Page 17 of Dirty Little Secrets

---

My throat dries. “I’ll be taking over as your secretary.”

His eyes flicker up. “Are you.”

He leans forward. “And what skills do you bring that would make you qualified to be my secretary?”

I lick my lips knowing he’s testing me. “I have a bachelor’s in business and an associate in IT. I’m also certified in ethical hacking.”

One brow lifts. “And that helps to schedule meetings how?”

“I know how to use a computer. And a phone.”

He studies my resume like it’s an expired receipt. Still hasn’t offered me a seat or seem impressed with what he sees.

“Is that all you know how to use?”

“Depends on what it is,” I say, voice even.

He leans back, studies me. Not like I’m an object. Not like I’m a woman. But like I’m a problem he’s trying to solve.

“This job isn’t nine to five,” he says. “It’s not report-writing behind a screen. You’ll travel. Stay late. Be available when I call. No excuses.”

“Understood.”

“I don’t care about boyfriends or birthdays. If you can’t keep up, say so now.”

“I don’t have a boyfriend. And that won’t be a problem.”

He nods once. “How about children? Do you have any of those you would need to pick up or drop off somewhere?”

What a dick but I get where he’s coming from. A businessman like him needs someone efficient.

“No.”

“Good.” He closes the folder. “Your desk is outside. My schedule, login, and requirements are in a folder to the right with my name on it. I expect you to read them.”

I nod. “Thank you.”

“Don’t make me regret this.”

“I won’t.”

“Also,” he adds, “I’m doubling your salary. And I’m assigning you a driver when you stay past 5 pm. I don’t like my secretary walking home or taking the subway late in this city.”

I blink. “Thank you. That’s... incredibly generous.”

He nods once dismissing me.

I step out of the office and collapse into the seat behind my new desk. I grab my phone.

Nori:Thank you, Kristina. I got it.

Kristina:Of course you did. Is he still hot in person like he is online?

Nori:He’s intimidating. And kind of a dick.

Kristina:I bet it’s huge.

Nori:The salary?

---