Lewd & Lascivious by Myranda Rae

Table of Contents

Lewd & Lascivious ................................................. 5 Chapter One – Welcome to New York .................... 5 Chapter Two – Power Suit .................................... 12 Chapter Three – Chemistry................................... 25 Chapter Four – Favorite Lawyer ........................... 38 Chapter Five – Self-Control .................................. 45 Chapter Six – Ignore Those .................................. 51 Chapter Seven – Use Them Right Back ............... 61 Chapter Eight – Shop Talk ................................... 71 Chapter Nine – Secretive ...................................... 78 Chapter Ten – Ogling ............................................ 85 Chapter Eleven – Trouble ..................................... 92 Chapter Twelve – Friends................................... 100 Chapter Thirteen - Awake .................................. 109 Chapter Fourteen – Reckless............................. 117 Chapter Fifteen - Hazing .................................... 126 Chapter Sixteen - Begging ................................. 140 Chapter Seventeen - Burn .................................. 152 Chapter Eighteen - Late ..................................... 160 Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

Chapter Nineteen - What Happened to Your Face ............................................................................. 167 Chapter Twenty - Release of Liability ................. 175 Chapter Twenty-One - Overthinking .................. 187 Chapter Twenty-Two - Dates ............................. 195 Chapter Twenty-Three - Love Drunk ................. 204 Chapter Twenty-Four - Jokes ............................ 213 Chapter Twenty-Five - Ripped to Shreds........... 222 Chapter Twenty-Six - Keep the Wine Coming ... 229 Chapter Twenty- Seven - Rain ........................... 236 Chapter Twenty-Eight - Rough Day ................... 244 Chapter Twenty-Nine - Forgive Me .................... 251 Chapter Thirty - Full Disclosure .......................... 256 Chapter Thirty-One - Complaints ....................... 263 Chapter Thirty-Two – Meetings.......................... 272 Chapter Thirty-Three – Dirty Dances ................. 280 Chapter Thirty-Four – Caught ............................ 287 Chapter Thirty-Five – Loving.............................. 294 Chapter Thirty-Six – Pleading ............................ 301 Chapter Thirty-Seven – Searching .................... 308 Chapter Thirty- Eight – Jury Selection ............... 316 Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

Chapter Thirty-Nine – In Pursuit ........................ 326 Chapter Forty – Act Natural ................................ 335 Chapter Forty-One – Had Enough ..................... 345 Chapter Forty-Two – Relax ................................ 355 Chapter Forty-Three – The Camera .................. 364 Chapter Forty-Four – Blowing Up ...................... 374 Chapter Forty-Five – Catharsis .......................... 381 Chapter Forty-Six – Mr. Washington .................. 388 Chapter Forty-Seven – Justice........................... 397 Chapter Forty-Eight – Eye Contact .................... 406 Epilogue .............................................................. 410

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

A note to my Patrons. Thanks so much for subscribing and supporting Love Club 69! Please never hesitate to let me know if you’re experiencing a problem with any of my publications! DM or email me (connect@myrandarae.com)!!

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

Lewd & Lascivious

Chapter One – Welcome to New York The bustling foot traffic at the crosswalk starts to move and shove across the busy street. I try to walk quickly but take care not to rush, otherwise, my time will be off. When I look at the running stopwatch, it reads 18.23. I’ll go ahead and call that an even twenty. I stop my watch and look up at the shiny mirrored glass building in front of me. A twenty-minute walking commute from my horrible apartment to my new job. It could be worse. I could have to take several subway lines to get here. My tiny studio in the meatpacking district is on the fourth floor of a six-story walk-up. My legs are already protesting. Coming from the west coast I couldn’t believe that there was no air conditioning. Come summer, I might be regretting this whole thing.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

I notice a small cafe on the opposite corner of the block. I decide that as part of my due diligence, I should probably try it. It would be wonderful to have good options for coffee so close to the office. I stare up at the building as I walk past it. Large, bronze letters proudly read “Hutchins, Hutchins & Bond Attorneys at Law.” I shake the nervous energy from my hands. I am the first female junior associate hired here in nearly ten years. I’m also the first non-Yalie ever to be hired here, ever. I need to represent women, the west coast, and Stanford all at once. It’s a lot of pressure. If I fail here, I’m letting down more than just myself. If I fail, the nay-sayers were right, I can’t hack it. I got offers for junior associate positions from several law firms on the west coast, including the one I interned for every summer. That would have been the easy option, I know everyone in that firm, they know me. Coming here means starting from scratch in every aspect of my life. There is something about this place though. Their reputation for hardball, and brilliant lawyering is well known. I want to be a part of something big like that. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

I also love the idea of breaking up the boy’s club. These east coast boys have no idea what’s about to hit them. I’m all too aware of the people that expect me to fail. Being a lawyer is difficult enough as it is without having the added pressure of dealing with so many expectations. I know I can handle it. I’ve been underestimated my entire life. Something about my large eyes and petite frame screams “innocent kindergarten teacher” to most men. When I was an undergrad, it bothered me to be seen that way. Eventually, I learned to see it as an advantage. They never see me coming. By the time they realize that they shouldn’t let their guard down, I’ve blown right past them. How is it possible that women are still treated as lesser in so many fields? Haven’t we proven our worth a million times over? The coffeehouse is busy, which is a positive sign. I walk in and look over the expansive pastry case and refrigerated grab-and-go section. I’m glad to have this place so close. I can see myself here often. “Medium iced mocha with almond milk, please,” I order when my turn comes. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

Waiting for my drink I turn to look around the room. There is a decent mixture of people in athleisure wear and business attire. For a Saturday I’m surprised by the number of people that are clearly working in corporate environments. However, I shouldn’t be surprised, this is the city that never sleeps, of course, people are working on the weekends. I haven’t exactly picked a career that is known for its easygoing business hours and typical five-day work weeks. I will, inevitably, be one of these tired-looking, working people here on a Saturday, in no time at all. After grabbing my drink, I head for the door. I can’t help but smile with the first sip, I’ll definitely be here often. A good cup of coffee is worth its weight in gold when you’re up late reading legal precedents and police reports. Just a few steps out the door, I step directly into the wrong place at exactly the wrong time. A lady with a dog stops to tie her shoe, just as a cyclist rides by, her dog lunges at the cyclist, causing him to swerve into the pedestrian walking lane. In order to dodge the bike coming at me I jump diagonally forward, directly into someone’s body, then fall to the ground.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

I am face to face with coffee-stained Sperry’s. As I look up over the tight khaki shorts and pastel pink polo, I’m met with the angry face of a frat boy. “Fuck! Watch it!” He hisses angrily, shaking his wet shoes. “I’m so sorry!” I start to pull myself up when another man’s hand comes down, gently pulling me up by my arm. “Jesus Christ, Mitchel, what is wrong with you?” His warm voice scolds the man I bumped into. He releases my arm once I’m on my feet. Rubbing my scraped hands together, I look up at the man that helped me. Holy hell. This can’t be a real human man standing in front of me. I’ve never been the boy-crazy type, but this guy is unreal. He is tall, so tall, definitely mid-sixes at least. His green eyes are light, they stand out against his tan skin and dark hair. I’ll blame it on the shock of being knocked on my ass but I can’t even formulate words. “Whatever, man,” he steps around me and into the coffee shop. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

Wow, what an asshole. “Hey, sorry about that!” The cyclist says, “you alright?” I give him a small smile, “yeah, I’m fine.” He pedals off, leaving me alone with Handsome. “Are you really alright?” He’s looking at my hands. “Yes, falling publicly is more of a bruise to my ego.” I groan and pick up my empty cup from the ground. He lets out a light laugh, “Can I get you another coffee?” I’m surprised by his offer. “That’s very considerate of you but I’m alright, really.” “I feel like I owe you after he was such a dick,” he chuckles. “You don’t owe me anything, thank you though.” I smile and he nods, his bottom lip pulling between his teeth. I need to get out of here. Nerves over starting a new job, being alone in a new city, and his ridiculously Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

attractive face are going to make me do something I’ll regret. As I walk away, I can’t help but turn back, looking over my shoulder. Shit. He’s looking too. A wide smile spreads over his face as we catch the other sneaking one more peek. Turning before he can see me blush, I walk away quickly. I can’t afford any distractions right now. I came here to kick ass as a junior associate not to mess around with handsome good Samaritans. Even if they’re really, really handsome. I groan to myself as the scratched skin on my knees starts to sting. Welcome to New York, I guess.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

Chapter Two – Power Suit I look down at my burgundy jacket, adjusting it and shaking out my hands. My mom bought me this suit when I took this job. She keeps calling it my ‘power suit.’ Let’s hope it lives up to its name. I deserve to be here. I know the law. I will learn from every experience to be the best lawyer I can be. Repeating this as the elevator doors slide open, I take a deep breath. The fifth floor. Let’s do this. Time to meet all of the partners. No big deal. The contemporary decor and art are simple and elegant. There is a seating area with stiff, contemporary chairs set before a sleek black desk. The secretary seated there smiles at me. “Jolie Lennox?” She asks. I think I detect a slight southern accent. “Yes, good morning!” “I’m Erin! Please, have a seat. I’ll let them know you’re here.” Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

“Nice to meet you, thank you,” I can’t help but smile, even though this is a brief exchange, she seems genuinely warm and friendly. As I sit, I glance down the long hallway. The frosted glass walls don’t give anything away. I can hear Erin talking quietly on the phone. After a few moments, footsteps tap against the marble floor. An older man greets me. “Miss Lennox? I’m Harold Bond, pleasure.” He extends his hand to me. I stand quickly and take his hand in mine, shaking it firmly. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Bond.” He gestures down the hall. As we turn to walk away the elevator dings and the doors slide open. You have got to be shitting me. Frat douche is standing there in a very expensive-looking Armani suit. “Ah, Jolie, this is Michael Mitchel. He’s my senior associate.” Mr. Bond informs me.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

Fantastic. I plaster on a fake smile and extend my arm. He clearly doesn’t recognize me. I’m not surprised. “Nice to meet you,” he limp fish shakes my hand. I wonder if he does that with everyone or if he thinks my delicate female hand can’t take a firm shake. Jackass. We follow Mr. Bond down the hallway, into a large, beautiful office. This office is decorated very differently from everything else I’ve seen, so far. The room looks like a stately library that belongs in an old English manor. “This is my office. The other partners will join us shortly. Each partner has a senior associate that we take on, a sort of mentoring situation if you will. The junior associates will float from case to case. We will assign you to assist the senior associate, depending on the caseload.” He explains. As he finishes, two men walk into the office. I have to bite my tongue to keep from laughing. The older man I instantly recognize as Thomas Hutchins senior. The other man, his son, is his youngerlooking clone. They are so similar it’s comical. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

“Hello, Miss Lennox, I’m Tom Hutchins Junior, you can call me Hutch.” The younger man shakes my hand. “Nice to meet you in person, Miss Lennox,” Mr. Hutchins shakes my hands as well. “I think we should place her with Dane. Have her work the cosmetic fillers case with him,” Mr. Bond tells them. They both nod in agreement. “Looks like you’ll be with me for your first case,” Mr. Hutchins says. “Dane Carter is my senior associate. He’s probably already researching. I’ll take you to meet him after you get settled in.” After several minutes of small talk the phone rings. Erin’s voice rings through the speaker, “Mr. Bond, I have Mr. Harvey on the line for you, he says ‘it’s urgent,’ should I ask him to hold?” “No, no, we’ll take it in the conference room, please, Erin.” With that, all the men start to move toward the door. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Jolie. We’re excited Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

to have you with us. I hope you don’t mind if I have Michael bring you to your office, then introduce you to Dane.” “I’m excited to be here and not at all.” As they leave, I turn to Michael in time to see his eyes planted on my ass. Luckily, I went with the flowy jacket. He really is an asshole. He smirks, “you’re on the third floor. The second floor is the research room and library. The fourth is a conference room and the senior associate offices.” We walk out to the lobby, and I quietly wave to Erin. “Why did you choose this firm?” He asks in the confines of the elevator. “A few reasons.” He hums and lets his eyes move up and down over my body. Keeping my expression flat, I stare at the doors until they slide open. “I’m bringing you to Dane and he can show you around and take you to your office. I have a deposition in twenty minutes.”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

The second floor is different from the others I’ve seen. The small hallway we’re in has two doors, with no fancy frosted glass or decor. “That’s the library,” he points to one door before walking toward the other, “this is the research room.” There is a seating area with a sectional sofa and a large table surrounded by chairs. The table has at least fifty books and notebooks spread out across it. There is a laptop and a cup of coffee but the room is empty. A row of shelves in the back is filled with notebooks and boxes. A man steps out from behind the shelf carrying a large box with books stacked on top of it. “Dane, this is our new junior. They’re sticking her with you for this case,” he says with a chuckle. I don’t miss the obvious negativity in his statement. When he shifts the box down, I can finally see his face. Goddammit. Handsome good Samaritan.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

A huge smile spreads across his face as recognition flashes in his eyes. “One second,” he dumps everything on a creaky chair. Dusting off his hands and pants, he extends his hand to me. “It’s a pleasure, Miss Lennox. I’m Dane, it’s nice to meet you.” Shit. This can’t be real. He looks even better than I remember. Not that I’ve been remembering him... He’s wearing charcoal-colored slacks and a white button-down without the jacket. The sleeves are rolled up revealing tan skin over toned forearms. He’s all broad shoulders and defined cheek bones. His soft pink lips are pulled into a genuine smile. Glasses sit, nestled into his thick, tousled hair. Reaching forward his large hand is both rough and soft as it envelops mine, gently but still with a firm shake. “It’s a pleasure. I’m excited to get to work,” I keep eye contact no matter how much I want to look away. “She hasn’t had a tour or been to her office yet, man. I’ll leave you to it.” Michael informs him before leaving. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

He turns slightly, pulling his glasses off of his head and placing them on the box he just brought out. God, he’s handsome. “Do you want to have the tour? Maybe spend some time setting up your office?” He gestures over the books and papers scattered everywhere, “you don’t have to dig into all of this first thing.” His voice. It’s rough but smooth, deep, and rich. Masculine. I’m staring. I hope he doesn’t notice. What is wrong with me? “Yes,” I clear my throat, “a tour would be great. Thank you.” I’m not going to mention it if he doesn’t. When I look into his eyes, he looks tired. I wonder if this is a challenging case. Excited anticipation makes me almost jittery; I can’t wait to read the file. “This is a logical place to start,” he smiles, “welcome to the research room. You’ll notice that it’s much more...comfortable than the rest of the offices. That

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

sectional will be your best friend during a tough case. Great place for a power nap.” I nod, ready for the late nights spent researching until it’s impossible to keep my eyes open. “Clients aren’t allowed on this floor, did Mike give you the code?” “No, he didn’t.” Annoyance flashes in his eyes and he momentarily pouts his lips. I get the feeling he doesn’t particularly care for Mitchel. “If you try to come to this level, you will be prompted for a code. The stairwell door is the same. 1-1-9-5. Remember, November of 95.” “Whose birthday is that?” “Bond’s wife,” he says, rolling his lips into his mouth. I can’t hide the shock on my face, but I adjust quickly. Bond is almost seventy! “Those shelves are full of data collected over the years. If you want information on any case we’ve ever argued or if you want to know about a specific Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

judge. There is a book that everyone writes in, tips or quirks, helpful stuff to deal with the judges in this district.” I nod, that’s actually pretty cool. I know that associates are very competitive and cutthroat, but I’m surprised by anything resembling helpfulness. “Are you set up here? Didn’t you take the bar in California?” His voice is genuine, he doesn’t seem like a slime ball but I feel the need to keep everything close to the vest here. He could be an excellent actor, just trying to get me to let my guard down so he can sabotage me. I quirk my brow at him, “How did you know I took the bar in California; I could have taken it here?” Is he blushing? “After they hired you, the senior associates might have looked at your file.” “I see...” so they’ve all read all about me. “They’ve never hired outside of Yale. We were curious,” he explains. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

“Just curious?” I’m not letting him off the hook here. This nice-guy routine is just a charade. They were sizing up the competition, probably memorizing my weaknesses to use them against me. He puts his hands up in surrender, “Scouts honor. You’re very impressive, Miss Lennox.” “Were you a scout?” I ask him incredulously. He smiles a megawatt, million-dollar smile, “ok, you got me there. I wasn’t, but... I was really just curious. I’ll get you my file and you can read it if you want.” “No need. I’m an observational learner.” He nods his head and bites back a smile. These Yalies have no idea what a Tree can do. We walk out into the hallway and into the other door. The smell of old books is heavy in the air. Row after row of shelves with, seemingly, every book on law ever written, fill the room. He points to a small pushcart, “make sure you use that, don’t break your back carrying books back and

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

forth but always put it back. Hutch will lose his shit if he comes in here and it’s not there.” “Good tip, thanks.” “Get used to this floor. My first year as a junior associate I spent time here every day.” “Looking forward to it.” “Want to see your office now or save it for the end?” “Let’s save it.” “Fourth floor it is, then,” he pulls the door open and waits for me to walk out. I can’t quite get a handle on him yet. I’m usually very good at reading people. I’m exceptionally talented at spotting bullshit. He is not easy to read, he doesn’t give off the same obnoxious vibe as Michael but I’m skeptical. I guess time will tell. His ridiculously attractive face might be clouding my judgment. Get your shit together, Jolie. ***NOTE***

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

The Stanford University logo is an “S” with a tree in front of it. The school mascot is a Cardinal but people who attend call themselves “trees” or “Stanford trees.”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

Chapter Three – Chemistry “This is the main conference room. Really prestigious clients meet in a smaller conference room on five, but in general, we meet here. Across the hall is the kitchen. They have a service that keeps it well stocked with coffee, fruit, and snack items. You can always bring food, too.” He opens the door to the kitchen and a man is standing inside, filling an abnormally large mug with coffee. He frowns at me. “Chris, this is Jolie Lennox. Jolie, this is the other senior associate, Chris Jordan.” Chris looks similar to Michael. Not in appearance but in attitude. He gives off the same screaming fratboy vibe. “Mmm...the Stanford girl.” His voice drips with condescension. “Nice to meet you,” I try to hide the sarcasm and I mostly nail it. “What did you get on your LSATs?” He asks. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

Really asshole? First thing? I swear lawyers are the worst. “You didn’t read that in my file, Mr. Jordan?” He pales slightly and I hear Dane snort behind me. “178,” I tell him confidently, even if he scored higher than 178, that’s nothing to look down on. I crushed the LSATs, not a perfect score but pretty damn close. I can tell by the look on his face that he didn’t, in fact, score higher than that. He looks like he’s about to say something but Dane cuts in, “we should continue.” I turn and follow him out, partially wishing he would have let Chris say whatever he was about to. I don’t need to be protected. If the other associates are assholes, it’s for the best that I hit it head on, not shy away from it. I can hold my own. We walk down the hallway passing offices with nameplates etched with Chris and Michael’s names. The last office has Dane’s name. He opens the door for me and waits. I step inside and instantly feel a twinge of jealousy over his view.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

His floor-to-ceiling windows look out over Chelsea waterside park. I hope my office faces this direction. “This is my office. If I’m not in the research room, I’m here. Look...I know that this place is really competitive but if you ever need anything... I won’t trip you up, we’re going to be working together for the foreseeable future, we can be in friendly competition, not rivalry.” His stupid handsome face looks completely sincere. “Thank you, Dane. I would like that.” I look around his office, aside from a gym bag on the chair in the seating area, there are no personal touches anywhere. “We can go down to your office now. I believe the partners are having lunch catered. You can go get settled in then after lunch we can hit the research room.” “That sounds great.” He leads me back to the elevator and to the third floor. “This floor has your office, the other juniors office, the paralegals share an office and we have one Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

computer support technician that has an office here, too,” he explains as he walks past several offices. “This is you and the bathroom for this floor is across the hall. I’ll leave you to it.” “Thanks, see you later.” I appreciate that he left immediately. He didn’t loiter around awkwardly. My office is very small, but the furniture is stylish, modern and sleek like the rest of the building. My window looks out over the crosswalk. I guess people-watching is cool, not that I’ll have time to stare out my window often. I set my bag on my desk and pull out the picture frames I brought with me. I’ll add some personal touches eventually. There is a folder waiting on my desk with information in it, my office extension, how to set up my login to access the internet and servers. The normal first day set up. I get to work right away, setting up my computer. When I log in I find an email detailing the different information HR needs to set up my autopay, medical, etc. I spend the rest of the morning finishing all of the paperwork to finish setting up my employment. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

At lunchtime, I force myself away from my desk. I don’t want to be late on my first day. As I step out of my office I slam directly into someone. “Shit,” we both say at the same time. Large hands wrap around my forearms, keeping me upright. Looking up, I’m met with those damn jade eyes. “Sorry, Jolie, I was just checking to make sure you remembered lunch.” His hands are still on my arms. Clearing my throat, I steady myself and pull my arms down. “Thank you, I was just headed that way.” “Let’s go,” his voice is so sexy. I bet he crossexamines the shit out of opposing parties. He walks ahead of me to the elevator. I let my eyes roam over his muscular back and tapered waist. His shirt is tucked into his pants. I sneak a quick peek at his perfect ass before training my eyes to the floor. Stop objectifying your coworker, Jolie. “They had Frenchette cater, have you been?” Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

“No, but I’ve heard of it. I thought it was impossible to get reservations.” He laughs, “Hutchins senior and Bond are pretty well connected. We’ve been to dinner there with clients a few times. It’s outstanding.” As we step into the conference room, I see several people I haven’t met yet. An older woman and man turn to me, stopping their conversation. “Miss Lennox, I’m Lydia Moore, one of the paralegals here and this is Allen Davis, our tech support.” “Nice to meet you both,” I shake their hands and begin to answer the small talk questions they ask me about Stanford and California. Dane gives me an apologetic smile from across the room. The food smells amazing if I could only get to it. After another ten minutes, Dane approaches and joins in the conversation.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

“Jolie hasn’t met the other junior associate. Would you mind if I steal her to make the introduction?” Handsome and helpful. “Thank you,” I whisper as we walk toward the food tables where the senior associates are gathered with one other man who I assume is the other junior. “You looked trapped,” I can’t see his face but I can hear the smile in his voice, “Allen will never let you go once you start a conversation, you’ve been warned.” “Stanford, how’s it going?” Michael asks. “Wonderful, thanks.” I smile. “This is Hunter Colson, the other junior,” Dane cuts in. Instead of extending his hand or speaking, he nods his head in slight acknowledgment before shoveling food into his mouth. Cool.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

“Nice to meet you,” I say with my sweetest smile before grabbing a plate and moving down the buffet line. Everything is amazing. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until now. I take a seat and start to eat. Each thing I taste is better than the last. When I look up from my plate after inhaling my food, I’m met with green eyes. Dane has a small smile on his face as he stares at me. He doesn’t look away when we make eye contact, he keeps his focus on me. I feel my cheeks burning. This isn’t an intimidating stare, he doesn’t appear to be sizing me up. He’s just watching me. Maybe because I was eating like a toddler, shoveling food into my mouth. I don’t want to break first. I let my eyes travel over his high cheekbones and sharp jaw. His pink lips look so soft. He swallows thickly and his adams apple bobs. Still holding eye contact he excuses himself from the group, who are completely oblivious, and stalks toward me. I sink back into my seat. His long legs move him quickly across the room. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

“Are you ready for research?” He asks but I hear a rasp in his voice that wasn’t there before. “Yes,” is all I can say. What is wrong with me? I’m not a wilting flower. I don’t get nervous or tonguetied around men. Something about him has me all knotted up. I follow him to the elevator, and we step inside together. The metal box feels suffocating and small. Has the elevator shrunk since earlier today? I push the button for the second floor and punch in the code. I want to say something to make the ride less awkward, but I have no words. When I glance up at him through my lashes, he’s already looking at me. Fuck. Stop that. His gaze is tense and his jaw is clenched tight. From this angle I can make out a small scar over his lip, it runs perfectly into his well-defined cupid’s bow. He inhales a sharp breath and I know he sees my gaze on his mouth. I can’t explain my behavior, but I want to feel those lips on me.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

The elevator opens and I practically run to the research room. There are more books and boxes spread out on the table. He’s been busy. I sit at the table and he pulls a box and his laptop over to the sectional. Some distance between us is probably smart. I’m acting like a hormonal teenager around this complete stranger. I need to get laid. Clearly, it’s been too long. I can’t even be in the presence of a good-looking man without drooling. I’ve never felt this kind of instant chemistry with someone before. When we met on the street I just needed to walk away. Now I have to work with him every day. Fantastic. He slides a file toward me before returning back to his seat. “Read up on the case. We’re representing the cosmetic filler manufacturer, Rapsicore.” He tells me before pulling his glasses onto his face and diving in. Fuck. How does someone make glasses look that sexy? I need to focus. I flip open the file and begin to read the case information. United States v. Rapsicore Manufacturing. (S.D.N.Y.) Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

Docket Numbers: 1:11-cr-18 & 1:10-cr-349 The state of New York v Rapsicore Manufacturing. Unsafe and FDA recalled materials used in the man ufacturing of injectable dermal fillers for cosmetic purposes. I get lost in the file, so absorbed in the case that I don’t even realize how much time has flown by. “Do you want to get some coffee? I know a place...” Dane’s voice breaks my fixation on the pages in front of me. I narrow my eyes at him as he smirks. And there it is... I knew he would bring it up eventually. “Yes, I could go for some caffeine.” I’m not going there. As far as I’m concerned this is all the attention, we need to give that situation. I stand from my seat and stretch. Nearly four hours had passed by in a heartbeat. The heat and tension from earlier seem to have dissipated, the strain is gone. We walk out of the building and across the small courtyard.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

“What were you doing on Saturday? Getting the lay of the land?” He asks, holding the door to the coffee shop open for me. “I guess you could say that I was timing my commute.” “How far is your commute?” “I have a loft in the meatpacking district, about ten blocks away. It’s a short walk.” “Wait you walk... by yourself?” He stops mid-step and turns to me, “Jolie... I... this is New York City. The morning is probably fine but we work really late. Please don’t walk at night.” “I can call an Uber, I guess if it gets too late.” “Or I can drop you off, it’s not a big deal, just please don’t walk in the dark.” What the fuck are these butterflies in my stomach? Good grief. Am I really that desperate that a bit of human decency has me all fluttery? “Alright, alright, let’s just get the coffee so we can get back to work. I’m fascinated by this case.”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

He looks at me and his eyes flash with... something. I can’t read this man at all. It’s very frustrating.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

Chapter Four – Favorite Lawyer My first week at H.H and B has flown by. The case we’re researching is challenging. Obviously, as the counsel for the defense, we’re defending Rapsicore Manufacturing. It’s a bit of a jolt to the system to know your client is guilty. I’m not naive, I knew going into this that the clients wouldn’t always be innocent. I just wish this one was, my first case as a lawyer and the client is guilty as sin. We’re working extra hard tonight so that we can take the weekend off. It’s only just after six but I’m exhausted. We haven’t left before ten all week. Deposition starts next week, though and we need to have the research, statistics, legal standings, and precedents finished by then to give to Mr. Hutchins. I look up as Dane rubs his hands over his tired face. The glow from his computer screen illuminates his skin. He has a light dusting of stubble over his chin today like he was too exhausted this morning to bother.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

Over the last week, we’ve talked but I still don’t know much about him. He is a very dedicated lawyer and really works hard. He doesn’t waste time on chitchat apart from lunch and coffee breaks. I’ve learned that he is twenty-eight and was born and raised here. Yale was always his first choice for school and he wanted to be a lawyer after watching A Few Good Men as a kid. He knows as much about me. “Did you mark the phone records?” He asks. “Yeah,” I hand him a file, “It’s here, they spoke for a total of forty-eight minutes over eleven phone calls. Before July 18th they were never in contact.” He pinches the bridge of his nose, “Shit, forty-eight minutes? That’s going to be difficult to explain away.” “Exactly. I’ve been looking for something, anything we can use as a reason why they would have been in contact but...” He drops the file down on the table before sitting and looking at his computer for a moment.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

“Want to order dinner? I’m starving and it looks like it’s going to be a really long night.” “Pizza?” “You read my mind,” he grins and scrolls through his phone before handing it to me. “Add whatever you like, I’ve got it tonight.” We work until he receives a message that our delivery person is downstairs. He leaves to get it and I clear a small space on the table for us. As soon as he opens the door the smell of hot pizza fills the room. My stomach begins to growl embarrassingly. “How are you adjusting to everything here? Not just here at the firm but in this city.” “It’s... been interesting. I don’t know anyone here, you’re my only friend,” I joke, “but I’m adjusting. I love the work and the city.” He looks at me with those damn eyes again. I can’t look away, rippling pools of jade feel like they’re pinning me to my seat.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

“I’m your only friend?” He chuckles, “I might need to do a better job with that.” “No pressure or anything.” “You don’t have a boyfriend here? Or back home?” He asks so casually that it doesn’t feel like the question has any motive. “No, no boyfriend.” No boyfriend in two years, but he doesn’t need to know that. He nods his head and continues to eat. Everything he does is so attractive. The room is starting to feel smaller. I clear my throat awkwardly, “do you have a girlfriend or a wife?” Ugh, I’m such an idiot. His question seemed normal, curious. Mine seemed like I was asking because I was hoping for a specific answer. “No,” he says simply but there is a smirk tugging at his lips. Shit. Now he thinks I like him. I need to change the subject, now.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

“Favorite lawyer?” “Thurgood Marshall, you?” “Ruth Bader Ginsburg.” “Worst tv or movie lawyer?” His question makes me smile no one has ever asked me that. “Ugh Jim Carey in Liar Liar,” we both laugh. “Jolie,” he sits up slightly, “why did you come here? You could have gone anywhere. Why here?” “I...uh... see you said ‘you could have gone anywhere’ but that’s only partially true. This firm has a reputation for being top-notch but it’s an east coast boy’s club. Getting offered a position here meant a little more to me than the places that seem...equal opportunity.” We both chuckle quietly, “I asked one of my professors for tips on the interview and he told me ‘not to get my hopes up’ about this place. I was top of my class but this door still didn’t seem open to me.” He is staring at me so intently that it makes me shift in my seat. “When they actually offered me the position everyone was shocked. Then the first thing out of Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

their mouths was ‘you’re not going to take it are you?’ Like... I don’t know... I couldn’t handle it. So I took the job. The thing I hate more than anything is being underestimated. This job wasn’t the easy choice, but I don’t mind the work.” He looks... proud? I wish I could read him. “Ruth Bader Ginsburg would be proud,” he says quietly, “Jolie, I know you don’t need validation from me but... you’re brilliant. In the week you’ve been here you’ve been on top of everything, your research is solid, and your arguments are smart and unexpected. You definitely have a legal brain. I know the guys make it hard on you but it’s because they feel threatened. Hutchins has been looking over your work and he’s impressed, that freaks them out.” I’m blushing. Shit. “Thank you, I... I appreciate that coming from you.” I’m not going to gush about how smart I think he is or how reading his arguments blows my mind, they are so clever and the precedents he uses are genius. He also seems to have endless memory when it comes to remembering past cases. I can’t wait to watch him depose our experts and witnesses next week. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

We spend the rest of our break talking about New York and my best friends that plan to visit soon. Very safe topics. After eating we dive right back into research. The hours pass in a blur and my heavy eyes are wandering over to Dane’s face instead of focusing. He’s so engrossed in the file in front of him that he doesn’t notice me staring. His brows are furrowed and his glasses have fallen down his nose slightly. He has his bottom lip pulled in between his teeth while he reads. I want to bite his lip, to pull it into my mouth, to taste him. I force myself to look back down at my file. Stop it, Jolie. He is mentoring me, we’re both professionals, at least, he is. I used to be.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

Chapter Five – Self-Control ***Attention - this is a split chapter. Halfway through it switches POV. I’m disoriented. A large hand shakes my shoulder gently. Dane’s deep, raspy voice pulls at me softly. His voice is so sexy. What a way to wake up. Wait!? Wake up? Shit! I fell asleep. I jolt up in my chair and rub my hands over my face. Was I drooling? What time is it? What year is it? I’m so scattered. “Let me drive you home, Jolie,” his voice is thick and tired. The clock reads two a.m. Shit. “I...how long have I been asleep?” “Not long,” he tells me but I know he’s lying. God, his voice, it’s low and hoarse and it’s doing things to me. I’m going to blame my sleep-addled brain for my lack of control over my thoughts. We can go with

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

that, but I’ve definitely been losing the battle against my attraction to him all week. I stand and turn, huge mistake. I’m standing almost pressed against his chest. We both stay perfectly still. Against my better judgment, I look up at his face. His lips are parted and he’s pulling in a ragged breath. My heart stops in my chest. Please, kiss me. It’s almost imperceptible but he leans in, bringing his face down, closer to mine. His breath fans across my face. I’m staring at his lips, willing them to press against mine. He steps forward and brings his hand up to my waist, gripping me tightly. My chest is pushed up against his. I want to reach up and push my hands against it, feeling the broad plains of his muscles beneath his shirt. His lips softly graze across my cheeks and I almost pass out. I can’t stop a whine from escaping my lips. Kiss me, dammit.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

I’ve never wanted someone as badly as I want him right now. I’ve been attracted to him since the first time I saw him but this is... this is beyond attraction. His eyes burn into mine, making my knees tremble. I know we can’t do this, my rational brain knows that this is incredibly stupid. I just can’t help the way he makes my body feel. It’s like a swarm of butterflies in my stomach, fluttering under my skin. Everything he does is so goddamn attractive. The soft scent of his cologne swirls around me in a heady, lust-filled fantasy. I know it’s wrong. He’s a senior associate, any relationship between us outside of professional is wrong. HR would have a field day. He pulls away and I have to stop myself from stepping forward into him again. I should be grateful for his self control, I’ll be glad tomorrow but right now I’m on fire and I just want him to lay me across the table. “I’ll drive you home,” he chokes out before reaching up and tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear. I lean into his hand. How am I going to recover from this? His hands on my body will be in every dream and fantasy for the foreseeable future. Fuck. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

Dane’s POV I stare down at her for a second. I know she’s exhausted and I feel guilty waking her. Her full lips are slightly parted as she takes shallow breaths. I hesitate before placing my hand on her shoulder. I’ve made sure to keep my distance physically like I’m afraid to touch her. She looks disoriented. Fuck, I can’t even touch her shoulder without feeling warmth spread up my arm. I tense as some of her silky dark hair sweeps across my hand and down my arm. She smells so good, sweet, like apples and flowers maybe, but it’s fresh, not stuffy. She jolts up and covers her face. I pull my hand back and step away. “Let me drive you home, Jolie.” It’s two a.m. “I...how long have I been asleep?” Her voice is raspy and it makes my breath catch in my throat. Why is she so pretty? “Not long,” I lie, I know she’ll be upset if I tell her I let her sleep for two hours.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

Without warning, she stands up. Fuck. She’s practically leaning into my chest. I think we’re both frozen. She looks up at me with those sapphire eyes and my heart stops. God, I want to kiss her. I can’t stop myself from leaning in, bringing my face down to hers. Her eyes are on my lips. I want to attack her mouth, to taste her, to make her feel how badly I’ve wanted to kiss her since the moment we met. My hand moves up to the slope of her waist and I step closer, feeling her chest rise and fall against mine. She bites down on her bottom lip and it sends a jolt of arousal from the base of my spine. My lips graze across her cheek and a breathy whimper escapes her plump lips. I have to stop this, immediately. Her lips, her body pressed against mine, her sweet smell. I’m rock hard in my pants and it’s taking all of my self-control to step back, to pull away from her. She’s a junior associate, I’m supposed to be mentoring her. It doesn’t matter that she’s smart and Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

witty and so fucking attractive I can’t think straight. I can’t let this happen. “I’ll drive you home,” I don’t even recognize my own voice. I push a soft strand of hair behind her ear and she leans into my touch. It’s almost enough to make me lose control. Fuck.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

Chapter Six – Ignore Those I rock back and forth from my heels to my toes in the elevator. I’m nervous about today. After Dane stopped the...whatever that was, I ran to my office and called an Uber. I’ve spent the entire weekend flopping between full-fledged panic and rabid fantasy. One minute I can’t stop myself from freaking out about the potential fallout from our almost indiscretion. Then with the next breath, I’m thinking about his strong grip on me, his soft lips against mine. I’ve got it so bad, it’s pathetic. I was able to try to fake it and stare at him from across the research table for the first week but after a few moments spent in his grasp, his chest pressed to mine, and I’m unraveling. We can’t have a relationship. He is my superior, my mentor. If I slept with him and anyone found out I would be trashed. Everyone would see me as the woman who slept with a senior associate, a man that has a vote, when the time comes, about whether or not I am offered a senior associate position. It would Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

be seen as an impropriety, as lewd and lascivious conduct in the workplace. While Dane might be reprimanded, he is the senior member, at most he would probably receive a slap on the wrist. Behind closed doors, the guys would most likely laud him as a hero for nailing the new chick. This cannot continue. Dane was right to stop things before they progressed. When I see him I’ll make sure that he knows that our moment of irresponsibility won’t ever happen again. The elevator opens on the third floor and I walk quickly toward my office. Hunter steps out of his office and looks at me with his usual disdain. “Meeting with the partners in ten,” he says before turning back into his office. “Thanks,” I say to no one. Sarcasm aside I actually appreciate him telling me. Normally he looks at me like a bug, scoffs, then leaves. I’m not sure, but I don’t think he likes that I’m here. I take a moment in my office to compose myself. I know that I’m only minutes away from seeing Dane and I need to remain focused and professional. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

