9

AUDREY
It was a key. Inside the box was a car key with the Audi branding carved on it.
I didn’t want to open the box in front of him, but he insisted I open it because he told me he was not keen on surprises. Why wrap it all up if that was the case?
I frowned in confusion. I didn’t know why he was giving me a key unless…
“Mr. Stark?”
“Don’t give me that look,” he said, his eyes still focused on the road. “You’ll find the car in front of your friend’s apartment when you go home. It’s an Audi A5. I’m just not sure if you’d like the color.”
I blinked, still confused. I slightly clenched the key with my sweaty palm. Apparently, I didn’t like how close he was. His arm brushed mine multiple times now while firmly maneuvering the steering wheel. I didn’t know driving could be so sexy. And his scent filled the air so strongly I couldn’t think straight.
“Why would you give me a car? If it’s alright to ask.”
“Of course, it’s alright to ask, for god’s sake, Audrey.” He briefly glanced at me. “Am I making you nervous?” A ghost smile curved on his lips.
I felt my cheeks flush. Cocky bastard.
He knew very well his effect on women. He knew his effect on me. I could feel it in my flesh and bones. I’d really like to roll my eyes at him, but I didn’t think it was a good idea.
“I’m not nervous,” I murmured, which I thought he didn’t hear.
“You always blush when you lie, do you know that?” he commented, smirking.
I looked away, setting my eyes on the windows.
“Anyway, I’m not giving you a car. It’s company-issued. It’ll be inconvenient for an executive assistant to ride with her friend whenever she goes to work or take a bus when she needs to sort out an errand.”
Right, of course. It was the reason. Oh, how I wanted to remind this man that I wasn’t his slave. And since he decided to make me his assistant, officially, I’d very much like to talk about my exact job description. I was pretty sure covering his ass up to the media by dating tons of superstars was not in it.
“Then when are we going? This is not the way back to the company.”
“I can’t take you back to the office now, so you’re coming with me.”
I frowned in confusion. I couldn’t remember if he had an appointment this afternoon. I was the one arranging his schedule. “Where are we going? Is this a personal itinerary?”
“Not exactly. I’m going to a gala tonight. Remember Rivera?”
“The Italian designer? I spoke to him on the phone once.”
“Yes. I need him to design with us for our summer campaign. I am going to give him a slot. It’s more like a collaboration between two brands—his name and ours. He’s returning to Venice tomorrow, so we agreed to meet tonight. He’ll be attending a corporate gala at the opening of Camelot Arts.”
“Oh, the Camelot. I heard of it. It’d be fun to see the exhibit,” I commented.
However, I looked down at my outfit, and I was pretty much not dressed for the occasion. I was wearing a pantsuit—which I wore for a job interview. But then I realized I was going there to work. Why the heck was I thinking about dressing up now? I blew out a sharp breath.
“Is something wrong?” he asked.
“Nothing, sir.”
A couple of minutes later, we finally stopped in front of a Neiman Marcus. A luxury department store that retails top brands such as Christian Louboutin, Fendi, Gucci, and Armani, and of course, Stark’s finest apparel.
Oh my. My mouth dropped in anticipation. My boss probably knew what I was thinking.
“Wait.” As he was about to step out of the car, I reached out for his arm, which sent me tiny bolts of electricity. I didn’t mean to be so bold. I backed away in an instant.
“What is it?” He raised an eyebrow.
I gulped, my throat dry. “Um, nothing. I’m sorry.”
I followed Gabriel as he stepped inside and greeted a tall woman in a shimmery black dress. Two women in uniform stood at her sides.
“Gabriel! It’s good to see you!” she greeted him in her alto husky voice, boldly kissing Gabriel on his cheek.
“Veronica, I’d like you to meet Audrey Hopkins. She’s my new executive assistant, and she needs your help fetching a dress for tonight. We are attending a gala.”
My cheeks were heated. “Mr. Stark, there’s no need.”
“First impressions last, Miss Hopkins.” His lips curved into a half-smile.
Veronica grinned and looked at me from head to toe. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Hopkins.” She reached out to me.
I shook her hand. “It’s my pleasure to meet you, Miss Park.”
“Just call me Veronica.” She winked. “Come here, darling. You will look absolutely wonderful tonight!” she said as she turned around, checking me out inch by inch. “You have a great figure, love, and a nice skin tone. Oh, how beautiful you are. Are you sure you’re Gabriel’s assistant?”
I blinked. What’s that supposed to mean?
I glanced at Gabriel, whose eyebrow arched.
“Please follow me,” Veronica initiated.
I followed her and the other staff toward a room that turned out to be the dressing room. There, Veronica picked up a crimson dress from one of the many racks and handed it to her staff.
“The color would look good on your skin tone. Do you mind a little bit of skin? Just a little bit at the back.”
I shook my head.
“Well. This dress is pretty new. Got it from Neiman Marcus.” She smiled and brushed her thumb on my cheek. “I’ll transform you into a gorgeous, stunning young lady. All guys will be smitten with you tonight, I promise.”
I giggled. Although I didn’t think of that, her statement made me feel giddy. Would Stark look at me differently?
Oh, I was sure he wouldn't.
“But, wait. Isn’t that expensive? I don’t think I can pay—”
“Don’t worry, my dear,” she cut me. “Your boss would absolutely take care of it. This won’t hurt his wallet, you know? After all, he comes here all the time.”
My eyes grew wide. All the time?
I gritted my teeth secretly. Just how many mistresses of his did he bring here?
Thirty minutes later, I slipped on my matching heels and stepped out of the room. Gabriel was sitting in the waiting area with his eyes focused on his phone screen.
“Gabriel, my darling. I present to you my work of art!” Veronica called, interrupting his scrolling.
Gabriel lifted his head, and our eyes instantly met. He sprang up abruptly, holding my gaze, wearing an unexplainable expression.
My face was heated. The dress Veronica made me wear was a backless crimson evening dress with a high-rise front and lengthy trail, and for the final touch, she laid a ruby necklace around my neck with matching dangling earrings.
“So, what do you say, now, Gabriel?” she said to him.
He flashed out a pleasant grin and nodded in approval. “Perfect.”
Gabriel paced towards me without breaking eye contact. His gaze was burning, and every inch of my skin was tingling. It was as if I was almost bare in front of this man. I noticed he had changed as well, wearing a Cucinelli black tuxedo.
“Great job with this, Veronica.”
“Oh, thank you. I’m excellent, aren’t I? But isn’t she a vision?”
“Yes, and just what I expected from you.”
“Thank you, Veronica,” I said, smiling.
She breathed in awe and clasped her hands. “You are very much welcome.”
Stark briefly smiled at her, then focused his eyes back on me. “Shall we?” he whispered in my ear, scorching me with his hot breath, making me squirm against my thighs. I felt my nipples harden.
I nodded, still unable to look at him.
“A lady should be treated like—” Gabriel took my hand and gently placed it on his arm. “Well, a lady.”