Chapter 6 Challenging Mr. Hamilton

Scott Hamilton was thirty-four years old, stood six-foot-two, and weighed around two hundred and forty pounds. The entire right side of his body was covered in tattoos, and his eyes were a sharp, icy aquamarine.

He was into kickboxing and fast cars—especially Ferraris—and the only non-human thing he truly loved in this world was Beast, his Italian mastiff.

He'd inherited a small fortune from his father's footwear business, but the moment that company was handed over to him, he sold it. He used the money to build an empire in tech. Now, he owned the top company for gaming consoles and video games. Thousands of professionals worked under his name, and his name had become a brand.

Magazines had labeled him one of the ten most desirable bachelors on the planet. So if there was one thing Scott Hamilton had in abundance, it was confidence… and that loudmouthed, disheveled woman had crushed it in a matter of seconds.

"When it comes to Alexia Hartley, I have two problems," he told his dog that evening, throwing a ball across the garden of his mansion. Needless to say, no one understood him better than Beast.

"I like her. I like her so much I want to rip her panties off, spank her twenty-three times, and screw her senseless wherever I find her—elevator, desk, doesn't matter. Is that weird?" The dog tilted his head and panted.

"And the second problem is—she has no intention of letting me do any of that. Which means I hate her. She's cocky, sharp-tongued… and every time I see her, even my thoughts get hard, Beast."

The mastiff barked, caught the ball, and shook it so hard it ripped in half.

Scott snapped his fingers and pointed at him.

"Exactly! See? That's why you're the best," he laughed, stroking the dog's head. "Time to teach Miss Striptease a lesson."

So the next day, when Alexia walked into the CEO's office, she had no idea what was coming.

Scott gave her a sarcastic smile and shoved down every other instinct. Without even saying hello, he gestured for her to follow him. He led her into the conference room, where every senior executive of the company was already seated. The most powerful people in HHE.

"Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce Alexia Hartley, one of our analysts," he said solemnly. "Alexia has discovered that one of you is stealing from me—or at least trying to."

Every head turned to glare at her, and Alexia whipped around to face him, scowling and balling her fists.

"She was clever," Scott went on, circling the table until he was beside her, giving her a patronizing pat on the shoulder. "We should all be grateful, because thanks to her, we'll be able to catch the thief. Mr. Garrick was dismissed yesterday, but Miss Hartley insists he was protecting one—or more—of you."

Alexia blushed but stayed quiet. All eyes were locked on her, and on Scott.

"So she'll be conducting a full investigation to find out exactly who is stealing from me. And once I know, I'll make sure they're fired the way they deserve to be."

He paused, then added with a sharp smile: "From now on, I want you all to work closely with Miss Hartley—and make her job… very easy."

Murmurs of irritation filled the room. In just a few seconds, she'd gone from an analyst to the auditor who was about to ruin someone's career.

"Oh, and one more thing. As of today, Alexia Hartley is now the lead supervisor of all financial analysts," Scott added, stepping closer and shaking her hand with a piercing look and a smile that could melt glaciers. "Congratulations on your promotion… Miss Hartley."

He dragged out the title with a flirtatious lilt, then left her standing alone—right in the lion's den.

Back in his office, Scott kicked up his feet on the desk and started counting down on his fingers.

"Four… three… two… one…"

"What the hell were you thinking?!" Alexia shouted, bursting through the door again without knocking and slamming it shut behind her. "You think this is a game?!"

"Of course not," Scott snapped. "I just want to know who's stealing from me, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to find out. Plus, I just gave you a promotion," he added, standing up and walking toward her. "You should be thanking me."

"Oh, please! You didn't promote me—you threw me to the wolves!" Alexia shot back. "I could've handled this quietly, and instead, you exposed me!"

"Oh yeah? Well… that part was for next time you decide to speak to me like I'm your assistant instead of your boss," Scott hissed.

Alexia stood firm in front of him, furious. She looked into those cold blue eyes and knew this man was going to be a nightmare to deal with.

"You do realize I'm just trying to save your ass, pretty boy?" she growled.

"Well, from now on, you save it with respect. And it's Mr. Hamilton to you," he replied, voice low.

Alexia bit her lower lip, fighting the urge to punch him—but instead, she walked toward him, slowly, until she was pressed against his chest and had to tilt her head up to meet his eyes.

"You," she said, tugging playfully at his tie and gripping his lapels, "have just given me the biggest challenge of my life."

"Oh yeah? What's that?" Scott asked, just before she yanked him down toward her mouth.

"Not killing you… before I eat you alive."

She didn't say another word. She stepped back with a sarcastic smirk, turned around, and strutted out of the room.