THE DEVIL IN A SUIT
954 Words
CHAPTER ONE: THE DEVIL IN A SUIT
“I’d rather quit than work for him.”
Zyrah Vexley clenched the employment contract so hard the paper crumpled at the edges. Her boss, Mr. Calloway, sat across from her, hands folded, lips pressed into a thin line.
"You don’t have a choice," he said, his tone final. "Titan Corp needs someone competent to keep Aziel Rune in check, and unfortunately for you, that someone is you."
Zyrah scoffed. "You want me to babysit the most notorious playboy in the business world? The man who treats assistants like disposable napkins?"
Mr. Calloway sighed, clearly prepared for her reaction. "Yes. And you should be grateful. It’s a promotion, with double the pay and direct access to the CEO. A chance to prove yourself."
"Prove myself?" she repeated bitterly. "Everyone knows Aziel doesn’t keep assistants longer than a month. He either fires them for being ‘boring’ or seduces them into his bed. Neither of those is happening to me."
Mr. Calloway smirked. "Then last longer than a month."
Zyrah’s jaw tightened. This wasn’t about career advancement—it was a punishment. Titan Corp’s board had been searching for someone who could handle Aziel Rune, and apparently, they had decided she was just desperate enough to accept.
She wasn't.
But bills, rent, said otherwise.
With a sharp breath, she snatched the contract off the desk. "Fine. But when this blows up in your face, I’ll be the one saying ‘I told you so.’"
---
"THE DEVIL HIMSELF"
Titan Corp’s headquarters loomed in front of her like a glass and steel fortress, exuding power and luxury. Zyrah took a deep breath, adjusted her crisp white blouse, and strode into the building.
She had barely reached the top floor when an explosion of laughter and screaming erupted from the CEO’s office.
"Mr. Rune, please—"
"Come on, sweetheart, just a little spin for me."
Zyrah’s brows furrowed as she stepped inside to witness the chaos. A stunningly flustered blonde woman—his former assistant, no doubt—stood near the desk, while his friend Damon Rhys and Aziel Rune himself lounged in his chair, all broad shoulders, sharp jawline, and an infuriating smirk.
Dressed in a tailored black suit, his dark hair was slightly tousled, and those arrogant, wolf-like eyes glowed with amusement.
"Ah," he drawled, his gaze sliding to Zyrah. "You must be the new victim."
Zyrah set her bag down and folded her arms. "Zyrah Vexley, your new assistant."
Aziel’s smirk widened. "How long do you think you’ll last?"
"As long as it takes to make sure this company doesn’t burn to the ground," she shot back.
His brows lifted in surprise. "Spicy. I like it."
The blonde assistant, now thoroughly embarrassed, rushed past Zyrah, muttering a quick "good luck" before disappearing out the door.
Aziel leaned forward, elbows resting on his desk. "Tell me, Miss Vexley, what’s the longest you’ve ever lasted in a job?"
"Five years."
"And relationships?"
Her jaw clenched. "None of your business."
He chuckled, the sound low and smooth. "We’ll see about that."
Zyrah inhaled deeply, already regretting everything.
---
"DAY ONE HELL"
It didn’t take long for Zyrah to realize that working for Aziel Rune was a special kind of torture.
By noon, she had handled three rescheduled meetings, intercepted two models trying to ‘drop by for a visit’, and convinced an angry investor not to sue the company.
Meanwhile, Aziel had spent the day avoiding work entirely.
When she found him, he was leaning against the bar in his private office, pouring himself a glass of expensive whiskey at two in the afternoon.
"You have a meeting in five minutes," she informed him, arms crossed.
Aziel swirled his drink. "Cancel it."
"You already skipped two today."
"Exactly. One more won’t hurt."
Zyrah exhaled sharply. "This company isn’t a playground, Mr. Rune. If you don’t act like a CEO, people will lose faith in you."
Aziel took a slow sip, his gaze never leaving hers. "And why do you care?"
"Because my job depends on you not screwing this up."
Aziel set his glass down and took a step closer, his presence overwhelming. "Miss Vexley, do you really think you can change me?"
Her heart slammed against her ribs, but she refused to back down. "No. But I can make your life miserable until you start acting like a professional."
For a moment, there was silence.
Then, he grinned. "I knew I’d like you."
She groaned. "This is going to be a nightmare."
Aziel’s grin widened. "A very fun nightmare."
---
"THE FIRST STRIKE"
By the end of the day, Zyrah had successfully survived her first shift.
She blocked three more women from sneaking into Aziel’s office, reorganized his chaotic schedule, and stopped a PR scandal from breaking out.
She was exhausted.
Just as she was about to pack up, a voice made her freeze.
"Leaving already?"
She turned to see Jex Marlow, CEO of Marlow Industries, standing by the window.
Dark suit. Dangerous smirk. The man Aziel Rune’s biggest rival.
Zyrah frowned. "Mr. Marlow, what are you doing here?"
Jex studied her, eyes sharp. "I heard Titan Corp got a new assistant. Thought I’d see if you were worth the trouble."
Her stomach twisted. "I’m just doing my job."
Jex stepped closer. "Be careful, Miss Vexley. Aziel Rune destroys everyone who gets too close."
Zyrah held his gaze. "Then it's a good thing I plan on keeping my distance."
Jex smirked. "We'll see about that."
And just like that, he was gone.
Zyrah exhaled, tension thick in her chest.
Day one, and she was already in over her head.
Little did she know, this was only the beginning.
- Writer
