Asshole.
The following week,I arrive at Soren’s office for the meeting he had requested about the job offer. His receptionist recognizes me and tells me to go straight in. When I push open the door, he’s talking to someone on the phone as he clicks away on his keyboard, staring intently at the screen. When he notices me standing there, he raises a finger, indicating for me to wait as he finishes his conversation. He tells the person on the other end to get it done and ensure there are no fuckups. Otherwise, it’ll be their job on the line. Then he proceeds to hang up on them.
I now have his full attention as he stands. He strides around his desk and comes toward me. I think he’ll stop in front of me, but he passes me and goes to close the door, shutting us in his office. That’s when I glance over my shoulder to find him staring at my ass. He has no shame whatsoever.Is he wondering if his handprint is still there?It had lingered as a bright, stinging reminder on my skin for a few days, but I don’t want to give him the pleasure of telling him that.
He indicates that I should take a seat. I do so, and he follows, retaking his seat behind his desk. I cross my legs, the hem of my knee-length skirt riding up just a fraction. My blouse is done up, so no cleavage is showing. My hair is in a high ponytail, and I’m wearing red-soled shoes. I look and feel professional.
“Miss Knight.” He eyes me.
“I’m here, Soren. What do you want to discuss?”
“The offer I sent you. Have you had time to think about it?” he asks.
“I have.”
“And?
“I have a few requirements,” I say, smiling.
“Of course you do. And what are they?”
“When I’m in the newsroom, you will not enter.” I keep my smile on my face as I speak.
“You expect me to stay out if I’m needed?”
“No. If you’reactuallyneeded, that’s acceptable. I don’t want you hovering around checking on me,” I tell him. “You’ve obviously done your research and know I’m good at what I do. I did manage a newsroom once while I was still working on other stories.”
“Yes, Miss Knight, I am well aware of how good you are.”
I continue listing my requirements. “No touching me or making smart remarks in the workplace.”
“So, are you saying I can’t bring you into my office, bend you over my desk, and spank your ass?” he asks casually.
“How many others have you done that to?”
“None, but I like the idea of it.”
“I find that hard to believe.” My fingers fidget in my lap at the thought of him in here with another woman like that.
“It’s the truth. I don’t mix business with pleasure, and I have never brought a woman back to my office for sex.”
“Okay…” I stand and hold out my hand for him to shake. Maybe I will drop the investigation. For now. “I will accept your offer on those conditions.”
He stares at my outstretched hand and says, “So, that’s anoto bending you over my desk?”
“That’s ano,” I confirm, and he takes my hand as a knock sounds at the door.
His eyes don’t leave mine as he calls out, “I’m in a meeting.”
“We’re done,” I say, loud enough for the person on the other side to hear.
The door opens, and his sister walks in. I try to pull my hand from his, but he holds tight, not letting me go.
“Maya, why are you here? You’re supposed to be working,” Soren says, then finally releases my hand. His sister’s eyes flick down, noticing the space between us, the ghost of his touch still lingering on my skin, and she lifts her brows ever so slightly.
“I quit,” she replies, crossing her arms. “And why are you in here with that reporter? I recognize her. She’s the one trying to do a story on you.” She pins me with a glare.
“She works for me now,” Soren tells her.
