In the Boss’s Arm

CHAPTER4

I froze at where I’m standing, his words hitting me hard. What does he mean I’ll work hard? The last time I checked, a secretary’s job isn't that difficult, or maybe it depends on the employer. Just looking at my new boss, I sense that life will be tough working with him. I’ve seen the signs right from when I walked into his office. I mean, which employer interviews someone without offering them a seat? Well, my new boss, of course.

I almost asked for a seat because my legs were already wobbling with tension. His eyes alone make me squirm. I have no idea how I managed to last through the interview, but I’m relieved I did; otherwise, I wouldn’t have gotten this job.

Speaking of the job, I wasn’t expecting such an attractive man to be my boss. I anticipated someone less good-looking and, you know, kind. But unfortunately, I encountered an unkind, handsome boss. He’s too good-looking for his good. God help me.

“Get to work!” Mr. Leon’s strident voice jolts me out of my daze.

I stared at him, bewildered, as he stared toward the door. Is he leaving me here? Oh wait, he said I should get to work; does that mean I’m starting right away?

“We are going to have issues if you have a problem with hearing,” he bellows, halting at the door.

I don’t have a hearing problem.

“I’m sorry, Sir,” I said, bowing slightly.

“Stop apologizing and get to work!” he snaps.

“Yes, Sir. But what am I supposed to do, Sir?” I asked, hoping he’ll be kind enough to guide me.

He raises an eyebrow and strides back toward me. Oh no, I’m in trouble. I shouldn’t have asked such a stupid question. As he approaches, I find myself stepping back until my back hits the wall. It’s a stark reminder that I’ve reached a dead end—there’s no escape.

Mr. Leon corners me, his hawkish gaze consuming me. The closeness between us makes me squirm, and I feel a flush of heat. His cologne envelops me, and I’m tempted to lean in for another whiff. My eyes wandered over his chiseled jaw and flawless face, finally settling on his lips.

Those lips. I’m almost hypnotized by their perfect shape and the slight smirk playing on them.

“Are you listening to me?” His voice slices through my thoughts like a cold splash of water.

“I—yes, Sir,” I stammered, snapping my gaze back at his.

“I’ll ask again: didn’t you read the job description in the ad?” he inquires, his golden eyes piercing mine.

“I-I did, Sir,” I answered, my voice trembling.

“Then why are you asking me what you should do?” he pressed.

My tongue stumbles, and I am at a loss for words.

“Don’t become a burden to me. Now, follow me,” he ordered, stepping back and giving me a moment to breathe.

I quickly straightened up and followed him out of the office. The corridor we walk through is pristine, every detail meticulously maintained, mirroring his intimidating presence.

Mr. Leon leads me to a large, open office space filled with desks and diligent employees. He stops at an empty desk near a large window.

“This is your workspace,” he says, pointing to the desk. “Your first task is to organize the files on this drive.” He hands me a USB stick. “I expect it to be done by the end of the day.”

I nodded, a mixture of relief and anxiety washing over me. “Yes, Sir.”

“Good. Don’t disappoint me.” With that, he turns and walks away, leaving me to my task.

I sat down at the desk, my heart still racing from our earlier encounter. Taking a deep breath, I plugged in the USB and began working, determined to prove myself and survive my first day under Mr. Leon’s intense scrutiny.

Unfortunately, I struggle to concentrate. All I can think about is my new boss. His piercing gaze, his commanding presence, the way he moves with such confidence it ’s overwhelming. My mind replays the moment he cornered me, the lingering scent of his cologne still vivid in my nostrils.

I shook my head, trying to refocus. I can’t afford to mess this up. Not on my first day. Taking another deep breath, I forced myself to concentrate on the files in front of me.

Hours pass, and I find a rhythm in the work. Sorting through documents, organizing them into folders, and renaming files as needed. It’s mundane but keeps my mind occupied.

Just when I feel like I’m making real progress, a shadow looms over my desk. I am looking up to seeing Mr. Leon was standing there, arms crossed and his expression unreadable.

“How is it going?” he asks, his tone neutral.

“Um, good, Sir. I’m making good progress,” I reply, hoping my voice doesn’t reveal my nerves.

“Show me,” he says, leaning over my shoulder to look at my computer screen.

His proximity makes my pulse quicken, but I focus on explaining my work so far. I glanced at his face, trying to gauge his reaction. His expression remains impassive, but he nods curtly when I finish.

“Keep it up,” he says, straightening. “Remember, I expect it to be done by the end of the day.”

“Yes, Sir,” I replied, relieved that he didn’t seem displeased.

He walks away, leaving me to my work once more. I exhaled a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. It’s going to be a long day, but I am determined to prove I can handle it. No matter how intimidating or attractive my boss is, I won’t let him distract me from doing my job well.