Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 107166 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 536(@200wpm)___ 429(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107166 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 536(@200wpm)___ 429(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
“Let’s cut the crap, Williams. It’s a conflict of interest, and we both know that.”
“Because . . . ?” he trails off, daring me to talk about the elephant in the room. We represent two drug lords now. “Both are businessmen. Neither in the same field . . .”
“Absolutely in the same field. And that field is highly illegal. What if they have overlapping so-called staff? What if they have business disputes? The man showed up in my courtroom the day I killed the case,” I respond, and there is no way to hide the sarcasm dripping in my words. There is also no way Williams is not going to play dumb. “Fine. Whatever. Let’s ignore the conflict for now. Revisit when it bites us in the ass. How much time will he need from me?”
Please say not much.
“Judging by his character, net worth, and scope of his business—twice your lifespan.” He chuckles and, unbeknownst to him, crushes my dreams.
Scrunching my nose, I try to make sense of my boss’s contrary comments. “But you just said I can still handle other clients.”
Unless you were lying to me, which I wouldn’t put past you since you’re a prick.
“Listen, he’s making changes in his life, taking a new route, and needs legal counsel for the next few months to get that done. That’s where you step in.”
“So, I can still work with Felix?”
His brow quirks, and I realize my mistake in referring to Mr. Bernard by his first name.
I need to take a step back and not push this. I don’t need him prying into my business. He can’t wonder why I’m objecting or fighting for a man like this.
“If you’re available. If not, we’ll assign him another associate.” His eyes narrow. “But knowing you, I’m sure you will be available.”
He continues to look at me as if he can read my mind. He thinks if he stares at me long enough, he can bash down the walls I’ve gathered around my brain. Good luck. Better men have tried. There is only one person who seems to be able to reduce me to a puddle on the floor, and it’s not him. Nope, that spot is filled by a drug dealer who is way too handsome for his own good and mine, seeing as I have to work with him.
Warmth spreads over my cheeks.
“Skye, is there something I should know?”
Shit.
Here I am blushing over Tobias Kosta, and now my boss thinks I have a thing for Felix Bernard.
My heart pounds frantically in my chest. I can feel a thin layer of sweat collecting at the base of my neck. I’m happy he can’t see it and, most importantly, relieved that he can’t see what I’m feeling.
Play it cool.
“No, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I respond.
“What I’m talking about is, is there going to be a problem with you working for two of the most powerful men in the city, maybe the entire East Coast? Because having their secrets under our roof is the best thing that could happen to this firm. Do you understand?”
“Understood.”
Standing in front of his desk, hand on hip, I wait for him to say more. When he doesn’t speak for a few seconds and then picks up a folder in front of him, I assume he’s done with me.
“If that’s all, I’m going to head down to my office and get a head start on this. I have a lot to do, and I need to start prep work if I want to hit the ground running with Mr. Kosta.”
“See, Skye? That’s why you’re the best. And now I can keep my tee time with the state attorney general. Rumors are he will be moving up and will need people outside the DOJ offices to help him accomplish his goals. With those two clients’ info in our pockets and working with the US AG, things are looking very sunny for all of us.”
What he’s really trying to say is this is why the firm values me as much as they do.
Most people might go to lunch, have dinner, meet colleagues for a round of freaking golf, but no. I work all the damn time.
With nothing more to say, I turn on my heel and head out the door. On my way out, I don’t go through the glass doors. This time, I bypass the receptionist and go the other way, through the entrance to the other section of the building. The side where my office is. When I make it, I’m breathing hard from the pace of my steps.
As soon as I’m inside, I close the door, strip off my blazer, and throw myself into my chair. Then I cradle my head in my hands and let out the biggest breath I have ever taken. What have I gotten myself into?