MR. BILLIONAIRE WANTS ME

Ethan Thornton sat behind his massive mahogany desk, the city's skyline stretching out before him through the floor-to-ceiling windows of his penthouse office. He was a man used to getting what he wanted when he wanted it. But today, his patience was wearing thin.

The deal that was supposed to cement his company's position as an industry leader had fallen apart because of a mistake his secretary had made. The thought of it made his jaw tighten, and the grip on his pen became almost painful.

"Where are the revised contracts? I asked for them an hour ago!" Ethan's voice was cold, with a sharp edge to it that made his assistant, waiting nervously in the doorway, take a step back.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Thornton. I... I don't know what happened. I'm sure I printed them," came the shaky reply.

Ethan's gaze hardened. He'd been patient enough over the past few months, tolerating mistakes and small errors that usually wouldn't have bothered him. But this? This was unforgivable. A multi-million-dollar deal-ruined. All because of one mistake.

"Get out." The words were delivered with the weight of an avalanche.

Her eyes widened, and she opened her mouth, probably to beg for another chance. But Ethan wasn't listening. He already turned his attention to the email on his screen, dismissing her as though she was of no consequence.

"Mr. Thornton, please," she tried again, but her voice trailed off as he stood from his desk.

Without sparing her another glance, Ethan walked past her toward the glass doors leading out to the balcony. He could feel the heat rise in his chest. The only thing he hated more than incompetence was being made to wait. And now, he had to clean up someone else's mess.

The door clicked shut behind her as she left, but Ethan didn't bother turning around. Instead, he reached for the bottle of scotch in his cabinet, pouring himself a generous glass, hoping the burn of alcohol would ease the building frustration.

After a long sip, he picked up his phone and dialed his HR department. The woman on the other end sounded surprised to hear from him.

"Mr. Thornton, to what do we owe this honor?"

"I need a new secretary. Find me someone competent. Someone who doesn't waste my time," Ethan's voice was ice-cold.

"Understood. We'll begin the search immediately."

The line clicked off, and he was left with nothing but the hum of the city below and the faintest taste of regret. He wasn't a man who cared much for apologies. People in his world had no room for mistakes, no room for weakness. And this secretary? She had failed him.

---

The office, on the other hand, buzzed with whispers. Ethan's secretary had been dismissed in front of everyone, his anger evident even from across the room. His reputation as a ruthless businessman was no secret. But this? It wasn't the first time someone had lost their job under his watch, but it sure felt more dramatic than usual.

"She was too slow anyway," one of his employees muttered under her breath, eyes flicking toward Ethan as he returned to his desk. He was already focused on a different set of contracts, as though nothing had happened.

The atmosphere in the office shifted with a collective exhale like they were all relieved that Ethan's fury was finally over for the moment. But no one dared make eye contact with him. Ethan's employees learned long ago that when he was in a mood like this, it was best to keep your distance.

His reputation as a playboy billionaire, known just as much for his business prowess as his reckless personal life, ensured no one ever took him too seriously. But there was always this undercurrent of fear. Ethan was a man who demanded perfection, and if you didn't meet his standards, you were gone.

Minutes later, Ethan found himself alone in his office, pacing back and forth. It wasn't like him to let his temper get the best of him, but today, everything felt off. His mind wandered for a moment, drifting to the whispers in the hallways about his personal life. His ex-girlfriends, his flings, his parties-his name was always tied to some new scandal.

Ethan sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. No one ever seemed to get past his persona. The billionaire playboy. That was all anyone cared about. It was easier for people to label him that way, to dismiss him as a rich man who spent his time with women, booze, and bad decisions.

But no one knew the real Ethan Thornton. And frankly, no one ever would.

He turned back to his desk, irritated, and opened his laptop.

"Find me a new secretary."

It wasn't a request. It was an order.

He clicked through the files his assistant had left behind, scanning over résumés with an almost clinical detachment. Some were impressive-graduates of Ivy League schools and former employees of top firms. They all had the right qualifications, but they lacked something important. None of them intrigued him. None of them seemed like they could handle him or his world.

And then, one résumé caught his eye.

Her name was Eva Brooks. A woman with a list of credentials that made him raise an eyebrow. No Ivy League degree. No prestigious firm. But she had something else.

Ethan clicked on the file, intrigued by her background. There was something about the way she presented herself, the way she'd managed to work in the high-pressure industry despite her unconventional path.

This was the one.

He picked up his phone again, dialing HR.

"Get her in here. Now."

As Ethan leaned back in his chair, staring at the city below, he couldn't shake the feeling that today wasn't just another day. Something about this woman-Eva Brooks-had caught his attention in a way no one else had. Maybe it was her confidence. Maybe it was the challenge she seemed to represent. But either way, Ethan Thornton wasn't one to ignore something that piqued his interest.

He was about to meet his new secretary. And for the first time in a long while, he wasn't sure what to expect.

