Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82216 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82216 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Kelly walked around her desk. “Mr. Bastardo? If you’re ready, I’ll take you back now.”
I took a deep breath. “I’m very ready.”
We walked down two long halls and passed a few men in suits. This place was a goddamn smorgasbord of Biffys. Another turn and then Kelly stopped at a door. Corner office.
Nice, Princess. She was appreciated here. I felt a sense of pride.
“Hi, Aubrey. I have Mr. Bastardo for you.”
“Thank you.”
Kelly stepped aside so I could enter. My attorney was looking down. She spoke before her head came fully up. “It’s nice to—”
Aubrey froze. I could have sworn there was a flicker of excitement in her eyes for a second. But it was quickly extinguished…replaced by anger. I’d expected her reaction.
“Mr. Bastardo?” She rolled her eyes. “How did I not figure this one out?”
“Because you don’t speak Spanish.” I smiled, but she wasn’t amused.
“Chance. I’m at work. I can’t play your games here. You need to leave.”
I buttoned my jacket. “I’m here on business.”
“Nice try. I’m a copyright attorney. If you’ve gone and gotten arrested for public intoxication or lewd and lascivious behavior, you’ll need to go three doors down to Celino and Barnes.”
“I’m in need of a copyright attorney.”
“Is that so?” She wasn’t believing a word I was saying.
“It is.”
“Well in that case, you’ll need to see another attorney.” She stepped around her desk and folded her arms over her chest. Fuck if her getting tough with me wasn’t the sexiest thing I’d seen in ages.
“I don’t want another attorney.”
“That’s too bad.”
We stared at each other for a moment. Then she smiled. It wasn’t a happy smile, it was an I’m about to stick something up your arse and enjoy it smile. I didn’t care. I liked seeing it anyway. I smiled back—twice as broad.
She huffed and left the office.
A few minutes later, she returned. I’d settled in and made myself comfortable in a chair in front of her desk. I stood when she walked in. A man walked in right behind her. The princess fucker.
Aubrey looked pretty pleased at herself when she spoke. “Richard. This is Mr. Bateman. Mr. Bateman is in need of a copyright attorney, and I seem to be double booked for this afternoon, so I thought perhaps you could take him on.”
The Clark Kent wannabe extended his hand to me. “Richard Kline.”
I nodded. “Dick. Good to meet you.” The squeeze I gave his hand when I shook it bordered on assault.
I caught the clench in Aubrey’s jaw. Then she corrected me. Through gritted teeth, “His name is Richard.”
“It’s fine.” Dick waved her off. “I’m used to it. I don’t usually shorten my name, but my dad was a Richard, and everyone called him Dick.”
I gave Aubrey a little smile.
She seethed.
“Why don’t you come down to my office, and I can see what I can help you with?”
“I’d actually prefer to wait for Ms. Bloom. I was referred to her specifically.”
“I’m not available,” Aubrey snapped.
Dick seemed taken aback by Aubrey’s little attitude. That warmed me for some reason. I liked that she didn’t give him her sass. Save it all for me, baby. I want all your sass and your ass.
“Well.” Dick turned to Aubrey. “What else do you have today? Maybe I can handle one of your afternoon appointments?”
“I’d prefer you handle Mr. Bateman.”
Dick looked at me apologetically then spoke to her, his tone mildly patronizing. “It seems Mr. Bateman wants his affairs handled by you, personally, Aubrey.”
I smiled at Aubrey. “I’ve been really looking forward to you handling me.”
Dick came to my rescue. “Why don’t we step into my office and see what I can do to help clear up your schedule so you can get things started with Mr. Bateman?”
Dick and Aubrey left the office, and Aubrey returned five minutes later, with the receptionist, Kelly. “Have a seat, Kelly.” She’d brought a chaperone.
I was disappointed I wouldn’t be getting quality alone time but far from deterred. Aubrey, on the other hand, was not happy. With a huff, she pulled a yellow legal pad from her drawer and slammed it down on her desk. “What’s the nature of the legal services you need, Mr. Bateman?” Her pen was poised to write and she didn’t look up. Kelly looked bewildered at the entire scene playing out before her.
“I have two, actually.” I opened the folder I was carrying, took out a large manila envelope and slid it across the desk to her side. “I’ve received an offer from a company who would like to use some photographs of me in their ad campaign.
She snickered. “Oh. That’s right. You’re an ass model.”
I ignored her. “Anyway. The company that wants to use the photographs in their campaign wants the exclusive rights to the photo, and there’s an American company that is using the photo on their website without permission. I need to send them a cease and desist letter to remove it before I sign the contract.”