Just don’t look at his lips. Or his eyes. Or his arms... or chest. Shit. I run my hands over my skirt, smoothing out any wrinkles. I’m really just stalling, my skirt is fine. I take one last deep breath before stepping out of my office. Hunter is waiting at the elevator when I get there. We stand silently, side by side until it opens. I’m met with jade eyes and perfectly styled dark hair. I should have taken the stairs. I step in and try to steady myself. I know he is behind me, inches away. “How was your weekend?” Hunter asks him. So, this asshole knows how to make small talk, just not with me, noted. “Fine, you?” Danes’ voice vibrates behind me.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

“Good, same.” Hunter answers, “how’s the Rapsicore case?” “Deposing today. We’re ready,” I feel him shift behind me, “How are you, Jolie? How was your weekend?” “It was fine, thanks,” I turn around slightly. I don’t want to make eye contact with him. The elevator opens and we all shuffle out. The door to the small, private conference room on the fifth floor is propped open. We are the last to enter. I quickly take the last seat on one side of the table. The other side has two open chairs. With my luck, I would have had to sit right next to him. I need the physical distance. Hutch speaks from his chair, “good morning, everyone. We’re going to try to keep this brief. We have a case coming in that is going to require all hands on deck. I know Dane and Jolie have been compiling for the Rapsicore case, but we got word this morning that your arguments were so solid, the state is willing to deal it out.” I can’t help the smile that creeps onto my face. If the state is offering a deal based on our argument Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

strength it means they thought that our case was strong enough to win. I look up and meet Dane’s eyes. He’s directly across from me at the table. I can see the corners of his mouth twitching into a smile. “Excellent work, both of you. Jolie, I’m told you are an asset in the research room.” Hutch continues. I smile and nod. Dane’s eyes are still trained on me and I feel my cheeks burn under his stare. When I peek up through my lashes he is watching me, his eyes traveling the length of my face. There is a darkness there that makes it hard for me to breathe. Has this man no shame? Everyone is here. Stop looking at me like that. If someone were to look up, to pay attention for even a second, they would think we’re fucking. He licks his pink lips before running his hand through his hair. I clench my jaw and stare at the table in front of me. This is inappropriate. Shit. My lower abdomen tightens and I shift in my seat.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

“Moving on to the less favorable news, we originally hoped to spare you all but the annual New York City Charitable Giving Gala is now mandatory attendance.” The men around me groan and I’m sure I hear at least two expletives mumbled. Straightening my back, I keep my face neutral. I don’t want them to see that I’m actually excited. An elegant New York high society event sounds fun. “I thought we didn’t have to attend...” Hunter grumbles. “The reason will be clear in a moment.” Hutch sighs and the room suddenly feels very serious. “Allegations of sexual misconduct and assault have been brought against Roger Kilpatrick.” Mr. Bond says, capturing my attention. Roger Kilpatrick is a New York state senator. I must look confused because Mr. Bond turns to explain. “Mr. Kilpatrick is a personal client,” he says to me. H, H, and B is a corporate law firm. We don’t usually handle cases like this.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

“Everyone needs to be on board. This could be a long, bumpy road so buckle up. I will give you copies of the charges being brought up by the district attorney. There are several complaints. Apparently, they have been quietly building this case for a while, which means we’re at a disadvantage. We’re going to need research, depositions, opposing testimony, and character witnesses. I need everyone’s best work.” Erin quietly enters the room and places a file in front of each of us. “Jolie?” Mr. Bond calls my attention, “normally you would move on to a different mentor but since Dane spoke so highly of your research skills and this isn’t a normal case, I’m just going to keep you with him and Mr. Hutchins.” My throat feels dry. Shit. “Yes, sir.” I try to look casual and completely unaffected. “Obviously, this case is why we must have everyone present at the gala. We need to meet with contacts... have positive, polite interactions with anyone and everyone that could potentially help or hinder this case. I’m going to need A-game from every single Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

one of you.” Hutchins senior looks each of us in the eye. “Read the files then check back with your partner mentor. We’re breaking up the work, we don’t want anyone wasting time doing the same thing. The D.A is ahead of the curve on this one, we’re going to have to be fast.” Everyone nods and starts shuffling in their seats, grabbing their files and leaving. I quickly grab my file and leave, opting for the stairs to make my getaway faster. As I round the first landing, I hear the door pull open and then bang closed. Somehow, I know it’s him. My heart starts to pound in my chest. “Jolie, wait. We need to talk about the other night,” his voice is quiet, “we can’t let that happen again. If anyone ever finds out... They would think... look, you’re too smart and too talented to let something like that mark your career. It would follow both of us around but for you...” As much as the double standard pisses me off, now is not the time, he’s right. I appreciate that he cares enough to see that truth and not want it to damage my reputation. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

“We can be professional,” I tell him. God, I hope the fake conviction in my voice is convincing. He takes a step forward, “of course we can. I can work with an incredibly beautiful woman without acting on my desires.” I audibly gulp. “Right, of course. Your desires...” my voice is a hoarse whisper, “we’ll just ignore those.” My eyes wander across his chest. His muscles are tense beneath his shirt. I fold my arms across my chest to keep my hands from creeping up on their own and touching him. This is dangerous. He steps forward again and places his hand on the wall beside my head. His scent chokes me, my chest is heaving. The heat from his body makes me feel feverish. He drags his tongue across his lips and I have to squeeze my thighs together. My eyes pinch closed. “Dane, please,” I’m not sure if I’m begging him to kiss me or to walk away. “Fuck, Jolie,” he pulls me against him and I feel him, every inch of him, hard and formidable.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

“Stop, stop, fuck. Dane, we can’t do this,” he steps back and scrubs his hands roughly over his face. “You’re right. If we do this and someone finds out... I worked too hard for this. When the time comes for me to make senior associate, I don’t want anyone to think I got there by sleeping with my bosses.” “Jolie, you are brilliant. You’ve earned your place here and I don’t want to stand in your way. We can do this. I can do this. I’m a professional.” It sounds like he’s trying to convince himself. He steps away from me, and I slip past him and rush down the stairs. “I’ll read this and we’ll regroup.” He gives me a tight nod. We can’t do this again. We can’t indulge. I can’t risk my career for a fling.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

Chapter Seven – Use Them Right Back State of New York v. Roger Kilpatrick Charges - Four counts sexual misconduct Sexual misconduct, as defined in the New York penal code (S 130.20) states that… I let my mind drift from the file in front of me. Sexual misconduct could be charged when a superior takes advantage of a subordinate sexually. While Dane isn’t my employer, he’s technically my superior. This case is going to have me frazzled, I can already feel it. It’s too close to everything. I wonder how Dane is feeling as he reads over the case file. Our situation isn’t this. I’m not being offered anything in exchange for sex with Dane. He doesn’t have the power, on his own, to promote me or fire me. It’s still wrong though, the rest of the office will still see it as inappropriate. My email pings and a small notification indicator pops onto my screen. Apparently, Dane, Hunter and I will be heading up the research portion of the case. When I’ve

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

completed the reading, I’m being asked to meet them on the second floor. I’m relieved that Dane and I won’t be alone together. We’ll be forced to remain in control with someone else there. I don’t particularly enjoy being around Hunter but I don’t think we can be trusted to be alone yet. Something about him makes me forget about everything else. I take a breath and smooth out my skirt before pulling open the door to the research room. Hunter is on the sectional reading the case file. Dane isn’t here yet, so, I set up my laptop at the table. “Are you going to be able to handle this case?” Hunter asks suddenly. “Why wouldn’t I?” What’s he getting at? “You know, women are touchy about this shit. Everything men do is bad now. Are you going to be able to put your feminist bullshit aside to defend the client?” “Look asshole,” I take a step toward him, “I don’t have any ‘feminist bullshit.’ I’m a lawyer and I know the law. I will defend the client just like the rest of you. Even if he is a fucking perv who uses his Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

position in a place of power to coerce women into having sex with him for career opportunities.” He laughs and stands up from his seat, “those women slept their way to the top, and now that they got where they wanted they are punishing him.” “How about, instead of blaming women, we call it what it really is, men withholding promotions until they receive sexual favors. Put the fault where it belongs, Colson. Sexual misconduct laws were written because this is a problem. People in power, i.e men, use their status as an authority figure, a boss, a teacher, whatever, to set up quid pro quo sex for workplace benefits.” We’re both standing, tense and angry when Dane walks into the room. “Is everything alright in here?” He sets his laptop on the table. “Everything is great. Just making sure our colleague is going to be ok defending the client in this case.” “Are you going to make sure I’m comfortable defending him?” Dane asks, surprising us both. His lips are pulled into a grim line. He obviously knows exactly what’s happening here. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

“What?” Hunter looks shocked. “I mean, the client is obviously guilty of quid pro quo, sexual harassment, which, I’ll remind you is illegal. So, yeah, this is going to be a rough one, defending an obviously guilty client. Thanks for checking in, Hunter. It’s going to be hard but yeah, I can do my job.” Danes’ voice drips sarcasm and disdain. I smile and walk back to my seat. We make eye contact for a moment and I mouth a quick, “thank you.” “I’m going to lunch,” Hunter says gruffly before walking out. Things have been icy, at best, since our little chat earlier. The air changes as soon as he leaves the room. Dane pulls his glasses from his face and rubs his hand over his mouth. “I owe you an apology, Jolie. As the senior associate, my actions were unacceptable.” His voice is sincere and weary. “Dane, it was inappropriate, on both our parts but our...almost indiscretion, was not the same as this,” I motion to the case files, “you aren’t my boss and I’m Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

not being offered anything, nothing is being withheld from me. It’s a dilemma but not really an ethical one. You’re the senior associate but I was acting completely on free will.” “I’ve never lost control of myself like that. It won’t happen again,” he stands and looks at me, his eyes flashing with regret but, maybe sadness too? My stomach falls. I know it’s wrong but hearing ‘it won’t happen again’ leaves me feeling unexpectedly unhappy. Shit, I want it to happen again. I can’t meet his gaze, I’m afraid he’ll see my desperation. This room is suddenly too small and suffocating. I stand and quickly make my way to the door. “Enjoy your lunch,” I say over my shoulder before rushing to the stairs. I need distance. The coffee shop is as far as I can go right now, so it will have to do. Standing at the counter as I wait for my order I feel a light touch on my elbow. Turning around I’m met with the happy, smiling face of Erin.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

“Hi! Are you planning on taking this to go or would you want to sit?” She looks like she would like me to choose the latter. “If you’re sitting, I’ll stay.” “Great! I’ll grab a table for outside.” When my order is completed, I see her at the furthest table away from the cafe. There is a bit of space between each table but this one is pushed out of the way completely. When I sit she leans in, “I hope you don’t mind this spot, I wanted to ask you how things are going and you never know whose listening.” “This is great. Things are... going. I love the work and Dane has been kind and helpful.” I try not to blush when I mention his name. For fucks sake, Jolie. He’s your colleague, be a professional here. “Dane is great,” she says before leaning in slightly, “just woman to woman, watch out for the rest of them.” My arch up in surprise. All of them?

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

“The rest of them? Even the partners?” “Especially the partners. Mr. Bond isn’t horrible as far as how he feels about a woman's ability to be intelligent,” she rolls her eyes dramatically, “but he definitely likes to keep a few pretty young things around. The partners won’t outright harass you but... look, just be careful ok? If anything ever happens, if you’re ever up against one of the guys, for anything, a case, an argument, whatever, they will side with him, no matter what.” “This has happened before?” “Yes, you’re the first female lawyer in about ten years but we fly through female support staff, assistants, paralegals, legal aids, support researchers, you name it. Their male counterparts stick around much longer.” “Have the complaints been of an illegal nature?” “No, not since I’ve been here. It’s more like, being berated and belittled, constantly until they get fed up and quit. I’ve been here for almost five years. No man is ever treated with such disrespect.” “Of course not.” Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

“You can trust Dane. He really isn’t like the others,” she reiterates, a dreamy look in her eyes. It would appear that I am not the only one with a bit of a crush. “I’ve noticed. I wasn’t sure if I was losing my edge or if he was just an excellent actor.” She laughs, “No, he’s been here for four years, he’s the most recent promotion to senior partner. He took a lot of shit when he first got here. He used to be a lot more vocal about all of the double standards but he’s been a bit quieter recently. He always makes sure to give credit for everything we do, though, like, he oversells our contributions,” she laughs. It makes me think back to the compliment I received from Mr. Bond this morning. I figured Dane told him, now I’m sure. I wonder why a guy like him would work here? He asked me but I never asked him. He doesn’t seem to align with them, he could go to any firm, and they would love to have him. I’m falling into the Dane trap again, something about him is so alluring to me, not just physically, there’s just something I can’t explain. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

“Why did they hire me?” I’ve been wondering since they hired me. I’m certain everyone is wondering. She bites her lip and hesitates, “well, they hire a woman occasionally to avoid lawsuits about gender discrimination. Them being harder on women employees is subjective, never hiring a female lawyer? That is clear discrimination.” I purse my lips, thats really not a surprise, they are lawyers after all. They aren’t going to walk into that so easily. “Why did they hire me, specifically?” I ask. “Look, Jolie, when they hired you everyone was talking about it. I heard really great things about you. That you were top of your class, that you clerked for a California supreme court judge, you scored insanely high on the LSATs,” she looks down at her hands, “they decided on you after your video interview. They thought you were pretty.” I must look upset because she quickly grabs my hand, “I overheard that. They weren’t talking about it publicly or anything. You deserve to be here because of your accomplishments, don’t let them take that away from you.” Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

We fall into silence as I think about her words. Maybe it’s time to reevaluate my goals. If I can tough it out here for three years, and get through my time as a junior associate, I can use that to build. To take the experience and the excellent marks in my resume and move on to something else. If they’re using me, I’ll use them right back.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

Chapter Eight – Shop Talk “Are you finished with this?” Hunter asks, gesturing to one of the six books I have spread out in front of me. “Go ahead,” I give him a small nod. While it might not seem like much, this is actually amicable for the two of us. He makes sure to send snarky comments my way a few times a day, otherwise, we’ve been mostly cordial. I’ve tried to talk to him, just polite small talk during breaks but he pretty much ignores me. Dane wheels the cart in from the library with a stack of books piled high. We make eye contact for a moment before he looks away. All week we do this, quick, forbidden glances, then back to our books. Deep down, I think we both know that if we look longer than a second, we will be pulled into something. Everyone in the office is tense. This case is weighing on the partners who are putting pressure on us. The hours have been brutal. We’re all exhausted.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

I could use a good night’s sleep but I find myself grateful for the mountainous workload. I’ve hardly had time to think about anything that doesn’t pertain to the case, one handsome man in particular. We’re so focused on research and precedents that we haven’t even been talking about anything else. This is for the best. The more we talk about not ripping each other’s clothes off, the more fantasize about ripping his clothes off. The door clicks open and we all look up from our various readings. Lydia the paralegal comes in with a large paper bag, “bosses ordered sushi,” she sets the bag down in the small clear space on the table. “Mr. Kilpatrick will be in for a briefing in the morning. Bond wants you to help Chris with the character witness transcripts tonight,” she points to Hunter. My mouth goes dry. That means Dane and I will be alone. You are a professional. You have self-control. You are not this desperate. “Enjoy the sushi!” She chirps as she leaves the room. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

“Fuck,” Hunter curses as he falls dramatically into a chair, “this case is really screwing with my... screwing,” he quirks his brow at Dane. Dane lets out an irritated breath before grabbing the food. He starts setting the different containers on the table. I can tell he’s trying to ignore Hunter. “Come on man, you know it’s true. I haven’t gotten any in a week! These late nights are fucking killer.” “Alright, man, shut up and eat,” he pushes a few cartons toward him. “What about you, Jolie?” Hunter turns to me with a smirk, “you getting any?” “Colson,” Dane admonishes him angrily. “No, it’s fine, Dane. This is just shop talk, right?” I square my shoulders. Dane looks at me with a pleading look as if to say ‘don’t egg him on’ but I won’t let him think he’s gotten under my skin. Talking about your sex life is unprofessional but I’m not going to voice that. I’ll be labeled uptight. I don’t need my co-workers to want to be my best friend, but actively disliking me makes

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

working together more uncomfortable than it should be. “You seem tense, so, I’m going to go with no, same goes for you Dane,” he chuckles and pops a piece of sushi into his mouth. I roll my eyes and open a take-out container. “You know, there are things that could help you out, take the edge off. Just because you’re not getting laid doesn’t mean you can’t be...well taken care of.” He isn’t going to let this go until he gets a response. “I’m covered in that department, thanks though,” I give him my best smile. As long as I don’t freak out he’ll probably drop it. Hunter snorts and shakes his head. I think... maybe I just won some points? Such a small remark, but I don’t think he wasn’t expecting it. He was expecting me to get upset about him asking. He was trying to rile me, hazing the new girl, the only girl. When I look across the table at Dane, his eyes are dark and trained on me. He has a piece of sushi suspended in midair that he seems to have forgotten about. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

I hold his gaze, grateful for Hunter’s oblivious chomping as we both stare one another down, refusing to blink first. My stupid comment must have had the opposite effect on Dane as it did on Hunter. Where Hunter dropped the subject and moved on, Dane seems to have been awakened by it. Something stirs in my gut. “Do you have the personal files completed?” Hunter asks me, causing us to break our intense staring match. I clear my throat, “yes, I went through his whole life with a fine-tooth comb. He said he has never had any complaints or issues in the past but I believe I found two.” Both men groan loudly. “Fuck! Really?” Hunter asks, reaching for the file. “Yes, I was going to bring it up after we ate. They were buried deep, I’m sure he thought they would never see the light of day. One was an incident report in college and the other an accusation from a volunteer at his campaign headquarters. Both events Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

were covered up but...they help to establish a pattern. I’m sure the D.A will find them eventually if she already hasn’t.” Hunter stands, grabbing a few files and another togo container, “I’m going to get upstairs and start on the transcriptions. Shit, the partners are going to flip...” When the door slams shut I keep my eyes on my food. I hear his chair scrape against the floor, his feet shuffling around the room. I peek up and see him setting up on the sectional. He looks up at me and sucks in a tight breath. “I need to stay over here, away from you. In an hour or so we can switch so you can sit here. I need...space. Shit, Jolie, this is killing me. You’re... fuck,” he hisses and drags his hand through his hair. “Ok, good idea,” luckily my voice is even and hiding my thoughts well. I bite down on my lip hard and reach for a background file on one of the complainants. There is something prurient knowing that he’s suffering, that he has to physically move across the room to stay away. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

I squeeze my thighs together and get back to work. Anything to keep myself from thinking about him, thinking about me, masturbating. Shit.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

Chapter Nine – Secretive Yawning, I pull the door to the little boutique open. My eyes search the racks for Erin. “Jolie!” She smiles and hangs the dress she was holding. The charity gala is tomorrow, and I still don’t have a dress. The partners have given us two days off to prepare. I planned on sleeping for twenty-four hours straight but Erin is very persistent. “This place is a hidden gem. The dresses aren’t designer, but they look it and you don’t have to pay designer prices!” Her fingers run over the rack. Looking around at the different color-coded blocks, I move away from the bright, vibrant dresses to the area where everything is black. “Black? You always wear dark colors! Look over there at the purples. You wore that beautiful suit your first day… we never get to dress up. Don’t go basic!” She tries to steer me toward the red section. “I like my moody bitch vibe, thank you very much,” I argue but I let her lead me away from the rack. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

“What about this?” She holds up a pastel pink dress. “Absolutely not,” I laugh. “What about this?” “Please try that one!” She squeals. “The strings will let you adjust it so that it will look tailored to you! It’s perfect!” Walking into the changing room I pull the flimsy curtain closed. “What are you trying on?” “Oh, nothing, I got my dress last week!” She laughs. My chest feels warm. I hadn’t realized that she was doing this only for my benefit. I just assumed that she needed a dress too. “Thank you for doing this with me,” I peek out from behind the curtain. “Any excuse to shop,” she laughs. Looking at myself in the mirror, I feel a burst of confidence. The dress is dusty pink, just a touch above a cream color with glittery threads sewn into it causing it to sparkle slightly.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

The front is fairly plain. The back is where the pizzazz comes in. It is cut fully open with thin straps crisscrossing my body, holding the dress up and closed. The open back and tightness accentuate my curves perfectly. Her face, when I step out, is all I need to know this is the dress. “Holy shit! Girl, you’re a smoke show!” “I think this is definitely the dress!” I rock in my toes unable to contain my excitement. After we have lunch and get our nails done, we part ways. She has a hot date with her fiance and I have to run to the office. A telling difference in our love lives. Most obvious being that she has one and I don’t. With my dress slung over my arm in a garment bag, I make my way up to my office. I forgot my laptop charging cable and my battery won’t last the weekend. As the elevator doors open in the lobby, I’m met with the surprised faces of all three partners plus Chris and Michael. They look like I’ve just caught them Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

red-handed… doing what, I’m not sure. All of them stop speaking and stare at me for a moment. “What are you doing here, Miss Lennox? This is supposed to be your day off. ” Bond is the first to speak. He chuckles, “Don’t become like us, a bunch of workaholics who don’t know how to take a rest day.” “I’m just getting something from my office,” I smile but this feels uncomfortable. “We’ll see you tomorrow.” “Looking forward to it!” I’m filled with relief as the elevator door closes. How awkward and weird. The motion-activated lights flicker on as I walk through the hallway toward my office. It’s creepy being here completely alone. The building has twenty-four-hour security guards but they’re down in the lobby. The complete silence is eerie. After searching my office, I realize that it must be in the research room. Opening the door, I freeze. There is someone in here. The low muttering whisper of someone talking makes my heart pound. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

They must be behind the shelves because the room looks empty. I consider turning and leaving. My charger is right there, sitting on the sectional. I would only have to take a few steps in to grab it. I don't know why this feels scary. It's daytime, in a secured office building. I'm being ridiculous. On tiptoes, I inch into the room. Just as I reach the cord, Dane steps out from behind the shelf. “Fuck!” he shouts and drops the files he’s holding and the phone that was being held up by his shoulder. “Dane! Jesus Christ!” I clutch my chest. “You scared the shit out of me!” “What are you doing here?” He’s looking at me the same way the partners were. “I came for this,” I hold the charger up. We both turn toward his phone. Whoever he was talking to is yelling into the phone. “I… uh, I have to take this… I’ll see you tomorrow.” He quickly bends down and scoops up the file and Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

his phone. I don’t even have time to say anything before he’s out the door. When I step out behind him, the door to the stairwell is slamming shut. What the fuck is going on? Why is everyone being so weird? The usually quick walk home feels longer somehow. The partners and other senior associates were odd but it wasn’t necessarily out of character for them to be short with me. The voice on the phone was a woman. Completely baseless and irrational jealousy creeps into my chest. He could have lied when he told me he wasn’t married or in a relationship. Maybe it was a friend… or his mom… It doesn’t matter who it was. He’s a grown man, fully free and not at all fixed to me. He can talk to anyone he wants. It’s absolutely none of my business. It was probably his mom, though. Most people don’t bolt out of the room suspiciously when they talk to their mom. He was generally uncomfortable to see me there, it doesn’t make Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

sense. When I finally make it home, I force all thoughts of today’s strange encounters out of my head. Hanging my dress on the back of my door, I can’t stop the thought from wiggling its way into my brain. I hope he likes my dress.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

Chapter Ten – Ogling “I have to pull up to the corner,” the Uber driver says in the rearview mirror. “The street is closed to traffic.” All the limos in front of Gotham Hall make it impossible for him to get me any closer. “This works! Thank you,” I slide out of his Prius. The car behind us is a Maybach. Imposter syndrome starts to creep in. Staring up at the stately-looking building surrounded by the glamorous guests en masse, I feel small. Not in a bad way. In a - this is something I’m going to remember forever- way. The crowd of attendees is unlike any group I’ve ever been a part of. Everyone is dressed to the nines, men in tuxedos, women in gowns. I feel a pang of jealousy when I spot a woman in a tux... that must be more comfortable... I recognize some of the people gathered, having their photos snapped by waiting paparazzi. Socialites, TV personalities, politicians, the guest list is a veritable who’s who of New York City’s upper echelon.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

As stylish and dignified as the guests are the Roman architecture, complete with columns makes the building stand alone. I can’t wait to see the inside. Erin and I made plans to meet at the front by the door. I search the crowd for her. We agreed to meet behind the photographers, both figuring that they wouldn’t care to take our pictures anyway. “Jolie!” I hear her before I see her. When I spot her, I can’t help but smile. Her short hair has been smoothed pin straight. A dark smokey eye is done with purple hues that make her brown eyes pop. She looks fantastic. “Jolie! You look incredible!” She hugs me and wobbles slightly. “Don’t mind her, she warmed up with tequila before we left the house,” her fiancé laughs and holds his hand out to me, “I’m Eric.” “Jolie. It’s nice to meet you.” I try not to make it obvious that I’m staring at him but he looks exactly how I imagined he would. After talking with her, he somehow fits the exact look that flows with her looks and personality. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

“You look so gorgeous, Erin,” I link arms with her, trying to steady her slightly. “Dane and Mr. Bond went in just a few minutes ago, so our table won’t be empty.” She leads me toward the door. How did they slip by me unnoticed? I’m awestruck as we enter the ballroom. I wasn’t expecting the circular crystal dome ceiling. The purple-hued lights are dim at first, but somehow grow brighter as they reach the glass. “This is our table,” Erin drops my arm. I don’t even know how we got here. I’ve been too busy soaking in the room. My eyes can’t find a place to land. The elaborate stained glass skylight…the twinkling chandelier… the Grecian pillars make the room look like an ancient amphitheater. Each round table has place settings for fifteen. The flickering candles and white flowers in the center, coupled with the low light make it feel…romantic. “We’re about to hit the bar,” she wiggles her brows, “would you like a drink?” “I’ll take a martini, please, gin.”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

As they walk away I can’t help but gape at my surroundings. When I clerked for a supreme court justice it was a prestigious internship but we definitely didn’t attend events like this. “Jolie,” his rich voice instantly sends goosebumps down my spine. I almost don’t want to turn around. I know without looking that he will be so handsome in a tux. Turning slowly, I try not to let my eyes pop out of my head. I knew it would be good…but I had no idea. “Fuck,” he whispers when I turn fully. I’m glad for the lighting, it hides my blushing cheeks. “You look… you’re the most beautiful woman here,” he bends slightly so no one else can hear him. I want to fling myself at him, to press my body into his. Saving me from blurting something inappropriate, Erin returns with my drink. Dane and Eric have obviously met before. They start making small talk as we all take our seats. I’m glad everyone is too busy being social to notice that I can’t take my eyes off of him. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

Gulping down my drink, I make a mental note to only have one other alcoholic beverage tonight. The last thing I need is to make a drunken slip. I spend the next several minutes studying the intricate stained glass above us. Anything to keep my focus off of him. Who looks that handsome in a tux? Frankly, it’s ridiculous. “You must be the new junior associate,” a gorgeous model-type woman sits two chairs down from mine. “I’m Lola Bond.” Mr. Bond’s wife. “Jolie Lennox, it’s nice to meet you,” I extend my hand but she doesn’t take it. She’s not even looking at me. When I follow her eyes, she’s watching Dane like a starved animal looking at a steak. Her tongue drags over her bottom lip slowly, as she commits every inch of him to memory. Would that I could do the same thing… “Darling,” Mr. Bond catches her attention, “we should go speak with the Mayor and her husband.” I don’t miss the harshness in his tone. Maybe he doesn’t appreciate his wife ogling Dane right in front of him.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

The table is left in awkward silence for a moment before Hutch gulps down his drink and turns his attention to me. “How are you adjusting to life in New York?” “I’m enjoying the change of pace, things are a bit faster here,” I can feel everyone’s eyes on me as I answer. All the side conversations have stopped completely and everyone is now fully focused on me. “You’ve done well, so far. I’m impressed.” Hutchins senior sounds as if he’s surprised. “Thank you.” Mr. Bond and Lola return to the table with a waiter carrying a tray. “We brought shots!” She cheers as she slides into her seat. Fantastic. “To Hutchins, Hutchins, and Bond, the lawyers that know it’s better to know the judge than to know the law!” “Here, here!” “Salud!”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

Everyone raises their glasses before gulping down the shot. It burns all the way down, the kind of burn that ensures I will feel it tomorrow morning. “I’m going to be completely smashed if they don’t bring the food out soon,” Erin leans into my shoulder. “Tell me about it,” I can’t help but make eye contact with Dane. The lopsided grin on his face makes the liquor swirl in my gut. I might be in trouble.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

Chapter Eleven – Trouble At this point, it doesn’t matter that food is being served. I’m drunk. The lovely Mrs. Bond had two more rounds of shots brought to the table. I’m trying to act like I’m at a work event, but this is starting to feel like a frat house party. Not eating before the event to avoid bloating in my dress was possibly the worst idea I’ve ever had. Every time I look up at Dane, which is often, he’s already looking at me. The partners are swapping courtroom war stories, bragging about their triumphs and legal maneuvering. It’s hard not to be a bit impressed by their ruthlessness. At the table next to ours, a group of very famous socialites, an actor, and a few musicians are discussing whether or not it’s more of an honor to grace the cover of Vogue or Rolling Stone. Totally relatable. The table on the opposite side is practically all of New York’s government officials. The mayor, the Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

governor, several borough presidents, and the chief of police, all sitting together, talking quietly. They huddle together, looking out at the crowd with shifty eyes. What I wouldn’t give to be able to eavesdrop on that conversation. Dinner seems to drag on forever. When I’ve finished, Erin and I excuse ourselves to the restroom. It’s a perfectly timed escape from pretending not to notice that he’s staring at me. Unfortunately, there is only so much time one can spend in the restroom without it becoming… suspicious. When we retake our seats, I let my eyes bounce around the room for a while, looking at everything but the thing I want to look at most. When an acceptable amount of time has passed between glances, I inconspicuously peek up at him. Damn those green eyes. I watch in terror as he brings his fork up to his mouth, his lips that I’m sure feel as soft as they look, part. His jaw clenches and releases as he chews. When his tongue swipes across his bottom lip I have to bite into my cheek. Fuck.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

As if by divine intervention, a holy helping hand, a slow building melody starts to play that distracts me from watching him eat like a creep. The plates are cleared, and everyone stands. “I guess it’s time to socialize,” Erin hiccups and holds onto the back of her chair for stability. “Dance with me?” Eric takes her by the hand and she giggles like a thirteen-year-old at a school dance. Left awkwardly alone, I walk toward the bar with the intention of ordering water. I need to dilute this alcohol in my system. “What can I get you tonight?” The bartender smiles. Before I can answer, someone answers for me, “She’ll take a ‘quick fuck.’” I turn to find Hunter with Michael and Chris. Fantastic. “Make it a round of four.” “Whoa, whoa, no.” I protest immediately. “I’m not drinking anymore tonight. After Mrs. Bond’s shots, I’m through.” Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

“Aww, come on killjoy. It’s one shot!” “She’s probably never had a quick fuck,” Michael raises his brow, a challenge. Even tipsy, I don’t miss the double entendre but I’m not going to bite. “What’s in it?” I groan. “Irish cream, coffee liqueur, and melon liqueur.” Hunter smiles passing my shot glass from the tray the bartender set down. “That sounds…awful.” I cringe and shoot the liquid down. It’s much better than I expected. “Let’s order another round!” They immediately ask for more and I slip away without a word. I need air, or bread, or both. Making my way through the crowds of people socializing and past the dance floor, I’m almost to the door when someone grabs me by the arm. “Where are you going?” Dane’s voice makes me shiver. “I’m looking for bread.”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

He rolls his lips into his mouth, probably to keep himself from laughing at me. “Bread?” “Yes, I need to soak up the alcohol. There were no carbs with dinner. I didn’t grab a roll, I should have…” I’m rambling about bread and carbohydrates… wonderful. “I wish I could ask you to dance,” he almost whispers but I hear it. I hear it and my heart flutters. His hand rests on the small of my back, as he leans down slightly, the smell of his cologne swirls around me. My blood boils in my veins, the same torturous heat I feel all day, every day. “You want to dance with me, Dane?” The thought of swaying in his arms makes my alcohol-soaked brain giddy. “You’re so handsome,” I don’t say it on purpose, but I do, and I mean it. He groans and pinches his eyes closed as if he’s in pain. “You’re killing me, Jolie.” “Are you married?” He looks surprised before he laughs, “what?”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

“I know you said you weren’t, but the other day at the office, you were on the phone… it was a woman… and you just seemed so…weird.” He grabs my arm and pulls me toward the door, looking over his shoulder, making sure no one is paying attention to what we’re doing. “Goddamn it, Jolie,” he presses me to the wall in the quiet service hallway. “I’m not married… that phone call… you have to promise me you won’t tell anyone you saw me at the office that day.” “Tell anyone? Why would I?” All I’m taking away from this conversation is that he’s not married. He steps forward, caging me against the wall, “just don’t mention that day again, alright?” His voice is soft, a notable difference from the hardness of his body. His eyes are wild, blown out, and mirroring the same lust that I feel. “D-Dane,” I can’t fucking take it anymore. He crashes his lips into mine with bruising force. I gasp and run my fingers through his hair.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

We kiss frantically, letting all the pent-up frustrations spill from our moaning lips. This is far from my first kiss but...shit. His lips, his tongue, the taste of his soft skin, I’m never going to recover from this. We kiss like we’ll die if we stop. I leave a trail of hot kisses down his neck, relishing the feeling of finally doing it, tasting him, feeling his hands on my body. He lifts my leg, pulling it up around his waist, “Do you know how easy it would be to fuck you right here? I could just pull your panties to the side,” he pants against my ear. “Dane, please,” I moan, actually considering allowing him to rip my panties to the side right here. “Do you know how often I think about you, how many cold showers I’ve taken?” He groans into my mouth. “Probably as many as I’ve taken.” He grips my hips tightly and pushes forward, grinding against me. “Fuck, instead of relief, this actually feels like hell. Now that I’ve kissed you…Jolie…” Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

Our mouths move together so easily, so perfectly, as if they were made to. My body moves on its own, grinding against him, tugging at his hair, seeking out any way to be closer. “Fuck, stop. We have to stop,” he jerks away from me. “What the fuck are we doing? If we ever do this, really do it, there can’t be alcohol involved." "Why are you jerking me around? You want me... you don't... we can... we can't. Fuck!" Even as I say the words, I know it's the booze talking but I'm angry. "Jolie," he looks like he's begging, "we can't, not like this-" A door swinging open makes us both panic, jumping apart. A few of the serving staff walk in, smirking when they see us. “Oh my god,” I hold my head in my hands. Turning on my heels, I run, leaving the hallway and Dane behind me. I need to get out of here.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

Chapter Twelve – Friends I’m already in the research room when Dane and Hunter walk in. I don’t look up or acknowledge them, I continue to read my file and eat my bagel. Hunter is chatting with him already which takes the pressure off of me. It may be bratty, but I don’t want to look at him. I can’t control the magnetic pull between us. I need to take a beat to collect myself before I let his eyes suck me back in. I can feel his stare burning into me, willing me to look up. “Jolie,” Hunter says, surprising me, “Bond flipped the fuck out when he read through your discovery sheet. He called Kilpatrick on the spot and let him have it. His face was so red I thought he was going to explode. He swore up and down that those are the only other complaints we will find but… I don’t really believe him. Don’t think Bond does either.” I think this is his way of complimenting me, maybe? I give him a small smile, “I could run down a few more resources, dig into college a little bit deeper. I should check with Bond but girls on campuses talk,

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

100

maybe the complainant knows of other girls with similar experiences.” “Fucking Kilpatrick, man. You’re supposed to be honest with your lawyers. We could be using you for other things instead of searching for this hidden bullshit.” “Like I said before, it was really buried, my guess is he thought it wouldn’t come up.” After a few hours, I need to stretch my legs and spend a few minutes away from Dane staring me down. I quickly run up to the fifth floor, hoping to speak to one of the partners about reaching out to an old complainant. Chris and Michael are seated in the waiting area, they both look at each other before looking at me. “Hey, Lennox,” Michael starts, “good work with the old complaints.” I try to hide my surprise, “thanks, do you know if the partners are in?”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

101

“Conference call,” Chris answers but his voice isn’t dripping with irritation at my mere existence. After leaving a memo for the partners on Erin’s desk I slowly head back to the research room. I’m stalling, which is childish. I know that we need to have a conversation, again. Why can’t we be adults about this? Only Dane is there when I arrive. “Jolie,” his voice is soft and tired, “I know you’re mad. I know it seems like I’m jerking you back and forth. I just… we were drinking, if we do that there can’t be any alcohol involved. We both need to walk into it fully present and in charge.” I look up at him, his handsome face is marred by deeply furrowed brows. His eyes look tired and the splash of stubble makes it obvious he didn’t rest much on his day off. “Dane… I… I,” I can’t find words, “I understand why you stopped it. In hindsight, it makes me like you even more. But this game of stop and go is all I think about. I can’t focus because this,” I gesture between us, “is consuming me. One minute we aren’t, then the next, we are. I want to be your friend, you’re an amazing lawyer, your dedication, your ability to Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

102

interpret the law, I’m inspired. We just need to decide once and for all.” “You’re like an itch I can’t scratch, the more I try to ignore this the more I think about it. I know that this is a bad situation, but I genuinely enjoy working with you. It might take us some time, but I hope we can be friends too. I will keep myself in check, this is ridiculous.” He rubs his hand over his face. While the mature adult in me knows he’s being rational, it’s also a stab directly to my heart. I can’t explain it but I feel like there has to be something about this draw we feel. I’ve never felt this kind of all-consuming attraction to anyone. We work the rest of the day in relative comfort. I sneak a few peeks at him over my laptop but we’re otherwise it’s all professional, at least outwardly, he doesn’t have to know what’s going on in my head. “Let me drive you home, please. No funny business, I promise.” He gives me a boyish grin that takes ten years off his face instantly. My heart flutters in my chest. It makes this whole ‘just friends ’ thing really difficult.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

