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ForJohn.

WhoputsupwithmyinnerOliviaeveryday,includingaknow-it-allattitude,constant

needtoberight,andneverendingopinions.Thankyouforlovingmeeverydayand

supportingmewhileIfollowmydreams.

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ONE

Olivia

his conversation was pointless. Why was it so hard for Gabriel to understand? I
didn’thavetimeforarelationship,butmoreimportantly,Ididn’twantarelationship,

oratleastnotthekindhewanted.Gabrielwantedtoshowermewithromance—surprise
dinners,weekendgetaways,moonlitwalksaroundCentralPark,bubblebathswithcandles
—everythingmostgirlswanted.Justthethoughtmademenauseous.

“Comeon,it’soneweekend.It’llbefun,”hesaid.No,itwasfunwhenyoutalkedlessand
fuckedmemore,Ithought.Hewantedmetogoawaywithhimtohisparents’houseinthe
Hamptons.Aweekendawaywastheworstpossibleidearightnow.Iwasonthevergeof
being named partner at Hugh and Roscow Law, one of the best law firms in the city. I
couldn’t have even the appearance of being anything other than totally dedicated. Not
now.

“YouknowIcan’t.NotwhenI’msoclosetofinallymakingpartner,”IsaidasIbuttoned
upmyblouse.

“You’ve been saying that for months,” Gabriel protested. The fact that he could recall
what I’d been saying for months meant this had already gone on for too long. Our
relationship had started out just the way I wanted it—hot, casual sex whenever and
wherever we wanted. I thought for a while maybe I had found someone I could keep
aroundformorethanafewweeks,havethekindofrelationshipwherewesatisfiedeach
other’s physical needs but left the mess of feelings and emotions out of it. But then
Gabrielstartedwantingmore,andIcouldn’tgivehimmore.

“You’reallowedtohavealifeoutsideofthelawfirm,youknow?”Irolledmyeyesand
shook my head for what felt like the hundredth time since this conversation started. I
didn’thavetimeforthisshit.I’dstrunghimouttoolong.

“Gabriel,”Isighed,slippingonmyheels.“Thisisnevergoingtowork.Wewantdifferent
things.”Heranahandthroughhisthickblackhairandlookedatmewithhisdeepbrown
eyes.God,hewassohot.Histannedskinandmuscularframemademewanttotakemy
clothesoffandstayinbedwithhimallday.Itriedtoclearmythoughts.Hisgoodlooks
were what got me in this mess in the first place. The chemistry between us was
undeniable, and it had been since the day I’d literally run into him on the subway, but I
couldn’tgivehimwhathewasaskingfor.

Mycareerwasmylife.IwasconsideredoneofthebestdefenseattorneysinNewYork

City.IthadbeenjustDanHughandJackRoscowsincetheystartedthefirm25yearsago,
soaddingathirdnamepartnerwasabigdeal.Iwasn’tabouttoletGabrielandhisgood
looksgetintheway.

“What do you mean?” he asked. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes again. When I was
youngandstillbelievedinfairytalesandhappyendings,I’dgivenmyheartaway.Itwas
never happening again. I didn’t need love and a relationship to interfere with my life. I
neededsexandpassionandthatwasit.

Gabrielhadbeenperfectforthat—untilnow.Untilhewantedarealrelationship.

“Look, it’s been great,” I said. “But I’m not ready for a relationship. I could never give
you what you want. I’m not girlfriend material. Right now, the law firm is my life, and
nothingisgoingtochangethat.Idon’thavethetimeforweekendsawayanddinneron
Tuesdaynights.Thiswasnevergoingtobeanythingotherthansex.”Ilaidoutmypoints
logicallyandwithoutemotion,justlikeIdidinthecourtroom.

Youcouldalwaystellwhathewasthinkingjustbylookingathisface,andrightnow,he
wasamixtureofangerandsadness.Hedroppedtohiskneesinfrontofmeandranahand
up the inside of my leg. My breath caught in my throat when he reached the bare skin
abovemythigh-highstocking.

“Olivia,”hewhispered,hisfingersreachingtheedgeofmypanties.Goddamnhim.There
wasnowayIcouldendthiswithhisfingersthere.Iletoutawhimperasherubbedme
through my panties. “You don’t really mean that. Let me show you how awesome life
couldbeifyoustoppedworking100hoursaweek,andstoppedgivingyourentirelifeto
oldmenwhodon’tevenappreciateeverythingyouhavetooffer.”

ThatjoltedmeoutofmyGabriel-inducedhaze.Ipushedhishandawayandsteppedoutof
hisgrasp.

“That isn’t going to happen. Not now. Probably not ever,” I snapped. I straightened my
skirtandputonmyearrings.IfIdidn’tleavesoon,Iwasgoingtobelate.“Ihavetogo.”

“Olivia,please,”hebegged,stillkneelinginthemiddleofmybedroom.

“Gabriel,I’msorry.Ishould’vebeenclearerwithmyintentions.I’vereallygottogo.”

“Fine,”hesnorted.Hepulledonhisjeansandgrabbedhisshirtbeforestormingoutofthe
room.HehadhisshoesonandwastothedoorbythetimeIjoinedhiminthelivingroom.
He didn’t say anything else, just gave me an angry look and slammed the door behind
him.

IwaitedlongenoughthatGabrielandIwouldn’thavetosharetheelevator,andthenIleft
too.Thecourtroomwascalling.

AWYER

HAD

NOT

BEEN

my first career choice. I had wanted to be a painter, maybe

someone’swifeandmother,beforereallifehadmademegrowupandrealizeyoudidn’t
always get what you wanted. I’d graduated at the top of my class from Columbia Law
School, and had immediately received offers from several firms. I’d seen firsthand the
effects a mediocre defense attorney could have on the lives of their clients, and I was

determinedtoneverletthatbeme.

Over the years, I had become good at arguing, and even better at questioning witnesses.
Now, ten years in, I could turn even the best-trained witness into a stuttering mess in a
matterofminutes.

Thepoorgirlinfrontofmedidn’tstandachance.Shewasyoungandnaive,andaterrible
liar.She’daccusedmyclientofrape,andIwould’vebetmyexpensiveChelseaapartment
on the fact that she was lying. Rape cases were my least favorite. Nobody won those
cases. But someone had to represent the defendants, especially the innocent. There were
hundreds, probably thousands of unreported, unprosecuted rape cases, and just as many
wheretheperpetratorgotoffeasy,buttherewerealsodozensoffalseaccusations.

“DoyourememberhavingsexwithMr.Holden?”Iasked.

“Well…I…Idon’tknow,”shestammered,nevermakingeyecontact.

“Youdon’tknowifyourememberhavingsexwithhim?”

Shelookedaroundthecourtroomliketheanswerwassomewhereonthewalls.

“Answerthequestion,”thejudgeprodded.

“No,Idon’trememberhavingsexwithhim.”Shesaidthelastwordlikeitwaspoison.

“Ifyoudon’trememberhavingsexwithhim,howcanyoubesureitwashim?Howcan
you be sure you had sex at all? How can you be sure you didn’t make the whole thing
up?”

“Objection!”JasonDrew,NewYorkCityDA,yelled.Iresistedtheurgetosmirkandkept
myfaceneutral.Iwassurprisedithadtakenhimsolong.

I’dbeenofferedajobbytheDA’sofficebeforeI’devengraduated.IcouldbeinDrew’s
seatrightnow,butI’dturneditdown.Somethingheknewandwasstillbitterabout.We’d
gone to law school together and had been rivals, and friends, since the very beginning.
And though I’d been offered the job before him, prosecution wasn’t for me—it was
criminaldefenseornotatall.

“Withdrawn.” I didn’t need her to admit to making up the whole story, because the
evidence proved it. Two hours of testimony, and very a short deliberation later, and the
juryagreedwithme.

“I don’t know how you sleep at night, Roberts,” Drew said, walking into the elevator
behindme.

“Me?Whataboutyou?Prosecutinginnocentpeople.”Iturnedaroundtofacehim.

“Hewasn’tinnocent.”

“Well,luckily,thejurygetstodecide…notyou.”

“Thatpoorgirlisgoingtobetraumatizedfortherestofherlife.”

“Myclientspentsixmonthsinjail,waitingforthiscasetogototrial.Youdon’tthinkthat
isgoingtoimpacthim?”

“YouknowJerrywouldhireyouinaheartbeatifyoueverwantedtojointhelightside,”

Drewsaid,abruptlychangingthesubject,hiseyesneverleavingmine.We’dslepttogether
once,duringourfirstcaseagainsteachother.Toomuchemotion,adrenaline,andalcohol
hadgottenthebestofus.It’dmadeforanawkward-as-hellnextdayinthecourtroom,but
ithadnoimpactonourrelationshipnow.

“Notachance,”Ireplied,astheelevatorarrivedonthegroundfloor.“Seeingthelookon
your face every time I win a case is too priceless.” He stumbled on his response long
enoughthatItookasecondjabathim.

“You should really work on making quick comebacks,” I said, getting off the elevator.
“Maybeit’llhelpyoubeatmeinthecourtroom.”

“Alittlearrogant,arewe?”

“Whenhaveyoueverknownmetobehumble?”Ilaughed.

“Fairpoint,”heconceded.“Youalwayssaidyouwantedtobethebest,Ijustwishyou’d
putyourtalentstousefortherightteam.”

“You know why I chose to be a defense attorney,” I said, ignoring his implication that
defenseattorneyswereinthewrong.

“It’snevertoolatetochangeforthebetter,”hejoked.IconsideredDrewtobeoneofmy
closest friends, but we just didn’t get to spend much time together—conflict of interest
andall.

“Thatshipsailedalongtimeago.”

“Wasthatshipnamed‘TheStella’?”Drewteased,holdingthedoorofthecourthouseopen
forme.Istiffenedatthereferencetomypast,butthenletitrolloffme.

“Ha,veryfunny.”

“Youwannashareacab?”

“Nah,I’vegottoheadbacktotheofficeforawhile.”

“Youworktoohard,Roberts.”Heshookhisheadandhailedacab.

“That’s why I’m the best.” I smirked, and he shook his head again. “See you next time,
Drew.”

TWO

Jameson

walkedoutofmyapartmentbuilding,tooktwodeepbreaths,turnedaround,andwent
backinside.Evenat5:30inthemorning,itwasalreadyover90degrees.Ofcourse,I

hadtomovetoNewYorkCityinthemiddleoftheheatwave.

I made my way to the gym on the second floor and flipped on the lights. I hated
treadmills,butIcouldn’trunoutsideinthisheat.Ithadalreadybeenfourdayssincemy
lastworkout,andIwasgettingrestless.

Itwasprobablyanideal70degreesinL.A.rightnow,orwouldbebythetimeitwas5:30
there.Iftheheatdidn’tmakemeregretthisdecision,thefreezingcoldwinterswould,but
I couldn’t pass up the offer from Hugh and Roscow. When the premier defense firm in
New York City came calling with promises of a partnership in less than a year, you
listened. Not to mention, they’d offered me a twenty percent raise. This was what I had
been working toward for the past 20 years. I’d decided from the beginning, I didn’t just
wanttobeagoodlawyer,Iwantedtobethebest.I’dgivenupholidays,weekendswith
friends, thousands and thousands of hours, even love for this opportunity. There was no
wayinhellIwaslettingitpassmeby.

I turned up the treadmill and ran faster. I was still at least five years from even being
consideredforpartnerinL.A.WestonhadbeenfuriouswhenI’dtoldhimIwasleaving.
Theseniorpartnerrarelylosthiscool,butIhadthoughthewasgoingtobreaksomething.

“You’rewhat?”heasked,voicerising.

“I’mleaving,takingajobinNewYorkCity.”

“Youcan’tdothat.”

“Imostcertainlycan,”Isaid.“I’vebeenwaitingforapartnershipofferforyears,andit
hasn’tcome.Thereisnothingholdingmehereanymore.”

“Sothat’swhatthisisabout?”

“Weston, don’t bullshit with me. I made my intentions very clear from day one, but you
guysseemcontenttotakeyoursweetasstimemakinggoodonyourendofthebargain.”

“You’re going to walk after everything we’ve done for you?” he yelled. “You would’ve
spentyourentirecareerintheslumsofChicago,neveramountingtoanything,ifitweren’t
forme.”

“Youactlikeyourescuedmefromsomehorriblelife.”

“Tellmeyourlifeisn’tinfinitelybetterbecauseyoucamehere,”heshotback.

“Itdoesn’tmatter,becauseyouhaven’tkeptyourpromises,andnowIhaveanofferIcan’t
refuse.”

“Whatdoyouwant,James?”

“Makemepartnerrightnow,andI’llstay.”

“YouknowIcan’tdothat.”

“Thenwe’redonehere.”

TherewasnothinginL.A.formeanymore.Therehadn’tbeenforalongtime,notsince
Natalie, if I was being honest. Now was the time for a change. A change of scenery in
work,inlife,inthedatingpool.Itwasallgoodforme.AndIcouldn’twaittogetstarted.

Iwasn’tsupposedtobeinNewYorkyet.Ididn’tofficiallystartforanotherweekanda
half, but when my last case in California had wrapped up early with a plea deal, I’d
decidedtomakemymoveaheadofschedule.I’dbeenhereforthreedaysandhadspent
every waking moment getting my apartment and all the other logistics squared away. I
wantedallthedistractionsofmovingtakencareofbeforeIwasexpectedtostartworking.

I had a few more errands to run today, and then I was going to go out in my new city.
Enjoythenightlifeandhopefullybringhomesomeonewhowouldhelpcuretheotherhalf
ofmyrestlessness.

THREE

Olivia

wasgoingcrazy.Thisheatwavewaskillingme.Ithadn’tdroppedbelow100inovera
week.Istillhadn’theardanynewsaboutthepartnership,andIhadn’tgottenlaidsince

I’d kicked Gabriel out of my apartment—two months ago. I stood with my head in the
freezer,myshirtunbuttoned.TheACwasblasting,butIwasstillsweating.Mystockings
werewaddedupinmypurse.I’dtakenthemoffthesecondI’dleftthecourtroom.

Myphonevibratedonthegranitecounterofmykitchenisland.

“Comeoutwithus!”Kate’svoicescreechedthroughthespeaker,beforeIcouldevensay
anything.Ismiledatthesoundofmybestfriend’svoice.

“Hi,Kate.”

“Olivia!”sheyelledagain…shewasclearlyalreadyafewcocktailsin.“Ihaven’tseen
youinweeks.Comeoutandhavefun!”

“Ijustgothomefromwork.Iwasabouttotakeacoldshowerandgotobed.”

“Putonadressandgetyourassoverhere.”

“It’shot,”Iwhined.

“Putonaskimpydressthen.”Shewasn’tgivingupthistime.“Therearelikeamillionhot
guyshere.Iknowyouhaven’thadanyactionsinceyouletsex-on-a-stickGabrielgo.”

I groaned into the phone. She was right about that, and I was about to go insane. I’d
almostcavedandcalledGabriellastweek,butthatwould’vebeenamistake.Thedrama
thatwouldundoubtedlyensuewasn’tworthit.Katewasright…Ineededtofindanew
fling.

“Fine,I’llcomeoutforonedrink,”Isaid.KatesquealedintothephonebeforeIhungup
andwenttogetready.

Anhourandahalflater,Iwasatoneofthenewestclubsinthecity.Hundredsofwasted
20-somethingsdancedinawrithingmassaroundme.Katelookedamazingasusual,her
strawberryblondehairineffortless-lookingbeachwavesthathadprobablytakenhoursto
create.Hercareerasanestheticianmeanthercomplexionwasalwaysflawless.Hergreen
dresshuggedherslenderbody,andeventhoughitwas1,000degreesinhere,therewasn’t
asingledropofsweatonher.

“I’m so glad you’re here!” she yelled in my ear. The two drinks I’d had were doing

nothingtomakemeagreewithher.Twoguyswhocouldn’thavebeenmorethantwenty-
fiveapproachedus.

“Wanna dance?” the blond one yelled. His friend had two small gauges in his ears and
tattoospeekingoutfromunderhisshirtsleeves.

“Yes!” Kate yelled before I could object. Less than two minutes later, Mr. Gauges was
grindingonme.

IlovedKate,butthiswasahugemistake.IwasnevergoingtofindwhatIwaslookingfor
here.Ipulledhertothesideandpracticallyyelledinherear.

“I’vegottogo.I’vegotahugemurdercasegoingtotrialnextweek.Ineedtogohome
andprepforit.”

Shegroanedloudly,“Comeon…youjustgothere!”

“Iknow,butIreallyshouldbehomeworkingonthecase.”

“You’reboring!”Kateyelled.Ifeltatinytwingeofguiltforlyingtoher.Ididhaveahuge
murdercase,butIwasn’tgoingtowastemyFridaynightpreppingforit.Ineededtogo
somewhereelse.Alone.IneededtofindsomeonetomakemeforgetaboutGabriel.

