gone through six PAs this year alone.‖
―You‘re kidding, right? Six?‖ What woman in their right
mind would quit working for him? It must‘ve been brutal for
them to quit. One thing she had going for her is that she knew
Max better than they did. Not only that, she was certain he
wouldn‘t be so hard on her because of who she was. Hopefully
she didn‘t let him down.
Part of her was exhilarated at being with him, close to
him, and the other part was scared stiff. Truth was, she was nuts
about him and had been since she discovered boys. Although she
couldn‘t quite peg the year, it must‘ve been when that boy asked
her out in eleventh grade and she said no, because he didn‘t even
possess one-eighth of the qualities that Max had. Max was a
beautiful image of masculinity. To her he was no less than
8
The Billionaire‘s Secret Desire
perfect, and unfortunately looking for those qualities in another
man pretty much left her boyfriends looking plain and never
lasting more than a few months as with David.
―No.‖ he said dryly casting a once over glance in her
direction, ―Your wardrobe needs an upgrade.‖
Insulted and embarrassed she turned her head away.
Just because he wears four thousand dollar suits doesn‘t mean
she can afford the same. She looked at her worn jeans and t-
shirt. ―I just got out of school. We don‘t wear business suits in
class.‖
―That‘s not what I meant Lily.‖ He added in a softer tone,
―Naturally you will have access to a company credit card and we
have several boutiques that cater to my personal staff. I‘ll have
Nancy set you up an appointment and get fitted.‖ He was dying
to see those legs of hers in a skirt.
―Max,‖ she chagrined, ‗I am not a charity case! Luke has
plenty of money; he can buy me what I need.‖
Sighing he pulled the car over to the side of the road and
cut the engine. His piercing eyes searched her face for a
moment, ―Lily, where is all of this defensiveness coming from?
This is nothing short of what I would do for another intern, PA,
or otherwise. You are going to be my PA next week. You need to
look the part. I can‘t possibly haul you all over the country
looking like a cowgirl. There is a standard package for the
position, including a company credit card, cell phone, personal
data device, car service, excreta. You need to be at my beckoned
call. I‘ve already gone over the details with Luke. He seemed a
lot more eager than you thinking it would be an excellent
opportunity.‖
Lifting her chin slightly, she returned his steady gaze,
although she‘d never reveal how nerve racking it was. ―Max, you
are only doing this because of Luke. I wanted to try and do
things on my own for once without the great Maximilian King
9
Lietha Wards
attached to my name.‖
A slow smile spread across his handsome face, ―Is that
so? Didn‘t anyone tell you, it‘s who you know in this world that
gets you places, or at least gets the door open. Then after that
you can rely on your own attributes.‖ His eyes dropped to her
mouth. He had to admit that if she did use her own attributes
they would take her to the top. Especially that mouth. She had a
perfect pouty mouth with lips the color of pale roses.
―I don‘t want that kind of privilege.‖ What a smile. Could
he possibly look any more appealing?
His brows rose, ―Really? Then should I inform your
brother that all the begging and pleading he did on your behalf
last week was all in vain?‖
Her mouth fell open. ―He didn‘t!‖
Then his expression became unreadable, ―Should I tell
him that his sister doesn‘t appreciate how well he looks out for
her?‖ He frowned, ―Your brother loves you very much, and wants
the best for you. There are people out there that would die for
this position and have it on their resume, yet you balk because
it‘s handed to you.‖
Furious at his arrogance, she couldn‘t keep the anger out
of her voice, ―What? Like the great Max King can make or break
a career?‖
―You‘re bloody hell right I can.‖ He said allowing his
temper to finally show, ―I can break a career to the point of
believing that reincarnation three times over won‘t help them get
a job. You are being ungrateful. I don‘t ever recall that
selfishness in you.‖ He didn‘t mean to sound so harsh, but Lily
had never been so defensive and it was surprising. Maybe she
was more upset about David than he thought and that irritated
him.
She gaped at him then felt ashamed at her behaviour and
snapped her mouth shut. Never, in all the years had she known
10
The Billionaire‘s Secret Desire
him that he‘d raised his voice to her. He was right, she was