Page 20 of Guarded King

She taps at the tablet. “Yes, sir. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

“That’s all for now.”

As she stands, I force my focus to stay on her face rather than drift over her. It takes more effort than it should.

She takes one step toward the door, then stops and turns. “Mr. King?”

I lean back in my chair, brows lifting.

Her tongue darts out and wets her lips, but her eyes are fixed on mine. “Have you had a chance to consider your position on whether I can do this job to your satisfaction?”

I take my time formulating my reply. I can’t deny that she’s done well. If she were anyone else, I’d be more than happy with how quickly she’s picked up on my priorities and requirements.

But that’s not the issue. Despite how competent she is, part of me still wants to tell her not to come back tomorrow. If Dad were sitting here, he wouldn’t hesitate to hire her. And the thought that I might be anything like him turns my stomach.

As if on cue, my brothers’ words from this morning come back to haunt me. If I let her go, she could end up working for someone just like my father. Plenty of men would take one look at her and make it their goal to see just how personal of an assistant she might be.

I can’t deny that I’m attracted to her. But I have more than enough willpower to ignore it. To treat her as any other employee, regardless of how pretty she is. Or how good she smells. Where Dad lacked control, I’ve made it my strength. By now, that difference should be clear to everyone.

She continues to watch me, shifting on her feet. Her expression betrays her again. Defiance blooms in her eyes, and her delicate jaw tightens. Planting a hand on her hip, she leans forward. “I’d like to think I’ve done a good job today, Mr. King. No, IknowI did a good job. And with very little input from you,I might add. It isn’t fair of you to disregard my abilities because of my age. I might be younger than your other assistants, but Lena hired me for a reason. If you can’t see past the superficial and acknowledge that I can do this job well, then…” Huffing out a breath, she draws herself up. “Then that’s your loss.”

I shouldn’t like the way her feistiness bleeds through the calm, professional mask she’s worn most of the day. Calm and professional are two of the most important attributes I want in an assistant. And yet watching her real personality break through the veneer sends an unexpected jolt through my chest—a sensation I haven’t experienced in far too long.

I don’t let my reaction show, though. Instead, I straighten and steeple my fingers on my desk. “You can relax, Miss Callahan. You did a decent job today, and you can stay in the position.”

Her lips part. “I—I can?”

I nod, watching the emotions play across her face.

She finally lands on embarrassment, a flush spreading across the high arches of her cheekbones. After a deep breath, she says, “I apologize for my outburst. I was?—”

I raise my hand to stop her. “That’s fine. But I do expect you to remain professional at all times going forward. You’re representing the King Group now. You’re representing me. Please remember that.”

She slants her head, her mouth pursing for a moment before her expression smooths into that familiar professional mask. “Yes, of course, Mr. King.”

I run my tongue over my front teeth in an effort to conceal my amusement. “That will be all.”

She turns to leave, and I try like hell to make sure my eyes don’t drop to her ass as she walks away.

When her fingers touch the door handle, she pauses and turns. “Thank you,” she says, her tone threaded witha vulnerability that hints at something more than simple gratitude.

A spark of curiosity ignites as I study her. She’s shown me nothing but determination all day, yet suddenly, I’ve gotten another glimpse of a fragile side hidden beneath. What’s going on behind those pretty eyes?

It doesn’t matter. Internally, I reinforce my walls. Professional distance dictates no crossing personal lines. Any curiosity I have about my new assistant will have to remain unsatisfied.

I give a brief nod, then watch as she slips out the door. Once she’s gone, I roll my heavy silver pen between my fingers, allowing myself one more moment to question my decision. Then I put any lingering doubt out of my mind.

Controlling myself around beautiful women has never been difficult. Why would that change now? I won’t be tempted to screw her like Dad would, and unlike my brothers, I definitely won’t fall in love.

Satisfied that I’ve made the right call, I focus on my computer and return to work.

CHAPTER TEN

CHLOE

I’m typing up meeting notes when Roman’s office door flies open. He stands there, one hand braced against the doorframe, and pins me with his gaze. “Can you join me, Miss Callahan?”

In the three days I’ve worked for Roman, I’ve learned a lot about him. Already, I’ve become familiar with his likes and dislikes, as well as his habits. He enjoys his coffee extra hot, with just a hint of cream. He wants all the daily newspapers folded and on his desk first thing in the morning. He doesn’t like people who waste his time, and he doesn’t suffer fools lightly. And for some reason, he prefers to call me to his office in person rather than use the intercom.

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