Chapter 105
Madison
The clock struck six as I finished filing the last contract. My body ached in places that had nothing to do with sitting at a desk all day. The memory of Alexander taking me in his car made my cheeks flush. I needed a hot shower and definitely had to check the damage – my ass still tingled from where he’d spanked me.
“Ms. Harper.” His voice crackled through the intercom. “Come in here before you leave.”
I sighed. What now? If he wanted my panties again, he’d have to work for it.
I knocked and entered his office. Alexander sat behind his desk, focused on his computer screen.
“Close the door.” He didn’t look up from whatever document held his attention.
I did as told, hovering near his desk. “You needed something, Mr. Knight?”
His fingers flew across the keyboard. The sound of typing filled the silence. Was this some new game? Make me wait while he finishes work?
A knock interrupted my thoughts.
“Come in,” Alexander called out, still not looking up from his screen.
A tall man with graying hair entered, carrying a stack of books. He placed them carefully on the corner of Alexander’s desk.
“These are the references you requested, sir. Will you need anything else?”
“That’ll be all, thank you,” Alexander dismissed him with a wave.
Once the door clicked shut, I couldn’t help but peek at the titles from where I stood. Real Estate Development and Investment. Commercial Property Analysis, New York Real Estate Market Guide. My heart skipped – these had to be for the Manhattan project he’d assigned me to manage.
His typing continued, but I caught the slight upturn of his lips. He knew I was looking at the books- of course he did. The man probably planned this whole scene–making me wait and having the books delivered while I was here.
I shifted my weight, wondering if I should say something about the books. But no, that would mean admitting I’d been snooping. Even if they were meant for me, I’d wait for him to bring it up first.
His fingers paused over the keyboard. “See something interesting, Ms. Harper?”
Heat crept up my neck. Caught. “Just observing, Mr. Knight.”
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Chapter 105
“Mmm.” He finally looked up, his eyes dark with amusement. “I thought you were admiring my typing skills.”
I kept my face neutral, though my pulse quickened at his suggestive tone. “Your typing is adequate.” His laugh was rich and deep. “Just adequate? I’ll have to work on improving my finger dexterity then.
The memory of exactly how dexterous his fingers could be made me press my thighs together again. Damn him.
Alexander rose from his chair, his movements fluid and controlled. He walked around his desk, maintaining a professional distance that somehow felt more intimate than if he’d touched me. His presence radiated authority, making the air thick with tension.
“These books will help you understand the basics of real estate development.” He gestured to the stack on his desk, all business now. “Take them home. Study them.”
I glanced at the pile – there had to be at least six thick volumes. “That’s a lot of reading material.”
“Knowledge is power, Ms. Harper.” His lips quirked up. “Or did you think I’d just throw you into managing a multi–million dollar project without proper preparation?”
“No, but this might take weeks to get through.”
“Then you better start tonight.” He leaned against his desk, arms crossed. “The real estate market waits for no one. Research online, too – familiarize yourself with current trends, market analysis, and property valuations. Learn the basics first.”
I resisted rolling my eyes. Of course, he’d pile more work on top of my already full schedule. “I’ll start reviewing the material tonight.”
“Good.” He picked up one of the books, flipping through it casually. “I’m assembling a team for you. Top professionals in development, construction, and legal. You’ll meet them next week.”
The way he said ‘assembling a team‘ made heat pool between my legs. Everything he said lately seemed to have a double meaning, or maybe my mind just lived in the gutter now.
“The Manhattan Project needs careful attention.” His eyes locked with mine. “I expect excellence in all your duties, Ms. Harper. Both as my PA and project manager.”
“I won’t disappoint you.” I kept my voice steady.
“The workload will be intense. Multiple projects, meetings, research.” He tapped the stack of books. ” Plus your regular PA duties. I expect excellence in everything. The Manhattan Project alone will consume significant time.”
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“I understand, Mr. Knight. I can handle it.”
He raised an eyebrow. “We could bring in temporary assistance. Someone to handle your PA duties while you focus on the real estate project.”
My stomach clenched at his words. Another assistant? Some perky blonde sitting at my desk, bringing him coffee, organizing his schedule? The image of some young thing bending over his desk made my blood boil.
No. Absolutely not.
I pictured some eager–to–please temp batting her eyelashes at him, staying late to “finish up paperwork.” She’d probably wear those tiny pencil skirts and sky–high heels, deliberately dropping things just so she could pick them up in front of him.
My fingers twitched at the thought of another woman making his coffee exactly how he liked it. I’d perfected that ratio of cream to sugar over months. She wouldn’t know he preferred his afternoon coffee slightly stronger than his morning brew.
And what about those late nights when he needed something urgently? Would she rush over at midnight, too? Would she end up in his bed, against his windows, on his desk?
The rational part of my brain screamed that I was being ridiculous. This was just a business arrangement. A year–long deal where I played girlfriend in exchange for my mother’s medical care. He wasn’t actually my boyfriend.
But the thought of someone else sitting at my desk, taking my place…
My jaw clenched as I imagined some temporary assistant giggling at his jokes, “accidentally” brushing against him in the elevator. She wouldn’t know his moods, his preferences, the little signs that meant he was stressed or tired.
And what about our arrangement? Would he expect me to maintain our personal agreement while someone else handled his professional needs? The idea of sharing any part of him made my skin
crawl.
God, when did I become so possessive? This wasn’t real. We weren’t really dating. He wasn’t mine to get jealous over.
But fuck if I was going to let some temp take my place.
I kept my face neutral as these thoughts raced through my head, not wanting to give away how much his suggestion bothered me. Let him think I was considering it professionally. Never mind that my nails were digging into my palms or my heart was racing with irrational jealousy.
Alexander tilted his head, studying my silence. “You’re analyzing this.”
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“Temporary assistance won’t be necessary.” I straightened my spine. “I’m perfectly capable of managing both roles.”
He moved closer, his presence filling my personal space. “Are you sure? The project planning phase is intensive. Designs, permits, contractor meetings…”
“I said I can handle it.” My voice came out sharper than intended.
A knowing smirk played across his lips. “Jealous, Ms. Harper?”
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