“No, I don’t think you’re capable of grasping the ramifications if you fail,” she coldly spoke into her cellphone. “Mr. Steel will be fully accommodated. You will do whatever you have to do to make room for him on that flight, and you will do everything within your power—and work outside the scope of your pitiful power—to ensure he receives the standard of service he is accustomed to. You understand.” Jedi mind trick, Emma thought to herself as she half listened to the service representative’s apologies and reassurances.

The initial stance from the airline had been less than accepting of modifying passenger lists to make room for one more arrogant businessman, but Alexander “Lex” Steel was far more than any simple businessman, in Emma’s book. As his executive assistant, her job was to ensure whatever he wanted was his. Never mind he had impossible whims and improbable requests. If Lex wanted to be on the next plane out, a full load was of no consequence; he would be on the next plane out. Sure, he made allowances that if a flight could not be found, he would be willing to wait, but more than anyone Emma was aware of the inner workings of her boss’s business and well aware that he needed this transport. Lex could afford to appear lackadaisical; Emma could not. “Thank you for your cooperation,” she said, with less than gratitude. It was to be expected. The world bent to money and power. Lex had no shortage of either. By proxy, Emma wielded the same dual-edged sword.

With a comfortable sigh at another bit of unpleasant business taken care of, Emma patched herself in to Lex’s direct line to inform him of his good fortune. His sexy deep voice through her earpiece sent a thrill through her that coursed from the fibers of her hair to her expensively pedicured toes. “It has been taken care of,” she told him. “You’ll leave in two hours. Would you like me to have your car sent?”

Lex settled back in his leather chair and spoke into the phone.
“I appreciate your effectiveness, Emma. What would I ever do without you?”

Rare that he flirted with her these days, but flirtation edged his voice. Emma flushed an unaccustomed pink and cleared her throat, composing herself. If she had a weakness, Lex could be considered it. While working for the most impressive weapon’s dealer in the country had its drawbacks, being his executive assistant certainly had its perks. Namely that she was required to spend so much time with him. Her thoughts flashed to her neatly packed bags in the trunk of her Miata. She would attend this business trip, but it would be her pleasure. When she was sure of her voice, she stated, “I’m just doing my job, Mr. Steel.” He chuckled into the phone and disconnected.

She was dangerous ally, Lex knew. Her loyalties coursed far deeper than simple professionalism. He was well aware that the poised and polished Emma Thompson harbored wild fantasies of somehow fulfilling him in capacities outside of the work force, and Lex cursed his momentary lapse in judgment that had allowed him to succumb to her sexual wiles months back. Thankfully, once he had discovered her lusty sexscapades were fueled by a genuine desire to have a relationship with him, he had extricated himself from the situation and not looked back since. To be sure, she still wanted more; but, Lex was satisfied with himself that he was not leading her on. She was a great executive assistant, nothing more or less. He paid her well, he complimented her often, and he would even be willing to write an impressive referral if her own interests got in the way of her working for his company. Other than that, he felt his obligation to the somewhat overbearing seductress were satisfied.