“Iknow,I’moldandboring.”

“Youoweme!”sheyelledasIwalkedaway.

COULD

FEEL

himstaringatmefromacrossthebar.Ididn’tblamehim…Ilookeddamn

good.AfterKatehadcalled,I’dtakenashowerandputmyhairinaplayfulponytailto
keepitoffmyneckandface.Theredfabricofmydressclungtoeverycurve,thedeepV
ending well below my breastbone. It felt good to be dressed up in something other than
suitsandblazers.I’dleftKateandwalkedafewblockstoadifferentclub,onewherethe
guysweremorematureandthemusicnotasloud.

I had noticed him the moment I’d walked into the club. He oozed confidence and
sexuality. His dress shirt was taut on his arms and the fabric stretched tightly across his
shoulderseverytimehemoved.Hisdarkbrownhairwaspepperedwithsilverstrands.I
wasn’tlookingforsomeprettyboy;Iwaslookingforamanwhoknewhowtohandlea
woman.Iwasprettysurethemanstaringatmefromacrosstheroomfitthebill.Hewas
everythingGabrielwasn’t.

I shook my head. Fucking Gabriel. He was so hot. I had let his good looks cloud my
judgment,kepthimaroundlongerthanIshouldhavebecauseIlikedlookingathim.IfI
hadtohaveaone-nightstand,thentherewasnobettermanforthejob.

The sexual frustration was getting to me. I needed someone to fuck me senseless, and I
neededitnow.Iimaginedthiswaswhatanimalsfeltlikewhentheywereinheat,asingle
needthatbecametheirsolefocusandonlypurpose.

Itippedmyglassbackanddrainedthelastfewdropsofchampagne.Thewaiterappeared
magically at my side before I had even set down my glass. The poor boy couldn’t have
been much older than 21, and he had no confidence. A small part of me wanted to take

himundermywingandteachhimhowtobethemanwomenwanted,butthecarnaldesire
growinginsidemeshutdownthatideaimmediately.Ididn’tneedaprojectrightnow.

“Thisisfromthemanattheendofthebar,”hesaid,puttinganotherfluteofchampagnein
frontofme,hiseyesneverleavingmychest.Ithankedhimandturnedmyattentionback
totheobjectofmydesire.Iraisedtheglassandnoddedmyheadathim.Hereturnedthe
gesturewithasmoldering,panty-meltinglook.Thatwasit…Iwasn’twaitingforhimto
makeamove.Ipickedupmyglass,tuckedmyclutchundermyarm,andweavedmyway
towardthebar.

“Thankyouforthedrink,”Isaid,slidinginnexttohisstool,asIleanedseductivelyonthe
bar.

“How do you know it was from me?” he replied, as his eyes traveled up and down the
length of my body and back to my face. I smiled and licked my lips, knowing he liked
whathesaw.

“You’vebeenwatchingmeallnight.DoyouthinkIdidn’tnotice?”

“Areyousureitisn’ttheotherwayaround?”Hisvoicewassmooth,sosureofhimself.

“Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t.” I waved a hand dismissively. “The details aren’t really
important.”

“Oh?”Heraisedaneyebrowandeyedmecuriously.“Thenwhatisimportant?”

“Youandme…anywherebuthere.”Ileanedincloser,placingahandonhisleg.“Less
clothes,lesstalking.”Hekepthisfacestoicandunaffected,butIfelthisthightenseunder
myhand,andhiseyesgrewdarkwithlustasIranmyfingersuphisleg.Hetookasipof
hisdrink.

“I’mnotsureyoucanhandleme,baby.”

“Areyousureitisn’ttheotherwayaround?”Ismirked.

“Isthatachallenge?”

“Iguessthereisonlyonewaytofindout.”

“I’venevermetawomanlikeyoubefore.”

We sat there looking at each for a long time, the sexual tension growing thicker every
second.Idrainedmychampagne,readytofindsomeoneelsewhocouldsatisfymyneeds.
Iwasn’theretoplaygames.

“Mycarcanbehereinjustafewminutes,”hefinallysaid.

Ismiled.Thatwasmorelikeit.

MINUTES

LATER

,westeppedoutintothesummerair.Itwasstillhotandmuggy,even

atthistimeofnight.Itwasthekindofheatwhichcouldyoumakeyousweatwhenyou
stoodstill.

Ablacktowncarpulleduptothecurb,andatuxedoedmangotoutandopenedtheback
door.Islidintothecarbehindthemanfromthebar,theleatherseatscoolagainstmybare

legs.

“I don’t even know your name,” he whispered, pulling me against his side, his fingers
tracingapatternatthehemofmydress.

“Olivia,andyou?”

“Jameson.”Andthatwasit,nootherformalitiesneeded.

He moved my hair to the side and kissed my shoulder, then my neck, then the sensitive
skinbehindmyear.Iturnedmyheadtowardhim,ourlipsnearlytouching.

“Getreadyfortherideofyourlife,Olivia.”

“Rightbackatyou,Jameson.”Thenourlipsmet,andsuddenlynothingelsemattered.His
mouthdevouredmine,allpassionandneed,ourtonguesfightingforcontrol,neitherofus
willingtogivetheothertheupperhand.Thefightonlymadeithotter.Heranahanddown
my ponytail and pulled, tilting my head back and kissing my neck. I straddled him, my
dressbunchinguparoundmywaist.Ourmouthsneverparted,pureandsimplelustfueling
thefirebetweenus.

Jamesonranhishandsovermyass,squeezinghard.Afingertraileddownthefabricofmy
thong, between my legs, to the wetness that had pooled there, and he pushed the lacy
fabrictothesidetoslidehisfingerinside.Imoanedagainsthismouth.Ithaddefinitely
beentoolong.

Alltoo suddenly, hestopped, and Irealized the car wasno longer moving.I slid off his
lap,pullingmydressbackdownandstraighteningmyponytailbeforethecardoorswung
open.WewereontheUpperEastSide,infrontofanapartmentbuildingoverlookingthe
park.Adoormangreetedusandheldthedoortothelobbyopen.

“Nice place, Jameson,” I said. He eyed me curiously but didn’t say anything. I leaned
against the wall, waiting for the elevator to arrive, taking him in by the full light of the
lobby.Youcouldtellhespentaconsiderableamountoftimeworkingout.

“Areyoudoneundressingmewithyoureyes?”heaskeddryly.Ilookedupandmethis
eyes,deeppoolsofbluethatIcouldgetlostin.

“Justwait,I’mgoingtodoalotmorethanthat,”Isaid.Theelevatorfinallyarrived,andI
stoodupstraightasthedoorsslidopen.Neitherofusspokeastheelevatorclimbedtothe
15thfloor.

Therewereonlytwodoorsinthehallwayofftheelevator.Myheelsclickingagainstthe
tilewastheonlysoundaswewalkedtothedoor.Ofcourse,hisapartmentwasontheside
facing the park. He put the key in the lock and shot me a seductive smile over his
shoulder.

Assoonaswewereinside,hishandswereonme.Hepushedmeupagainstthedoorand
kissedmeagain,harderandwithmoreneedthistime.Whenhisfingersstartedtopullat
my zipper, I slid out from between him and the door and made my way farther into his
apartment.Theroomwashuge,butscantilyfurnished,noarthungonthewalls,andthe
hugeleathersectionalwasoneofonlyahandfuloffurniturepieces.

“Didyoujustmovein?”Iwonderedoutloud.Jamesonmovedinbehindme,hisbreatha

whisperonmyneckwhenheresponded.

“Maybe,whydoesitmatter?”

“You know there are people who will decorate for you?” I said, spinning around and
takingafewstepsbackward.Iwasteasinghimonpurpose,eventhoughtheachebetween
my legs was growing stronger by the second. It was definitely working. I could see his
erectionstrainingagainsthispants.

“The view is amazing,” I said, turning and stopping in front of the floor-to-ceiling
windows that looked out on an impressive patio and the park. “I’d kill for a view like
this.”

I let out a yelp as he grabbed my shoulder and spun me around, pinning me against the
glass.

“Doyoueverstoptalking?”hewhisperedinmyear.

“OnlywhenIhavesomethinginmymouth,”Ismirked.

“Becarefulwhatyouwishfor,Olivia.”

“Don’t make promises you don’t intend to keep, Jameson.” He shook his head and
laughed.Apparently,he’dneverbeenchallengedbyawomanbefore.

“Turnaround,”hecommanded.

“Idon’tthinkso.”

“Now,”hesaid.“Myhouse,myrules.”

“Overmydeadbody.”

“Damnit,whydoyouhavetomakeitsodifficult?”

“It’smorefunthatway.”

“Maybe for you. Now turn the fuck around.” This time I complied, the desire burning
inside me overpowering the need to be in charge. I pressed my palms against the cool
glass, spreading my legs slightly. The growl that escaped Jameson’s throat let me know
thatitwasexactlywhathehadwanted.

Thefabricofmydresspartedslowlyashepulledthefull-lengthzipperdownuntilithung
open in the back. I dropped my hands, letting my dress fall to the floor at my feet, now
naked,exceptthethinfabricofmythongandmyblackstilettos.Iplacedmyhandsback
ontheglassandwatchedJameson’sreflectionashiseyesrakedupanddownmynearly
nakedbody.Heplacedhishandsontopofmineandpressedhisbodyintome.

“You’rebeautiful,”hewhisperedinmyear.

“Soareyou,”Irespondeddryly.

“I’mgoingtogivethatsmartmouthofyourssomethingtodo.”

“Youkeepsayingthat.”

“Youwanttosuckmycock?”hisvoiceraspedinmyear.

“Idon’tthinkyoucanhandleit,”Isaidarrogantly.

“Tryme.”Hetookastepbackward,givingmeroomtomove.Ispunaround,grabbinghis
beltandundoingthebuckle.Droppingtomyknees,Iunbuttonedandunzippedhispants,
pullingthemandhisboxersdownaroundhisankles.Itookamomenttotakeinhislong,
thickcock,hardandreadyforme.

“Havingsecondthoughts?”hesaidsmugly.Itookhiminmymouthinoneswiftmotion,
pushinghislengthdownmythroatuntilIalmostgagged.

“Holyfuckingshit,”hemoaned.That’swhatIthought,youarrogantasshole.Jamesonput
a hand on the back of my head, holding me in place while he thrust in and out of my
mouth.WhenItookhisballsinmyhand,Ifelthiskneesbucklealittle.Hegrabbedmy
hair,pullingmymouthoffhim.

“Getup.Putyourhandsbackontheglass,”hedemanded,hisbreathinghardandfast.I
stoodbutdidn’tturnaround.Instead,Isteppedcloseandbeganunbuttoninghisshirt.

“AndwhatifIdon’t?”

“You’refuckingimpossible,”hesaidthroughgrittedteeth.Itookmysweettimewithhis
shirt,andIthoughthewasgoingtogoinsanebythetimeIfinallyundidthelastbutton
and pushed the fabric to the floor. I ran my fingers over the ridges of his stomach,
admiring the impeccable shape he was in, before I finally turned around and placed my
hands back on the glass. He stepped closer, the heat from his skin radiating against my
nakedback.Hereachedbothhandsaroundmeandmassagedmybreasts,elicitingamoan
whenhisfingersbrushedovermynipples.Oureyesmetinthereflection,andhesmiled.

Jamesonranhishandsdownmybodytakingmythongoffwiththem.Iheardthefamiliar
ripoffoil.WhenIlookedbackup,hewaspoisedbehindme,bothhandsonmyhips,his
cockpositionedatmyopening.Ilickedmylips,morethanreadyforwhatwascoming.

Jamesonslidinsideme,andeverythingwasrightintheworldagain.Hefilledmetothe
brink before sliding out, leaving me empty and wanting more. He slammed back in,
grippingbothmyhipsashemovedinandoutofme.Holy.Fucking.Shit.Itfeltsogood.
Hepulledout,butthistimedidn’tthrustbackin.Myheadsnappedup,andImethiseyes
intheglass.Hegrinneddevilishly.

“Bendover.Grabyourankles,”hecommanded.

“God, you’re bossy,” I said, out of breath. But I wasn’t going to argue. I bent over,
spreadingmylegswiderandgrippedmyankles.Thenhethrustintomeagain.Thenew
anglelethimgoevendeeper.

“JesusChrist,”Imoaned.

“Youlikethat,Olivia?”

“Fucking … love … it,” I said between breaths. He reached around and began rubbing
circlesonmyclit.“OhmyGod,”Imoanedasmyorgasmbegantobuild.“Yes,don’tstop,
fuck, don’t ever stop.” A string of incoherent words tumbled from my mouth moments
laterasmywholebodyclenchedaroundhimandmyorgasmrippedthroughme.Irodeit
out, letting him fuck me until the very last tendrils of pleasure had retreated from my
body.

Heslidoutofme,andIstoodup,steppedoutofmyheels,andwalkeddownthehallway
insearchofthebedroom.

“Whereareyougoing?”heasked,followingmethroughhisapartment.

“It’smyturntobeincharge.”Iwinkedovermyshoulder.Hesmirkedandshookhishead
butdidn’targue.

“Laydown,”Isaid,whenthedoorofthebedroomclickedshut.Heraisedaneyebrowat
me.“What?”

“I’mnotusedtoawomantellingmewhattodo.”

“Getusedtoit,Jameson.”Herolledhiseyes,butlaiddownonthebed.Iclimbedontop,
hoveringoverhim.Hegrabbedmyhipsandtriedtoforcemedown,butIheldmyposition
andlaughed.“Soimpatient.”

“Goddamnit,woman,youaregoingtokillme.”

Ijustsmiledandsliddownontohim.HeletoutamoanasIswirledmyhipsandclenched
mypussyaroundhim.Iwentslow,slidingallthewayoffhiscockbeforeloweringmyself
again.He’dapparentlyhadenoughofmyteasing,ashegrabbedmyhips,holdingmein
place,settingthepacefrombelow.Icriedoutashedroveintome.

Ileanedback,placingbothhandsonthebed.Thechangeinanglefeltamazing.

“Holyfuck,Olivia.”

Hereachedupandtuggedonmynipples,thenrolledthemslowlybetweenhisfingers.My
head dropped back, and I let myself get lost in the sensations. Jameson’s grunts brought
mebacktothepresent.Hehadtobegettingclose,butIwasn’treadytostopyet.Iputall
my weight on one hand and used the other to reach down and circle my clit with two
fingers.

“OhmyGod,yes,”Imoaned.Myorgasmhitmeoutofnowhere,harderandstrongerthan
I’dhadinalongtime.Jamesonthrustintomeasthewavesofpleasurerolledthroughmy
body,draggingitoutaslongaspossible.

When my orgasm subsided, I rolled off him, removed the condom, and took him in my
mouth,asfarasIcouldbeforepullingback.Irepeatedthemotionuntilmyeyeswatered.

“Oh.My.God.”Jamesonmoaned.Islowlypulledmymouthaway,andcaughtmybreath,
whileIwrappedahandaroundthebaseofhisthickshaft,myfingersbarelyreachingeach
other.Ilickedthetiplikeanicecreamconebeforeslidingmymouthbackdown,myhand
andmouthmovinginunison,upanddown,upanddown.Jameson’shandsclawedatthe
mattressasImovedfaster.

“JesusChrist,Olivia,I’mgonnacome.”Isuckedharder,pushinghimovertheedgeashe
came, hot spurts of liquid filling my mouth and throat. I didn’t stop, and his cock as I
suckedthelastdropofcumoutofhim.

IlaidbackonthebednexttoJamesonandclosedmyeyesforafewminutes.

“That was the best blow job I’ve ever had,” he said, when his breathing returned to
normal.

“Iknow,”Ismirkedwithoutopeningmyeyes.Jamesonlaughedbesideme.

Istartedtositup,buthepushedmebackdownonthebed.

“I’mnotdonewithyouyet.”

“WhatifI’mdonewithyou?”

“I don’t really give a shit.” He held both of my wrists in one hand above my head and
usedtheothertoexploremybody.“Now,foronce,dowhatyou’retoldandholdstill.”He
releasedmyhandsandsliddownmybody.AsIstartedtoargue,histonguesweptovermy
clit,andmymindwentblank.Isankbackdownintothemattressandlethimhavehisway
withme.

We fucked two more times before we collapsed on the bed, muscles spent, breathing
ragged.Jamesonwasstillinbed,whenIretrievedmydressfromthelivingroomandwent
intothebathroomtocleanup.

OnceIwasfullydressed,Itiptoedovertohim.Hewasbeautiful—histanned,tonedbody
stretchedoutnakedonthebed.Ileftabusinesscardwithonlymyfirstnameandemail
addressonthenightstand,andleftthebedroom,shuttingthedoorquietlybehindme.

