Anna's POV

As the elevator door opened, I made to walk out but accidentally bumped into a lady who was coming my way. "I am so sorry." I apologized immediately.

"Oh no!" she giggled, a nervous expression on her face. "I was at fault." She added it immediately and rushed into the elevator.

I couldn’t help but notice that she was buttoning her shirt while at it; that is why she had bumped into me; she was distracted. I also caught the easily discernible stench of sex, sweat, and cigarettes. I chuckled lightly and shook my head as I turned away.

Of course, this company has to rebuild Sodom and Gomorrah. I just hope I get what I want and get out of here as soon as possible. How are they progressive if everyone is having sex with everyone? Do they even follow work ethics?

Kicking that out of my imagination, I took the familiar turn, heading to the CEO’s office. I had been here before, twice, as a matter of fact, and the last time didn’t end too well. Let's just say I might have ruined all my chances of getting employment here.

I soon arrived at the large glass door, and even though I knew he could see me through the inside, I was still hesitant to knock.

"Are you going to come in or what, Miss Owl?" That annoying British accent cut through the air. Well, the accent isn’t annoying, just the voice.

By the way, did he just refer to me as Miss Owl? Are my eyes that huge, or was he just being annoying? I groaned and clenched my fist as I walked in. Mr. Blackwood didn’t seem impressed by my presence; he barely looked up at me as I walked to his desk.

The CEO of Blackwood precious stones and jewelry was seated at his desk with one foot placed on the table, his well-polished black shoes complementing his stunning yet simple attire. He was dressed in a long sleeve and a tailored small, sleeveless jacket; I could tell it was from a suit set. His sleeves were rolled back up to his elbow, exposing his well-built arms.

With my eyes, I took a quick scan of the room, and everything in the office seemed to be in order. I guess Miss Hot Pants had not come out of here, which means she was sleeping with someone else in the company. Was the Boss even aware of this?

"Do you not know how to greet, Miss Owl?" He muttered without looking up at me, or maybe he did, and I just couldn’t tell from under those dark shades he had on.

"It is Annabel," I replied coldly, clutching my bag tight like someone was going to snatch it from me.

His face lit up with a smile as he looked up at me. "Sassy as before, I remember you promising to plunge your heels into my eyes if I did ever look your way again," he mocked.

I sighed and swallowed hard. I was really pissed the last time I was here; the HR department had confirmed my qualifications, but the CEO had his own demands. I left in a rage.

He took his foot off his table and pushed the chair out from behind the desk, I guess to have an unobstructed view of me. "So tell me, Miss Annabel, what brings you back to my office?" he asked. His face was cold again, expressionless.

Oh my! That accent would have been better if it came from a nicer guy. This man gives me the chills. He was damn hot, yet cold as ice. Why do handsome guys have to be jerks? I haven’t stopped asking myself that question for months.

"I accept your offer, and I apologize for the way I behaved the last time," I said softly with my head bowed, trying hard not to choke on those words.

He scoffed and pushed his mobile chair closer. "I am sorry, I don’t think I heard you the first time. Can you be more audible?" he teased.

I sighed and looked out the window, catching a quick view of the city below, and then I turned back to face him. "I said that I am sorry for the way I behaved last time, and I am ready to accept your offer now."

He smiled, revealing that wicked dimple on his left cheek. I want to stab him right there with a fork, a nail, or even a toothpick, as long as he gets stabbed in that intimidating dimple.

"I would rather beg on the streets than suck your cock; those were your words; isn’t that right, Miss Ann?"

I growled inward, already regretting why I had returned here. This man is a jerk—a rich jerk!

"I… I… I take those back. Everything wrong I said that day, forgive me." I stuttered, swallowing hard.

He chuckled again, and then he stood up. I stood still as he walked towards me and then slowly went behind me. My heart skipped, and I had the strong urge to turn around and face him, but I remained still.

"So let me get this straight: you now agree to my terms and conditions, huh?" he queried.

"Yes, I will do what you want in exchange for the job." I answered.

He walked back to my side and looked into my eyes. "Something has changed in you since the last time you were here; what is it?" he asked with a mischievous smirk.

Great! I didn’t know I smelled of heartbreak and poverty. He was right, though. The last time I was here, I had self-esteem, pride, and dignity, but I happened to have lost those along the way, and as it stands, there is no dignity in poverty.

