Disrobed (The Billionaire's Secretary) Read Free Page A

talking with wide gestures that were careful never to spill his drink. Every movement was cool, calculated. It was clear to her, knowing him, that he was enjoying being the center of attention, though she was sure that he respected or liked no one in that small circle. It was clear to her, now. He was pathetic. Broken. She resented the fact that such a man had ever held complete sway over her world.
    She looked over at Tracey. His shoulder s were broad, and his laugh was easy and earnest. His confidence was authentic, not a piece of theater used as a tool to manipulate and control. Felicia looked back at Felix. After a few moments he turned to look back at her, meeting her hazel eyes with his steely grey. He seemed surprised, but raised his glass politely and went back to his conversation.
    That’s right Felix, she thought. Don’t even think about coming over here.
    As Felix told his story to a captivated audience, he could think of one thing, and one thing only. It was her, burning on the edges of his peripheral vision. Felicia Aimes. His infatuation with her had started as a small desire, burning in a corner of his heart when they were dating. He’d taken it for granted, taken her for granted, and after she’d left it had surprised Felix to find that his feelings for her persisted. Now, she was beginning to consume his every thought. He had thought the term was over used at his country clubs and in his social circles, but there seemed to be no better phrase to describe her than “ebony goddess”. Ebony goddess indeed, he thought, continuing to sip champagne and feigning interest in the insipid conversations of two or three spoiled, soft, socialites.
    He wanted to worship her, but his form of worship was domination. He needed to control and own her completely. Felix smiled inwardly. An ex-girlfriend of his had once called him the devil. She, however, had been no better than he. Simply a selfish sociopath who hadn’t gotten the upper hand in the relationship the way she had intended. Felicia, on the other hand, was better than him. He knew it, and didn’t care. Life wasn’t fair and, as far as Felix was concerned, this was a very good thing. All that mattered were results. And he was very good at getting the ones he wanted.
    Felix had been at the party for about half an hour, fraternizing with the guests. He disagreed with the idea of being “fashionably late”. The prey was often far easier earlier in the night, and by the time the so-called “fashionable” people got there, a person who played his hand correctly could be a rock star. Even if you hadn’t known a soul there only hours earlier. That, incidentally, had been exactly what had happened this night. Felix couldn’t help glancing around the party.
    Patience, Felix. It won’t do to ruin the clout you’ve built by implying someone here is more important than you. You’ll need the admiration and respect of these people if you are to succeed.
    Right now, Felix had it. Every joke he made was laughed at. His well rehearsed stories of adventures abroad were listened to with awe. By the time he caught Felicia entering the room, he’d had a small crowd of five or six people around him. She hadn’t noticed, though. All her attention belonged to the man whose arm she was on. Tracey Gordon. Felix had to give it to Tracey. He was rich, handsome, and ambitious. Felix thought he was certainly a better man than he, and appreciated this fact. It was simply that he was in the way. Felix was a little sad at having to destroy him. Well, at least his relationship with Felicia. He was too strong, and his influence was like a shining light beaming onto Felicia’s blooming garden. While she was under it, the gates to that garden would never admit Felix. 
    Felix had known of Tracey in his days dating Felicia. He’d always known he was a threat, but had thought there’d be time to deal with him, later. He’d underestimated Tracy’s connection with Felicia until it was