Claimed by the CEO

Anna barely slept that night.

Every time she closed her eyes, she saw him-the towering figure in that rain-slicked street, the dark eyes that had stripped her bare, the business card burning like a brand in her palm. She lay awake in her small apartment, staring at the ceiling, questions spinning endlessly.

Why had Alexander Knight singled her out? Was this an opportunity... or a trap?

By morning, her doubts still clawed at her, but the card sat on her nightstand, gleaming like a dare. Ten a.m. sharp, he had said. The problem was, people like him didn't waste words. If she didn't show up, she might regret it for the rest of her life.

And if she did?

Anna shoved the thought aside as she pulled on her best outfit-an old navy skirt, a white blouse that was one wash away from thinning, and the same heels that had given her blisters yesterday. She smoothed her hair, dabbed on a hint of lip gloss, and told herself she could do this.

"You've faced worse," she whispered in the mirror, trying to ignore the way her stomach twisted.

---

The skyscraper loomed even larger today, its mirrored surface catching the sun like a blade. Anna stepped into the lobby, where the receptionist gave her a curious look before directing her to the top floor.

"The CEO's office?" the woman asked, arching a brow. "He doesn't... usually see people without an appointment."

Anna clutched the black card in her hand. "He asked me to come."

That earned her a double take, but the receptionist said nothing more, only pressed the button for the private elevator.

The ride was suffocating. Each floor that ticked by tightened the knot in her chest. By the time the doors slid open with a soft chime, Anna's palms were slick with sweat.

The top floor was another world. Polished marble floors stretched beneath golden light. Tall windows framed the skyline, a breathtaking view of the city sprawling endlessly below. Assistants moved briskly between glass-walled offices, all sharp suits and sharper expressions.

And at the far end, double doors stood like the gates of a fortress.

"Mr. Knight is expecting you," a tall assistant said, his expression unreadable as he ushered her forward.

Anna's legs felt like lead as she pushed open the doors.

---

The office was vast, sleek, and utterly intimidating. Floor-to-ceiling windows let sunlight pour across a desk of black glass, where Alexander Knight sat like a king on his throne. He was on the phone, his deep voice low and commanding, eyes fixed on documents spread across his desk.

For a moment, he didn't acknowledge her. Anna stood frozen in the doorway, clutching her bag like a shield, painfully aware of how small she looked in this space.

Then his eyes lifted.

Steel. Cold, piercing steel.

The same eyes from last night, locking onto hers with lethal precision.

He ended his call with a curt word, set the phone down, and leaned back in his chair. "You came."

His tone was matter-of-fact, as though he hadn't doubted it for a second.

Anna forced herself to nod. "You told me to."

His lips twitched-not a smile, but something close. "So you follow orders well. That's useful."

"I'm not here to follow orders," she blurted before she could stop herself.

A dangerous silence followed. Alexander arched one dark brow, and Anna's heart plummeted. What was she doing, snapping at a man like him?

Instead of anger, though, amusement flickered in his gaze. "Interesting."

He stood, and the motion was fluid, predatory. Tall, broad, every inch of him radiated authority as he circled the desk and came to stand just a foot away. Anna had to tilt her head back to meet his eyes.

"You want a job," he said. It wasn't a question.

"Yes," she admitted.

"Why?"

"My father is sick. I need the money." The words slipped out before she could dress them in pride or excuses.

For a fleeting moment, something unreadable passed through his expression. Then it was gone, replaced by cool detachment.

"There are easier ways to make money than working under me," Alexander said, his tone sharp as a blade. "Do you understand what kind of man I am, Miss Williams?"

Her mouth went dry. She'd heard the stories-ruthless, merciless, a man who built empires by crushing anything in his path. But standing here, under his gaze, she realized the rumors were only half the truth. The danger wasn't just in his power. It was in his presence, the way he pulled her in even as he warned her away.

"I... I think so," she managed.

He stepped closer, invading her space until she could feel the heat radiating off him. His cologne was subtle, clean, but intoxicating.

"Then tell me," Alexander murmured, eyes boring into hers. "Why should I waste my time on you?"

Anna's pulse hammered. Her mind screamed to look away, but she forced herself to hold his gaze. "Because I won't break as easily as you think."

The silence that followed was suffocating. Then, slowly, a smirk curved his lips. Dangerous. Intrigued.

"Bold," he said softly. "Very bold."

Before Anna could catch her breath, he turned, striding back behind his desk. He picked up a file, flipped it open, and scanned it with practiced ease.

"Fine. You'll work here. Starting today."

Anna blinked. "What? Just like that?"

His gaze lifted again, sharp and unyielding. "Do you want the job or not?"

"Yes, but-"

"Then don't waste my time with questions. My assistant will handle the paperwork."

It wasn't kindness. It wasn't generosity. It was a command, as though he were testing her resolve.

Anna swallowed hard. "All right."

"Good." Alexander's voice dropped lower, dangerous. "But remember this, Miss Williams."

He leaned forward, eyes narrowing.

"In my world, loyalty is everything. Betray me, cross me, or even hesitate at the wrong moment... and you'll regret ever stepping into this office."

Anna's chest tightened, fear and determination warring inside her. She had just stepped into the lion's den, and Alexander Knight was the lion himself.

And whether she liked it or not, she had just become his prey.