I found my shoes in the living room and took a few more minutes to admire the view
beforeIturnedandleft.IsmiledtomyselfasIgotontheelevator.Thenighthadturned
out just the way I’d wanted. Jameson and his amazing cock had been exactly what I’d
needed.

FOUR

Jameson

ightpouredthroughthewindows,wakingmeup.And,fromthelooksofit,itwas
latemorning.Ihadn’tsleptpastfiveAMtheentiretimeI’dbeeninNewYork;the

time change and the stress of a new place had brought back my insomnia. The space
besidemewasempty.Oliviahadobviouslyleftsometimelastnight.

ShehadbeenexactlywhatI’dneeded.Shewashotashell.Iwasgettinghardjustthinking
abouther.

“Goddamn it,” I mumbled under my breath. I’d been asleep when she’d left and didn’t
havehernumber.ShewastheidealpersontokeepmecompanyinNewYork,andI’dlet
herleavewithoutanywaytocontactheragain.Isatupandnoticedabusinesscardonthe
nightstand.

Jesus,thiswomanwasperfect.NotonlyhadshegivenmethebestblowjobI’deverhad,
but she had a business card for booty calls. It only had her name and an email address,
olivia@live.com,butthatwasenoughforme.Iputthecardbackonmynightstandandgot
dressedforthegym.

Iwashalfwaythroughmyweightworkoutwhenmyphonerang.

“Hello,”Ianswered.

“Hi,Mr.Beck?”ItwasafemalevoiceIdidn’trecognize.

“Yes?”Isaid.

“Mr.Beck,thisisBeverlyfromHughandRoscow.”I’demailedBeverlydozensoftimes,
buthadneveractuallyspokentoheronthephone.

“Hello,Beverly.TowhatdoIowethepleasureonaSaturday?”

“I was just calling to make sure you were all set for the big move this week. Is there
anythingyouneedhelpwith?”

“Ahhh…” I said, pausing to figure out the best way to play this. “Well, actually, I’m
alreadyinNewYork.”

“Youaren’tdueintheofficeforanotherweek,”Beverlysaid.“Ithoughtyouweremoving
thisweek?”

“My cases in California wrapped up early, so I came out earlier this week. I’m almost

completelysettledin.”

“JackandDanaregoingtowanttoknowaboutthis,”shesnipped.

“Ofcourse,”Isaid.Ihadn’tplannedontellingthemIwashereearly,butIguessthecat
wasoutofthebagnow.“Icangivethemacall.”

“Icanconferencetheminnow…holdon,”shesaid,beforethelinewentsilent.

“Mr.Beck,Mr.Roscowisontheline,”Beverlysaidafewsecondslater.

“Mr.Beck,BeverlytellsmeyouareinNewYorkearly?”Mr.Roscowsaid.

“Please, call me James,” I replied, then realized I’d introduced myself as Jameson to
Olivia.Ihadn’thadanyonecallmeJamesoninyears,butI’dlikedthewayithadrolled
offhertongue.

“James,I’mgladyouarehereearly,asthiswillgiveusmoretimetogetyouuptospeed,
but your office isn’t ready yet. I have some case files I’d like to send over, though, and
youcanreviewthemfromhomethisweek.I’dalsoliketoscheduleameetingwithyou,
Dan,andmyselfforearlythisweek.”

“Howmanycases?”Iasked.IhadplanstogobackupstairsandemailOlivia.

“Thereareoveradozen,”hesaid.Well,spendinganymoretimewithOliviawasout.It
wouldtakemeseveraldaystogetthroughthatmanyfiles.Myshort-livedvacationtime
wasup.

“I look forward to getting started.” It wasn’t a lie. I was ready to get to work, even if it
wasafewdaysearly.

“Great,Beverlywillsendthefilesoverandsetupameetingforus.WelcometoHughand
Roscow,James.”

IputtheideaofcontactingOliviaonthebackburner.Mycockwasn’thappyaboutit,but
I didn’t come here to spice up my sex life. I pushed through my workout, trying not to
thinkaboutOliviaandherimpeccabletits,butitdidn’twork,andbythetimeIwasdone,
Ihadtotakeacoldshower,andthenstillrubbedoneoutthinkingabouther.

I grabbed a quick lunch, and prepared to hunker down with my work for the rest of
weekend.

FIVE

Olivia

arrivedatmyofficeearlierthanusualonMondaymorning.

“Goodmorning,Bev,”Isaidcheerilytoourfrontdeskreceptionist.

“You’reinagoodmoodforaMonday?”shequestioned.

“Whatistheretobedownabout?”

“It’shotasHades,juryselectionfortheDelaneymurdertrialstartstomorrow,it’sMonday
…justtonameafew,”shesaiddryly.

“Don’t be such a Debbie Downer,” I said, taking the list of missed calls and messages
fromheroutstretchedhand.

“Oh,youmetaman,didn’tyou?”Sheraisedhereyebrowatme.Ilaughed.Sheknewme
so well. Beverly was in her early fifties and had been at the law firm for more than 20
years.Butweweregoodfriends,evenwithouragedifference.

“Maybe.”

“Youdidn’tcallGabriel,didyou?”

“No!”Iprotested.Shelookedatmeskeptically.“Ipromise.”

“Sothentellmeaboutthemanresponsibleforputtingthebouncebackinyourstep.”

“Let’sjustsayitwasagreatweekend.”Iwinkedandheadedtomyoffice.

“Youbettergivemeallthedetails!”shecalledouttomeasIwalkeddownthehall.

Iwassittingatmydesk,pouringoverthefilesfortheDelaneycasethatIhadneglectedall
weekend, when my phone pinged with a new email. I smiled when I saw it was from
Jameson.

Ithadnosubjectandonlyoneline.

WhencanIseeyouagain?

Ileanedbackinmychairandcrossedmylegs.Mythighsclenchedatthememoriesofthe
othernight.Theneedtobeincontrolandstrokeouregoshadonlyfueledthefirebetween
us.Theconstantwrestlingmatchbetweenusmadeeverythingthatmuchhotter.

I resisted the urge to reply immediately. I wanted to see him as soon as possible, but I
didn’twanttoappearneedyanddesperate.

Iputmyphoneasideanddovebackintojurorprofilesforthemurdercase.Thiscasehad
consumed all my time for the last several months and could be a turning point in my
career. Josh Delaney, millionaire playboy, and heir to the Delaney Construction empire
wasbeingchargedwithmurderforthedeathofhisgirlfriend.Iwasbeingpaidtopdollar
toensurethe25-year-olddidn’tspendtherestofhislifeinprison.

I wasn’t sure if Josh was innocent, but there was more than enough circumstantial
evidence to convince a jury he was, so long as we picked the right jury members. Jury
selectioninahigh-profilecaselikethiscouldtakedays.Wehadapoolofmorethan200
people,whichwehadtonarrowdowntothetwelvemenandwomenwhowoulddecide
thefateofJoshDelaney.Hesworehewasinnocent,buttherewerenowitnessestoback
uphisstory,whichwouldmakeconvincingthejurythatmuchmoredifficult.

Itwasafter1:00whenBevknockedonmydoor.Mystomachgrowledatthesightofthe
sandwichinherhand.

“Thankyou,”Isaid,standingandtakingthesandwichandgrabbingabottleofwaterout
ofmymini-fridge.

“Youhaven’tcomeoutofthisofficeforfivehoursnow,soIfiguredyouwereprobably
starving.”

“Youknowmetoowell.”Shesatdownononeofthechairsfacingmydeskanddidn’tsay
anythingwhileIdevouredhalfmysandwich.

“What’sgoingonwiththeconstructiondownthehallway?”Iasked.

“Anewlawyerisstartingnextweek.”Bevshiftedinherseat.

“Really?Who?”Wewereafairlysmallfirm.Newemployeeswereusuallyknownweeks
beforetheyarrived.

“I’mnotatlibertytosay,”Bevsaid.

“What is that supposed to mean?” I said, taking a bite of my sandwich. This was
suspicious.

“ItmeansIcan’ttellyou.Areyougoingtotellmeabouttheguy?”Iraisedmyeyebrowat
herandswallowedmybitebeforeIansweredher.

“Bev,hewasperfect,”Isaid.

“BetterthanGabriel?”Sheraisedaneyebrow,andIlaughed.Shehadheardallmystories
praisingGabrielasasexgod.

“Waybetter.”ThetruthwasthelastfewdayshadbeenthefirsttimeinmonthsIhadn’t
hadasinglethoughtaboutGabrielandhistanned,tonedbody.

“I want to be you when I grow up,” Bev said matter-of-factly. “Gorgeous blonde with a
kick-ass career and the hottest men at her disposal. Forget Cinderella, I want to live in
yourworld.”

Ilaughedagain.

“AndleaveBen?”Iaskedplayfully,becauseIalreadyknewtheanswer.BenandBeverly
hadbeenmarriedfornearlythirtyyearsandstillactedliketeenagersinlove.Atwingeof
jealousysweptthroughmeatthethoughtoftheirhappymarriage.ItwassomethingIhad
alwaysthoughtIwanted.ButIgaveuponthatdreamyearsago.Men,especiallythemen
Iknew,didn’tvaluemarriageliketheyusedto.

“Just wait, one day someone will sweep you off your feet and you’ll understand,” Bev
said,bringingmebacktotheconversation.

“We’ll see,” I shrugged noncommittally. That had already happened once, and it wasn’t
goingtohappenagain.Iwouldn’tletit.

“So tell me the details!” Bev broke through my melancholy. Just then, the phone on my
deskstartedringing.Bevgroanedandstoodup.“You’renotoffthehook.”Shegathered
mygarbageandlefttheroom.

“Neitherareyou!”Icalledafterher,beforeansweringthephone.

“Theprosecutionisfilingforacontinuance,”Mark,mypartnerontheDelaneycasesaid
withoutahello.

“What?Thehelltheyare,”Isaid,shiftingpapersaroundonmydesk.“Iftheyaren’tready,
that’stoobad.”

“Judgewantsusinhischambersinanhour.”

“I’llbethere.Thereisnowaywearepushingthistrialoutevenfurther.”

Inthebackofthecabonthewaytothecourthouse,IrepliedtoJameson’semail.Isent
himmyphonenumberandashortmessage.

8:30tomorrownight.MeetmeattheFourSeasonsHotelbar.

Less than five minutes later, my phone rang. The number on the screen wasn’t one I
recognized.

“WhatifIhaveplanstomorrownight?”JamesonsaidwhenIanswered.

“Hi,Jameson,howareyou?”

“I’vegotameetingwithmynewbossesinfifteenminutes,soIdon’thavetimeforchit-
chat,Olivia.”

“Callmebackwhenyou’verememberedI’mnotoneofyourBarbieswhodoeswhatever
they’re told,” I said sarcastically. Jameson growled on the other end of the line, and I
smirkedtomyself.Hestilldidn’tlikebeingchallengedbyawoman.

“I’vegotblueballsfromthinkingaboutyouallweekend.”

“Icanhelpyouwiththat,”Ipurred.

“Meetmetonight.”

“Ican’t.I’vegotwork.”Withthisinterruptiontomyday,I’dbeuphalfthenightstudying
juror profiles, assuming I could convince the judge to deny the State’s motion for a

continuance.“Tomorrow,8:30.”

“I’llbethere,”Jamesonsaidroughly.“AndOlivia?”

“Yes?”

“Wearsomethingthatshowsoffyourincredibletits.”Ilaughedloudenoughthecabdriver
eyedmesuspiciouslyintherear-viewmirror.“What’ssofunny?”

“IthoughtyourealizedIdon’ttakeorders?”Isaidasthecabpulleduptothecurbofthe
courthouse.Jamesonmumbledsomethingunderhisbreath,butIignoredhim.“I’vegotto
go,seeyoutomorrow.”Ihungupbeforehecouldrespond,tuckedmyphoneinmypurse,
andwentinsidetoarguemycase.

SIX

Jameson

ll the case files were from Ms. Roberts—most of them other murder cases. Mr.
Roscow had lied though, as there were well over twenty boxes waiting on my

doorstepwhenIgotbackfromlunch.

I spent the rest of Saturday and all of Sunday going through the cases, making notes of
inconsistenciesandthefewerrorsIfoundinherwork,butIhadbarelymadeadentinthe
stackofcaseswhenmyMondayafternoonmeetingwiththepartnersrolledaround.

BeverlyusheredmeintooneofthecornerofficeswherebothMr.RoscowandMr.Hugh
werewaitingforme.

“James,welcome.”Mr.Roscowstoodandshookmyhand.

“Mr.Roscow,”Inodded.

“Please,callmeJack,”hesaid.“YourememberDan.”Hemotionedtohispartner.Ihad
metwiththepaironcebeforeinCalifornia,beforeIacceptedtheiroffer.

“Nicetoseeyouagain,”Isaid,takingaseat.

“James, I’m glad you could be here early. Having time to review the files we sent over
willbeinvaluablewhenyouofficiallystartnextweek,”Dansaid.

“InoticedtheyareallfromaMs.Roberts?Andallmurdertrials?”

“Ahh,yes,Ithoughtyoumightpickuponthat,”Jacksaid.“You’llbeworkingwithheron
one of the biggest murder trials our firm has ever handled. We are representing Josh
Delaney,sonofChadDelaney—”

“OwnerofDelaneyConstruction,”Ifinishedthesentenceforhimandsatupstraighterin
mychair.Ihadn’texpectedtobethrownintosuchahigh-profilecaserightaway.Allthe
filesfromMs.Robertsmadesensenow.I’msuretheywantedmetobeuptospeedonher
style, and probably wanted me to offer her a few suggestions. I was already impressed
withherthoroughwork.Itwassolid,buttherewasstillroomforimprovement.

“Juryselectionbeginstomorrow,”Dansaid.Wellshit,therewasnowayIcouldbeready
forthat,especiallynotwhenI’dalreadymadeplanswithOlivia.

“Wedon’texpectyoutobethereforjuryselection,”Jacksaid,readingthepaniconmy
face.

“Whataboutfilingforacontinuance?”Isaid.

“Theprosecutionhasalreadydonethat,andwefullyexpectJudgeDavidsontodenythat
motion, as he is ready to get the trial underway. Ms. Roberts is more than capable of
selecting a jury. We’d like you to spend the week studying her files and working on
gettinguptospeedontheDelaneycase,”Danreplied.

“Once the jury has been seated, Dan and I will personally file for a continuance so you
and Ms. Roberts can have some time to get acquainted with each other before the trial
begins,”Jacksaid.

“Are you sure I shouldn’t sit in for at least some of the jury selection?” The two men
exchangedglances,andIknewtherewassomethingtheyweren’ttellingme.

“No,youreffortswillbebetterfocusedonpreparingyourself,”Dansighed.

“AmImissingsomething?”Ididn’tlikebeingkeptinthedark.

“Shedoesn’tknowyouarejoiningheronthecaseyet.Andshecanbe…”Danpaused.

“A little stubborn, when it comes to her cases,” Jack jumped in. “Your early arrival has
thrownalittlekinkinourplans,butnothingwecan’thandle.”

“WhendoIgettomeether?”Iasked.

“As soon as jury selection is finished, we’ll arrange a meeting,” Jack said. I looked at
themboth,thiswasverystrange.“TrustusonthisoneJames.”

SEVEN

Olivia

y cab pulled up outside the Four Seasons at 8:35 the next night. I’d been
successfulinarguingagainstacontinuance,andhadspentalldayinthecourtroom

weeding through dozens of jurors. Tomorrow would be the same. At the rate we were
going, jury selection was going to take another week and a half. The prosecution was
beingridiculouslypicky.We’donlyseatedtwoofourtwelvejurorstoday.

IpushedallthatfrommymindasIsteppedoutofthecabandstraightenedmydress.The
brightbluefabricswungaroundmythighsasIwalkedinside.Jamesonwasalreadyseated
atthebar.Mygazewasinstantlydrawntohim.Hiswhiteshirtunbuttonedattheneck,his
graysuitjackethangingopen.Mypulsequickenedatthesightofhim.Ilickedmylipsand
woundmywaythroughthemostlyemptytablesandchairstowardhim.Jamesonsmiled
appreciativelywhenhesawmecoming.

“You’relate,”hesaid,asIslidontothebarstoolnexttohim.

“Traffic,” I said unapologetically and ordered a drink from the bartender. There hadn’t
beenanytraffic.I’dbeenjustafewminuteslateonpurpose.Annoyanceflashedacrosshis
face, and I smiled. Making Jameson upset was quickly becoming my new favorite
pastime.Helookedsodamnsexywhenhewasmad.Hisgazetraveledupanddownmy
body,hiseyeslingeringonmytanlegs.

“Likewhatyousee?”Ismirkedwhenhiseyesreturnedtomyface.

“You already know the answer to that.” We sat in silence for a few moments, the air
alreadythickwithsexualtension.God,thethingsIwantedtodotothisman.ThethingsI
wantedhimtodotome.

