At the office, Samantha is mouthy AF and hellbent on testing my patience. So you can imagine my surprise when my new personal assistant walks into my club with a very specific fantasy. When the man Samantha's paired with doesn't stick to the rules, I step in to take his place. Wearing a mask protects my identity, and soon the little wildcat from the office is telling me all her darkest secrets and fantasies. During the day, she gives me hell, but at night, she becomes my wounded kitten. I know I'm playing a dangerous game. She doesn't know I'm one of the heads of the Cosa Nostra. She doesn't know her boss and her nightly visitor is the same person. With my enemy on the attack and her past coming to haunt her, our secrets come out in the most explosive way possible, threatening to rip Samantha away from me. But my wildcat has another thing coming if she thinks I'll ever let go.
Chapter 1
Samantha
Franco Vitale; 35. Samantha Blakely; 26.
I've only been Mr. Vitale's personal assistant for two weeks, and I'm already considering quitting.
God, the man is impossible.
Letting out a huff, I suppress the urge to kick the printer. The stupid machine keeps giving me error messages.
I'm starving. I could wolf down an entire pizza on my own right now.
My phone starts ringing for the millionth time today, and I feel like whining like a puppy as I dart to my desk to answer the internal call from Mr. Vitale's office.
"Yes, Sir?"
"Where's the contract?"
I close my eyes and take a deep breath before I explain for the fourth time, "The printer is giving error messages. I'm waiting for Andy from IT to fix it."
"There are hundreds of printers in this building! I want the contract on my desk in five minutes," he barks before hanging up.
Impatient ass.
I've worked at Vitale Pharmaceuticals in the administration department for the past eight months, and until I got promoted to Mr. Vitale's PA, I loved my job.
It's only been two weeks. Give it more time. You just need to get used to how Mr. Vitale wants things done, then it will get better.
I roll my eyes because my gut instinct tells me it won't improve. Mr.
Vitale is just one of those people who's never satisfied with anything.
All the employees in the building cower in fear whenever he's near. I should've known I was in trouble when I got promoted and the admin team gave me looks of pity as if I was on death row.
While I worked on the third floor, I didn't see much of Mr. Vitale, but the few times our paths crossed, he always looked like he was a second away from wringing someone's neck.
The past two weeks as his PA have shown me the man is always grumpy, and he loses his temper at the speed of light. He's downright rude and impossible to please.
I quickly email the contract to the admin department's printer, which is still linked to my profile, before hurrying to the elevators.
While heading down to the third floor, I wiggle my toes in the high heels I'm wearing. It gives my tired feet some relief before the doors slide open, and I rush toward the printer. I lose precious time when I have to sift through all the printed documents and ensure I have the whole contract before hurrying back to the elevators.
Who needs to go to a gym when you work for Franco Vitale?
In the elevator, I quickly pull my bra strap back into place. I've lost weight from all the running around and need to get new underwear.
The doors open, and I shoot forward like a bullet, but my heart sinks when my desk comes into view.
Crap.
Mr. Vitale is standing by the printer in all his six-foot-five glory, his arms crossed over his broad chest as he watches the machine spit out page after page.
When I reach him, I hold the papers out to him. "Here's the contract, sir."
His dark brown eyes flick to me, and I feel the punch of his intense gaze in my gut. I swear, whenever this man looks at me, I feel like I'm nothing but a worm.
I've worked with intimidating people in the past, but Mr. Vitale overshadows them all.
The first time I laid eyes on him, I was struck speechless by how handsome he was, but the attraction died a quick death after I watched one PA after another leave the building in tears.
As the printer spits out the last page, his dark gaze remains locked on me while he swipes the contract from the traitorous machine.
His tone is low and filled with a world of warning as he mutters, "If you can't do something as simple as printing a document, we're going to have a problem, Miss Blakely."
I suck in a deep breath as I watch him stalk back to his office, and the moment the door shuts behind him, I glare at the printer. "Sure, for him, you'll print."
"What's the problem?" Andy, one of the IT guys, asks from behind me.
With a tired sigh, I set the now spare copy of the contract down on my desk and gesture at the machine. "It won't print for me. I've checked everything, but it keeps giving me error messages. It printed for Mr. Vitale, though."
"Let me take a quick look."
Andy takes a seat at my desk, and after typing for less than a minute, the stupid machine starts printing.
"I've reinstalled the printer, so you shouldn't have a problem again."
"Thank you." I gather the document and shred it, seeing as it's no longer needed.
"You're welcome."
As Andy walks away, my phone starts to ring, and I quickly pick up the earpiece. "Yes, Sir?"
"Get Mr. Castro on the line," Mr. Vitale orders before hanging up.
Taking a seat in my chair, I dial Mr. Castro's number. The call goes through to voicemail, and as I leave a quick message, the ache in my shoulders intensifies from all the tension.
Checking the time, I notice it's just turned five o'clock.
Thank God.
I quickly dial Mr. Vitale's extension. "Hm," he answers.
"Mr. Castro wasn't available. I left a message for him to return your call."
