I hate everything about Ares King.
Those words were like a mantra every day for the last three years with him. It was my own personal hell, trying my best not to lose my job, making sure I was in perfect sync with him.
Unlike his previous secretaries, who had some hidden agenda to gain his attention, I didn't have that, nor did I let the pressure of working with a cold-blooded boss make me give up.
My responsibility drove me, and that became my protective shield against him.
"Wake up, Catherine," I muttered to myself.
I'm treading dangerous waters, and I do not want to swim through it; I'd rather take a different route.
Being aroused by him was another level of stupidity.
I set the last paper on the table, releasing a stressed sigh. The meeting hasn't started yet, and I'm already exhausted.
This was just day one of being his wife and secretary. I already feel like throwing myself off the building.
"Face it with courage." I took a deep breath, closing my eyes, and the more I chanted my charm, the better I got.
Opening my eyes, I fixed my usual skilled smile and turned to finish my work, but my charm wore off too soon.
I tripped on my fucking heel!
I was this close to falling in a very dramatic way, with papers flying into the air. But someone caught me.
This shit only happened in movies, yet here I was held in strong arms and a stranger grinning ear to ear at me.
"I must be super lucky," he commented. "A beauty fell right into my arms."
I let out an awkward laugh. "Can you let me go now?"
"As you wish." He helped me up.
"Thanks," I blushed, embarrassed by my fall. "I really wish you hadn't seen that." I stood on one heel to fix the other. Thankfully, it wasn't broken.
The man inched closer to me so that my hand rested on his shoulder to support me.
"Thank you again."
"Very much welcome."
"There!" I sighed and stood straight. "I really need to be careful with these heels."
"Yeah."
"Oh!" I crouched to grab the papers, and he helped me. It was a comfortable silence as we gathered them all, and I set them on the table.
"I'm Theo Mercer."
We shook hands.
I know that name.
"From Mercer Systems."
His smile broadened, brightening his honey eyes. "You have done your homework."
Even if I didn't know, everyone knew Mercer Systems. They had one of the well-known networking companies in Midnight.
Theo Mercer was a born genius who made that possible.
I recently heard he was looking to expand and needed King Corp's support.
"I should count myself lucky that a gorgeous woman like you knows about me."
How cute.
"Well, I hate to break it to you, but I didn't stay up all night researching. I'm aware of you because I work here."
"Ouch." He gave a hurtful expression and stabbed his heart.
I giggled.
A company came through the door to get seated. Must be the people he came with. Thank God I was done organising the space.
"I'm not sure which hurts me most, the thought that you didn't spare me a thought or that I didn't get to introduce myself to you personally."
"Erm... um..." I chuckled. "That's... thoughtful."
He raised an eyebrow. "Thoughtful?"
"Mr. King will be here soon." I switched the topic.
"Of course," he said, amused, leaning against the table with folded arms. "I do hope he takes his time."
"And why is that?"
"To be honest, I'm nervous, prepared this for a year and... gave it my all. It'd suck if everything went sideways."
"I'm sure you're gonna kill it. If there is one thing about Mr. King, he's focused more on those who are overqualified."
"Really?" His smile brightened. "Then I have a chance."
"Don't put your hopes up too high, though. Always expect the worst."
"I always do." He scratched the back of his curly, light brown hair. "Mind if I buy you a drink after this?"
I was about to politely decline when I caught Ares stepping through the doors.
"Mr. King, its—"
Ares disregarded him, and in a heartbeat, he kissed me. This wasn't like the first night. This was more meaningful, almost believable. He hungrily devoured my lips, and I forgot for a minute we had company.
Deep chills kissed my spine as his teeth nibbled my bottom lip and sucked against it hard, a low moan jolting from my throat.
He released my lips, and I couldn't find my voice or breathe. I just gaped at him with fogged eyes.
"I see you have met my wife." He threw the words at Theo.
"Y-Your wife? I didn't know." He tensed, eyes quickly descending to my ring. "I must be slow not to have caught that, apologies."
"Go have a seat, baby."
I swallowed thickly at his choice of endearment and walked on autopilot. I watch them speak discreetly, then my phone dings. It was a message from Tori.
Tori: What the hell? Your face is all over the internet. I thought your boss said he would protect you.
I quickly replied before the meeting started.
Me: That was for the media.
Tori: Media? You really need to see the buzz!
Me: The plan was to make everyone know I'm his wife. That's where the charity ball comes in.
Tori: Well, it's known, alright. I kept gawking at my screen for hours. I couldn't believe that was you. Slay girl!
I smiled.
Tori: Are you okay, though?
My heart skipped a beat at that question. I don't know why, but maybe because no one had asked me that. Hearing it from her was... alleviating.
Me: Trying to be.
Tori: I didn't respond to your messages because I felt shitty for blowing you off like that. Can we see? Where are you?
I was about to type a reply when Ares walked up to me and sat beside me. I put my phone on silent.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please lend me your eyes and ears." Theo began pressing a button, and the projection came up.
The lights dimmed and the smart curtains closed. Theo was confident as he spoke, captivating everyone in the room.
Everything was going smoothly, not until I felt Ares' hand on my thigh.