103

“Things seemed, almost friendly with Colson today. He seemed...” “Like less of an asshole than usual?” I cut in. “Yeah, that,” he chuckles. Damn, he even makes driving look attractive. How is that possible? I blush and look out the window. I hope he didn’t notice I was staring. “This case is crazy, right? Through two years of clerking, I never had a case that had hidden bombshells like this!” I try to keep the conversation strictly related to work. “Well,” he purses his lips, “it would help if the client would stop withholding information.” “It would be nice if every client was forthcoming and innocent. It really would make everything easier.” He chuckles, “exactly,” he licks his lips innocently and I squeeze my thighs together. When we pull up in front of my building I hesitate for a moment before slipping out of the seat.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

104

“Goodnight, Dane, thanks so much for the ride,” a smile tugs at his lips but his eyes are dark. I rush upstairs to my apartment feeling flustered. I force the thought of him to the back of my mind. Stripping off my suffocating clothes and jump straight into the shower. I need to wash these thoughts away and cool myself off. After my shower I prepare for tomorrow, picking clothes and pulling soft rollers into my hair. I’m doing extra in my beauty routine to distract myself from the uncomfortable tightness in my lower abdomen. My body is wound up, craving. I want his hands on me so badly I can almost feel it. I lay down in my bed, thrashing slightly against the pillows. I force my eyes closed and will my brain to shut up. My mind wanders to his voice, deep and masculine, the hint of rasp that makes me quiver. His large hands, typing, running through his hair, on the steering wheel of his car.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

105

I wonder what kind of sex he likes. Is he rough and domineering, sweet and passionate, a little bit of both? I think back to my previous sexual relationships, they were... unfulfilling at best. Dane gives off an energy… a feeling… he knows what he’s doing in bed. I didn’t care much about sex in college. I was studious and focused in school, my sex life was always on the back burner. That was never an issue until now. Dane does something to me that no one else has ever done. I imagine what it would feel like to have his body on top of mine, his rigid muscles pressed against me. The pressure in my abdomen is unbearable. I open the small drawer on my bedside table, pulling out the small wand that I hope is charged. I press the button and click it until it begins to pulse in a rhythm that I like. I bring it down beneath my blankets and gasp as it touches my needy clit. Dane told me he has to take cold showers. I wonder what else he has to do. Does he make himself come Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

106

thinking about me? The thought brings a jolt of pleasure shooting up my spine. I bet his cock is beautiful. I felt it through his pants, it’s definitely not disappointing. I remember the deep groans and his soft panting sighs. God, he’s so attractive. My empty core aches for him, this little wand is nice, but it’s not enough, it’s not him. I grip my sheets in my free hand, twisting them and groaning as the coil in my stomach pulls tighter. "Do you know how easy it would be to fuck you, right here?” His voice, and his dirty fantasy play over and over again in my mind. I bet he’s vocal during sex. I bet he’d tell me every nasty, filthy thing he wants to do to me. My legs begin to shake as I picture him, above me, below me, behind me, sliding in and out of me. The band snaps and I cry out into my quiet room, releasing the sexual frustration that has built up over the day.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

107

I sigh as I throw the vibrator to the side. I’m still frustrated. That wasn’t enough. Somehow, I know that nothing other than him will be.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

108

Chapter Thirteen - Awake As soon as she slides out of the car I inhale deeply. I felt like I was holding my breath the whole way to her apartment. Her intoxicating scent lingers in the tight cab of my car. I groan and palm myself over my pants. Fuck. It's been a long day. We settled on being friends, on working together professionally. That doesn't mean that I didn't sneak glances at her. Her round ass in her tight skirt is burned into my brain. I still want her so badly. I speed home as quickly as possible in New York City. When I make it to my apartment I rush into the shower. This needs to be taken care of now. I have been suffering in various states of hardness all day, I need relief before I explode. I strip quickly as the water heats up. As soon as I drop my pants my heavy, swollen erection springs free. I groan at the feeling of finally freeing myself after watching her bite that fucking lip all day. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

109

The steamy water beats down against my back as I support myself against the cool tile wall with one arm. It only takes a second of remembering her legs up around my hip, her plump lips lapping at my own, her raspy voice saying my name. I'm so fucked up over her. My fist jerks harshly over my cock, my rhythm growing faster and faster as I picture her thick ass and how it felt in my hands, squeezing her through that fucking dress. I'm positive she wore that specifically to torment me. I think of her breathy whimpers against my ear, her hot mouth, desperate against mine. I should have slipped my fingers into her panties, slid into her wet heat. I should have checked, I'm sure she was dripping for me. Irritated grunts fall from my lips. My fist doesn't feel half as good as I know her pussy does. Just imagining it makes precum drip from my swollen tip. I think about sinking into her soaking wet heat, hearing her moan, feeling her clench around me. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

110

Jesus Christ A tortured groan rips from my chest as I picture her, naked before me, her legs shaking as she comes all over my cock. The things I want to do to her. I pump myself faster, bucking my hips forward thinking of all the ways I can make her come, with my fingers, my tongue, my cock. Maybe she'll be on top, riding me, her perfect breasts bouncing as she moves up and down, over me. Heat erupts in my stomach, every muscle clenches as I choke and pant, water pelting against my skin. My eyes pinch closed, I hear her voice, her soft lilt saying my name. My abs constrict as I jerk violently, heat spreading through my spine as I finally release. Spurt after spurt of cum hitting the ground in front of me. My chest is heaving and my wrist is cramping up as I moan her name. I turn off the water and groan. I just came all over my shower and I'm still fucking frustrated. I'm going to give myself carpal tunnel at the rate I'm going.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

111

I know why I'm still dissatisfied but there isn't anything I can do about that. I lay down in my bed and stare at my phone. I should leave her alone but... friends text each other, right? I hesitate but send it anyway.

I would drive two hundred miles out of the way to have you in my car again. Hmm... I'll have to think of something less creepy to say.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

112

Fuck me. I groan into my quiet bedroom. We're heading into flirty, not friendly territory. As my brain tries to formulate a response, she writes again.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

113

I wonder if telling her I was masturbating and thinking about her is beyond the scope of friendship?

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

114

Oh, have mercy on me! This is cruel. I choke out a groan. Fucking hell. My rock-hard cock is tenting my sheets.

She tried already? She masturbated since I dropped her off? Fuck me. She pulled back, for fucks sake, what a tease. Then again, this seems to be our way. I wonder which one Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

115

of us will break next time. What a fucked-up game we're playing that we keep insisting that we're not playing.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

116

Chapter Fourteen – Reckless It's going to be a long day. Last night's flirty texts about masturbating roll around in my head as I slide into his car and out of the rain. "Good morning," we say in unison before chuckling awkwardly. "Did you get some sleep?" His voice is torturous. "Eventually, you?" "Yeah, eventually," he gives me a lopsided grin. "Dane, can I ask you something?" He turns to me for a second, meeting my eyes, "of course." "Why did you decide to work at H, H and B? You're so different from the rest of them." He takes in a deep breath, "I've been waiting for you to ask this," he smiles, "through school, I was always told that my research was excellent, my instincts were impeccable…I have many things I'm not great at, but law, I know the law. In my fourth year, I was Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

117

the aide to a professor that is a legend at Yale. He was a defense attorney for thirty years before coming to teach. He told me that I'll never make it as a defense attorney because I'm not ruthless, I care too much about people's feelings. Being cutthroat isn't something that can be taught. He said I'd be great in something like real estate or patent law." "So, you're here to prove a point." "Sound familiar?" I can't help but laugh. It sounds very familiar. "Well, if it's any consolation, you're crushing it." His lips turn up slightly then tip down into a frown, "it comes at a cost though. I'm not actually sure it's worth it. The older I get the more I wonder why I thought being a decent person was a bad thing." "You're still a good person, Dane. Why do you stay? You proved yourself, several times over. Why keep working here? Something passes over his face, something dark. “I… it’s a long story. I can’t leave just yet.”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

118

“Okay…” the car suddenly feels very small and awkward. “Are you glad you came here? Was it what you expected?" He quickly changes the subject. "Yes, overall, I'm glad I'm here. I've been considering a switch after my junior years are up, though." He perks up, "switching to what?" "I've been leaning toward family law." He smiles, "I've been considering immigration law. It's still cutthroat but it's on behalf of a more deserving client, more often than not." Shit. He really is a good guy. I rub my hands over my slacks nervously. I wonder if he can tell that my resolve is completely cracked. We talked about being friends, being responsible, and putting this behind us yesterday. Not twenty-four hours later I'm ready to climb over the seats and maul him.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

119

He pulls his sleek car into the underground parking garage, "so, that’s interesting that we're both considering H, H, and B as a temporary stop." His eyes glint with something, mischievous and longing. I'm so glad we're underground and the lights are dim. I know my cheeks are bright red. "Let me get your door for you," his voice is husky and low. I barely nod, in a trance. How do things change between us so quickly? A friendly conversation turns into soaked panties in seconds. Instead of getting out of the car, he leans over, stretching his arm across my body, his face a few inches from mine, and he pulls the door handle. "Shit," I whisper under my breath. He presses his eyes shut. His long lashes fanning out over his cheeks. I try not to breathe, the smell of his hair is making me crazy, well, crazier. Denying this is starting to feel like torture. I lean forward and press my lips to his cheek lightly.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

120

God, just put your mouth on mine. "Fuck being responsible," he groans, his lips against mine. "Yeah, fuck this place," my voice is barely a whimper. He smiles against my mouth before pushing his lips to mine. His arm is still stretched across my body, holding the door handle, effectively pinning me to the seat. The kiss feels like swallowing lava. My whole body ignites in flames. His tongue massages mine as he explores my mouth. His pupils are blown out completely as he pulls our lips apart, "Jolie... I..." Whatever he's about to say gets interrupted by the mechanical arm to the garage entrance pulling upward, signaling an incoming car. We both jerk back, he runs his hand through his hair as I wipe my swollen lips and jump out of the car. He follows quickly behind me, sliding out of his seat and slamming the door. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

121

Mr. Hutchins senior quirks his brow before rolling his lips into his mouth disapprovingly. "Fuck," I hiss under my breath, "he looks pissed." "It's fine, he couldn't have seen anything, Jolie, he always looks like that, " his voice is hoarse. Mr. Hutchins meets us at the elevator. He gives us a brief, curt nod. I know that realistically, Dane is right, there's no way he saw us but that was too close. We need to figure this out. If we're going to indulge in this it can't be an irrational, careless encounter out in the open. "How is the research coming?" Mr. Hutchins asks. Dane quirks his brow at me. "We're confident, as long as no more surprises come out of the woodwork," I tell him. "I've read your research, I'm impressed," he says, looking at Dane.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

122

"Thank you, we've put a lot of hours in." his voice is clipped. "I'll see you in the research room," Dane turns to me casually as the elevator opens on my floor. I nod politely to both of them before stepping out and finally inhaling. Mr. Bond seems to like me a lot more than either Hutchins. Now that Hutchins senior thinks I'm sleeping with Dane because he saw us get out of the same car, he seems to like me less. I want to be offended that he would assume based on something so small but.... After a while, I know I need to go to the research room, I can’t prolong it anymore. When I step into the elevator Michael is already inside. "Two?" He asks before entering the code for me. "Thanks" "So, Jolie, I'm pretty sure you're going to be with me for the next rotation," there is something about the way he's looking at me that makes me uncomfortable.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

123

"Great, admittedly, trial prep was never really my strong suit. The office I clerked for had a specialist for visual presentations and aids, I never really got to do it. I'm excited to expand my understanding," I say earnestly. We may not be best friends, but I'll take the opportunity I'm given to strengthen one of my weaker areas. The elevator doors slide open but before I can step out, he stops me. "I'm really looking forward to it. I can't wait to help you…expand. Dane is obviously doing an excellent job," his voice holds a smugness that causes me to turn to face him. He winks at me with an arrogant smirk that sends me into a tailspin. We've only been here for an hour. Did Mr. Hutchins call a meeting to gossip about Dane driving me to work? I rush from the elevator. Luckily, Hunter isn't here yet. Dane looks up as I begin pacing around the room. "Michael basically just told me that he's looking forward to being my mentor next because he's assuming that I'll be sleeping with him like I'm doing with you."

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

124

Dane jumps up from his chair, "he said that?" "Not in so many words but, pretty much. Why would Mr. Hutchins spread that around? He only saw us get out of the car!" "Fuck," he runs his hands through his hair roughly, "we're going to have to be careful, don't do anything that could even be misconstrued as more than just colleagues. I'm so sorry, Jolie. I lose all self-control when you're around." "Don't apologize. We were both equally reckless." "Look, we need to back off, for a while. I... I'm going to have to keep my distance but please don't misunderstand, it's because we have to, not because I want to." I nod and sit at the table dejectedly. Why do I feel like I was just dumped?

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

125

Chapter Fifteen - Hazing

My heart sinks when the dots indicating another message disappear. I snuggle down into my bed, ignoring the desire to text him again. Dane and I have really kept our distance this week. We're hoping that if we act casual, everything will blow over.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

126

Chris and Michael give me smug looks whenever they see me but otherwise, it's been quiet. If Hunter knows about the buzz in the office, he hasn't let on. It's a cruel twist of fate to be in this situation. If we had actually slept together it wouldn't be so irritating. We're tiptoeing around so that no one thinks we're sleeping together… At work, we keep all conversations light and casual, but we send a barrage of messages as soon as we get home. Our conversations go from friendly to flirty then back again. The more I get to know him the more I like him which makes this whole situation that much harder. I'm not just physically attracted to him anymore; he's quickly becoming a close friend. I can't decide if that’s a positive thing or if it makes me an even bigger idiot for letting him get under my skin and into my heart. I drift into a restless sleep, sleep that’s full of dreams about jade eyes and dark hair. I wake feeling edgy and tired. --------I'm sitting in the research room, typing up discovery when Chris and Michael enter the room.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

127

Chris drops a large evidence box on the table and opens it. "Is there a cassette deck in here?" He looks at me. "I think it's in the library actually." "I'll grab it," Michael leaves the room. I feel immediately uneasy about their, seemingly normal, behavior. They aren't smirking or winking at me, they're being... strange. I'm not used to them acting like mature adults when they see me. Hunter and I have actually developed a friendship, genuine workplace camaraderie. I never saw it coming but our long hours in the research room have forced a peace between us. As much as I wouldn't have wanted to admit it before he's going to make an amazing defense attorney, he's heartless and cutthroat when it comes to the law. He won't back down on his client, no matter what. Chris looks up from his box, "Hey, Jolie, do you think you could do me a huge favor?"

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

128

"I...sure, what do you need?" Michael reenters the room with a tape deck in his hands. "We have a witness, Leonard Stiller. We need him to sign a consulting fee invoice so that we can pay him. I tried yesterday but he wasn't available. I would go today but this evidence is signed out to me. I can't leave it." "And I have a meeting with an expert witness in twenty minutes," Michael explains. "Would you mind running down to Tribeca? You would be doing me a huge favor." Chris smiles and I can't help but feel trapped. Why can’t they send a courier? "Y-yeah, sure, Chris. I can do that." This feels like a trick but if it's not, I'll be burning a bridge that until now, was unavailable. Maybe doing this favor will help them see me as a team player. Maybe this is a chance for us to move on from the last few weeks. Chris hands me a file with a name and address on it. "Thanks, Jolie, you're saving my ass," he says before they leave the room. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

129

I hurry out of the building, wanting to get this over and done with. Sitting in the backseat of the uber I let my mind wander. This feels off but I'm probably just being paranoid because they haven't acted like professionals around me in a week. Maybe Dane and I are in the clear. They've moved on, our separation worked, and they aren't suspicious anymore. I have to double-check the address when the uber pulls up to a sky-high building in a business district. The receptionist at the desk eyes me wearily with a cocked brow. "I'm here to see Mr. Stiller, Leonard Stiller." She looks me up and down, "is he expecting you?" "Um, I don't think so. I'm Jolie Lennox, here on behalf of Hutchins, Hutchins, and Bond." "Take a seat, I'll call you in a moment."

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

130

I take in my surroundings. The building looks old from the outside, late eighties architecture, probably, but the inside is beautiful. "Miss Lennox, you can go up." An elevator attendant nods at me solemnly as we ride in silence up to the top floor. The elevator slides open on the twenty-fifth floor and I'm met with a panoramic view of the city. The minimalist office is huge but almost empty. Behind a large, perfectly centered desk sits a man. When he rises from his seat my heart leaps into my throat. His hulking frame blocks out the sun. He looks unnecessarily threatening. He is bald, with an orangey fake tan and overly white teeth. "Sit," he directs me to a plush white chair in front of his desk, "Who sent you?" His deep voice rumbles through the room. "Mr. Stiller, I'm Jolie Lennox here from Hutchins, Hutchins, and Bond. I have an invoice for you to sign," I hold up the file as I sit in the chair. "What the fuck are you playing at?"

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

131

"I-I'm sorry?" "An invoice? Who sent you?" His voice is menacing but oddly calm. "I... I was told to bring you this invoice to sign, that's all." "I don’t need an invoice, are you sure they didn't send you for another reason?" He rises from his seat again, this time, stepping around his desk. The ring on his pinky glimmers in the light. "You are a pretty little thing, is that why they sent you? Are they trying to butter me up with a pretty girl? They know ol' Leo loves the ladies." Wait, what? "Here, Mr. Stiller," I try to hand him the folder. He smacks my hand and the pages scatter across the floor. When I try to stand, he cages me in by leaning over my chair with his arms on the seatback. His chest is right in front of my face. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

132

"What are you really here for? Are you going to dance for me? What do you do?" He runs his hand up my leg. The action startles me and I jump up. My head collides with his chin. He is sent flailing backwards, catching himself on his desk. Shit, shit, shit. Blood drips from his busted lip. Now he's angry. I turn but he grabs my arm. "Look, do you know who I am? Walking into my office... are you... who do you really work for? Hutchins and Bond would never send you. Are you with the feds? You tell Agent Kent that I'm done with her shit," his voice gets louder with each word until he's screaming. I try to yank my hand free from his but before I can he lands a hard punch to the side of my face. The impact knocks me back into the chair. "Get the fuck out!" He booms.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

133

I don't have to be told twice; I sprint toward the elevator. It opens immediately when I press the button. Thank God... The elevator attendant keeps his eyes trained on the floor. This is obviously not the first time he's seen this. My body is running on adrenaline, as soon as the elevator doors open, I run frantically through the lobby and out the door. I don't stop until I reach the other side of the courtyard before heading out onto the street. With shaking hands, I order an Uber. He's around the corner, which is lucky because I don't know how much longer I can keep from crying. What the fuck just happened? He thought H, H and B was sending me as a "gift?" What does that mean? Then he thought I was a fed? I slide into the uber and my phone rings...it's Dane. Something about seeing his name cracks my composure and I start to cry into my hands. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

134

My Uber driver silently watches me with concern until we reach my apartment. As I'm warily walking up the stairs my phone rings again. Dane. I hesitate, taking a deep but shaky breath as I answer. "Jolie!" He's panicking. "Hey, Dane." "Listen to me, the invoice, it’s not real. Don't go to Stiller's office, he's not a good guy." You don't say... "Too late," I chuckle humorlessly as I slowly climb the stairs. "Jolie are you alright? Where are you?" His voice is so full of concern that it tugs at my heart. "Home," I say quietly as I finally reach my door. I hear shuffling before he speaks again. "Jolie which apartment?" Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

135

"Huh?" "You're apartment number, what's your apartment number?" I can tell he's running. "4F," I don't have the strength to argue with him. If I'm being honest, I want to see him. "Don't move I'm almost there." We hang up and I make my way into my cramped apartment. Kicking off my shoes I go to the kitchen to fill a bag with ice before checking out the damage. Shit. I wince when I catch my reflection. My left cheek is swollen right under my eye. The skin is red that mixes with blue and purple. It hurts but it looks more severe than it feels. I carefully wash my face and remove the remnants of my makeup that got smeared around when I cried.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

136

I hold the ice to my cheek which hurts more than the punch did. I pull my hair into a messy bun on top of my head. I can't help but laugh, which also makes me flinch, ouch. The first time Dane is coming over and I'm bruised, makeup-free, and messy. Fantastic. A frantic pounding on my door startles me. Wow, he got here really fast. I peel the door open and Dane is leaning against the frame with one arm, his chest heaving. When our eyes meet, he is filled with anger for a moment before he pulls me into his arms. His suit jacket and tie are gone, I can feel his warm chest through the thin material of his shirt. I can hear his heart beating rapidly. "Are you alright? Tell me what happened." I pull away from him so that we can sit inside. My loveseat feels really small with him sitting on it.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

137

I recount the events of the day. He stands and begins to pace back and forth. "They set you up. Stiller is… he’s… he’s a political fixer. They sent you there because they knew he would immediately think it was either a joke, like a hooker gram… or he would be suspicious about your motives.” “A political fixer?” I’m too rattled to understand this. "I'm sure they didn't think he would hit me!" "Jolie! They're still liable, even if this was a prank or hazing, you got hurt! The partners are going to lose their shit!" He's angrily running his hands through his hair. "How did you know I was there?" "Colson. Apparently, they told him and he came to me." I bite back a smile, then a painful wince. Hunter cared a little bit. I'm going to have to thank him, then give him shit. Dane stops pacing and stares at me. His gaze always makes me blush. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

138

"Come here," his voice is low. I don't even realize my feet are moving until I'm in his arms again. He brings his hand down and tenderly touches my cheek. "Fuck, baby," his hoarse voice makes my heart race. He brings his lips to mine, carefully. All the stress and tension from the last few weeks melt away. He sits on my small sofa, pulling me down with him. I realize that we're alone, in my apartment, free from prying eyes. The room suddenly feels hot. Is this really happening?

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

139

Chapter Sixteen - Begging His large hand is on my throat, softly running his thumb over my jaw. I want him to rip my clothes off, but he seems perfectly content to move at a slow, torturous pace. I feel like my insides have melted, like I'm a puddle at his feet. How is he so calm? I feel ragged and desperate, but he moves slow, soft, his kisses aren't extinguishing the fire in me, at all. Is he doing this on purpose? "Dane," I groan against his lips before pushing my tongue into his mouth, trying to get a response from him. When his smooth, controlled motion doesn't falter, I know I have to bring out the big guns. I run my hand down his bare chest and push my palm down against his very ready erection.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

140

He whispers into my mouth, "slow down Jolie. We've been fighting this for weeks. I want to remember every second, every moan, every sigh…” Does he need me to beg? At this point I will, pride and dignity be damned. He pulls us up to stand. I almost whine until I realize he's pulling down my skirt. When it falls to the floor, he runs his hands down my back before taking rough, greedy handfuls of my ass, lifting me up against him. I let out an impatient sigh when he sits back down, with me straddling his lap. He chuckles darkly before bringing his mouth to mine. This kiss is still slow but it is not tender. This is his hungry mouth, feverishly exploring mine. "What do you want, Jolie?" His raspy voice makes my body tingle. "You, Dane, I want you" "To kiss you?"

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

141

"Fuck me, please," I try to grind down against him, but he holds my hips. "Patience, Miss Lennox." I almost pout until I feel his thumb slowly working its way into my panties. As soon as his finger grazes across my wet, soft flesh we both moan. His mouth moves faster against mine as his long fingers gently pull through my folds. "I knew it...fuck...I knew you'd be soaked," he whispers like he's talking to himself. He pushes one of his long fingers into my aching core while his thumb traces slow circles against my clit. I feel immediate relief at his touch but it's not enough. "D-Dane, please," I don't even recognize the frantic voice that leaves my mouth. He starts to work his fingers faster. This feels so much better than my vibrator.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

142

He presses hot kisses down my neck and across my chest causing goosebumps to rise all over my skin. Feeling him so close to me, hot skin and hard muscles, it's more than I expected it to be. I've fantasized about our bodies pressed together for weeks and I'm beside myself now that it's actually happening. He works his fingers faster and my body starts to spasm. I'm moaning loudly, the only other sounds are his ragged breaths and the occasional expletive that fall from his lips between kisses. Nothing about this is sweet or tender, not anymore. He kisses me savagely like he can't get close enough to me. The feeling is mutual. I feel my lower abdomen tighten painfully. I run my finger through his thick, soft hair before pulling at the ends and he lets out a deep, low rumble from the back of his throat. The sound ignites my blood. My mouth falls open but no sound comes out. The burning in my stomach reaches its peak. My whole

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

143

body shakes as I moan his name into the room. My hips buck forward over him and his fingers falter. My insides clench around his finger and I feel like I'm floating above my body as I come with a loud, drawn-out moan. I drop my head to his chest and try to catch my breath. He pulls his fingers from my panties and sucks them into his mouth. I've never had an orgasm like that. Normally, even after a mediocre session with my vibrator, I feel immediately tired. Somehow, I feel more energized than ever. I can't wait anymore. I jump off of his lap before he can protest or stop me. I know he wants to take his time, to remember each moment but I am a woman on a mission. I pull at his belt and open his pants enough to be able to pull him free. Instead of stopping me, he lifts his hips slightly so that I can pull his pants and boxers down to his thighs. The smile that pulls at my lips makes my cheeks ache but I can't bring myself to care. I knew he'd be perfect. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

144

His cock bobs above his stomach, hanging heavy, thick and frustrated. His tip is swollen and leaking. A large vein runs the length of his shaft. Were it not for the lust-induced haze I would be intimidated to try anything with him. He's absolutely going to stretch and fill me to capacity. I pull my legs closer to the sofa, tucking my shins under my thighs, getting as close to him as I can. I run my tongue over the vein before swirling it over the tip, tasting the leaking fluid. I can't help but chuckle when his hips buck forward. "Fuuuck" his voice is gravelly and disoriented, "I'm... Jolie... please-" Now look who's begging. Before he can finish his attempt at speaking, I close my mouth around him and slide down, taking him into the back of my throat. He drops his head back and grips the sofa with white knuckles. A guttural moan leaves his chest.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

145

I wrap my hand around the base of him as I work my mouth up and down, up and down. Tears form in my eyes each time I pull him into my throat. I've never been one to really enjoy giving oral but I want to choke on him. I want to taste him, to make him come so hard he feels as good as he made me feel. I pick up speed, hollowing my cheeks and sucking him firmly. When I run my tongue across his shaft as I pull my mouth up and down I feel him twitch and I know he's getting close. "Jolie, I'm coming...fuck, if you don't want it..." he chokes out between moans. I answer him by pulling him all the way into my mouth and swallowing around him, my throat contracting. The muscles in his abdomen and thighs jerk as he comes in hot, spurts down my throat. My eyes water and I focus on breathing through my nose as he twitches inside my mouth.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

146

"Holy fucking shit," his strained voice cries out into the room. I look up at him through my lashes. His face makes my stomach flutter. His eyes are pinched shut and his jaw is slack. His soft, swollen lips are gasping for shallow breaths. He shakes his head slightly like he's disoriented as I pull my mouth off of him. He grabs my hips and pulls me toward him. "That was... I... I don't know what to say..." he presses his lips to mine before standing. Without stopping the kiss he starts to unbutton his shirt, then mine. He lets his shirt slide down his shoulders and onto the floor. I run my fingertips over the sharp ridges of his muscles, feeling every dip and curve. He unhooks my bra and I move my arms so he can pull it down. His hands go to my chest automatically, gently cupping me in his hands, rubbing his thumbs over my nipples.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

147

He steps forward, causing me to stumble backwards. He leads us to my bed. When the backs of my knees meet the mattress he breaks from the kiss. "Lay down, right here on the edge," his voice is demanding and serious. I quickly lay down and watch him with rapture as he drops to his knees and brings my thighs up over his shoulders. His hot breath fans over my soaked core, making me squirm. He looks up at me with blown out pupils and a devilish grin. He doesn't break his stare as he brings his mouth down on me. He squeezes my thighs tightly in his hands, holding my legs open. He begins an unimaginable pattern of licking up and down and then sucking on my already sensitive clit. My legs begin to shake embarrassingly fast. My body is so hypersensitive that after a few minutes I feel my peak building.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

148

Unidentified words fall from my lips as I grip the sheets. I'm not even sure I'm actually saying anything, just long strings of unintelligible sounds. He's moaning against me, lapping up all of the juices that drip only for him. "You taste fucking amazing, better than I imagined. Fuuuuck, you don't know how many times I've made myself come thinking about this sweet pussy." His admission makes my core throb. Thinking about his hands wrapped around his length, pleasuring himself makes me shake. He speeds up, keeping the same pattern but moving his magic tongue faster and faster until I'm screaming his name for the whole building to hear. My orgasm crashes down on me like a wave, the kind that catches you off guard, sweeping you off your feet then beating you into the sand. I can't breathe. There isn't any oxygen left in the apartment. Am I having an asthma attack? I don't have asthma...

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

149

My legs feel like lead as they droop off the bed. He chuckles as he stands up from the floor. I'm absolutely devastated. My body is just a trembling, spasming ball of raw nerves. My eyes seem like the only functional organ. I look up and down his body. His cock is rock hard again, hanging proudly in front of him. If he fucks me, I may die. He seems to be checking me out as well, his eyes roaming over my chest, down my stomach, between my legs. He climbs over me, his huge length grazing my thighs and stomach as he lays over my body, holding himself up so he doesn't squish me. "Are you alright?" He asks, chuckling against my lips. "No," I laugh then wince. He notices and his desire turns to concern. "Did you take something, a pain killer?"

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

150

I hadn't even thought about it. I shake my head. "Bathroom?" He questions as he pulls himself up to stand. He brings me two pills and a glass of water, moving easily around my tiny loft. "It's probably wise that you take those now anyway. The way I'm about to fuck you, you're definitely going to need them." I choke and look up at him with wide eyes. He's smiling but he's definitely not kidding.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

151

Chapter Seventeen - Burn He takes my ankles in his hands, placing warm, gentle kisses on my legs before spreading them wide open. He stops between my legs, staring at me so intently that it makes me blush. The lust in his eyes burns into me. “Fuck, I can’t wait to be inside of you,” he whispers hoarsely. “Please, Dane, God I can’t wait anymore,” I beg with no shame. “Condoms?” “I don’t have any. I’m on the pill, though.” “I’m clean,” the seriousness on his face is endearing. I smile at him, “me too.” He climbs down so that he’s hovering over my body, with one of his hands, he lines himself up with my soaking wet pussy. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

152

Pushing the tip in he stops. The miserable anticipation making me want to cry. He dips his head down into my neck, licking and sucking at a spot that makes me moan. He looks at my face, then down, between our bodies, then back at my face. “Fuck, I don’t know where to look,” he groans and pushes in another inch. His mouth presses sloppily against mine and he pushes in another inch, stretching me. He looks down again, “look,” he lets out a raspy groan, “watch my cock.” I look down between us as he slowly pushes his remaining inches into my waiting heat. He stills completely and we both moan and pant into the humid air. My walls ache at the large intrusion, clenching and spasming around him as I try to adjust. “Fuck” he moans, “You’re going to make me come before we’ve even started.” “You can move,” I choke out. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

153

He looks in my eyes as he pulls his hips back, each thick inch sliding against me. Then he bucks his hips forward, pushing back into me so deeply I feel simultaneous pain and pleasure. He keeps this brutal pace until I can’t take it anymore, my body can’t handle the stimulation anymore. Moans scrape roughly from the base of my throat. White hot, tingling pleasure shoots down my spine, untangling the tight knot in my abdomen. I tilt my head back and scream as pulsating pleasure pierces every nerve in my body. I gasp for air against his chest. He looks at me, his eyes wild, unhinged. “That’s one,” his raw voice barely above a whisper. He sets his face with determination and begins moving faster. His hips thrust so quickly that it knocks the air from my lungs with each forward push. I try to focus, to ground myself in reality. I look up at his face, etched in bliss. His eyes are closed, and his jaw is clenched tight. A few of his normally styled hairs are stuck in the sweat on his forehead. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

154

I look down at his body, every muscle is ridged as he fucks into me like his life depends on it. I look further, past his hammering hips, at where he is sliding manically in and out of me. His thick, swollen cock is glistening, wet, and slippery with my arousal. At some point, he opened his eyes and caught me watching. “Oh my fucking God,” he grits through his teeth. I start to feel the familiar burn in my stomach, the desperate, needy clenching of my walls around his cock. I can see in his face the moment he feels it because his mouth goes slack and his body shudders above mine. He brings his fingers down to my clit and starts to rub furiously as he’s thrusting. My back arches off of the bed, pushing my chest up, into his. My second orgasm rips through me, devastating me. “Fuck,” he groans into my neck, “I want another one. Give me one more, baby.”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

155

My eyes go wide, he can’t be serious. I’m not sure I can actually survive another one. “Oh, God. I can’t, Dane.” “You can take it, baby. You feel so fucking good.” Somehow, against all reason, he speeds up, our bodies colliding so forcefully that I can feel his heavy balls hitting against me. For a moment I consider the possibility that he’s not human. God, the sounds he makes, they vibrate against my whole body. Each deep, thick groan lights me on fire. There is a sheen of sweat coating both of us now, our bodies slide against each other. I pull my eyes closed, completely overwhelmed by everything I’m experiencing. I feel my stomach tighten and I want to scream both in agony and pleasure. My pussy clamps down around him, pulsating and throbbing against his never-ending thrusts. I feel the tingling at the base of my spine. Is this heaven or hell? My third orgasm hits me completely unexpectedly. I bite down on his shoulder to muffle a scream that rips through me.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

156

He pulls out and my body sinks into the bed. My muscles are useless, my arms and legs feel like lead. “Flip over, ass up,” he pants, his chest heaving. I gape at him for a moment, looking for any sign he's joking. He’s not. Somehow, through my body’s exhaustion, I feel a flutter of arousal. I drag my limbs into submission and pull myself up onto my knees. He lines himself up behind me, rubbing himself against my slit as I drop my shoulders into the mattress. Without warning, he slams into me. My body jerks forward and I scream a garbled, meaningless sound into the air. He grips my ass firmly with both hands as he pounds into me. “You ok, baby?” I can hear the smugness in his voice even through the strain and heaving breaths. “God, yes,” I whimper into the mattress. “So...” he slams into me. “...Fucking....” he moans, a deep guttural sound.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

157

“... good.” I know he’s close. I can hear it in his voice. His stroke falters and his bruising grip on my ass lets up slightly. I feel my walls grip him, tight and greedy, spasming around him, painfully. My fourth orgasm is like an out-of-body experience. I feel truly decimated. Every muscle in my body aches as I grip him one last time, screaming his name into the mattress. “I’m co- oh fuuuuuck.” He chokes on a sob and I feel him jerking violently inside of me. With each twitch, he cries out and grinds his hips against me, like he can’t get close enough. He pulls out slowly before lying down next to me. We’re both silent as we catch our breath. I feel his hand touching mine, his fingers rubbing mine softly. “I’ve never been this sore before,” I whine. He snorts beside me but is obviously proud of himself. “I’ll order dinner, in the mood for anything specific?”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

158

“Pancakes.” He laughs, “pancakes? Really?” “You asked! You don't get to judge when you ask...” “You got it,” he leans down and kisses my forehead. I can see his eyes lingering on my cheek. “I’m alright, Dane,” I try to reassure him. He grumbles angrily while scrolling through his phone. I feel myself drifting to sleep, lying against his warm body.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

159

Chapter Eighteen - Late "Wake up, Jo," his soft lips brush over my face and neck, carefully avoiding my cheek. "No," I whine like a child, “let me sleep you monster. After what you did to me, I deserve it." He lets out a loud laugh, "what I did to you? You loved it." Sitting up in bed, I pull my sheet up over my naked body. The smell of breakfast food fills the air and I realize how hungry I really am. He hands me my food before walking around the room to collect his shirt from where it landed on the floor. "It was alright," I dismissively wave my hand in the air while opening the take-out box. "Alright?" He quirks his brow at me smugly, "do you already need me to remind you?" He stalks toward me, his gaze is dark and salacious. "I'm ready for round two if you are." "Round two?" I balk, "that was one round?"

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

160

His smirk grows, cocky bastard. But then again, he has reason to be. "Eat," he laughs as he takes a big bite of his pancakes, "I'm fucking starving." We laugh then eat in near silence, both of us hungrily attacking our food. "Dane?" I ask hesitantly after he sets his to-go box down. He raises his brow, waiting for me to continue. "What happens at work now? I mean..." "Well, I'm sure I'll be fired after I beat Chris and Michael to death, then there won't be any conflict of interest to worry about," he says matter of factly. "Stop it," I chuckle but I'm actually nervous that he might mean it. "Look, we can disclose it, if you want, sign a consensual relationship agreement and I can recuse myself from voting when the time comes for you to move up to senior associate. That way there will be no issues. Or... we can keep it quiet because... fuck them." Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

161

"So... you don't want this to be just a one-time thing? You would disclose a... relationship to the firm?" "Jolie," he sits up straight, his jade eyes studying me, "I... I guess we haven't discussed anything beyond how badly we wanted to fuck each other but... I don't want this to be a one-time thing or a casual fling." My heart flutters in my chest. I love that he's so open. I was too nervous to tell him that I wanted this to be more than a casual thing. I cover my blushing cheek with my hand. "Do you actually want to disclose, or would you only be doing it for me?" "I don't want to disclose because I think that those assholes wouldn't care about how honest we are or what documents we sign. They were immature shitheads when I gave you a ride to work. Imagine how they would react if we openly reveal we're sleeping together." "You're also not technically my boss or employer. So after disclosing they may not have us sign anything anyway."

