Chapter 10

Xander

It’s her eyes.

Dark green, intense, and mesmerizing. They hold you captive without even trying. And to top it off, she’s fucking gorgeous. I’ve seen beautiful women—some even more stunning—but there’s something about her. Something captivating. Alluring. Seductive. Like a siren luring her next victim.

Unfortunately for her, that victim won’t be me.

I know better than to get involved in office romance, even if it’s with a sexy, green-eyed goddess. Besides, I have more pressing issues that need my utmost attention—like finding the people responsible for my parents’ tragedy… and getting rid of Yasmine.

“So,” I begin, retrieving her file and scanning through it, “your credentials are impressive, and I was told your interview results were excellent. Congratulations.”

“Thanks. I’ve always wanted to be a part of Nowelle. It’s such a great company with massive potential, and I want to contribute in any way I can to its growth.”

“Good.”

I drop the file back onto the table and focus on her again. My gaze drifts down her body. Long legs—shapely and smooth.

Suddenly, I imagine her naked, wearing only those pumps, her legs wrapped around my waist as I pin her against the wall. Her eyes rolling back in ecstasy, teeth sinking into her plump bottom lip—

Fuck!

What is wrong with me? Am I acting like a pervert now?

Maybe it’s been too long since I had sex. That could explain these unwanted thoughts.

When I meet her gaze again, her eyes have darkened, her head tilting slightly, like she knows exactly what I’m thinking.

“The desk in front of my office is your workstation. Everything you need has already been set up. The company email is logged into your system. I’ll send you my schedule for the week—I want to be informed of any engagements a day prior.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Also—” I hand her the files that were dropped on my desk this morning. Our fingers brush lightly, and the contact sends a jolt through me. I ignore it. “I need photocopies of these delivered back to me as soon as possible.”

“Noted. Will that be all, sir?”

“Yes.”

She turns to leave, carrying that sweet lavender scent with her.

The door shuts. I exhale slowly.

I really don’t need this distraction.

I’ll observe her this week. If she performs well, she stays. If not, I’ll ask Mrs. Norma to move her to another department and hire a new secretary.

Later that day

The day went smoothly.

After she dropped off the files, I neither called for Evelyn nor saw her. Occasionally, I heard her voice outside my office, chatting with other employees.

I appreciated the silence. I’ve never been one for crowds. I enjoy solitude—it gives me room to think and focus. And right now, I need that more than ever.

A soft knock pulls me from my thoughts.

“Enter.”

The door opens and Evelyn steps in. “Sir, there’s someone here to see you. He says his name is Mike.”

Ah, yes. Mike. I’ve been expecting him.

“Let him in.”

Seconds later, Mike strolls into the room. He whistles as he looks around.

“What would it take to swap offices for a day?”

“You admitting I’m the handsome one.” I smirk.

“Fuck you. Pigs will fly before that happens.” He grins.

Mike is like a brother.

We’ve been close since childhood—same schools, same circles. We joked about our first sexual experiences, played wingman for each other.

While I prepared to take over my father’s company, Mike chased his dream of becoming an FBI agent.

He’s been there for me through everything—especially after the accident. He’s the only one who knows the full truth about my father’s condition. He’s also the lead investigator on the case.

“So…” he sits, a wicked gleam in his eye. “Who’s the Delilah outside your office?”

Of course.

Nothing with a pretty face escapes Mike’s attention. He’s a woman addict and an insufferable charmer—he could talk the pants off a nun.

“My secretary. And no—she’s not available. Find someone else to flirt with.”

“Why? Is she married? In a relationship? Or…” he leans in, “you’re interested, and you’re scared I’ll charm her away—just like in high school. Admit it, man. You can’t compete with my charisma. You’re too buttoned up.”

I shoot him a hard look.

“Girls? You mean Nancy? For the record, I was never interested in her. She wanted me. When she realized she couldn’t get me, she settled for an easier target. You.”

“At least I got to fuck her. Wildfire in bed. Real submissive.”

I narrow my eyes. “Are you here to talk about your conquests, or do you actually have something for me?”

He straightens, his expression turning serious.

“We found the truck that crashed into your parents’ car that day.”