At his mercy

Maya blake was totally caught off guard when her first day at Blackwood Industries started with a wrist grab “Run,” the woman whispered. “If you value your sanity, don’t take the job.”. Then she walked off like nothing happened. Maya kept staring at me, her heart pounding She wanted to speak up, but the security guards were on high alert, and the lady vanished into the crowd of high-end suits and impassive expressions Great. Perfect. She really hit the jackpot when her bank account was at $3,272.19 She straightened up and pushed further into the lobby The revolving doors closed behind her with a chilling finality No matter what advice strangers offered her, she wasn't going back She needed this job more than she needed to breathe She had to meet the big boss of this town, Jason Blackwood The country's youngest billionaire CEO The man whose assistants left after about a week The guy everyone whispers about in elevators Cold. Brilliant. Dangerous. Maya pressed her sweaty palms against her skirt as she made her way to the front desk “Interview?” the receptionist asked without looking up. “Yes. For the executive assistant role.” That caught her eye She raised her head slowly, her eyes filled wih a touch of sadness “Oh. Him.” She let out a sigh. “Third floor.” Don’t cry in the elevator.”. “I— I don’t cry easily.” “We’ll see.” The elevator doors swung open to a quiet hallway that screamed luxury and a bit of fear She followed the signs to Jason's office, her heels making too much noise She was about to knock when she reached his door “Come in.” Her breath caught. His voice had that deep, commanding vibe that could really rattle your nerves Maya pushed the door open. And froze. Jason blackwood aws chilling behind a slick black desk, his suit jacket tossed aside, rolled-up sleeves showing off his muscular arms, and a watch that was probably worth more than his own life He didn't look up right away—just signed the paper with decisive, sure-handed lines When he finally looked at her, it was like a jolt of cold lightning His gaze was dark. Calculated. Piercing. Like he was peeling back every layer of her insecurities, revealing all the hidden fears she'd tried to keep under wraps “You’re three minutes late,” he said. Her eyebrows flew up. “Sir, the elevator—” “I don’t accept excuses.” His voice was gentle It's so gentle it's almost scary Maya edged forward, her throat constricted. "I'm Maya Blake I’m here for—”. “My assistant.” He stood up, and she suddenly noticed he was taller than she had anticipated He's tall and looks downright scary “Sit.” She sat there, trying to keep it together even though her heart was pounding like crazy He strolled around his desk, setting a glass of water right in front of her She grabbed it—her hand touched his A sudden zap zipped through her, nearly knocking her off her feet Jason didn't say much, but his eyes shot a quick glance at the spot where they met Something cold. Something hot. Something unreadable. “You’re shaking,” he said. “I’m not.” Starting your first day wih a fib isn't the best idea “First day?” she repeated, eyes widening. He dropped a file in her lap. “You’re hired.” Maya blinked.“Wow, that was quick.” You haven’t even interviewed me.”. “I don’t choose assistants based on words,” he said. “I choose them based on observation.” “Observation of what?” “You,” he said simply. How you're walking How you're carrying your bag Your reaction to pressure. How far you bend before you break.”. Her stomach tightened. “That’s—creepy.” “That’s smart,” he corrected. “Especially for someone who will handle my life.”. Maya gulped."Your file says your last five assistants quit “They weren’t resilient enough.” “And… you think I am?” “No.” He crouched down so close his face was just inches from hers “I think you’re desperate enough.” Her pulse spiked. He wasn’t wrong. Btu the way he spoke—so chill, so confident—made a fire spark in her chest Jason straightened, walking back to his chair. “You start now. Take a look at the contract Sign if you agree.”. She opened the file— —and her breath caught again. There were rules. Pages and pages of them. Rule One: No emotional attachments. Rule Two: Don't mess with Mr Blackwood's personal choices Rule Three: Follow the directions right away unless it's unsafe Rule Four: No lies. Ever. The last one made her palms sweat. Rule Five: Mr. Blackwood can let you go right then and there if you've lost their trust She glanced up. “These are… intense.” “This job is intense.” “And if I say no?” He didn't blink."So, you're heading out Trust me, you won't find another gig paying this well Not in this city.”. He was right. She hated that he was right. Maya exhaled shakily. “Okay. Give me a pen.”. He gave her a pen, then gently took her wrist as she aws about to sign Her breath stopped. His touch wasn’t gentle. It wasn’t rough. It was controlled — like everything he did. “One more thing,” he said quietly. “What?” she whispered. Jason's gaze was intense, making her skin prickle with sudden warmth “If you stay,” he said, “you don’t get to run from me.”. Her heart pounded so hard she felt dizzy. He let go. “Sign, Ms. Blake.” Her hand trembled— not from fear but from something hotter She's feeling something she shouldn't on a first meeting But she signed. Jason reclined in his chair, eyes fixed on her, as if he were mesmerized by a fire he'd just sparked “Good,” he said softly. “Now let’s see how long you’ll last.” She stood to leave— —but just as she was about to knock, teh door swung open and a security guard walked in “Sir, sorry to interrupt,” he said urgently. “We found someone trying to access the twenty-first floor servers.”. Jason’s jaw tightened. “Who?” The guard hesitated. “Your former assistant.” Maya froze. Jason’s eyes flicked to her. And for the first time, his expression changed. A warning. A promise. A threat wrapped in ice. “Ms. Blake, he said in a chill voice, "it looks like you're about to find out why they never stick around