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

162

As much as it irritates me, I think he's right. If we disclose, I don't see how I could continue working there. Sure, anti-retaliation laws would protect me from being punished or fired, but they can't protect me from everyone being assholes. Even if their harassment is illegal, they are lawyers. I won't bring a suit against them, my reputation will be damaged. "Let's not disclose," I say quietly, and he nods. "We do have to do something about your face. What they did was legally harassment. Whatever their intentions, you were injured." His tone is determined. He’s not asking. He wants them to pay for this. "Will the partners care about that? I mean... I was warned not to expect them to ever side with me if I was up against one of the guys." I think back to my conversation with Erin. "They will care, trust me,” he pinches the bridge of his nose. “Use how angry they are going to be to your advantage. When they try to get you to sign a release of liability, don’t do it.”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

163

"I wouldn't want them to try to use us against each other. If I push this, they'll dig... if they find out about us they'll use it. Sexual harassment versus lewd and lascivious conduct in the workplace or fraternization between employees." He sighs and rubs his hands through his hair. The air shifts, only for a second but long enough for me to feel it. He opens his mouth, then closes it, bottling up whatever he was about to say. Whatever it is, he swallows it down. "It's so difficult to act like we hardly know each other at work. It's going to be even harder now," I whine, moving on from that momentary awkward pause. "God, it's so hard to have you there and not touch you," he swallows thickly, "those fucking skirts you wear." I notice the bulge growing in his slacks and I feel my stomach clench. I don't know how it's possible that I'm even considering this. "So about that second round," he licks his lips. ------

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

164

I wake up early and stay still in bed for a moment. Savoring the feeling of Dane’s strong arms wrapped around me. He groans in his sleep and tightens his grip, pulling me into his hard, warm chest. "Can we stay here today?" His raspy morning voice sends a shiver down my spine. "My apartment?" "Your bed," he rubs his morning wood into my ass. "Don't tempt me. I need to shower. We can't hide out here forever." He makes a whining sound before groaning and rolling out of bed. I sit for a minute, watching his naked form in the dim morning light. "You said shower, right?" He glances at me before casually walking into the bathroom. We are definitely going to be late for work. My tiny shower has never looked so appealing. Watching him, hot steamy water pelting down on his body, I start to rethink my position on staying in bed all day. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

165

Pulling my hungry gaze away from him, I study my face in the mirror. My cheek is still swollen slightly but it's much less painful. The deep purple bruising looks awful. I step into the hot water. Dane takes my face in his hands, inspecting my cheek closely. "How are you feeling?" "The cheek isn't even noticeable compared to the ache between my legs," I jokingly elbow him. "Did I overdo it last night?" "I won't be able to sit down today but it's fine," I giggle against his chest. "Every time you feel that soreness, I want you to remember how you got that way," he pushes his soft lips into the tender skin on my neck. "Fuck it, we can be a little bit late," I wrap my hand around his neck pulling his body into mine, his hard cock pressing into my stomach.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

166

Chapter Nineteen - What Happened to Your Face We are an hour late for work but who’s paying attention anyway? As soon as we step into the elevator Dane pushes the fifth-floor button with renewed anger. The ride up is tense. I know he wants them to pay for what they did. I am oddly calm about the whole ordeal. I'm going to report the incident to the partners then call the police and file a report. The doors slide open and my shoulders sag. Michael and Chris are standing in front of Erin’s desk. Michael turns around first and his face goes pale. He hits Chris’ arm to get his attention. When he turns, he looks at Dane before looking at me. He has a smug grin on his face until he spots the dark purple bruise. Both men are wide eyes as we approach them. “Oh my God! Jolie! What happened to your face?” Erin jumps up from her chair and runs around her desk. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

167

“Oh, I had a little bit of an issue delivering an invoice.” I look at the two men that won’t make eye contact with me. “What the fuck was that? Why would you send her there?” Dane is seething. “We didn’t think he would hit her! It was supposed to be a joke!” Chris snaps at him. “So what? He would be a sexist asshole and maybe yell at her for wasting his time. Ha ha, it’s funny to run her around town on a fool’s errand? The partners are going to kill you for this, you know that, don't you?" “It was just a joke. We thought she would go down there, be embarrassed, then come back,” Michael snaps. He actually has the audacity to sound annoyed, like we’re being ridiculous about this. “Well, he was not in a good mood yesterday. My arriving with an invoice upset him.” Chris at least has the good sense to appear remorseful. Michael is taking the other route, doubling down.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

168

“You are a piece of...” Dane’s angry voice is interrupted by the elevator doors sliding open. Mr. Bond steps out and everyone grows quiet. “Miss Lennox, what on earth happened to you?” He steps forward slightly. “Chris?” Dane asks angrily when no one answers him. “Chris, you did this?” Mr. Bond tenses. “No!” Michael jumps in, “Chris and I sent her to Stiller’s office to deliver a letter of signature for an invoice. It was just a joke. Apparently, he got upset.” “Jesus Christ,” his eyes widen, and he yells, “go into my office, right fucking now!” He tells them before turning to me, “do you need to take a few days, Miss Lennox?” “No, I’m alright, I can work.” He looks like he’s about to blow a gasket. His fists are clenched by his sides and his eye is actually twitching. He nods his head and turns toward the long hallway toward his office, stomping angrily away from me. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

169

I wasn’t expecting him to be this upset. I guess Dane was right. It’s a big deal but I didn’t have high hopes for this kind of reaction. As we step into the elevator, I give him a hopeful smile, “he cared more than I thought he would.” “Yeah…” His voice is distracted… distant. The elevator stops on the fourth floor. Dane steps out and looks at me expectantly, so, I step out too. We walk toward his office. As soon as we’re inside he pushes me gently against his door. His lips are on mine before I can even make sense of what’s happening. The kiss is crushing and desperate like he’s been waiting weeks for it. I linger in the kiss longer than I originally intended. His mouth, just like the rest of him, has captivated me and it’s almost impossible to pull away. “I want you on every table, bent across every desk, in every chair...” he groans, pressing a sloppy kiss against my neck.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

170

“Down boy, we have work to do,” I try to keep my expression serious, but his desperation makes me smirky. It’s definitely a boost to my ego. He whines and steps back, “I don’t want to,” he pouts as he pulls suit from the small closet in his office. “You keep a suit here?” “Of course, what if something spills on you right before a meeting or something?” I start to laugh until he slips yesterday’s jacket and shirt off his shoulders. I look down at the floor. “You know, you’ve seen me naked,” he chuckles. “Exactly, the floor is the safest place for my eyes right now. We have work to do, we took most of yesterday afternoon off. “I’ve got to finish my discovery reports.” My cheeks are pink. I can’t even look at his body without becoming a needy mess. He laughs and I hear him zipping up his pants. “Let’s go before I get too hard to leave the room,” he says pressing a kiss to my forehead. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

171

I roll my eyes but I’m secretly thinking the same thing, we need to leave before I lose my self-control. When we walk into the research room Hunter looks up from his laptop. “Holy shit!” He jumps up, “Jolie what the fuck!” I blush and tuck my head down. This is so embarrassing. “Stiller,” Dane tells him, his voice betraying his anger. “Stiller fucking hit you?” Hunter yells. I just nod. “What happened?” He asks as I sit at the table. I guess I should get comfortable telling this story. I recount the basic details of yesterdays... incident. “What the fuck,” Hunter whispers under his breath, “I’m really sorry, Jolie. They told me about it and I told Dane but obviously, it was too late.” “Don’t apologize, it isn’t your fault. I don’t think they thought he would punch me,” I chuckle. The whole Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

172

thing is so absurd that it’s actually comical in a fucked up way. “They hazed me too,” Hunter shrugs. “What did they do?” He groans and sits down again, leaning back in his chair. “They came rushing into my office, all frantic and said that the restaurant that was catering an important lunch with a client had called to say their driver had an accident. They told me Hutchins senior wanted me to pick up the food. The place was all the way in Upper Manhattan. I ran like, twentyfive blocks in wing tips. Then, I get to the restaurant, and they have no record of the order. I’m calling and calling, and they aren’t answering. Finally, I realize that they were just fucking with me.” I snort. Poor Hunter. “They sent a woman to deal with a morally bankrupt, known sexual harasser,” Dane barks angrily, “it’s not exactly the same thing.” “Dane, calm down,” I whisper under my breath. Way to be casual and inconspicuous.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

173

“It was definitely fucked, but I don’t think they thought the bastard would hit her,” Hunter shrugs. “We should get to work,” I try to steer the conversation away from this topic before Dane tries to march upstairs. Erin comes into the room as soon as we’re settled. She looks like she wants to talk but she keeps it professional. “The partners would like to meet with you in forty minutes in Mr. Bond’s office, Jolie.” “I’ll be there,” I give her a small smile. When she leaves, I groan and lay my forehead against the table. I guess it’s better to just get this over with.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

174

Chapter Twenty - Release of Liability I knock nervously at Mr. Bond's door. After a moment the door swings open and he is standing before me. "Please, come in, Miss Lennox, coffee?" "No, thank you." The other partners are seated on the sofa. He points to a chair across from the sofa, "please, take a seat." He joins the other partners. I feel like a student sitting before the principal. "Can you tell us exactly what happened yesterday?" Hutch’s face is red and sweaty. Has he been running...or yelling? They are completely quiet as I tell them the events of the previous day. They all have incredible poker faces because I have no idea how they feel about any of this. No one lets anything slip. "I asked earlier but I will ask again, do you need a few days off?" "No, I can work." Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

175

“Listen, Jolie,” Mr. Bond sits forward in his seat. “Mr. Stiller is claiming that you attacked him.” “Wait, what?” My spine stiffens. “His story is that you lunged at him and busted his lip open when he wouldn’t take the files you brought him. Your injuries are a result of him pushing you back in self-defense.” “Excuse my language but that is absolute utter bullshit. He grabbed me, I jumped and hit his lip with my head then he punched me. He grabbed me first. Is he planning to file a report? Is this his plan to coerce me into not filing against him?” My throat feels like it's closing up. “You don’t believe him, do you?” “No, of course, we believe you but… we’re not sure if pursuing this would be in your best interest.” They believe me but they called and got his story first. What’s with the dog and pony show? Why have me come in and recount the events as if they have no clue what happened? “I…” I can’t even formulate words. This is unbelievable.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

176

They don’t want me to call the police… “He has a witness," Bond's tone is so calm it’s icy. “What? We were alone!” “That’s not what he is saying, Jolie.” Hutch folds his hands in his lap. “I… he’s lying…but I understand how this looks.” It looks like I’m being railroaded. “Did you record the phone call? I can use that to prove that he is trying to force me out of filing a police report.” “We have the phone call recorded, yes, but all he says is that he is prepared to call the police but that he is still willing to walk away.” Mr. Hutchins’ voice has an urging in his tone. He wants me to leave this alone. They all do. I can see it on their faces, in their posture, they want me to sweep this under the rug. “I guess, if it’s in my best interest, I will just forget about it… I don’t want to be dragged into an investigation that is stacked against me already…”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

177

“That’s a wise choice.” Mr. Bond nods thoughtfully as if he is only now considering this and hasn’t been pushing it from the start. “Now, onto the other matter at hand. At this firm, the senior associates often tease the new junior associates. We have never run into an issue like this before. We've met with Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Jordan; they both maintain that this was a prank run amok." Hutch leans forward sliding a piece of paper across the large glass coffee table. Release of Liability. Basically, signing the agreement absolves them from any responsibility for damages and distress. I nod my head; Dane knew they would do this. "Miss Lennox," Mr. Bond pulls a pen from his jacket pocket, "while stupid and careless, they didn't mean for anything like this to happen. They are being appropriately punished for this; I can assure you. They have been benched from upcoming cases and we have decided to cut their year-end bonuses by half.” Taking the pen from his hand, I sign my name. I want this to be over. I know Dane will be upset but Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

178

it's obvious how the partners feel about the whole situation. At least they are punishing them. "Thank you, Miss Lennox.” I nod and quietly exchange pleasantries for a few moments before they excuse me. I breathe a sigh of relief as soon as the door clicks shut behind me. I stop at Erin's desk for a moment. "I signed a 'hold harmless,” I sigh. I should have fought it but something about this whole situation is off. "It was really shitty of them to send you there," she says with a sigh, "Mr. Stiller is the worst, whenever he comes to the office I try to hide." “He actually asked me if I was sent by the FBI,” I shake my head. “It was so bizarre.” “What?” Hutch says so loudly from behind me that both of us jump. I didn’t hear him follow me out. “What did you just say?” “Umm, Stiller, he thought I was with the FBI.” I’m confused why this has him in such a panic.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

179

He turns on his heels and storms back toward Bond's office, yelling over his shoulder, “Erin, call Chris and Michael back up here, now!” With wide eyes, she jumps and grabs her phone, offering me a small wave before turning her attention back to the task at hand. I press 'four' and cross my fingers that he's in his office. When the doors slide open I step out and listen. It’s completely silent. I walk on my toes, trying to keep my heels from clicking against the floor. When I reach his door, I tap it lightly. After a moment he pulls the door open. A smile spreads across his handsome face. He looks surprised to see me. "Well?" He asks as soon as the door is closed. "I signed a Hold Harmless agreement," I say quickly, avoiding eye contact with him. "God dammit, Jolie. Why?" He throws his hands up in the air, "don’t let them off the hook for this! When are you calling the police? At least Stiller can be held accountable.”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

180

I bite into my lip, “about that… I’m not filing a report.” “Why the fuck not?” I push him backward until he's leaning against his desk, "you weren’t there, Dane. Stiller is preparing to file a police report against me! He has a fake witness willing to say I was the aggressor! He’s saying I purposely busted his lip!” “Jesus Christ!” He runs his hands through his hair. “If it makes you feel any better, I really believe that the partners are furious at Chris and Michael,” I shrug, hoping to calm him down. “They are being punished. “They are furious, but not for the reason you think…” that familiar look in his eyes flashes before quickly disappearing. He lets out an exasperated sigh and pouts his soft lips. "Sit down, Mr. Carter," I kiss his neck and look up at him through my lashes. His dark, hooded eyes rake down my body.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

181

This is absolutely not the time but he’s so ridiculously attractive. I want to distract myself from how weird all of this feels by playing out one of my fantasies. He cups his hands over my breasts. The thin lace material of my bra does nothing to hide my hardened nipples. “What are you thinking about right now?” His voice is low. “You’ll see,” I nod my chin toward the chair, “sit.” He steps behind his desk and sinks into his chair. As I walk toward him slowly, pulling my skirt up my thighs, he runs his hand over his pants, adjusting the large bulge. When I reach him, I swing my leg over his and pull myself onto his lap, straddling him. My skirt is now bunched up to my hips. He reaches around me, holding my ass roughly in his large hands. "Undo my pants," he groans against my ear. Undoubtedly the zipper pressing against him is becoming uncomfortable. I take my time, running my hands down his chest and over his stomach. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

182

I open his belt slowly and he groans. Pulling his zipper down and reaching into his boxers, I pull him out into the open. He flexes his hips but I release him as soon as he's freed from his pants. He shoots me an irritated look. Apparently, he's not in the mood for teasing. I take his heavy, pulsing cock in my fingers, squeezing him. His body trembles and he brings his hand to my hair, running his fingers softly through it. I wrap my fist tighter and move my hand slowly over him. He pushes his face into my neck and bites down on the tender flesh, effectively muffling a moan. I release him and slide down his body. I'm sitting on the ground, my knees between his legs. I run my hands over his thighs as he takes deep, panting breaths. When he pulls the release on his chair, his leaking cock comes closer to my mouth. A loud knock on his door causes us both to freeze. My eyes widen in shock as he gestures for me to move under his desk. He pulls his chair forward, trapping me between his legs. Luckily his desk is large, and I am fairly short.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

183

"Come in," his raspy, frustrated voice calls out loudly. I can't hear the door click open from here, but I immediately recognize the muffled voice as Chris. I push my fingers up over his length, slowly closing my hand around him. His body jerks slightly and his leg muscles clench. I know I have an evil smile spread across my face as I lean forward, licking him from the base to the tip, swirling my tongue over him. I hear his hand hit his desk. He's speaking in a low, strained voice. I can't hear what Chris is saying but I'm sure Dane looks odd. I drop my mouth down over him and he twitches his cock pulsating against my tongue. I don't bring him all the way to the back of my throat, I can't gag while we have a guest. I speed up, bringing him as far as I can quietly. His hands grip the armrests of his chair with white knuckles. "Look, man, we’ll talk about this later, I have too much shit going on…" he grits through his teeth. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

184

I assume that Chris is gone when he moans out a strangled, "Jesus Fucking Christ." I take this opportunity to drop all the way down, bring him into my throat, and swallow. He pushes back with his heels so that his chair rolls away from the desk. I look up at him and he's an absolute wreck. His pupils are blown out and his jaw is clenched tight. He grits his teeth together and lets his head fall back. "What the fuck, Jolie," he moans before bringing his arm up over his face, smothering his sobs and ragged breaths. "Fuck," he thrust his hips forward hitting the back of my throat, hard. After a few thrusts, I can feel him, his tip is swollen and tight against my tongue. I bring my hand up to squeeze the base of his shaft tightly while swallowing and gagging around him. He juts forward, holding my head down with one hand as he desperately tries to cover his ragged voice moaning my name. He holds me down through every pulsing spurt. I swallow around him trying to keep his cum from leaking out of my mouth and down his shaft. He lets Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

185

go of the pressure on the back of my head and falls limp in his chair. I let his, still impressively hard, length fall from my mouth. "You," he pants deliriously, "are a fucking evil woman."

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

186

Chapter Twenty-One - Overthinking Mr. Bond walks into the research room and we all freeze. From what I understand, the partners almost never come down here. "Miss Lennox," his voice is emotionless, "we start jury selection in a few weeks and we want you to be there. To be ready for court, I would like you to draft a list of questions for us to ask the jury." "Thank you so much, Sir. I appreciate the opportunity. I'll get that on the questions right away." “I have an engagement that will take me out of the country. I will be leaving tonight and returning in two days. When I return, I need everyone ready for pleading, jury selection and opening statements.” He nods to each of us before turning and leaving us, silent, in the room. "Fuck! That's awesome!" Hunter says but my heart sinks. I know why they're having me come. Have you ever watched a trial or seen a press conference or statement release on a sexual misconduct case? Whenever a politician or celebrity Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

187

gets accused of misbehaving, they always have a female lawyer present. Know why? Optics. It looks good. If he was guilty, surely a woman wouldn't be working as one of his lawyers. It's a strategy that is used again and again. I'm a pawn, nothing more. "Don't overthink it, Jo," Dane leans in and whispers when Hunter leaves to grab an evidence box, "take the experience, who cares why they're giving it to you." I hate that he knows exactly what I'm thinking, and that he's obviously thinking the same thing. Even though I hate this situation, being the strategically placed woman, I know that the experience I'll gain from being involved in jury selection will be invaluable. "Be really thorough with your questions," he tells me, "it's a test. They already have their questions; they just want to see how creative and detailed you'll be." "Good tip, thanks," I blush as a smile creeps across his handsome face.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

188

I type out a questionnaire that is nearly nineteen pages long. I ask everything from personal questions about education to thoughts on the 'Me too' movement. I think that I delved deep enough. Dane had to attend a weekly meeting of senior associates. He couldn't possibly have dragged his feet more on the way up. "Hunter?" "What's up?" "Would you mind looking at my selection questions before I bring them to Bond?" "Oh, sure! I was about to grab a coffee. Give me two minutes and I'll read it." "Thank you." He stands to leave but hesitates. He looks like he wants to say something but he changes his mind and leaves. I proofread my questionnaire for the fourth time, before emailing it to Hunter.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

189

He has a coffee and two muffins when he returns to the room. "They have muffins in the kitchen, I brought you one." He hands it to me and sits down at his laptop. "Thank you. I emailed you my questions." "No problem. I see it here," he says as he focuses on his screen. I force myself to look at my screen and not at him. I don't want him to feel like I'm hovering over his shoulder, watching him read. "Shit, Jolie, this is so long," he chuckles. "Sorry, I wanted to be detailed," I blush, Dane said to be thorough, I hope I didn't overdo it. After about twenty minutes he closes his laptop. "I think Bond will appreciate the effort. The questions are great and would really give us insight into the juror biases." I'm so relieved, "thank you so much for reading it. Any revisions?" "Underline your case numbers. It's not a court thing, it's a Bond thing. He's weird about it." Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

190

"Thanks, I'll fix that and send this to him." "Umm, Jolie," he looks uncomfortable, "I just... I want to apologize for what happened with Stiller. As soon as they told me I told Dane but... I feel like shit that they did that to you. I should have warned you that they might try to haze you." "Hey, don't worry about it. I appreciate that you told Dane. Seriously, it's not your fault." He picks at his coffee cup. I can't tell if he's just upset about what happened or if he's embarrassed that he cares, either way, I decide to put him out of his misery. "Is it stupid that I'm completely nervous about jury selection? I know they aren't going to let me speak or anything but just being there is nerve wracking." "Don't worry about it. My first time was actually pretty cool. They didn't want me to do anything that would give prospective jurors 'preconceived notions,' so I had to type an observation sheet the whole time. I just had to watch the jurors and type their every move," he chuckles.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

191

"That seems like it would be fun, like spying kind of." "I would say to make sure your notes are in depth, but I don't think thoroughness is going to be an issue for you," he deadpans. Dane steps back into the room and he looks exasperated. "Tough meeting?" Hunter asks him. "No worse than usual," he sighs, running his large hand through his hair. "Jury selection on the Kilpatrick defense is going to be a bitch. The district attorney's office is obviously planning to try to push through a lot of women. The partners intend to push for the maximum ten rejections. It's going to be a nightmare." He mumbles under his breath as he sits in his seat. If I didn't know any better, I would swear he said, "all this fucking work for nothing." I must have misheard him. Shaking it from my mind I refocus on work. I shouldn't be excited about that but I can't help myself. The more people we reject the longer I get to Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

192

watch jury selections. The more I think about it the more excited I get. My computer dings, alerting me of an incoming email. Mr. Bond is responding to my selection questionnaire. Miss Lennox, Well thought out, in depth and exploratory. Nicely done. -Bond Hmm... I guess I expected a bit more feedback, but at least it's positive! "I have a date tonight," Hunter tells us as he drags himself from his chair, "if you don't need anything, I'm going to head out." After saying 'goodbyes' he leaves us alone. Dane takes a few steps toward me, his plump bottom lip pulled between his teeth, "would you like to go to dinner with me tonight?" "Like a date?" Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

193

"Like a date." I feel the slight heat of a light blush creeping across my cheeks. "Yes, I would love to."

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

194

Chapter Twenty-Two - Dates Thank God for Erin. The boutique she showed me ended up having the perfect date night outfit. The black dress has a tiny red floral pattern that is feminine and classy. It's really unassuming until you put it on. The deep plunging neckline and thigh high slit bring the sex appeal in a big way. I pull the rollers from my hair and run my fingers through the large bouncy curls to create loose waves. I actually laugh when I catch my reflection. I've got on a gorgeous dress, sexy styled hair with a huge shiner sitting in the middle of my face. Oddly enough, I still feel beautiful even with the patch of greenish blue skin. Dane’s longing stares are enough to make me feel sexy no matter what. I adjust the straps on my ridiculously high heeled sandals. Dane may have to carry me home but the shoes go so perfectly with the dress I can't bring myself to change them.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

195

The loud knock at my door makes my heart flutter. He's here. I hesitate for a moment; in a last-minute decision I slip my panties down my legs and throw them into the basket before practically running to the door. A huge smile pulls at my lips when I open the door. Dashing as ever, he's standing there with a bouquet of flowers. He's wearing black slacks and a black button down. The black-on-black combo really works for him. "You look absolutely stunning," he shamelessly rakes up and down my body. "And you look very handsome," I blush slightly under his gaze. "These are for you," he steps into my doorway. When I reach out for the flowers he grabs my hand instead, pulling me to him. He brings his lips to mine slowly. I appreciate the care he's taking not to mess up my hair or makeup. He slides his hand up to my waist, lightly pinching me. The kiss is still soft but the desire is growing.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

196

I reach forward and take the flowers from his hand, stopping the kiss. "Thank you, these are beautiful," my voice sounds wispy. I place them quickly in a vase. I chuckle when I notice he's still standing in the doorway. I think he's afraid to come in. "You can come inside, you know?" "No, I can't, not if we want to actually go out tonight," I laugh but he looks completely serious. "Alright, let's go then." The slit on my dress slides open slightly as we sit in the car. He slides his hand up my thigh and rubs circles over my skin. The feeling of his large hands on my skin sends a shiver down my spine. "Is Greek alright with you?" "Greek is wonderful!"

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

197

He pulls away from the street and under an awning where we wait for the valet to pull the car in front of us away. "You really look incredible tonight, Jo," his heated stare is directed at my exposed leg. I squirm in my seat. Something about the way he looks at me, it gets me every time. Now that I know what sex is like, now that it's not just a fantasy, I'm screwed. Filthy memories flash in my mind every time I look at him. It's like a pornographic wheel of images that transports me back to my bedroom and leaves me craving him again. We’ve opened the floodgates. I've never wanted sex like this, I've never been this needy or desperate for anyone. I'm thankful for the distraction when the valet taps the widow, breaking his dark gaze on me. We step into Plyos and I realize that I'm starving. The smell filling the air in this place is mouthwatering. We slip into a small, private booth in the corner. I look through the menu and groan, everything looks delicious. "Stuck?" He chuckles. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

198

"Yes! I didn't realize how hungry I am until we got here, now I can't decide." "I'm having the same problem but what I really want to eat isn't on this menu." His tongue runs over his lip as he looks unabashedly at my lap. I squeeze my thighs together. I know I'm blushing, I can feel the tingling heat spread across my cheeks. When the waiter comes, I can't even remember what I ordered. My mind is a horny, jumbled up mess. “Jolie?” “Huh?” I was so busy watching his mouth move, I didn’t hear what he said. “I said, do you plan to stay in New York for a while or is the plan to go back to California?” His lips twitch. He caught me staring and he’s trying not to laugh because he's a gentleman. "Oh, I'm not sure, I guess I always saw myself ending up in California again, what about you?"

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

199

"I was born and raised here. The only time I've lived out of state was college. I'm open to the idea of relocating" he muses with a small smile. "You know, California is always in need of good immigration lawyers," I raise my brows at him. He laughs, "that's something to consider." When the food comes we're silent for a moment, digging in hungrily. "This is delicious!" I hold out my fork with some lamb shank for him to try. He leans forward, placing his hand on my thigh before taking the bite. For a few minutes we eat, sitting comfortably together. Then, he moves his hand slightly. It's subtle but it makes my heart pound. He inches his fingers slowly up until his hand is under the slit of my dress. I look around and feel both relieved and panicked that no one can see us. This booth is so private that he can do whatever he wants. This restaurant full of people would be none the wiser.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

200

He casually takes a few bites of his sea bass, his hand resting, unmoving at the top of my thigh. He slides his pinky up and a deep, vibrating groan rolls through his chest. "Jolie," his voice is hoarse and strained, "you're not wearing panties." "Oh, really? I knew I forgot something," I bite my lip and lean toward him. "Spread your legs." I part my thighs and he brings his fingers to my soaking wet pussy. Hmm...maybe he's not a gentleman after all. Just as he slides his middle finger into where I want him so desperately, the waiter comes to ask about the food. "It's fantastic, thank you." Dane turns with an evil glint in his eyes. "Jolie?" I open my mouth to answer and he curls his finger rapidly inside me. My eyes go wide and I choke out a strangled, "everything is great. Really wonderful!" Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

201

The waiter walks away thinking I'm a weirdo, but our secret is safe. I bite my lip to stifle a moan. He moves his finger faster and brings his thumb to my clit. I squirm in my seat, a whimper creeping through my lips. I know this is his revenge for torturing him under his desk the other day. My eyes start to roll back as he continues moving his expert fingers against me. Suddenly, he stops moving. I wiggle against his hand, desperate for friction. "Should I let you come?" My eyes widen. "Dane, please," I whimper, overwhelmed with need. He wouldn't really stop now, would he? "Fuck," he groans against my ear, "you're so wet.” I moan and he moves his fingers again. I grab his forearm, my nails digging into his skin. When my legs start to shake he brings his mouth to mine, Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

202

muffling the sounds that I've completely lost control of. "God, you're so tight around my finger, I can't wait to feel you coming all over my cock." My head falls back, and I push at his hand, unable to take anymore, I'm too sensitive. He pulls his hand away and brings his fingers to his mouth, licking them clean. I slump in the seat, a post-orgasm pile of mush. "Ready to go?" "Home?" I perk up again at the thought of crawling into bed with him. He chuckles, "ready for round two already? I was thinking we could go to The Met. You have to go at least once. What kind of local would I be if I didn't make sure you see it?" "That sounds great," my heart flutters in my chest. He wants to go on a real date, he made plans.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

203

Chapter Twenty-Three - Love Drunk We stumble into his apartment, drunk without having a single drink. I don't even take a moment to look around. Right now, I couldn't care less about his place. We attack each other, our mouths ravenous, like we're starving. The kisses are wet and sloppy, tongues, teeth, and lips. My body is pressed against his so tightly that I can feel every hard plane of muscle. "Dane, please," I beg against his mouth. I'm not too proud. Watching him walk through the exhibits at The Met, his calm, confident strides, his quiet interest in everything I had to say, his thoughtful gaze... He knows about art and literature, he likes music and film, he attends music festivals and operas. His first concert was The Beastie Boys, but he takes his mom to see The Nutcracker every year. He wants to take me on a food tour of New York... He's smart, funny, and passionate. Every conversation leaves me wanting more, every interaction is too short... Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

204

As absolutely spellbinding as his talents in the bedroom are, and they truly are, he is somehow even better with all of his clothes on. Each minute I spend with him sucks me into the quicksand that is his charismatic charm. I'm in so deep I don't know which way is up. He runs his fingers through my hair, stopping at the nape of my neck. His tight grip pulling my head back, forcing my face upward. He runs his hot tongue down my jaw, nipping and sucking at my neck. "You want me to fuck you?" "Yes," I moan, my scalp tingling where he's holding my hair. "Are you wet for me?" His voice is low and gravelly. Absolutely drenched. I moan an unintelligible response before sinking my teeth into his bottom lip. Something about him makes me feel feral, open, and needy in a way that I don't even really understand. His smell, the taste of his lips, his skin pressed against mine. I feel a painful ache somewhere deep and untouchable.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

205

He spins us around and slams my body against his door, pushing against me so hard that I mold to his shape. My softness against his hardness. He lifts me off the door, carrying me through his house, down a small hallway, and into, what I assume is his bedroom. My legs are wrapped around his waist and his hands are kneading my ass roughly. With each step, his cock rubs against the aching spot between my legs. I whimper at the contact, it's not enough. He tosses me onto the bed gently and quickly begins unbuttoning his shirt. I start to pull at the zipper on the back of my dress, before I can pull it off my shoulders, he's on me, slowly pulling the dress down my arms, kissing my skin as it becomes exposed. I lift my hips so the dress can slide down my legs. He tosses it to the side before pulling at the strap of my sandal. I lay back, watching, letting him do what he wants. When my heels clack against the floor he pulls his pants down, throwing them in a discarded heap with the rest. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

206

He watches me, his cock stiff and swollen, hanging in front of him. He looks deep in thought like he's not sure what he wants to do to me. He takes a step back and holds one finger out to me. What's he doing? He steps into his seat and just as quickly steps back out, a silky black tie in his hands. "Put your hands up, Jo, by the headboard." His headboard is simple black metal bars inside large wooden posts. I quickly lay with my hands up. I feel the bed dip as he slides in next to me. He wraps the tie around my wrists, tying them together, then he wraps the end around one of the metal bars. When he's done I instinctively pull at the restraints, testing them. While not tight enough to hurt, I definitely can't move my arms. He's standing at the end of the bed again, watching me. His large hand fisted around his thick shaft, slowly working it up and down. I squeeze my legs together.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

207

"I'm going to fuck you until the sun comes up," he smiles but it's devilish and dark. It sounds like both a threat and a promise. "Dane..." I whimper, the need and lust straining my voice. "I need... please I need more." I'm so frustrated. The emptiness between my legs aches and throbs. "Tell me how badly you want it..." His voice sounds equally desperate now, he can't hold back much longer. "So bad, I want you inside of me so bad," I almost scream, every nerve in my body is on fire, waiting at the edge for him to take me all the way. He leans back on his knees and pulls my hips forward, lining himself up. He lifts one of my legs up onto his shoulder and places my other foot against his other shoulder. Without warning he rocks his hips forward, filling me completely in one long, powerful thrust. I scream into the room, a loud cry of relief and pain. He stretches me, the empty ache vanishes, replaced with the rippling sting of fullness.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

208

I thrash against the restraints. I feel the muscles of his chest quiver under my foot, his shakey breaths fanning across my skin. "Fuck," he groans, he sounds desperate, tortured. I pinch my eyes closed and try to relax my body. My pussy is clenched tight around him, spasming from the sudden invasion. The feeling is unbearable. I'm somehow too full but I need him to move, to ease the ache. "Oh my God..." He pulls out slowly, every hard inch rubbing against my needy walls. When he pushes forward it's not as fast as before but it's so deep it makes me whimper. He rocks his hips, in and out, and I can finally breathe, the burning stretch no match for the indescribable pleasure. "More?" He grits his teeth. "God, yes!" I moan loudly, yanking at the tie. He grunts each time our hips make contact, violently pounding against each other, our bones colliding with force. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

209

Everything feels tight, every muscle in my body is rigid and waiting. He reaches up and places his big hand against my throat, squeezing with just enough pressure to destroy me. I sob his name into the air, completely wrecked. I jerk and spasm around him as wave after debilitating wave of insanity-inducing pleasure assaults my body. The sounds coming from his mouth are inhuman, deep, animalistic growls as he pushes himself faster and harder. I feel him in my lungs. I feel my body begin to tighten, another orgasm building. I push my head back into the pillow. I'm not ready, it's too much, too soon. "Dane!" My voice is frantic, pleading, "I... it's too much I can't..." "You can," he groans. I can, I do. Again, and again. Each orgasm is more intense than the last. I never want him to stop. Somewhere between the fourth and fifth, he flipped me over, hands still tied above me. He pounded into from behind through another shattering orgasm.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

210

My body slumps, savaged, utterly destroyed. He reaches up and unties my hands before gently flipping me over. He lays flush against my body, pumping in and out of me softly, almost lovingly. My hands grip around his waist, holding him close to me, our bodies melding into one. He pushes his sticky forehead against mine and finally, finally, stills, pressed deep inside of me. He shudders and moans my name over and over again, filling me. When he finally stops shaking and twitching, he places soft kisses against my lips. I rub my hand over his wet skin. "You are the devil himself," I say only half kidding. "How many was that?" He asks, his huge smile pressed against my cheek. "I don't know five, six?" "We've still got about an hour til sunrise, want to go again? We can shoot for an even ten." "Fuck you," I try to keep my face straight, but my lips pull up slightly. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

211

"I would love it if you did, baby," he kisses my neck and shoulder before nuzzling into my neck, a contented sigh leaving his lips. Shit. I really like him.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

212

Chapter Twenty-Four - Jokes "Santa Claus, the tooth fairy, an honest lawyer, and an old drunk are walking down the street together when they simultaneously spot a hundred-dollar bill. Who gets it?" "Who?" "The old drunk, of course, the other three are fantasy creatures." I throw my head back and laugh, "ok, what about this one...what's the difference between a jellyfish and a lawyer?" He chuckles, "what?" "One's a spineless, poisonous blob. The other is a form of sea life," we both laugh, his chest rumbling beneath my head as I lay across him. "Are you hungry?" He runs his fingers through my knotted hair. "Starved actually. We burned a lot of calories last night." He cracks a smug smile, "pancakes?" "You know me so well," I jokingly swoon... kind of. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

213

We climb out of his warm, soft bed and he hands me a button-down shirt to throw on. As we walk through his apartment, I actually look at it for the first time. I'm not at all surprised that it's clean and minimally decorated. I make note of a few framed photos on the bookshelf in the living room. I'll have to look at those later. "I can make bacon," I offer as he starts whisking together ingredients for pancakes. He presses a chaste kiss to my lips before pulling bacon from the fridge. We move around the kitchen together, completely in sync, easily working side by side. I decide to make a quick fruit salad with some of the fruits he has. "This is nice," he says quietly as he plates the last pancake. "Pancakes?" "Yes, that too," he laughs, "but I meant us, in the kitchen together on a Saturday morning." I blush slightly. He took the words right out of my mouth. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

214

"I really like you, Jolie." My smile is too big to hide. "I really like you, too. Really." He leans down and pulls me against his chest, kissing me softly. We decide to talk about college while we eat. Every detail, the good, the bad, the ugly, the all-night study sessions, the best professors, the asshole grad student teachers aides, and everything in between. I laugh until tears well up in my eyes. It's clear that we have even more in common after this stroll down memory lane. He wasn't a big partygoer at school either. He did enjoy the odd football game though. I think we would have liked each other, even then. We might have been study partners. "Want to stay the night?" He asks suddenly changing the subject. I would like to... "You aren't going to get sick of me?"

