***
The next morning, Charlotte arrives promptly at 8 am. I greet her myself, leading her to the spacious office that will now be hers.
"I wasn't expecting this," she says, eyes wide as she takes in the view of the city from the floor-to-ceiling windows. "It's beautiful."
"Only the best for my personal assistant." I place a hand at the small of her back, gratified by her responsive shiver. "Shall we get started?"
She nods, turning to face me with a smile. "What would you like me to do first?"
I steeple my fingers, affecting a thoughtful pose. "The charity gala my company hosts annually is coming up next month. I would like for you to help organize the event. You'll have full control over which charities and organizations we sponsor. Does that sound like a good start?"
"Yes, absolutely!" Excitement animates her expression, blue eyes glowing. "Thank you so much for this opportunity, Marcus. I won't let you down."
"I know you won't." Unable to resist, I reach out and tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear. She stills at my touch, cheeks flushing, and I thrill at her involuntary response.
Mine.
The possessive thought comes unbidden, but I don't fight it. Charlotte Turner belongs to me now, in all the ways that matter. I only need to make her realize that truth for herself.
Throughout the day, I watch Charlotte from the shadows of my office as she settles into her new role. She moves with purpose and poise, greeting coworkers and fielding calls with confidence. But there are moments when she pauses, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear or chewing on her lower lip, that betray her nerves.
"Did you need something, Mr. Wellington?"
Charlotte's question startles me from my thoughts. She stands in the doorway of my office, a stack of files clutched to her chest and a quizzical expression on her face.
"Just observing," I reply smoothly. "Making sure you have everything you need to get started."
"I belive I have everything under control." Her chin lifts a fraction, and I supress a smile.
"Duly noted." I pin her in place with a smoldering look, watching with satisfaction as a blush stains her cheeks. "Thank you, Charlotte. I'll be sure to let you know if I need anything...personal."
The emphasis is slight, and I could shook myself when Charlotte flushes deeper, blue eyes widening with something akin to panic. The stack of files tumble to the floor in a flurry of papers.
I bend to help her pick them up.
"I'm so sorry," she apologies, her face flaming.
"Sweetheart, there's nothing to be sorry for," I tell her gently.
Her eyes snap up to me at the endearment, her lips parting. My cock instantly grows to full mast, and I discreetly turn away from her to adjust myself as I rise.
I feel Charlotte's gaze on me like a physical caress, her uncertainty and curiosity a heady combination. I'm acutely aware of her every movement, my senses attuned to her in a way that borders on obsession.
When she rises from the floor, I track her progress with a hooded gaze. The sway of her hips and rustle of her skirt quicken my pulse, arousal and possessiveness warring for dominance. I want to mark her,claimher, devour her whole.
By the time Charlotte returns to her desk, composure regained, I've conjured a dozen fantasies of how I'll make her mine.
And shewillbe mine.
CHAPTERTWO
Marcus
I waituntil Charlotte leaves for her night class before making my way to her apartment. My heart pounds as I slip inside, the familiar scent of her perfume lingering in the air.
I shouldn't be here. This is a violation of her privacy, but the need to be close to her consumes me. I can't stay away.
In her bedroom, I run my fingers over the softness of her comforter, imagining her delicate body writhing beneath me. I grip the headboard, steadying myself against the surge of desire rippling through my veins.