Page 27 of Steal a King (Five Kings 2)

Ella

Tom and Dixie seem to be on a mission, and I have to admire their organizational skills because they have rustled up a miracle.

Tom looks at me critically as I stand before them slightly self-consciously in a slim black pencil skirt with a pale pink silk blouse, that is showing more of my cleavage than I’d like. The panty hose and kitten heels make me feel powerful, and the smart peplum jacket that matches the skirt makes me feel feminine and yet businesslike. In truth, I feel like a million dollars, which is probably what they’ve spent because I know quality when I see it and what’s on these rails would bankrupt a business inside of a week.

“There, you look much better.”

Dixie shares a triumphant look at Tom and they high five, making me feel like some kind of project.

Clearing my throat, I look at them with confusion. “This is all lovely and everything, but what does Lucas expect me to do today? From the looks of it, I’m to take notes or something.”

Dixie grins. “He hasn’t told you then.”

“No.” I feel as if I’m the only one out of the loop as Tom laughs softly.

“You’ve been promoted, honey, or should I say hired. Welcome to the team.”

“Excuse me?”

I stare at them in shock and Dixie grins.

“Lucas wants you to accompany him from now on, but you need a cover story. It’s no secret I’m dating a Senator and my time will be tied up a little more with him going forward. Not that it will make any difference to my job with Lucas, but the people that matter don’t need to know that.”

“But what does that mean for me?”

I am genuinely confused, and she smiles. “We thought it would be more natural if you are considered my assistant. Someone to take up the slack when I am busy with my wedding, etc. It will look above board and no questions will be asked. I mean, obviously no one expects you to actually do anything other than play a part, but it means Lucas is happy and that’s all we want, really.”

Tom interrupts. “If Lucas is happy, we are happy because our job is easier. So, honey, as I said, welcome to the team and enjoy the ride.”

I feel mortified as they share a knowing look and I say quickly, “But…”

There’s a knock on the door and we hear a terse, “Time’s up, we need to leave—now.”

Dixie springs forward, thrusting a purse at me and whispers, “Take this, everything you need is inside. Enjoy your day, you’ll be fine.”

She almost pushes me to the door and as it opens, I see Lucas already walking toward the elevator and I almost have to run to catch up. As soon as he reaches it, he turns and I don’t miss the appreciation in his eyes as he allows his glance to run the length of me and I feel like the sexiest woman alive as he growls, “I knew this was one of my better ideas.”

Grabbing my wrist, he drags me inside the elevator and before the doors are even closed, he pulls me close and whispers huskily, “This is a particular fantasy of mine that I’ve never indulged in. Maybe today will be that day.”

Pushing him away, I say crossly, “Are you going to tell me what the hell is going on because I am losing the will to live right now? Then when you’ve finished explaining maybe I can actually call my mom and let her know I’m ok, I’m sorry but that part is non negotiable.”

“And if I allow you the call, what’s in it for me?”

He grins wickedly and I stare at him angrily and open my mouth to reply but before I know it, his mouth is on mine, kissing me deeply, hungrily and with so much passion, I forget what I was about to say. Despite how I’m feeling I kiss him back because he smells amazing, looks amazing, and I have been starved of any action for what appears to be my whole life.

Maybe this isn’t so bad after all because I am enjoying his attention. I’m under no illusions the game he is playing will soon get old—with him, anyway, and he’ll be onto his next victim, so maybe I’ll just enjoy this attention while it lasts. At least that’s what I’m telling myself.

Feeling wicked, I push him back and fix him with a stern look and the amusement in his eyes makes me frown. Leaning against the wall of the elevator, he grins. “Well?”

“Mr. Emiliano. I am sure that I don’t need to tell you that such behavior is inappropriate when dealing with a member of your staff. I would ask you to respect my boundaries and act accordingly.”

“My staff?”

I nod. “Yes, it has been explained to me that I am your new assistant’s assistant. Therefore, I consider Dixie to be my immediate boss. I am sure that I don’t have to explain to you the protocol involved here and quite frankly, I find your behavior extremely offensive and well, sexist.”

His eyes flash and he says evenly, “Go on.”

Taking a deep breath, I say firmly, “So, as my new employer, I must ask you to act appropriately at all times. There is also the matter of my salary.”

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