Chapter One

Grace POV

Patrick Vanner. That name echoed again and again in my head as I walked into the Vanner’s Hospital and I approached the receptionist, clutching my files as rage coursed through my bones, even though I wore a bright smile on my face.

The image of my father being pulled away by the cops had imprinted in my heart and the words he whispered to my ears while I had hugged him.

“Sofia…he did this to me,” I went still and cold, about to ask my father who. Then he said, “Patrick Vanner… he brought this upon your father, he brought this upon us.”

I stood there shaking when I watched the authorities seal my family’s hospital. I had come back with so much hope, a young medical graduate, hoping to join my father’s hospital.

But the welcome I got on arrival was the cops arresting and sealing our hospital. All my hopes, crushed.

“May I help you, Miss?” I raised a brow and looked at the receptionist who seemed to have been calling me for a while. I had been lost in thought as I seemed to be, a lot lately.

The only words pulsing in my mind were “Patrick Vanner did this to us.”

“Yes ma’am… My name is Grace Hart,” I said smiling as I handed her my files with a fake identity in it, just like my name was fake, “I am a fresh graduate, I schooled in the US… and I am looking for a job.”

She took my files smiling back at me, I watched her scan the file and my heart throbbed within my chest. My palms were sweaty as I anticipated her response.

“Please give me a job ma’am… this is my dream hospital,” I pressed as I placed my hands on the counter.

She sighed and looked up at me, “Miss Grace, I am sorry but we do not have a need for your specialty at the moment.”

Shit. 

“Ma’am, I can fit anywhere… I don’t mind… I … I,” she shook her head and my voice trailed off, she handed my file to me and I sighed as I took it.

“I am sorry, miss,” she said to me and I nodded my head, and bit my tongue.

I turned and a collision made my files fall off my hand and it scattered on the floor.

“Dammit… I am so sorry,” the deep rumble in his voice made goosebumps crawl on my skin, I raised my gaze and I saw his deep grey eyes looking down at me with so much intensity.

“Shit…” he cursed and broke eye contact with me as he bent and started to gather my files. 

I took a deep breath as he looked away from me. Thank goodness, I was about to drool, because of him.

I gulped and looked down at him as he gathered my files. His back muscles flexed as he moved his big arms. He wore a blue shirt that was too tight I could fucking see all his muscles.

“Here,” he said as he got up and handed the files to me, his eyes locked with mine once again. I took my files and his fingers brushed mine and I jolted back as I felt tingling inside me that I had never felt before in all my twenty five years.

How can this man’s touch affect me so much… I am losing my mind.

“What brings you here, Miss Grace?” he asked as he raised one of his perfectly arched brows.

I furrowed my brows as I wondered how he knew my name. He looked down at the files in my hand and my eyes followed his eye movement.

“Oh…” I said as I noticed he’d seen my name from my files, “Well, I was looking for a job, but I was told, there was no vacancy,” I dropped my gaze and my eyes landed on his open chest. He had a few buttons undone and I could take a little peak at his hairy chest.

Shit. what is wrong with my mind, I better leave before I lose focus… I will be back some other time.

I took quick steps towards the exit.

“Grace, I am sure we can fix you somewhere,” I froze.

I turned to him slowly and he walked up to me, “Patrick Vanner,” he said with his hand stretched for a handshake.

My legs shook as I watched his face in horror, hoping this was a nightmare, I can’t be falling head over heels for him. For the man I have come to destroy.

Patrick smiled and dropped his hand when he saw I wasn’t taking it. Of course, I can’t take his hand. Firstly I have a feeling that I would wet my panties if I touch him again, secondly, I hate him.

“Come with me to my office,” he said and walked along, I followed him, his strides were long and powerful.

“Sit,” he said motioning at a chair as soon as we got in his office and he sat down.

I sat down slowly and when he stretched open his hand for me, I stared at him in confusion, until he said, “Your files, Miss Grace.”

“Oh, yes,” I said and handed it to him. He took it, but held my gaze as he placed it on his desk.

I shifted on my seat as I felt so much heat from his gaze.

“You are pretty,” he said and I smiled as I looked down at my finger, which I was playing with on my lap.

“Thanks,” I whispered and brushed my hair behind my ear slowly.

Oh my, why do I feel so good after his compliment? I have heard tons of guys compliment me. Why does he seem so different?

I looked up and noticed he still had his eyes on me, he held my gaze for a while and then looked down at my files in front of him.

I gritted my teeth as I balled my fist as I glared at him.

Patrick Vanner, I might seem innocent to you, but I will make you pay for what you did to the reputation of my family name… I will bring you to nothing, even if I have to seduce you to get that.’

Your handsome as hell face, and your sexy and muscular body will not save you, Mister.

Shit. I closed my eyes and licked my lips. Why am I thinking of him like that?

“Impressive,” his low deep voice made me look up at him, he had his eyes on my files, “Really impressive… you are good,” he said as he lifted his gaze to me and winked at me.

“Thank you, sir Patrick,” I said with a soft smile on my face.

He closed the file and placed his hand on his chin like he was deep in thought, “At the moment we do not have any vacant position that fits your qualification,” I held my breath as he continued, “But, I think I will need a personal assistant… congrats Grace.”

I closed my eyes as I huffed. Your doom’s day has begun.

I smiled at him, “Thank you sir… It’s my pleasure…” I paused and said the rest in my mind. It’s my pleasure to ruin your career, Mr Patrick Vanner.

“Patrick,” he said, “You can call me Patrick, Grace.” 

“Why?” I asked and licked my bottom lip, he got up and I followed him with my gaze until he reached me.

Why does it look like he is grinding his jaw? Shit, why is he locking the door? Has he found out my true identity, shit?

He strode up to me and turned my chair around, I gasped as he dropped down and bumped his balled fist on the table, he glared at me as he lowered his face down to mine.

“Why did you do that?” he asked, looking into my eyes.

What did I do? I thought as I licked my bottom lip anxiously.

“Why…” he asked and paused immediately “Shit,” he cursed before crashing his lips on mine.