"Does the offer still stand or not?" I queried, starting to get impatient.

"Chill, hothead. I am just giving you a little time to reconsider. You know, once you are in, the only way out is through the sack. Remind me what it is I want from you again." He requested it and went to sit on the office table, crossing his long, straight legs right in front of me.

I gulped down saliva, feeling nervous. Mr. Blackwood really knew how to get his revenge. "You want to have sex with me whenever you please in exchange for a high-paying job."

"Wrong, Miss Ann." He cut me short immediately; his expression became very serious. "I don’t want to have sex with you, Miss Ann. I want to fuck you, really hard, whenever I please and however I please. I am asking you to submit your body to me for as long as you work here. I am asking you to be my plaything, Miss Annabel. So tell me, are you up for that?"

I could feel the tears forming under my eyes, but I wouldn’t let them out. I can't show signs of weakness; I need to be strong for myself and my family.

"Yes, I understand that you want to use me as you please, and I accept. But…" I said it with a quick pause that cut off his attention. "I have a few conditions of my own," I announced.

He chuckled, exposing his sparkling white teeth, which disappeared soon enough. "Look at you, making demands. I didn’t know you were capable of blackmail; I thought you were a saint." He taunted.

Son of a bitch!! I cursed inward, wishing I could grab him by his hero hair and bash it against the wall. I know I have these impulsive thoughts, but I couldn’t hurt a fly in real life.

"Are you going to hear me out or not?" I queried.

He stood upright and folded his arms. "Let's be clear about one thing, Miss Ann. I do fancy you, but you are in no place to make demands. However, I would hear your demands and see if we could come to an agreement." He replied in a cold voice that sent shivers down my spine.

"I want two months' salary upfront," I quickly requested.

He stared at me quietly with those cold gray eyes, and I lost the ability to think straight. I had to look away immediately, unable to hold contact with those intimidating eyes.

"Very well, then, I accept that condition." He finally broke the silence. "What is the second?" he queried.

I swallowed hard before I started. "The second condition is that during the period in which I work for you, you will not involve feelings in this agreement; you won't fall in love with me for any reason." I stated it clearly.

There was an awkward silence between us, and then he suddenly burst into laughter. I was confused. What was so funny? The sound of his laughter was like a thorn in my flesh, and I just wanted to hit him with a pair of slippers like my mother would do.

"Are you serious? Tell me, Miss Owl, what makes you think that I will fall in love with you? I am not capable of loving anyone, Miss Owl," he admitted to my surprise. "And even if I had it in me to love, which certainly I don’t, I would never fall for the likes of you. I mean, I would choose a pig over you, Miss Owl, is that clear?"

I gulped down saliva again, trying to hide my chagrined face. As much as I wouldn’t admit it, even at gunpoint, it hurt my feelings to hear him say that and lowered my self-esteem. Would he really choose a pig over me?

"Good then." I forced a smile. "I guess it is a win for the both of us," I added.

"Hmm," he hummed with a nod. "I agree to your terms; you will receive the employment later before noon in your email. I believe the company still has your CV, but I still require you to drop your address and email contact details. You are to resume as soon as tomorrow, and everything you need to know will be communicated to you before then." Mr. Blackwood announced

I sighed in relief, glad that he accepted those conditions. I feared he would say no to the upfront payment as I have not even been tested on the field, but I had to give it a shot because I needed that money urgently.

I did as he instructed and dropped off my details before turning to leave. My heart was racing as I turned my back to him. Just as I got to the door, I heard him call my name. I paused and turned to face him.

"Just out of curiosity, Miss Ann. Are you a virgin?" he queried.

My heart began to beat fast as he asked that, and I couldn’t decipher why he wanted to know that. What if he takes back the offer after learning that I wasn’t one? What if he only needed a virgin for whatever diabolic sexual plans he had?

I was reeking of nervousness as I arrived at my apartment. What have I done? Am I really ready for this? I was submitting my body to be used as a tool for pleasure, literally a sex toy. I know that a job relationship built on sex is bound to fail, but I intend to make the most of it while I can.

A large part of me felt guilty; this isn’t who I am. I know I am not a saint, but I never would have imagined becoming someone’s sex slave by consent. I have until tonight to change my mind, or I am stuck with that decision.

