Page 5 of Grumpy Alien Boss

My hands circle her waist, lifting her away from the closing doors. Heat blazes through my palms where they connect with her curves. The silk of her suit does nothing to mask the softness underneath. Every Vakutan instinct screams to claim, to possess.

With monumental effort, I set her gently on her feet instead of throwing her over my shoulder and carrying her to my lair like the beast I truly am.

My hands burn where they touch her waist. The silk of her blouse whispers against my palms, and her scent clouds my judgment.

"You're mine." The words escape, raw and possessive. Her eyes widen, pupils dilating. The rapid flutter of her pulse at her throat draws my gaze. I force myself to recover. "I mean, you're hired. You're my assistant."

"I am?" Her voice carries notes of disbelief. "But I lost."

The warrior spirit in her demands explanation. I give her truth.

"You found victory in defeat. The outcome wasn't the purpose of the contest. The contest was the purpose."

Her smile blazes brighter than any sun I've seen across multiple dimensions. My glamour strains against my control.

"That's a nice, pithy thing to say. Did your PR department come up with that?"

My pride flares.

"No. Do not believe for a moment I allow others to use their tongues to speak for me."

She stiffens, spine straightening into perfect posture. The scent of anxiety spikes in her blood.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Rook. I know I have a lot to learn, but I promise I'll work harder than anyone you've ever hired."

The fire in her words matches the determination in her eyes. This small human with her broken heel and unbridled spirit possesses more raw potential than any candidate I've seen. Her beauty pales in comparison to the warrior's heart beating beneath that professional exterior.

My private elevator whispers upward, carrying us to the executive floor. The vanilla-spice of her scent fills the enclosed space, making my scales ripple beneath my human disguise. I need someone I can trust completely when duty calls me away to battle the Grolgath menace.

"Your duties will be extensive. I start at five AM sharp."

"That's not a problem."

"I often work until nine, sometimes later."

"I understand."

Her determination radiates off her in waves, but can she handle the truth of what I am? What this job really entails? Pyke will demand proof of her loyalty before allowing a human so close to our operation.

The elevator doors open to my personal office. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the Manhattan skyline, but my attention stays fixed on Olivia as she takes in the space. Her broken heel clicks against marble floors that cost more than she'll make in a year.

"The pay is excellent, but the demands are absolute. When I give an order, I expect instant compliance."

"I can handle it."

"Can you?" I step closer, letting some of my true nature seep through the glamour. "You will obey my every command?"

She moves toward me, green eyes blazing with challenge. The warrior spirit I glimpsed earlier burns bright and fierce.

"Without question, Sir."

She clasps her hands behind her back, lifting one leg in an oddly demure pose that contrasts sharply with the fire in her gaze. The mixture of submission and defiance stirs something primal in my blood.

Her brows arch, a smile playing at the corners of those lush lips. My pulse quickens.

"However," Olivia's voice carries a note of challenge, "I wouldn't be a very good assistant if I thought you were making a mistake and didn't tell you."

A gasp escapes me before I can stop it. The audacity of this small human, to question my judgment. To assume she knows better than a Vakutan warrior. Anger wars with admiration in my veins.

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