Billionaire's Baby Snake

Lacey's POV:

My palms are sweaty, and my chest is heaving. I'm at a job interview in one of the biggest entertainment companies in Los Angeles, Markle Diamond Productions. The job position? Assistant to the big boss. Secretary something. I'm thirty-four and because of some family problems, meaning I had to take care of my only living parent, my dad, I've been away from the working field for the last four years. No, he's not well and the money I own in my bank accounts are approaching the red line.

My dad is battling leukemia and the treatment is astronomical. When we first found out about his condition, it was already in advanced stages. His new surgery is due in six months and I need to work out the amount for it; a breakthrough treatment that is supposed to cure him, that costs around 150k dollars.

I don't know what to believe anymore, but I love him more than myself and I'll do anything that stands in my powers to hit opportunities and try them out for him to have a chance on life. Cure? At least for him to live longer and not suffer that much. I'm fine with that. He thinks the same. Yet, he's at peace with either outcome. He has pleaded me several times to stop sacrificing myself for him as he doesn't want to ruin my life. He has lived his, he says. I can't do that.

So, if I get this job, I'll be able to contract a loan or something to start paying the surgery and treatment. And the hell I won't nail it. No one has more drive than I have for my dad to acquire this position. Besides the upcoming surgery and treatment, I also have overdue treatment and hospital fees of around 80k dollars. Yeah, life is good....

No, my dad is not at home any longer. I've enrolled him in a hospital stay as his condition requires that for the stage he has. It's a private hospital focused on such cases and you can imagine how expensive all this is. On the other side, him being under hospital care, I can better find a job and tend to it while regularly visiting him there. Like daily.

The candidates are coming out from their interviews with pale or green faces. All women, with outstanding beauty and body, fit to the entertainment industry. I'm not that fit. No, I'm not ugly, but I'm a curvy girl. I can't compete with these girls in terms of physical appearance. They are like walking down from a magazine or a movie.

Last one coming out.... "I can't believe him!" She puffs and sends me a weird look as I'm last in line for the interview. "Well, if I didn't get the job, you certainly won't, fatty. Hmph!" And she walks out her heels making angry sounds on the floor to the elevator.

Fatty? I'm not fat. Ha-ha! But yes, I'm not skinny like the model you are. Anyways. I'm here for secretary position, not to appear in a movie. I should probably look for more job interviews though.... She might be right.

I release a sigh and intend to fish out my phone from my purse, but the woman calling in the interviewees has just called my name. Oh boy.... Here we go. Whatever happens, happens.

"Miss Lacey Holtrey? You may come in. Mr. Markle is expecting you." She's showcasing a devilish grin at me. Yeah, she's a devastating beauty herself, wearing a black office dress and high black heels. I'm doomed....

"Yes, thank you." I stand up with my heart in my throat after I give her a genuine smile. Man! All other candidates came out under five minutes. I guess I'll break that record. Ha-ha!

I fetch my purse and walk in my dignified way. I used to be someone in the business world four years ago. I'm now at the bottom of the jungle though.... But I don't regret it. I did it for my loved one. My dad is my everything. Whatever else can be rebuilt.

She shows me the way to the CEO's office. The entire building is that of billionaires, and the corridor and office is nothing less. Imagine the widest and all equipped with the top notch and you have the clear picture of what is like.

"I won't approve that movie, Kevin. Because it will be a flop." The CEO is with his back at us, standing behind his black leather chair, looking outside the window, with his left hand in his pocket. He's a God-like built male, wearing a dark grey suit tailored to his muscular body, and possessing an Alpha voice. Well, he looks like a real Alpha in his all.

He's the typical CEO we get to read about in Billionaire Romance books. Ha-ha! And he seems young, too. Wonder why those babes came out like that. They should have fit your style and appearance. The last one was right. I don't fit in here. Not that I have a low self-esteem, but I'm a normal person. Anyways. We'll see. I'm confident in my person and I do have all that it takes for this job. My CV is with high credentials for a CEO but for a secretary job. I don't have time to pursue higher job positions....

The blonde babe next to me is waiting for him to finish his phone call and introduce me. I'm looking around in his office. I was once an important person, too. Not at this level, but it was a significant one.... Yeah.... I'm not sweaty anymore and my heartbeats decrease to normal rates. I'm getting back in the game of who I used to be. A smile corners my mouth staring at the floor.

