my downstairs neighbors. Sorry, blame Alexander Knight.
I grabbed the thickest book from the pile – “Advanced Construction Project Management” – and settled deeper into my couch. The pages crackled as I opened it, releasing that new book smell. Time to prove I deserved this position, regardless of what the office gossip claimed.
Two hours flew by as I absorbed information about timeline management and resource allocation. My hand was cramped from taking notes, but satisfaction bloomed in my chest. Let them whisper. I’d show them exactly why Alexander chose me.
My phone stayed suspiciously quiet. No “urgent” messages from his majesty demanding my presence. Perfect timing for a girls‘ night with Hazel.
I peeled off my work clothes, wincing as the fabric brushed against the tender spots on my ass.
The hot shower eased my aching muscles. I chose a high–necked black dress that covered the marks while still looking party–appropriate. There was no need for awkward questions from the girls.
“There’s our workaholic!” Hazel squealed when I entered her apartment. She hugged me, vodka cranberry sloshing in her other hand.
Audrey and Jenny sprawled across Hazel’s couch, already three drinks in, judging by their giggles.
“Look who finally escaped the office!” Audrey raised her glass. “We thought you’d married your desk by now. ”
Jenny snorted. “Or married Alexander Knight. Same difference p>
I rolled my eyes, accepting the drink Hazel pressed into my hand. “I’m just doing my job. Someone has to keep that place running p>
“Sure, sure.” Audrey wiggled her eyebrows. “And it has nothing to do with your smoking hot boss p>
“Who happens to be single,” Jenny chimed in.
3/4
Chapter 107
“And rich,” Hazel added.
+25 BONUS
“And completely off limits,” I said firmly, taking a large sip of my drink. The vodka burned pleasantly down my throat, helping mask the heat rising to my cheeks.
“Speaking of single…” Jenny sat up straighter, her eyes gleaming with that matchmaking sparkle I’d learned to dread. “My cousin Jake just moved to the city. He’s gorgeous, successful, and definitely your type p>
“No.” I shook my head. “Absolutely not p>
“Come on, Madison!” Audrey joined in. “When’s the last time you went on a real date? You can’t spend your whole life buried in spreadsheets p>
If they only knew what – or rather who I’d been buried in lately. I took another long drink.
“Jake’s really sweet,” Jenny persisted. “He’s an architect, loves dogs, volunteers at p>
“I’m not interested in dating right now.” I cut her off, perhaps too sharply. “Work is… complicated enough p>
“That’s exactly why you need to date!” Hazel flopped down beside me. “All work and no play makes Madison a dull girl p>
I nearly choked on my drink. There had been plenty of ‘play‘ lately, just not the kind I could tell them
about.
“Trust me,” I said, “my life has enough complications without adding blind dates to the mix p>
“Fine.” Jenny pouted. “But when you’re forty and alone with nothing but your calculator for company, don’t say we didn’t try p>
I raised my glass. “I’ll drink to that.” The vodka cranberry went down smooth, but I nursed it slowly. Getting drunk wasn’t an option – loose lips sink ships, and this particular ship carried way too many
secrets.
Today’s Bonus Offer
GET IT NOW
X
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.