Romance: Bad Boss: Billionaire Romance Boxed Set by Stephanie Lex Page B

he wore just a pair of shorts, with some flat shoes on his feet. I admired his muscular body as he greeted me and Dad with a smile. The whiteness of his teeth flashing brightly.
    Shaking his hand politely, I returned Charles’ smile. Catching his brief wink once my Dad had turned away. My cheeks flushed hotly as I lowered my gaze. Though I knew of Charles’ reputation, it didn’t stop me from finding him attractive. With his defined chiseled features, he was very handsome and many women swooned when he paid them attention.
    After Charles had left the room, I continued with my work. And though I hated to admit it my mind began to wonder to thoughts of him. Considering what it would be like to go on a date with him. About the man beneath the dollar signs.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Two
     
     
    Dad had gone to the bathroom while I continued to polish one of the antique vases that the Henderson’s owned. My mind was still wandering with thoughts of Charles, so I was stunned when I heard my name being whispered from the doorway. The vase slipped from my hands, shattering upon the stained wooden floor.
    “Tut-tut Alice, what have you done,” Charles said smugly as he entered the room.
    I looked down at the shards of china that lay by my feet. My hand rushing to my throat in horror. Charles stood above me, his hands on his hips as he smirked at me cruelly.
    “Do you know how much that vase was worth? I don’t think my parents are going to be happy about this.”
    “I am so sorry Charles. You just startled me. I didn’t mean to drop it,” I implored.
    “I’m afraid I will have to fire your father for this. That vase was irreplaceable,” Charles answered sternly.
    “Oh no please. Please don’t fire Dad,” I begged.
    Charles began to pace the floor in front of me as I hastily began to sweep up the broken pieces of the vase. My heart was pounding hard in my chest, wondering what he was going to say next. I would be so heart-broken if I had just caused Dad his job through my own clumsiness.
    “There is one way that we could resolve this problem,” Charles mused, tapping a finger against his cheek.
    I held my breath as I waited for him to continue. My eyes wide as I stared up at him nervously.
    “You could become my personal maid for the next month. You will do everything I ask of you, without question,” Charles finished.
    Anger raged through my body at his suggestion and the arrogance of his voice, but I kept my emotions contained. Instead I gave a weak smile as I rose to my feet.
    “Would that save my father’s job?” I asked.
    “Yes of course,” Charles replied.
    “Ok, I agree,” I answered reluctantly.
    With a smug expression, Charles turned and crossed to the door. Turning back to look at me, his eyes roved over my body. A shiver ran down my spine from his gaze, my eyes locked with his.
    “Just be ready for me to call for you at any time,” he said firmly before leaving the room.
    I sank back into my seat, breathing a heavy sigh. My mind spinning with thoughts. My heart a mix of emotions. I had managed to save Dad’s job, but I was unsure as to what cost. Charles could ask anything of me, and I would be unable to refuse. Yet even though the thought should have filled me with fear, I was surprisingly aroused.
    It was only an hour later when Charles popped his head through the door of the room where Dad and I were still busily working. Dad looked at me curiously as I silently followed Charles, not protesting at his request
    Without a word Charles led me to his wing of the grand house. Although I was in awe at all the luxuries that I saw, I hid it from my face. Gesturing to the side of the room, I saw a large pile of laundry, overflowing from the wicker basket.
    “I want these washed, dried, pressed, and hanging in my closet by the end of the day,” Charles ordered.
    Giving him a nod, I gathered the basket in my arms. Grunting slightly at the weight.