“So,whatbringsyoutoNewYork,Jameson?”Isaid,takingasipofthedirtymartinithe
bartenderhadjustdelivered.

“WhosaidI’mnewtoNewYork?”heraisinganeyebrow.

“Your apartment was practically empty, and your mailbox in the lobby didn’t have your
nameonit,”Isaid.“Andyousaidyouhavenewbosses.”

“Youlookedatmymailbox?”

“I was curious.” I shrugged, unashamed of my blatant snooping. He laughed. It was a
deep,sexysoundthatsentshiversdownmyspine.Itookalongpullofmydrink,nearly
drainingit,mymouthsuddenlydry,moisturegatheringbetweenmylegsinstead.

“How long have you lived in New York?” he asked in return, avoiding my original
question.

“15years.”Thissmalltalkwaskillingme.Ididn’treallycarewhyhewasinNewYorkor
howlonghe’dbeenhere.Ididn’twanttogettoknowhim.Knowingmadethingsmessy.

Jamesonsippedhisdrinkandwatchedme.Eithernotsensingmyuneaseorenjoyingit.I
couldn’ttell.

“Youdon’tliketalkingtome?”Hesmiled.Definitelyenjoyingit.

“Talking isn’t what either of us is here for, Jameson,” I said dryly. I raised my empty
martiniglassatthebartender,andhebroughtmeanother.

Jamesonstoodandpulledahotelkeyoutoftheinsideofhissuitjacket.

“It’llbemorefunifyourelax,”hewhisperedinmyear.“Finishyourdrinkandmeetme
upstairs, room 915, when you’re done.” I opened my mouth to argue with him, but he
walkedawaybeforeIgotachance.Icouldseehisshouldersshakingwithlaughterashe
rounded the corner into the hotel lobby. Bastard. I finished my drink in ten minutes and
mademywayupstairs—theginhelpingmerelaxandreleasesomeofthetensionfromthe
courtroomtoday.IwascountingonJamesonerasingtherestofit.

Room915wasattheendofthehallway,thedoorslightlyajarwhenIreachedit.Jameson
stoodatthewindowlookingoutatthecitybelow.

“Ithoughtmaybeyouweren’tcoming,”hesaidwithoutturningaround.

“Oh, I have every intention of coming.” I laughed. He spun around and looked at me,
amusementonhisface.“Ifeverythinggoesasplanned,morethanonce.”

“Isthatso?”Heraisedaneyebrowatme.Isaunteredovertohim,myhipsswayingwith
everystep.

“Absolutely.”Istoppedinfrontofhim,andstaredintohiseyes,deeppoolsofbluethat
mademewanttodiveheadfirstandgetcompletelylostintheirdepths.Neverbreaking
eye contact, I reached behind me and pulled the zipper of my dress before I pushed the
fabricoffmyhipsandtothefloor.

Jameson’s eyes narrowed, and he swallowed hard as he took in the sight of my nearly
nakedbody,mysteelgraylacebra,andpantiesprovidinglittlecoverage.

“Youlooklikeyou’vehadalongday,”Isaid,myfingersundoingthebuttonsonhisshirt
andlooseninghisbeltbuckle.

“Itwas,”hesaid.“My…”HiswordswerelostinalowhissasIpushedmyhandinside
his briefs and wrapped it around his stiff cock. I pulled his briefs down as I sunk to my
kneesontheplushcarpet.

“Noneofthatmattersnow,”IsaidbeforeIwrappedmylipsaroundthetipofhisdickand
sucked,pullinghiminmymouth.

“Fuck,Olivia,”hemoaned,hishandrunningthroughmyhairandgrippingthebackofmy
head.IopenedmythroatandtookhimasdeepasIcould.“Jesus,yougivethebesthead,”
hemumbled,runninghishandthroughmyhairagain.Itookhiminonemoretimebefore

hetuggedonmyhairandpulledmeintoastandingposition.

Jamesongrabbedmeandturnedmearound,pressingmybarebreastsintothecoolglass
window.“Youhaveathingwithsexinfrontofwindows,don’tyou?”

“I’venevermetawomanwhotalksasmuchasyou,”Jamesonwhisperedinmyear,his
handrunningdownthefrontofmystomachandintomypanties.

Ibitmylipandletoutalowmoanathistouch.Hekissedmyneckandear,ashemoved
closer,pushingmeagainsttheglass,theheatofhisbodyspreadingoverminelikeawarm
blanket.Hisfingersweremagic,bringingmetothebrinkoforgasmfasterthanIthought
was possible. My breathing quickened, and my moans became louder, as his fingers
pushedmeovertheedge.Mybodyclenchedbetweenthehardconfinesoftheglassand
Jameson’sbodyaspleasurerippedthroughme.

I went limp against Jameson as he stepped away from the window and picked me up
easily,layingmedownonthebedandstrippingoffmybraandpanties.

“Notsomuchtosaynow,huh?”heaskedasheputonacondomandcrawledontopof
me.

“IhaveplentyIcouldsay.”

“Don’t,”hesaid,thrustingintomeslowly,amoanfallingfrommylips.“Don’truinitwith
words.”

SoIdidn’t.Forthenexttwohours,Iletthesoundsofourbodiescomingtogetherbethe
onlynoisethatfilledtheroom.

“H

ATE

.”

“Wait,whoisthis?Mybestfriendabandonedmelastweekend,andIhaven’theardfrom
hersince.”

“I’msorryaboutthat.”

“No,you’renot.”Katealwayscalledmeoutonmybullshit.

“You’reright,I’mnot.”Ilaughed.“EspeciallysinceImetsomeone.”

“Ooooh,dotell!”

“Holy shit, Kate, this guy…” I blew out a breath as I thought of Jameson. “Absolutely
amazing.”

“BetterorworsethanGabriel?”Gabrielwasapparentlythestickagainstwhichallfuture
menwouldbemeasured.

“1,000timesbetter.”

“Comeon!Isthatevenpossible?IthoughtGabrielwasthebestyou’deverhad?”

“Hewas,untilJameson.Heknowswhathe’sdoing,he’sconfidentaboutit—”

“Sohe’sold?”sheinterrupted.Katelikedhermenyoungerthanher,noexceptions.

“He’snotold!”

“Over40?”Ithoughtaboutit.IhonestlyhadnoideahowoldJamesonwas,buttherewas
nowayhewaslessthan40.

“Yes,definitely.”

“Old!”Kateyelled.Anythingover30wasoldtoKate,exceptforusofcourse.

“Iwouldn’tgiveashitifhewas80,Kate,becausehedoesthingstomybodynoonehas
everdonebefore.”AwaveoflustrolledthroughmeasIthoughtofhowfasthe’dmade
mecomethenightbefore.“Andhisbody—mmmmmmhmmmm,I’veonlyknownhima
fewdays,butI’dbewillingtobetheisinhisprime.”

“Whydoyoualwaysgetthegoodones?”Katewhined.“It’syourboobs.MaybeIshould
getaboobjob.”

“I’dliketothinkIhavemoretooffermenthanagreatrack,”Ireplieddryly.“Andhow
manytimeshavewehadthisconversation?Youwouldhatehavingbigboobs.Besides,I
wouldkillforyourcomplexion.I’m36andstillgetacne.”

“Nobody’slookingatatinypimpleonyourfacewhenyouwearadresslikethatredone
youhadontheothernight.”Ihadcurves,Katehadperfectskin.

Wespentthenexttwentyminutescomplainingabouttheother’sattributeswewantedand
catchinguponlife.WhenIhungup,IhadanemailfromJamesonwaitingforme.

Itlookedlikeitwasgoingtobeanotherlatenighttomorrow.

EIGHT

Jameson

walked into the courtroom Wednesday morning, jury selection already underway. I
movedquietlythroughthedoorandtothebackrow,tonotbringattentiontomyself.I

wasn’t supposed to be here. In fact, Jack and Dan had given me explicit instructions to
stayaway,butwhatkindoflawyerwouldIbeifIdidthat?Ineedtoseeatleastsomeof
theselection,getevenatinyfeelfortheprosecution.Nottomention,mycuriosityabout
Ms.Robertswasgettingthebestofme.Isatwithmyheaddown,re-readingthenoteson
myphoneaboutthecase.

“What are your news consumption habits, Mr. Emmory?” My head jerked up at the
familiarvoicefloatingthroughthecourtroom.TheblondegoddessI’dspentallweekend
thinkingabout,andhalfoflastnightfucking,wasstandinginfrontofthepotentialjuror.

IrackedmybrainforsomereferencethattheMs.RobertsIwasgoingtobeworkingwith
wasnamedOlivia,butIwasdrawingablank.Eitherithadneverbeenmentioned,orI’d
misseditcompletely.Andwehadn’tsharedanydetailsofourliveswitheachother—no
informationaboutcareersorfamilyoranyofit.Eitherway,seeingOliviauptheredressed
inherconservativeskirtsuitandlookingallbusinessmademypalmssweatandmyheart
race.

I watched as she paced back and forth, flipping through several sheets of potential
questions. Her skirt was tight and clung to every delicious curve, her red silk blouse
remindingmeofthedressshehadwornthenightwemet.Ihadtopushbackthoughtsof
thatnight,asmydickstirredinmypants.

Isloucheddownonthebenchandthoughtabouthowthiscouldplayout.Allthepotential
scenariosweredisastrous.Sheobviouslydidn’tknowwhoIwas,butthatcouldn’tstaya
secretforverylong.IfIwasgoingtoworkthiscasewithher,thepartnersweregoingto
havetobringherintotheloopeventually.Istillhadn’tfiguredoutwhytheywerewaiting
solong.

IsnuckoutofthecourtroomassoonasIcould.Icouldn’triskherseeingme,notyet.I
had to trust that Jack and Dan had a plan for all of this—even though I could almost
guaranteetheyhadn’tfactoredusfuckingintotheequation.

IgoogledOliviaonmycabridebacktotheoffice,somethingIshouldhavedoneassoon
asIfoundoutIwasgoingtobeworkingwithher.Ihadn’tbotheredtoresearchher,orI
would’veseenseveralphotosofherincourt.Iwasn’texpectingMs.Robertstobeahot,

30-something blonde, and now I was interested in how she’d gotten to this point in her
careersoquickly.

EverythingIfoundabouthersaidthesamething.ShewaswellknowninNewYorkand
onmostoftheEastCoast,hadahistoryofwinningtoughcasesandmakingeventhemost
well-trainedwitnesseswanttopissthemselves.Therewasevensomespeculationthatshe
couldbethenextpartneratHughandRoscow.Ihadn’tbeenawaretheywereconsidering
someoneelse,hadn’teventhoughtabouttherebeingcompetitionfortheposition.

When she texted me the next day and wanted to meet for drinks and sex, I should have
saidno.Instead,Ijumpedlikeacircusanimaloncommandandhopedthatwhenthetime
came,I’dbeabletothinkwithmyheadinsteadofmydick.

NINE

Olivia

twas a damn good thing jury selection was taking forever. It was, by far, the easiest
part of the entire trial process, and all my brain cells seemed to be preoccupied with

Jameson, leaving little room for thoughts of murder trials and court rooms and Josh
Delaney.Ineededtogetmyheadinthegame.

I saw Jameson three more times that week. The passion between us grew with every
encounter.IhadmanagedtoavoidBevforafewdays,butshecorneredmeinmyoffice
onemorningandrefusedtogivemecoffeeuntilIgaveherallthedetails.

“Whatistheretoknow?”Isaid.

“I’vebeenmarriedtothesamemanfor30years…anydetailsyouhaveIwant,”shesaid.
“Youcouldstartwithhisname.”

“Jameson.”

“Lastname?”

“Idon’tknoworcaretoknow.”Bevlaughed,butcontinuedwithherquestions.

“Wheredidyoumeetthisguy?”

“Thatnewclub,Rafael’s,”Isaid.

“ThelasttimeIwenttoaclubStudio54washot,soI’mnotuponthenewclubs,”she
respondeddryly.

“Sorry.”Ilaughed.“It’sthishipnewplaceinChelsea,notthekindofclubwithtoomuch
bassandnotenoughclothing.It’sverysubduedandsophisticated.”

“Thekindwherehotpeoplegotofindnewlovers,”sheinterjected.“Gotit.Whatdoeshe
looklike?”

“He’s tall, his hair is black with a few gray strands, but it works on him. He’s in good
shape—mustworkoutallthetime.”BevrolledhereyesasIdescribedJameson.“Hiseyes
areamazing.Deepblue,liketheocean.Icouldgetlostinthem.”

I checked the time. I had to head to court. With any luck, we’d wrap up jury selection
todayandbeabletostartthistrialonMonday.BevhandedmemycoffeeasIgatheredmy
notesfromyesterday.

“You’renotgoingtoletthisguyturnintothenextGabriel,areyou?”

“Who?”

“Oh,hemustbereallygoodifhecanmakeyouforgetGabriel.”Shelaughed.“Gabrielthe
…whatdidyoucallhim?Ooohright…GabrieltheGodofSex.”IshookmyheadasI
rememberedthenickname,butBevwasright.Ihadn’thadasinglethoughtaboutGabriel
indays.Therewasn’troominmythoughtsforbothJamesonandGabriel.

“Yousawtheman…hewastannedandmuscularjustlikeIimagineagodwouldbe.”

“SoifhewastheGodofSex,whatdoesthatmakeJameson?”Ilaughed.

“I’ll have to get back to you on that one,” I said as I left the office and headed for the
courthouse.

I’

BARELY

steppedfootinsidethecourtroomMondaymorningwhenthejudgecalledus

tothebench.

Thechosenjurorscranedtheirneckstoseewhatwashappening.Weweresupposedtobe
finalizingourselectionsthismorning,withopeningargumentssetforthisafternoon.

“Wereceivedyourrequestforcontinuance,Ms.Roberts,”JudgeDavidsonsaid,assoonas
DrewandIwereinearshot.

“Whatrequest,yourhonor?”Iasked.Ihadn’tfiledamotion.Iglancedatthedefensetable
andashrugfromMarkletmeknowhehadn’teither.Thejudgepushedthemotiontoward
me.Itwasfromouroffice,butitwasn’tsignedbyme;itborethesignatureofDanHugh.

“Ididn’tfilethis,”Iargued.“Wedon’tneedacontinuance.”Itriedtokeepmyvoicecalm,
butIwasfurious.Whyweretheydoingthis?

“Youknowthatdoesn’tmatter,Ms.Roberts,”thejudgescolded.Amotionfromasenior
partnertrumpedanythingIdid.“Seeingaswenowhaveamotionforacontinuancefrom
bothsides,I’mwillingtopushthistrialback.Mr.Drewaskedforamonth.”

“But…”Ibegantoargue,butDavidsonputhishandup,signalingmetostop.

“Iamstillnotinclinedtogivethatmuchtime.We’vewaitedlongenough.Iam,however,
goingtograntthetwoweeksthedefensehasaskedfor.”

Davidsonwavedusbacktoourrespectivetables,lettingusknowthematterwasclosed.
Hebroughttheroomtoorder,grantedthemotionforcontinuance,anddismissedus.Iwas
alreadyhalfwayouttheroomwhenIheardDrewcallforme,butIdidn’tstop.Ihadmore
importantthingstodealwiththanhim.

Iwasfumingbythetimemycabstoppedoutsideofouroffice,angerbuildingatmycase
beingmeddledwith,withoutconsultingme.Whatthefuckwasthisabout?Bevdidn’tact
surprisedtoseemewhenIstormedintotheoffice.

“Wherearethey?”Iasked.

“Olivia…”

“Bev,whereareJackandDan?”Myvoicewasbarelycontrolled.

“InJack’soffice,”shesighed.Icontinueddownthehalltothecorneroffice.

“Buttheyareinameeting!”shecalledoutassherandownthehalltocatchme.Itwastoo
late.Iswungthedooropen,consumedbymyanger.

Jackrosefromhisseatbehindhisdesk.Danwasalreadystandinginthecorner,looking
outthewindow.

“Whatthehellisthisabout?”Isaid.

“Ms.Roberts,”Dansaidcalmly,eventhoughhealmostalwayscalledmeOlivia.

“Don’tMs.Robertsme,”Ishotback.“Someonepleasetellmewhyamotionwasfiledin
mycasewithoutmyknowledge?”

Thesoundofathroatclearingbehindmebroughtmeoutofmyrage,andIspunaroundto
seewhoelsewasintheofficewithus.Myeyesmetafamiliarface,afamiliarpairofdeep
blueeyes,abodythatwasIwasmorethanfamiliarwith.Jameson.Istaredathimfora
longtime—toolong.Theairgrewthickwiththesexualtensionthatwasneverfarwhen
thetwoofusweretogether.

“Olivia,” Jack said from behind me. “Meet James Beck. He’ll be joining us here at the
firm.”

