Bound by boardroom

s sweaty against the cheap fabric. This was her last shot-rent was overdue, and her student loans loomed like a guillotine. The job posting had been vague: "Executive Assistant to CEO. Di

the. "Miss Hart," he said, his voice a low growl that vibrated through the room. "You're late." "I-um, the traffic-" She stumbled over her words, clutching her résumé like a shield. "Sit." He gestured to a leather chair, but it felt more like a throne facing a king. She obeyed, her thighs pressing together under his scrutiny. He didn't move, just watched her, letting the silence stretch until it was unbearable. "Your qualifications are... adequate," he said finally, picking up her résumé from the desk. His fingers brushed the paper, deliberate, controlled. "But I don't hire based on paper. I hire based on instinct." Elena swallowed. "I'm a fast learner, Mr. Blackthorne. I'll do whatever it takes." A flicker crossed his face-amu