Tamed by the Billionaire(8)

Stepping hesitantly into the middle of the room Serena looked around at the expansive office, impressed with the elegance of its décor and the wide bay window with its impressive view of the city. A quick survey revealed that the long anticipated Roman Steele, the man who would hereafter control eight hours out of each of her weekdays, was nowhere to be seen.

Okay, now what? Stand here like an idiot or plop self into one of the chairs and wait? Where the heck was he, anyway?

As if in answer she heard the rustle of paper then a deep voice behind her. “Welcome, Miss Van Buren.”

Serena jumped. She turned toward the voice then stared in wide-eyed surprise at the startlingly handsome man who filled her vision. Tall and broad-shouldered, he towered over her five foot three inch frame in an immaculate suit the color of midnight. Ink-black hair framed a tanned, rugged face that spoke of strength, power and pride. Eyes the color of black diamonds bored into her, making her flush under his intense scrutiny. When his firm lips curled in what could only be amusement, she dropped her gaze and her eyes sought refuge in the rich crimson of his tie.

She’d been staring like a doe caught in headlights but she couldn’t help it. Roman Steele was so shockingly different from the middle-aged balding man she’d expected. Who could have known he’d look like he belonged on the cover of GQ? And why in heaven’s name was her heart racing like she’d just done a hundred-meter sprint?

Serena took a quick breath, trying desperately to steady her pulse. She lifted her face again. “Where did you come from?” she asked, then cursed herself for sounding so breathless.

He cocked an eyebrow then giving her a crooked smile he waved his hand in the direction of a door which stood slightly ajar. “I was pulling a file from the vault.” He seemed amused at having taken her by surprise. “Please. Have a seat.” He waved her to a chair then went and sat behind his massive desk of deep mahogany. “I’m glad you could finally join us.”

Serena felt her face redden at his sardonic tone. “I got caught in traffic,” she began then bit her lip, realizing how easily the man had intimidated her.

She’d had a plan to come into this office and, through either intimidation or charm, get herself out of this predicament. She’d planned to get her new employer on her side, get him to talk to her father, reason with him about how unnecessary the internship was. She could see that intimidation was not going to work here. This man was too bold, too sure of himself...and too darned handsome. Risky as it might be she would just have to try charm instead.

She looked at him with wide eyes. “I’m so sorry I was late this morning, I really tried to be on time. It won’t…” She paused, lowered her lashes and looked down at her hands. “It won’t happen again,” she said in a soft whisper.

Through the thickness of her lashes she peeped up at Roman and saw that he was taken aback by her response. She had to bite her lip to keep from smiling her satisfaction. Then his eyes narrowed and she quickly dropped her glance. She could not afford for him to read the true Serena. Not yet, anyway. Not if her plan was going to work.

“Good. I will appreciate punctuality in future.” Roman’s voice was firm.

Serena looked back at him, frowning slightly. She had not expected this. Normally, as soon as she started playing “defenseless maiden” all the men in her presence would jump to protect her and her feelings. She had expected Roman to tell her that it was okay, that she didn’t have to worry about being late. So charm had not worked with him. Not yet, anyway. She was not going to give up.

“I wanted to give you a proper introduction to Steele Industries, tell you about what we do here and what you will be expected to do in your new position. That won’t be possible seeing that we’re having this conversation twenty minutes later than planned.” He looked at her sternly.

She glared back at him, unable to stop herself. Her plan to charm this man seemed useless. He was much too overbearing. She could feel her face grow hot again but this time it wasn’t from embarrassment. She was too angry to be embarrassed. The man was frowning at her as if she were a wayward child.

“According to what your assistant told me you still have about ten minutes before your next meeting. Wouldn’t it make sense for you to make use of those minutes?” She gave him her haughty Serena Van Buren glare, the one she’d used to shrivel many a man who’d sought her attention.

Roman’s eyes narrowed. He seemed unimpressed. “I would appreciate your remembering your position here.”

“And what, exactly, is that position, Mr. Steele?” she said in challenge. “If you realize, you still haven’t told me what I’m supposed to be doing here.”