My Pet (A Dirty Boss Romance 1)

“Thank you, but you shouldn’t have.”

“I don’t want you to get sick, so it will do a world of good for the both of us.”

She throws her arms around me and quickly remembers herself before I even get a chance to react. Fuck, I missed my opportunity to pull her in for a hug. Maybe it’s for the best because the elevator doors open up and Landon Black appears.

“Ah, thanks for coming by. I’m glad you could take the time out of your busy day. How’s it going?”

“Great, my friend. I’m about to hunt down my woman, but I came to handle that matter you requested.” I’m curious, but I don’t ask because Landon’s a very private man.

“Landon Black, this is my assistant, Petra Novak.”

“Hello, Miss Novak.”

“Hello, Mr. Black. Would you like something to drink?” I introduce them only because it’s polite, but I want to growl when she smiles at him.

“No, thank you.” My eyes scan for any interest in her, but he doesn’t pay any special attention to her.

“We’ll be in my office.”

“What about that project?” Petra blurts out before biting her bottom lip.

“It can wait. Just give me an hour.” She nods and then walks back to her desk.

“Yes, Mr. Shaw.” I turn back to Landon and then escort him into my office, closing the door behind me.

As soon as we take our seats, a giant grin spreads across his face. “So, I see why you were in a rush for me to get over here.”

“A guard? A female one?”

“Yes. Of course. You trusted Danny, but there’s no way I’m trusting any man around her. I don’t want her to fall in love with anyone else before I can win her. Besides, she’s been harassed by Dickerson.”

“That asshole. I hate him. I could deal with him once and for all.” We all know him because he runs in our circles, burning bridges with those who don’t need his business or respect his behavior.

“No, people would suspect me right off the bat. I clocked the bastard today at the Plaza.”

“Wow, I’m shocked, but then again, if it has to do with your future wife, then I’m not. I’m assuming she will be your future wife, right?”

“Of course.”

“Well, then, I hope for the best. Also, the tracking device is here. Slip it into anything of hers when you get a chance. If you want me to put it in her phone, that’s easy too. I’ll also drop off a company phone in the morning.”

“Great. I want to be able to keep tabs just in case.”

“Just in case she finds someone else.”

“That’s not it.” It’s one of the main reasons without a doubt, but it’s not my sole purpose in having someone protecting her.

He smirks. “Okay. Keep telling yourself that. We all do.” He stands, stretching out his hand for me to shake. I walk him out and then call her into my office, knowing he’ll set up her cell while we’re in the office.

“Sorry about that.”

“Oh, it’s okay. You’re the boss, and you’re a busy man. I’m at your disposal. Besides, I get paid either way, work or no work.”

“Can’t beat that.”

“Nope.” If she was my wife, she could. She could have whatever she wanted at the tips of her fingers, and all she’d have to do is ask.

By the end of the day, I know one thing: I’m crazy about Petra and I have to find a way to make her see that she belongs with me. But, until she gives me a way in, I can’t just jump the gun. She’s been through one sleazy boss and doesn’t need another.

Chapter Five

Petra

“Val, I need a drink,” I huff, collapsing down on our dilapidated sofa we got on for pennies on the dollar at a yard sale. Again, it’s our favorite way to shop when you’re poor. Valentine and I are best friends and have been for a long time.

“I got you, girl.” She hits the cabinet and brings out a bottle of Smirnoff, waving it in her hand. We save that for only special occasions, and today is one of them because it’s been one hell of a day.

“Tell me what happened. How did it go?” She grabs two plastic cups and the orange juice from the fridge. Although with the way I’m feeling, it might be a shots kind of night—no chasers needed.

With a dramatic sigh, I throw my arms out and hit the sofa cushions. “It was a freaking insane roller coaster. I made a mess of things from the start.”

“Here. Take this, and then let it all out.” She hands me the mixed drink that I quickly take a long gulp from while she plops down beside me with her own drink in hand. I begin to tell her all about my day, and then I get to my description of Mr. Shaw and his behavior throughout the day and she stops me.