Seduce Me, My Dear Secretary

“Ellie, this is going to be a piece of cake. Just you wait,” she muttered to herself as she critically examined her reflection in the mirror. She was wearing a pair of tight black pants that hugged her figure, a simple blouse, and high heels she could thankfully wear without any trouble. A touch of makeup and her long brown hair cascading freely over her shoulders completed the look. She didn't want to make a bad impression on her first day at work, so she'd spent over an hour getting ready in the bathroom when she could have easily squeezed in another hour of sleep. But hey, what wouldn't you do for a well-paying job? Sure, she could have kept working as a waitress, but was that really what she wanted to do for the rest of her life? Probably not. After years of studying her ass off and working hard, she wanted a job where she could put her skills to the test and prove what she was capable of. With her heart pounding as if it were about to leap out of her chest, Ellie stared at the building in front of her. It was an imposing tower, the kind that intimidated you just by standing in its shadow. And if that wasn't enough, the serious faces and hurried footsteps of the people streaming in and out did nothing to settle her nerves. Taking a deep breath, she headed straight for the reception desk. “Good afternoon. I have a job interview with Mr. Castellano. My name is Ellie Morgan,” she said, doing her best to sound polite and confident. The receptionist looked up with a courteous smile. “Miss Morgan, you can go straight up to the fortieth floor. They're expecting you.” “Thank you,” Ellie replied, returning the smile before stepping into the elevator. When she reached the fortieth floor, the personal assistant greeted her warmly and led her straight to the office. “Miss Morgan, we've reviewed your information, and we're very pleased with what we've seen. I'll explain your responsibilities now,” the assistant informed her in a professional tone. Ellie nodded, giving her undivided attention. “Your main responsibility will be making sure Mr. Castellano arrives on time for all his appointments and that every report is complete and error-free. You'll take on more responsibilities as time goes on, but that's all for now,” she added. “Mr. Castellano Sr. is getting close to retirement, so his son, Marco Castellano, is also involved in running the company. He'll be taking over completely soon.” “Understood. I'll do my best,” Ellie replied with determination. The assistant, who now seemed a little more relaxed, smiled. “By the way, I'm Tessa. I was observing you at first to see how things would go, but I think we'll get along just fine.” Ellie let out a nervous little laugh, caught off guard but grateful for the warm welcome. “I'm Ellie. It's nice to meet you.” “Perfect. To start with, sort these documents. If you need anything, I'll be in the office next door,” Tessa explained before leaving. Ellie glanced at the mountain of paperwork in front of her, feeling slightly overwhelmed. Still, she didn't waste any time getting down to work. By the end of the day, she was exhausted. When she finally checked the time, it was already 5:30 p.m. She left the building and headed straight for her little car, the compact one her parents had given her a year ago. Just as she was about to get in, a luxurious black car came speeding past her, so close that she had to jump backward to avoid being hit. “People like that think they own the world just because they have money,” she muttered angrily before climbing into her car. As she drove home, she could think of only one thing: a nice, long shower and a huge pizza. The Next Morning The alarm went off, and Ellie glared at it. She wanted to hurl it against the wall, but since it was also her phone, she decided to restrain herself. After a cold shower to wake herself up, she slipped into another pair of tight black pants and a lace-up top with a plunging neckline. Black again, because it went with everything and always looked classy. Beige heels completed her outfit. “Now we're talking,” she murmured to her reflection. Another day at the office. With a cup of coffee in hand, she quickly applied her makeup: eyeliner, mascara, and a touch of highlighter to brighten up her face. Bag in hand, she left the house, ready to face whatever the day had in store for her. When Ellie arrived at the office, Tessa was already waiting by the office door, looking as impeccable as always. “Good morning, Tessa,” Ellie greeted her with a faint smile. “Hello, darling. How was your first day?” Tessa asked, sweeping her blonde hair back and studying her curiously. “Pretty good, except I have a ton of work to do,” Ellie admitted with a tired smile. Tessa chuckled softly, as though remembering her own early days. “That's how it is at first, but soon enough, it all becomes routine,” she said, trying to cheer her up. Ellie sighed in resignation, thinking, I hope so. “Oh, and before I forget, we're getting a new coworker today. You'll be sharing the office with him,” Tessa added casually, as if it were no big deal. Ellie nodded without giving it much thought. “Okay, sounds good.” She then walked into her office while Tessa headed off with her usual confident stride. After two hours buried in paperwork and emails, Ellie decided it was time for a coffee break. But just as she was getting out of her chair, a shadow appeared in the doorway, blocking the light. She looked up and froze. Oh, my God. What a man! Standing before her was a tall, masculine, dangerously handsome man. His dark hair fell in artfully tousled waves, and his deep, dark brown eyes glittered as he stared at her with an intensity that seemed capable of looking straight into her soul. His features were flawless, sharp, and striking, as though someone had taken extraordinary care in sculpting every last detail. Tall, broad-shouldered, and carrying himself with an air of authority, he looked like he had stepped straight out of her most intimate fantasies. He's perfect. Way too perfect. Wait... Was this guy her new coworker? No way! How was she supposed to concentrate with a walking masterpiece like him in the same room? There was absolutely no chance. “When you're done staring at me so shamelessly, could you tell me where I can find Miss Miller?” he suddenly asked, his deep, gravelly voice rumbling through the room. Ellie blinked, abruptly snapping out of her daze. What did he just say? “Excuse me?” she stammered, horrified, feeling heat rush to her cheeks. The man studied her for a moment, sizing her up as though she were some fascinating specimen. Then he smiled. It wasn't a pleasant smile, though. It was mocking and arrogant. “Are you incapable of hearing me, or do you simply lack the ability to process what I'm saying? Is that beyond you?” he added sarcastically, clearly enjoying the situation. Ellie's blood began to boil instantly. How dare he? Who the hell did this guy think he was? “Who the hell do you think you are? You're no better than me! There's something seriously wrong with you!” Ellie snapped, brushing past him roughly on her way to the kitchen. What an asshole. An arrogant, self-important asshole. As she made her coffee, she tried to calm herself down. She could still feel the anger simmering beneath her skin. Sure, the guy was handsome—ridiculously handsome—but he seemed rotten on the inside. She hoped they'd keep him as far away from her as possible. She neither needed nor wanted him invading her space. Holding her steaming cup of coffee, she returned to the office, determined to get on with her day, only to stop dead the moment she opened the door. A young man who looked much friendlier at first glance was sitting at her desk. Ellie frowned in confusion. Where was the arrogant Adonis? The young man quickly stood up when he saw her. “Hi, I'm Daniel Reid, your new coworker,” he introduced himself with a warm, genuine smile, extending his hand. Still somewhat bewildered, Ellie shook it. “Ellie,” she replied, trying to make sense of what had just happened. Suddenly, Tessa's voice rang out from behind her. “Ellie, let me introduce you to Mr. Marco Castellano, our boss's son,” she announced casually. Ellie spun around, and... there he was. The same dark, piercing eyes. The same arrogant, commanding stance. The man who had driven her absolutely crazy just minutes earlier. Marco Castellano stared at her with that same sharp, aggressive intensity, as though they were already in the middle of a battle he fully intended to win. Oh, s**t. I'm screwed.