Chapter 1 PROLOGUE
My heart raced as I walked towards CEO Patrik Morgan's office. My friend Mandy had inadvertently sent the file of my book to our boss, sparking his interest and putting me in a delicate situation. I feared that if it was discovered, we could lose our jobs, and there was a lot at stake.
As an amateur writer playing the role of an executive secretary at Seattle's largest book publisher, this position represented a dream full of opportunities. However, I didn't feel ready to reveal the contents of my secret book. It was a different kind of romance, with an approach that intensely explored physical contact. The thought of my boss possibly reading that made me blush with every step.
Standing in front of Patrik Morgan's door, I stopped, staring at the handle, trying to gather courage. The idea of grabbing my things and simply leaving, leaving everything behind, crossed my mind. However, as I bit my lip, I remembered the heavy bills from my writing course. A cold sweat ran down my forehead. I held my notebook under my arm, still not ready to face Mr. Patrik. We had worked together for years, and I was his right hand in book acquisition and management. The situation itself was improper.
I decided to turn back, ready to leave, but the door opened abruptly, revealing Patrik Morgan's imposing presence behind me, clearing his throat.
“Are you running away, Miss Elisabeth?” His voice sounded calm as he leaned casually against the door, watching me firmly.
“I...” I sighed, raising my eyes to meet his. “No, sir. I forgot your report and was going to get it.”
I tried to hurry my steps, but his voice thundered, freezing me in place.
“Come in, Miss Lis. I'm not interested in the report right now.” His impartial voice made my heart freeze.
I clenched my fists as I walked past him, entering the vast, top-floor office with a stunning view of the rainy city.
“Sit down,” he ordered firmly, making me tremble. “Open your notebook.”
“Sir?” I arched an eyebrow.
“I've read your story, Mrs. Elisabeth, and I want you to narrate it to me.” Patrik chuckled softly, aware of his dominant and threatening aura. “Don't skip any details.”
Blinking, he sat in front of me, crossing his hands as he assessed me.
“I...” I swallowed hard, trembling, and opened the notebook. When I located the book and read the title, my eyes widened. Aware that it would not be possible to present that to my boss, I looked at him, noticing his scrutinizing gaze. “Sir, I can't read this!”
Rising majestically, he walked towards me with firm steps, leaning forward and speaking hoarsely, almost like a whisper:
“Do not disobey me, Mrs. Lis. READ!” He lifted my chin to face him. His expression was a mix of authority and sensual curiosity, making my body react unexpectedly to the intensity of the situation. An electric tension hung in the air as he sat back in his chair.
“I really can't...” I bit my lips forcefully, making my gaze fall to the notebook. I closed the device abruptly, standing up decisively.
“Didn't you hear what I ordered? Read it out loud!” The sharp words of CEO Patrik broke the silence in the room. His gaze, severe and uncompromising, fixed on me, demanding that I follow his instructions.
“Miss Elisabeth, have you forgotten that I am your boss? If you don't do as I'm ordering, you can gather your things and leave this building right now!” Despite not raising his voice, Mr. Patrik's words echoed firmly, his eyes gleaming with a subtle threat.
“Sir...” I cleared my throat, trying to regain my composure and searching for words to escape from that uncomfortable situation. “The content is not appropriate to be read aloud; please understand!”
“I will decide that!” He leaned back in his executive chair, watching me calmly as he savored a sip of his favorite whiskey. “I'm waiting. You know I hate being kept waiting.”
“I apologize, sir, but I can't do it. You can fire me!” I turned away, ready to leave the office hastily, when his strong hands grabbed my wrist, about to pull the door handle.
I raised my gaze to my relentless boss; his eyes were enigmatic, as was his dominant posture. Mr. Patrik had an enviable and captivating physique, with well-defined muscles that highlighted the perfect cut of his suit. His greenish eyes, brown skin, and slightly curly hair, cut in a social style, completed his look. He was truly a stunning man.
“Done admiring me, Miss?” With a teasing tone, a charming smile appeared on his lips. The CEO was undeniably tempting.
“I...” I bit my lip, embarrassed. “I wasn't admiring you; please, Mr. Patrik, let me go.”
“If you walk out that door, not only will you lose your job, but I will use my power and influence to ruin your career and life!” The CEO kept his eyes fixed on me, reinforcing his threats.
“You have no right to do that!” I shouted, realizing that it was already past business hours and that only the two of us were present at that moment. We were working late on a new project to recruit and develop new talented writers. Seattle's largest publisher was run by the youngest and most successful CEO, Patrik Morgan. His discovery that I wrote in my spare time seemed to captivate him even more.
I knew my boss's strong personality; anything out of the ordinary always intrigued him. Perhaps the fact that his secretary had a peculiar style had piqued his curiosity. Damn, how did I get myself into this situation?
“You did. You agreed to work overtime for the sake of the company!” Patrik smiled maliciously, revealing his extreme arrogance.
“What I write has nothing to do with work, so you can't demand that!” I pulled my wrist, caressing the spot where his fingers had left a mark on my pale skin.
“Are you willing to challenge me?” A crooked smile remained on the CEO's lips as his eyes radiated danger. “Continue reading from where you left off!”
The atmosphere in the room became tense, with palpable tension hanging between us. Patrik, with his challenging stance, showed no intention of backing down. His eyes, sparkling with a mixture of interest and predatory malice, remained fixed on me.