Alpha East: Contrition (Unedited Version)

Chapter 4: Up The Ladder

Antonia

"I quit. I'll send my resignation letter before the end of my shift." There was no way she could work in the same room as this man. He was toxic to her peace of mind. Literally and figuratively.

There was also the issue of Toni being physically attracted to the ogre. She didn't like her predicament one bit.

Lord, why him?

His hold on her hand tightened and he invaded her personal space without compunction. Hot and intimidating. Some unknown emotion flashed in his dark gaze but he covered them with his half-lidded eyes and thick eyelashes. His defined jaw was ticking while his body was filled with tension.

She couldn't meet his gaze this time. Averting her face, she searched the room and found everyone's attention on them. Waiting for the drama to unfold. "Why?"

Just one soft word and he had her full regard. "Sir, if you recall, a few months ago, you didn't want me anywhere near you. You hated me, insulted me, and belittled me every chance you got. So, what's the point? I quit."

Tagging to free her hands from his hold, so she could gather her things and make a grand exit worthy of an Oscar.

Instead of releasing her, he pulled her closer until her front was crushed to his unyielding muscles, her flushed face on his chest. Shit, he smelled so good. Like fresh green apples and a clean minty masculine scent. She felt him exhale heavily. "I am not going to accept your resignation. You have a contract and you will have to pay the bond if you terminate it."

Shit! So much for a grand exit. She forgot to use God's given brain sometimes. Of course, she was aware of the contract. "How much is the bond?" She looked up at him sullenly. A contract bond plus lawsuit. She lost even before the battle of wills began.

"$20,000. Stay." He said once more. Almost pleading. He was just as determined to keep her here. For his amusement. And what about this touchy-feely he had going on since he arrived? This had to stop.

"As if I have a choice. Let go of me and I'll stay." She waited until he allowed her to separate their bodies. Defeated, her shoulders sagged. She had no access to the figure he stated and whatever savings she had were for her mother's treatment. Plus, she loved her job and colleagues here.

"As my PA." He reiterated. So much for staying out of his way. Now, she was stuck to him all day, five days a week.

Antonia rolled her eyes. "As you wish, Your Highness. Anything else?"

"You know, love, not a lot of people could sass and roll their eyes at me and get away with it. You are the exception." His lips curve. Her soft brown eyes immediately went to his luscious kissable pair. "You start today, Antonia. Come with me."

Again, he held out his hand and for some reason she accepted it. I am doomed. "What about my things?" He started to walk towards the lift with her in tow. Her coworkers were smiling at her broadly as they passed. Even Rick gave her a thumbs up. She blushed furiously.

"Frederick will get them for you." It was then she noticed his secretary trailing behind them. Damn! The whole floor was a witness to the bizarre fiasco.

"How are you doing, Mr. Marshall?" She beamed. The man holding her hand, walking close to her growled. Surprised, she glanced up at him. "What? I was just being pleasant."

"Frederick is doing fine. And I am also doing fine. Thank you for asking, love." He gritted out.

Her heart fluttered at his endearment. But then suspicion reared its head. She was still waiting for the punch line.