Chapter 2

Katherine

Damien crossed his arms, his gaze assessing and speculative.

"Actually I would like to discuss something with you. A proposal." Damien coughed, then took out what looked like a cigar from his pocket.

I wonder what else he has in his pocket. Get your mind out of the gutter, Kathy! I chided myself inwardly.

I realized he was waiting for me to respond, so I asked, "A proposal of what kind?"

"A business proposal. I was looking for a personal assistant now that my current one is... disposed of, let's put it that way." Damien said carelessly, smirking a little as if he was recalling something amusing. I don't know how getting retrenched could be so amusing to him. What in the baboons was his problem?

"Okay...boss," I drawled out the last word slowly in a slightly haughty tone, "but what has that got to do with me, may I ask?" I finished, thoroughly mystified. I knew he was powerful and rich, and this is definitely not the only club he owns.

God knows how many clubs or private property I had set foot in without any knowledge that it was just one of his collections. I shivered and pulled my dress tighter to me.

Why did he look for me? I'm just an ordinary student from Harvard. That being said, anyone could do the job. They did not need to look for me specifically. Could there be another reason? I was still in my thoughts when his clear authoritative voice interrupted them.

"I like how that sounds. Please call me boss from now on." Damien said straight-faced, his eyes drilling into mine. Oh no. I didn't mean for him to take it so literally. It's alright, two can play at this game.

I licked my lips but oh my. His eyes were mesmerising. A clear crystal blue, like the ocean at sunrise. It's been a long time since I've been on a vacation, I thought idly. I wondered if he has ever been on a vacation.

Oh no, Kathy! Stay focused. Don't be distracted by this handsom- no, dangerous guy.

"From now on...? But we are only meeting once, aren't we? And you haven't explained why I'm here yet." I asked, stating the obvious but then how was I to know what I'm doing here.

"Ms Trent, haven't I already mentioned, that I'm looking for a personal assistant. From my research and intelligence given by different sources, I have deemed you to be a suitable replacement." Damien's sparkling blue eyes glittered, challenging me to refute him.

"Replacement? I don't like the sound of that." I frowned. This was too fast and I needed time to think about it.

"Don't worry. Given your credentials, I'm sure you'll surpass the expectations." He smiled, giving nothing away.

Oh no. What if he had such high expectations? Well, I won't be surprised. He seemed like a control freak to me, but I was impressed by his brilliance in management.

"But I don't have any say in this? Don't you have to ask me politely before assuming that I'll join?" I pursed my lips in disapproval. Seeing his silence as consent for me to speak, I carried on, still holding my wine glass in my hand.

"I'm still a student after all and I don't think I'm suitable for this job and I'm sure you can find someone better-" I started, not sure how to respond.

I wished I had worn something better than this dark grey dress I bought a few years back. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. The drinks on the table were still left untouched.

Yes, no doubt this job would boost my resume by a lot but my studies are still the priority in this. I can't afford to get kicked out of Harvard due to bad grades. Besides, I'm not sure if I can focus with him as my boss. He was too mesmerizing and beneath those eyes, I knew it held secrets.

While I was still processing everything, his cool voice interrupted me. "Everything is settled. I have... connections with your school and everything will be arranged. You'll come to work two days of the week, and study on the rest. This way, your grades won't be affected, Ms Trent." He said smoothly, emphasising on my last name and the t slid off his lips.

"I will hire a chauffeur to fetch you to and from your school. This way, it would be easier." He continued in a calm and authoritative tone.

"But my parents... I still need to discuss this arrangement with them first." I replied, seeking some time to process this.

"Alright, I'll let you think about this by tomorrow. Once you made a decision, call me. Your training would start immediately." With that, he opened his wallet and took out his name card.

As he handed it to me, our fingers brushed and I felt a wave of electricity. Woah, something is happening to me. Why was I this affected by him? It wasn't fair. He was so composed while I was a mess. It wad probably like this with most people he worked with, I mused.

"Thank you, Mr Ryker." I said, receiving the card from him. It was black and sleek, with 'Ryker.' on the cover and a simple telephone number and an email address.

"So we are back to last names now, Ms Trent?" He said, a smile playing on his lips. He took a swig of his beer but his cool eyes were assessing me, never leaving my gaze.

"It was your idea, I believe, Mr Ryker." I said, equally impassively. Two could play at this game. I took a sip of my drink. It was a sweet fruity kind of cocktail that was pretty delicious. It tasted light and subtle, with a peach aftertaste.

"If I remember correctly, you were all yes boss." He smirked while downing the remaining of his beer. Even though he probably drank a lot, he didn't look drunk and I was relieved.

"That was before I knew about your proposal." I protested, glaring at him. Even though he was rich, he acted like a airhead sometimes. Feels like a jerk.

"Anyhow, now that the formalities are done, let's enjoy the night." He said huskily, getting to his feet gracefully.

"Where are you going?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. I was still confused as to why he would choose me to be his PA, given the lack of experience. He was too difficult to follow sometimes.

"You'll see. You're coming along too, Ms Trent." He came over to my side and putting a hand at the small of my back, he led me out somewhere I haven't been before. We came to a room with red walls and floors.

"It's how I like to release stress." Damien said, sideway glancing at me. I couldn't see his expression in the dim light, but he looked gleeful.

I must have looked worried, as he continued "Don't worry, nothing illegal."

"Oh, that doesn't sound shady at all." I said sarcastically. But deep down, I wasn't too worried. It's not like I couldn't protect myself, given my many years of training in Taekwondo.

Deciding to humor him a little, I followed him into yet another room. This one was a bit brighter, to my relief. He seemed like the type to kidnap someone and get away with it. He probably has, I thought.

He approached a counter staff. "Could you help us set up a game, please?" He asked, with an authoritative air. But frankly he didn't need to. His mere presence drew a sense of authority and place.

Everyone was smiling and whispering around us as they tried to stay away from us but stole discreet glances. The other patrons looked pretty affluent as well. While the men were engaged in conversation with others, the women, face decked with makeup, were sitting high on bar stools and sipping martinis, their arms clutching tiny branded handbags. However, at this moment they were shooting furtive glances at Damian.

Damian, being oblivious to this, smiled at me. "Would you like to join me in a game of darts?"

"Oh, so that was what you were planning. Sure, I'm pretty good at this so don't be scared, boss." I smirked as I took the darts from Damian.

"Mind your words, Ms Trent. I am not called master of darts for no reason." He said, his eyes bright with mischief. His suit was untucked and he looked every much like a bad boy. Just older.

I smiled. This didn't scare me at all. I'll totally trash his ass at this.

"Bring it on."