The Boss's Pet (1)

The Boss's Pet (1)
RHYS

I have a million questions, which, in itself, is odd. The whole point of Kira having a safe word is that when she utters it, I stop whatever I’m doing. No hesitation, no questions asked.

But I’m more curious than I should be. Does she want me to pause because we are in the car and Shane might see what I’m doing, or for other reasons? Her body certainly wants me—it’s evident in the way she reacted to my touch—but I retract my hand.

The sigh of relief that leaves her mouth is mixed with guilt and confusion. For the rest of the car ride, I focus on my laptop, trying to get as much work as possible, but I feel my assistant’s eyes on me. When I look over to her, she darts her eyes away to stare at the buildings we pass. I chuckle. Kira Davidson is more of an open book than she realizes.

When we arrive at the villa, Olivia throws her arms around me. "Rhys, it’s been a while! I already love the place."

I notice Kira’s grim look beside me. She purses her lips, upset that another woman has her arms around me. I want to nip that jealousy in the bud and for a moment, I’m relieved she didn’t let me touch her earlier. She and I are no longer on the same wavelength.

"Is your husband here with you?" I ask .

As soon as the question is out, I wonder why I asked it. For the information, or to make Kira realize there is nothing between me and Olivia? I will never know, and calming my little assistant’s jealousy isn’t anywhere on my mile-long schedule.

"He is on his way and will join us soon," Olivia says. "You don’t have to worry about him. As long as there’s a billiards room, you can make him buy anything."

Kira sticks out a hand with a professional smile. "You must be Ms. Martin. Nice to meet you, I’m Kira."

"Just call me Olivia."

After a little small talk, Kira offers to show her to the living room, where she can have coffee before her husband arrives.

Olivia goes to the window, gushing at the oceanic view, and my assistant doesn’t miss the chance to throw a jab at me. "She must be really important for you to come to the villa yourself."

"Don’t start," I warn.

She struts away, and all I can focus on is how hot her ass looks. Even in loose trousers, she is sexy. I refrain from letting her know that—her message was clear.

On the bright side, my jealous assistant doesn’t let her feelings get in the way of her work. Within minutes of her showing Olivia and her husband the property, I realize my presence is not necessary. She is in full work mode, making me wonder if being my assistant is the right spot for her in the company. Maybe she should be out here showing the properties.

But that would mean I wouldn’t see her as often.

My phone vibrates with Shane’s call. I signal to Kira that I will be right back and go to the balcony.

"What happened?"

He only answers in one word. "Petrov."

I narrow my eyes. What is Grisha planning this time?

I see Kira walking toward me, so I tell Rhys, "tell me about it later."

If it’s urgent, he will send a text message.

My assistant walks toward me with a smile. "If everything goes well, they will take the house. They love it."

"You did well," I praise.

She blushes. "So did you. Even if most of what you did was grunt and hum whenever you were asked a question. You’re lucky you’re handsome, or Phoenix Industries would never sell a single property."

When Kira realizes she just called me handsome, she battles the urge to avert her gaze, but her eyes betray her feelings. "We should head back to the office soon—you have a 3pm meeting."

_____

Kira has left the car and made a beeline for the office when Shane turns and says, "Grisha has been looking into assassins. My guess is he’s not trying to make friends."

I didn’t want to involve myself in the matters of the Petrov family, but Kira is part of my territory now, and Grisha is crossing it.

"If it’s a fight he wants, a fight he will get," I declare, much to Shane’s chagrin. "Let her be, Rhys. If she dies, she goes to the grave with whatever madness her presence brought about."

I want to kill him for that comment. Lucky him, he doesn’t say anything else. I’m compelled to warn Kira of the fate that may befall her if she doesn’t tread carefully. When I get to our floor, I don’t see her at her desk. I hear her voice in the break room.

As I approach the break room, I hear someone else talking. A woman. "So, can you?"

Something pours into a cup as Kira says, "I already told you, that’s beyond me."

A short spell of silence passes before the woman laughs. "I see. I just assumed you could do anything in the company, seeing as you’re the boss’s pet."