“I don’t want to kill you.”
“No?”
“No,” I say with certainty. “I just want to maim you. Maybe break a leg. Maybe just a few fingers, if you’re being nice.”
He chuckles softly. “Nothing is going to change, little Paige,” he says. “You understand that? You’re making more money than you could anywhere else, but you’re still my assistant. You’re still going to work your ass off and do absolutely everything I ask.”
“Even if it’s impossible?” I snap at him, suddenly losing my temper. “Getting across town like that in morning traffic was impossible, but I made it happen, you know.”
He smiles slightly, ever so slightly. “Yes, you did. And yes, even when it’s impossible. And you won’t expect a thank you, because none will be forthcoming. Your paychecks are your thanks.”
I stare at him like he’s gone insane. “Do you really want to treat people like this?” I ask him.
He shrugs and spreads his hands. “We’re in a business arrangement,” he says. “I don’t want you to forget that.”
“Yeah, well, you’re an asshole.”
The words leave my lips before I can stop them and as soon as they’re out there I wish I could somehow reel them back in. But instead, we sit in silence as he watches me carefully, face still neutral.
“Is that all?” he asks. “Anything else you want to say?”
“Yeah, there is. You’re an asshole, and you’re overly demanding, and you’re impossible. And you’re an asshole.”
“I’m an asshole. That’s pretty clear.” A hint of a smile graces his lips.
I stand up. “I don’t care how much you’re paying me,” I say. “You can’t just treat me like cattle. Commenting on my appearance? That’s sexual harassment, you know.”
He arches an eyebrow. “Is it?”
“It’s unprofessional and just rude,” I continue. “I’m a person. I’ll do what you want me to do but at least treat me like a human being while you jerk me around. Oh, and another thing, you’re an asshole.”
When I finish, I’m breathing hard like I just ran up a flight of stairs. He’s smiling, which is freaking me out, I have to admit. I kind of expected him to fire me as soon as I got started.
Instead, he stands up. “Are you done?”
“I guess,” I say, feeling myself deflate under his gaze.
“Sit down, Paige.”
He stares at me for a second and I swear my body moves on its own. I find myself seated again, back straight, hands on my knees. It’s the sort of posture I was forced to use back in Catholic School. I don’t know why I automatically fall into it.
He steps out from behind his desk.
“I understand I ask a lot of you,” he says gently. “But the truth is, my little Paige, you are up to the task. And now you’re being paid far more than anyone else in your position could ever dream to be paid. So I will ask the impossible of you, Paige, and you will make it happen for me.” He walks over to me and reaches down, tilting my chin up to meet his eyes. “Because I own you. So long as I’m paying you this absurd amount, I absolutely own you.”
“That wasn’t part of the deal.” I wanted that to come out strong and defiant, but instead it’s barely a whisper.
He leans forward. I feel my lips part ever so slightly. “I’m changing the deal. You are mine, little Paige, and you will work hard. Do you understand?”
I clench my jaw, lips closed. “I understand.”
“Call me sir.”
I relax my jaw, frowning slightly. “Sir?”
“Say it again.” His voice is a whisper, nearly a croon. I can tell there’s something more happening here…
Excitement runs down my spine.
“You want me to call you sir?” I ask him.
He nods once. “Right now.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good girl.”
My heart’s racing as he stares down at me. I stay in my position, almost obedient, submissive. I don’t understand how I slipped into this role, but it…
It feels good. I like calling him sir, I like the way he likes it. I can see the pure pleasure in his eyes when I use the word. I’ve been calling him sir for so long now, but suddenly it’s taking on this new dimension.
The fake orgasm rings in my ears again. The way he looked at me, hungry, almost starving. He has that look now.
We linger in the moment. I’m sitting submissively, hands on my knees, back straight, and he keeps his fingers on my chin. My eyes are locked on his and I swear I can feel a chill running down my spine as excitement builds between my legs. I’m afraid that if I stand right now I’m going to leave a wet puddle behind on the chair.
Finally though, he breaks eye contact and releases me. It’s like a spell shatters and I can breathe again.
He turns away. “I need you tomorrow night,” he says.