Total pages in book: 162
Estimated words: 154728 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 774(@200wpm)___ 619(@250wpm)___ 516(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 154728 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 774(@200wpm)___ 619(@250wpm)___ 516(@300wpm)
After years of experience in busy kitchens, I managed to keep my expression neutral and calm, maintaining eye contact with Brax.
“Of course, I had to come,” I repeated my earlier statement. “This is where I belong, making sure that Kane is going to be okay.”
“Darlin’, that’s my job,” Brax chuckled, the sound faux and condescending. “Don’t you worry—”
“My pretty little head about it?” I tilted the aforementioned head sideways to regard him.
His smile dimmed somewhat. “Now, that isn’t what I was going to say.”
I folded my arms across my chest, already missing Kane like a limb, my mind overcome with worry about him. “That was the sentiment,” I retorted coldly. “I know you’ve had a relationship with Kane for years, and I respect that. Kane respects you, trusts you. So I respect and trust you. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to sit at home and wring my hands. I’m going to be involved.” I ensured my tone was authoritative, without holes for emotion to slip into.
Men like Brax caught those holes, used them as openings to bring women down, make them second-guess themselves, make them submit. I’d failed once already with a man like that, and I wouldn’t again.
He contemplated me with that slimy smile and calculating gaze before reaching out to squeeze my hand. His grip was sweaty and too firm.
“Of course,” he said easily. “Of course, Kane wouldn’t want it any other way. Especially considering…”
“Considering what?” I asked sharply.
“Well, this wouldn’t have happened if he hadn’t come to the restaurant. Not that it’s your fault,” he added quickly. But that’s exactly what he was saying. He was probing for weakness, for the blame I felt over the situation.
I thought I’d buried that blame deep, but it seemed I was wearing it like a sign.
Before I could open my mouth or worse, burst into tears, a voice interrupted.
“Ms. Hart? Mr. Smith? Victoria is ready for you.”
We looked at the man in a sleek suit, chiseled jaw and a warm yet professional mask.
I straightened my spine again.
“Ladies first.” Brax held out his arm, greasy smile back in place.
For Kane. I’m doing this for Kane, I reminded myself.
I stepped in front of him and followed the man in the suit.
Victoria Steele was younger than I expected her to be. Maybe my age. Maybe even younger. Her porcelain skin didn’t have a single line in it that I could see. She was harshly beautiful. Everything about her features was sharp, high cheekbones, piercing eyes rimmed with black liner. Her lips were painted blood-red, dark hair pulled back to further define her features. She was also incredibly petite in an impeccably tailored, white suit, diamonds adorning her wrists.
From my research, she was the best defense lawyer in the city. In the country. She had graduated from Harvard Law, had come straight to New York City to work at one of the top firms and was made partner within a handful of years. One of the youngest partners in history. It was impressive.
Her corner office was large, filled with light, although it was coldly appointed—no pictures of family, of children. Though I knew better than anyone that to get to the top of your industry, you didn’t have time for family.
I appreciated that she shook both of our hands, not smiling, taking stock of us. The small curl to her lip after she regarded Brax gave me the hint that she was practiced at reading people and had gotten his number straight away.
“Please, sit.” She pointed to the sofas instead of the chairs in front of a large oak desk.
I hated Brax being next to me, sitting closer than he needed to. The sofa was large, yet he splayed his legs open so they almost brushed mine. Taking up space. Daring me to cower into a corner.
I gritted my teeth and stayed where I was.
Victoria watched this carefully from her spot on the sofa across from us, her legs crossed. “I’m not going to bother with small talk. I’ll just say that Kane is currently being held, and I’m in talks with the D.A. about what they plan on charging him with.”
I appreciated the lack of small talk; I needed all the information on where Kane was and how to get him out.
“He’s not going to go to jail, though, is he?” I asked. Or begged.
She looked at me with an even gaze devoid of sympathy. That was good, right? You didn’t want a lawyer easily swayed by emotions. You wanted a stone-cold killer.
“Normally, in a situation like this, considering it’s been established that Mr. DuBois came at him first with a knife after assaulting you, I would say we had favorable odds.” She didn’t break eye contact. “Still, the beating would’ve been tricky, but nothing I couldn’t handle normally.”
“Normally?” Brax asked from beside me, steepling his fingers and leaning forward. “What’s not normal about this situation except that Kane has a fuck of a lot more money and influence than most average Joes who get in a fight over a woman.”