The Russian Billionaire’s Secret(40)

“Yes, yes he did.”

“I hate to be the one to tell you that my father stepped away from his position a few days ago. He was going to call you and tell you personally as he really sees some true potential within you, but I told him I could easily explain it all to you upon your arrival.” Alicia was saddened by this as she had felt a strong kinship with the elderly man.

Mr. Arthur continued on, “My father told me all about you, and I too am extremely impressed with your educational background and application. I just want to hear more about you personally, as I will be your boss from here on out.”

He turned and smiled as they reached his office and she followed him inside. He turned and closed the door then sat down at his desk, reclining in his leather seat. She sat across from him. She caught her eyes glancing at his left hand, smiling when she didn’t notice a ring.

“Your father seemed like such a great man. What is it you’d like to know about me, Mr. Arthur?” she asked, crossing her legs. He leaned forward on his glass desk, clasping his hands, a bright, gold watch catching itself in the sunshine.

“Tell me about yourself. Why our company?” She went on to weave him her story, being truthful and honest; his presence making her feel like this was not only okay, but accepted. He had eyes that spoke to her and that made her feel at ease. She didn’t feel vulnerable at first as she normally did divulging so much information, and not once did she sense a flicker of judgement on his part; if anything, she saw admiration and respect in his eyes.

“Quite an impressive story,” he said once she had finished. He reached into his briefcase and handed her a few folders. “What I would like to do is have you handle these three clients this week. I would like you to type up a business proposal for each of them and pitch it to me by the end of the week. If I like what you’ve done, we’ll go on from there with some bigger jobs.” Alicia was elated; to receive clients in the first week of working there was a great feat.

Mr. Arthur continued on, “I would like to point out that my father spoke extremely highly of you, so you are being given an opportunity here that no other new hires are being offered. This may cause a lot of tension and animosity; I hope it doesn’t, but it may. I imagine you will handle yourself quite well with this, if it does occur,” he said and he smiled.

She smiled back and Mr. Arthur himself felt his hands grow sweaty. There hadn’t been many times in his 30 years that a woman had such an impact on him, both physically and inspirationally. He found her honesty and ability to overcome all the odds that had ever been stacked up against her like a row of wicked dominos both compelling and sexy. She had a secretive aura to her that made him want to explore every inch of her, physically and emotionally. She had a sweet and gentle face, but could see the hard look of determination set within her deep, dark eyes.

“Oh yes, Mr. Arthur, I handle myself just fine,” she answered confidently and he knew this to be the truth. He had always found it hard to resist a woman who was so self-assured and aware of herself, her body, her beauty, and, most importantly, her ability to achieve greatness.

He guided her to her office, which was only a bit smaller than her living area in her apartment. She sat back in the leather seat and began work immediately, determined to make this man proud of her and to admire every aspect of her being.

Chapter 5

Building A Career

Alicia flourished at her new job, and at the end of the first few months, she had been named Employee of the Month by the Business Council. The other new hires were obviously jealous, but Alicia, despite just being beautiful, was the only one who came to work early and stayed late.

Alone, she had already managed to pitch seven ideas that clients loved so immensely, that they referred their friends to her, and so she had the luxury of hiring on two new clients herself. Mr. Arthur was both ecstatic and impressed.

She found herself staying late, not only to work, but hoping that Mr. Arthur would offer for her to come into his office, and together they would discuss ideas and clients, her on the long leather couch and he at his desk, pounding away at their keyboards, making phone calls, and ordering takeout.

At first, she had felt that she had to be overly professional at all times, due to her age and lack of experience, but as they began to spend every evening together, he would kick off his shoes and invite her to do the same.

One night over takeout, he had suggested that they sit and talk, and forget about work over a meal. She had secretly hoped that, in some ways, this was a date, even though she felt foolish thinking so.

“What’s your story, Mr. Arthur?” she asked as they ate Chinese food, chopsticks in hands.

“Please Alicia, call me Ross, just like everyone else here does.” He had untied his tie and his suit jacket lay on the floor. He looked so casual and simple, and she took a moment to fantasize that they were actually act her place, coming home together after a long day at work, discussing their days.

“I know you keep telling me to, but…it feels wrong.”

“Try it.”

“Okay, Ross, tell me your story,” she tried the name out in her mouth, tasting the sweetness of calling him a name that his friends and past lovers had called him. His name rumbled in her mouth and on her tongue and she loved the feeling of it. He smiled, his deep eyes shining every time he opened his mouth to show off his impeccably white smile and two deep dimples in his cheeks.