Itwaslikesomeonehaddousedmewithicewater.Isuckedinair,butfeltlikeIcouldn’t
breathe.JamesBeck…thenamerangthroughmyhead.Defenseattorneyextraordinaire,
knownacrossthecountryasoneofthebest.Anyattorneywhowasworthashitknewof
JamesBeck,butotherthanthat,Iknewalmostnothingabouthim.Ididn’tknowwhathe
lookedlike,thathewasleavinghisfirminCalifornia,orthathewentbyJamesoninhis
privatelife.MyeyesfinallymetJameson’sandhesmiled.

“Wait,”IsaidtonooneinparticularasItriedtogetmybearings.“You’reJamesBeck?”I
asked,myangerreturningasmysurprisefaded.

“Youtwoknoweachother?”Jackasked.

“Nicetomeetyou,Ms.Roberts,”Jamesonsaid,risingfromhischairtoshakemyhand.
“I’veheardalotaboutyou.”

Oh,sothat’showweweregoingtodothis?Twocouldplaythatgame.

“Hello, Mr. Beck.” It took every ounce of control I had to keep the sarcasm out of my
voice.“Ihopeyou’vebeenenjoyingNewYorkCity.”Weshookhandsandelectricityshot
upmyarm,awakeningeverycellinmybody.

“Olivia,”oneofthemenbehindmesaid.“Mr.BeckwillbeworkingontheDelaneycase
withyou.”

ThewordsbrokethroughtheJameson-inducedfogthathadsettledoverme.

Likehellhewas.

TEN

Jameson

shouldhavetoldherIhadknownwhoshewassincelastweek,shouldhavetoldher
I’d be working the case with her. I should’ve called it quits when I’d found out who

shewas,butIcouldn’tdoit.

Shewasfurious.Ididn’tblameher,butitwassexyashell.Thewayhercheeksflushed
withcolorandhernostrilsflaredasshestruggledtomaintainhercomposureinfrontof
our bosses. It made me want to take her back to my office and bend her over my desk.
Images of her skirt bunched up around her waist, her long legs spread open for me,
floodedmythoughts.Ishifteduncomfortablyinmyseat,tryingtohidemyarousal.

“No,that’sbullshit!”Oliviayelled.Hervoicebroughtmebacktothepresent.“I’vebeen
workingonthiscaseformonthsnow.Hedoesn’tknowanythingaboutit.You’llhaveto
firemebeforeIcomeofftheDelaneycase.”

While I was daydreaming, they must’ve told her I’d be joining her for the rest of the
murdertrial.Ihadbeenexcited,butthelastfewminuteshadmequestioningitnow.Iwas
aprofessional,abeastinthecourtroom,butjustthesightofOliviahadbeencompletely
distracting,enoughthatIwasquestioningmyabilitytoworkwithher.Ishookmyhead
andreturnedmyfocustotheconversation,andthetaskathand.

“NooneistakingyouofftheDelaneycase,Ms.Roberts,”Isaidcoolly.Hernostrilsflared
again,andIhadtofighttheurgetosmirk.“I’llbeworkingtherestofthecasewithyou.”

“Mr.Beck,”shenearlyspatout.“MayIhaveafewmomentsalonewithMr.Roscowand
Mr.Hugh?”

“Ofcourse.”Irosefrommychairnearthewindowandlefttheoffice.Imoveddownthe
hallwayafewfeet,togivetheimpressionIwasn’teavesdropping.Evenwiththeclosed
doorandthedistance,IcouldhearOlivia’srisingvoiceclearly.

“What is this about? I’ve been busting my ass on this case for months. I know it better
than anyone else, and I’m the best shot Josh Delaney has at winning this case, and you
knowit.”

She was right about that. I’d poured over the case files, but she’d spent countless hours
with the defendant, had insider knowledge I could never hope to gain, even if I had
monthstoprepare,whichIdidn’t.

Jack and Dan maintained their composure, so I couldn’t hear the response. There was

more exchange, but Olivia had lowered her voice, and I was unable to make out the
muffled conversation through the door. With nothing else to keep it occupied, my mind
driftedbacktoSaturdaynight,Oliviasprawledoutnakedonmybed.Iwasstilllostinmy
dirty daydream when the door to the office slammed open and Olivia strode out, head
down,mumblingtoherself.

“I can’t fucking believe this,” she muttered, as she headed my direction. I stepped fully
intothehallway,andshenearlycrashedintome.

“Goingsomewhere?”Ismiledather,blockingherpathdownthehalltoheroffice.

“Getoutofmyway,Jameson,”shesneered.

“Ms.Roberts,”Isaid,awarningtoneinmyvoice.Shecouldarguewithmeallshewanted
in the bedroom, but I’d be damned if I was going to be disrespected in the office.
EspeciallysinceIwashopingtobeherbosssoon.Shemust’vecaughtthesubtlechange
inmytone.Hereyesnarrowed,andshesteppedclosertome.

“Listen,asshole,”shesaid,hervoicebarelyaboveawhisper.“I’veworkedmyassoffon
thiscaseandforthispartnership,andI’llbedamnedifsomeWestCoasthotshotisgoing
tocomeinhereandtaketheplaceI’verightfullyearned.IfyouthinkI’mgoingtobea
good girl and go down without a fight, you are sadly mistaken.” No one had mentioned
thepartnershipyet,butshewasn’tstupid.Someoneinmypositiondidn’tdropeverything
andmoveacrossthecountryjustforachangeofscenery.

“Iexpectednothinglessfromyou,”Ireplied.

“Good.Thengetoutofmywayandletmegetbacktowork.”Imovedtotheside.

“Youcanfightitallyouwant,”Iwhisperedasshemovedpastme.“Theybroughtmehere
forthispartnership.Thereisnothingyoucandoaboutitanymore.”Shespunbackaround.
Iwasn’texpectingtoseeasmileonherface.

“We’llseeaboutthat,Mr.Beck,”shedrawled,ahintofaSouthernaccentcomingoutin
hervoice.Withthat,shewaltzeddownthehallway.Istaredattheroundcurveofherass
untilshedisappearedintoheroffice.

“Mr.Beck?”Beverlysaidcautiously.Iranahandovermyfaceandturnedtolookather.
“JackandDanarereadyforyourmeeting.”

IpushedallthoughtsofOliviaoutofmyheadandwentbackintotheconferenceroom.I
hadcomehereforapartnershipatoneofthebestlawfirmsinthecountry.I’dbedamned
ifIletmylatestfuckruinthat.

WAS

SURPRISED

to see light shining out of Olivia’s office when I finally left the

conferenceroomhourslater.Beverlyhadbroughtusdinneratsomepoint,butthatseemed
likehoursago.

I couldn’t resist the pull toward her door. She was at her desk, head down, writing
somethingfuriouslyonayellownotepad.Shehadherhairsecuredonthetopofherhead
withapen,hershoeshadbeendiscardedunderthedesk,andthetopfewbuttonsofher
blousewereundone,givingmeanunrestrictedviewofheramplecleavage.

IwatchedherforafewminutesbeforeIknockedsoftlyontheopendoor.Sheliftedher
headwithasmile,onethatwasreplacedwithascowlwhensherealizeditwasme,clearly
expectingorhopingforsomeoneelse.

“CanIhelpyou,Mr.Beck?”sheasked,notevenattemptingtohideherdispleasure.

“Whatareyouworkingon?”Iwascuriouswhathadkeptherheresolate.

“Thatisnoneofyourconcern.”Shereturnedhereyestohernotesandcontinuedwriting.
Sothatishowwearegoingtoplaythisgame.

“Are you still prepping for the Delaney case? I thought you’d be ready for that by now,
withthedelayandall.”

“Don’t challenge me,” she said, sounding bored. “You know nothing about me or my
work.”

“Getusedtoit.WhenI’myourboss,everythingyoudowillbemyconcern,”Isaidcoldly.
Sheignoredmeandkeptwriting.

I shut the office door behind me and slid the lock into place, the loud click sounding
throughthequietoffice.Herheadshotup,andsheglaredatme.

“Whatareyoudoing?”

“WhateverIwant.”Iloosenedmytieandwalkedtowardherdesk.

“Jameson,getoutofmyoffice.”Shepushedbackfromherdeskandstood.Withouther
heels,shewasseveralinchesshorterthanme,butsheexudedaconfidencethatwasboth
intimidatingandsexy.Iwouldbetitwasoneofthereasonsshewassuchagoodattorney.
Ihadn’tdaredgobacktocourtafterIfoundoutwhoshewas,butifhercasefileswere
anyindication,shewouldbeincredibleinthecourtroom.

“Mr.Beck,”shedrawledagain,andIwonderedwhereshehadlivedbeforeNewYork.

“Wheredoesyouraccentcomefrom?”Iasked,interruptingwhatevershehadbeenabout
tosay.Shestraightenedandglaredatme.

“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.”AlltraceoftheSouthwasnowgonefromher
voice.

“You never answered my question,” I said, changing subjects. “What are you working
on?”

“Ialreadytoldyouthatwasnoneofyourbusiness.Idon’tanswertoyou.”

“Youdon’tanswertomeyet,”Icorrected.

“Howcanyoubesosureofyourself?Youhaven’tevenseenmeinactionyet.I’mthebest
criminaldefenseattorneythislawfirmhaseverseen,andwhenIwintheDelaneycase,
they’llhavenochoicebuttomakemepartner.”

“Werethebest,”Icorrectedagain.“Andyoucan’twinthatcasewithoutme.Thatiswhy
theybroughtmehere.”Iwasmakingshitup.Untillastweek,IhadnoideaI’dbeworking
onthiscasewithher,butafterthewayshehadaffectedmethismorning,Ifelttheneedto
exertsomedominance.

“You know nothing about this case. Do you know how many hours I’ve poured over
evidence?”sheasked,hervoicerising.“HowmanyhoursI’vespenttalkingtoJosh,his
family, his friends.” She walked around her desk and stopped a few feet in front of me.
“I’ve got boxes of interview transcripts, school records, parking tickets, notes I’ve
gathered on every past indiscretion that could possibly come up during trial. You don’t
knowagoddamnthing.”

Hercheekswereflushed,andherchestroseandfellinshortbursts.

“You lose your cool too easily,” I said. “Winning a case like this is as much about
composureandpresentationasitisthefacts.”

“That’sbullshit.I’vewonplentyofmurdercases.”

“Nothigh-profileoneslikethis.Themediawillbewatchingyou,dissectingeveryword
that comes out of your mouth. Everything you say, the prosecution will use against you
andJosh.JasonDrewandhisteamarereadyforyou.”

“JasonDrewcansuckmydick.”Shesnortedandletoutaharshlaugh.“He’snotready.
That’swhyhefiledforacontinuancetwoweeksago.”

“Doyoutalklikethatinthecourtroom?”Iasked.Sherolledhereyes.“I’mtryingtohelp
you,Olivia.”Thatwasalie.Iwasgettingherrileduponpurpose.Thoughtsoffucking
heronmydeskwerestillintheforefrontonmymind.Herdeskwoulddoatthispoint.

“Idon’tneedyoutoswoopinandsaveme,Jameson.I’mgoingtowinthiscasewithout
you.”

“I’malreadyonthecase.JackandDanhavemadethatclear.I’mworkingthecasewith
you,whetheryoulikeitornot.”Shewavedherhandintheair,dismissingtheidealikeit
wasabothersomefly.

“I’lldealwiththemtomorrow.I’llgetmyway,Ialwaysdo.”Shecrossedherarmsover
herchest,andIcouldn’tkeepmyeyesfromwanderingdowntoheramplifiedcleavage.

“You’renotgoingtobeabletofuckyourwayoutofthis.”

“Whatthehellisthatsupposedtomean?”Hervoiceroseagain.“YouthinkI’mwhereI’m
atbecauseI’vesleptmywayhere?”

“I can guarantee you I’m not the only one who thinks that.” She glared at me, but was
speechlessforthefirsttimeinherlife.“Imean,lookatyou.Prettyblonde.”Ipulledthe
penoutofherhair,fingeringafewpiecesasitfelldownaroundhershoulders.“Full,pink
lips.” I gripped her chin in my hand and ran my thumb over her bottom lip roughly.
“Curvesthatwouldmakeanystraightmansitupandpayattention.”Iranmyhanddown
thesideofherbodyandoverthecurveofherass.

“Fuck you. I’m more than just a pretty face and hot body,” she shot back, pushing my
handawayfromherwaist.“Iearnedmyplaceherewithmyskillsinthecourtroom,not
thebedroom.”

“Adirtymouththatdoesn’tknowwhentostoptalking,”Isaid.

“Don’t—”Shestartedtospeak,butIcoveredhermouthwithmineandpulledherclose
untilshewasflushagainstme.Iwasdonearguingwithher.Shepushedagainstmychest

for a few seconds before she gave in and relaxed against me, her lips parting, her body
meltingintomine.

Igrabbedahandfulofherhairandpulled,thetiltofherheadgivingmebetteraccessto
her mouth. She yanked my shirt out of my pants and made quick work of the buttons
beforesheranherhandsgreedilyupmyabsandovermychest.

I wasn’t as restrained. I pulled on the fabric of her shirt, the remaining buttons popping
open,hercreamyskinwaitingunderneath.Iranmypalmsoverthelaceofherbra,andshe
moaned against my mouth. Her fingers roamed down my stomach and brushed over my
erection.Ireluctantlypulledmymouthoffhersandturnedheraround.Icouldn’twaitany
longer. Pulling the fabric of her bra down, I ran my fingers over the tight buds of her
nipples.Sheletoutalowmoanandleanedintome.

“See,Olivia,”Iwhisperedinherear.“IalwaysgetwhatIwant.”Ifelthertenseagainst
me,butshedidn’tsayanything.

Thefabric of herskirt pulled tightagainst her delicious ass,as I benther body over her
desk.Ispreadherlegswithmyfoot,herskirtrisingandbunchingaroundherwaistasI
didso.Ourreflectioninthewindowofherofficesentanewwaveofarousalthroughme,
mycockstrainingagainstmypants.

“I’ve been thinking about this since the moment you walked in this morning,” I said,
running one hand between her legs, while I used the other to undo my belt and pants,
letting them fall to the floor. Her panties were already wet with her arousal, and she
whimperedatmytouch.“Fuck,you’rewet.You’vebeenthinkingaboutthis,too,haven’t
you?”

“Stop talking and fuck me.” She licked her lips and met my eyes in the reflection. I’d
neveradmitit,butIloveditwhenshetoldmewhattodo,lovedthatshewasn’tafraidto
takecharge.Ittookmeonlysecondstograbacondomoutofmypantspocket,thenIwas
backbehindher.Islidherthongdown,mypalmsgenerouslyexploringherassasIdid.

I watched her in the window as I positioned myself at her opening, her eyes dark with
desire.Myheadtiltedback,andIletoutagroanwhenIslidintoher.

“Fuck,you’resotight,”Igroaned,placingbothhandsonherhipsanddrivinginandout
ofher.Shemoanedandclenchedaroundme.Idon’tknowifitwastheslowbuild-upof
theday,ortheeroticanddangerousimageofOliviabentoverherdeskforme,butatthis
rate,Iwasn’tgoingtolastverylong.

Standing her up, I discarded her shirt and bra before kissing her again. I took my time
tastinghermouth,herneck,andherbreastsbeforelayingherbackonherdesk,neatpiles
ofpaperscatteringbeneathherbeautifulbody.

Withmyhandsonherinnerthighs,Ispreadherlegs.HerchestroseandfellrapidlyasI
tookinthesightofherpinklipswetandglisteningwithherownjuices.

“Fucking amazing,” I mumbled to myself as I lowered my head and tasted her. She
moanedloudly,herbodywrithingagainstmymouth.

“OhmyGod,Jameson,”shebreathed.Herbodyshudderedwitheverypassofmytongue
overherswollenclit.Ipushedherlegsfartherapart,openingherevenwiderformeand

dippedmytongueinsideher.HerhipsbuckedoffthedeskasIfuckedherwithmymouth,
enjoying every taste of her sweet pussy. Her thighs tensed under my fingers, her whole
bodyspasmingmomentslaterwhenshemoanedmynameandcame.

Istoodandlookedathernakedbodyspreadoutacrossherdeck.

“Jesus Christ, you’re perfect,” I said, as I slid back inside her. I grabbed her legs and
pulledhercloser,herasshangingofftheedgeofthedeskasIburiedmyselfinsideher.I
ranmyhandsupherstomachandoverherbreasts,grippingthemhardasIfuckedher.

“Holyfuck,”shesaid,hereyesrollingbackinherhead.

Iwatchedourreflection,bothofuscompletelylostinthemoment,neitherofusincontrol
anymore,andIknewthiswomanwasdangerous.Withhercurvyass,perkytitsanddirty
mouth,shecouldruineverythingI’dworkedsohardfor.Ihadtolearntocontrolmyself
around Olivia. My entire career was at stake. That was the last coherent thought I had
beforeIthrustdeepinsideherandcame,hernamefallingfrommylipsasIdid.

