New Secretary

[Avery’s POV]

I stare up at the large building in front of me with large black letters that read ‘Jennings International’ while taking a few calming breaths.

"You can do this, Avery," I murmur, taking a few calming breaths while I straighten my blouse and my skirt. "You didn’t spend all those years in college for nothing."

After graduating from high school, I was determined to make a name for myself, especially given Connor’s background, and in order to do that, I got my bachelor’s in business, and now here I was to interview for a position in their management department.

Initially, I had applied for this position because I knew that Connor would be starting here this year to begin learning how to take over his father’s position as CEO, and being the fucking idiot I was, I wanted to be beside him all the way, and even though we were officially over, I just couldn’t back out after being selected for the position of realty manager, now could I?

No, I couldn't, and that was why, despite the churning I felt in my stomach at the possibility of seeing Connor once more, I put on my big girl panties and dragged myself down here.

"Right, let’s do this," I announce, beginning to make my way into the bustling building.

Inside, many workers dressed in suits and dress skirts move about, beginning their day and once again reiterating just how prestigious this company was.

Avoiding being bumped into, I make my way to the reception desk and wait as a blonde with dark eyes ignores me.

"Excuse me," I announce, trying to ignore the irritation I feel about her attitude toward me. "Could you help me, please?"

A huff of frustration escapes her as she finally lifts her gaze to meet mine.

"How can I help you?" She asks, eyeing my cleavage and then letting her eyes travel down my body. "If you’re here to see the CEO because you thought he was handsome, then I’m sorry, but..."

"I’m not," I counter, giving a smile. "I’m actually here to work."

"Work?" She repeats, seeming not to be convinced. "I’ve never seen you before."

"That’s because this is my first day."

"First day?" She repeats, raising a brow. "Let me see." As she speaks, she begins to type away at her computer and then lifts her gaze again. "Name?"

"Avery King."

I wait as she looks at whatever list it is that she pulled up and then back at me. As she does so, her face falls, and what looks almost like jealousy flashes in her dark eyes.

"Twelfth Floor," she announces in annoyance.

Twelfth? Was the management department on the tenth floor?

"Sorry," I say, frowning. "But I think you’re..."

"I’m what?" She challenges. "Wrong? Sorry, but I’ve been doing my job long enough to know how to read what’s in front of me. You’ll need to go to the twelfth floor; Mr. Martin will be waiting for you up there."

"Um, okay. Thank you."

Turning, I begin to make my way to the elevator and then wait until it arrives. The metal double doors slide open.

In an instant, it is like the flood gates have opened as people pour out and begin to shove me around as I fight to get in the damn elevator before I lose my chance.

Cursing, I lift my elbows and start using them to my advantage until a hand shoots out and wraps around my wrist and then pulls, dragging me in just in time for the doors to shut.

"Thanks," I huff, straightening my outfit once more. "I really…"

No other words manage to escape as I lift my gaze to meet Atlas’ blue one.

"That wouldn’t have happened if you weren’t so tiny," he chuckles. "What floor?"

"Twelve, please," I manage, while my heart rate jumps as memories of what I tried to do to him the night before begin to appear. "Thanks."

The space around us grows quietly as the elevator begins to fill with workers going to their departments, but by the time we reach the tenth floor, they’ve all emptied out, except, of course, for the man standing beside me with a look of amusement in his eyes.

By the time we reached the twelfth floor, I was more than ready to escape, but to my dismay, Atlas gets off with me and begins to follow me down the hall while I read the name placards as I pass until I find Dean Martin and can only assume that he is the one I’m looking for.

"This is me," I announce before scurrying inside while an amused laugh escapes Atlas’ lips before he continues on his way.

"Welcome!" A man with dark, messy locks and sparkling green eyes calls as I turn away from the door. "You must be Avery," he continues, getting up and making his way toward me. "It’s a pleasure to meet someone so young and talented."

"Thank you," I murmur, reaching out and taking his large hand. "But I’m still a novice."

"A novice, with your scores?" He counters, shaking his head. "Nowhere near; you’re too modest."

I don’t bother arguing with him as he makes his way back around his desk and motions for me to take a seat in front of him.

When I do, he leans forward and rests his chin on his hands while his eyes continue to take me in like some sort of predator.

"You must tell me," he murmurs, leaning in closer. "How in the world did someone who applied to work in the management department end up becoming the CEO’s personal secretary?"

Eyes widening, I try to process exactly what it is that he’s saying. Atlas’ personal secretary? How the hell did that happen?

"Was it because you offered him favors?" He continues, reaching out and attempting to touch my cheek. "If that’s the case, then I’m sure I could help you just the same. What do you say?"

"Don’t touch me," I hiss, slapping his hand aside. "Is the CEO aware that you’re using your position to try to proposition young women?"

This was complete and utter bullshit, and if this was the type of company that Atlas ran, I didn’t want a damn thing to do with it. With my qualifications, I could go and work anywhere I wanted.

As I get up, a loud boom of laughter escapes Mr. Martin as he relaxes in his seat.

"Sorry, sorry," he manages through laughs.

"Sorry?" I repeat, continuing to stand. "For what? Making me out to be some floozy who will do whatever it takes to earn favors from her boss?"

"Something like that," he responds, wiping tears from his eyes. "But you should have seen your face," he continues. "I apologize, but we have to test the women that start here since most only apply for a position in order to get close to the CEO."

Technically, I was doing that last night, but not for a position. I already had this job in the bag when I applied. My reasons were strictly professional, but out of work, it was a different story.

"Anyway, I must welcome you again and congratulate you for being picked for such a prestigious position. There are many that wish to work alongside the CEO, but most don’t have the qualifications, but your resume was quite impressive, and he insisted you be the one to be his secretary."

Frowning, I try to make sense of Atlas’ decision to do this, but I can only assume it was because, at the time that I applied, I was still with his son. Maybe he regrets it now; I guess time will tell.

"Thank you," I murmur, continuing to watch.

"I won’t do anything to you," he says, peeking toward the door behind me. "If I did, I don’t know if I’d still have this position."

Something about the way his eyes start sparkling with intrigue spurs me to look behind me to find Atlas leaning in the doorway, watching our whole exchange.

"Are you trying to scare away my new secretary already?" He asks as our gazes meet, and a look of expectation flashes in his eyes, causing beneath my belly button to pull as I once again remember how close I came to sucking his dick last night.

"Wouldn’t dream of it," Mr. Martin chuckles. "She’s all yours; don’t scare her away on her first day."

"I should be saying that to you," Atlas chuckles in response. "Come along, Avery; I’ve got a business meeting that I’d like you to attend with me."