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*
“Drive this woman out!” "Throw this woman into the sea!” When he doesn’t know Debbie Nelson’s true identity, Carlos Hilton cold-shoulders her. “Mr. Hilton, she is your wife,” Carlos’ secretary reminded him. Hearing that, Carlos gives him a cold stare and complained, “why didn’t you tell me earlier?” From then on, Carlos spoils her rotten. Little did everyone expect that they would get a divorce.
On her wedding anniversary, Brielle plans on gifting her husband, Alpha Argon, a news on her pregnancy. But she's left shattered when she found Argon proposing to his first lover, Estelle, a super model and daughter of Alpha Deron from Red Wood pack. Argon rejects Brielle for his first love. He and Estelle don't hesitate to mock her for being wolfless and a burden with no family. When she planned to hide the news of her pregnancy, a curious Estelle fishes out the report, shocking Argon with the news. Brielle thinks the goddess would mend her broken relationship, but her whole world came crumbling when Argon and Estelle pushed her down the stairs, resulting to her miscarriage. Broken, she receives a divorce letter from Argon, giving her twenty four hours to sign and leave. In her pains, something was awoken in Brielle. Something rare and deadly. "Don't sign it, Brielle. That's not the way of the IVYs. Make them pay." Her eyes glowed green.
In order to fulfill her grandfather's last wish, Stella entered into a hasty marriage with an ordinary man she had never met before. However, even after becoming husband and wife on paper, they each led separate lives, barely crossing paths. A year later, Stella returned to Seamarsh City, hoping to finally meet her mysterious husband. To her astonishment, he sent her a text message, unexpectedly pleading for a divorce without ever having met her in person. Gritting her teeth, Stella replied, "So be it. Let’s get a divorce!" Following that, Stella made a bold move and joined the Prosperity Group, where she became a public relations officer that worked directly for the company’s CEO, Matthew. The handsome and enigmatic CEO was already bound in matrimony, and was known to be unwaveringly devoted to his wife in private. Unbeknownst to Stella, her mysterious husband was actually her boss, in his alternate identity! Determined to focus on her career, Stella deliberately kept her distance from the CEO, although she couldn't help but notice his deliberate attempts to get close to her. As time went on, her elusive husband had a change of heart. He suddenly refused to proceed with the divorce. When would his alternate identity be uncovered? Amidst a tumultuous blend of deception and profound love, what destiny awaited them?
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."
Eden McBride spent her whole life colouring within the lines. But when her fiancé dumps her one month before their wedding, Eden is done following the rules. A hot rebound is just what the doctor recommends for her broken heart. No, not really. But it's what Eden needs. Liam Anderson, the heir to the biggest logistics company in Rock Union, is the perfect rebound guy. Dubbed the Three Months Prince by the tabloids because he's never with the same girl longer than three months, Liam's had his fair share of one night stands and doesn't expect Eden to be anything more than a hookup. When he wakes up and finds her gone along with his favourite denim shirt, Liam is irritated, but oddly intrigued. No woman has ever left his bed willingly or stole from him. Eden has done both. He needs to find her and make her account. But in a city with more than five million people, finding one person is as impossible as winning the lottery, until fate brings them together again two years later. Eden is no longer the naive girl she was when she jumped into Liam's bed; she now has a secret to protect at all costs. Liam is determined to get everything Eden stole from him, and it's not just his shirt. © 2020-2021 Val Sims. All rights reserved. No part of this novel may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author and publishers.
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."