ELEVEN

Olivia

was in trouble. And not just because of the sexual beast that had just left my office.
JamesonBeckwas temptation,danger,and troublerolledinto onedelicious package,

andI’djustlethimfuckmeonmydesk,givinghimtheupperhandinthistwistedpower
strugglewewerelockedin.

But right now, Jameson and his sinfully hot body were near the bottom of my list of
concerns. Thoughts and questions about my career and my future at Hugh and Roscow
swirledthroughmymind.

DidJackandDanreallybringhimherebecausetheythoughtIcouldn’twintheDelaney
caseonmyown?Hadtheyeverbeenconsideringmeforthepartnershiporweretheyjust
stringingmealongsoIwouldn’ttakeoneofthedozensofoffersthatcamemywayevery
year? Why wouldn’t they tell me they were bringing the James Beck on board? I was
nevergoingtotellhimI’dbeenstudyinghiscasesforyears,inpreparationformyown.
Hisegodidn’tneedthatboost.

HowhadIbeenkeptsocompletelyinthedarkaboutthis?

“Goddamnit,Bev,”Imumbledundermybreath,realizingshemust’veknownsomething.

Ipulledoutmyphoneandsentheratext,asIfinishedcleaningupmydeskandgathering
mystufftogohome.

Me:HowlonghaveyouknownJamesBeckwascomingtoNewYork?

MyphonevibratedinmyhandasIlockedmyofficedoor.

“Ididn’tknow,”Bevsaidwithoutahello.

“Liar.JackandDancanbarelytakeapisswithoutyou,letaloneorchestratethehiringand
movingofJamesBeck.”

“Okay…I’veknownforawhile.But,beforeyoufreakout,theymademesignanNDA.
TheonlypeoplewhoknewaboutthiswereJack,Dan,James,andhisbossinCalifornia.”

“Whythebigsecret?”

“Iguessthingslikethisfallthroughallthetime,andtheydidn’twanttogeteveryoneriled
upfornoreason.Theydidn’twantabigmediacircusrightbeforetheDelaneytrial.”

MyangersubsidedmomentarilyasIthoughtaboutwhatBevwassaying.Iguessthatdid
make sense. But then I remembered telling her about Jameson last week and my anger
boiledtothesurfaceagain.

“ItoldyouIsleptwithhimlastweekandyoudidn’tsayadamnthing!”

“HowwasIsupposedtoknowthesexgodyoudescribedandJamesBeckwerethesame
person?”Iwasn’tbuyingit.

“HowmanypeoplenamedJamesondoyouknow,Bev?Itoldyouwhathelookedlike!”
MyvoiceroseasIsteppedofftheelevator.“Youdidn’teverstoptoconsideritwastoo
bigofacoincidenceformetomeetahotguynamedJamesonthesameweekJamesBeck
movedtoNewYorkCity?”

“Don’tinterrogatemelikeoneyourwitnesses,”Bevbarkedintothephone.“It’snotmy
faultyouletthemangetunderyourskin,andnowyou’rescramblingtofigureouthowto
getcontrolback.Yes,thethoughtmaybecrossedmymind,butIdidn’tknowforsure,and
evenifIdid,Icouldn’thavesaidanything.”

“You could have at least given me some sort of warning before I walked in and got
blindsidedthismorning!”

“I had strict instructions not to say anything. You know I’d do almost anything for you,
but losing my job is not on that list.” I sighed into the phone. “So, did you talk to him
today?Imean,otherthantheyellingIheardintheconferenceroomthismorning.”

“Ummm,yeahIguessyoucouldsaythat.”Itriedtosoundnonchalant,butthememory
wastoofresh,andIhadtosuppressasmallmoanatjustthethought.

“OhmyGod,youdidhimintheoffice?”Bevwhispered,eventhoughwebothknewshe
wasathome.

“Ididn’tsaythat,”Ilied.“I’msorryIcalledyouathome,andthanksagainforbringing
medinner.”Ichangedthesubjectbeforesheaskedanymorequestions.

“Anytime,”shechuckled,andIimaginedhershakingherhead.“Seeyoutomorrow.”

“Goodnight,Bev.”

WAS

intheofficebeforeanyoneelsethenextmorning,determinedtofinishmappingout

myargumentforwhyIdidn’tneedhelpwiththeDelaneycase.Ihadbeenmakingdecent
progressuntilI’dbeeninterruptedbyJamesonthenightbefore.

I’dbeenscribblingonmynotepadforoveranhourwhenBevcameinwithcoffee.

“Youarewantedintheconferenceroom.”

“Ishehere?”Iasked,eventhoughIwasprettysureIalreadyknewtheanswer.Igathered
mynotesandstoodfrommydesk.Beveyedmypantsandraisedhereyebrow.

“Pants in July?” Even with my semi-sheer blouse, I’d almost died of heat stroke on the
subwayridetotheoffice.

“Oh,we’rediscussingmywardrobenow,too?”Iasked.Shelaughedandshookherhead.

She knew as well as I did why I was wearing pants. I took the coffee from her and
followedhertotheconferenceroom.Allthreemenwerealreadywaitinginside.

ImetJameson’seyesthroughtheglasswallandhadtosuppresstheshiverthatrandown
myspine.Icouldn’tshowanysignsthatIwasaffectedbyhim,I’dalreadylethimgotoo
farlastnight.InsteadofslappinghimandkickinghimoutofmyofficelikeIshouldhave
done, I let him make assumptions about my career and then did nothing to prove him
wrong. If anything, I’d only strengthened his argument. But it was a mistake I wasn’t
goingtomakeagain.Bevwasright.I’dlethimgetundermyskin,andnowIhadtoact
composed,eventhoughmyheartwasracing.Itookadeepbreathandopenedthedoor.

“Goodmorning,gentlemen,”Isaidcheerily.

“You’reinabettermoodtoday,”Dansaid.

“I’m prepared today,” I said. “I don’t like being blindsided, not in the courtroom or
anywhereelse.”IavoidedJameson’seyesasIsetdownmystuffandtookaseatacrossthe
tablefromhim.

“Youcanbeaspreparedasyouwant,Olivia,”Jacksaid.“We’renotchangingourminds
onthis.JameswillbejoiningyouontheDelaneycase.”

“Youhaven’t…”Istoodfrommyseat,readytodefendmyself,butwascutoff.

“Ifyouhaveaproblemwithit,I’msureJamesandMarkcanhandleitwithoutyou,”Jack
said.

“Youwouldn’t,”Igasped.Icouldn’tbelievehewasactuallysuggestingtakingmeoffthe
case.

“IwouldandIwill,”Jackcontinued.

“I’m the only person Josh will talk to. How are you supposed to win a case with two
attorneysthedefendantwon’tspeakto?”

“That’swhywe’rehopingyou’llsitdownandbereasonableaboutthis,”Daninterrupted.

“WhataboutMark?”Iasked,curiouswheremycurrentpartnerstoodinthistwistedmess.

“Mark has been reassigned to another case,” Jack said. “You and James are more than
capableofhandlingtheDelaneycase.”

I wanted to ask about the partnership, if what Jameson had said was really true, but I’d
already lost my cool in front of Jack and Dan yesterday. They didn’t need any more
reasons to consider Jameson over me. I had always assumed the outcome of this trial
wouldplayabigroleintheirdecision,butnowImightneverknow.

“Olivia,”Dansaid,bringingmebacktotheconversation.“WehavebriefedJamesonthe
case,butobviouslyyouaretheexpertoneverythingJoshDelaney,sowe’regoingtoneed
youtogethimuptospeedandreadyforthecourtroom.”

“Thejuryisalreadyseated?”Jamesonasked,thefirstwordshe’dspokensinceI’dentered
theroom.

“Yes,”Ireplied.

“You’vereviewedthejurorprofiles,right,James?”Dansaid.“Doyouseeanyissues?”

“No,fromwhatIcantell,Ms.Robertsdidanexcellentjobofpickingjurymemberswho
willgiveusthebestchanceatwinningthecase.”

“Good,”Dansaid.“Thenwe’llleaveyoutwotogettowork.Pleasekeepusupdatedon
theprogress.Wecanalwaysaskformoretimeifyouthinkweneedit.”

“JudgeDavidsonisn’tgivingupanymoretime,”Isaid.“Hemadethatabundantlyclear
yesterday.”

“Wedon’tneedmoretime,”Jamesonspokeup.“I’llbeready.”

DanwasalreadyoutthedoorwhenJackpausedandturnedbacktous.

“We’re expecting great things out of you two,” he said. “Don’t let us down.” The door
clickedshut,andIlookedbackacrossthetableatmynewco-counsel.Thesmuglookon
hisfacefromearlierwasback.I’dneverwantedtostranglesomeoneandfuckthematthe
sametimebefore,butthosewerethefeelingsJamesonwascurrentlybringingoutinme.
Westaredateachotherforalongtime,neitherofuswillingtobethefirsttobreakeye
contact.

“Shallwegettowork?”heasked,afterafewminutesofsilence.

“I need to get my files,” I said. “I wasn’t planning on having to share them with you.”
Jameson laughed, and if I had been standing, my knees would’ve gone weak, the sound
wassosexy.

“Ithoughtyouwerepreparedtoday?”

“Iwaspreparedtoarguemycase,”Isaid,standingfromthetable.“Iwasn’tpreparedto
haveanegotisticalassholeforcedonme.”

“You didn’t seem to mind when I forced myself on you last night,” he whispered. My
cheeksflushed,andmypantiesgrewdampatthememory,butIdidn’trespond.Instead,I
turnedandwalkedaway.

“Olivia?”Jamesonsaid.Ipaused,myhandonthedoorhandle,andturnedbacktolookat
him. “Nice pants.” He smirked. I yanked the door open and stomped down the hall. I
heardJamesonlaughingbehindme,butIdidn’tturnbacktolookathimagain.

I didn’t know how I was going to get through one day working with this man, let alone
workingamulti-weekmurdertrial.

“T

HIS

IMPRESSIVE

,” Jameson said. We had been going over everything I had gathered

aboutJosh’spast.Ihadinterviewswithchildhoodfriends,oldteachers,bosses,evenex-
girlfriends,alongwithschoolrecords,everyparkingticketandencounterwiththepolice
he’deverhad.Itwasmonths’worthofwork,spreadoutontheconferenceroomtable.

“Iknow,”Isaid,stretchingmyarmsoutabovemyhead.

“I’mserious.Thisisgoodwork.”

“Oooh yes. The big, successful lawyer from California told me I do good work. I guess

mycareerhasreacheditspeaknow,”Isaidsarcastically.“IknowI’mgoodatwhatIdo,
Jameson.Idon’tneedyourpraiseforthat.”

“You’renotgoingtobeabletotalktomelikethatwhenI’myourboss.”Heputhishands
behind his head and leaned back, studying me across the table. We hadn’t slept together
since the night in my office, and that was almost a week ago. If I thought the sexual
tension was thick before, it was nothing compared to now. We’d both gotten used to
seeing the other every few days, but right now, we were in a battle for control, and I
wasn’tgoingtobethefirsttobreakdown.

“WhatareyougoingtodowhenI’myourboss?”Iasked,leaningforwardonthetable.He
laughedliketheideawasabsurd.“It’snotoutsidetherealmofpossibility,youknow.I’ve
beenatthisfirmforalmosttenyears.Ihaveseniority.”

“Whatiftheyalreadyofferedmethejob?”Jamesonleanedforward,hisarmsonthetable,
his hands nearly touching mine. My stomach dropped at his words, and I looked away
fromhim.Whatiftheyhadalreadyofferedhimthejob?Whatiftheywerekeepingitfrom
mesoI’dstayandhelpthemwintheDelaneytrial?“Youhavetodoabetterjobathiding
theemotiononyourface,”hesaid.

“What?”

“Youneedtoworkonyourpokerface,”hesaid.“You’reagreatlawyer,butyoucouldbe
betterifyoulearnedtokeepyouremotionsoutofthecourtroom.”

“Ikeepmyemotionsoutofthecourtroom,”Ihuffed.“You’veneverevenseenmeinan
actualtrialsetting.”

“Idon’tneedto.I’veseenyouloseyourcoolorstruggletokeepyouremotionsincheck
moretimesthanIcancountininteractionshereintheoffice.”

“It’snotthesame,”Iargued.

“You’re right, the courtroom is a much more intense environment, emotions run high,
people’s futures are at stake, the adrenaline is so powerful you sometimes go home and
don’tsleepatallbutstillhavejustasmuchenergythenextday.”Hisdescriptionwaswhy
Ilovedbeingalawyer.Ilivedonthoseemotionsandcravedthatrush.“Ifyoucan’tget
your emotions in check in a neutral office environment, I have serious doubts that you
coulddoitinthecourtroom.”

“Idon’tgiveashitaboutyourdoubts.”

“I’mtryingtohelpyou,Olivia.”Ineededabreak.BeingaroundJamesonfor12hoursa
dayandnotrippinghisclothesoffwaswearingmedown.

“I don’t need your help, Jameson.” I stood up from the table. “You can keep reviewing
thesefiles.I’llbeinmyofficeifyouneedme.”

“ThethingsI’mgoingtoneedfromyouaren’tappropriateforyouroffice,”Jamesonsaid,
hisvoicelowandsilky,thewordscausingmythighstoclench.

“I don’t need your help for that either,” I said without turning around, knowing he’d be
abletoreadthelieonmyface.

TWELVE

Jameson

orking with Olivia was harder than I thought it would be. I spent half my time
with her trying to control my hard-on and the other half wanting to murder her.

There was no doubt she was used to being in charge. Every suggestion I made she shut
down. You’d have thought I was fresh out of law school by the way she dismissed my
ideas.

She was being protective of her case, which I understood, but it was annoying as hell. I
wantedtowinjustasmuchasshedid.Myfuturewasridingonitjustlikehers,butshe
wasbeingstubbornandrefusedtoadmitthatImightknowsomethingshedidn’t.

After she’d walked out of the conference room in the middle of the afternoon, I’d said
fuckitandhadtakentherestofthedayoff.Iwenttothegymandworkedoutsomeofmy
frustrationswithapunchingbagandthentookacoldshower.

Butitwasn’tenoughtoclearmyhead.Oliviahadtakenupresidenceinmybrain.Iknew
therewasonlyonepersonwhocouldtalksomesenseintome.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t Mr. Big Shot Beck calling from his new throne in the city,”
Reggielaughedwhenheansweredthephone.

“You’rejustjealous,”Isnorted.

“Oh,comeon,webothknowIgotthebrainsandthelooks,”hejoked.ReggieCruzwas
the brother I’d never had. We met in law school at Stanford and had been close friends
eversince.“Besides,I’vebeenwatchingtheweather,andit’shotasballsthere.Seattleis
perfectrightnow.”

“Don’trubitin.Idon’tthinkI’vestoppedsweatingsinceIgothere.”

“Sohowisit?”

“It’snotwhatIexpected,”Isighed.

“What…areyouthelittlefishinthepondnow?”

“RememberhowItoldyouI’dbeworkingwithawomanonthemurdercase?”

“Yeah,so?Issheugly?”IlaughedoutloudatthethoughtofanyonecallingOliviaugly.

“No,definitelynot.”

“Oooh,soyouwanttoboneher?”

“Weclearedthathurdlealongtimeago,”Iadmitted,runningahandthroughmyhair.

“What?Therearen’tanyotherhotwomeninNewYorkCity?Youhadtoscrewtheone
youhavetoworkwith?”

“Inmydefense,weactuallyfuckedbeforeIknewwhoshewas.”

“Uh-huh,sure.”

“It’sthetruth.Wemetataclubmyfirstweekhere,hadthebestsexofmylife,thenafew
dayslaterIsawherincourtandalmostshitmyself.”

“Thebestsexofyourlife?That’squitethestatementcomingfromKingJames,”Reggie
scoffed.Iignoredhim.

“God, Reggie, this woman is making me crazy. She is stubborn and feisty, and if I’m
beinghonest,abetterlawyerthanIwasfiveyearsagowhenIwasinherplace.Tomakeit
evenworse,shethinksshe’sgettingthepartnership.”

“Beck,areyoustillsleepingwithher?”Reggieasked.

“Whatdoesthatevenmatter?”

“Jesus, Beck, haven’t you ever heard the expression, ‘Don’t shit where you eat’?” he
asked.“YouwenttoNewYorktotakethepartnershipshe’sbeenworkingtowardforGod
knowshowlong.”

“Whatdothosetwothingshavetodowitheachother?”

“Fuck, you’ve got it bad already. What’s going to happen in a month when you win the
murder case and get promoted to partner? Are you going to be able to take the job
knowingyourgirlfriendwantsit,too?”

“She’snotmygirlfriend…ourrelationshipispurelysexual.”

“Yeah,sure,whatever.We’llcirclebacktothis.Howisthecasecomingalong?Areyou
readyfortrial?”

