My Pet (A Dirty Boss Romance Book 1) Read online

  My Pet

  A Dirty Boss Romance

  C.M. Steele

  Copyrighted © 2022

  All Rights Reserved

  No part of this book may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system without written expressed permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is purely coincidental.

  Cover design: Cormar Covers

  The use of actors, artists, movies, TV shows and song titles/lyrics throughout this book are done so for storytelling purposes and should in no way be seen as advertisement. Trademark names are used in an editorial fashion with no intention of infringement of the respective owner’s trademark.

  This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or if it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it to the seller and please purchase your own copy.

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Epilogue

  Nervous, scared, and completely unqualified. That’s the way I walked into Jack Shaw’s office building. I walked out with my stomach in knots for a completely different reason. My heart is pounding like I had actually went running.

  My head and heart war with quitting or working through the fiery desire he stimulates through me. At the end of the day, I leave the decision to him. The problem is I can’t tell if he wants to toss me over his desk or out on my rear. I guess by the dark look in his eyes, I’ll soon find out.

  Chapter One

  Petra

  I hold my messenger bag strap tightly to my chest as I enter the security check of a corporate building in downtown Chicago. The smell of food from the first-floor café hits my nose, making my already nervous stomach rumble. Suddenly, I regret not eating breakfast this morning. I’m not a breakfast person; today must be the exception.

  I’m not sure I’m able to handle this position, but I need the money. I came all the way from the southside of the city for this job, so I can’t turn around now. The trip took me forty-five minutes and a lot of stress, but it’s an opportunity I can’t pass up, even if I’m underqualified—seriously underqualified.

  “Miss? Can I help you?” the security guard at the front desk asks. I’d been so lost in my own nerves that I hadn’t noticed the woman with long black hair, about five years older than me, dressed in a dark blue blazer with the building logo emblazoned on the breast pocket. This is a twelve-story building, which is considered average in the city. Not every building downtown is the size of the Willis Tower.

  “Yes, I’m here for my first day working for Shaw Enterprises,” I speak up, finding my voice; it’s weak and shaky, making me feel even more unsure of myself by the second.

  “Okay. May I see some identification?” she asks, arching her brow with a bit of suspicion in her eyes that doesn’t do anything to ease the first-day jitters. Although, I suspect it’s not her job to make me comfortable; she’s here to keep people safe.

  “Oh, yes,” I mutter, digging through my bag for my wallet. “Sorry. One more second,” I grunt while I continue the search. I can’t believe I’m not prepared. I stop and slap my forehead when it hits me. It’s in the front zipper for a reason—so I’d be ready for this morning. Opening it up, I hand it over to the woman and she smiles. “I put it here so I could easily grab it.”

  When I look at her again, she’s smiling kindly at me. “Don’t worry—first-day jitters. It’s best that you shake them out here anyway.” She checks my ID and then looks at something on her computer for what I’m assuming is my name on a list for something. “Take this elevator up to the ninth floor. You’re scheduled to meet with Linda Hoffman in Human Resources.”

  “Thank you. Have a great day.”

  “You, too. Good luck!” She seems much nicer knowing that I’m actually not some crazy person trying to get into the building uninvited.

  “Thanks. I’m going to need it,” I mutter that last bit, tucking my wallet back into my bag while my low heels click toward the bank of six elevators, three on each side. I tap the up button and wait, tension only doubling in my stomach, creating a nervousness that I’ve never felt before. I’ve been apprehensive, scared, but I’ve always tried to see the brighter side of things, and looked at it as the next challenge in my shitty life. This is different. I feel so afraid of fucking up, like there’s so much more at stake than temp work. Maybe it’s because my last assignment went so terribly wrong.

  I look up at the cameras hidden in the corner of the corridor and no, it’s not that. My heart does a leap out of my chest, as if I can sense someone actually watching me. I know someone is, and not just the girl in the front who’s probably monitoring all the cameras, but someone else. The elevator doors ping and open, shaking me out of those silly thoughts. Ignoring that train of thought, I press the button for the ninth floor and then take a calming breath before it comes to a stop.

  When I step off, I’m greeted by a hallway and a set of glass doors that say Shaw Enterprises Administration Offices. I walk through the doors and see a receptionist who tosses a friendly smile my way. “You must be Miss Novak.”

  “Yes, I am.”

  “Linda will be out in a minute to retrieve you. Would you like a bottle of water, juice, or coffee?”

  “I’ll have orange juice, please.”

  “Yes, just one minute. I’m Casey, by the way.” She shakes my hand, and I already feel a little more at ease. She comes back about fifteen seconds later with a bottle of Minute Maid Orange Juice and smiles as she hands it to me before looking behind me. “Ah, here she is.”

  “Petra? I’m Linda Hoffman, the human resources director. Please follow me.” She’s equally as friendly as Casey and I don’t feel as shitty as I did when I first came in, although I’m a bit overwhelmed the second she mentions who I’m working for.

  “Mr. Shaw? As in Shaw Enterprises?”

