Page 38 of Arranged Addiction

“Do you like working here?” I cross my arms and match her casual pose.

“It’s not bad. The pay’s been good. The boss—” She wags a hand side to side. “He’s hit or miss.”

I stare at her, not smiling. “Then why are you still here?”

She falters. Some of her bravado fades. “I don’t know. I mean, I’m still your assistant. We haven’t discussed anything else.”

“I think you want to be here. Otherwise, you would’ve quit.”

“That can’t be right.”

“Then why are you here, Casey?” I slowly stand and come around my desk. She stares at me, that smirk completely gone. I lean back in front of her, and I like how she looks up into my eyes, her mouth slightly open. “For now, you’re still my employee. Which means I demand respect.”

“You can’t demand it. You have to earn it.”

“Don’t quote motivational posters at me. If you’re going to sit at that desk and continue to act as my executive assistant, you will not let our personal relationship affect your professional conduct. Do you understand me?”

She straightens slightly. “Maybe I should quit.”

“Maybe you should. You could easily stay back at my apartment.”

“Our apartment.”

“But you’re here, and while you’re here, youwillrespect me.”

Her jaw works. I can tell she’s struggling with this. Honestly, if I were in her position, I would get up, storm out, and never show my face in this office again.

Instead, she straightens again. “What do you need from me, Mr. Whelan?”

A little excited spark burns in my guts.

I really like it when she calls me that.

It’s almost as good assir.

“You know my father’s sick. My mother doesn’t think he has much time left. Before he passes, I need to consolidate my power to ensure a smooth transition of power. That means I have to take meetings.”

“Meetings?” she asks sheepishly. “I thought you were, you know, a crime family. Can’t you just… kill everyone who doesn’t do what you say?”

“I could, but that would make me very bad at my job. I’m a leader, Casey, not a mass murderer. I gain consensus and take charge through actions, not through coercion. Although I will go to those extremes if needed.”

“Right, so instead you’re taking… meetings.”

“Exactly. I’ll give you a list of people to contact. I want my books filled starting tomorrow.”

“Sounds like we’re about to be very busy.”

“Yes, we are.” I push off the desk and lean closer. “Can you handle it?”

She unconsciously spins the engagement ring on her finger. I like the way she fidgets with it.

“Yes, Mr. Whelan.”

I move closer and reach out. She lets out a soft, strangled groan when I touch her cheek and hold her stare. “I want you to call mesirfrom now on. I like it better.”

Her mouth hangs open. “Is that appropriate for work… sir?”

“No, it’s not, but I find myself struggling to keep my personal desires separate from my professional composure.”