“Ithinkwe’rebothreadyfortrial,butwe’renotreadytopresentthiscasetogether.She
refusestolistentoanythingIsay.Inhermind,thisisstillhercase,notourcase.”

“Doyourememberthefirstcaseweworkedtogetherduringourinternship?”

“Yeah,ofcourse.Howdoyouforgetyourfirstdouble-homicide?”

“DoyourememberhowIwasbeingapompousprickandthoughtIknewthebestwayto
questiontheeyewitness?”

“Yeah, you were being an idiot, so I let you make a fool out of yourself and then
embarrassed you when I cleaned up your mess in front of the entire court room. What’s
yourpoint?”

“Mypointis,ifshewon’tlisten,maybeyou’llhavetoshowherwhyJamesBeckisthe
best.”

“That’slow,Reggie.”Itwasn’ttheworstideahe’deverhad,though,butIdidn’thaveto
thinkveryhardtoimaginewhatOlivia’sreactionwouldbe.Heregowouldbecrushed.

“Sometimesyougottadowhatyougottado.”

“Idon’tknow…”Iblewoutabreath.

“Don’tbesuchapussy,Beck.Youwanttobeapartner,don’tyou?”

“Ofcourse.”

“Thenstopthinkingwithyourdick.”

“You’reanasshole,youknow?”

“Ilearnedfromthebest.”Helaughedandlaunchedintoastoryabouthislatestcase,butI
waslostinmythoughts.

CouldIdowhathewassuggesting?Olivia’scasewassolid,soit’dbedifficulttofinda
weakness,butifanyonecoulddoit,itwasme.She’dhatemeforsure,butmaybeitwas
timeforsomeonetoputthiswomaninherplace.

THIRTEEN

Olivia

hesexualinnuendofromJamesonwasalmostconstantwhenwewerealone,which
wasalot.Iignoredmostofit,takingalotofcoldshowersandputtingmyvibratorto

gooduseatnight.I’devenblatantlyrefusedhisadvancesonelatenightintheoffice.I’d
madethatmistakeoncealready—itwasn’tgoingtohappenagain.

Butnow,mysexualdesirewasgettingoutofcontrol.Iwaseithergoingtohavetogivein
toJamesonorgofindsomeoneelsebeforethetrialstartednextweek,otherwiseIwasn’t
goingtobeabletothinkstraight,andIneededtobeatmybest.

We were in the conference room, again. The rest of the office was dark and quiet,
everyone else had gone home hours ago. I was trying to recreate the crime scene for
Jameson,buthekeptlookingatmelikeIwasapieceofmeat,andatanymomenthewas
goingtodevourme.Iletoutasighandcontinueddrawingonthewhiteboard.

“Thisiswherethebodywasfound,”Isaid,pointingtothered‘X’I’djustdrawnonthe
board.

“Let’sgogetsomedinner,”Jamesoninterrupted.

“Westillhavealottocoverinonlyfourdays,andhalfoftomorrowwillbeshotdriving
outtotheprisonsoyoucanmeetJosh,”Isaid.

“We’vebeenworking14hoursadayforaweekstraight…Ithinkwedeservethenight
off.”

“I don’t think we have enough time,” I said. We had plenty of time, but that wasn’t the
point.IneededtokeepJamesonintheofficewhereIcouldkeepthingsprofessional.Over
dinnerordrinks,Imightnotbeabletocontrolmyselfanylonger.

“Idon’thavetoknoweverytinydetailofthecase.We’repartners,meaningyou’llbein
the courtroom, too, and you know all this stuff by heart. Besides, it’ll be good for our
workingrelationshipifwegettoknoweachotheralittlebetter.”

“I think our working relationship would be better if we knew a little bit less about each
other,”Isnorted.Jamesonstoodandwalkedovertothewhiteboard.Hetookthemarker
outofmyhand,putthecapbackon,thenleanedoverandplacedhishandontheboard
abovemyhead.

“What are you so afraid of, Olivia?” he whispered in my ear, his body close to mine. I
swallowedhardandtriedtokeepmybreathingeven.“Icanseduceyoujustaswellhere

asIcananywhereelse.”

“MaybeIdon’twanttobeseduced,”Isaid.Jamesonranahandovermybreast,thehard
puckerofmynipplescrapingagainstthepalmofhishandthroughmyshirtandthinbra.
Jamesonlaughed.

“Youcanpretendyoudon’twantme,Olivia,butyourbodygivesyouawayeverytime.”
Hestoodupstraightandwalkedbacktothetable,thesuddenmovementleavingmybody
coldandcravinghiswarmth.

“I’mgoingtogetdinnersomewherethatdoesn’tdeliver.”Hetookhissuitjacketoffthe
chairandputiton.“Areyougoingtojoinme?”

“Yeah, I guess,” I shrugged. What was the point in refusing? I clearly wasn’t fooling
Jameson,andIwashungry.

An hour later we were seated at an Italian restaurant on the Upper East Side, Jameson
sippingabeer,whileIwasenjoyingaglassofPinotGrigio.

“So where did your Southern accent come from?” Jameson asked, breaking the silence.
“Anddon’tpretendit’snotthere.Youdoareallygoodjobhidingitmostofthetime,butit
stillcomesthroughsometimes.”

“I grew up in southern Kentucky, but spent most of my summers at my Grandma’s in
Georgia,whichonlymadeitworse,”Isaid.Itwasacompletelie,butoneI’dtoldsomany
timesitcameoutnaturallynow.

“Whydoyouhideit?”

“It’sfadedalotovertheyears,butIlearnedveryquicklyinlawschoolthatpeopleinNew
Yorkdon’ttakeyouseriouslyifyousayy’allanddrinksweettea.”

“Ithinkit’ssexy,”hepurred.

“Whataboutyou?”Isaid,ignoringhiscommentandsteeringtheconversationawayfrom
mypast.“DidyougrowupinCalifornia?”

“No, I was born in Arizona, but after my parents were killed in a car crash when I was
twelve,IlivedwithmyauntonChicago’sSouthSide.”

“Thatcouldn’thavebeeneasy.”

“Welivedinadecentneighborhood,butIsawsomuchcrime.”Hestaredoutthewindow
ashetalked,likehecouldseehischildhoodreplayingontheglass.“Andnotjustthat,a
lotofinnocentpeoplechargedwithandputawayforcrimestheydidn’tcommit.Notall
the shit you see on the news about police corruption is true, but there is more of it that
happens than anybody is willing to admit, and it runs through the entire justice system.
There are bad guys and good guys in every part of it.” He paused and took a sip of his
beer.“Growinguparoundthatisactuallywhatmademewanttobealawyer,especiallya
defenseattorney.Thoseinnocentpeopleneededsomeonetodefendthem.”

“I’msurethosepeoplecanaffordyoureight-hundred-dollar-an-hourpricetag,”Isnorted.

“IactuallypracticedinChicagoforthefirstfiveyearsofmycareer,agoodchunkofmy
timeonprobonocases,”hesaid,andIopenedmymouthtoapologize.“Butyou’reright

…assoonasahigh-payingjobwithhigh-profilecasescamecalling,Iwasoutofthere.”

Wesatinsilenceforafewminutes,theweightandtruthofhiswordshangingbetweenus.

“So why did Southern Belle Olivia Roberts want to become a high-powered New York
lawyer?”Jamesonfinallyasked.Itookalongsipofwineandstalled.Jameson’sstoryhit
closertohomethanIwouldeveradmit.I’dburiedtherealreasondeepinmypast,andI
wasn’tbringingitupnow—nottwentyyearslater,andnottoJameson.

Lucky for me, our food came right then and we both dug in. The next time I spoke, I
redirectedtheconversationbacktoworkandourvisitwithJoshtomorrow.Jamesoneyed
mecuriously,andIknowmyshiftintheconversationdidn’tgounnoticed,buthedidn’t
pushtheissue,givingmetimetoprepareforthenexttimeheaskedme.

Three glasses of wine later, I was full and content and a little buzzed. The conversation
had flowed naturally from the Delaney case to our time in law school, to various case
highlights over the years. And by the end of dinner, I felt the hatred I had been forcing
myselftofeelforJamesonsincelastweekdissipate.Maybeworkingwithhimwouldn’t
besobadafterall.Ilookedupandcaughthimstaringatme,thesamehungrylookinhis
eyesfrombackattheoffice.

“Youhavetostoplookingatmelikethat,”Isaid.

“Likewhat?”Jamesonsaid,thelookinhiseyeneverchanging.

“Likeyouwanttoripoffmyclothesandtakemerighthere.”

“That’sexactlywhatIwant,”hesaid,asmilecrossinghisfacewhenmycheeksflushed.
“ButIdohavealittlemorerestraintthanthat.”

“Whatabouttheothernightinmyoffice?Youdidn’tseemtoshowanyrestraintthen?”

“SomedaysIhavemoreself-controlthanothers,”hesaid,likethatexplainedeverything.
Hestoodandpulledhissuitjacketbackon.Iroseandledthewayfromoursmalltableto
thefrontdoor.

WewereonlyafewhundredfeetfromtherestaurantwhenJamesongrabbedmyhandand
pulled me into an alleyway. He pushed me against the brick wall of the building and
kissed me. There was nothing restrained about it. His kiss was demanding and rough,
takingwhathewanted,notbotheringtoaskforpermission.Whenhepulledaway,Iwas
breathless.BeforeIhadtimetocatchmybreath,hetuggedonmyhandagainandpulled
mebackoutontothesidewalk.

“Wherearewegoing?”Iasked,strugglingtokeepupwithhisfastpaceinmyheels.He
hadn’treleasedmyhandandwasstillpullingmealong.

“Myapartment…Ineedtofuckyou.Now.”Istoppedinmytracks,myhandyankingout
ofhisgrasp.

“No, we’re not.” I crossed my arms over my chest. As much as I wanted Jameson, and
God, did I want him right now, having a working relationship with this man was only
goingtogetmorecomplicatedifwekeptsleepingtogether.

“Olivia,”JamesongrowledandtookthefewstepsbacktowhereIwasstillstanding.“My
self-controlisrunningout.”

“That’snotmyproblem,”Isaid,takinganotherstepbackfromhim.Iwasgoingtohaveto
findanewman…thatwastheonlywayanyofthiswouldwork.

“Ican’tfocusonanything.NotwheneverytimeIlookup,yourdeliciousassinyourtight
littleskirtsisthere.NotwhenyouleanoverthetableandIgetanunobstructedviewof
yourtits.NotwheneverysixsecondsI’mthinkingaboutbendingyouovertheconference
roomtableandfuckingyouinthatglassroomforeveryonetosee.”

Igasped,hiswordssorawandfullofneed.

“Webothneedourheadsinthegameinthenextfewdays,andthat’snotgoingtohappen
ifthesexualtensiongetsanythicker,”hecontinued.

Iopenedmymouthtoargue,thenshutit.Hisargumentwassolid.

“Don’ttryandtellmeyoudon’tfeelittoo.Iseethewayyoulookatmewhenyouthink
I’mnotlooking.ThewayyoulickyourlipslikeI’myourfavoritedessert.”Istoodthere
insilence,unabletoformacounterargumentbecauseIfeltit,too.Iwantedit,too.

“Butyouhavetosayyes,”hesaid.“I’mnotgoingtodragyoutomyapartmentagainst
yourwill.”

“Whataboutthetrial?”Isaidfinally,throwingoutthefirstargumentIcouldthinkof.

“Whataboutit?Ourworkandoursexhavenothingtodowitheachother.Icankeepthe
twoseparate,canyou?”

“OfcourseIcan,”Iscoffed.Ididn’tmissthechallengeinhisvoice,andIneverbacked
downfromachallenge,especiallynotonefromthesinfullysexyJamesonBeck.

“Prove it, Ms. Roberts.” Jameson took another step toward me, until his body was just
inchesfrommine.

“Idon’tthinkyoucanhandleme,Mr.Beck,”Ismirked.

“Areyousureitisn’ttheotherwayaround?”

“Iguessthere’sonlyonewaytofindout.”

“That’snotayes,”hesaid,hiswordsasofttickleagainstmylips.

“Yes,Mr.Beck,”Idrawled,lettingmybestSouthernaccentcomethrough.

“God,youmakemecrazy,woman.”

“See,Iknewyoucouldn’thandleme.”

“That’senoughtalking,”hesaid.“Let’sgo.”Jamesongrabbedmyhandagainandpulled
medownthesidewalkinthedirectionofhisapartment.

“Soimpatient,”Ilaughed.Jamesonstoppedwalking,turnedaround,andkissedmeagain.
Thesameroughdemandingkissfromthealleyway.

“WouldyouratherIfuckyourighthereonthesidewalk?”hewhisperedwhenhepulled
hislipsoffmine.

“The conference room table, the sidewalk,” I said. “I didn’t know you were so
voyeuristic.”

“Myapartmentisonlytwoblocksfromhere.Ifyoushutupandwalk,wecanbetherein
fiveminutesanddoitinprivate.”AsmuchasIwasfightinghim,Iwasmorethanready,
mypantiesalreadydampfromhiskisses,mybodyachingforhistouch.

“Okay,let’sgo,”Ifinallygavein.

“Thank you, Jesus,” Jameson whispered as he turned and once again headed toward his
apartment. I walked beside him, my heels clicking on the sidewalk as we moved in
silence. Jameson ignored the doorman, who tried to engage in small talk, and headed
straightfortheelevators.

Whenthedoorsslidclosedbehindus,Jameson’smouthwasonmeagain.Hepushedme
upagainsttheelevatorwall,hishardbodypressedintomineashekissedme.Hishands
slid down the front of my shirt, the top button straining against the force of his hand
beforepoppingoff,givinghimbetteraccess.Hisfingersskimmedovermynipple,andI
moaned,histouchsendingashotofelectricitystraighttomypussy.

Jamesongrowledandpulledhimselfoffmewhenthedoorsslidopenonthe15thfloor.He
grabbed my hand again and yanked me toward his apartment. Any self-control he had
beforewaslosttothefirethatburnedbetweenus.

Once inside his huge apartment, Jameson’s urgency seemed to disappear. He kissed me
againstthedoor,slowerthistime,likehewastryingtomemorizemymouthwithhis.His
fingers took their time unbuttoning my blouse, his thumbs rubbing slow circles over my
nipplesbeforehediscardedmybra,takingaleisurelydetourovermyassasheunzipped
my skirt and slid it down. He kissed my neck and nibbled my ear, his hot breath and
tongueteasingthesensitiveskinthere.

When his mouth found mine again, the rough and impatient Jameson was back. He
grabbed my ass and lifted me, our kiss never breaking as he carried me into the kitchen
and set me down on the marble island. I unbuttoned his shirt and pushed the expensive
fabricoffhisshoulders,runningmyhandsoverhistonedbicepsasIdid.

Jamesonlaidmebackontheisland,themarblecoolagainstmyflushedskin,andpeeled
offmypanties.Iwatchedhimasheundidhisbelt,lethispantsfalltothefloor,androlled
onacondom.Hisblueeyesgrewdarkwithlustashepushedmykneesapartandthrust
intome,groaningloudly.

“Fuck,Olivia,thisisallIhavebeenthinkingabout,”hesaidthroughgrittedteeth.“Every
thought I have revolves around your delicious pussy and when I can bury myself inside
youagain…andit’sbeentoodamnlong.”Hisfingersdugintomythighsashemovedin
and out of me. He leaned over and pulled one of my nipples into his mouth, my back
archingoffthecounteratthedeliciouscontact.

“Oh God, yes,” I breathed. He teased one nipple, then the other, then kissed me on the
mouth.Hepulledaway,hiseyesrakingovermynakedbody.

“Jesus,youlooksofuckingperfectrightnow.”Hegrippedmyhipsanddroveinandout
ofme.Itwasroughanddemandingandsohot.Iranmyhandsupmystomachandover
mybreasts,squeezingthem.Ituggedgentlyonmynipplesandrolledthembetweenmy
fingertips.Jamesonwatchedmyeverymove,hispaceneverslowing.Ipushedonebreast
up,bentmyheaddown,andswipedmytongueacrossmynipple.Jamesongrowled,andI

smiled.

“Youlikethat,Jameson?”Hedidn’trespond,butgroanedwhenIdiditagain.Theextra
sensation sent a wave of pleasure between my legs, and I felt my orgasm start to build.
Jamesonfuckedmeharder,asIcontinuedtoteasemyownnipplewithmytongue.When
hereachedbetweenourbodiesandranhisthumbovermyclit,Ilostit.

MybodyclenchedagainstthehardmarbleasIcame,wavesofpleasurespreadingfrom
betweenmylegsandthroughoutmyentirebody.

“Holyfuck,Olivia,”Jamesongruntedmomentslaterwhenhefollowedmeovertheedge.