  “Yes, didn’t the agency inform you that you’d be working for the CEO and owner?”

  “No, only that I would be a temporary assistant with the opportunity to become a full-time hire if I fit.”

  “Ah, well, yes. I suppose they didn’t want to overwhelm you with that idea of working for the big boss. It’s fine. I’m sure you’ll do a great job according to your temp tests. All we ask is that if you have a problem with the boss, you inform us. He’s very demanding, and it can be a lot for assistants who aren’t used to the high demands.”

  “Oh. Okay.” Now the tension is back.

  “Mr. Shaw, your new assistant will be up in ten minutes. Would you like me to escort her, or do you want Elliot to do it?” Linda, the HR manager, says as I sit in front of her neatly organized desk. It’s a decent-sized office and nothing compared to what the boss will have, and yet I’m so intimidated. I can’t even fathom how I’ll feel when I see his massive office.

  “Just send her up,” I hear him snarl on the other end of the phone. My body has conflicting reactions about t
he sound. A part of me wants to run to the elevators and never enter this building again, and another wants to see if his looks match that sexy voice. His growl is almost insanely deep, like an animal, and yet, you’d never expect that coming from the CEO and owner of a major corporation.

  “Yes, Mr. Shaw.” The line goes silent and she hangs up the receiver, so it’s clear he hung up on her. Damn, someone’s having a pleasant day, and I’m supposed to deal with him? I’m on my second temping job, and I’m actually surprised I landed this one because I didn’t think I was a good fit—although I’m not so sure I’m the one who’s going to be a problem. I’d venture to guess that Mr. Shaw goes through plenty of assistants and that’s why they’re willing to hire a woman from the bottom of the barrel who had quit her last job in two days because the boss got a little too touchy-feely, but most don’t know that story. All anyone knows is that I quit because I was too embarrassed to deal with the judgmental eyes and comments accusing me of trying to sleep with the boss.

  “I assure you he’s much nicer than that on most days. He’s had a rough go this morning. He’s recovering from an injury caused by his last assistant, so he’s not quite in the mood for a new one and, well, we’re just going to make the best of it.”

  “What kind of injury?”

  “He had hot coffee spilled down his chest and lap, resulting in serious burns,” she mentions, face scrunching up with embarrassment. I immediately imagine his bits being burnt, which is not cool at all.

  “Oh. Yes, and well, let’s just say she said it wasn’t an accident.” She squints, and I have too many questions that make me a little nervous. I want to turn on my heels and make a run for it even more now.

  “Relax. He’s not some pervert. She was pissed because he fired her and he did it in the middle of the breakroom after he overheard her conversation with another employee. Both of them were fired, but Mr. Shaw hasn’t been in a good mood since then.” Maybe because you’re telling everyone that he got his private parts burned off. That might make him feel a bit salty. Although she didn’t quite say it, that’s my guess.

  “Take this and finish filling it out when you have time. Bring it down to me by tomorrow. Use this elevator. Here’s your badge. If you have any questions, I’m a few floors away.” She presses the button and then essentially pushes me in, and I feel like I’m being fed to the beast or something. “Oh, hello, Elliot. This is Petra, Mr. Shaw’s new assistant.”

  “Hello, Petra.” He’s a handsome guy probably a few years older than me, and I have a feeling he knows he’s good looking. “Welcome aboard. I’ll take you up there.” He presses the button and the door closes as Linda waves us off. “The boss was in the middle of a call when I was up there.”

  “Oh, that explains his quick temper.” I probably shouldn’t have said that, and I need to remember to think before I speak. It’s been known to get me in trouble from time to time.

  “Yeah, that’s it,” he mutters, darting his eyes downward before bringing them back to me. So that’s not why he’s a dick. That’s just who he is, then. I’d be pissed if someone tried to destroy my body. Burns are no joke; they can kill or permanently disfigure a person.

  “Well, it doesn’t matter. I’m here to do a job and go home.”

  “Sounds smart.” The door opens, and we’re greeted by a six-foot-four man in a dark gray suit.

  “Mr. Timmons, what are you doing up here again?”

  “I came to escort Petra up here,” he answers the grouchy boss.

  “Following orders is so damn hard around here. Get lost, Mr. Timmons, and don’t come up here unless I request your services. Miss Novak, please follow me.” As mad as he is, I suppose the jerk has a point.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “See ya around, Petra. Maybe we’ll do lunch sometime.”

  “Out of the question,” Mr. Shaw snarls under his breath. I wonder what the hell is going on, but I’m getting the impression that I won’t be around here long.

  “This is your desk. I’m assuming that you have a basic background in typing and all of the office software, correct?”

  “Yes, sir. I have…” I cut myself off because he unbuttons his suit jacket and slides his hand in the pocket of his slacks, dragging my attention there. Fuck. I look up and continue. “I have an associate degree from the community college in business administration, so I can manage just fine with daily office tasks. Although, I’m not sure if I’m qualified to handle more than just menial tasks.”