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

215

"I don't think that's possible. Please, stay. I can drive you home to get an overnight bag." "One condition," I say seriously. It's time to put my negotiating skills to the test. "Anything." "If I stay, we watch Legally Blonde." He narrows his eyes at me, "or, we could watch basically anything else." "No, it's Elle Woods or nothing." He sighs, "Those are your terms? Legally Blonde or I sleep alone, huh?" "Dane, we're lawyers! I can't believe you've never seen it. Just the first one, we don't have to watch the second." "I accept your terms, but I wanted damages. This is going to be emotionally distressing..." "We can watch A Few Good Men after," I wiggle my brows at him. "Can I get that in writing?"

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

216

"Absolutely, I'll draw up the paperwork." When we get back from my apartment his phone starts to ring. It's a facetime call from 'Sheila.' My heart clenches in my chest. She's gorgeous. Dane grabs the phone from the table and answers it, flopping down onto the couch next to me. "Hey, Sheila," he answers with a lazy smile. "Little brother," her voice rings out into the room. I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. His older sister, Sheila, cool cool cool. I mentally scold myself for immediately being jealous and insecure. "Wait, she's there, right now?" I hear her say. They have my attention again. "Yeah, she's here," he laughs. "Well, let me meet her!" "This, is Jolie," he turns the camera toward me slightly, "and this, is my sister, Sheila." "Hi, nice to meet you," I wave awkwardly, blushing. "You're even prettier than he said you were!" Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

217

Now it's his turn to blush. My stomach flip-flops. He told his sister about me? "On that note, bye, Sheila!" He laughs while snaking his arm around my waist. "What are you guys doing next weekend?" "Umm... no definite plans, why?" "Leo just finished a design in a club in the Diamond District. It opens Saturday night. Want to come? I can get you tickets." Dane mutes the call and looks at me. "What do you think?" "Sounds cool, if you want to go…" "Sure, we'll come. Text me the address." She squeals, "Can we meet for dinner tonight? I would love to meet you in person! We’re coming into the city in about four hours! Please, Dane. I know it’s short notice but…” He turns to me again and I nod, “we can postpone the movies,” I whisper so she doesn’t hear.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

218

"We’ll meet you there" he smiles at her. It's obvious how much he cares about her, it's clear in his eyes. "Leo is her boyfriend," he explains after ending the call, "he paints murals." "That's amazing," I don't have an artistic bone in my body. He looks at me with a huge smile, "you're staying the night, we're going out again and I got out of watching that movie. This is the perfect day." I hit him with a pillow before jumping up off the couch, "I need something to wear!" "Can I come with you?" "No!" I pull my shoes on, "I know exactly where to go. I'll be back in an hour and we can shower together," I wink at him. When I was shopping, I saw a great little dress but thought it was too flashy for a first date. I’ll look for something for next weekend too. Luckily, the dress is still there. It's perfect. I make my purchases and run to the coffee shop by the office. Juggling my coffee and my purchases I Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

219

round the corner to meet my uber to get back to his apartment. A black suit steps out in front of me, nearly causing me to spill my coffee. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” I groan, stepping back and looking up to see the man that almost tripped me. “Sorry about that,” his face is cold and serious, “Jolie Lennox, I’m Special Agent Kent with the FBI.” The woman beside him extends her arm, “I’m Special Agent Lee.” I don’t move, I just blink at them. They already know my name? “Do you have credentials I can see, to verify your identities?" I finally remember how to speak. “Of course,” they take out their badges and hand them to me. They look legit… After handing the badges back, I wait, staring up at them expectantly. There has to be a reason that two FBI agents stopped me on the street, specifically. “Miss Lennox, we need to speak with you, about your work at Hutchins, Hutchins, and Bond.” Agent Lee speaks first. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

220

“What about it?” “Will you come with us, we have a temporary office above the coffee shop?”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

221

Chapter Twenty-Five - Ripped to Shreds Sitting in their office above the coffee shop I’m starting to feel more and more nervous. What could they possibly want to talk to me about? “We’re not going to prolong this any more than necessary. What we’re about to tell you is protected information. What we discuss here can’t be discussed outside of these walls.” Agent Lee stares me down. “Ok…” “We’re investigating Hutchins, Hutchins, and Bond for bribery of two distinct court judges. We need your help.” A laugh bubbles up in my throat and bursts out of my mouth before I can stop it. The absolute absurdity is more than I can take. As I laugh, I realize that they haven’t joined me. Reining in my outburst, I stare at them. Any second now they’re going to shout, “just kidding” and tell me the real reason they brought me here. “W-Wait, you’re serious…” Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

222

“Unfortunately, yes.” “What the fuck?” I mumble under my breath as I stand to pace the floor. The room spins. My mind immediately goes to Dane. There is no way he is involved in this. He’s too good, too moral. “We have reason to believe that they have two judges from districts three and four that rule in their favor after being compensated.” Agent Kent slides a folder across the table toward me. “We want you to help. We need cooperation from the inside.” “Whoa, whoa, whoa!” I stop pacing and turn to face them, “you want me to be a part of this?” “Yes, we don’t want to tip them off that we’re onto them because we don’t have anything but an anonymous tip. We need evidence of their involvement. How are they paying the judges? Where is the money coming from?” “And you want me? I’ve worked there for like…two days!” “That’s exactly why we need you. You’re too new for them to have brought you in on their shady Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

223

dealings.” Agent Lee leans forward to open the folder. “We have reason to believe that they are working with a middleman, a political fixer by the name of Leonard Stiller. I think you know him.” Her eyes move over the greened skin of my cheek. “Wait, what the fuck?” I resume my frantic pacing. “We need something. Anything. A meeting, a bank account number, a piece of credible evidence that they are actually involved.” “You must have something… otherwise you wouldn’t be pursuing this.” Agent Lee sighs and furrows her brow. “The anonymous tip gave two case numbers. Your bosses represented both cases. Both cases waived the right to a jury trial and the judge found in favor when they shouldn’t have.” “Jesus Christ! Do you even realize what you’re saying? Hutchins, Hutchins, and Bond is a prestigious law firm. Yale graduates…. Each of them has had an illustrious career…the kind of career that any lawyer dreams of having! Their reputation as a firm is… it’s impeccable! Do you seriously think that they are capable of doing this? This isn’t just Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

224

breaking the law…this is fucking demolishing it!” I’m out of breath by the time I finally stop to look at the two agents. “No arrests will be made; no information will be given to the public… their reputations will stay intact unless we can find evidence that proves that the tip is true…” Agent Lee gestures to the paper again. “This is an agreement to cooperate with the FBI and to keep everything confidential.” “Are…” I hesitate for a moment considering a way to word this so as not to give myself away. “Are you investigating the whole office or only the partners?” “The whole office. We have reason to believe that several people, including the senior associates, are aware.” Agent Kent unknowingly rips my heart out with his words. “I…I…” I might actually be sick. Right here, on the floor, on the shoes of two federal agents. It feels like the whole world has crumbled into a heap of rubble around me. I’m standing in the middle of ash and dust, trying to pick up the pieces of what I thought was the start of a promising career.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

225

A sudden surge of anger crashes down on me. These men, these fantastic lawyers with credentials and pedigrees from here to the moon, think they are too smart to get caught. After the initial shock has subsided, I am no longer surprised. Of course, they are bribing judges. Why wouldn’t they? They think they’re smarter than everyone else. The law only applies to those who are dumb enough to get caught breaking it. Green eyes flash in my mind and my knees tremble. Am I really so blind that I didn’t see it? “Take this card,” Agent Lee holds out a business card with a phone number. “Take a few days and call us. I know this is a lot to take in suddenly and a big commitment. Go home, sleep on it, call us back.” My fingers shake as I reach for the card. Running down the stairs and out onto the sidewalk, I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. My phone starts to ring in my purse. I know it’s him. It has to be. He’s the last person in the world that I want to speak to, so, obviously, he would call right now. “Dane,” my voice is so calm that it shocks me. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

226

“Where are you? If we’re going to meet them for dinner, we have to get going.” Fuck his stupid, raspy voice. Fuck his handsome face and perfect body. Fuck his green eyes. Fuck him. “I’m not coming.” “Why? Are you alright? Did something happen?” I wonder if that concern in his voice is genuine. He’s obviously a good liar. I’ve bought his act; hook, line and sinker up until now. I’m not supposed to tell him that I know… “I’m suddenly feeling absolutely sick to my stomach.” This is technically true… “Do you want me to come over? I can grab soup and crackers. We can watch your terrible movie.” I wish I could punch him through the phone. “No, I would feel awful if I made you sick.” I grit my teeth.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

227

“Will you call me later? After you’ve had some time to rest?” Why does he have to sound so sweet all the time? “Sure.”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

228

Chapter Twenty-Six - Keep the Wine Coming As soon as I make it home, I realize that sitting here in my apartment is going to be damn near impossible. Pacing a hole in my carpet, I try to calm myself down enough to think rationally. Pulling out my phone, I see that there is already a text from him. Fuck him. I won’t be reading that. I need to shower. I can still feel him on my skin. Every inch of me is covered in the memory of his touch. Passing the kitchen, I see the vase of flowers on the counter, and I burst into tears. I wasn’t expecting this wave of emotion. After picking them up, I ceremoniously dump them into the garbage. Symbolic of our relationship, once a beautiful thing, now trash. Everything that felt so right and so sure just one hour ago has been obliterated. When my phone dings again, I sob into my hands. I know it’s him, it has to be.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

229

Grabbing my phone, I ignore my messages and call Erin. “Jolie!” She’s so cheerful when she answers that I regret calling immediately. “H-Hi, Erin,” my voice cracks horribly. “Oh, my god! Are you crying? What happened?” “I just… can I come over? If you’re busy, I understand-” She cuts me off immediately, “Girl, I’ll text you the address, get over here, right now! Bring clothes, we’ll have a sleepover and watch shitty reality TV." Hanging up, I quickly scrub myself in the shower, roughly washing my body until my skin is pink and sore. I have to get out of here. If I don’t respond to him soon, he might come check on me. Wouldn’t want to drop the facade of being the perfect guy. I’m not even sure what I’m throwing in this bag, I just need to leave. I want to pour bleach over my entire apartment. Everywhere I look, he’s there. I can’t even escape him in my own home.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

230

As I stand outside, waiting for my uber, I block his phone number. My fingers shake as I do it but I know it’s for the best. When he starts calling me, it will be too difficult not to answer him. I need space, a few days to get my head on straight, then everything will be alright. Stupid, stupid, stupid. I knew better. We should never have slept together. I told myself to be a professional, to act like a responsible adult, and not let feelings and emotions cloud my judgment. Bribing a judge? I’m sick to my stomach. The ride to her apartment is miserable. I’m practically biting a hole through my lip trying not to cry in front of this old man that reminds me of my dad. Of course, he does. The universe is out to stomp my ass into the ground today. Rushing for her door, I search the huge panel of buttons for her apartment buzzer. Immediately after I press the button, she buzzes me in. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

231

I’m already a bit jealous of her apartment as I enter the lobby. She has an elevator. It’s a helpful distraction for a few seconds. I’m barely holding it together as I awkwardly ride up with a woman juggling two bouncing little kids. The one in her arms is staring at me blankly. Even though I know he's not actually judging me, his expression makes it appear that way. I deserve to be judged… sleeping with my superior. This whole mess would be much more tidy if I had just listened to myself in the first place. When the doors slide open on her floor, I have to hold myself back from running. Her door is already cracked open as I reach it, she’s waiting for me with a glass of wine and a sad smile. “I’m so sorry to intrude on your night like this, please, kick me out whenever-” “Jolie, Eric is out of town on business. Sitting here drinking wine and watching TV was all I had going. Now, we can just do that together.” She pulls me into a hug.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

232

Curling up on her overstuffed couch, we sit in silence for about ten seconds. “What happened?” She’s cautious, but I know that her curiosity is eating her up. “I… uh…” I obviously have to lie here. I should have been thinking of an acceptable cover story on the way over. “Is it a guy?” Fuck. Tears slip down my cheeks. I hate that I feel so emotional about this. It has only been a few weeks since we began exploring the potential in our relationship but… he really had all the makings of being the guy, not just a guy. I’m more hurt by the fact that everything must have been a lie. He was, by all appearances, perfect. There is no way the man I’ve been getting to know would ever even consider breaking the law, especially something as egregious as bribery. I thought he believed in the law, loved it like I do. We found common ground in our goals and mutual respect for the rule of law. I never would have expected this to develop so quickly but… I’m heartbroken.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

233

“Yeah, it’s a guy,” I think quickly of a scenario that would have me so upset. “He’s…married it's killing me because…I thought he was everything I didn’t even realize that I was looking for.” “I didn’t even know there was a guy! Jolie,” she pulls me into a tight hug. “I’m so sorry.” “I’ll be alright, I just was completely blindsided. There must have been signs, I’m just too stupid to pay attention.” I sniffle and try to get myself together. “Girl, my college roommate and my ex used to hate each other, like, couldn’t be in the same room without being nasty toward the other. I came home early from work one night and they were fucking… in my bed! Sometimes, there aren’t any signs!” We spend the rest of the evening getting wine drunk and watching rich women berate each other on national television. “I always thought this show was about actual housewives…” I watch, stunned, as they hurl insults back and forth.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

234

“What?” She laughs, “how have you not seen this before?” By the time we’ve gone through two bottles of wine our food delivery arrives. “Trust me, this is the best ramen in the city,” she hands me my bowl and I can smell the spice with the lid still closed. Halfway through slurping down our noodles, his face pops into my head. For a second, I wonder if he’s been trying to call me. Instead of grabbing my phone, I roll my shoulders back. I thought that we were meant for something great but it’s not to be. I am stronger than this… I’m going to be fine. I’m also going to cooperate with the FBI.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

235

Chapter Twenty- Seven - Rain Of course, it's pouring rain this morning. That’s very fitting. I called Agent Lee last night and told her that I would be their eyes on the inside. As I wait in the lobby for my uber, I feel the jittery nerves of anticipation. I’m going to see him today and I can’t scream and curse and make a scene. I have to be calm and cordial and not let him know that I know exactly what he is. A disgrace to our profession. I ordered my ride for twenty minutes earlier than usual, hoping to avoid him showing up to give me a ride. I disconnected the buzzer on my doorbell so if he came by yesterday, I was blissfully unaware. Gripping my jacket tight, I run out into the downpour when the car pulls up on the street. After a long chat with my parents yesterday, I feel ready for the day. I didn’t tell them about the mess I’ve gotten myself into but talking to them always helps me feel better. It’s not going to be easy, but I can handle this. I spent the morning hyping myself Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

236

up. I’ve moved past the sadness phase and into the anger. He’s a liar. I won’t wilt and cry for a man that lied to me, no matter what he made me feel during our brief time together. After arriving at the office, I quickly drop my things and hurry to the research room. I don’t want to be caught alone by him in a private place. I’m already set up, seated in front of my laptop with a few pages of interviews spread out in front of me when Dane walks into the room. He looks disheveled, dark circles mark his handsome face. “Jesus Christ, Jolie!” His hands run through his hair angrily. “Are you alright? I have called you about twenty times! I came by to check on you! I almost called the police to do a welfare check!” I see his eyes roaming over me, searching for signs of injury or illness as a cause for my radio silence.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

237

I hum, and look back to my computer, finishing the sentence I was typing when he walked into the room. “Hmm? That’s all the explanation I get?” His brows furrow and he holds his hands out to me, waiting for more. When I don’t respond, he walks angrily around the table and pulls the chair beside me out to sit in, facing me. “Is this you ghosting me? You don’t think I deserve even a little bit of a conversation or a heads up? What happened? Everything was…amazing.” He sighs and rubs his temples. “What happened, Jolie? This isn’t like you. The person that I’ve gotten to know all this time… I can’t believe that you would do this…” An angrily humorless laugh bursts through my lips, “that’s rich coming from you.” “What is that supposed to mean?” “Everything I ever told you about me was the truth. I thought… Dane, I thought you were perfect.” I know I’m heading into a dangerous place where I might

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

238

reveal too much. I can’t tell him that they’re being investigated. “I’m definitely not perfect but-” I cut him off, “yeah, I know that now.” “What did I do?” “I just… I thought that we were the same and we’re really, really not.” His head tilts slightly and he watches me, studying my face. Very unexpectedly, a smile tugs at his lips. “I think we’re more alike than you think.” He stands, shaking his head slightly. He looks...disappointed. Hunter bursts into the room, raking his hand through his soaked hair. “Fuck, it’s really coming down out there!” He stops for a moment, looking between us. For Hunter to sense our tension, we’re really doing a shoddy job at hiding it.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

239

“How was your weekend?” He pulls his chair out, choosing to ignore our friction. “Fine,” we both answer at the same time. “Uneventful,” I quickly change my reply. Whenever I look up from my computer, Dane is typing at record speeds. For a moment earlier, I thought that maybe I had given myself away but he seems so unbothered that I know that can’t be it. If he actually believed that I knew about the bribery, he would be panicking, wouldn’t he? All of our devices ping at the same time. The partners are calling a meeting, all hands-on deck. Packing up our work, we make our way up to the conference room where everyone is already waiting. Chris and Michael scowl when they see me. They always have a bit of a sour expression when I’m nearby. They probably have found a way to twist the events of their hazing to blame me for the trouble they’re in.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

240

Openly rolling my eyes, I sit down and wait to hear whatever these criminals have to say. I don’t even care if they see, what are they going to do? Reprimand me on the grounds of unprofessional conduct? Looking around, I feel utterly repulsed by everyone here. While I didn’t like Hutchins, Mr. Bond, or Hutch personally, their careers have been aspirational. I looked up to them. I hoped that in twenty years, I would have half the success that they’ve had. Now it all seems like trash. If one thing is tainted, all of it is. “Jury selection is at the end of the week,” Mr. Bond starts. “We all know that the district attorney is determined to try to fill the seats with as many women as possible. We intend to use every single block that we have. Hunter and Jolie, I need you to begin drafting the peremptory challenges. Obviously, we will have to fill them in completely when we have their information and whatever cause we choose.” I nod but this is really a one-person job. I’m sure there is a template that needs to be filled in with the current case information but that should take a total of ten minutes.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

241

“When you’ve finished, you may leave early. We are holding a strategy meeting with the senior associates. You will be briefed in the morning.” He nods curtly and stands from his chair, effectively dismissing us. Normally, I wouldn’t question this, it’s not unusual for the partners and seniors to have meetings. Now, everything they do is suspicious to me. My mind runs rampant. They’re probably sending us away so that they can plan the secret money drop to the judge to have this case thrown out… Dane’s eyes meet mine, for the first time since this morning, he’s looking at me. The same sad smile tugs at his lips and my heart lurches in my chest. Damn him. He’s a liar. I remind myself quickly before he has the chance to suck me back in. Relieved to be out of that suffocating room, I grab my jacket and bag. As soon as Hunter and I finish this, I’m out of here. I need to get away from this office full of cheats. When I started here, I never dreamed that Hunter would be the only decent one of the bunch! “Hey,” I drop my stuff on a chair in the research room. “Why don’t you head out? I’ll be able to do Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

242

this in a few minutes. I’ll send you the file when I’m finished so we’ll both have it. After selection, I’m sure they’re going to have us write out all of the missing information.” A wide smile spread across his face. “Thanks! I owe you one!” He jumps up and grabs his things. When I’m alone in the room, the weight of everything settles on my shoulders. I hate what they’ve done but more than that, I hate the position they’ve put me in. I have to help the FBI; this kind of thing can’t happen. That doesn’t mean I want to. This was supposed to be a boost to start my career with. I came here to learn from them, to immerse myself in the law, and come out of this a better lawyer. Now, I’m an FBI cooperating witness and I’ll probably never trust another man again.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

243

Chapter Twenty-Eight - Rough Day As I predicted, the paperwork took all of ten minutes and I was out the door. My shoulders slump and I feel exhausted as I drag myself up the stairs to my apartment. Somehow, even though I'm home earlier than usual, this day has been long and tiring. I’m done crying but I still can’t quite wrap my head around this. They say when something is too good to be true, it probably is but… he checked every box. “Rough day?” I jump, startled by Agents Lee and Kent standing at my door. “What are you doing here?” “We have papers for you to sign. You will be granted immunity from any illegal activity that you may have to participate in while you gather evidence. We also need you to sign a sworn statement that you are doing this freely and willingly. You're not being coerced or compelled in any way.” Kent hands me a folder.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

244

“I’m not backing out or anything but… why would you pick me for this? I’m not in on anything, how am I going to get you information?” I wasn’t invited to the meeting today, there are probably tons of secret gatherings happening behind closed doors. How do they expect me to get evidence when I’m not privy to most of their conversations? “Sign here,” he points to several colored pieces of tap indicating where I need to sign. “You can come in if you would like, I’m a lawyer, I’m not signing this without reading it,” I smile at his irritated scowl. Plopping down at my tiny dining table, I pour over the documents. Everything looks legitimate and shields me from backlash if anything goes wrong. As I scribble my signature on the line, Agent Lee comes to sit in the other dining chair while Kent takes the couch. “Now that you’re officially a part of the team, we can show you what evidence we have thus far.” Immediately, I grabbed the papers from her hands and began reading every word. In truth, there isn’t Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

245

much. Their case is paper-thin with almost no conclusive evidence. “Most of this is circumstantial at best…” I’m suddenly wishing I had been allowed to read this before agreeing. This is going to be almost impossible. “Yes, we know.” The firm allegedly used physical cash from an unknown offshore account and Stiller is the middleman between them and the judge. They have no emails, texts or phone calls, no wire transfers, they don’t even have a picture of anyone for H, H, and B meeting with him. This has more holes than Swiss cheese. “How do you know that they have met with Leonard Stiller? And who do you know they used cash from an offshore account to pay him with no paper trail? Are you even sure the money they gave Stiller was given to a judge?” I’m seeing so many inconsistencies in this it makes my head spin. “We have another cooperating witness within the firm, he hasn’t been able to produce anything real or Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

246

concrete yet but he has been a valuable asset since we started investigating nine months ago. We want you to help him. He is on the inside, while he is in with the partners, you are free to dig around.” “Dane.” I almost choke. I don’t even have to ask… of course its Dane. Oh my god. Fuck. Fuck.Fuck. “Yes, Mr. Carter was the tipster that put us on their radar to begin with. He knows what’s going on but he hasn’t been able to get anything yet. Apparently, they use cellphone jammers during meetings to keep from being recorded. These guys are smart. This bribery scheme could go back years…” I can’t speak. My throat is clogged with a hot ball of guilt. I didn’t even give him the benefit of the doubt. They said the partners and senior associates and I just believed them at their word immediately. Not only is he not involved but as soon as he found out what they were up to, he sent the tip to the FBI. The next ten minutes feel eternal as they talk about things I should probably be listening to but can’t. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

247

Everything is suddenly so clear. The sad smiles on his face, the disappointment in his eyes. He must have figured out that I knew but couldn’t say anything. “Save my number as Uncle Ken in your phone,” Kent smiles, “if you need us for anything, call, no matter the hour. Anything that looks suspicious, record it, get a picture… any little bit helps.” “Will do.” I nod, willing them to leave. Before the door is even fully closed behind them, I’m on the phone, unblocking is number and calling him. Straight to voicemail. Shit. Ordering an uber, I run outside, rain be damned, I need to see him right now. Even if he hates me for thinking so lowly of him, I have to apologize. I can’t even imagine how hurt I would be if the roles were reversed. If he was ready and willing to believe something terrible about me with no evidence whatsoever.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

248

“Having a nice night?” My uber driver asks and I internally groan. “It’s ok. I’m hoping it’s about to get better,” I try to smile. I can’t talk right now. I have to mentally prepare the groveling, begging, pleading speech I’m about to give him. “This rain is something else,” he continues. “Yeah, it is.” My toe taps against the floorboard anxiously. As soon as we pull up, I jump out without waiting for the car to stop before opening the door. “Thanks! Goodnight!” I hurriedly walk toward the door. My hair and clothes are soaked by the time I reach the lobby. Jumping into the elevator, I suddenly realize that I have no plan whatsoever. I don’t even know where he is. I try his office first and it’s empty. The whole floor is quiet so they might still be meeting with the partners. I can’t just stand here in his office so I decide to go down to the research room. If he walks into his office Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

249

and, god forbid, he’s not alone, this would be very tricky to explain. Stepping off the elevator, I hear a noise from the research room. It could be anyone, or it could be him. I’m fluttery and nervous as I open the door. “Jolie,” he stops stacking boxes in the center of the table. “Dane,” I step inside and my mind is completely blank. Without a word he grabs my hand and pulls me out into the hallway, then into the library. “Dane, listen, I’m so sorry… I-” “Shut up,” he growls and before I can finish my horrible sputtering apology, his lips are on mine. I sink, letting my body melt into his strong arms. My wet hair clings to both our faces as he kisses me so deeply that the room spins. My hands are in his hair and his hands are everywhere…

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

250

Chapter Twenty-Nine - Forgive Me He breaks away from my mouth, staring down at me for a moment before he releases his grip and steps back. I steady myself, ready for his anger, for him to tell me how badly I messed this up. Instead, he walks toward the door, rolling the book cart in front of it. The cart is heavily loaded with books, both shelves are completely full. He pulls the door handle, testing whether the cart keeps the door closed. When he turns, the look on his face makes my knees wobble. Long strides bring him right back in front of me. In a whirlwind of desperate, frantic motion, I’m in his arms, my skirt bunching up around my hips as my legs wrap around his narrow waist. He slams my back into the bookshelves so forcefully that they creak loudly. "I'm sorry," I pleaded against his lips. “Please, forgive me.” Instead of responding, he brings his hand down between my legs, forcing the thin bit of fabric from my panties to the side. “I know you better than that,” I keep trying to apologize but he’s making it difficult to focus on anything other than his fingers. “They didn’t want to tell you about me in case you decided not to cooperate. They couldn’t blow my cover. You had federal agents telling you everyone was involved…” He stops his assault of pleasure long enough to look in my eyes. He’s completely sincere. There isn’t even a hint of anger hidden in his eyes, just softness. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

251

“You’re really letting me off the hook way too easily here, Dane.” “Do you think you deserve a harsher punishment, Miss Lennox?” “Definitely.” “Undo my belt,” his voice is suddenly stern and serious. My fingers tremble, excited anticipation coursing through me. He shifts my weight, leaning me into the bookshelf to drop his pants down his legs. When he pulls me back into him, he’s between my legs. There is no slow build-up, no foreplay, or wasting time. He slams into me, rattling the shelves behind us. Right out of the gate, this is different than before. If his intention is punishment, he might be choosing the wrong method. His pace is brutal but it’s like he’s easing the ache that settled into my chest with every thrust. His mouth comes down to my neck, softly licking and sucking my skin. His ability to be soft and sweet while relentlessly fucking me is unparalleled. I can feel him in his kiss. He missed me, I hurt him, and the days we spent apart were as difficult for him as they were for me. The desperation fills me with guilt. “Dane,” I grip his hair as my pulse quickens. His hand comes up, gripping my throat, not hard enough to hurt me or actually choke me but the pressure is there.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

252

I’m starting to unravel. My hips shift forward, searching for more, letting him in deeper. He brings his lips over mine, not kissing me, but hovering there. The look in his eyes has my stomach twisting in knots. I want to kiss him but I’m too wound up, too focused on feeling. The rhythmic thump of my body hitting the shelves causes several books to fall to the floor. A smirky smile pulls at his lips before he slams his mouth into mine. At the same time, he brings his hips forward, so quickly and so violently that I scream into his mouth. His lips barely muffle the sound. He groans into my mouth, sometimes whispering a gruff “fuck” through clenched teeth. The strain in his voice is what wrecks me. This pace, the sound of our skin… the pulsating thumping between my legs is almost painful now. My mouth falls open and my head tips back as every muscle in my body twitches and shakes. “Fuck, you feel so great," he says, sounding as delirious as I feel. “Goddamn it.” I feel the pressure in my stomach start to unravel, the tension breaking and flowing through my body. I’m one deep thrust away from bliss when he pulls away completely. My eyes frantically open, searching deliriously for the reason why he stopped. His jaw is clenched tight and his eyes are pinched shut. Deep, heaving breaths shake his chest. “Dane?” I’m begging, whining, unabashedly pleading with him to keep fucking me. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

253

“I don’t want to come yet,” he groans, “fuck.” This is the punishment. I feel like a pouting child as a lopsided grin plays on his face. He knows how close I was, how close I am. With a low hiss and a choked-out expletive, he slowly, so slowly, presses his hips forward again. I’m right on the edge. My eyes roll back, his slow, unhurried pace is going to kill me. The burning muscles in my legs are rigid, jerking every time he tilts up to hit that place inside of me that makes the room spin. “Dane, please,” I don’t think I can take much more. With no hesitation, he slams forward. And thats all it takes. My body reacts violently, seizing and arching toward him. I can’t breathe or stop the sounds from spilling from my mouth as I’m pulled so deep under that it feels like I’ll never reach the surface. He doesn’t let up, relentlessly pounding into me while I fight for every choked breath. He bites down lightly on my shoulder, rolling his hips, and pinning me to the bookshelf. “Oh my… Jolie, fuck-” His voice is cut off by a loud, rough moan. His hands grip my ass tightly, holding me against him as he shakes and sobs as he completely fills me. The way his body jerks inside of mine makes goosebumps spread over my skin.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

254

As our moans and groans slowly return to normal breathing, the room becomes suddenly silent. I’m still clinging to him and his face is still pressed against the crook of my neck. “So, I’m forgiven then?”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

255

Chapter Thirty - Full Disclosure “Can we call in sick tomorrow?” I groan, rolling over in bed. His deep chuckle makes my insides clench. We got to his apartment about four hours ago and barely made it through the door before ripping each other’s clothes off again. “You have to face it eventually, babe,” he reaches over and pulls me toward him, hugging my body against his. “Let’s quit and run away.” He runs his fingers through my tangled hair. “Is it difficult? I was so distracted by feeling angry and disgusted that I didn’t even really think about the actual gathering evidence part. I feel like I’m going to be shaking like a leaf every time I’m doing something I’m not supposed to be doing…” “I won’t lie to you, I’m pretty anxious the entire time but think if it this way; what is the worst they can do, really? I’ll be there, I’ll have your back. If they catch Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

256

us, the feds might be upset but we can only do what we can." He shrugs calmly. “How are you so relaxed about this? We’re basically undercover agents for the FBI!” His head tips back against his pillow as he laughs. “I don’t think we’re considered undercover agents. We’re cooperating, that’s all. Whatever we can get to help them prove their case is more than they would have had without us… don’t stress yourself out.” “Full disclosure…I’m pretty stressed out.” He rolls so that he’s on his side beside me, his fingers inching across my shoulder and down. “Full disclosure…I was too in the beginning. Hopefully you won’t have to do this as long as I have.” He presses a kiss to my temple. “So, when I asked you why you still work here, you said-” “It’s complicated,” he smiles and kisses my chin, then my lips.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

257

“I think complicated is a bit of an understatement, don’t you think?” “That day that you caught me in the research room, I was on the phone with Agent Lee,” he smiles. “You thought I was married.” “I… no…” my cheeks feel warm. “I just… you acted like I caught you doing something wrong.” “And you immediately thought it was because I’m married?” “Well, you acted so suspiciously,” I can’t help but laugh at how ridiculous all of it seems. The truth is even more unbelievable and farfetched. “Yeah, I know. I freaked out when you saw me. I knew that you weren’t a part of all of this shit but I wasn’t supposed to be at the office. They were having a meeting and I used that time to look through some old file boxes. When you came in, I panicked.” “How did they tell you that they were paying judges for verdicts?” I sit up, pressing my back into the headboard.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

258

“It was completely by accident that I overheard a conversation between the partners that I shouldn’t have. I was so shocked that I didn’t really have a reaction. I guess they took that as…approval. They brought me in, hard. I could tell that it was all fake. All the chummy niceties and bullshit. They were just making sure I wouldn't say anything. Bond kept inviting me out on his boat and Hutch had me to dinner where they served Japanese Wagyu.” He shakes his head at the thought. “I contacted the feds through a secure channel. After a few months they must have thought they were in the clear. They are so arrogant that they really think that they’re getting away with this.” “They aren’t shy about showing their hubris, but this is too much. How can they really think they’re going to get away with this?” “I guess when you have careers like they’ve had you get this sort of…untouchable feeling. They are so cocky that they truly believe they are smarter than everyone else. I’ll admit that the way they are going about this is actually very smart but…” he sighs and lets his eyes close. “They can’t be tied to Leonard Stiller at all?”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

259

“Well, they couldn’t…” an annoyed scowl furrows his brows. “ The incident where they sent you to his office was the first time that there was a real link between the firm and him. That’s why the partners were so pissed.” I can’t help the laugh that bubbles in my throat. "They didn’t care about me at all, did they? Chris and Michael are being punished because if I had reported it to the police, there would be a link.” “Exactly,” he shakes his head angrily. “Would it help if I went to the police? At least then there would be questions of why I was sent there in the first place… it could be something.” “We can talk to Lee about it. Maybe if he gets arrested for the assault, they can use it as leverage to get him to talk about the bribery. A man like Stiller isn’t likely to crack though, not unless they have real evidence against him first.” He sighs and closes his eyes, pulling me into his chest again. "Hey!" A thought occurs to me. "Why are we going to have a jury at all? Wouldn't it be easier to have a trial by judge instead? I mean, what are they paying for?"

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

260

"It looks too suspicious. They are paying for favorable decisions and leniency, not necessarily a not guilty verdict. For this trial, the judge will rule to ban all media, he will probably sentence him to fines or community service instead of jail time..." "That makes sense..." His fingers weave into my hair, gently scratching against my scalp. I can feel myself starting to fade but I’m trying to fight it. “Thank you for not hating me,” I whisper into his chest. It feels so comforting to be in his arms again. It’s the warm, satisfied feeling you get when you finally make it home after a long trip. His chest rumbles, “I could never hate you.” With each blink my eyes grow heavier, the warmth of his body lulling me to sleep. The irritating beep of my alarm drags me from sleep much earlier than I’m ready for. When my eyes blink open, I’m alone in the bed. “Dane?” I wrap the sheet around my body and walk down the dark hallway into the living room. Fuck. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

261

He's jumping rope. Shirtless and panting, his muscles ripple beneath his skin. Leaning against the wall, I watch him shamelessly. I can't tear my eyes away from the well built curves of his arms. When he stops jumping he turns, a smile pulling at his lips when he sees me. "I didn’t run this morning, I wanted to do a quick circuit before I woke you to shower." He pulls his headphones from his ears. “Please, don’t let me interrupt.” Rushing to the kitchen I make a cup of coffee and sit on the couch to watch him. He moves between jumping rope, pushups, and bicycle crunches. He has a slight sheen of sweat coating his bare chest and I can't help but ogle him. He doesn't have a rock-hard bodybuilder's stomach but the outline of his muscles is visible. When he gets down to do push-ups the muscles in his back flex and I start to drool. We should probably hurry up and shower...

