by Isa Hunt
Besides, she was tired. She had spent the last few weeks job hunting day and night, pounding the pavement early every morning. Now, she would use the weekend to rest up for her big day on Monday morning. She clapped her hands and let out a gleeful shriek. She had given up her previous job and her entire life to take care of her mother for three long months. Now that she had her life back, she had to start from scratch. She had blown through all of her meager savings and had just a few pieces of furniture in the apartment to her name.
A sliver of sadness passed through her at the thought of her mother. She was gone now. They never had the best relationship -- in fact, they had a very unconventional and toxic relationship, with Christine on the receiving end of a lot of hate. But, she liked to believe that she had grown accustomed to her mother's awful treatment of her since she had dealt with it since she was a child. Who am I kidding? It never got any easier.
She frowned. So what if she was a bit chunky as a kid and she was still on the curvy side now? Her mother had no right to rip her self-esteem to shreds every moment she got. Christine sighed and got up from her seat on the couch. Now was not the time to relive the past and wallow in self-pity. She had every reason to be happy. At twenty-four years old, she was about to get her life started once again.
“Are you sure you don’t want to come, Chrissy?” Keira stood in the doorway of Christine’s bedroom, dressed to the nines for a night at the club.
Christine let out a low whistle, taking in her friend’s edgy blond cut and tall slender figure. “You look hot.”
Keira did a turn and batted her eyelashes, “Thank you, thank you, I try.”
“Please, you don’t have to try hard. And yeah, I’m sure I don’t want to join. I’m good.”
Keira sighed, “Pretty please, Chrissy. You can’t let me hang solo tonight.”
Christine’s brows furrowed, “Solo? What happened to Nick?”
“He called thirty minutes ago to let me know he couldn’t make it. Something about being held up at his parents’ house. I don’t want to waste a good Friday night so I decided to go out anyway.” She widened her eyes and batted her lashes. “I thought you might want to come along and keep your home girl company.”
Christine groaned but she pondered the possibility. “Well… alright. I guess I could come along. I don’t like the idea of you out alone tonight.” She let out a breath. “Give me thirty minutes.”
“Yes!”
She watched Keira do her happy dance with amusement.
Half an hour later, Christine stepped into the living room. “Okay, let’s go.”
“Not so fast.”
“What?” Christine asked, confused.
“That huge t-shirt hiding your hot body has got to go.”
A long groan escaped Christine’s lips. “Can we not do this?”
“We’re going clubbing, not to play bridge with the golden girls. Now, get rid of it. Don’t make me come over there and help you.”
Christine growled, irritated. She grasped the end of the shirt and pulled it over her head, mumbling, “This is what I get for doing you a favor.”
Keira stepped closer and gave her a once over. With her finger on her chin, she murmured, “Hmm, tight jeans-check, tight tank top-check, major cleavage-check. What’s missing?” She reached for Christine’s top and hiked it up an inch, revealing a sliver of skin. She then released the high ponytail and ruffled her fingers through Christine’s long auburn locks. “There, now you’re ready to party.”
Pulling self-consciously at her top, Christine frowned. “I feel overly exposed.”
“You look hot. God, if I had your hour glass figure, I would flaunt it non-stop. I so hate you,” she added playfully. “Let’s go.”
With an uncertain glance down at her ample bosom, Christine grabbed her cell and purse and followed Keira to the door. She’d been working on her body image issues for years. Now that her mother was no longer in the picture to disrupt every progress she made, perhaps her self-esteem would rise.
***
The music pounded and a sea of clubbers gyrated on the dance floor. Christine sat at the bar and glanced around uncomfortably. This is not my scene, she mused, sipping her cocktail. Her lips lifted as she watched Keira on the dance floor, moving energetically. She caught Christine’s gaze and motioned for her to come over.
Christine grimaced and shook her head. There was no way she was getting on that dance floor. Keira glared and started taking steps toward the bar.
“Oh no,” Christine whispered.
“Chrissy, come on. You have been sitting in that same spot for an hour. This is a club for goodness sake, get up and shake it.”