  “Do you always speak your mind?”

  “Um…I try to be honest.”

  “Well, don’t go around pointing out that you’re not qualified to assist. Let me find out for myself. Now, take a seat and get to work on the list of tasks on your desk. Everything you need is on the note pad. I’ll be in my office on a call for the next two hours, which means I expect not to be interrupted about anything at all, unless this place is actually on fire. Understood?”

  “Yes, Mr. Shaw.” He walks into his office, and I’m confused. Not about the job because I have no idea what waits for me at the desk, but it’s more what to make of him. He’s definitely grumpy as hell, but then was nice enough not to fire me on the spot for being unqualified, and yet he also muttered about me not having lunch with Elliot. Maybe I’m forced to work and eat at my desk or take late lunches. Whatever.

  I walk around to my desk and set my bag down before undoing the three buttons of my peacoat. I love this one—I got it two years ago at a yard sale because it’s one of the few places I can find nice things for cheap. Unlike the suit that Mr. Shaw is wearing, my clothes don’t cost a fortune. I worked my butt off while attending college. Thankfully, it’s the one blessing of growing up poor. I went to school for nothing and I could have gone to a four-star institution, but I would have had to take out loans and I didn’t want to eat debt when I already knew what it was like to struggle to pay basic bills.

  Mercifully, this job landed in my lap, and I’m going to do my best to keep it even if my boss isn’t a cinnamon roll. In fact, he’s the opposite of it, which I assume is something burnt and bitter, but I need to stop thinking about that chisel-jawed jerk and focus on what he left for me.

  It’s a list of passwords to log in and a small to-do list. All of it seems straightforward, so I get to work. I’m midway through it when the phone rings. Unfortunately, no one told me how to answer it, but I do my best. “Mr. Shaw’s office, how may I help you?”

  “Petra, this is Linda. I’m just seeing if everything is okay.”

  “So far so good. I’ve gotten through some of his list here, but I’m not sure what else he’ll have left to do and he’s asked not to be disturbed because he’s on a call.”

  “Good. I’m glad. Elliot said he was a little worried about you.”

  “I can handle myself against the big old grumpy man. Tell Elliot I’m perfectly fine.” A grumble comes from beside me, and I don’t need to look to know it’s Mr. Shaw standing there. “I’ve got to go, Linda.” I hang up the phone and turn to him. “I’m sorry, Mr. Shaw. Do you need me for something?”

  “Did you not hear your notifications going off?”

  “Notifications?”

  “Yes. These?” He reaches around me with his entire body engulfing my frame to wiggle my mouse, and there’s a chat box at the bottom of my computer screen that’s blinking with a ten in parentheses.

  “Shit. I’m in trouble.”

  “That you are. I’ll get the files myself. Now, next time, pay attention to the notifications and turn the volume up on it if you have to. Understood?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Good.” He grabs something from the drawer beside my desk inches from my legs and then walks back into his office, grumbling something to himself as he closes the door.

  “Way to go. Pissing off the boss on the first day,” I mutter, trying to stop the shaking throughout my entire body. Why is he such a handsome ass? Why did I have to make a fool of myself?

  I see a ding on the
computer and check it, but it’s not from Mr. Shaw. It’s from Elliot. Hey, sorry about the boss man. I hope I didn’t get you in trouble. If you’d like, I can make it up to you with dinner tonight.

  I should say no, but I’m mad at the jerk boss, so I look around to see if he’s looking before I turn back to my computer and respond.

  Yes, I’d like to go to dinner tonight.

  A minute later, his office door opens. “Miss Novak, please come into my office—now.”

  Chapter Two

  Jack

  I stare at the message wondering who the fuck this is for, getting angrier by the second because I know damn well it’s not for me. A snarl comes from my throat, forcing my client to ask if I needed to grab a drink. “Sorry, the air must be a little dry in here.” I clear my throat intentionally.

  “Let’s continue this later on in the week after I have a chance to review the figures.”

  “Sounds good to me. Have your assistant contact me with the time.” Feeling irrationally possessive of her time and attention, I blurt out, “I’ll contact you directly. She’s new and doesn’t have a clue what’s going on here.” It comes off as condescending and rude if she had heard, but I don’t care. The less men breathing in her scent the better.

  “Okay. That’s fine by me.” We end the call and I set down the receiver, staring at my screen and the message that she accidentally sent to me, but it’s already too damn late. I stand up and walk over to the door and stop, feeling a ridiculous urge to demand that she have dinner with me to make up for this message, but that’s wrong in so many fucking ways. I shouldn’t want her time. I don’t want her, or so I tell myself. Instead, I take my ass back to my chair and sit down.

  She’s beautiful. I noticed it the second she stepped into the building over an hour ago. I grew impatient as I waited for her to get up here from HR. Since the incident with my previous assistant, I’ve had cameras installed in additional areas along with access for myself including the main entrance, the breakroom, and her desk. I have multiple ways now to keep an eye on my stunning assistant for all the wrong fucking reasons.