"Hm." The line goes dead, and I suck in a deep breath of air. My boss has zero manners, and it aggravates me to no end.
Redialing his extension, I wait for him to answer with his usual grunt before I say, "It's five o'clock, sir. I'm going home. Have a good night."
Before he can grunt, I put the earpiece down, feeling a little burst of triumph for getting to hang up on him first.
I switch off my computer and gather my handbag from the bottom drawer where I keep it, but as I rise from my chair, Mr. Vitale's door swings open, and he barks, "My office. Now."
God. What now?
I place my handbag on my desk, and with tension coiling in my stomach, I head into the office, otherwise referred to by me as the chamber of wrath.
Mr. Vitale stands in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Manhattan. He looks like a god, and his dress shirt and vest span tightly across his broad shoulders.
At the most random times, I'm struck with thoughts of how handsome the man is, but then he opens his mouth, and the unwelcome attraction disappears.
When he remains silent, I ask, "Sir?"
Without turning to look at me, he grumbles, "Mrs. Ross assured me you're a hard worker."
A confused frown furrows my brow.
Am I supposed to say something or keep quiet?
Keeping his arms crossed over his chest, he turns and levels me with an unforgiving look, instantly making me feel apprehensive and nervous.
"I've given you two weeks to settle into the position." His eyes narrow on me and it makes me feel like I'm a petulant child who's being scolded by the headmaster. "I don't have time to waste, so if I ask you for something, I expect the order to be carried out instantly."
"Andy had to reinstall the printer on my computer," I explain, my tone tight from all the tension.
"I won't tolerate excuses," he snaps. "You're employed as my personal assistant to make my life easier. If a problem arises, I expect you to solve it."
Resisting the urge to cross my arms over my chest, I fist my hands at my sides and say, "Yes, Mr. Vitale." I raise an eyebrow at the insufferable man. "Will that be all, sir?"
He shakes his head. "Your position isn't nine to five."
What?
He nods in the direction of the door, his tone harsh and clearly stating this topic is not up for discussion as he mutters, "If you have a problem putting in extra hours, you're more than welcome to hand in your resignation."
Anger begins to bubble in my chest, but I keep my expression respectful as I say, "I don't mind working late, but I'd appreciate it greatly if you would notify me in the morning so I can cancel any plans I might've made for the evening."
Plans? Ha. I live like a freaking hermit.
Still, it's not something he needs to know. I just want him to show me respect and give me sufficient notice, so I don't get my hopes up I'll get to leave the office at five.
Mr. Vitale's features tighten, and it looks like he's a moment away from losing his temper, but then he gives me a curt nod. "For the unforeseeable future, I expect you at the office from seven a.m. to seven p.m."
Twelve hours? The man is insane!
Turning his attention to the stacks of folders and paperwork on his desk, he mutters, "Don't worry. You'll be compensated for the extra time."
Hearing I'll be paid overtime makes my anger lessen. I could use the extra funds to pay off my credit card. The second-hand fridge I got when I moved to New York gave up the ghost the past weekend, and I was forced to go into debt to buy a new one.
"Do you need me to stay late tonight?" I ask.
Letting out an impatient huff, Mr. Vitale's eyes snap to mine. "Yes. Get back to work."
Leaving his office, I pull the door shut behind me. My stomach rumbles, a reminder I haven't eaten anything today.
You're getting paid overtime.
I take a seat at my desk and switch on my computer. Opening my email folder, I see Mr. Vitale's already sent eight emails, and I get back to work, determined to show him I'm a damn good PA.
After suffering a bad fall on the ice, Dalia finds herself at crossroads in her life. Ryan a gorgeous stranger gives her an ultimatum, forcing her to choose between himself, a guy who promises her a chance at becoming all that she can be or Adam the boy that she's in love with. Hearts are broken as Dalia's boundaries and courage are tested in this epic love story. With the Olympic Games over, the competition for Dalia's heart begins. Dalia was forced to give up Adam the guy of her dreams to pursue a skating career with her gorgeous partner Ryan. Now that the Olympics are over and Canada's favourite couple has returned, there's nothing stopping Adam from reclaiming the love of his life, except Ryan of course! In an attempt to find his way back into his ex-girlfriends life, Adam offers Dalia the opportunity of a lifetime: She will direct a television show that will air nationwide, earning her power and money she never dreamed of having. Everything goes according to plan until Global executives insist Adam hires Dalia's ex-husband and figure skating partner Ryan to work with her on the show. The station argues that Ryan's presence will attract more viewers and possibly reunite Canada's favourite couple. The tension mounts as the history of this love triangle finally comes to a head in the conclusion of the trilogy, Trapped in his love.
