He took a seat in the elegant leather chair behind the immaculate desk that stood in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling windows that showcased an incredible view of London.

My eyes followed every movement he made, appreciating the way his muscles flexed under his black Armani suit.

I was snapped out of my trance when his authoritative voice broke through the silence of the room, causing every hair on my body to stand. “Were you really stupid enough to think that I would be conducting the interviews?”

I gasped as my jaw slacked while I stared at the man in front of me. Without giving it much thought, I decided to answer back to him. “Well, I guess you should hire better receptionists then. Maybe one that would give proper instructions, sir.”

His jaw clenched and his eyes burned in something akin to anger as he soaked in my words. I instantly regretted what I said, but I wasn’t going to sit there and let him disrespect me.

“I don’t take insults lightly, Ms. Cartier. Watch your mouth around me, and you'd do well to remember that I could make your life a living hell.” His voice sounded an octave deeper as the chilling words rolled off his tongue, meeting my ears and sending ripples of fear down my spine.

I nodded my head, afraid that if I spoke, my voice would shake with all the emotions that were coursing through me.

He watched me as we sat in silence, the only sound filling the room was the raindrops that repeatedly hit the huge glass windows of the office.

“Resume.” He demanded with a hard voice, and I wasted no time in placing my resume in his hand, my hands shaking ever so slightly. I watched as he went through it, his eyes skimming over the words on the page. I swear I almost saw him laugh at something on the page, as if he found it funny.

I had to bite my tongue in order not to say anything that would ruin my chance of getting the job. I needed the money now more than ever, and I knew that if I didn't get it soon, I wouldn’t be able to support my family.

When he placed it down on his desk, I held my breath, silently praying that he wouldn’t kick me out of the building. Tension filled the air as we stared at one another, and it was finally cut when Mr. Reid opened his mouth.

“Your qualifications aren’t that impressive.”

My heart sank into my stomach as I prepared myself to take defeat. I mentally began to prepare for my next interview so that I wouldn’t mess it up.

“With that being said, I should kick you out of my office.” He linked his hands together as he sat in his chair, watching every expression that crossed my features with diligence.

I let out a deep sigh, beginning to gather all of my things before I left his office. His velvety voice halted my movements.

“But I’m not going to.” My eyes latched onto his as shock etched itself into my features.

“You're giving me a job?”

He shook his head, amusement swimming in his blue pools as a smirk graced his face.

“I’m giving you the chance to get a job. Don’t let that go to your head, Ms. Cartier.”

I nodded my head frantically, taking a seat in the chair once again and silently telling myself to keep my mouth closed.

“Do you have any experience in this type of work?”

I cursed myself before I shook my head. “No, I don’t.”

He leaned back, nodding absentmindedly as he rubbed his stubbled jaw with his hand, which I was only now realizing had tattoos inked into the skin.

“But I pick up on things fast. I am fully capable of this job, I promise.” I felt a blush rising on my cheeks as I realized that I had been rambling.

“I have no doubt that you are.” I breathed a sigh of relief.

“But I also know that there are people who are much more capable of this job than you are. There are hundreds of people being interviewed downstairs who have something you don’t. Experience.”

A mischievous glint burned in his eyes as he watched my expression drop and crumble because of his words.

“Why should I hire you, and not them?”

“Because,” I racked my brain for a response that wouldn’t make me sound stupid. “Because I’m a dedicated worker...” I trailed off, saying the first thing that came to mind.

His smirk widened ever so slightly while his eyes narrowed. “Was that a question or a statement? Are you really a dedicated worker if you can’t even say it with certainty?”

“I am a dedicated worker.” It was silent for a moment before I spoke again, letting the words fall from my lips without thinking twice about it. “And I’m good at dealing with stress.”

Mr. Reid’s eyebrows drew together as his eyes assessed my face while his brain dissected my words.

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“Well, you are a busy man, so I suppose being your personal assistant must be a stressful job.”

I averted my eyes toward his desk as I attempted to calm the raging blush on my cheeks. I didn’t even want to think about how stupid he probably thought I was.

“I suppose it does get a bit hectic at times.” I could hear the mocking smirk in his voice, as if he was taunting me. I refused to drag my eyes in his direction. I was too embarrassed to reply to him.

“Are you nervous, Ms. Cartier?”

My voice sounded meek as I replied quickly, “Just a bit, sir. That was a stupid thing to say. I’m sorry.”

I knew I couldn’t take back the embarrassing words that I had already spewed, but I still tried to save my chance at getting the job.

“Why are you so nervous?” An underlying teasing tone laced every syllable, leading me to think that he was trying to taunt me.

“You are a bit intimidating, no offence.”

When I finally gathered enough courage to look up, I found his eyes already on me, observing me with careful eyes and a stern expression that spoke of nothing but trouble.

“I thought I already explained how I feel about insults.”

My eyes widened on their own accord as my brain processed his words. I was ruining every chance I had at getting the job, and I knew it. I sighed, coming to terms with the fact that I wasn’t going to be hired before I replied.

“I think I should go.” I stood up, but I wasn’t one step toward the door before his loud voice echoed around the office.

“Did I tell you that the interview was over?”

His jaw was clenched as he stared at me, a stern look sitting on his face.

“I am your boss. You listen to what I tell you, and do what I tell you. Is that clear, Ms. Cartier?”

My face lit up at his words.

“I’m hired?”

After a moment of silence, he finally decided to speak.

“Be here at eight o’clock sharp.”

I was about to thank him when he cut me off, nodding toward the door with his head.

“One slip-up and you are out. Get out.”