“I’m not good at shaking anything nor do I have any desire to.”
Keira grasped her hand and pulled her off the stool. “Just pretend that it’s only you and me in our apartment jamming.”
Christine dragged her feet, reluctantly following. She wouldn’t let Keira force her into anything, but she followed because deep down she wanted to dance. She wanted to break out of her timid, insecure shell. Keira was just giving her the shove she needed.
Standing in the middle of the crowd, she nibbled her lower lip and began to mimic Keira’s movements. She flushed, knowing that she wasn’t the best dancer. Realizing that no one was paying her any mind, her confidence mounted and she began to move with more vigor. A smile spread across her face. This is nice. She let herself go as she dipped and twirled to the music.
***
Ethan sighed heavily. He was royally pissed that his youngest brother, Micah, had coerced him to join him for a night out, once again. He scowled and watched the crowd broodingly from the VIP section of one of Washington‘s hottest clubs. He shook his head when he saw Micah flirting with the fifth woman in less than an hour. With his enhanced hearing, he could also hear every word above the deafening music.
Hearing his brother sweet talk the woman made him sick. Letting out a huff, he slid out of the booth and stalked over to stand at the edge of the balcony. Several women gave him second, even third glances. They were drawn to his dark good looks and imposing stature, not to mention the danger he exuded. Women always seemed to be attracted to his bad boy type. He usually took great pleasure in a woman’s company, but lately, he received no pleasure from women or much else. It was as if his ability to feel was slowly dissipating.
He continued to stare, unseeing into the crowd of people below him. Various scents assailed his heightened olfactory sense and he was forced to shove them aside before he got overwhelmed. He reached out to his brother telepathically.
This is ridiculous Micah, I’m leaving.
Already? We haven’t been here an hour.
I’m bored.
Nothing ever excites you, big brother. Micah sounded annoyed. Leave if you must. I’m staying. I have found something that I like.
Ethan glanced over his shoulder to see his brother whispering in a pretty brunette’s ear. She let out a girly giggle and batted her eyelashes. Ethan rolled his eyes and grunted. He straightened and turned to leave, but stopped when he saw a flash of red. His gaze narrowed and he drew in a sharp breath. He stared at the curvy redhead in the center of the dance floor. Her fluid movements and the seductive swaying of her hips seemed to hypnotize him. His gaze lifted to her face and he swallowed hard. She had a pretty face enhanced by slanted eyes and perfectly bowed lips. Lips that any man would fantasize about kissing.
The woman beside her said something, eliciting a laugh from her. He could hear the sweet husky sound clearly. His eyes widened as his heart began to beat faster. She was a burst of color in his dull world. His Wolf rippled beneath his skin and he gripped the rail tightly, fighting to maintain control. The animal inside of him had already claimed the woman as his. He warned his Wolf about the danger of claiming a human.
I thought you were leaving.
Micah’s voice shimmered in his mind. Uh, yes, I’m going.
He shook his head slightly, breaking himsel
f from the strange trance the vision below had caused. He frowned as a swirl of unknown emotions rose in him. Abruptly turning away, he stalked off and headed to the stairs. The last thing he needed in his life was another woman. They always thought they could change him, bring him over from the dark side. It was something he found very irritating. He wouldn't see the redhead again anyway, which was probably for the best. But, for some strange reason, he felt a deep regret at the thought.
He aimed for the club's exit. He was tempted to look back at the dance floor, but resisted the urge, holding his head straight. Stepping out into the mid-July air, he inhaled deeply, relieved to get away from the stuffy atmosphere of the club. He strolled slowly to his black Porsche.
“Hey.”
Ethan turned around at the sound of the female voice. He had picked up her scent, knowing that she followed him out of the club but hadn’t bothered to acknowledge her. His gaze swept over the scantily clad blonde.
“Hi,” he responded gruffly.
“Pardon my bold come on, but you caught my attention inside.”