*Synopsis* He’s an Alpha and he needs a maid. She a weirdo and she’s a dethroned maid. She’s pretty and silent but her mind tells the whole truth. What happens when she meets Mr Alien who’s the Alpha? She seems tensed but nothing scares her more than her fathers death. She looks to him In the eye and wants him to herself unintentionally. Craving for him, will her wish be granted? Only one way to find out… *The Alphas Maid*
Rena got into an entanglement with a big shot when she was drunk one night. She needed Waylen's help while he was drawn to her youthful beauty. As such, what was supposed to be a one-night stand progressed into something serious. All was well until Rena discovered that Waylen's heart belonged to another woman. When his first love returned, he stopped coming home, leaving Rena all alone for many nights. She put up with it until she received a check and farewell note one day. Contrary to how Waylen expected her to react, Rena had a smile on her face as she bid him farewell. "It was fun while it lasted, Waylen. May our paths never cross. Have a nice life." But as fate would have it, their paths crossed again. This time, Rena had another man by her side. Waylen's eyes burned with jealousy. He spat, "How the hell did you move on? I thought you loved only me!" "Keyword, loved!" Rena flipped her hair back and retorted, "There are plenty of fish in the sea, Waylen. Besides, you were the one who asked for a breakup. Now, if you want to date me, you have to wait in line." The next day, Rena received a credit alert of billions and a diamond ring. Waylen appeared again, got down on one knee, and uttered, "May I cut in line, Rena? I still want you."
For three years, Joanna had dedicated herself as both Anthony's secretary and his secret lover, all for her family's sake. Upon discovering Anthony's engagement to the woman he truly loved, Joanna chose to break off their affair, resign from her role, conceal her pregnancy, and leave without a trace. Five years later, Joanna had ascended to the role of CEO of a formidable business empire. In a bold public declaration, she announced her plans to acquire Anthony's group within three years. In a private moment, Anthony cornered Joanna, pressing her against the wall and softly kissing her near her lips. "If you desire it, I'm ready to offer it to you, okay? Just promise you won't leave me again."
My family was on the poverty line and had no way to support me in college. I had to work part-time every day just to make ends meet and afford to get into the university. That was when I met her—the pretty girl in my class that every boy dreamt of asking out. I was well aware she was out of my league. Nevertheless, I mustered all my courage and bravely told her that I had fallen for her. To my surprise, she agreed to be my girlfriend. With the sweetest smile I had ever seen, she told me that she wanted my first gift for her to be the latest and top-of-the-line iPhone. I worked like a dog and even did my classmates’ laundry to save up. My hard work eventually paid off after a month. I finally got to buy what she wanted. But as I was wrapping my gift, I saw her in the dressing room, making out with the captain of the basketball team. She then heartlessly made fun of my inadequacy and made a fool out of me. To make things worse, the guy whom she cheated on me with even punched me in the face. Desperation washed over me, but there was nothing I could do but lie on the floor as they trampled on my feelings. But then, my father called me out of the blue, and my life turned upside down. It turned out that I was a billionaire's son.
It took only a second for a person's world to come crashing down. This was what happened in Hannah's case. For four years, she gave her husband her all, but one day, he said emotionlessly, "Let's get divorced." Hannah's heart broke into a million pieces as she signed the divorce papers, marking the end of her role as a devoted wife. Within Hannah, a strong woman awakened, vowing never to be beholden to any man again. Embracing her new life, she embarked on a journey to find herself and command her own destiny. By the time she returned, she had experienced so much growth and was now completely different from the docile wife everyone once knew. "Is this your latest trick to get my attention?" Hannah's ever-so-arrogant husband asked. Before she could retort, a handsome and domineering CEO pulled her into his embrace. He smiled down at her and said boldly to her ex, "Just a little heads-up, mister. This is my beloved wife. Keep off!"
"The wedding is canceled. Furthermore, all collaboration between the Barkers and Larssons will cease from today onward!" After saying that, he coldly peeped at Samantha as if he was mocking her, or maybe he was even laughing at himself. He did not say anything more and strode off. Samantha stood there dumbfounded. The mocking chattering from all directions instantly drowned her. She felt a stiff cold as if thousands of swords were piercing her heart. ************* Samantha Larsson became a laughing stock when Timothy Barker publicly denounced their marriage. Two years later, she was tricked into going home and married a mysterious man, who was known to be disfigured and physically disabled! Nonetheless, she would fight until the end and destroy the scums, slowly getting her justice!
Stella Richard married Rene Kingston in the place of her sister Sophia due to some reasons. But from the beginning, she knows that her marriage was just a time-limit contract and once the time was up she had to go. For RK, this marriage was just a burden but for her, it was a gift from God. Because RK was the man who she had loved all her Youth... So, in the meantime of her marriage, Stella did her best so that this marriage may work out. But on the day she found she was pregnant, her husband gives her the divorce paper and said... "I don't want this child. Don't forget to abort." These words come out of his mouth, like a bomb for Stella, and changed her life... She signed her name on the divorce paper and left the house... Because she doesn't want to be with such a cold-hearted man... Five years later... RK bought the company In which Stella worked. But Stella did her best not to have anything to do with him... Because she had a child and she didn't want him to find out about him... But one day When Stella picked up her son from school he saw her... RK, "How dare you had a child with another man?" Stella, "I don't think it has anything to do with you." RK was about to say more when his gaze fell on the child beside her... His face looked as same as when he was young...