Working for the Alpha

5.Serissa

Serissa

I stood at the open door to Donovan's office, taking a moment to observe the man sitting behind the large desk. His dark hair was long enough to curl at the collar of the white business shirt that was stretched across broad shoulders. One raven lock hung over his forehead as he sat with his eyes tightly shut, his muscular chest rising and falling with each controlled breath he took. There was the shadow of stubble along his angular jaw, his lips were held in a tight line, there were dark circles under his eyes, and his whole body seemed to be quivering under immense pressure. I had the strangest urge to rush over to him and hold him in my arms until the tension melted from him.

Shaking my head to dislodge the crazy thought, I reached out and gently rapped my knuckles on the door. “Mr. Rush?” I called softly, feeling like I was interrupting his moment of peace.

His eyes flew open, and my breath froze at the sight. Deep green pools regarded me with so much intensity, it felt like a physical shock sliding down my spine to parts of my body that hadn't stirred in far too long. His eyes swept down my body and I could easily imagine what it would feel like to have his hands on me, following the trail. That is, until he reached my knee and a frown marred his handsome face. I fought the urge to squirm under his scrutiny, but before I could say anything in defense of my unkempt appearance, his eyes darted up to mine again, effectively silencing me.

“Mine,” his whisper was so soft that I wasn't entirely sure I'd actually heard him or just imagined it, but my body seemed to ignite. I shifted on my feet, my thighs rubbed against each other and it took all my self-control to not fidget under his gaze.

His eyes darkened and I could feel the heat in my cheeks as I thought he must know what was on my mind. Letting out a sigh, Donovan gestured to the chairs facing his desk. “Please, Ms. Carter, have a seat,” he said in a deep, gravelly voice that did absolutely nothing to quell my inappropriate libido. It felt more like an order than a request, though for possibly the first time in my life when facing such a domineering man, I didn't mind the tone in the slightest.

“Yes, sir,” I managed to squeak, scurrying into the nearest chair as fast as I could while I tried to shove the erotic images of spreading myself out on his desk and letting him take me any way he desired out of my mind and remember how to form coherent words.

“I should warn you, I am quite a demanding boss,” he began, “though I also like to think I'm fair.”

I nodded my head, not sure if I was supposed to answer since, technically, he didn't actually ask me anything. Besides, my brain was still stuck on the indecent images, and his admission of being demanding was not helping.

“I see on your resume that you don't have any admin experience,” he stated, c*****g an eyebrow at me.

“Umm, no, not exactly,” I said weakly, clenching my hands together in my lap. This was not going well at all. I mentally kicked myself for ever thinking I had a shot at the job. “I have applied at various offices, but-”

“It's no matter,” he interrupted, waving his hand dismissively. “I won't lie, the job can be tough, but nothing you won't pick up easily. There is some travel, not much, but I will require you to come with me on several trips throughout the year. I'll try to give you as much notice as I can before a trip is arranged, though.”

“Umm... ok,” I mumbled, once again unsure how to respond.

“There is a trip scheduled in three weeks... four weeks?” he tapped a few buttons on his computer before letting out a sigh. “Obviously, I'll need you to stay on top of my schedule,” he said with some annoyance.

“Yes, of course,” I smiled happily, feeling like, although he hadn't really asked, I finally had something I felt confident I could answer. “I'm sure I could handle that. I'm very organized and have an excellent memory for details.”

“Hmmm, yes,” he mumbled, letting his eyes sweep over me again. Reaching for a notepad and pen, he began scribbling something. “This is a store a few blocks away. Ask for Mrs. Jones, she'll be able to get you set up with all the clothes you'll need.”

“I... what?” I couldn't think beyond the shock of his words. My thoughts drifted to the forty dollars in my bank account and rent coming due at the end of the week and began shaking my head. “I'm not sure I can-”

“Mrs. Jones knows what I like,” he practically growled. “She'll be able to guide you to appropriate apparel. Once you've learned my preferences, then you can shop wherever you prefer.”

I blinked at him in disbelief. Thankfully, his arrogance had driven the lust far from my mind, but it was replaced with my temper. I simmered inside. “I think we're getting off to the wrong start,” I managed to say, impressed I hadn't called him a self-righteous blow-hard a.sshole. “I'm not buying more clothes. I have clothes.”

He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. I tried vainly to focus on my anger and not the way the sleeves of his shirt pulled tight over his impressive biceps. “Ms. Carter,” he began, but I quickly held up my hand to stop him.

“Mr. Rush,” I said firmly, drawing a small smirk out of him that I chose to ignore. “I am here to talk about doing a job for you. I am not of the mind to be some kind of doll you can dress up or parade around the office as eye candy. I know I don't have a lot of experience, but I assure you, I am more than capable of proving my worth to you with my dedication if you will just give me that chance.”

“Ms. Carter,” he repeated, sitting forward and steepling his fingers on his desk. “I appreciate a woman with a quick wit and a sharp mind. However, working here means you will be representing our company. You will represent me. There are certain standards that you will be held to. What you have on is fine, but not quite to the standards I demand. Now, I will call ahead so Mrs. Jones will be expecting you. Please go straight there; Becca can give you directions if you need them. I will see you tomorrow morning at 9am on the dot. Given today's situation, I will send a car for you in the morning.”