"Alright. Send me the other project to have a look over it. Budget is never a problem, Kevin. I need blockbusters, not flops. I can budget even one billion per movie if it's a gem. Fine, we'll meet in my club tonight with the guys. Yeah. Bye." And he ends the call, turning around at us, scanning me from head to toes and back.

I'm in a black suit pants embracing my figure, a cream blouse tucked in my pants, black leather stilettos, and my chestnut wavy hair, which is over my shoulders in length, is in a ponytail. I'm dressed like a businesswoman to tell you in short.

And he's like an Adonis at face, with big green eyes, perfect porcelain skin, and that messy dark blond hair tops his neat and sexy appearance. Well, tailored for those romance books. I might start writing as a job as I found a real character in real life to get inspiration from. Not me as female lead as I'm not the type to enter in such a relationship, but I can use the blondie at my right. Ha-ha! Anyways.

Lacey's POV:

"Mr. Markle? Miss Lacey Holtrey is last candidate for today." He's still focused on me with those sparkling eyes of his, silence reigning the room. Oh man. Do I have something on me? Look at him. Ha-ha! He's so young.

"Yes. Take a seat, Miss Holtrey." I take a seat, and he does the same on his chair signaling the blondie to leave us alone with his stare. He places his phone on the desk and leans on his chair, having my file in front of him. He's in a serious grimace, only his eyes give away a sort of excitement.

"Thank you, Mr. Markle." He looks on my CV and then back at me, twisting his head. I'm crossing my legs, waiting for the follow up. I'm in my professional smile.

"Miss Holtrey. I see here you have an impressive CV. Why this job?" Because I need money. Simple as that.

I'm going to be blunt with this guy. It kind of amuses me to work under him as he's so young compared to my ID and it somehow becomes territorial to me for a younger person to be my boss. I'm sorry, I don't want to be a bitch, but it's just me at this moment looking at him. I sigh and take my serious persona.

"Because I need money, and fast, I had to lower my target for a job, Mr. Markle. The pay offered does help me, and in return I can be the one needed for the position. I need no further training as I am aware of everything that must be done. I worked in Marketing before, owning an advertising company. So, this company being in the entertainment industry, is similar in a way as concept. I understand all terms related to it; therefore, I can easily adapt. But yes, the salary is the one that motivated me to apply for the job. It's quite above the norm in the market for similar jobs. Matching even the salary of a Manager in other companies." Our stares are locked and he's studying my eyes, confronting me in a way, but I don't even blink. I'm an experienced one, against my four years of break.

A smirk grows in the corner of his mouth. He's like a lion on that chair at me. I fake a smile. Just call it an end and I'll find another job. Though I do need the money. I'm relaxed in my all. I have no emotion, no nothing.

"I do value honesty, Miss Holtrey. May I ask why you need money and fast?" Aren't we nosy? I smirk back at him and lean my head to my right a bit.

"Thank you, Mr. Markle. And no, that's private." Of course I'm not going to use my father's condition to get the job with the emotional appeal. He's penetrating me with his stare, and I return it. We're in another battle of stares.

He's bobbing his head, smirking, narrowing his mischievous green glare at me. I maintain my professional attitude with the fake smile.

"Private.... This job sometimes requires traveling and late hours, participating to events and such. Do you have any personal commitments as in children or a personal relationship that grounds you to a fixed working environment, Miss Holtrey?" More than nosy.... "I see you are not married, but I certainly don't want to be told when I need my assistant that she has such commitments as an excuse. The pay is high to cover all these requests as in your time with me whenever I need, at any hour I need, to do your job." Oh yeah? Well, for that kind of requests, that means double the offer, mister. I'll walk away. This job is perfect for the ones that you rejected, not for me. And I don't like your stare at me or your now raspy voice, kid.

I laugh under my lips spiking his left eyebrow and smirk. I stand up taking the ham of my purse with my left hand. "No commitments, Mr. Markle. But for that, the offer is halfway. Thank you for your time, but I believe I shouldn't have lowered my job target. You are right. Oh! I do have a question though if you don't mind me asking. Why were the other girls rejected?"

He's burning me with his Alpha stare. Well, that's what he wants. I'm natural and unaffected, waiting to satisfy my curiosity. I don't give a damn on my rude behavior. "Because I'm not hiring whores, Miss Holtrey. I want and need a reliable assistant. Not a bed partner."