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

262

Chapter Thirty-One - Complaints “Jolie, relax,” he whispers from behind me as we ride the elevator up. Shaking out my hands, I try to stop the nerves from making me tremble. I’m a lawyer. I can do this. Pushing everything I know to the back of my mind, I turn to him looking into his eyes for a moment before the door slides open. I don’t know how he did this all by himself for months. The weight alone would be too overwhelming to bear. “Good morning, Dane, Jolie,” Mr. Bond nods to us. “Morning,” we both answer back. We really need to stop doing that… “Did you enjoy your free evening?” He turns to me. “Very much.” I enjoyed myself several times all over Dane’s apartment. “That’s good because we probably won’t have another one until after this case. It’s time to settle in and get to work.” “Looking forward to it.” Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

263

The theatrical part of lawyering is being able to stand in front of a judge and jury and argue a case even if you know the client is guilty, even when you hate the client, even when they deserve every charge. I’ve never been the principal attorney on a case, not yet, but I’ll count this as practice. I can talk to them, smile in their faces, and find a way to bring them down behind their backs. It’s part of the profession I’ve chosen. “You’ve got this,” Dane whispers a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. My chest tingles, he’s proud of me. “I’ll be right back,” his fingers graze over mine as he walks down the hallway after Mr. Bond. The elevator door opens and Erin steps out, her face immediately morphing into concern as she rushes toward me. “Jolie! I was so busy with things here yesterday that I wasn’t able to check on you. Can we grab lunch? How are you feeling?” She pulls me into a hug. “I’m alright now,” I feel my cheeks heat slightly.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

264

“You look so much better! I’m so glad you’re not spending any more of your time thinking about that jackass! He doesn’t deserve another minute of your time or energy!” “I’m not. I really am feeling better. I just needed to take the weekend to collect myself. I’m sorry that I crashed your weekend, crying and drinking all of your wine.” It makes me laugh now. I make a mental note to buy her a bottle of something delicious as a thank you. “Girl, you don’t have to apologize! If the guy I was dating turned out to be married I would probably still be at home on the couch! One night of crying is nothing.” She giggles too. “Jolie,” Dane’s startles me. I can hear the strain in his voice. Fuck. I didn’t hear him walk up. “Hey,” I feel my cheeks heat. I wonder how much of that he just heard. I didn’t mention my wine and cry night at Erins. “There are boxes in the research room, the prosecutor sent over discovery and the partners want us to start going through it.”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

265

“Ok, great, let’s go do that.” I don’t know why I sound so jittery. Turning on my heels, I march toward the elevator. “I’ll text you about lunch, Erin!” He quickly steps into the elevator behind me and his large hand grips my arm, pulling me into his chest. “Dane, there are cameras,” I straighten the front of his jacket. “I know… I just… I don’t like to think of you crying and upset because of me.” His hand smooths my hair. “I’m fine, I promise. I told her that I found out that the guy I was seeing was married…” His shoulders are tense as he stares down at me, searching my face like he doesn’t believe me. “I promise,” I run my hands over the lapels of his suit jacket. “I’m really alright. You didn’t do anything wrong. I should have known better…” When the elevator opens, he steps out first, looking around to make sure we’re alone before pulling me into the library.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

266

His mouth is on mine in an instant. Kissing him is like being zapped by electric energy. It runs from my lips, shooting down through my whole body. His hands come up to my face, holding my jaw, tipping my mouth up toward his. A shiver runs down my spine as he deepens the kiss, his soft tongue slipping into my mouth. The strong, clean smell of his cologne floats around me, making me feel surrounded by him. A satisfied groan rumbles in his throat as he pulls away. His thumb moves up to swipe over my swollen lower lip. “Will you stay the night again tonight? I’ll bring you home to get clothes for work.” I find myself nodding with no hesitation. Of course, I want to stay with him, tonight, tomorrow, the day after. “You go first, just in case Hunter is already in there.” His large hands come down, giving me a tight squeeze over my skirt. I’m breathless and disheveled as I walk into the research room.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

267

“Oh, fuck me!” I groan. There are at least forty file boxes stacked up on the table. “I thought you’d never ask,” Hunter pops out from behind the huge stacks, startling me. He winks as I roll my eyes. Dane walks in behind me and groans, mumbling under his breath. “We’d better tuck in, anything even remotely useful is probably buried in the middle of the boxes. They want us to have to work for every single thing we find.” Each of us takes a box and settles into a spot on the large sofa, looking over each piece of paper. My first box produces nothing of substance. Half-way through my second box, Hunter jumps up. “Complaint! I found a complaint!” He shakes the paper and begins to read. “October 1992, anonymous female complainant reported Roger Kilpatrick for unwanted touching.” He looks up at us, shaking his head. “1992, he would have been twenty… this might be the complaint I found from when he was in college. There weren’t any details, is there more there?” Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

268

He shakes his head and keeps reading, “Female student alleges that Kilpatrick cornered her at a party. She felt physically threatened by his size. He was clearly drunk. She claims he rubbed his hands over her dress.” “That’s it? They didn’t take any more notes?” He shrugs, “that’s it. ‘Over her dress’ could be anywhere. Why weren’t they specific?” Dane sighs heavily and pulls his glasses off to wipe his eyes. “The partners will use that to their advantage. It hurts the complainant but it’s actually helpful for Kilpatrick. He can say he touched her shoulder or something. I’m so fucking sick of scumbags…” “It does help to establish a pattern of this type of behavior,” Hunter mumbles before he quickly drops the paper down. “We sound like the fucking prosecutors... he’s our client…” “R-Right, of course, he is. This is just… preparation for what the actual prosecutor will say…”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

269

“Right, sure it is,” he frowns and grabs the paper again. “I’m going to bring this up to the partners. I hope this is the same incident you discovered, Jolie. We should be expecting one more… I’m not stupid enough to think there are only two but maybe luck is on our side, maybe they only found two…” He looks like a person being led to his death… I know he doesn’t want to bring this to the partners. I can’t say that I blame him. When the door closes behind him Dane lets out another loud sigh. "You're really distracting me today," I smile, hoping to relieve some of the tension in his shoulders. "Oh, yeah?" He sets down the stack of papers he's reading. I hum, "it's the glasses." "Oh, really? You like the glasses?" He's laughing but there is a glint in his eyes that wasn't there before. "I really like the glasses, maybe you can wear them tonight when we get back to your apartment?" I bite the end of my pen and stare at the front of his pants. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

270

He rolls his neck and grabs the stack of papers again, placing them over his lap. "Something the matter?" I can't help but feel smug. His body reacts to mine the same way mine does to him. He groans, "You're going to pay for this later," he gestures down to the bulging zipper of his pants. "Good."

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

271

Chapter Thirty-Two – Meetings This week was excruciating. We found at least one new complaint every day, sometimes more. From the looks of it, Senator Kilpatrick has been a sleaze bag in every single office he’s ever held. Each of the reports is vague, missing critical information, and went completely uninvestigated. There are still twelve boxes of discovery to look through, I’m sure we’ll find a complaint in each of them. Even though I’m completely exhausted, I can’t help but feel light and excited as Dane weaves us through traffic toward his apartment. I’ve been looking forward to tonight all week. “We should probably shower separately,” he frowns as he pulls the car into his parking space. “Where’s the fun in that? I’ll behave, I promise!” Climbing out of the car, I bolt for the elevators but he catches me quickly, throwing me over his shoulder. Our shower is short but full of teasing. It’s so hard to keep your hands to yourself when such a perfect man is naked and wet right beside you. It took all of my Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

272

self control to leave the shower but I don’t want to ditch his sister a second time. He’s been sitting on the edge of his bathtub watching me get ready for the last twenty minutes. He put a bit of product in his hair and some lotion on his skin and he’s ready. “It’s crazy how much stuff you’re doing,” he laughs. I roll my eyes, boys, they have no idea how much effort goes into hair and makeup. Even though we’re going to a club, I’m doing light, fresh makeup tonight. “Go get dressed,” I playfully scold him hoping I can get dressed without him here. “Will you be ready in fifteen minutes? I’ll order an Uber.” “Perfect!” When he leaves the bathroom I rush to rub in a body oil that leaves skin healthy and glowing. I decide to keep my panties on as I am going braless. The material of the dress is soft as I step into it. I

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

273

imagine Dane's large hands pressed against me, rubbing my body through the velvet. This man has made me insatiable. When I step into the bedroom he isn’t there. I slip on my shoes and click down the hallway to the living room. He looks up as I enter the room and groans, falling back against his seat. “Let’s stay in,” he begs. This was the reaction I was hoping for. “I’m going to be so hard all night,” he whines and I can’t help but laugh. “Come on!” He stands up but instead of walking toward the door, he steps in front of me. “You look fucking stunning,” he growls as he squeezes me through the soft dress, “I can’t wait to get you home tonight.” My insides clench. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

274

We hurry downstairs to meet the Uber. Once we’re settled and in public, my head clears from the horny fog I’m usually trapped in when Dane is concerned. I’m about to meet his sister. What if she doesn’t like me? From the conversations we’ve had about family, he seems particularly close to his mom. I only get this first impression once. Please, like me! They picked a newly opened Japanese restaurant for dinner. Even though I’m nervous to make a good impression on his sister I can’t help but be excited. Dates two weekends in a row with this man. This smart, funny, forgiving, handsome man that is creeping under my skin. My heart flutters like a prepubescent teenager when he takes my hand while we walk to the restaurant. When we walk into the busy restaurant Dane spots his sister immediately. As we walk toward them I realize how similar they look and can’t help but feel stupid for not seeing it earlier.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

275

She jumps up as we approach and bypasses Dane to pull me into a tight hug. I relax instantly. She’s so friendly it’s hard to feel nervous around her. “I’m so excited to meet you!” She smiles, “he was acting like a big baby about it so I wasn’t sure if he would ever make a move.” Dane groans and pulls her into a tight hug, burying her face into his chest so that she can’t talk. When she frees herself we’re all laughing as we sit. “How’s your face? It looks like it’s healed really well,” she asks and I can’t help but smile at Dane's wide eyes. “Sheila!” “What? It’s not like I asked her something inappropriate, calm down, little brother.” I chuckle, “It’s finally gone.” “How are you enjoying the job?” I hesitate to answer. She doesn’t know about our new promotions to cooperating agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

276

She starts to laugh, “I’ve seen that look before.” Dane and I exchange knowing glances before I turn back to her. “I’m learning a lot, good and bad. I’m grateful for the experience,” I subtly take his hand under the table, “there have been some great things about being there.” She smiles a big, beautiful smile like her brother. “What do you do?” I realize he never mentioned it. “I’m a software engineer for Sirius radio.” “How cool! And you’re an artist?” I turn to Leo who has been mostly quiet. “Yeah, I paint murals. The club we’re going to tonight commissioned three.” “We’ll have to go to the ladies room while we’re there so we can see the one in there,” Sheila tells me. The rest of the meal flows with easy conversation. His sister teases him as often as she can but otherwise, everything is light and fun.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

277

When the conversation moves toward Dane's questionable high school fashion choices he quickly calls for the check. “It’s time to get you guys into a loud club where you can’t hear each other anymore.” Sheila and Leo walk just ahead of us as we make our way past the crowds on the sidewalk. We walk hand in hand and I can’t help but revel in how comfortable it feels. The bouncer holds the velvet rope open for us to pass through. The floor vibrates with the bass from the speakers. Everything about this club looks antiquated. The bar is beautifully carved wood, with shelves of alcohol displayed behind it. The few seating areas have upholstered armchairs and chaise lounges. It’s gorgeous. On one wall there is a floor-to-ceiling mural that looks aged, like a Renaissance painting.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

278

“Leo! That’s incredible!” Dane yells over the music while I enthusiastically nod in agreement. He shyly gives his appreciation. We sit down at a reserved table in the VIP lounge. Before I can sit Dane pulls me into his arms, “let’s go get a drink,” his eyes are mischievous and I know he’s planning something.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

279

Chapter Thirty-Three – Dirty Dances Song feature -Lost in the Fire, Gessaffelstein & The Weeknd

We make our way through the chaos to the bar. Something about all the drunken, uninhibited people grinding on each other makes me feel unrestrained lust. I stare at Dane's broad shoulders and tapered waist in his button-down shirt. He’s holding my hand, walking slightly in front of me through the crowd. I wonder if I should start winding him up now? I’m sure I’ll regret it later when he tries to murder me with orgasms. When we get to the bar I order a martini and he orders an old fashioned. I look up toward our table but Sheila and Leo are not there. I notice a couple of girls gathered at the bar staring at an oblivious Dane. They ogle him and I can’t help but think, ”I feel you, girl.” He really is the whole package, physical perfection with the personality to match.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

280

“I want to dance with you,” I lean up on my toes to be closer to his ear. He gulps down the last of his drink before letting me lead him to the dance floor. We find a small space to press our bodies together, my back to his front. The intro starts on a new song and I turn my head to look back at him. I mouth the words to him as The Weeknd starts singing. "I wanna fuck you slow with the lights on… By the end of the first verse, he’s rock hard against my ass. I switch the motion of my hips, moving up and down against him instead of circling. He brings his hand to my hip and squeezes me tightly while bringing his other hand around my chest and shoulders, wrapping me up in him. “Jolie,” he begs against my ear, he sounds desperate and I love it. I know I’m going to pay for this later but multiple orgasms isn’t much of a punishment. I continue to rock my hips until the song finishes. He is pressing himself against me, hard, creating friction that I’m sure is driving him insane.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

281

Dane’s POV Fuck. We should have waited a while to dance. I grab onto her tightly, letting my fingers dig into her hips. She’s teasing me, rubbing her tight ass over my cock, over and over again. Her arm is raised up, cupping my neck while we grind on each other. She turns back every so often and mouths the filthy lyrics to a song. I hope she knows that she’ll be sore and aching for days by the time I finish with her tonight. She spins around, pushing her chest against mine. Her eyes are dark and filled with lust. She’s teasing me but she feels it too. When she runs her fingers over my angry, aching cock, I moan loudly. The room spins as I frantically search for a place to take her. At this point, a poorly lit corner will do. I notice the two different bathrooms, each on opposite sides of the large room. One of them is tucked into a small hallway. It’s worth a shot. I pull her toward the hallway, trying to keep people from running into the tent bulging from the front of my pants. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

282

The small hallway is clear and I grab her, kissing her ravenously, showing her how much I need her, how worked up she’s got me. All the blood in my body has collected in my dick, I feel like I might cum or pass out at any moment. I push into the bathroom. There are four stalls. Two are occupied by girls who are talking in loud, drunk voices. I bring her to the last stall and slam her body against the door. Our mouths are desperate, sucking, licking, and biting at each other. “This is going to be quick,” I whisper against her lips, “I’m already close. As soon as I feel your tight, wet pussy I’m going to explode.” She smiles against my mouth before bringing her hands to my pants, pulling them down my thighs. Before she can touch me. I grab her thighs and pull her up, pinning her to the stall door. I can’t take any more of her teasing. Her legs are wrapped around my waist, she’s looking at me, panting, ready.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

283

I reach down between us to move her wet panties to the side, exposing her dripping core. I line myself up at her entrance but stop, rolling my shoulders back I take a deep breath. I have to fortify myself before I push into her mind-numbing tightness. I look into her blue eyes, blown out and wild with lust, as I slide into her all the way to the hilt. “Jesus Christ,” I shudder, my body instantly tensing with the pressure. She’s clenching and stretching around me and I want to scream. A low, guttural groan of relief vibrates in my chest. I shift my arms beneath her thighs, rolling them so that the backs of her knees are pushed into the crooks of my elbows. She’s pinned and spread wide open for me. I start thrusting hard, pounding into her. Her hands grip my shoulder and the sexiest sounds fall from her lips. I watch her face because fuck. She’s gorgeous. Her long lashes flutter and her full lips are parted, bliss etched on her face. I’m lost in her, in the pleasure that is only part of it. She’s everything. All I can see, all I breathe, all I Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

284

think about. Everything with her is more than it’s ever been. My body hums against hers. I want to make her come. I want her to scream my name and clench around me, strangling my cock. I fuck into her harder, nailing her to the door. I feel her legs start to shake just as the door to the bathroom swings loudly open. Loud, drunk girls fill the room, again. I hook one of her legs around my waist and put my hand over her mouth. I slow my hips but don’t stop. Instead of fast, I go deep, pushing myself up into her slowly but so deep it makes her twitch. Her eyes look panicked as I feel her start to shake. The pressure on my dick is so good I almost moan. I lean forward and bite down on her shoulder to muffle the sounds I’m starting to lose control over. “Fuck, that’s it, baby,” I whisper as she comes, her eyes rolling back and a deep groan pushing into my hand. I need to come, the pressure is too much, I can’t take anymore. I release her mouth and grip the top of the Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

285

stall door, pushing fast and deep into her, letting the spasms from her orgasm massage me tightly. Her whimpers in my ear drive me fucking insane as I release deep inside of her. I grunt and cuss with every violent twitch of my cock. “Oh my God,” one of the loud drunk girls screams, “people are fucking in here!” The room is filled with loud cheers and laughter before they run from the room yelling “sorry” and “please continue.” Jolie’s face is flushed but I can tell she’s blushing. Fuck, that blush does something to me. She giggles against my lips and I can’t help but stare at her, her glowing skin and bright smile. I’m in trouble. She’s under my skin, invading my mind, taking over my heart.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

286

Chapter Thirty-Four – Caught I never thought I would be in a situation where one mind-blowing orgasm isn’t enough. I came, hard, but I’m not satisfied, I need more. I can’t seem to quench my thirst for him, no matter how often we’re together. I want more of him, not just sexually. I want all of him, his good days and bad, his wins and losses, the work, the play, the mundane. I’m lost in my own head as we make our way over to the other seating area to check out the last of Leo’s murals. Coincidentally, the bathroom we just left had the other one. This one is different from the others, the theme is still Renaissance but it’s darker and more erotic. Dane stands behind me, resting his chin on my shoulder with his arms draped across my body. I can’t look away from the mural, looking at every detail. I feel Dane’s lips on my neck. He doesn’t give a shit about the mural.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

287

I spin around in his arms and press my lips to his. The kiss is sweet but there is still a hunger behind it, a longing that is always present. “Can I take you home now?” He whispers in my ear. I can’t help but laugh. We’ve been here for an hour, almost all of that time was spent in the bathroom, and he’s ready to leave. I lean into his chest, pushing myself up onto my toes to reach his ear. I catch a quick glance over his shoulder and my heart stops. I drop down quickly and stare up at him, wide-eyed, completely frozen. “Agent Kent is here,” I say quietly even though I’m sure he can’t hear me. He looks concerned. I know he didn’t hear me so he doesn’t know what I said, only that all the color drained from my face. I realize he’s walking over to us before Dane even understands what’s happening. He’s smiling but it’s not friendly or warm. He must have been watching us for a while, he’s seen us kissing and holding each other.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

288

When Dane finally sees him I’m surprised by the look on his face. He looks pissed. Maybe it’s the ‘gotcha’ smile, but Dane looks ready to kill him. Kent steps forward, saying something to Dane that I can’t hear. Damn this loud music! I watch Dane's mouth pull into an angry line and his fists clench. After they speak for no more than a minute, he turns and walks away like nothing happened. Dane takes me gently by the hand and leads me back to our table. I try to look up at his face as we maneuver through the crowds but it’s difficult. His sister and Leo are sitting at the table. When we approach he pulls her into a hug and speaks into her ear. She jumps up from her seat and pulls me into a hug. Oh, I guess we’re leaving! “I’m so glad I got to meet you.” “Likewise, thanks so much for inviting us!” “Next time we’ll go somewhere quiet,” she laughs. “Definitely!”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

289

“He really likes you, you know. I’ve never seen him this way over a girl,” she smiles wide and I can feel my cheeks burn. I look at Dane, only to find him already looking at me, his brows knit together. He reaches his hand out for me, pulling me to him as we walk swiftly toward the door. When we get outside he leads me around the corner from the long line of people still waiting to get into the club. “Our uber will be here in a minute. I just needed to come out here, I need air and a minute to think.” He says, his voice eerily calm. “What did he say?” He purses his lips and rolls his shoulders, releasing the tension building there. “He’s not happy that we didn’t tell them about this. Apparently, it’s a liability. Our relationship is none of their business…” “Fuck.”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

290

“It’s going to be alright, Jolie. I won’t let this blow back on you negatively.” “Well, I won’t let it blow back on you negatively,” I counter. He chuckles before pressing his lips to my forehead, “we’ll figure this out. We didn’t disclose this to them but really, what are they going to do about it? We’re both cooperating. It would be different if we were seeing someone in the firm who was a part of the scheme.” We stand in the dark, holding each other on the sidewalk as New York city passes by us in a blur. As I slide into our uber I realize how calm I feel about everything. Dane is worth any backlash that might come from this. For the first time since...ever really... I feel like something other than work or school takes priority in my life. “What did my sister say to you? That was an awfully long goodbye.” He pulls me from my thoughts. “Oh,” I giggle into his chest, “she said that you really like me.” Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

291

He throws his head back and laughs, “she’s not wrong.” He’s holding my chin up with his fingers. I can’t believe we’re having such a touching, serious moment in the back of an Uber. I notice the driver trying to hide how he’s paying close attention to our conversation. “I really like you too, Dane. More than like...” My cheeks burn red as I try to hide from his gaze. “I more than like you, Jo. I love you.” My breath catches in my throat. Did he just… I must look shocked because the seriousness of his face cracks slightly, amusement shining through. My head is swimming. This man loves me? “Well?” The uber driver interrupts, “you gonna say it back?” We both look at each other for a split second before we lose it. Dane's chest shakes against my arms, his loud, carefree laugh filling the car.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

292

I'm not hesitating because I need to think about it. I know how I feel about him. Somehow, a few months doesn't seem too short. I grab him and pull him into a kiss, trying to show him how I feel. I push everything into it, every feeling and emotion. When we break apart I push my forehead into his, wishing we were alone, “I love you, Dane.” He smiles against my lips before kissing me again, sweet and light, nothing like the kiss we just shared. When we stop in front of his apartment I almost sprint from the car. After the teasing, public bathroom sex, running into Agent Kent and I love you’s, I’m a mess. I need him to take me upstairs. As the elevator closes, he steps forward, pinning me against the wall and his chest. His lips are soft against mine. The air feels thick and hot. “Make love to me, Dane,” I beg against his mouth. “All night, baby.”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

293

Chapter Thirty-Five – Loving He carries me into his apartment, our mouths never breaking apart. He stops walking a few steps from the door. “What’s wrong?” “Couch? Bedroom? Kitchen? Bathtub?” “Mmm,” I groan into his neck, “the bathtub sounds nice after being in the club. I saw the bench in your shower, we could use that too.” A groan resonates through his chest. He carries me to the bathroom and sets me gently on the floor. While he is setting up the water, I kick off my shoes and pull down my dress. “Fuck, you’re already naked,” he’s surprised when he turns around. “Catch up,” I tease as he starts to quicky unbutton his shirt. I step into his large glass shower. I think a quick rinse while the tub fills is the best option. He follows behind me, grabbing at me and trying to pull me to him. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

294

I swat his hands away, I want him to beg, I want to hear the desperation in his voice that turns me on so much. I put some of his bodywash in my palm before turning to him. I stare, making unwavering eye contact as I run my soapy hands over my body. He groans and his cock twitches. “I used to fantasize about this. I made myself come, right here in the shower, thinking about being inside of you,” his voice is a sexy, growl. “Show me,” I can barely whisper, “tell me what you thought about.” He wraps his hand around his shaft and slides up and down over it. The muscles in his chest flex beneath his smooth skin. “I thought about what you would look like spread out naked before me.” I sit on the bench, pulling my heels up onto the seat and spreading my legs. I run my hand down my body and drag my fingers through my desperate center. “What else?”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

295

His eyes are glued to my fingers, watching them rub my clit. He’s taking deep panting breaths. “I thought about your pretty mouth wrapped around my cock. Or about what your pussy tastes like,” he chokes out as he reaches his other hand down to cup his balls. “Fuck,” I moan and move my fingers faster. “I don’t want to come like this,” he groans, “I want to be deep inside you.” He takes a step forward and I drop my heels to the floor. “Fuck the bath, take me to bed.” He doesn’t hesitate, stepping forward, pulling me up to straddle his waist as he quickly turns off the abandoned bathtub. We’re both wet and slippery but there isn’t time to dry off. He sits down on his bed with me over him. “Ride me, baby,” he pants against my neck before placing hot kisses across my chest. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

296

I lift up and adjust him to my entrance. I sink down on him in one fluid motion. “God...fuck,” he jolts forward grabbing onto my hips roughly. It’s barely been two hours since we had sex but it’s like I forget how big he is in between. He stretches me fully, a burning sting settling deep inside me as my body tries to accommodate him. “It feels so deep like this,” I whimper against his lips. A strangled moan heaves past his lips as he pushes his head back into the pillow. I lift my hips up then slide back down, taking each thick inch again and again. He slips one hand between my legs and runs circles over my needy bundle of nerves. I starts to move my hips faster, pushing his cock to massage me so deeply that my body starts to shake. “You feel fucking amazing,” he bends his knees for leverage and starts to thrust up, meeting my hips. Obscene sounds fill the sticky air. We’re both panting and moaning out of control, completely

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

297

unrestrained. Our bodies rock together until I feel the euphoric release of tension in my abdomen. I let my head fall back as I grip him with my walls, shaking as my orgasm rips through my body violently. His hands tighten on my hips as he struggles to thrust through my release. He’s grunting with each stroke, his muscles taut and ready. When he finally stills I feel his body digging into the mattress, trying to anchor himself against the waves of pleasure he feels with each spurt of his release. I slump forward, lying down across his heaving chest, kissing his neck. When I can breathe normally again, I glance up at him. He’s already staring at me, rubbing circles on my back. Without saying a word he rolls us so that I’m pinned beneath his body. He lifts my hands above my head, holding them in one of his large hands. He’s lifted himself up enough that I can breathe but only just. He’s lying flat against my body, our skin melding together into one. He pushes into me slowly and we both groan at the deep, heavy pressure. I’m sore and exhausted but I don’t want him to stop, not yet. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

298

He starts to pump his hips slowly, never taking his eyes off mine. I tighten my legs around his waist and revel in the feeling of him. “I love you, Jolie,” he whispers softly against my lips before pulling me into a wet, needy kiss. My lips tremble against his, the softness in his voice makes my heart flutter and ache. He makes me feel everything, every emotion pulses through my body, leaving me open and vulnerable. I’m afraid of what’s coming. What if we can’t do what the agents need us to do? What if we fail? What is going to happen to our careers after this? What is going to happen to us? I can’t leave him now. As he kisses me, a deep sense of peace covers me. If everything blows up tomorrow, I will still have him and he will still have me. We are in this now. I’ve only known him for a few months but it’s clear to me that he is significant. He isn’t temporary. I don’t even realize a tear is rolling down my cheek until he kisses it. “I love you,” I respond in a weak, shaky whisper.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

299

He continues rolling his hips against mine, each thrust adds to the pressure that is coiling inside of me. “I want to come with you,” he whispers pushing his hips harder. “Yes, please,” I beg, needing release from the unbearable ache. “Look at me, baby, please,” he pleads as he speeds up and rocks into me so fast it makes my body bounce. We stare into each other’s eyes, our mouths slack as we release together, clenching and pulsating. This felt different than any orgasm I’ve ever had. I felt it in my soul. We spend the rest of the night wrapping around one another, talking, laughing, loving.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

300

Chapter Thirty-Six – Pleading The elevator ride is tense. We aren’t sure what we’re walking into. Agent Lee set up a meeting with us at the crack of dawn before we have to go across town for the trial pleading hearing. It was smart, no one will be at the office so there is almost no chance of them seeing us but some sleep would have been appreciated. “Relax,” Dane squeezes my waist as the doors slide open, “we’ll handle whatever this is. They aren’t our bosses, they can’t control our personal lives….” It’s reassuring that he’s so calm. When we step out of the elevator Agent Kent looks up from his desk. He still has the same irritated expression he had at the club. “Please, have a seat,” he gestures to the small conference table in the center of the room. We sit on the same side of the table and he reaches over and takes my hand in his, on top of the table. Very subtle, Dane.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

301

“How long has this,” she gestures to our entwined hands, “been going on?” The sigh of disapproval in her voice is unmistakable. “Since before you brought her in.” His voice is so calm. I really want to hear him argue in court. I bet he’s a stone-cold killer. I’m certain that opposing council sees him and gets nervous. He is the picture of unbothered tranquility. “I’m sure you see why this is potentially detrimental to our case. If you break up, emotions can make rational people do irrational things. We need everything we’re doing kept clean and quiet.” “We aren’t breaking up, there isn’t anything for you to worry about.” Dane is absolutely solid. There is no hesitation or question in his voice. Kent gives him a curt nod but his expression shows that he is still not convinced. “Listen,” I finally find my voice. “We both recognize your need for caution here. The last thing either of us wants is for this case to fall apart before justice is served. I can assure you that we will do everything in our power to see this case closed but we’re doing it together. End of conversation.” Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

302

With pursed lips, she nods. I’m not sure if they thought we would be willing to just…break up upon request but I think they understand that’s not happening. We squeeze our locked hands tighter. “Now that we’ve settled that,” Agent Lee cuts through the tense silence. “We have finally convinced a judge that we have enough probable cause for a wiretap warrant. We officially tapped all office phones and personal phones from everyone in the office. Next time you’re here, Agent Quinn will probably be here. She is going to be monitoring all phone communication.” “Good to know,” Dane nods and stands, gently pulling me up with him. “We’ll be in touch.” “So will we,” Agent Kent narrows his eyes. I’m not sure that I like him. He may just be the suspicious by nature type or he wants to present the image of a mysterious government agent but he comes across as unnecessarily discourteous. We’re cooperating witnesses that are willing to put ourselves into uncomfortable positions to gather evidence for them. The least he can do is not look at us like we’re criminals. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

303

“I think Agent Kent is really happy for us.” Dane’s deadpan voice makes me laugh as we walk back to his car. “Yeah, I could sense it too.” When we enter the building, there are people everywhere. It’s organized chaos. There are reports outside trying to get a glimpse of Kilpatrick. The shouting and noise are dizzying. Dane makes his way into a small office after we pass through security. I see the partners entering the building before following Dane into the room. “The partners will come here. We’ll wait here until it’s time for the process to actually start,” he explains the procedure to me. “The partners are here, I saw them walk in as we came in here,” I tell him. “Damn, I was going to kiss you,” he winks at me. I’m so thankful that he’s here. I’m much more relaxed than I would be without him. I think it boils down to feeling safe. I know that he will have my back and he won’t point me in the wrong direction. I

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

304

can relax and absorb the situation because he won’t let me mess up. I’m suddenly missing the kiss he planned to give me. I’ll make sure we make up for it later. Mr. Bond is the only person missing as we walk toward our assigned courtroom. Everyone is in front of us so Dane keeps letting his finger brush over mine. The now disgraced senator Kilpatrick is seated beside Mr. Bond as the rest of us shuffle into our places. Mr. Hutchins sits beside them in the front. Everyone else is just behind them in the audience seats. “All Rise, The Court of General Sessions, Fourth District Court of the State of New York is now in session. The Honorable George Atwater is presiding.” The Bailiff calls everyone to stand. My nose wrinkles at his words. ‘Honorable.’ I have to actively keep myself from rolling my eyes. When we are seated, they continue. “Your honor, this is case #12-041412, The State of New York versus Roger Kilpatrick.” Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

305

“Are both sides ready?” Judge Atwater looks at the prosecution first. “Ready for the People, Your Honor.” “Ready for the defense, Your Honor.” Mr. Bond’s voice booms. “Mr. Kilpatrick,” the judge looks down at him from his elevated podium. “You are charged with five counts of quid pro quo sexual harassment and three counts of assault. How do you plead?” “Not guilty, Your Honor.” I can’t believe how…unaffected he seems by all of this. He definitely picked the right lawyers if arrogance is what he’s shooting for. I find myself staring at the back of his head. His shoulders are back, his posture proud. He’s not shying away or hiding in shame. He exudes the confidence of a man that knows he isn’t going to lose. We really need to find some evidence. If anyone had told me during law school that just a few short months into my career I would be Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

306

conscientiously working against my client, I never would have believed it! Yet, here I am. Working against my client, working against my firm. Perhaps I should look into real estate law… I studied so hard. I did all of the things that everyone said to do to prepare. I took extra internships. I attended every single guest lecture. I volunteered to do extra work for my law professors for mentoring. In my first case as a bar-certified lawyer, I’m working with agents to crush the entire firm and with it, our client. I feel the light graze of his fingers against my skin. Only for a moment, he let his pinky sweep over my wrist. The simple action, that brief skin contact and I’m back. We’re doing the right thing.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

307

Chapter Thirty-Seven – Searching My phone rings and lights up my dark bedroom. Even in the middle of the night I’m excited to see his name on my screen. “Can’t sleep?” I can’t see him but I can feel his frustration already. “No, you?” “No,” he sighs, the kind of long, tired sigh that makes his exhaustion clear. “I can’t shut my brain off,” I groan and sweep my hands over my tired eyes. It’s been two weeks since the pleading hearing and we have found absolutely nothing. Huge, gaping, zilch-y nothing. I hear him shifting in bed, the sound of his sheets rustling around. “We should go in. We can search around for a few hours and come back and sleep.” “Right now? It’s almost one in the morning!” “What difference does that make? It’s not like we’re going to fall asleep any time soon…” He has a point. We can stay here or we can put the hours to good use. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

308

“Alright,” I sit up in bed as a light comes on in his room. “Yeah?” His smile lights up my screen. “Yes, maybe this will get Agent Kent to kindly remove his head from up our asses,” I smile sweetly as he laughs. Agent Kent is getting out of hand. The wiretaps haven’t produced anything useful so he’s been putting extra pressure on us to find something. “Where is the list he gave us?” He starts to flip through a stack of files. When he finds it he reads over the list of years and hangs his head. Kent found every case that Judge Atwater presided over where our firm was the defending attorney. We finally have somewhere to look but it feels daunting. We don’t even know with certainty that any of those cases are involved so we’re looking for a needle in a haystack. “We’ll find something,” I try to cheer him up. “That’s six cases to look through!” I hope I’m making that sound as positive as possible. “Yeah, six boxes full of hundreds of pieces of paper,” he chuckles and starts pulling clothes from drawers. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

309

“I’ll be there to get you in ten minutes. Can I come stay with you after?” I narrow my eyes and bite my lip to keep myself serious. “This was your plan all along, wasn’t it? You don’t care about searching boxes, you just want to come over.” That lopsided grin that makes me heart flutter pulls at his lips. “You caught me.” “You didn’t have to make up this elaborate rouse, you could have just asked to come over.” “Ok, fuck the search! I’ll be right there!” He hangs up and I can’t help but laugh as I pull myself out of bed to get ready. Ten minutes fly by and I hear the light tap against my door. “You could have just texted, you didn’t have to come all the way up for me!” “A gentleman doesn’t text,” he hangs a suit on the bathroom door before pulling me into his arms. His warm, hard body engulfing me in a tight hug. One of his hands holds the back of my head while the other sneaks down to squeeze my ass before letting me go. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

310

“Jolie?” He’s chuckling. “Why do you look like a cat burglar?” “I don’t!” I look down at my all black leggings and shirt. “I guess I thought dark colors would be good… I’ve never done something like this before. It feels like we’re about to commit a crime!” With my hand tightly in his, we walk down the stairs to his car. “No more than an hour. We’ll each look through a box, then get out of there.” We both nod in agreement. “Have you thought at all about what will happen if we never find anything? How long are we supposed to do this before we give up?” He sighs, leaning back slightly against his seat, “I have thought about it a lot. Before you signed on I considered giving this for a year. Federal investigations can take a very long time. I can’t keep doing this with no end in sight. I want to help them but eventually I have to walk away. It will be a year in two months… I can’t leave you here by yourself thought…”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

311

“Dane,” I reach over and grab his free hand. You cannot stay because I am here now. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to do this for a year! It hasn’t even been a month and I’m burned out! We’ll figure something out.” He pulls the car into a street lot a few blocks down from the office. We can’t risk someone coming in and seeing his car. “It does feel like we’re about to commit a crime,” he laughs as we walk down the dark street. I’ve never been around the office this late. It’s surprisingly quiet. The building is eerily quiet as we creep up the stairs, listening for any sounds. We checked the parking garage, it’s clear. “I know the building codes but not the codes for the partners offices,” he whispers as we reach the library. “Lee wants me to plant a camera but I can’t get in after hours.” “Planting cameras, finding evidence… we should be sworn in as temporary agents for this!” The storage room at the back of the library is musty and nearly filled with boxes. At least the filing Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

312

system is somewhat organised. Each case has a box with all pertaining documents inside. They appear to be shelved by year. “The first two cases were both in 2000.” He hands me the list and starts looking over all the cases from 2000. “Here’s one!” I pull it down. “New York vs. Lestin Corp.” “I’m going to look through this one,” He pulls a case from last year down. “This is the case I called the FBI about. It wasn’t until after the fact that I accidently heard about the judge but… maybe since we know this one was a bribery win, we can compare the two?” “Sounds good.” With the door closed, we sit on the floor of the storage room, reading paper after paper until my eyes hurt. “Have you found the calendar page yet?” I read it. “Whoever put these in here is meticulous about their notes! Calendar pages with exact dates for every detail of the case. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

313

“Yeah,” he pulls it up. “That would be Hutchins Senior. His notebooks and calendars are impeccable.” After another minute of silence he gasps and sits up straight. “Wait,” he moves toward me, “look at your calendar. Did Bond go out of town at the preliminary stages of the trial?” Scouring the page, there isn’t anything noted. “No, I don’t think so.” He jumps up and finds another box from the list and pulls it down. He digs frantically until he finds what he’s looking for, pulling the page out and reading it. “He left the week before the pleading hearing on this case.” He runs back to the shelf and starts pulling the boxes that match the case numbers on our list. “We need to check the calendars in all of these.” In three of the six boxes the calendar shows Mr. Bond leaving the country, traveling to Switzerland, at the beginning of each trial. While I take pictures of each page and text them to the agents, he starts to clean up. “I don’t know if that means anything… it’s just too coincidental. They already pulled all of their bank Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

314

records and there is nothing that points to any of the partners pulling large sums of money to pay someone off.” “If he’s traveling to Switzerland maybe he’s getting cash somehow… untracable?” This could be huge. Or, it could be nothing. “We’ll know soon enough. I’m sure Agent Kent will be very quick to tell us that this isn’t enough if it leads nowhere,” he chuckles but it’s dry and tired. A yawn forces its way out before I can stop it. “Let’s get you home, Agent, this was productive.” His heavy arm wraps around my shoulder.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

315

Chapter Thirty- Eight – Jury Selection Obnoxious ringing pulls me kicking and screaming from sleep. “If that is Lee or Kent I might need you to represent me when I get charged with assault on a federal agent.” My croaky voice is more menacing than I meant it to be. I feel Dane’s hand digging around in the blankets for mine. “It’s five in the morning, why are you calling me?” He sounds as angry as I do. “The calendars… you’re onto something. It’s not much, but... in each of the cases where Bond went to Switzerland, Leonard Stiller deposited large sums of cash into an offshore account ninety days after the trial. If we can find calendars with coinciding trips and deposits for other cases-” “Wait,” I interrupt him. “Ninety days? Do you have anything tying Bond to that money?” “Bond doesn’t have any accounts in Switzerland, we’ve looked into his family, friends… there are no connections. But whenever he travels, he flies private Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

316

so if he is bringing in a briefcase full of money it would be easier to hide.” “Oh my god,” I grumble and pull my pillow over my face. “So you woke us up at five a.m to tell us that you might have something but really you still have nothing? Thank you, Agent Kent.” “It’s not nothing, it’s a pattern. Every time Bond travels out of the country-” “Right, but it’s just an idea. It’s barely circumstantial. We need to show Bond with money, tie the firm to Stiller and tie Stiller to Atwater and show the money leaving Bond’s hands and making it into Stillers. You woke us up for nothing…” He hangs up and tosses the phone down. The stress of this is starting to become too much. We’re constantly searching for something to pull all of this together but we never seem to find it. The anxious feeling of always looking over my shoulder is messing with my appetite and sleep. His arms wrap around me and pull me into his chest. His chest is warm against my back lulling me back to sleep until the alarm wakes me a few hours later. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