I don’t even know this man, except that he is cocky and controlling. I know nothing about Maxwell Blackwood. What if I just ruined my life with this very decision? What if I contracted a deadly disease or lost my life in the process? He made it clear that he would do whatever he pleased with my body, and that scares me.

I pushed the front door open after unlocking it and walked inside, immediately locking it. I froze immediately; something was wrong. There was a different scent in the house—not unfamiliar but different.

I took a step forward into the sitting room when a loud scream escaped my lips as I almost jumped out of my skin. "Holy freaking Mary!!"

"She is not here, just me!" Jennifer laughed as she stood up from the couch.

"You scared the life out of me; how did you get in here?" I screamed, holding my chest in panic.

"Hahaha, I still have one of these," she giggled, jingling the house keys in the air. Of course, she never dropped her spares with me after moving out; how did I not realize?

"What’s up, girl? You were acting all weird last night, and you didn’t return my calls this morning, so I thought I would come check up on you."

I sighed and tossed my handbag on the sofa. "You mean right after you asked me that very silly question?" I scoffed.

"Chill, babes. It was just all fun; what happened to you?"

"Uh-huh! Maybe my sense of humor is damaged, or maybe you shouldn’t be making a friend think of memories that hurt her. Forget about it; it is in the past now." I quickly waved the discussion off; I had more important things to deal with right now.

"OMG, you are really broken, girl. Where are you coming from, anyway?" She asked as her eyes searched for me, scrutinizing me from head to toe.

"I took the job," I said almost in a whisper, and I quickly headed for the bedroom.

"Huh?" I heard Jenny’s faint voice from the living room and then her footsteps as she followed me behind.

I got into my bedroom, and she followed immediately. "What job, Anna?" she queried.

"The position of Personal assistant to the CEO of Blackwood precious stones and jewelry is that job." I announced as I unbuttoned my shirt.

"What?" Jennifer gasped. "Isn’t he the same guy that asked to get into your pants first?"

"Correct," I muttered, with no remorse or reaction accompanying the word. I was already judging myself; I didn’t need judgment from my friend as well.

"Anna… You gave in to his request? That is absurd; you know you shouldn’t just give yourself to any man; word gets out real quick." She warned.

"Leave me to bother about that, Jen." I said in a whisper as I unhooked my bra and tossed it to the bed, breathing out in relief. Wearing that thing is so suffocating.

What was so special about my body anyway? I guess I should ask Mr. Blackwood. If he does not require every employee to suck his dick, then what makes me so special? I am gorgeous, right? But there are much prettier girls in this city with class; I am just a nobody.

My body, huh? The same body I had given to Jimmy on a platter ended up abusing me; he cheated on me for months, and I never knew. Even when I found out he didn’t have any regrets, it took him weeks to come and apologize. So who says I can't submit that same body to someone who has more to offer?

My deal with Mr. Blackwood leaves out emotions and feelings. I just happen to be his sex partner, and I get over ten thousand dollars monthly. That is worth it to me!

"Well, it is not totally a bad idea if you ask me; it just feels weird because I am the crazy friend. I think it's a double win for you anyway. You get a good job, and you are sleeping with a billionaire. I think that is every woman’s dream, so don’t be moody about it; be happy."

I paused halfway with the shirt hanging on my neck and turned to face her. I was surprised at how fast she switched from judging me to celebrating. Perhaps she was just being a good friend, except that she looked legit excited about the news.

"Really Jen? You think so?" I asked for confirmation.

"Of course! Who knows? He could even fall in love with you and ask you to marry him," she teased.

"Okay, now you are wild." I laughed. "I doubt he cares about me; he made it clear that he just wants my body. But the good news is that I finally have a good job; I don’t have to be his plaything forever, just long enough to have a good footing on my own." I replied.

I walked out of the bedroom and back into the living room, with Jennifer tailing behind like a fly. I grabbed my laptop and opened my email. The mail had arrived as expected; it was an online document, and so I uploaded my signature without caring to go through the details of the letter.

I was just excited to finally be employed. For what it's worth, this means a lot to me. Jennifer and I ended up in the kitchen shortly after, where we made lunch while she filled me in on gossip from last night.

