“None,” I say instantly. It’s crucial to be honest with clients. “I haven’t lost any, either.”
His head tips up and he watches me from half-closed lids. “You’re in charge of the pro bono arm of the firm?”
“No.”
“Why you, then?”
It’s a fair question as well as a smart one. “I’ve never lost in trial, and the partners assigned me your case.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m good and they want you free.” I shrug. “This is positive exposure for the firm.” Which is what my boss, Kay Ramstead, told me when assigning me to the docket. We have several verdicts being overturned because of the judge’s corruption, and yours came up, being the most high profile. The loss of your case hurt the firm seven years ago.”
His nostrils flare. “The firm? The loss harmed the firm?”
“Yes.” Damn, he’s intimidating. Do I want him free to roam the streets? “This is a chance to fix the damage caused.”
“And promote you to partner?” he guesses.
My life is none of his business. “I’m good at my job, Alexei.” Yeah, I don’t use his last name. “You can go with outside counsel. I’ll rip up your retainer agreement if you want.”
“I want you.”
I hear the double entendre and ignore it. “Then it’s my way and you’ll follow my directives.”
Now he smiles. Full on, straight teeth, shocking dimple in his right cheek.
Everything inside me short circuits and flashes electricity into places sparks don’t belong.
He taps his fingers on the table. “I signed the agreement, and this means you work for me. Correct?”
“Yes.” But I call the shots.
He moves so suddenly to plant his hand over mine that I freeze. “You need to learn now that I’m in charge of every situation. Do you understand?”
I try to free myself and fail. His palm is warm, heavy, and scarred over my skin with the hard metal table beneath it a shocking contrast. My lungs stutter and hot air fills them. “Whatever game you’re playing, stop it right now.”
His hand easily covers mine and his fingers keep me trapped in sizzling heat. “I don’t play games, Peaflower. Learn that now.”
“Peaflower?” I choke out, leaving my hand beneath his because I have no choice.
“Your eyes,” he murmurs. “The blue dissolves into violet like the Butterfly pea flower. A man could find solace from everlasting torment just staring into those velvety depths.”
I have no words for him. Are there words? Scarred, barely uncuffed, and intense, he’d just whispered the most romantic words imaginable. And he’s a killer. Just because the judge was corrupt doesn’t mean Alexei hadn’t committed cold-blooded murder. Two things can be true at once. “We need to keep this professional, if you want me to help you.”
He releases me and stands. “Guard,” he calls out.
My hand feels chilled and lonely.
Keys jangle on the other side of the door.
“Rosalie, this is your out. If you tear up the retainer, I’ll find another lawyer. If you stay, if you continue to represent me, this is gonna become a lot more personal. Tell me you get me.” Fire burns in his eyes now.
I stand, even though my knees are knocking together. “I’m doing my job.”
“Just so we understand each other.”
The door opens and the same guard from before moves inside, pauses, and visibly finds his balls before securing the cuffs on Alexei, who watches me the entire time. He allows the guard to lead him to the door.
Once there, he looks over his shoulder. “I hope you stick with me in this. Also, you might want to conduct a background check on Miles Molasses from your firm. He was a co-conspirator to the judge and prosecutor.” His teeth flash. “How convenient that he had an accident. Right?”
Look for One Dark Kiss, on sale soon.
Photo credit Dylan Patrick
New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly and #1 Amazon bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has published more than sixty novels, which have been translated into several languages, with millions of copies sold worldwide. Her books have received Publishers Weekly and Kirkus starred reviews and also have been featured in Entertainment Weekly, Woman’s World, and Women’s Day magazines. Her novels have also been included in Amazon best books of the year and have been favorably reviewed in both the Washington Post and the New York Times Book Reviews. Rebecca has ridden in a locked Chevy trunk, has asked the unfortunate delivery guy to release her from a set of handcuffs, and has discovered the best silver mine shafts in which to bury a body . . . all in the name of research. Honest. Find Rebecca at: www.RebeccaZanetti.com
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