317

Sitting up in the empty bed I immediately smell bacon. Grabbing his t-shirt, I scurry across the cold floor toward the kitchen. Low music plays from the kitchen as he sips coffee and reads a folded newspaper… shirtless. Standing just inside the hallway, I watch him for a moment. He’s more relaxed, his disheveled hair and low-hanging sweatpants make me hungry for more than breakfast. “I’ve been meaning to ask. Why do you still read a physical newspaper?” With a smirk he drops it, reaching out for me. “Good morning,” he hugs me with one arm while starting a cup of coffee. “Did you have my cup already set up?” “Of course,” he winks. God, he’s charming. “To answer your question,” he chuckles and looks embarrassed. “My parents have read The Wall Street Journal every day since before I was born. I started reading sections at breakfast in high school. When I moved out, I missed it. It’s stupid but I know they’re Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

318

back at home reading right now too… it’s comforting, I guess.” “That’s not stupid, not at all.” “Here,” he reaches behind me to pick up a discarded page for the counter. “I found an article I thought you would like.” “Thank you,” now I’m blushing. “Bacon, eggs, and toast?” “Please,” I slide into one of the barstools at the counter and sip my coffee. “I called Agent Kent back. I shouldn’t have hung up on him. That was a dick move. This is starting to wear me down… I won’t let it turn me into an asshole though.” He sets my plate down and joins me at the counter. “You weren’t an asshole. He called way too early to share absolutely nothing except that he needs us to look for more.” “He wants us to be watching closely for anything that looks like a possible money drop situation. I guess

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

319

Hutch said something on the wiretap that sounded like money might be changing hands soon. “Watch Michael, got it!” I salute before digging into my toast. “Apparently, he was talking about ‘taking Mr. Washington to lunch.’” He chuckles. “You have got to be kidding! Is that their code for making a payment?” I can’t help but crack up. “That is absolutely ridiculous!” “I wish they would give me more information. I am certain Michael knows most of the scheme. I think he knows more than Chris.” “That’s not your fault.” I take his hand in mine, kissing his palm. “Want to shower with me? Save time and water…” “Yes,” he tosses his half-eaten toast down and grabs me, throwing me over his shoulder. “I don’t know how much time or water we’ll be saving though.” ~ Running up the steps to the courthouse, we make it with ten minutes to spare. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

320

The courthouse is packed with people being split into groups to take surveys for jury selection. No matter what is going on, I’m not going to let background bullshit taint this. I’ve been excited about this for weeks. The trial is ruined. Due process and respect for law, order, and the right to a fair trial have been reduced to waste but I will learn everything I can from this regardless. We walk straight to the room we waited in during the pleading trial. We both turn to one another, recognizing that this will be our last moment alone for several hours. He reaches over and quickly squeezes my hand, “I love you, Jo.” I can’t hide the smile that spreads across my face. My heart flutters every time he says those words. “I love you,” I whisper quickly as the door clicks open. “Ready for this Miss. Lennox?” Mr. Bond sets his briefcase on the table.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

321

“Yes, sir!” I try to sound confident and assured. It’s normal to be nervous but I don’t want them to think I’m more nervous than is appropriate. “I am going to brief each group, giving them instructions and you will pass out the papers. Once we’ve collected them you and Dane will analyze them back at the office. When the prosecution selects their jurors and alternates we will already have a rough idea of who we like and who we don’t. During tomorrow’s interviews, you will take a detailed analysis of each juror. That will help us read their body language.” I grab the stack of papers and a box of pencils from the table and follow him out the door. The room is broken down into six groups of twenty-five. Our questionnaires will be distributed first and collected before the prosecutors do the same. Mr. Bond addresses each group individually, being notably polite and kind. I also make sure to smile and make eye contact as I hand each potential juror a packet of questions and a pencil. “Go wait in the room until we’re ready to collect, Miss Lennox,” he tells me quietly.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

322

I nod and quickly make my way back to Dane. When I enter the room Dane and the partners are huddled together. I can tell by the looks on their faces that they didn’t want me to come in right now. Dane looks calm but I know him better than they do. Something is happening, right now. “Jolie,” Mr. Hutchins turns to me. “I have a file that I need to get back to Erin immediately so she can file it with the district court. Will you run back to the office with it?” So, they’re trying to get rid of me. “Absolutely,” I smile. “When the jurors are finished with the questionnaires. Dane will meet you at the office to analyze them. I want a detailed report on who we want and who we don’t. When the prosecution picks their jurors we need to be quick with our dismissals.” I nod and take a step forward, moving toward the door. I make quick, inconspicuous eye contact with Dane. He gives me an almost imperceptible nod as Mr. Hutchins ushers me outside. Wow, they really want me gone. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

323

With the file in hand, I leave the courthouse. Frantically calling Agent Lee. When she doesn’t respond, I call Agent Kent. What the fuck are they doing? Answer your phones! What kind of cut-rate federal agents are we working with? The first time I call and they aren’t available… something crucial could be happening right now! As I call Erin’s number, I cross my fingers for a bit of luck. I will meet the agents and then run to the office to give her the file. I have to be careful that she doesn’t see me coming or going from a place that I shouldn’t be. “Jolie?” She sounds out of breath, “What’s up?” “I’m heading back to the office with files for you. Want to run and grab a coffee after?” This will ensure she’s not at the coffee shop when I’m trying to sneak into the agent’s office. “Fuck,” she mumbles and I hear shuffling sounds through the phone. “Fuck!” “Are you alright?”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

324

“Ok, listen. I’m not at the office. I thought I had a few hours before everyone would be getting back… Eric is home this week and…” “Say no more. How about this? Stay home with Eric, I’ll meet you at the office with the file in an hour. No one will ever know.” She lets out a sigh of relief, “thank you so much, Jolie. You’re a lifesaver!” “Don’t-” just as I start to respond, Michael comes out of the courthouse. He bounds down the steps quickly. He looks shifty as he jumps into the back of a car. “Um, yeah, no worries! See you later…” I shove my phone into my purse before she can reply. Where are you off to in such a hurry?

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

325

Chapter Thirty-Nine – In Pursuit The absolute absurdity of this is not lost on me as I follow behind his car in a taxi. Apparently, I think I’m a secret agent or something… I actually said ‘follow that car’ when I jumped into my taxi. I’ve called Lee and Kent over and over again. What the fuck. “You can let me out right here!” I tell him just before the large open plaza in front of H, H, and B. If he has his driver take him all the way around, I’ll beat him inside. Running as fast as my heels will allow, I make it into the building before him. Not wanting to wait around, I take the stairs up. Just as I drop the file on Erin’s desk, the elevator door opens and he steps out. He looks shocked to see me which makes no sense. He was standing right there when they sent me back to the office. “H-Hey, Jolie…” he’s uncharacteristically nervous as he brushes past me into Mr. Bond’s office in a hurry.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

326

My phone starts to ring and I want to scream in frustration. Of course, they call me back now… “Hello?” I whisper into the phone. “Jolie, we have something on the wiretap. They are speaking in code but something is definitely happening.” Agent Kent has the nerve to act like he’s giving me brand new information. “Yeah, no shit! I’ve been calling you! They sent me to the office, Michael is here…he’s acting nervous-” “He must have left his phone at the courthouse, it’s still pinging there. We are thinking that Stiller unexpectedly wants payment earlier than they had originally agreed upon.” “Great, thank you, Mr. Bond, see you this afternoon.” I lie nervously as his shoes squeak against the floor at the end of the hall. Hopefully, he isn’t as suspicious of me as I am of him. I quickly head for the elevator. Trying to act as casually as possible. “What are you doing?” Agent Kent whispers as I hang up the call.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

327

When I step into the elevator and turn around, Michael is standing awkwardly in the lobby. He doesn’t want to get in with me. Stepping forward, I hold my hand out, keeping the door from closing. “Thanks,” he says, sounding more annoyed than grateful. As he uncomfortably stands beside me, I notice the briefcase in his hand. He’s gripping the handle with a white-knuckled fist. My phone pings twice on the way down. One from Dane and one from “Uncle Ken.” Dane - Michael is making a drop. Call them. When the doors open, he rushes out as fast as his legs will carry him. I hurry out after him as I call back. “Jolie, what the hell is going on?” He snaps at me. “I’m following him,” I duck behind a newspaper stand. “We’re at the intersection of 11th and West 24th. He’s crossing.” I’m not sure why I’m whispering. He’s far enough ahead of me that there is no chance he’ll hear me.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

328

“You’re following him?” Agent Lee has joined the call. “Yes, he went into Bond’s office and came out with a briefcase. An extra wide briefcase. The kind of briefcase that could be holding a shit-ton of Mr. Washingtons.” I follow him across West 26th Street, then West 27th. I keep diving behind trees and bushes, people are starting to stare. They keep repeating things like: “don’t let him see you and make sure you’re keeping a safe distance between you.” Admittedly, this is my first time following someone like this but I think I’m doing a pretty good job. When he finally turns into a small cafe I breathe a sigh of relief. I kept up, I didn’t lose him. “Can you see him?” “Yes, he’s sitting inside.” “Can you go in without being seen?”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

329

“I don’t think so, the place is pretty small.” I’m still across the street, trying to blend into the crowd. “Turn on your video and start recording him. Make sure you get anyone that comes to meet him. We’re on our way but in case we miss it, it’s absolutely imperative that you catch whatever happens on video.” No pressure… “How far away are you?” I’m starting to get nervous that I’m about to blow this. What if he sees me? What if someone comes to get the money and I can’t get a clear video of it? There are so many ways this could turn out wrong. “We’re about four minutes from your location. We’re in a city vehicle. We’ll park right in front of the windows and get whatever we can on video.” Agent Lee’s voice is calm despite the desperation of this moment. If we miss this opportunity we might have to wait until they try to pay a judge again. Who knows how long that will be? “Oh, fuck…” I panic. “Oh my god. Ok. Michael just walked out… he doesn’t have the briefcase! No one approached him…” Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

330

How did I already screw this up? “Jolie, calm down. Go inside and see if the case is still at the table. Don’t approach it though, just look. We’re two minutes away from you.” Lee is calm but I can hear Kent cursing at the traffic. Running across the street I bump into a man as I scramble for the door. “Excuse me,” we both say at the same time. I feel judgemental but he immediately catches my eye. He looks out of place here. He can’t be older than eighteen and he’s wearing a shirt that says “I may not be Mr. Right but I’ll fuck you ’til he shows up.” This is a business district. He sticks out. He steps in before me and heads straight for the table Michael just left. I never realized how difficult it is to record without being obvious about it. I’m pretending to scroll my thumb so it looks like I’m using my phone while using the camera to see where I’m walking. My heart hammers as he slides into one of the chairs and casually picks up a menu. The suitcase is under the table. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

331

I’m breathing like I just ran a marathon as I sit at the only open table. Zooming in on his face, I try to make sure I’m getting what they need. When the waitress comes to his table he orders something quickly, smiling and completely calm. Maybe it’s a coincidence? It seems unlikely but he’s so casual it’s hard to believe he’s here to pick up a bunch of cash and walk around the city with it. Almost as soon as the waitress walks away, he throws a few dollars down on the table while reaching below to grab the handle of the suitcase. He stands and walks away like nothing happened, this is just a regular day for him. Agent Lee walks past him at the door, the two passing each other as she comes inside. “Take a breath, Jolie. “Well done!” she smiles as she slides into the chair across from me. “Agent Kent is following him.” “Here,” my fingers tremble as I hand her my phone. “Do what you need with the video. They never opened the briefcase, so I’m not sure if it’s money… but…” “Don’t worry,” she smiles. “We’re working on that.” Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

332

She doesn’t offer any other details but the slick smile on her face makes me think that whoever that man is, he’s about to have a very bad day. It’s time to get back to the office. I pretended to be on the phone with Mr. Bond earlier, I panicked and didn’t want Michael to think I was talking to the FBI.” I chuckle. “I should probably be there when everyone returns from jury selection.” “Be on the lookout, your bosses should be panicking very soon.” She smiles again and hands me my phone. Halfway through my walk back to the office, my phone rings. “Hey,” that stupid gooey smile that always takes over my face when I talk to Dane starts to involuntarily pull at my lips. “Hey, we just collected the surveys. We should be heading back to the office in the next hour or two. What happened?” He’s whispering. “Michael took a briefcase from Bond’s office and left it at a cafe where someone, not Stiller, came to pick it up. I followed him and recorded the whole thing!” Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

333

“Holy shit!” “I know!” I’m practically skipping down the sidewalk. “Lee wouldn’t tell me the plan but I think they’re planning to arrest him.” “Holy shit…” he sounds bewildered. “You might have just ended this!” “Are we still doing the survey analysis together?” “Yes,” his voice suddenly sounds more serious. I wonder if it’s because of the breathiness of my own. “Can we… maybe do that in your office?” He hums, “I don’t see why not.” I can hear the smile in his voice.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

334

Chapter Forty – Act Natural It might be the caffeine from the large iced coffee Erin brought me or it’s the anticipation of the sex I’m hoping to have in Dane’s office the minute he returns; I’m a jittery mess. Erin blushed beet read as she apologized profusely for not being here. If she knew what Dane and I are about to do, I don’t think she would have been quite so embarrassed. I’m watching the clock. Each minute that passes is slow and painful. It’s been almost two hours since his call and he’s still out of the office. I’m sitting in the lobby by Erin’s desk, inputting call logs into the spreadsheets the way the partners like them. We’ve been chatting while we work. The more I talk to her, the more I like her. The only reservation that I’m having about cooperating with the FBI is her. And I suppose Hunter as well. They are about to be blindsided by this. When they finally have enough evidence to arrest them, their careers are going to be wiped out overnight. As the gnawing guilt churns in my stomach the elevator finally opens. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

335

The partners step out of the elevator with Michael and Chris. They each look absolutely green. Mr. Bond’s face is bright red with a sweaty sheen across his forehead. Hutch is holding his jacket and the button-down shirt underneath is drenched with sweat. “Erin,” Mr. Bond barks, his voice hoarse, “Go home for the day. Jolie, Dane is waiting for you in the research room. Hunter will be joining you for questionnaire analysis after he returns from lunch.” Without another word, they stomp toward the end of the hall while Erin and I sit, shocked in the lobby. “Wow, you lucked out! Enjoy your afternoon off!” I stand quickly gathering my things. I’m just going to pretend I have no idea what that is about. “They don’t have to tell me twice, I’m gone!” She shuts off her monitor and starts gathering her things excitedly. I’m practically bouncing on my toes in the elevator. I have to act natural. I shouldn’t be this excited to do juror analysis. “See you tomorrow!” I force myself to walk calmly out of the elevator. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

336

Dane is putting the juror questionnaires into three piles on the table when I open the door. A wide smile spread across his face as he drops the papers and grabs me. “You’re a fucking bad ass. You caught the money exchange on tape…” his lips are on me in an instant. Hot, wet, messy. The way he kisses me always makes me feel like the most desirable woman in the world. “I don’t know what happened but the partners got a phone call and they are panicking. They almost sent us home. I don’t think Stiller got the money.” “Let’s talk about that later.” I groan into his mouth. Lifting me off the ground, he walks us out to the elevator. I guess we’re done with being super careful. It’s stupid, Hunter could be in the elevator when it opens, but it’s thrilling too. When the door opens and it’s empty, he steps in and presses me to the wall. “My office or yours?” Dane asks, his hand hovering over the buttons in the elevator. “Yours is probably better. What if Hunter comes back early from lunch and goes to his office?” Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

337

I tried to sound casual but just thinking about going into his office has me panting already. The sticky, wet feeling between my legs is an uncomfortable reminder of how badly this man has bent me out of shape. I want him anytime, all the time, whenever I can have him. Fuck, his dick has made me incredibly unprofessional. My heart is pounding in my chest. I’m dizzy and hot, the needy, ready, achy feeling taking over my brain. As we walk into his office the air feels tense, that perfect, suffocating suspension right before we attack each other. He sets me down and takes off his suit jacket. His thick bulge is pressing against his pants and I can’t help but lick my lips at the sight. “I really wish you had worn a skirt today,” his voice is low and rumbling. “Would have been smart,” I quip, even though at this moment I completely agree with him. He beckons me with his finger, walking backward toward his desk. When he hits it, he waits for me, watching me walk toward him slowly. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

338

When I reach him he kisses me roughly. I try to take over control but he puts his hand on my neck to stop my movements. “Not today,” he growls against my lips making me smile before pulling his bottom lip between my teeth. He takes a step to the side without breaking the kiss, forcing me to step with him. When we get to the side of his desk he smirks down at me before spinning me so quickly it knocks the air from my lungs. He has me facing the desk, pinned against it with his body behind me, my back to his chest. He reaches down in front of me, gliding his large hand over my stomach before coming to my pants. He unbuttons them before sliding them down my thighs. “Bend over,” his voice is dark and dominant. I bend over and lay my chest flat against the cool desk, keeping my ass up in the air. He rubs me, his fingers kneading my skin roughly. I feel his fingers touching my panties, running down the thin, lacey strip of material. Suddenly, he snaps Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

339

it back, causing the fabric to bite against my skin, both stinging me and drenching my core. I whimper as he runs his hand over the thin strip again. This time he follows it all the way down, rubbing his fingers against my wet, swollen lower lips. He hooks his finger under my panties, grazing against my tender flesh before tugging them down my legs. I hear some shuffling behind me but I can’t see in this position. His hands grip my ass again suddenly and thats when I feel it. His tongue licks a long strip from my clit down across my leaking pussy. A loud, husky moan tears through my chest. “You have to be quiet, Jo,” he says between licks. I lean onto one shoulder so I can look behind me, and I wish I hadn’t. The sight alone makes my insides boil and churn. He’s on his knees behind me, face buried in my pussy from the back.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

340

When he sucks my clit into his mouth then rolls his tongue around it I have to bite into my lip to keep from screaming. He keeps a slow torturous rhythm for several minutes before I can’t take it anymore. I need more friction. I’m coiled so impossibly tight I feel like I’m going to explode. His mouth feels so fucking good but he’s moving just slow enough that I’m not coming. He’s teasing me. “Dane, please,” I quietly sob, the pressure is too much. I push my ass back, pushing myself against his face, and he groans which makes me clench. Without warning, he sucks hard before moving his tongue at lightning speed against me. The tightness explodes and I grab the edge of the desk with white knuckles as I shake uncontrollably. He laps at me, making me twitch every time he touches my sensitive bundle of nerves. I wiggle uncomfortably when he lets go of me. I hear shuffling again before his hands come to my hips. “You have to be very quiet,” he whispers and I grind my ass against him as he settles behind me. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

341

“I’ll be quiet, I promise,” I beg. I gasp and moan when he slams into me, all the way to the hilt. “Oh fuck, Dane,” my voice is louder than I intended for it to be. He delivers a sharp, stinging slap against my ass, the sound echoing through the office. “I said be quiet,” he grits between his teeth. After a moment he slides out only to ram himself into me again. The force of each thrust causes the desk to creak beneath us. He fucks me relentlessly, each stroke stretching me so deep it blurs the lines between pleasure and pain. I have to bite down on my hand to keep from screaming. I feel myself starting to unravel, another orgasm is rapidly building and I’m actually afraid. I’m not sure if I can physically control my body’s reaction. “Jesus Christ... you feel so good,” he groans as he whips his hips even faster.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

342

Tears burn in my eyes as I feel myself starting to shake. “That’s it, Jo, fucking come,” he reaches up and wraps one of his hands around my neck and I lose it. I scream his name as I clench around him violently. I feel my walls tighten to the point of pain. “Fuuuuuuuck,” he hisses as he tries to fuck me through my orgasm while holding off his own. After a few thrusts he can’t hold back, a choked moan rips through him as he grips the side of the desk tightly. I feel him jerking inside me, moaning my name with each thick spurt. His heaving chest sucks in air as he slowly pulls away from me, making me wince. “Fuck, don’t move I have a towel in my gym bag,” he says frantically before rushing to grab it, “there is cum everywhere,” he chuckles as he holds the towel between my legs. I take the towel and keep it pressed against me while turning to lean against his desk. I gape at him, somehow he is still very hard.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

343

“Seeing my cum dripping out of your pussy makes me want to fill you again,” he chuckles before pulling his boxers and pants up from around his ankles. I blush and he runs his thumb over my cheek, “now, we should probably go to the research room to do the analysis. I don’t know if I can be trusted in here with you.” I laugh, “you took the words right out of my mouth.”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

344

Chapter Forty-One – Had Enough “Fuck,” I whisper, looking down at the questionnaire, “this is another definite no.” Dane rubs his neck, “there are a lot of those. Seems a lot of people aren’t cool with interoffice sexual misconduct.” I shoot him a sarcastic look. “We’re going to be drowning in paperwork for the next week and none of it even matters… they paid the judge… all of this, the extra steps that go into making sure a trial is fair-” “I know.” He squeezes my hand. “Look at it as experience. You’re learning how to analyze potential jurors and write out dismissals. You’ll need it when you go onto work for an ethical, law-abiding firm.” He smiles but it’s sad. “Dane,” I suddenly feel panicked. “What are we going to do? I don’t know how this somehow managed to slip past me. Where are we going to go? We won’t work together anymore!” I jump up to start pacing but he grabs my hand, pulling me to him.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

345

“Don’t stress about all of that right now. Those details will work out. We are in control of where we go, where we apply for work, all of that. We will work it out.” He’s so calm that it instantly makes the tightness in my lungs lessen some. “Ok, I can’t believe I haven’t been panicking about that already,” I start to laugh when the phone rings. It’s Agent Lee. “Hello?” “Jolie!” She sounds very excited. “We arrested Trent Lyle with the money. He had an outstanding warrant and was picked up by NYPD. He’s not talking and we can’t connect him to Stiller or H, H, and B but we’re confident he will crack. In any case, we have the money, the judge isn’t receiving his payment… they are going to panic and make mistakes.” Dane’s cell phone pings and he frowns down at the screen. “They’re calling me up to the office. I’ll be right back,” he groans. “Good luck,” I peck his cheek before he leaves.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

346

Turning my attention back to the phone call, “what does this mean? If you can’t connect him to Stiller or Judge Atwater, we have a video of Michael leaving that briefcase and someone picking it up.” “Right,” she sighs. “Obviously, we need to be able to tie everyone together. We’re relying on the fact that the partners are now out one million dollars. They are going to have to find a way to pay Atwater or lose the case.” I choke, “there was a million dollars in that briefcase?” “Yes, one million in hundred dollar bills. From the bank records, it looks like Stiller takes a quarter of that as his fee. We need to find a trial for Atwater but he’s never deposited any money.” “So, what? He’s just holding on to three-quarters of a million dollars every time he’s paid?” I tug at my hair. I thought this would end things but if ‘Trent Lyle’ doesn’t talk… we’re still at square one. The door opens and Hunter comes in with a tray full of coffees.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

347

“I gotta go, mom. Love you.” I quickly hang up the phone. “Hey, you didn’t have to hang up on your mom for me.” He laughs and hands me my usual order of coffee. Just what I need, more caffeine. “Thank you. You didn’t have to do this.” I take a polite sip. “No problem. How is this going?” He gestures down to the paperwork as he takes his seat. “It’s…going,” I shrug. “So far, everything is pretty much as we expected.” “Wonderful,” he sighs, “is this my pile?” “Yes.” He nods and tucks into his paperwork. For the next several minutes my knee bounces nervously as I read and reread the same sentence over and over again. I can’t focus on anything other than Dane. What is happening upstairs? Do they suspect him? It doesn’t make sense that they excluded him from the conversation about the money being picked up by the police yet, they call him upstairs now.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

348

Half an hour turns into an hour which turns into two. We’ve completed our stacks of papers and split Dane’s pile between us. “We’re fucked,” he taps his pen against the table. “There aren’t even twelve people here who would be favorable jurors. We’re going to end up with at least ten jurors that hate Kilpatrick from the get-go. “The questions are probing but most of the answers aren’t favorable.” “Yeah, we’re definitely in trouble…” in every sense of the word. When the door opens, my body jerks involuntarily. He looks exhausted. With messy hair and tired eyes behind his glasses, I want to pull him into my arms. “You didn’t have to work on my questionnaires,” he looks between us gratefully. “No worries.” “It was no big deal, man.” We both shrug it off but I know he’s relieved. “What’s up? Bond looked like he was about to have a heart attack earlier.” I knew Hunter was going to have questions about the sudden panic and tension. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

349

Dane rubs his chin with his hand. I’m sure he’s trying to think of something to say. “Well,” he purses his lips. “The partners were paying off Judge Atwater for favors and lenient judgments.” Oh, shit. “Today the middle man, Leonard Stiller, changed the plans and wanted payment earlier; everything was all set for next week but something came up. That is why Michael left the courthouse. The drop was successful but the guy Stiller had to get the money got picked up on an unrelated warrant. He, and the money, are sitting in jail downtown. Obviously, everyone is panicking because Atwater won’t do this for free. Stiller is trying to figure this out but he’s assuring Bond that his pick-up guy has no idea who the money is from and cannot point the finger this way. They are still out a million dollars though and Kilpatrick is furious, Judge Atwater is furious. The partners are basically spinning their wheels.” He lets out a long breath and closes his eyes, leaning back in his chair. “What…the…fuck!” Michael stands slowly. “You’re joking, right? You’re hazing me…” “I wish I was, man.” Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

350

Michael looks at me and opens his mouth but no sound comes out. “Dane?” I can’t deal with both of them right now, so I focus on him. “What are you doing?” He opens his eyes but stays reclined in the seat. Before either of us has a chance to speak, Hunter’s frenzied movements catch our attention. “Should we… do we need to get the state bar involved? What do we do?” He sinks back into his chair and holds his head in his hands. “As far as I can tell… the money is basically in limbo. The pick-up guy took it… but unless he gives Stiller’s name, they don’t know what he was planning to do with it. Even if they can trace it back here.” He’s looking right at me, explaining things without telling Hunter about the FBI. Fuck. Unless he talks, it was all for nothing. They have Michael leaving the money and Lyle picking it up but thats it. It’s all circumstantial they can’t know what the money was for or what he was planning to use it for. If Lyle doesn’t tie that money to Stiller… they can’t either. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

351

Fuck! My hands shake as I run them through my hair. “Wait, why isn’t he having a trial by jury if the judge is being paid!” Hunter chuckles. “You really had me there for a second!” He thinks Dane is messing with him… “This isn’t a one-time deal. They’ve paid Atwater several times, they also have a judge in district three that they pay. It’s too obvious without a jury. The setup is not for guilty and not guilty. It’s for suppressing evidence, favorable rulings regarding the press, light sentences…” “Fuck,” Hunter shouts and puts his face down on the table. “What do we do?” He whispers more to himself than to us. “We need evidence. Concrete evidence that ties the partners to this and shows the money changing hands from them to Stiller to Atwater.” “Evidence for…who?” Hunter looks at him with suspicion as he turns, pressing his cheek against the table.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

352

“Talking to anyone without evidence to back up the claim is the absolute worst thing you could do. This could drag on endlessly for months. You could be waking up in the middle of the night to come to search the office for a single piece of paper that exposes this! Anything you find...” he laughs bitterly. “Anything you find won’t be enough. It will be a tiny little piece but it won’t amount to anything. It will be wasted effort!” He’s yelling at the end of his “Alright…” I stand up and start putting the paperwork into files. “I think we’re done for the day. We have four left. I’ll do them tonight. It’s been a long day, with lots of…new information being shared. Let’s call it. Go home, rest, we’ll talk tomorrow. We can make a plan!” Hunter stands up with his eyes still wide. He looks lost and shaken. I feel bad about sending him out into the world like this but I need to get Dane home before he starts spouting out loud about all of our secrets. “Yeah, a plan, good idea…” He whispers hoarsely as he pulls his jacket onto one arm, walking out of the room only half finished.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

353

“What if he says something?” I cup Dane’s face in my hands. He shrugs, “I didn’t mention the FBI. At this point, who cares? He might tell the partners and they will fire me… or he’ll join us. I’m out of ideas, Jolie…” “Come on, let’s go back to your place and take a bath.” When that doesn’t perk him up at all, my shoulders drop. This is serious.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

354

Chapter Forty-Two – Relax Creeping down the hallway, I stop just out of sight to watch him. He’s leaning back on the couch with his arm slung over his face. His body is tense and beaten down. He needs a night of pampering and relaxation. “Dane?” I whisper quietly in case he fell asleep. He hums and stands up, “What’s going on under that robe?” A smile finally tugs at his lips. That’s the first one I’ve seen in hours. This is a very positive sign. “Come find out,” I turn on my heels and quickly jog toward the bathroom. By the time he makes it into the bathroom his shirt is off and he’s undone his belt. The lights are off but I ordered a truly ridiculous, fire-hazard number of candles and placed them everywhere. The tub is filled with warm, bubbly water and there is a neat whiskey sitting on a tray with strawberries. “Is this what was in the surprise bag?” He lets his pants fall to his ankles, momentarily distracting me.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

355

“Y-Yeah.” All of my spa night essentials were waiting at the door when we arrived. He tried to peek all through dinner. “Are you going to be losing the robe any time soon?” He takes a step toward me and I have half a mind to just let him fuck me into oblivion right now. Clearing my throat and squaring my shoulders, I point to the tub. “Get in.” Tonight is about helping him relax. When he eases himself into the warm water, I bring him his drink. With a few clicks of my phone, a relaxing spa playlist starts to play softly. It sounds like a stream with chirping birds. When he chuckles behind me I turn, shushing him with a glare. “Sorry,” he puts his hands up in surrender. “People pay for this experience, music included.” He rolls his lips into his mouth and leans back while closing his eyes.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

356

Setting the rest of my supplies on the tray, I put it beside the bathtub and refill his drink. “I’m getting lonely in here. Are you planning to be joining me?” “Patience…” I tut as I scurry around in the dark making sure I have everything I need. As I drop my robe I hear him groan. “Hey! Your eyes are supposed to be closed!” “It’s much more relaxing watching you,” the candles cast a golden glow across his face that highlights his cheekbones and sharp jawline. “Jolie?” “Oh, sorry.” I spaced out staring at him. It’s not the first time but it’s still embarrassing. Climbing into the tub, I straddle his thighs. “Fuck,” he reaches forward to grab me but I put my hand on his chest, pressing him back. “Lean back and close your eyes.” “Jolie…”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

357

Folding my arms across my chest, I stare at him with an arched brow. Not tonight, pal. “Bossy,” he pouts but does what I asked. “First thing, skin care.” I can’t help but smile as I reach down and grab the masks I bought. “This is full of aloe and jojoba. It’s for stressed skin.” “Jojoba?” “Yes, jojoba. Now, hush.” Placing the sheet mask over his face, I smooth it out, lightly rubbing his skin before putting mine on. He peeks his eyes open and smiles. I feel his thighs relax between my legs. “Now, for your tense muscles.” Reaching down again I grab the bottle of body oil and pour some into my hands. Starting with his chest, I massage his skin, pressing my fingers gently into the tight muscles. I work my hands up and over his shoulders and arms. His eyelids flutter and his body starts to relax more with the gentle pressure of my hands. The only part of him that isn’t relaxed is pressing hard between my legs. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

358

“Fuck, that feels good,” he sighs heavily. His raspy voice and his flexed hips work as a one-two punch straight to my incessantly needy pussy. Bringing one of his hands up, I massage his palm and fingers then circle his wrist. “Jolie,” he groans and flexes his hips upward again. The bubbles clear enough so that I can see his swollen tip above the water. I have to look away. I’m on a mission here that doesn’t involve his cock. At least, not yet. Taking his other hand, I repeat the same massage, ignoring his pleading. The playlist transitions from a forest stream to clapping thunder and rain which for some reason, makes me throb between my legs. Moving my hands around his neck, I apply gentle pressure, using my thumbs to work up and down the sides. He groans again and lets his head relax against this side of the bathtub. I feel his hands on my thighs, slowly moving up toward my hips. “Dane,” my voice is quiet but stern.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

359

He grumbles under his breath but stops moving. Satisfied with the massage I get the sugar scrub and scoop out a large handful. Repeating the entire massage over again, I exfoliate his upper body. “Fuck,” he hisses, his eyes fluttering open. “Feel good?” “Very good.” He tightens his grip on my thighs. “I want to wash your hair and give you a scalp massage,” I kiss his lips through our sheet masks. “This feels amazing but borderline cruel,” as I tilt his head back to pour water over his head. “How so?” I tease knowing exactly the cruelty he’s referencing. I’ve moved my hands over every part of his upper body purposefully avoiding the place he most needs my touch. He hums as I start to scratch lightly at his scalp, working the shampoo in while I massage his head. The deep, low sounds that rumble from his chest direct me where to go. The more he moans, the more I focus on that area or motion.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

360

“Keep your eyes closed,” I almost whisper as I use the handheld showerhead to rinse his hair clean. Peeling the face masks off, I massage the excess product into his skin. At this point, I’m just stalling. Part of me wants to see how long he will let me do this. I hum lightly, pleased with his willingness to let me do whatever I want with only a few groans and complaints. I’m finished with all of my pampering and massages. Now for the encore. Reaching down I grip him in both of my hands, squeezing gently. His eyes fly open and he moans. “Finally, Jesus Christ,” His strained voice is full of pent-up frustration as I slide my hands up and down. He bends his legs at the knees, planting his feet flat and forcing me forward. He reaches behind me, taking a firm grip on the back of my neck to hold my face against his while he kisses me. All the teasing little tricks I had planned fly out of my head with his lips on mine. It’s hard to think about anything but him and the heat thats building in my belly as he rocks himself against me. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

361

“Let me make you feel good, too,” he bites into my lip. The fingers of his free hand inch toward the aching place between my legs. “No,” I barely choke out. “I’m not done with you yet.” Shifting up onto my knees, I push him back so that I can get my hand down between us. “I want you like this, naked and wet and-” he cuts me off with his lips again. Without breaking the kiss, I sink down onto him. Taking him deep in one slippery motion. His chest rumbles but he doesn’t stop kissing me. There is nothing outside of this bathtub. Nothing exists but him. His breath is in my lungs and his tongue has laid claim to my mouth like no one before. The weight I feel in my chest is crushing as I lift up, only to slide down again. Over and over. I want him every night for the rest of my life. The lust driven quickies in the afternoon. The slow, tired mornings where we aren’t fully away but our bodies reach for each other anyway. Falling for him was effortless. While we were fighting against lust and attraction, my heart was binding itself to his through every car ride, every late-night conversation, every silly joke. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

362

We’re face to face, our eyes locked together as I ride him until water splashes onto the tile. My body moves on its own, baser instincts searching for gratification, but my mind, my heart, they’re full of so much more. “I love you,” I moan as I pulsate around him, clenching him tight within the deepest part of me. His head falls forward, pressing into my shoulder as he moans a heavy, “fuck!” against my skin. “I love you,” his lips find my collar bone in the hazy post-orgasmic fog that we’re wrapped in. “Can I take you to bed?” I tell him with my tongue, gently licking the side of his neck up to his ear. I want him again, maybe twice. I want to lose myself and the rest of the world tonight. When we wake up in the morning, we’re going to have to face the reality of disappointment over evidence and timelines, and the anxiety of living a double life but not tonight. Tonight, I’m just Jolie, a woman lucky enough to find a man like Dane.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

363

Chapter Forty-Three – The Camera “You did what?” Agent Kent’s face is so red that I’m actually worried he’s about to pass out. “I told Hunter Colson, the other junior associate.” He is completely calm which seems to rile up Kent even more. “Why the fuck would you do that?” His voice wobbles with clipped rage. “I didn’t actually tell him about your investigation, just about the partners and Stiller and the bribing.” I sit taller, nodding in support. I didn’t want to ruin last night by asking him why he told Hunter. We needed a night away from all of this. In any case, I’m not about to tell them that I have no idea. “They still have no clue about your investigation. They truly believe it was just bad luck that the middle man got picked up. Kilpatrick is going to get the money and Stiller is taking a smaller cut to rectify his wrongdoing. There should be another money drop within a week. They are having me go to court to dismiss jurors. I’m going to be out of the Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

364

office. I’m not sure if they plan to send Jolie with me.” He squeezes my hand. “Either way, we need someone else. We might both be out of the office. If not, I’m not leaving her there alone…” “You should have checked with us first! This could ruin everything!” “Maybe.” Dane shrugs. “Maybe he tells them I told and they fire me… or maybe he joins us. I didn’t mention you so that part of this shit-storm is safe.” “You should have stopped him,” he turns his irate attention to me. “Hey, fuck you, don’t drag her into this. I told him, she’s not responsible for me!” “He was right to tell him. We need someone else. If neither of us is in the office how will we know if something is happening?” I narrow my eyes at Kent. “We’re going to give you this live feed camera that you can place inside of their office. It won’t matter what kind of scrambling technology they have in place, we will be able to see and hear everything going on even if you’re not there.” Agent Lee slides a small box across the table. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

365

Dane sucks in a harsh breath, his body visibly tensing beside me. “It’s very easy to place and incredibly small. They won’t notice.” He starts to laugh, “easy-peasy. Just place a camera in the office while they are all sitting in there! No one will think it odd that I’m fumbling around during a meeting!” “This is the most effective way to get evidence. The warrant took much longer than we had hoped. However, now that we have it, this will take so much pressure off of you.” She is really trying to sell this. Picking up the box he stands, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. As soon as the door slams shut behind us, he has me up against the wall. Everything is rushed and frantic but soft. His hand is cupping my chin, forcing my face upward. “I fucked this up. I should have told you before I said anything to Hunter. I checked out last night and it wasn’t fair to you.”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