I flash him a genuine smile. "Well, that's admirable of you, Mr. Markle. You are a good CEO. Thank you for your answer and I wish you to find the assistant you need and deserve. Have a good day." I nod and turn around to walk to the exit, jobless, but yeah.

It's not suitable for me. I can't stay a day without my dad and the look in this kid's eyes at me.... I don't want to have a boss who's sending lust upon my sight as this is what's in his stare at me. I might be thirty-four, but I'm not into that stuff.

When I'm with my hand on the handle to open the door and get out.... "Fine. I'll double the salary then. You're hired, Miss Holtrey." I stop.

Don't take the offer.... But I need money and time is ticking.... Lacey? Dad needs treatment, not your pride. Pride doesn't make you money.... Shit.

I don't turn around, but I do have a lion stance, facing the door, with my hand still on the handle. If I see his face when he'll answer my question, I'll refuse it for sure. My heart is rebelling in my chest as I do need money.

"Why double it and why me, Mr. Markle?" Silence. Don't provoke my pride. I need an answer I can work with to save my dad. Just say something decent to cope with.

"Your experience, bluntness, and lack of whorish attitude, Miss Holtrey. Money isn't a problem for me as long as I receive what I'm paying for. As a matter of fact.... I'll make it four times the initial salary, to buy your entire time. And that means you will have to stay in my guest house to be at a call distance when I might need you for business at night. Entertainment business is around the clock with various issues to solve in the middle of the night. You'll also receive a car. Brand new. And all that you would need to accommodate to the job." What's he saying? Around the clock?! Move into his guest house?! That's not a job for an assistant! It's.... Shit. Four times the salary? It was ten grands, now four times becomes forty grands a month. I can pay dad's bills in two months and if I have a place to stay with everything paid, I can sell my house and pay for dad's new surgery and treatment. It's such a risky plan, Lace.... But it's dad....

Lacey's POV:

I still don't turn around, haunted by my personal situation with money and dad. My mouth is dry, and my brain is under attack. "How long is the contract valid, Mr. Markle?"

"Permanent." He answers without delay with a husky voice. Jesus.... What am I getting into? But I have no better option and I don't know what loan I can get even if I go with another job, and dad's condition is galloping. He said he doesn't want a bed partner, so maybe I shouldn't think about him hitting on me or something. He said guest house, not his house. I'm not his type for sure. But he changed his stare and voice at me.... LACEY! YOU NEED THE DAMN MONEY! AND HE'S A FUCKING KID! Shit....

"What if I want to resign at some point? What if I need to see my friends? I do have a personal life in some areas. I can't be arrested in one place twenty-four hours a day." Silence. My heart is banging my throat. I shouldn't have applied to this job.... It might save me with dad, or it might go in a wrong way....

"Three months' notice, if you would want to resign." WHAT?! THREE MONTHS?! "You can see your friends and have a private life when I don't need you. I'll make sure to notify you in due time as much as I can to be able to set meetings with your friends or have outings. I'm not trapping you in a prison. And I'll give you free access to all of my clubs to enjoy time with your friends." Why is he so generous?! What does he want with me?! It's not normal in any way! What should I do? Something is totally off with all this, but.... Man! Alright. I'm a tough one and this guy doesn't know the real me. If he tries something, he's got it coming. Money is important now.

My eyes are for sure threatening at this point. I sigh and let go of the door's handle, turning around at the kid, with my left eyebrow up, cocking my head at him, in a straight stance. He's with a devilish smile and a fired-up stare at me, like a king on his damn chair. If only I wasn't in need of money, kid. If only....

"Mr. Markle, aren't you way too generous with me?" I'm moving my head at him per my words.

"No. I expect efficiency and quality work from you, so it's only natural to pay accordingly. A manager in this company makes around one-two million dollars per month for what they deliver. What I'm giving to you is nothing compared to that." Yeah, his green eyes are twinkling stars narrowed at me. He's undergoing a serious grimace and he's true to his words. He's smirking again while I'm with a cold inquisition stare at him. "Yet, I would want you to satisfy my curiosity and tell me for what you need the money fast, Miss Holtrey." To party in champagne all day, all night.

"It's private." I reply in a dry tone without delay. He tilts his eyebrows. He airs the confidence of a Lord over the universe. I already hate you. Yeah.... And I hate myself more for I'm going to accept this madness....

"Stubborn." He's laughing under his lips. "Fine. So, what do you say, Miss Holtrey? Do we have a deal?"