His eyes bore into hers and she shifted, sensing the darkness in him. But his powerful magnetism pulled her in. His lips lifted.
“I see. How about a ride?”
She smiled and sauntered toward him.
Ethan should have sent her packing, but he felt the need to wipe his mind clean of the woman that had captured his attention earlier, along with the unfamiliar feelings that had been stirred.
Chapter Two
Smoothing her dress nervously, Christine studied herself in the mirror. She protruded her lower lip, wondering if she looked presentable. She had to make a good impression on her first day of work. “I have nothing better, so this will have to do.” She grabbed her handbag.
“Morning,” Keira said, as Christine emerged from her bedroom. “All set for your big day?”
“Uh, I’m a nervous wreck.”
“You’ll do great. You were chosen out of many, so that means something.”
“I guess.” She glanced down at the fruits on the dining room table. “I want to eat breakfast, but I can’t. My stomach is in chaos.”
Keira grinned. “Sorry hon.”
“How do I look? Am I giving off the serious professional vibe?”
“Err, what you’re giving off is the seriously frumpy vibe.”
Christine’s face fell, “Ouch, I have feelings, remember?”
Keira shrugged, “The truth hurts. You can’t wear an oversized brown dress and hideous jacket on your first day at a new job.” She huffed in frustration. “When are you going to stop hiding behind baggy, ugly clothes? Let your beauty shine.”
Christine’s shoulders sagged. “All of my clothes are bigger than me right now. I did lose a ton of weight. My bank account isn’t really up for a new wardrobe.”
“I think I have something that you can wear. Isn’t it a good thing you have me?”
“Seriously Keira? I’ll pop the stitches out of your clothes.”
“That’s exactly what we’re going for,” she replied, disappearing into her room. A few moments later she appeared with an olive colored business-casual dress. “I bought this a while back but it’s a bit too big. The color will go great with your red hair.” She handed Christine the dress, who reluctantly took it.
Christine glanced down at her own dress. It really was a hideous sight. “Alright, I’ll try it on.” She backed off her jacket and dress in the living room, throwing modesty out the window because she was on the verge of being late. She put on Keira’s dress and smoothed it down.
“Absolutely perfect,” Keira gushed.
The dress hugged her curves to perfection without being overly vulgar. She liked that the neckline was high enough to be appropriate for an office setting and the hemline ended right above her knees. Disappearing again, Keira returned with a pair of nude pumps.
“It’s a good thing we wear the same size shoes. Now get rid of those black monstrosities.”
Christine kicked off her sensible shoes and slipped on the ridiculously high heels. “Wow, what an improvement,” she said looking at Keira. “I’m so glad I live with you. I could totally kiss you right now.” She continued to look down at her appearance. She no longer looked like a bag lady.
Keira clutched her chest, "Am I the greatest fairy godmother, or what? Okay, the hair and makeup look fine so get out of here, go.”
Christine gave her a quick hug. “You really are my fairy godmother. Thank you. I’ll see you later.” She rushed to the door.
“Yeah later. And we are so going shopping soon,” Keira called before the door closed.
***
Christine stood in front of the huge building. “Here I go,” she mumbled to herself. She headed up the stone steps, praying that she didn’t trip and fall on her face. Pushing the huge glass door open she stepped inside and headed for the elevator.
“Good Morning.” She greeted the other occupants of the lift brightly.
Most of them shot her strange looks and mumbled their greeting. Note to self, ditch the cheery attitude. She stared straight ahead as the elevator climbed and stepped off when it reached the sixth floor. The closer she got to Mr. Blackwood’s office, the sweatier her palms became. She hadn’t actually met the man who she would be working for. Instead, his personal assistant had done the interview and hiring.
She had heard a lot about the billionaire business tycoon from the other females who had been competing for the job. They gushed about how handsome he was. There was even talk about him being a playboy. Christine had sat silently and listened to the women moon over the man like teenagers. She rolled her eyes at the memory. She had no interest whatsoever in whom Mr. Blackwood was or what he looked like. She just needed a job. Squaring her shoulders, she entered the main office.