Eva Brooks stood in the lobby of Thornton Enterprises, looking up at the towering skyscraper that housed one of the most powerful business empires in the city. The gleaming walls of glass and steel reflected the morning sun, casting sharp, angular shadows across the marble floors. She couldn't help but feel a flicker of excitement mixed with trepidation. This was it. The opportunity she'd been working toward her entire career had finally arrived.

She wasn't here for Ethan Thornton's fame. She wasn't here for his wealth, his charm, or his notorious playboy reputation. No. Eva was here for one reason only: to prove herself. To succeed in a world that often overlooked her, a world where a woman like her had to fight for recognition.

The receptionist greeted her with a smile that seemed rehearsed but polite enough.

"Miss Brooks, you're expected," the receptionist said, motioning to the elevators. "Mr. Thornton's office is on the top floor. Right this way."

Eva nodded, her heart pounding with the anticipation of what was to come. She'd spent the past few days mentally preparing for this moment, but now, standing in the lobby of Thornton's Enterprises, it all felt very real. She was about to meet the infamous Ethan Thornton-the billionaire whose name was whispered in the tabloids, a man known for his unpredictable temper and a string of failed relationships.

Yet none of that mattered. Eva wasn't here to admire the man behind the reputation. She was here to do her job and climb the career ladder.

The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, and Eva stepped inside, the polished metal gleaming around her. The ride-up was quick, but the closer she got to the top, the more aware she became of the weight of this opportunity.

When the doors opened, she was greeted by an expansive office that reflected Ethan Thornton's wealth-gleaming floors, walls adorned with modern art, and massive windows offering a stunning view of the city. It was the kind of office that could only belong to someone of incredible power.

Eva barely had time to take in the view before she heard the voice.

"You must be Miss Brooks."

Ethan Thornton's presence hit her before she even saw him. He was standing at the far end of the office, behind a desk that looked more like a fortress than a piece of furniture. He was exactly as she'd imagined-a man with the air of someone who always got his way, who never had to work for anything because everything simply fell into his lap. His dark hair was slightly messy, his tailored suit impeccable, and his piercing eyes locked onto her as though he could see right through her.

Ava didn't flinch. She walked toward him with purpose, her heels clicking against the floor.

"Yes, I'm Eva Brooks," she said calmly, extending her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Thornton."

Ethan took her hand, his grip firm, but there was something in his eyes-a flicker of curiosity. Eva couldn't quite place it. She had been warned that Ethan Thornton was a man who could charm the most reserved of women, but Eva had no intention of becoming one of them.

"Right," he said, his voice smooth but with an edge to it. "Let's see if you live up to the hype."

He didn't wait for her to respond. Instead, he motioned for her to sit across from him at the desk. His eyes never left her face, sizing her up, as though trying to figure her out.

Eva sat down, straightening her posture. "I'm confident I can handle the job, Mr. Thornton. I have a proven track record and a willingness to work hard."

His lips quirked upward slightly, but it wasn't a smile-it was more of a challenge. "We'll see about that."

He slid a few papers across the desk, pushing them in her direction. "Your first task. The company's finances for the upcoming quarter need to be reviewed. I'll expect a report by the end of the day."

Eva glanced at the papers. It was a sizable amount of work, but it didn't faze her. She had dealt with much worse in the past. "Understood."

Ethan leaned back in his chair, still watching her with that intense gaze. "I expect the best. If you don't deliver, don't bother coming back."

Eva didn't let the threat faze her. Instead, she focused on the work in front of her. She had no time for distractions.

"Is there anything else?" she asked, her voice steady.

"Just one thing." Ethan's eyes gleamed with an unsettling light. "You'll be working closely with me, Eva. Don't think you can get away with keeping everything business."

Eva didn't flinch, even though the implication was clear. He was a man who had mastered the art of using charm to manipulate those around him. But Eva wasn't like the other women who had fallen for his flirtations. She had no interest in playing games.

"I'm here for work, Mr. Thornton" she replied evenly. "I'm not interested in anything else."

There was a brief moment of silence. Ethan studied her for a moment longer before leaning forward slightly. "I think you're going to be interesting, Eva Brooks."

His words hung in the air between them, and Eva was keenly aware of the unspoken tension. Ethan Thornton was used to getting whatever he wanted. But Eva wasn't like the women he usually surrounded himself with.

As the meeting came to an end, Ethan gave her a brief nod. "You can get started right away. I'll expect results by this evening."

Eva stood up, gathering the papers in front of her. "I won't disappoint you, Mr. Thornton."

She turned on her heel and left his office, feeling the weight of his gaze follow her as she stepped into the elevator. The doors closed, but she could still feel his presence lingering in the room.

The ride down was quieter than before, and as the elevator descended, Ava allowed herself a brief moment to reflect on the encounter. Ethan Knight had been everything the rumors had described-arrogant, demanding, and incredibly intense. But she had handled him. And that was all that mattered.

Ethan sat back in his chair, staring at the door long after Eva had left. There was something about her that intrigued him. Most women would have fallen for his charm by now, but Eva? She hadn't even batted an eye.

