Working with the Devil

Nicole stared at the contract in her hands, the elegant letterhead of Cole Industries gleaming under the office lights. The salary figure made her heart race... it was more money than she'd ever dreamed of earning.

"This seems too generous for an assistant position," she said, looking up at Timothy who stood behind his massive desk like a king surveying his domain.

"I expect excellence," he replied, his voice clipped. "And complete dedication."

Something about the way he said 'complete dedication' sent a shiver through Nicole. She couldn't shake the feeling that she'd heard his voice before, but every time she tried to grasp the memory, it slipped away like smoke.

"What exactly would my duties include?" she asked.

Timothy moved around the desk with predatory grace, stopping close enough that she could smell his intoxicating cologne, cedar and something darker, more dangerous.

"Whatever I require," he said simply. "Starting today, your life revolves around mine."

The intensity in his dark eyes made Nicole's breath catch. "Mr. Cole, I-"

"Timothy," he corrected, and something about the way he said his name made her pulse quicken. "We'll be working very closely together."

Before Nicole could respond, the office door opened and a sharp looking woman in her forties entered with a stack of files.

"Mr. Cole, the Henderson contract needs your-" The woman, who Nicole assumed was his current assistant, stopped mid-sentence when she saw Nicole.

"Margaret, meet my new personal assistant, Nicole Xander," Timothy said smoothly. "You'll be transitioning to the legal department effective immediately."

Margaret's face went pale. "Sir, I don't understand. Have I done something wrong?"

"Your services are no longer required in this capacity," Timothy said with cold finality. "HR will handle the details."

Nicole watched in horror as Margaret gathered her things, her hands shaking. "Mr. Cole, please, if this is about me staying late yesterday-"

"Margaret." Timothy's voice was ice. "Leave. Now."

As the woman fled, Nicole stood frozen. She'd just witnessed Timothy destroy someone's career without a second thought, and it terrified her.

"That was cruel," she said to herself but Timothy heard it.

Timothy turned to her, his expression unreadable. "Business is cruel, Nicole. The sooner you understand that, the better."

"I don't want someone to lose their job because of me."

"Margaret wasn't fired. She was reassigned." Timothy moved closer, and Nicole found herself backing against his desk. "I needed her position for you. That's how badly I want you here."

The way he said 'want' made Nicole's cheeks flush. There was something predatory in his gaze, something that made her feel like prey being circled by a hunter.

"Why me?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper. "You don't even know me."

Timothy's hand came up to brush a strand of hair from her face, the gesture tender yet possessive. "Don't I?"

For a moment, Nicole felt dizzy, like she was falling into his dark eyes. Something flickered at the edge of her memory-strong hands, whispered words, the feeling of being completely safe and completely consumed at the same time.

But then the moment shattered as Timothy stepped back, his professional mask sliding back into place.

"Your first task," he said, returning to his chair. "I have a dinner meeting tonight with potential investors. Eight o'clock at Le Bernardin. You'll accompany me."

"As your assistant?"

Timothy's smile was sharp. "As whatever I need you to be."

---

*Later that evening...*

Nicole stood in front of her tiny apartment's mirror, smoothing down the black dress she'd bought during her lunch break. It was simple but elegant, the most expensive thing she'd ever owned, and it had taken nearly all of her remaining savings.

The dress hugged her curves in all the right places, making her feel beautiful and confident despite her nerves. Something told her that looking perfect for Timothy was important, though she couldn't explain why.