We're having another lock of stares, penetrating each other. There's an Alpha battle and I'm raising to the level of not being defeated. I'm contracting my jawline and my brain and heart are alarming me to not accept, but my daughter duty compels me to as I know I've got no other option. I'll so regret this.... I'm sure.

"Under the following conditions, Mr. Markle." He's got a surprised stare at me, but the smirk reigns his lips, having all this time his chest pumped in conquer.

Well, he's indeed made of muscles and towering. He's got the allure of the ultimate businessman mixed with the handsomeness of the most successful actor in the entire industry. If he would play in a movie? Blockbuster is a kid's play. Women would pay no matter the cinema ticket just to see him on screen.

No, don't get me wrong, I'm immune to all that. I was just contouring his image for you guys to get how he is. I now understand the type of women that came to the interview. They came for him and not for the actual job.

"I stick only to reasonable tasks which fall under the assistant of a CEO job. I won't develop on this as we are both adults and we understand the meaning of this. I don't want to appear full of myself, but I like to be blunt about it. If I happen to have some urgencies as any other human, I expect you to understand. I require a Saturday or a Sunday a week to have it free, all twenty-four hours of it. For my moving into your guest house, I expect to not share it with other people as I value my privacy. At least a private perimeter in it would suffice for me to have my personal comfort without interference." He bobs his head with a broad smile on his face and sparkles in his eyes. I feel like I'm sinning or something. I just can't shake off this feeling. And my instincts never lie to me.

He presses a button on his desk phone and a woman's voice answers. "Yes, Mr. Markle?" He's not taking his eyes off mine.

"Bring the contract. The one where we can add points on it. I found my assistant." And he ends the call with a smug smile. I'm an iceberg in my all at him. "Deal, Miss Holtrey. You are going to start from today, in the sense I will provide you with a car and a driver to move to my place and bring your personal belongings as you need. You have there anything you would want, but for whatever you consider you should take with you from your own place." He opens a drawer from his desk and takes out a platinum credit card which he throws in front of him. "This is for clothes, shoes, protocol and the suit. It's unlimited, but you do need to provide the accountant with all the receipts."

The blondie walks in with a lengthy contract and hands it to him, bows her head and walks out without looking at me. But she's annoyed and rigid.

"Take a seat and read it through, Miss Holtrey." He's writing something on the contract. I'm doomed. Well, we shall see in what way....

I sigh and take a seat, with a heavy chest as this is something I've never done. Trading my life for money like this, it's against my principles. But the important thing is dad, so, I'll do whatever stands in my abilities to provide him with best care and prolong his life as much as I can. I can't lose him.... I would lose my heart and soul if that were to happen. What I would never do is to trade my body for money. I would trade my brain, my sleep and whatever else, but no sex or stuff like that.

"Here. Read it and sign it, Miss Holtrey." I take the contract and start reading it with my heart buzzing my chest. I avoid his sight. He's in his Alpha triumph.

Well, the contract is concrete and sealing the soul. There's the confidentially aspect, tens of pages with responsibilities which don't scare me, except for 'and whatever else is required at any hour'. He has added what we've talked about, and the salary, to my surprise, but I don't react in grimace at him, is 100k dollars per month and all the other benefits like house, car, gas, utilities, clothes, shoes, food, medical care, and whatever you can think of are separate to the salary with unlimited price tag. One would think God hit her or him with infinite fortune, but this type of offers is not rare, it's a fantasy. And yes, the contract is permanent as in per lifetime, with the possibility of resignation with a three months' prior notice.

I tilt my eyes at him to find him studying me like hypnotized. "Mr. Markle? We discussed forty thousand per month and not the amount stated in the contract." I'm in my professional attitude and stare.

He's in his wicked smile at me, swinging his chair a bit. "I've changed my mind, Miss Holtrey. The more I get to know you, the more value I find. Hence, the new salary. Plus, you will take a lot of work as I'm a busy man and lead an empire. You'll see that the amount of work and time I will get from you, will equal the 100k." It's a Devil's pact I'm signing here. And his name is Hunter. Suitable for the real him. He does air a hunter. Lacey? Dad.... You can protect yourself from harm.

I return my stare on the contract and take the pen he gave me to fill in my personal info and sign it. Fine, fine, fine. Damn money.... I should give in the resignation as well. In three months, I would be out of here.... Shit.