The idea unsettled him. But it also sparked something in him. He'd never met a woman like her. And he wasn't sure if that was a challenge-or a mistake.

Either way, he was going to keep her close.

The next morning, Eva arrived at Thornton's Enterprises with a quiet determination. The challenges from the day before hadn't fazed her in the slightest. If anything, they had only made her more resolved. She wasn't about to let Ethan Thornton's reputation-or his charm-distract her from what she was here to do.

Eva had spent the night going over the financial reports Ethan had given her, poring over the numbers with a meticulous eye. By the time she arrived at work, she was ready. But the moment she stepped into the building, she could feel the undercurrent of tension.

Ethan Thornton's reputation preceded him. The office was abuzz with whispered conversations as she walked past. Some women gave her sympathetic glances, while others shot her envious stares. They all knew who she was now-the new secretary, the one who had taken the job after Ethan's last assistant was let go. The one who was brave enough-or foolish enough-to work closely with the billionaire playboy.

Eva didn't care. She was here to do her job.

She found her desk, settled in, and began reviewing the files on her computer. But even as she focused, her mind couldn't help but wander back to Ethan.

She had expected a man of power-someone who exuded control in every moment. But what had unsettled her the most about him wasn't his arrogance or his tendency to dominate a room. It was the fact that he hadn't given her the usual treatment. Most men like him would've been relentless in trying to charm her, to throw her off balance. But Ethan hadn't done that. Instead, he'd challenged her-pushing her to prove herself and testing her limits.

Maybe that was part of the game.

Eva had no intention of playing.

At precisely 9:30 a.m., Eva was called into Ethan's office. She took a deep breath and walked toward the door, trying to steady her pulse. She had already prepared the report he had requested, but there was something in his tone from yesterday that had made her wonder what he was after.

She knocked on the door before entering.

"Come in," came Ethan's voice from the other side.

She stepped inside, and there he was, leaning back in his chair, his sharp eyes watching her. He seemed to be waiting for something, as though anticipating her next move.

"Morning, Mr. Thornton," Ava said as she approached the desk, her voice professional.

Ethan didn't reply immediately. Instead, he looked at her for a moment, his gaze lingering just a little too long. She could feel the weight of it, the challenge beneath his eyes. He was testing her.

"I trust you've finished the report?" he asked casually, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the edge of his desk.

Eva placed the file on his desk, her hand steady. "Yes, here it is. All the numbers you requested are included, and I've outlined a few projections for the next quarter."

Ethan raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed, but he didn't immediately open the file. Instead, he leaned forward slightly, studying her. "I'm curious, Eva. Do you think you'll be able to handle the pressure of working here?"

Ava didn't flinch. "I've handled pressure before, Mr. Thornton, I'm confident I can manage."

There was a pause. For a brief moment, Ethan seemed almost... amused.

"Good," he said, at last, picking up the file. His eyes flicked over the pages quickly, but he didn't seem to be fully focused on the work. Instead, he kept glancing at her from time to time, his expression unreadable.

"Everything looks in order," he muttered, handing the file back to her. "But you're still on probation. I expect nothing less than perfection."

Eva didn't let his words affect her. She took the file and nodded. "I understand, Mr. Thornton. You won't be disappointed."

For a moment, the tension between them was thick enough to cut with a knife. Ethan's eyes seemed to pierce through her, his gaze intense and searching, as though he were trying to figure her out.

"I'm not so sure about that," he said finally, his voice low, almost challenging. "I think I'll enjoy watching you try."

Eva's heart skipped a beat, but she didn't show it. Instead, she stood her ground, meeting his gaze steadily.

"I'm not here to entertain you, Mr. Thornton. I'm here to work."

Ethan smirked. "We'll see."

Later that afternoon, Eva found herself again in the elevator, heading to a different floor for a meeting with one of the company's senior managers. As the doors closed, she let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

The morning had been a whirlwind-her first real interaction with Ethan had been just as intense as she'd imagined. But what had unsettled her the most was how easily he'd gotten under her skin.

Ava had never been one to let her emotions interfere with her work, but with Ethan Thornton, it was different. There was something about him-a quiet force-that pulled her in, making it impossible to ignore the weight of his presence.

But that was exactly what she intended to do.

She wasn't here for games. She wasn't here for distractions. Ava Brooks had a job to do, and she wasn't about to let a billionaire playboy derail her plans.

---

Back in his office, Ethan sat in his chair, staring at the door through which Eva had just left. There was something about her that intrigued him. She was the only woman who hadn't immediately fallen for his charm, the only one who seemed unaffected by his power.

Ethan had been testing her, watching her responses closely, and for the first time in a long while, he found himself interested. She was smart, capable, and most importantly-she didn't seem intimidated by him.

That, more than anything, was what made Eva Brooks different.

As the day went on, he found himself looking forward to their next interaction, curious to see how far she would push him-and how far he could push her.