For the first time in a few months, I wasn’t depressed, and that gladdened my heart. I could feel it in my heart that I was about to be genuinely happy again, and even though none of that made sense, I looked forward to it. They say you can't be unlucky for three hundred and sixty-five days; maybe my happy days were finally close.

Hours later, Jennifer and I were watching a movie when a knock sounded on the door. We looked at each other, almost tempted to ignore it like in the old days when we lived together.

"I will get it," Jenny said with a smile.

"No, I got it." I cut in and stood up immediately.

I rushed to the door, not wanting to miss any part of the movie. I opened the front door to meet someone I believe to be a mailman, and well, that cap gave him away at first sight.

Hello, can I help you?" I asked immediately with the door half open while staring back to catch a glimpse of the TV.

"Yes, I have this envelope and these keys for you," he announced, jiggling a bunch of keys in the air.

I stared at him in confusion; that was a car key—a Honda product, I could tell. "Um… Sorry, Mister, I think you have come to the wrong address." I said it immediately.

"No, I am quite sure that I am at the right place. Are you not Annabel Joseph?" he queried.

I nodded slowly, still puzzled as to why a car would be delivered to me. Was this a prank?

"Yes, I am Annabel Joseph, but I didn’t make an order for whatever that is." I said, pointing to the car keys.

"Well, this is the key to a brand new car parked right in front of this building," he said. My eyes followed his finger, and my jaw dropped when I saw the car. Who had sent me a car?

"I guess you would find answers to your questions in this letter, ma’am." The delivery guy added it and handed the envelope to me.

I tore open the envelope immediately and saw a large MB signature. I knew I had seen it somewhere before, and then it struck my mind. "Maxwell Blackwood!!"

"Oh my God!" I screamed in shock as I read the letter. It was indeed from Mr. Blackwood; he had informed me in the letter that all employees of the company get a car for work every year. I couldn’t believe my eyes.

My scream drew Jenny’s attention, and she joined me at the door. This has to be a trick; how is this possible? A car?

After accepting the key from the delivery guy, I grabbed my cell phone and dialed Mr. Blackwood. He didn’t pick up the first time, so I had to call again.

"Was the letter not sufficient information?" His deep voice rang from the other end as soon as he took the call.

"So it was really you?" I queried.

"Per company rules, yes, Miss Ann. Your two months’ salary has also been paid upfront to your account as requested; the financial team will send you an email for confirmation soon. Now if you don’t mind, some of us have our evenings to get back to." He blurted and ended the call.

"Rude, but sweet!" Jennifer exclaimed as she overheard our conversation over the phone. "I think I like him already; congratulations, Anna; you have finally gotten it all." She exclaimed.

I didn’t catch most of what she said afterwards; I was too excited to think straight. Was this the beginning of something good in my life, or have I made the worst decision of my life?

Only if I knew how that one decision was going to change my life drastically. Meeting Mr. Blackwood was the beginning of a change in my life, and things were never going to be the same again!

I stood in front of the mirror, taking one last look at myself before I left for my first day of work. I was wearing a black pencil skirt that reached my knee, but it had a split up to my thigh on one side. I paired it with a white button-down blouse and a black blazer. I wanted to look professional but also stylish, and I thought this outfit was the perfect balance.

Well, technically, I had prepared this attire for my first day of work a long time ago; let's say I have been waiting patiently for this day for a very long time. Annabel Joseph, an employee of a big company. I always envisioned this day, except that those visions died a few months ago when it dawned on me that I could never have it.

I added a touch of femininity with a pair of silver earrings and a necklace with a small diamond pendant. I also wore a pair of black pumps with a low heel. I didn't want to wear anything too high, as I didn't want to be uncomfortable all day.

I took a deep breath and turned away from the mirror. As much as today scared the snot out of me, I knew within me that I was ready for this. I had been working hard for this moment for months, and I wasn't going to let anything ruin it. I grabbed my handbag and headed for the door, feeling like some top-class secret agent.

Just as I opened the front door and walked out, I ran into Mr. Jordan. A smile graced my face, splitting my lips and making the muscles in my cheeks contract.

"Oh, Mr. Jordan, I wasn’t expecting you this morning." I said, holding back the smirk that was eager to be rubbed on his face.

