Lila Hart's heels clicked against the polished marble of Knight Industries' top floor.
Every step reminded her of her chains.
After her failed escape from the penthouse, Alexander Knight had tightened his grip.
Now he had declared her his personal secretary—dragging her into his corporate empire where his control was absolute.
She was trapped twenty-four hours a day.
His obsession shadowed her everywhere.
The executive suite buzzed with activity.
Phones rang. Papers shuffled. Voices murmured.
But the moment Lila entered, the air changed.
Female employees cut her with their stares, venom sharp in every glance.
"Mistress turned secretary," one whispered.
"Bet she's just here to warm his bed," another sneered.
Lila's cheeks flamed, but she lifted her chin and squared her shoulders.
She wasn't here by choice.
She was his prisoner, bound by a contract—and by the threats hanging over her family.
Alexander's office loomed ahead.
A glass fortress, his name etched in gold on the door.
Inside, he sat behind a sleek desk, suit tailored to perfection, blue eyes tracking her like a predator sizing up prey.
"You're late," he said.
His voice was low, commanding, with a curl of amusement at the edges.
"I'm not your servant," Lila snapped.
She clutched the tablet loaded with his schedule, holding it like a shield.
Her pulse raced as he rose, circling the desk with slow, deliberate steps.
The memory of that rainy night two years ago flashed—his bloodied face, her hands pulling him from the burning car.
She had saved him.
And now he was claiming her as the prize he refused to let go.
"Sit," he ordered, pointing to the chair opposite his desk.
The tone left no room for refusal.
Her body obeyed before her mind could fight.
He leaned in, close enough that his sandalwood scent wrapped around her, his breath brushing her ear.
"You'll learn to please me, Lila. In every way."
Her skin prickled.
Heat pooled low, treacherous and unwanted.
"I'm here to work, not play your games," she hissed.
But her voice wavered as his fingers grazed her wrist, lingering where her pulse raced.
The touch was electric, sending sparks she didn't want to feel.
She hated how her body responded, hated how breathless he made her.
He smirked, reading her without effort.
"Your job is to be mine. Here. At home. Everywhere."
His hand traced up her arm, teasing the edge of her blouse, brushing the hollow of her collarbone.
"Type this report," he whispered, lips hovering so close they almost touched hers.
"And don't make me ask twice."
Her hands trembled as she typed, his gaze burning into her.
The office's glass walls offered no privacy.
Employees outside stole glances, their gossip a low hum she couldn't shut out.
One woman in particular—Claire, sharp-eyed and watchful—lingered at the glass.
Jealousy dripped from her stare.
Lila had overheard her earlier, muttering about "Alexander's new toy" and promising she'd make Lila regret stepping foot inside the office.
The day stretched long.
Alexander's commands came without pause—fetch files, take notes, stand close while he reviewed contracts.
Every brush of his hand, every whispered order, felt deliberate.
He teased her, stoking the fire between them until her nerves frayed and her body betrayed her.
By late afternoon, she was humming with unwanted desire.
When the office finally emptied, Alexander called her into his private suite.
The door clicked shut.
He turned the lock with deliberate finality.
Lila's heart lurched.
She backed against the desk as he advanced, his frame caging her in.
"Running didn't work, did it?"
His voice was dark with promise.
His hand cupped her jaw, tilting her face up, thumb brushing her lower lip.
"You're mine, Lila. In this office, in my bed, in every corner of your life."
His other hand slid to her waist, pulling her flush against him.
The hard evidence of his arousal pressed against her hip.
She gasped, heat surging despite her fury.
"You can't control me forever," she whispered.
But her body betrayed her, arching into his touch, craving the fire she loathed.
His lips hovered over hers, dangerous smile curving.
"Forever? Oh, little flame—we're just getting started."
A sharp knock rattled the door.
"Alexander, it's Claire," a voice called, urgent and strained.
"We have a problem. Veronica's here, and she's furious."
Lila's stomach dropped.
Veronica again.
His real fiancée.