the Billionaire’s Secret Desire(4)

summer. If you can work for me you can work for anyone. I‘ve

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