"I made it clear that you had two days to pay your rent; it is Monday, so I have come to throw you out," he said in his mean, crooked voice. "So tell me, Ann, are you ready to move out or willing to make a compromise?"

I chuckled softly and took off my dark shades slowly, like a sophisticated, posh, classy lady. "Mr. Jordan, neither of those options would be necessary because, as it stands, I went to the bank this morning and paid off my debt and rent for the coming months. I have a bank teller here to prove it."

I could see the look of doubt on his face as I dipped my hand into my handbag in search of the teller, and before long, I flipped out the pink paper and handed it to him.

"This better not be a joke, girl." He sounded annoyed as he slowly took it from me.

His eyes glazed over the teller, and he slowly looked up at me. As if not certain that he saw right, he took another glance at the teller, and then he looked up. He was speechless; his mouth was open, but no words came out.

If he wasn’t still my landlord, I really wanted to tell him to his face that he was an ugly pedophile and deserved a life of suffering, but I was saving that for some other time.

"It was nice having you around, Mr. Jordan, but I gotta run," I taunted with a satisfying grin on my face as I took the teller right off his hands and walked past him.

I didn’t look back while walking, but I could tell that he turned around and watched me leave. He must be shocked at how I put together the money in less than his proposed two days. He probably thought I would be ready to spread my legs for him when he returned today.

As I got to the brand new car waiting for me in front of the yard, I got in and then turned to face Mr. Jordan, hitting him with the best smile I could conjure. Shock was written all over his face, and I couldn't help but wonder about the turmoil going through his mind right now.

It is a good thing I learned how to drive back in college, and I also have a driver’s license. There was nothing stopping me; for the first time in my life, everything seemed perfect. And yet someone says money doesn’t bring happiness. Look how my life changed completely in just a weekend! Only money can do this!

**

The receptionist had shown me around the company—at least the places that she believed I needed to know. She informed me that further instructions would come from the boss, but where was he? No one in the office had set eyes on Mr. Blackwood today.

I soon settled into my new office, getting acquainted with the surroundings and the technology. I might have made a little rearrangement as I was allergic to sunflowers and they had those at the desk.

I have not handled such an expensive model of computer in my life, so I took my time to navigate my way through it. I was super excited for the first few hours, but little did I know that my day was about to get dramatic real quick.

The boss had arrived! Mr. Blackwood was not only in office; he had sent for me!

My heart raced as I approached the CEO’s office, which happened to be on the same block and floor as mine. I swallowed hard before knocking on the door.

"Come in," that cold voice instructed from the inside. He sounded nonchalant, and that gave me the usual chills.

I pushed the door open and walked in. He was just taking off his suit jacket when I walked in, and even though he was still fully clothed, I looked away.

"Good morning, Mr. Blackwood," I said immediately.

"The name is Maxwell," he replied sharply, taking a seat at his desk. "How are you settling in, Miss Ann?" he asked in a voice devoid of emotion.

My father always said, "Fear the man who hides his feelings behind a poker face, for his capabilities know no bounds." It sounds better in Italian.

"Great, one of the staff showed me the ropes, and I think I have got it under control," I replied, my eyes tracing his large arms up to his chest. Good lord, he was ripped! This man probably hits the gym three times a week, because what is this build?

"Glad to hear that; we have work to do, and I expect you to pick up as soon as possible. I will send the schedule to your mailbox shortly, as well as my activities for the month. I want it properly organized and sent back. You are my assistant, and you know your work description. I expect you to be reliable, or you would be getting replaced in a blink of an eye." He warned.

"Copy that, Sir," I muttered.

He looked up at me and smiled, "Good... You may leave then."

I sighed in relief and turned around, quickly heading to the door. Maybe I rejoiced too early, because as soon as I got to the door, he called my name.

"Wait!" he instructed, and I froze. My heart paced with the speed of light, and I turned around to face him.

Mr. Blackwood dropped the pen in his hand and stood up. He started to walk slowly towards me, and I could tell his eyes were fixed on my exposed thighs—the split in my skirt! Oh no, he cannot be thinking what I think he is thinking! It is too soon!

Was he going to do it here in the office? Is he going to me right here in his office? My heart raced, and I held the wall beside the door, moving back slowly. What should I do?