Owned by the Billionaire

Mysterious

Knox

I stormed into myself father's home office, my anger simmering just below the surface with my sharp gaze fixed on him behind the grand desk.

"I can't believe you had the audacity to hire an executive secretary for me without my knowledge or consent," I barked, my voice laced with authority. "I am perfectly capable of managing my own affairs, both in business and in hiring."

My father, looked up from his paperwork, his face a mix of surprise and amusement.

"Now, now, Knox," father replied, his tone calm and composed. "I thought I was doing you a favor by finding someone who could handle the increasing demands of your schedule. I assure you, Ms. Raine is an exceptional candidate."

I scowled, my brows furrowing in frustration. I had built his empire from scratch, proving time and time again that I was more than capable of making the right decisions. The thought of someone else, especially my own father, interfering in his affairs grated on my nerves.

"I don't need someone to manage my schedule, Father. I have successfully run this company for years, and I can handle it all," I asserted, "This isn't a game. It's my life's work."

"Knox my boy, don't mistake my actions for undermining your labilities," he replied, his voice filled with paternal affection. "I have watched you grow into a dominant and intelligent CEO, but even the most powerful leaders need support. Ms. Raine possesses the skills to complement your strengths and ease your burden."

I gritted my teeth, my frustration mingling with a grudging admiration for my father's persuasive argument. I couldn't deny that my workload had been mounting, and perhaps I did need assistance in some areas.

“Son, I interviewed about thirty people and Ms. Raine was, by far, the most qualified candidate.

Believe me, you’ll have no problems with her. I checked her out extensively before sending her to you.”

“Fine, I’ll see how she works out but if she doesn’t work soundly with me then I’ll fire her and the next person will be someone that I find, not you,” I said.

“Of course” dad quickly agreed. “Now on to other business,” I prompted, before getting back to work.

As I stepped back into my office after my visit to my father's house, a sense of anticipation coursed through me. My encounter with my father had left me with more questions than answers, but I was determined to focus on the task at hand. Meeting Raine Walker, the secretary my father had hired without my consent.

As I walked through the open office space, my presence seemed to command attention. Whispers filled the air, and eyes followed my every move. I was well aware of the effect I had on people—my tall frame, chiseled features, and confident aura radiated raw masculinity. It was a quality that had served me well in both business and personal endeavors.

Approaching Raine's desk, I found her engrossed in her work. The click of her keyboard filled the air as she effortlessly navigated through tasks with precision. Her focus was unwavering, and it intrigued me.

"Ms. Walker," I called out, leaning against the edge of her desk, my voice a low rumble.

Startled, she looked up, her gaze meeting mine. There was a flicker of surprise in her eyes, but she quickly composed herself, a hint of defiance lingering beneath her professional facade.

"Mr. Knox, how can I assist you?" she responded, her tone composed and unaffected.

I studied her for a moment, taking in the way her eyes sparkled with intelligence and her lips curved into a subtle smile. There was an air of mystery about her, and it both intrigued and challenged me.

Can I have the updates on the financial projections?

,"okay, I'll bring it to your desk. she said, professionally.

I nodded and retreated to the sanctuary of my office.

I settled into my leather chair, taking a moment to compose myself before turning my attention to the work at hand. I reached for my laptop and opened it, ready to dive into the tasks that awaited me.

Just as I was about to begin, there was a soft knock on my office door. I looked up to find Raine standing there, her gaze unwavering, confidence radiating from her every pore. There was a subtle shift in the room—a charged energy that crackled in the air.

"Mr. Knox, I have the updates on the financial projections you requested," she said, extending a folder toward me.

I motioned for her to come in, my eyes never leaving her form. She walked with a fluid grace, each step purposeful and deliberate. There was a magnetic allure about her, an intangible quality that drew me in.

She approached my desk and placed a folder in front of me. As she leaned slightly, her perfume wafted towards me, a subtle blend of warmth and mystery. I couldn't help but inhale deeply, taking in her intoxicating scent.

"Thank you, Ms. Walker," I replied, my voice tinged with a mix of appreciation and curiosity. "I'll review these files shortly."

I'd like to let you know your schedule for today, she said as she looked at the paper she was holding.

You have a meeting with Marketing

“That was cancelled yesterday,” I told her. A frown of irritation flurried across her face. No doubt Allison, hadn’t bothered to cross it off. She drew a line through it on her pad of paper and forged on.

“Ok, then there’s an HR meeting at two to talk about the new benefits package,” she continued. I nodded. She ran through my overloaded schedule and while her eyes were busy, I took my time looking at her. My entire body reacted to the sight of this woman. She would be a terrible distraction. She looked young. Too young for me, without a doubt, and yet, I couldn’t look away.

As she finished going over my appointments, I leaned back in my chair, studying her more intently. Her features were striking, with sharp cheekbones and expressive eyes that seemed to hold a hint of mystery.

Her blonde hair cascaded down her back, adding to her allure. She was not just another pretty face; there was something intriguing about her.

Her delicate feet fidgeted nervously, shifting the burden of her weight from one foot to the other, causing her long, slender legs to flex gracefully with each subtle movement.

"Ok, if that's all for now, I'll leave you to get on," she said, her departure nearly interrupted by an almost disastrous twist of her ankle. In that split second, a mad impulse surged within me, urging me to leap across the office and catch her before she fell.

"That's all, and make sure you wear proper footwear tomorrow," I couldn't help but snap at her, unable to tolerate the distracting notion of witnessing her ankle potentially shattering. My attention diverted to my phone, seeking solace in its mundane digital display.

"With all due respect, Mr. Knox, don't look. I can take care of my own ankle and shoe choices," she retorted, her voice carrying a quiet defiance. Her words pierced the air, compelling my eyes to meet hers. She met my gaze unyieldingly, and in that defiant moment, I set aside my phone, leaning forward, my elbows finding support on the smooth antique wood of the desk. Her audacity captivated me, for never had anyone dared to address me in such a manner.

"As long as you work for me, you represent me and my company. If your shoe choices are inappropriate, then I will look and tell you so. This is a company, Miss Davis, not a nightclub," I declared firmly, the weight of my authority resonating in my words. Her nostrils flared, her fists momentarily clenched, before releasing the tension. I watched her intently, a flame of anticipation igniting deep within me. What actions would this spirited soul take? I eagerly awaited the unfolding of her next move. Yet, just as I expected an eruption of her emotions, a zig in her course, she zagged. A radiant smile, as warm and bright as a supernova, graced her lips, and she beamed at me.

"Of course, Mr. Knox. You're the boss, after all," she responded sweetly, her voice carrying a touch of playfulness. With a poised twirl on her precarious leaving me rooted in place, transfixed by her departure, and eagerly yearning for what lay ahead.