“Hello. I see you were the one selected. Congratulations,” the middle-aged receptionist said.
Christine smiled at her. “Hi, it’s Margaret right?”
“You remembered.”
“Of course. It’s good to see you again. How are you grandchildren, by the way?” The woman had held Christine hostage during her wait to be interviewed and had spoken excitedly about her two grandchildren.
Margaret’s eyes widened, “Oh, you remember them too. I knew you were a sweetheart. They’re fine dear.” She gave Christine a once over. “My, you are lovely. You’d better be careful. Ms. Coleman doesn’t like competition.”
“Huh?” Christine’s smile faltered at the issued warning.
“Never mind”, Margaret said. “Welcome, to Blackwood Enterprise. I’m sorry, I can’t recall your name.”
“Christine Morrow.”
Margaret smiled, “Christine. You can always come to me if you need help with anything, dear.”
“Thank you.” Christine walked away with a smile, Margaret’s warning still on her mind. Well, that was ominous. Nancy Coleman was the woman who had hired her. She didn’t understand what Margaret meant by competition. Deciding not to dwell on it, she shoved the thought aside.
Nancy looked up when she heard Christine enter her office. Her gaze ran over Christine sharply. She frowned, “Ms. Morrow, you look… different.”
Christine smiled nervously. She had shown up for the interview in one of her frumpy getups so of course she looked different. “Err, I thought I would step things up a bit.”
Nancy’s nostrils flared and malice flickered in her eyes. She forced out a smile. “Mhmm, so I see. Let's get down to business, shall we? As I explained during the interview, I am Mr. Blackwood's Personal Assistant and you are the general secretary. I will issue the clerical work and other junior duties to you. Got it?"
Christine nodded. Her heart dropped. Nancy’s attitude toward her had changed significantly since the interview. Crap, I thought she liked me. “I got it, Ms. Coleman.”
“Nancy will do.” She stood up. “Let me show you to your desk and then I will introduce you to Mr. Blackwood.” She stalked out of the office and
Christine followed. “Step it up, Christine,” she snapped. “There’s no time for dawdling around her.”
Christine picked up speed, attempting to maintain her balance on Keira’s high heels. The morning had taken a turn for the worst. Nancy was upset with her for some unknown reason. Or maybe she is just a natural bitch. She grimaced and kept walking. She was shown her miniature desk in the center of the huge office. Quickly dropping her bag, she rushed after Nancy, a bit out of breath by having to keep up with the taller woman’s long, brisk strides.
“This is Mr. Blackwood’s office,” Nancy announced, stopping at the closed door.
Christine came to a halt, grateful for the few seconds to catch her breath. Nancy knocked twice.
“Come in,” a deep baritone invited.
Christine stepped into the office and took a quick glance around the swanky office. Every piece of furniture looked expensive. Her eyes landed on the man seated behind the huge oak desk. He looked mighty expensive too. When he finally looked up, Christine’s mouth dropped open. Snapping it shut quickly, she drew in a silent breath. Holy smokes. The man was drop dead gorgeous. She now saw why the women at the interview carried on like love-sick adolescents.
Mr. Blackwood had deep-set, almost black eyes that appeared to be able to look into a person's soul. His straight nose sat above, lips that were full and kissable. His chiseled jaw screamed masculinity. There was an air of arrogance and power surrounding him. Christine gulped, there was also something dangerous.
***
As Ethan looked up, his eyes shifted from Nancy to the woman beside her. His entire world tilted. It was the same red-haired woman from the club. He blinked several times. What the hell is she doing here? His gaze slid over her. She looked delectable in a dress that accentuated her natural curves. His fingers itched, as he imagined running his hands over such a work of art. He knew he was staring but he didn’t care. He could now see that her eyes were a beautiful hazel. The hues of green, brown and amber were hypnotizing.
Nancy cleared her throat, her lips curled into a sneer. “Ethan- I mean, Mr. Blackwood, this is Christine Morrow, your new secretary.”