366

“You don’t have to run things by me, Dane.” I smile, “but in the future, an explanation would be appreciated.” “An explanation, I can do that,” his kiss is playful, a stark difference from the anger from a moment ago. With a heavy sigh, we break apart. It’s time to get to work, in more ways than one. “Any ideas on how we get that camera in there?” He lets out an exasperated laugh, “absolutely none. The bookshelves in Bond's office are the logical place I can think of to put it, it’s the best view but… how?” “Could you ask to borrow a book?” He starts laughing again, “one of his first editions? Just casually ask if I can use one for a while?” “Fuck, I didn’t know they were first editions. That kills that…” “I could leave my phone in his office next time we have a meeting and place it when I run back to get it. But that only works if everyone leaves after the meeting which almost never happens.” He runs his hand through his hair. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

367

“I’ll set the lobby on fire!” I turn to him with an excited smile. “The perfect diversion! While everyone is running for their lives, I’ll plant the camera! You’re a genius, Agent Lennox.” “Thank you, Agent Carter, I do try.” As soon as we step into the building his phone rings. “It’s Bond.” Any hint of amusement that was in his voice just a moment ago has melted away. “Hello,” he sounds much colder. When I first started here I thought it was professionalism but the more I got to know him I realized it was disgust. “I’m in the lobby now,” he nods, listening. “Yes, absolutely.” When he hangs up he pushes the elevator button to take us to the second floor. “The prosecution sent the jury selection list. He wants us to quickly fill in the names of the ten most disagreeable people in the template you and Hunter already prepared. He wants the dismissals filed with the court today.”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

368

“Put the camera in my bag,” I whisper nervously. He drops the small box in my purse with a smile. “I was going to put it in my briefcase.” “I’m sure you were, I’m just being cautious.” In the research room, Hunter is sitting with his head in his hands. He looks awful. When we left here last night Dane and I filled the night with love and comfort. Hunter doesn’t look like he slept for even a second. “I want to help,” he stands as soon as he sees us. “I can’t know that this is happening and not do something about it.” Even as he speaks the words he looks upset, like moral obligation is forcing him against his will. “Good to know,” Dane nods. I can see that he respects Hunter for his choice. “For now, we need to go over the jury analysis to pick the most disagreeable to dismiss them. Bond wants it filed today.” “Fuck,” he plops down in his chair, exhusted. “How do you focus on work with this shit hanging over your head?” Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

369

“You just have to…” Dane shrugs and pulls my chair out before sitting in the seat beside mine. When we’re on the same side of the table we usually sit with an empty chair between us. When I look up at Hunter, he’s staring blankly at the table right in front of him. I think he’s too tired and stressed to notice our unusual closeness. After rereading the jury analysis I can’t help but to admire the District Attorney’s office. They aren’t just trying to win this case, they’re trying to crush us. “These are the jurors I would have picked if I was them.” I sigh, opening my laptop to start typing up the first motion to dismiss. “This job is prestigious… people in this city know about this firm. It’s impressive to people that work in business, in government… Do you know how much trim I’ve gotten because I work here?” Hunter is becoming unglued. “Ew, who says ‘trim’ anymore?” I groan. “I’m serious! What the fuck is this? All of our lives are about to be completely fucked!”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

370

I realize that in his own ridiculous way he’s trying to reconcile what he’s learned about the men we work for. I’m sure he looked up to them like I did. “How do you even look at them? We’re just down here, in the fucking research room dungeon, day after day and it’s all bull shit! It’s-” his ranting is cut off by the door swinging open. I can feel sudden warmth creeping up my spine as Mr. Bond walks into the room. Did he hear any of that? “Dane, we’re going to need you upstairs for a quick meeting in my office.” He tells him before turning to us. “Are the dismissals going to be filed by the end of the day?” “Yes, we still have five to write but we will finish and file before the end of the day.” I quickly answer before Hunter has a chance to have a meltdown. “Very good.” He turns on his heels and opens the door waiting for Dane. With a quiet sigh, he stands, adjusting his tie before quickly following Bond.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

371

Hunter looks like he’s about to explode. He has hundreds of questions weighing heavily on his brain right now. Unfortunately for him, I know little more than he does. “Let’s just finish these dismissals.” I can’t even convince myself. I’m so distracted that I start misspelling words like ‘juror’ and ‘disagreeable.’ Pinching my eyes closed, I run my hands through my hair, trying to relax. A pinging sound from my laptop draws my attention to the email notification. “Holy shit!” I jump up, stopping to reread the email just to be sure. “What?” Hunter is so panicked that he’s already rushing around the table toward me. Hey, Jolie. Leonard Stiller is here for a meeting. Dane seemed really upset and asked me to tell you. I think he’s afraid you will run into him. Stay in the research room, I’ll let you know when he’s gone. -Erin “What the fuck is Stiller doing here?” Hunter is staring at me like I have answers.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

372

“I- I don’t know… maybe they’re figuring out another payment?” As the words leave my mouth my heart drops to my stomach. The camera.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

373

Chapter Forty-Four – Blowing Up “Fuck!” I’m pacing around the room. Dane is up there, right now, with the meeting to end all meetings happening and he doesn’t have the camera. We’ve been trying to tie Stiller to the firm. He’s upstairs, right now, physically in the office… you can’t make a more solid tie than that! “Jolie!” Hunter grabs my shoulders, shaking me slightly. “What the fuck is going on?” “I have to get Dane the camera… we have a camera but it’s here… Bond was right there so he couldn’t grab it! He needs it to record this!” I rush through my broken thoughts and half sentences. I don’t have time to explain this to him. I need to get him that camera. Now. I can’t let the meeting conclude without some of that evidence on record. Grabbing the tiny box, I rip it open and jog out of the room. “Where are you going?” “I have to get this to him. We don’t have time to waste. Stiller hasn’t been here before! We’ve never been this close to actually tying them together. If they talk about the money or the bribery scheme... that’s it… that’s all the evidence we need!” Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

374

“Well, what are you going to do?” Slamming the emergency stop button, I close my eyes, thinking about every possible scenario. I can’t just walk into the room… I’ve not been invited to this meeting… I have no legitimate reason for needing to go in and speak to anyone… “Fuck!” I pace circles around him in the confined space of the elevator. “Ok… so you have a camera and you want to record them for evidence?” Poor Hunter is still trying to fully understand what is happening around him. “Yes…” “What if we set it up in the lobby? At least there will be a video of him in the office?” My body physically trembles with the panicked energy racing through me. “I don’t think that’s enough. We need them actually talking about the money…or the bribes… just seeing him will make a connection but they could spin that

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

375

into anything. Maybe Stiller is here to seek legal counsel...” “Fuck, that’s true…” “Oh my god…” the idea suddenly hits me like a ton of bricks. “Hunter… I’m about to blow my career to smithereens.” Hitting the button to continue up to the top floor, a strange calm washes over me. I know what I have to do. When the doors slide open, I turn to him, “try to stop me.” Before he can understand what that means, I’m running. Sprinting down the hallway. Erin jumps up from her seat as I race past her. “You mother fucker!” I yell loudly as I approach the door, slamming it open. “How could you have this man here in the office after what he did to me?” I’m screaming, hysterical. Everyone freezes, looking up at me for a moment in absolute shock. Dane is the first to jump up with Mr. Bond and Hutch quickly following suit. “Everyone here knows what you did to me! Everyone knows that you attacked me!” I force my way into the Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

376

room. Chaos erupts as the shock of this outburst wears off. Dane reaches me first and I press my hands against his chest, pushing him. “Jolie!” He yells over me, grabbing the camera before I shove him hard and run around him. The partners are yelling, Michael and Chris are trying to cover up a bunch of paperwork. Hunter and Erin are trying to pull me out of the room. Stiller is actually laughing… In the pandemonium that I’ve caused, Dane walks backward, away from me and my mayhem toward the shelves. Time to really double down. I’m already getting fired, I might as well let everything off my chest. “I work here! I’m your employee!” I yell at Bond. “How could you have this man in the office? Are you planning to represent him? Huh? How could you offer legal counsel to this piece of shit after he attacked me?” “You are no longer an employee of this firm after this unprofessional outburst! Miss Lennox, I am shocked Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

377

and appalled by this behavior!” I feel Erin’s hand on my arm. She’s trying to gently tug me away. Sucking in a furious breath, I look around the room, letting my eyes meet the stunned faces of everyone in the room one by one. When I get to Dane he sighs, “It’s time to go, Jolie. Don’t make this any worst.” He did it… “I would rather fork my eye out than spend one more second working for you,” I turn back to Bond. “Fucking chauvinistic pigs, all of you!” I stomp my foot down indignantly and turn on my heels letting Erin and Hunter pull me out of the room. “Jesus Christ, Jolie,” Hunter mumbles under his breath. “I need to go clear out my office,” my voice shakes. “I’ll come with you,” Erin offers, her hand softly rubbing my shoulder. “Umm, actually, can I have a moment to myself? I need a minute…” “Of course, text me if you need anything.” She looks genuinely upset. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

378

Before the elevator door fully closes I’m pulling out my phone. Agent Lee answers on the first ring. “Holy fucking shit!” She’s breathless. “We’re watching the feed live. Jolie… We’ve got them. Stiller just said, and I quote, ‘I’ll contact you on Saturday after I pay Atwater. Again, I’m very sorry for the mishap.’ This was a money exchange… we have it on camera… he's leaving with a large briefcase...” “Oh my god.” My legs suddenly feel weak and I lean against the wall, letting my body slide down onto the floor. We got them. A hoarse chuckle erupts from the base of my throat, “at least I didn’t ruin my career for nothing.” “Jolie, they’re going to jail. Your career will be just fine.” I’m not sure how many minutes pass while I sit on the ground. I just… got fired. I just got fired and I’m proud of myself. As I stand to quickly pack the few personal items in my office, I dial Agent Lee again. “Jolie?” She answers right away, again.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

379

“Hey, just one quick thing. When you arrest them, I want to be there.” “I’ll make sure of it.”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

380

Chapter Forty-Five – Catharsis As I step out of my Uber, my phone starts to ring. Pulling the box of my belongings out of the truck, I wave to the driver before answering. “Oh, hey, Dane. What’s up?” “What’s up?” He hisses into the phone. “Jolie! We could have found another way! You didn’t have to do that!” I can hear it in his voice. He’s panicking. “It had to be done. How else would I have been able to get you the camera? I talked to Lee, they’ve got what they need. They are going to keep watching to get the money exchange between Stiller and Atwater then everyone is going down. It’s done.” My chin wobbles. The weight that lifts from my shoulders with those words has me unexpectedly emotional. “Where are you?” “At home…” “I’ll be there as soon as I can. I’m bringing dinner. I love you.” “I love you.” My voice is still wobbly. Climbing out to sit on my fire escape, I know what I have to do. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

381

Dialing my parents, I already feel better. When my mom answers, I can tell that they are in their garden. “Daniel! Daniel, get over here! Jolie is calling!” Mom excitedly fumbles with the phone before turning her attention to me. “Hi, honey! What a surprise to hear from you in the middle of the day!” “Mom,” I sob. I’m not even sure why I’m crying, but I can’t hold it back. “Oh, no, Daniel, she’s crying!” “What’s going on, Jo?” Dad’s face crowds into the screen with mom. Taking a deep breath, I let everything spill out. I told them about Dane in a nonspecific completely detailfree way over a month ago. I didn’t want to tell them that he worked with me or that he was technically my superior. I know they won’t judge me but I didn’t want to disappoint them. I was afraid that they would be upset that after all of my effort and work I was throwing it away for a man right after graduation.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

382

This time, I’m telling them everything. About Dane and Stiller and the FBI. It’s a cathartic purge of all of the secret things I held inside. When I choke out the last bit of information, they sit in stunned silence for a moment. If not for their occasional blinks, I would think the screen was frozen. “Well, hon,” mom starts eventually. “That’s… a lot.” “Sorry, Jo. We’re just processing…” dad nods for a moment. I know my parents. My mom wants to grill me about Dane and our relationship. My dad wants to talk about how I got myself fired. “This, Dane, is treating you right?” Mom asks after a minute and smile spreads across my lips. “Yes, mom. He’s…wonderful.” I feel myself blushing just thinking about him. “That’s great, Jo but, you got fired today, sweetheart. What are you planning to do about that?” Dad can always be counted on to bring my feet back down to earth.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

383

“I’m not sure yet, dad. I will figure it out, I promise. Of course, I’m stressed about it but a new job was inevitable. I only sped up the process…” “You can always come back home,” mom cuts in. “You’re always welcome.” “Thanks, mom.” After promising to call again soon to introduce them to Dane, I hang up feeling lighter. To make myself feel even better, I strip down and stand under the hot spray of my shower. It’s much less luxurious than Dane’s but it still gets the job done. “Jolie?” I hear his voice through the water. I hardly have time to step out and wrap myself in a towel before he’s holding me tightly in his arms. “You shouldn’t have done that,” he brings his mouth to mine in a kiss that makes my toes curl. “I had to…” “You threw yourself on a grenade for me… and the feds… even Hunter. You shouldn’t have. We could Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

384

have figured something else out! I know that we are going to have to find new jobs after they are arrested but you didn’t have to take all of the heat yourself. I didn’t want you to have to shoulder all of it!” “You’re telling me, if the roles were reversed, you wouldn’t have done the exact same thing? I know you would have!” I pull my lips from his to look into his eyes. “I just didn’t want you to be the only one to face negative consequences.” “You’re making me out to be some kind of martyr. I did this for my own selfish reasons too! I don’t know how you lasted for ten months as a cooperating witness. This had to end. I wouldn’t have lasted that long.” I lean forward to kiss up his jawline. “Please, don’t be upset.” I whisper against his ear. “I’m not upset. I just wish we could have found a way that didn’t involve you being publicly fired.” He groans. “Dane.” I pull away from him completely. “What is that smell?” I don’t have to ask. I recognize it as soon as it hit me. Perfect, creamy, velvety cheesy goodness wafting through the air. My favorite meal. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

385

“I got you macaroni.” A smile plays on his lips. “Not just macaroni… the macaroni from S’mac! Did you go all the way to the East Village during rush hour to get that for me?” “You deserve your favorite tonight.” “What else do I deserve tonight?” I skip toward my tiny kitchen. “You think you should get more than just the macaroni?” He raises his brow. “I mean… you said it. I was ‘publicly fired’ today.” I pout my lips as I pull the takeout containers from the bags. “That’s why I also picked up a cheesecake.” “Did you really?” I search through the bags. Sure enough, a whole cheesecake. “Wow, I am completely in love with you.” Stepping up behind me, his arms wrap around my shoulders, drawing my back to his chest. “There is only one thing left to make everything right with the world again…” I bite down a laugh and he groans. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

386

“You’re going to make me watch that movie, aren’t you?” “Yes, I am.”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

387

Chapter Forty-Six – Mr. Washington “Good morning, Jolie. Sorry to call so early but I wanted to give you time to get down here.” Agent Lee is obviously excited. I hold back a groan as I sit up in bed. It’s been nine days since I was fired. Nine days of… sitting, waiting, restlessness. “Get down there?” “We got something on the wiretap about twenty minutes ago. Looks like Mr. Washington is going to lunch in three hours. Stiller is meeting Judge Atwater for breakfast. We have mobilized surveillance teams; we’re going to be there to watch the whole thing go down. After Stiller gives your bosses the call that everything is set, we’re going to pick him up.” She’s buzzing. I can feel it through the phone. “Holy shit… ok… I’ll be there!” I jump out of bed, grabbing clothes in a disorganized frenzy. “We will set you up with a headset so you can watch the money change hands and hopefully the arrest.”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

388

Down the hall, I hear the front door close. Dane should be back from his morning run. Running toward the kitchen I almost collide with him at the end of the hallway. “Whoa,” he rips his headphones from his ears. “What’s the matter?” “Mr. Washington is in the mood for breakfast!” It only takes a second for that megawatt smile that makes my chest feel gooey to stretch across his face. “Lee called this morning! I’m going to the office to watch the surveillance team!” “Fuck,” he tosses his newspaper on the counter behind him. “I want to see that!” “She said they are going to pick up Stiller as soon as he makes the call to the partners that everything is set. Hopefully, he calls immediately after… I want to watch that too.” I feel giddy at the thought, like a child waiting outside the gates of Disneyland. “Text me?”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

389

“I will send you down to the minute play-by-play. You will know exactly what's happening as fast as my fingers can type it!” “Thanks,” he chuckles. “Breakfast?” “Yes, please.” We move around the kitchen together, gathering and preparing everything in silence. It’s not tense but I can tell that he’s deep in thought. He’s chopping peppers and onions for omelets and the focus on his face is tense. He’s completely in his head. “Hey?” I touch his arm after he sets the knife down. “Are you alright?” His hand rubs his chin for a moment, his brain still working out whatever he’s thinking about. “After all of this is over, we’re both going to need to get jobs…” “Right…” “One of my senior mentors from college went on to open his own practice in San Diego… his practice is specific to asylum law. I know he would hire us. It’s not exactly what we want to do forever but it would Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

390

be a good way to get some professional experience closer to our ultimate goals…” “How long have you been thinking about this?” I’ve been quietly panicking about the possibility of moving far away from him. “Um,” he chuckles nervously. “Since our first date.” “Really?” My mouth drops open. “I mean… yeah. Jolie, I… I might not have known then that I was in love with you, but I always recognized that this is special.” He comes to stand beside me, his back leaning against the counter. “It’s not lost on me that we’ve already taken some pretty serious risks being together. If our bosses weren’t totally corrupt pieces of shit our relationship could have really hurt both of our professional credibility. Then the whole FBI thing on top of it… I just couldn’t stay away from you.” “You would move all the way to California? I know that you would be picked up anywhere that you applied. Are you sure that you’re comfortable moving your whole life?” “With no hesitation.” He’s so sincere that any doubts I have immediately melt away. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

391

“Let’s do it.” I almost squeal. “Really?” He looks shocked and relieved. “Yeah! Like you said, it’s a good way to get some experience… then, who knows? Maybe we can open our own firm. L and C Family Immigration Attorneys.” “Lennox and Carter - Attorneys at Law.” He says thoughtfully as he pulls me toward him. “It has a nice ring.” “Very nice,” I can’t stop the big, stupid smile that makes my cheeks hurt. “I’ll call Elliot. He’ll keep quiet about this so we don’t need to wait until after everything is finished.” In a matter of a few moments, a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders and I feel excited about the future. This is a huge step, moving across the country with him but it feels right. Turning off the stove, I push the pan back off the burner. “What are you doing?”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

392

“I’m suddenly hungry for something else,” I intertwined his fingers with mine and lead him down the hallway. We ended up rushing out the door to make it to our respective locations without time for breakfast. A bagel from the coffee shop will have to do. When I get to the temporary federal office, there is a flurry of activity. There are at least twenty people crammed into the small space with a large screen projected onto the wall. Backing myself into an unoccupied corner, I watch the busy New York pedestrians pass in front of their surveillance cameras. The diner in the background isn’t familiar but it must be where Mr. Washington is having his breakfast this morning. “Jolie,” Agent Lee spots me after a moment. “I didn’t see you come in. Come over here, we’ll get you headphones. We have seven agents set up around the diner. They will get audio records of the interaction.” Placing on the headphones, I pull out my phone and slide it onto the seat beside me. I’m not sure if they want me texting but I’ll be damned if Dane misses out on this. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

393

After about thirty minutes, the room grows eerily quiet. There he is. Stiller walks into the diner casually and sits in a corner booth. The briefcase in his hands is all I can focus on. He sets it casually under the table. My heart is beating in my throat as a surveillance agent from outside calls out on the radio. “Atwater is approaching.” I’m not sure anyone here is breathing as he enters the diner and slowly makes his way over to Stiller. As promised, I text Dane updates. I can’t tear my eyes away from the screen so I’m sure they’re fraught with typos but he’ll get the gist. When he sits down, the agent closest to them catches their quiet exchange of pleasantries. “It’s all there. My apologies for the confusion.” Stiller gestures with his chin toward the briefcase. “Until next time.” Atwater reaches below the table and takes it before standing. “Pleasure doing business with you.” “Likewise.” Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

394

And just like that, it’s done. Anyone sitting in the diner would never have noticed the interaction. No one knows that a million dollars were just exchanged right under their noses. It was so calm, so ordinary… I’m dumbfounded that it’s over. That’s it. Months of work, worry, and stress. Over in the blink of an eye. “He’s making the call!” An agent sitting in front of a network of computer monitors yells out. “Good morning, Mr. Bond, Mr. Washington has just left breakfast.” His voice is confident as he flags down a waitress. “Glad to hear it.” That’s all he says and the line drops. Wow. I text Dane then turn to Agent Lee. She has a small smile on her face. This is the moment that everyone has worked for. “Are you about to arrest him now?” “We’re planning to wait until he leaves. If Judge Atwater comes back for any reason and sees…” Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

395

“Couldn’t you just arrest him too?” I’m not fully understanding why they would wait. “Sure, we could. But what I have planned will hurt much more than a quick arrest outside of a neighborhood diner.” Her lips curl into an almost sinister smile.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

396

Chapter Forty-Seven – Justice The car has been parked for ten minutes but neither of us has moved. We’re just sitting, soaking up the silence before the inevitable chaos to come. With a heavy sigh he tightens his fingers around mine. “Are you already?” “I’m ready.” I nod, feeling steady with him by my side. We’ve planned everything perfectly. Dane stole a courtroom pass for me. Security won’t know that I’ve been fired, all I need to do is show them my H, H, and B credentials and I’ll be allowed inside. I’m going to sit in the back and watch the opening statements. The partners will be too busy to notice me, I’ll just blend into the crowd. “Are you going to grab a coffee?” He presses a quick kiss to my temple as we walk from the back of the parking lot toward the courthouse. “Yeah, probably. Maybe I’ll see if I can sneak a croissant past the security checkpoint. It will be nice Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

397

to have a snack to munch while I watch this madness.” The steps leading to the door are covered in a swarm of reporters trying to get a picture or comment from Senator Kilpatrick. It’s a media circus. The next few hours are going to crawl by as we wait for the real show, for what is coming after. Everyone thinks they are here for Kilpatrick. While it’s not an uninteresting lead, they really have no idea what is about to drop into their laps. They are going to get a front row seat exclusive to a corruption and bribery scandal that no one sees coming. With our hands still locked together we walk across the busy street. A car pulls in front of us, stopping on the crosswalk several feet in front of us. Mr. Bond and Hutchins Senior climb out of the back. Mr. Bond hardly looks at us. If it weren’t for Mr. Hutchins laser focused glare on our hands, I would think he didn’t see us. “Well, this is certainly a surprise.” The disdain drips from his voice. The smirk on my face seems to anger him more. The audacity of these two! For all of their moral Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

398

superiority and high-horsed demeanor, they sure are crooked. Without dropping our hands, we continue across the street until we’re standing on the sidewalk beside them. “I have to say, Dane. I’m disappointed.” Mr. Bond pulls his heavy jacket closed. “Me too.” His voice doesn’t waiver. For a moment Bond stares at us, undoubtedly trying to figure out his meaning. Pulling me up onto my toes and into his chest, he presses a kiss to my lips. It’s not flashy or dramatic, but it feels like it stops the world. For a fleeting moment, everything is frozen. The sounds of the city fade away, our shocked audience is nothing but insignificant background detail. “See you later?” He smiles as he lets my feet sink to the ground. “Can’t wait.” Mr. Bond’s head shakes, disgusted, as they turn toward the stairs. The reporters are yelling, asking

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

399

for comments, and throwing out questions as they crowd around them. Once they’ve disappeared inside, I walk a few blocks down toward the coffee shop to wait until the courtroom is full enough for my presence to be undetected. With my coffee and sneaky snake in hand, I slowly make my way back. The cold winter chill in the breeze and the crisp blue sky makes me pause. It’s a beautiful morning. Thinking back on everything that has happened since I moved here, I can’t help but be glad I came. Absolutely nothing is working out how I expected it to. In some ways it’s worse, in others, it’s so much better. A block away from the courthouse, I pass three nondescript, windowless vans parked in a ‘no parking’ zone. I smile like a fool all by myself. After passing the hoard of journalists and making it through security. I work my way through the crowded hallways toward the courtroom. I’m excited to watch the opening statements. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch Mr. Bond in the Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

400

courtroom, an opportunity that is disappearing by the minute. Nestled into the last row, I keep myself tucked down, just in case anyone from the firm happens to look around the room. When the room has been settled and we’ve risen for the ‘Honorable’ judge presiding, the prosecution is called to give their opening statement to the jury. My body tingles as I listen to District Attorney Lisa Cortez. She is prepared to lay out a history of unwanted sexual interactions between former Senator Kilpatrick and women at every stage of his life. She has the room captivated. Bond stands slowly when it is time for the defense. Though I hate to admit it, his presence alone is riveting. There is something so calm, so relaxed about him, he’s not worried at all. “Your Honor, members of the jury, my name is Harold Bond, representing the defendant, Roger Kilpatrick, in this case. The facts of this case are straightforward. What the prosecution is calling a pattern of heinous behavior is little more than rumors and gossip. The evidence will show that in his near twenty years of service to the people of New Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

401

York City, Roger Kilpatrick has given his all. He has made this city a better place for all of us. These allegations are baseless and frankly, false…” As he continues on, I watch the jury. They like him. There is something wise and grandfatherly about him that makes him seem trustworthy. However much they seemed to dislike Kilpatrick during jury selection, they don’t appear to hold that against Mr. Bond. When the defense has finished Judge Atwater reviews procedure and upcoming trial dates. I barely listen. My heart is thumping in my chest. As soon as the gavel falls, I’m up, moving quickly toward the exit. Dane and I have a meeting place. When everything erupts, I want him with me. Pushing the doors open, I run through the crowds, past a long line of very serious looking men and women in suits. The arresting agents. Lee and Kent are at the front of the line, ready to grab whoever steps out first. Agent Lee winks as I breeze past her. Twenty-three minutes and forty one seconds later, the door opens. Michael is the first, followed by Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

402

Hutch. Then Dane, Chris, Hunter, Mr. Bond, and Mr. Hutchins. With near choreographed precision, the agents step forward, handcuff ready, grabbing Michael. The journalists are instantly crazed. “Michael Mitchel, Harold Bond, Christopher Jordan, Thomas Hutchins Senior and Thomas Hutchins Junior, you are under arrest for the crime of bribery of a federal official…” For a second I lose sight of Dane in the madness. He appears at the bottom of the stairs, pushing through the mob, pulling Hunter by the sleeve of his jacket. He grabs me, spinning me around as he kisses me. This tastes like victory. “What the fuck?” Hunter is wide-eyed. He looks back and forth between the mass arrests and us. I’m not sure what is more bewildering to him. The doors open again and the hysterical crowd finds renewed energy to absolutely lose their shit. Judge Atwater is being led out in cuffs.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

403

As our former bosses are led past us toward the vans, I look at Mr. Bond right in the eye, forcing my chin up, standing taller. If he’s surprised, he doesn’t show it. Michael, Chris and Hutch don’t hide their rage quite so well. The expletive-filled tirades that they spew in our direction are evidence enough of that. The shock on their faces is what gets me the most. You would think they were innocent men. They cannot believe that they were caught. “You mother fucker!” Hutch lunges at Dane before he is pulled back by an agent. Dane looks completely serene. He’s watching a years worth of effort come to a head right in front of him but he may as well be on a beach sipping Mai Tais. “Holy shit,” Hunter looks lost in the whirlwind. Dane pats his shoulder, “it’s going to be alright, man.” Suddenly, his face changes. The shock replaced with determination. He extends his hand to me, then to Dane. “It was a pleasure to work with both of you.”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

404

“You too.” I can only laugh. I never thought I would see him as a friend. Walking down the street with Dane’s arm around my shoulder, I lean into him, letting his body heat warm me up. “Are you ready for California?” He smiles down at me. “What do you think about waiting until after Christmas? It’s only a few weeks away.” “If we’re planning to be here for Christmas, we’re going to have to really do it big. Ugly sweater contests, my parents annual party, The Nutcracker, all of it.” His eyebrows are arched, as if he gave me an ultimatum. “I already have the best ugly Christmas sweater of all time…” “I highly doubt that” he’s grinning like he knows his is better. “I guess we’ll see...”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

405

Chapter Forty-Eight – Eye Contact One Year Later “All Rise,” The Bailiff’s voice echoes into the courtroom. Just as a ball of nervous energy forms in the pit of my stomach, I feel Dane’s hand reach for mine. Sitting in the courtroom, staring at the back of their heads, I suddenly feel anxious. We haven’t seen any of our old co-workers, aside from Hunter and Erin, since their bond hearings almost a year ago. Hutchins Senior has lost about forty pounds since they were arrested and Mr. Bond looks at least ten years older. It’s almost enough to feel sorry for them..almost. Agents Lee and Kent are seated two rows ahead of us, right behind the district attorney. Agent Lee has kept in touch, always keeping Dane and me informed about the progress they are making. In the end, the discovery we made about the calendar turned out to be huge for the prosecution. Mr. Bond was using his wife’s sister to set up a Swiss bank account. He was carrying a million dollars in cash every time he came home. This evidence was the Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

406

lynchpin that caused him to be held without bail until the trial. Mr. Hutchins and Hutch were allowed to remain home pending trial but they had to surrender their passports. “The Honorable Mark Laten presiding…” the Bailiff calls as he enters the room. Last week was the sentencing hearing for Leonard Stiller. Dane and I sat front row as Judge Laten gave him the maximum sentence, fifteen years in federal prison. As he was led away in handcuffs, we made eye contact. I still don’t know what came over me but I couldn’t contain my smile. The ‘almost’ pity I feel for my old bosses was nowhere to be found while watching Stiller get his due justice. When our eyes met, I was filled with such a deep sense of vindication that the smile just forced its way out. I couldn’t have stopped it if I tried. To be fair, I didn’t try. Michael and Chris both turned on the partners, offering evidence for more lenient sentencing. The two pleaded guilty, avoiding a trial, and began serving their four-year sentences immediately.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

407

“Good Morning, Judge Laten, Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury,” the D.A starts her opening statements. “I am here today to represent the great state of New York. As the district attorney I have seen crimes big and small but this… this case sticks with me. This case is about more than bribery. It’s about more than breaking the law… this case is about these men,” she points toward the partners with disdain etched into her face. “These once esteemed lawyers, perverting justice for their own personal gain…” I watch Mr. Hutchins’ shoulders tense as she rips into them, dragging them for filth before everyone present. “Through this trial, I will share with you irrefutable evidence of their guilt. Undeniable proof that these men knowingly, willfully, broke the laws they promised to uphold. The laws put in place to ensure that everyone is given the same chance at justice.” As she continues her statements, Mr. Bond turns around, looking over his shoulder. Dane notices too, his hand gripping mine tighter. When his tired eyes meet mine, his posture changes. The exhaustion morphs into anger. Betrayal and rage pour from his narrowed eyes. He blames us for this. Even now, his hubris won’t allow him to take responsibility for his action. Dane and I are to blame, we snitched, therefore, we are to blame. Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

408

I don’t know what I was expecting, not remorse or guilt but not this either. “During the trial, you will hear from two key witnesses, members of the Hutchins, Hutchins, and Bond law firm that saw these wrongdoings and could not sit idly by…” As she mentions us, Hutch turns around too. Squaring my shoulders, I stare him down. His murderous gaze won’t intimidate me. They can feel whatever misplaced anger they want. We were right, we chose to uphold the law that we love. Narrowing my eyes, I won’t be the first to blink. We’re playing a game of chicken, the first to veer off course, admitting defeat. His lawyer turns, and taps his shoulder, breaking his furious gaze. With one last glare, he turns around, focusing on his impending doom. I can see Dane smirking out of the corner of my eye. “We win,” he whispers, rubbing his thumb over mine. “We win.”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

409

Epilogue Four Years Later The phone rings and we both freeze. We’ve been waiting for this moment for months. It sounds silly but that ringing phone is the culmination of years worth of dedication and work all coming together. We drop all the books out of our hands and dive for the phone. I reach it first pressing the button to put it on speaker. “Good afternoon, you’ve reached Lennox and Carter Family Immigration Law. How can I help you?" “Oh my God!" Erin screeches on the other end of the line and Dane and I crack into hysterical laughter. “You sound so official! How’s it coming along so far?” “You’re our very first call!” Of course, she is… “I am?” She squeals, “I still can’t believe you opened your own firm!”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

410

“Neither can I. There were some days it seemed like it wasn’t going to happen." I can laugh about it now but the road to this was no joke. “How was your honeymoon?” I suddenly remember that she should have just arrived home this morning. Leaning against my desk, I settle in for a long conversation. I know she’s going to have details she wants to share. “Oh my God, Jolie. You have to go to The Maldives! I am telling you, you have never seen water so clear and blue…” as she talks about everything from the food to the floating bungalow, Dane brings a giant stack of law reviews to the shelf right beside me. I watch his muscles move under his t-shirt. As he kneels down to start shelving the books I take the opportunity to ogle him. Years may have passed and my life is almost unrecognizable to the one I started in New York but one thing has remained the same. I still stare at Dane every chance I get. When his fingers graze my ankle, I gasp. “I know!” Erin chuckles, “Tuna for breakfast! I never heard of such a thing!” “Right…” Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

411

Wait? What is she talking about? Refocusing my attention on her, I listen to the different activities that they enjoyed, or at least I try to. Dane’s hand is still on my ankle. It’s incredibly distracting. “I have hideous tanlines, but honestly, the swimsuit was worth it…” she continues. His fingers move up, gently moving up my legs. I scoot over slightly, sliding down the desk that I’m leaning on to get away from him. “Eric already wants to go back as soon as he has more vacation days… It was so amazing that we might make it a yearly thing!” “It sounds amazing,” I sound breathless as his hand continues up, under my skirt. Quickly grabbing the phone, I take it off of speaker and hold it up to my ear. “You should come next time! We can make it a couples trip!”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

412

I hum, not trusting the sound of my voice as he slides his fingers into my panties. My eyes pinch closed as he slowly rubs my aching clit. Somehow, even after years together, he turns me into a needy mess in a matter of seconds. I always want him. His free hands move up to pull my skirt up. My hand grips the edge of the desk tightly as he comes up on his knees. He wastes no time pulling my panties down and lifting one of my legs up over his shoulder. Oh, fuck. He dives in head first, literally. His tongue moves with precision to exactly where I want it most. “That water was so warm!” Erin's voice snaps me back to reality. “I bet it felt amazing,” I groan. Either I need to end this call or he needs to stop. He licks and slurps so loudly that I have to cup my hand over the receiver.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

413

My body jerks and every muscle locks and shakes as he flicks his tongue over me. When he kisses me, that’s what makes me really lose control. Pushing down, I press myself against his face, rocking forward. I haven’t heard a word Erin has said in minutes now but I can’t find the self control to pay attention. Peeking down at him I realize that he’s fisting his cock while he’s demolishing my pussy with his mouth. I shouldn’t have looked. The throbbing pressure in my belly is about to rip me to pieces. My head falls back and I bite into my cheek to keep from moaning his name as he swirls the tip of his tongue in tight, fast circles. I’m holding myself back, afraid of the stream of unconscious sounds that I won’t be able to keep quiet. His fingers skim over my skin, slipping between my legs. I know what he’s about to do. I’m completely fucked. As soon as his two fingers disappear inside the depths of me, he curls them once and thats all it takes.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

414

“Oh god! Erin? Hello?” I slam the phone down. I’ll call her back. He hums between my legs and leans in for the kill. Licking and sucking me through my orgasm until my tender, swollen clit can’t take it anymore. “Fuck…you,” I pant out the words as he pulls himself to stand, replacing his face between my legs with his hips. His tongue slides across his lips as he leans forward enough to push his thick tip into me. “I picked this deck because I fantasized about fucking you on it,” his voice is strained, low, and raspy, barely hanging on. This confession shocks me enough to temporarily take me out of the hazy lust and into reality. “Wait, are you telling me you purchased a three thousand dollar desk solely to fuck me on it?” “Yes,” he thrusts faster. “As soon as I saw it, I knew it was the one.”

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

415

The laugh that bubbles in my throat is quickly turned into a moan as he rocks into me with such force the desk shakes beneath us. Holding my thighs around his waist, he sets a brutal pace. I feel my body tightening again. I am so close that it is painful. This man draws orgasms from me like a Pied Piper… “Dane, I’m-” the words are lost, fading into sounds, a moaning chorus of his name. “Fuck, me too baby,” he heaves, twitching and spasming inside of me. He slides out of me, letting his damp forehead touch mine. We’re both hazy and tired, that loose, relaxed after-sex feeling settling all the way down to our bones. “We need to talk about this desk,” I chuckle, dry and exhausted. His chest rumbles, laughter vibrating through him into me. “Are there anymore high dollar furniture items you’ve purchased solely for sex?” Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

416

“Possibly…” “Can I tell you a secret?” I crane my neck to look up at him. His lips are tipped up, holding back a smile, waiting. “When they installed the bookshelves in the research room, I had them double bolt them to the walls. I said it was for protection against earthquakes but…” “What the fuck are we still doing in here?” He jumps up, pulling me gently by the wrist.

End.

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

417

It’d help so much if you could review the book on Inkitt

(No spoilers please):

Review on Inkitt © All Rights Reserved. Myranda Rae owns this book in its entirety and all characters therein. No portion of this may be copied, translated, sold or used without the express permission of Myranda Rae. Failure to abide by these terms will result in immediate legal action.

2 **NEW Books Upcoming - See you next week! Callisto – 12 December (2) **Proximus – 12 December (1) Mark of the Damned – 13 December (1) PINK – 14 December (2) **Unplanned: A One Night Stand – 16 December (2)

Table of Contents

Back to Patreon (PC)

418