Ilaidthereonthecountercatchingmybreath.Jamesonlefttheroomandreturnedwearing
apairofNiketrackpantsandcarryingarobe,whichhehandedittomeasIslidoffthe
island.

Ihadn’tpaidmuchattentionthefirsttimeIwashere,butitwasincredible.Thekitchen
waslargeandtopoftheline.Themarbleislandmatchedthemarblecountertopsandwere
offsetbyblackcabinetswithglassfronts.Alargebaropenedintothelivingroom,where
ahugeleathersectionalsatinthemiddleoftheroom.Afewpiecesofarthadbeenhung
onthewallsincethelasttimeIwashere,andtherewasnowadiningroomtablenearthe
glassslidingdoors,whichopenedontothepatio.

“You’vedecoratedalittlesinceIwasherelast,”Ismirked.

“Ihadjustmovedin…givemeabreak,”hesaid.Iopenedtheglassdoorsandwalkedout
onto the patio. It was still hot out, but there was a slight breeze that made it bearable. I
staredoutattheparkandthebuildingsinthedistance.Jamesonjoinedmeoutside,leaning
ontherailnexttome.

“Iwouldkillforthisview,”Isaid.

“Eh,it’sallright,”heshrugged.

“EveryoneinNewYorkCitywantsthisviewandyouthinkit’sjustallright?”Ilookedat
himlikehe’dlosthisdamnmind.

“YoushouldhaveseenmyplaceinL.A.Itwasinthehills,overlookedthewholevalley,
andputthistoshame.”

“Justrubitinaboutallthegreatviewsyou’vehad,”Ilaughed.

“NoneofthemareasgoodastheoneIhaverightnow,”hesaid,hiseyesroamingupand
downmybody.

“You’regoingtohavetodoalittlebetterthanthat,”Icountereddryly.

“It’shotouthere,let’sgobackinside,”Jamesonchangedthesubjectsuddenly.

“Ithinkit’sniceouthere,”Ilied,beadsofsweatbeginningtoformbetweenmybreasts
andonmyforehead.

“Itwasn’taquestion,”Jamesongrowled.

“Oh,Jameson,youshouldknowbynowIdon’ttakeordersverywell.”

“Verywell?”Heraisedhiseyebrow.“Idon’tthinkyoutakeordersatall.”

“Followingtherulesisboring.”

“Ineversaidanythingaboutfollowingtherules,”Jamesonsaid,hisvoicelowandsilky.
“Infact,Iplanonbreakingalltherules.”Hewalkedoverandopenedthedoorandstood
therewaitingforme.“ButIpromiseitwillbeworthit.”

“Well,whenyouputitthatway,”Isaid,followinghimbackinside.

FOURTEEN

Jameson

watchedOlivasleepbesideme,herchestrisingandfallingsteadilywitheachbreath,
hergoldenhairspreadacrossthepillow.IthadbeenalongtimesinceI’dhadsomeone

sharemybed,butIhadmissedit.

Reggiehadcalledmeapussymorethanonce,butIlikedwakingupnexttoasoft,warm
body instead of a cold bed. I’d had a few serious girlfriends early in my law career, but
noneofthemwerewillingtoputupwiththelonghoursandcanceleddinners;noonewas
willingtocomesecondtomyfuturecareer.

Nataliehadbeenthelast.She’dmadeitthreeyears,andIwasevengoingtoproposeto
heruntilIcamehomefromworkonedaytofindourapartmentempty.Allherstuffwas
gone,andtherewasnotethatsaidshecouldn’thandleitanymore.

Ihadcalledherandbeggedhertocomeback,butshewouldn’tlisten.Theconversation
replayedinmyhead.

“I’mdone,Jameson.Ican’tsitthereinyourbigfancyhouseallaloneandwonderwhen
you’recominghomeanymore.”

“Natalie,please,comehomewecanworkthisout.”IpulledtheengagementringIhad
carriedaroundforthreemonthswaitingfortherighttimeoutofmypocketandlookedat
it.Shewouldloveit,itwasmadejustforher.Ijustneededhertocomeback.

“Areyougoingtoworkless?That’stheonlywaythingsaregoingtogetbetter.”

“Theyaretalkingaboutmakingmepartner.”

“I don’t give a shit about you ever being a partner,” she yelled. “I deserve better than
this! I deserve someone who loves me first!” I made a living arguing my case but there
wasnoarguingwiththat.

“You’re right,” I sighed. “You deserve to be the center of someone’s world. I love you
Natalie, but I can’t give you what you want.” She was quiet for a few minutes, and I
thoughtmaybeshehadhungup.Whenshespokeagainhervoicewasfullofsadness.

“Onedayyou’regoingtowakeupandrealizeyougotitbackward,Jameson,”shesaid.
“You’llbeanoldmaninthatbighouseallalone,withnothingbutyourmoneyandcase
filestokeepyoucompany.Ihopeit’sworthit.”ShehungupbeforeIcouldrespond.

Ishookmyhead.Sevenyearshadpassedsincethen,andIstillhadn’tmadepartner.

Ihadn’thadanothergirlfriendsincethen.Itwasn’tfairtothem,orme,togetinvolvedina
relationship that was going nowhere. The past seven years had been a constant string of
womenwhosatisfiedmyphysicalneedsandleftbeforethesuncameup.ItwasthelifeI
had chosen, and I didn’t regret it, but that didn’t mean I didn’t get lonely sometimes.
Natalie’s words haunted me as I stared at Olivia. Would I ever have another real
relationship? Or would it just be a series of women to fuck until I was too old to care
anymore?

IresistedtheurgetopullOliviaclosetomeandfallasleepwithherskinagainstmine.I
couldn’t let myself get any closer than we already had. Working the Delaney case and
worryingaboutthepartnershipwasalreadyhardenough,gettingemotionsinvolvedwould
onlymakeeverythingmoredifficult.

IlaytherewatchingOliviasleepuntilIcouldn’tkeepmyeyesopenanylonger,untilthe
rhythmicsoundofherbreathinglulledmetosleep.Withhertherebesideme,Isleptbetter
thanIhadinyears.

FIFTEEN

Olivia

woke the next morning and looked around the unfamiliar room. Where was I? The
soundofashowerbroughtmeoutofmysleepyhaze.Jameson.Ibolteduprightinbed,

myheartracing.WhyhadIslepthere?Ihadn’tsleptataman’splaceinyears,andthis
was not the man to start doing it with now. I gathered my clothes and threw them on,
found my purse, and stumbled out of the apartment before Jameson had turned off the
shower.

Ihadjustgotteninacabwhenmyphonerang.

“Wheredidyougo?”Jamesonasked.

“Home,whereIshouldhavegonelastnight.”Hepausedforalongtime,andIknewhe
waschoosinghisnextwordscarefully.

“Youdidn’thavetorunoutofmyapartmentwhileIwasintheshower,”hechuckled.

“What…wereyougoingtomakemepancakesandcoffeebeforeyousentmeonmyway
likeagoodgirl?”Isaidsarcastically.

“Idon’tmakepancakes,”hesaiddryly.

“AndIdon’tdothemorningafter,”Isnappedback.

“Fair enough,” he said. “Glad we got that settled. What time is our appointment with
Josh?”

“12:30.”

“Doyouwantmetojustpickyouupatyourapartment?”heasked.“Thereisnoneedfor
us to both go to the office downtown, just to turn around and head back upstate to see
Josh.”

“MyapartmentisinChelsea,soit’snotgoingtosaveusalotoftime,butsure.”

“Great,textmetheaddress.I’llbethereinanhourandahalf.”Jamesondisconnectedthe
call before I could respond. Typical Jameson. He had to get the last word in and wasn’t
goingtogivemeachancetosayotherwise.

ItextedKatewhilethecabdrivermadehiswaythroughtheearlymorningtraffictoward
myapartment.

Me:Ihavesomuchtotellyou!Weneedtododinner,ASAP.

Ihadn’tseenKatesincethenightImetJameson,butshe’dloveallthenewjuicydetails
withworkandeverythingelse.

Kate:Yessssss!Let’sgotonight.

OurdrivetoandfromtheprisontoseeJoshwasgoingtotakemostoftheday,butaslong
asweplannedforalatedinneritshouldwork.

Me:Allright,done!Canyoudo8:30?

Kate:Thatworks.Sushi?

Me:YouknowI’llneverturndownsushi.

Kate:Awesome!Seeyoutonight!

While I showered and got ready, I thought about our meeting with Josh and the many
ways it could go wrong. From the very beginning, Josh had only been willing to work
withme.HewouldrarelyevensayanythingwhenMarkwasintheroom,soeventuallyI
started making the trips to visit him by myself. I had serious doubts it would be any
differentwithJameson.I’dtoldhimsohalfadozentimes,buthestillinsistedonmeeting
Joshbeforethetrial.

WeweregoingtodrivetwohoursforwhatIhadnodoubtwouldbeafive-minutemeeting
andthendriveback.JoshwasbeinghousedattheGreenHavenCorrectionalFacilityuntil
his trial. Although it was farther away, we had asked the judge for that location
specifically, away from the city, where fewer other inmates would know who Josh was,
wherewefelthewouldbehappierandsaferuntilthetrial.Wehadtriedandfailedtoget
him put on house arrest; even his father’s name and money couldn’t sway the judge on
thatone.

IhadjustfinishedputtingonmymakeupwhenthedoormanrangtoletmeknowJameson
hadarrived.Islippedonmyheels,grabbedmybriefcaseandsuitjacket,andheadedout
thedoor.JamesonwasidlingatthecurbinadarkblueMercedesthatlookedbrand-new.

“Is this your car?” I asked as I got in, the black leather seats soft and supple. The black
andchromedetailsweresleekandsophisticated,yetmasculine.

“Yes,IhadjustboughtitwhenIgottheofferhere,”hesaid.“Iwasn’tabouttoleaveher
behind.ThisisthefirsttimeI’vedrivenitsinceI’vebeenhere.”Heranhishandoverthe
leather-coveredsteeringwheelthesamewayhe’drunhishandovermyass,andIhadto
stiflealaugh.

“It’sverynice.”

“Nice?ThisisaMercedes-MaybachS600sedan,whichcostmeover$200,000.”

“Isaid‘verynice’!”Ilaughed.“I’msorry…Idon’tknowmuchaboutcars.Wherewas
thisfancycarthenightwemet?”

“Itwasn’thereyet.IttooklongertoshipitacrossthecountrythanIwouldhaveliked.”

“IthoughtmaybeyouwereoneofthoserichNewYorkerswho’dneverlearnedtodrive
becausetheyalwayshadadriver.”

“Never,Ilovetodrive.IhadthreeothercarsinL.A,butinacitylikeNewYork,itjust
seemedlikeawastetopayforparkingwhenI’dhardlyevergettodrivethem,soIjust
keptmyfavorite.”

“WhyonEarthdoyouneedfourcars?”Iasked,asJamesoneasedoutintothetrafficand
headednorth.

“No one needs four cars, Olivia, but when you have lots of disposable income and an
interestinwell-madecars,fourisjustthebeginning.”

“Thatisridiculous.”

“Comeon,I’msureaposhapartmentinChelseaisn’tcheap,buttherehastobesomething
elseyouspendyourmoneyon.”

Mystomachtightenedforasecond.TherewassomethingIspentalotofmoneyon,butit
wasfiledunderthelistofthingsIwasnevergoingtotellJameson.

“Fine…”Isigheddramatically.“Ihavealotofshoes.Ialsobuyalotofartanddonateto
galleriesaroundthecity.Paintingwasoneofmyfirstloves.”Idon’tknowwhatmademe
divulgethatcertainpieceofinformation.

“Doyoustillpaint?”

“No,Ihaven’tinyears.”

“Why did you stop?” Damn it, he was asking a lot of questions that were making me
squirm.Hedidn’tknowhowmuchhisseeminglyinnocentquestionswereaffectingme.I
rarely told anyone about my painting, so I didn’t have the lies prepared like I did for
everythingelse.

“Ididn’thavetimeinlawschool,andthenitkindofjustfadedafterthat.Plus,itdidn’t
take me very long to figure out I didn’t have the talent to make any money with art. So
nowIjustadmireother’sworkanddonatetohelpsupportthedreamsofyoungartists.”

I turned and looked out the window and hoped we were done with this subject. I didn’t
knowhowmanymorequestionsaboutmypastIcoulddodge.Iwasconfidentinmylies.I
knewJamesonwould’vedonehisresearchaboutme,justlikeI’ddoneabouthim.Buthe
was searching for Olivia Roberts, and there was no connection to powerhouse attorney
OliviaRobertsandmysordidpast.I’dmadesureofthat.

I was still kicking myself for letting my accent come out in a moment of weakness. I
hadn’tdonethatinyears.ButifhewentsearchingformeinKentucky,he’dfindahigh
schoolgraduationrecordforanOliviaRobertsin1999andlittleelse.Ashiverrandown
myspineasIthoughtofwhathe’dfindifheknewtherightplacestolook.

IsuddenlyrealizedJamesonwassayingsomething,butIwassolostinmyownthoughtsI
didn’thaveacluewhat.Hepausedandglancedmyway,andIrealizedhemust’veasked
meaquestion.

“I’msorry,Ididn’thearawordyoujustsaid,”Iadmittedsheepishly.

“IjustaskedifJoshknowsI’mcoming?”hesaid.

“No.”

“Whynot?”

“He would’ve refused the meeting if he knew you were. He hasn’t even let Mark come
visitsinceourfirstmeeting,andthatwasagesago.”

“Whydoyoucatertoapunk-assrichkid?”

“It’s not catering, it’s getting my job done. He refuses to talk unless it’s just me, and I
don’t have time to drag information out of him. If meeting with him alone is how I get
whatIneed,thensobeit.”

“It’sprobablybecausehewantstofuckyou,”Jamesonsnorted.

“Who gives a shit? I’m here to win a case. I don’t care if the little perv jerks off to the
thoughtofmeintheshower,aslongasIgettheinformationIneedtokeephisrichassout
ofprisonfortherestofhislife.”

“Ithinkhedidit.”

“What?”IturnedinmyseatsoIcouldfullyfaceJameson.“Youcan’tsaythat.”

“Ijustdid.”

“Don’tyouthinkit’salittlebitunethicaltoworkonacasewhenyoudon’tbelieveinthe
outcomeyou’refightingfor?”

“Don’tgetmestartedontheethicsofbeingadefenseattorney,”hesaid.

“Oh no, please enlighten me. What does the great James Beck think about ethics and
law?”

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” he laughed and launched into a monologue about the
corrupt judicial system, lying lawyers, and state attorneys who are getting paid to bring
certaincasestocourt.Wewerealmosttotheprisonbythetimewehadfinisheddebating
hispoints.

“Soremindmewhyyouareinthisbusinessagain?”IlaughedasJamesonpulledintothe
parking lot. His car was clearly out of place here, the next nicest vehicle was a Lexus
sedanthatlookedlikeithadn’tbeenwashedinyears.“Yousureyourbabyisgoingtobe
okayouthere?”Iteasedashepulledintoaspotintheverycornerofthelot,wellclearof
anyothercars.

“Areyougoingtobeokaywalkingtheextradistanceinthoseshoes?”hesaid,eyeingmy
heels.

“Iwalkinheelsallthetime.I’llbefine.”Ishruggedandgotoutofthecar.Alltheguards
greetedmebyname,andweexchangedpleasantries.

“Howoftendoyoucomehere?”Jamesonwhisperedinmyear,afterfollowingmethrough
themetaldetector.

“At least once a month, but more often when I first took the case,” I said. We walked
down a long hallway and into a small room. Josh was already in the room, per the
instructionsI’dleftwhenI’dcalledandscheduledourvisit.Hesmiledwhenhesawme
through the glass window in the door, but it quickly faded into a scowl when Jameson
appearedbehindme.

“Whothefuckisthis?”Joshspatout.

“It’s good to see you too, Josh,” I said sarcastically, as I sat down across the table from
him,Jamesontakingtheseatbesideme.“ThisisJamesBeck.He’llbeworkingthecase
withmefromnowon.”

“Well,wemightaswellendthismeetingrightnow,”Joshsaid,lookingaroundtheroom.

“Mr.Beck,”Isaid.“Canyougiveusafewmomentsalone?”JamesonlookedatmelikeI
hadjustsuggestedhejumpintheHudsonRiverinJanuary,butIdidn’tfalter.Heshook
hisheadandrose,lettingthedoorslamshutbehindhim.

“Whyishehere?”Joshasked.

“I’m as unhappy about him being on this case as you are,” I said, then reconsidered,
because admitting my displeasure wasn’t going to help me right now. “Although, he’s
probablythebestdefenseattorneyinthecountry,andyoushouldbepraisingthegodsthat
hecametoNewYorkwhenhedid.”

“Ithoughtyouwerethebest,”hesneered.“Isn’tthatwhywehiredyou?”

“Listen,youlittleasshole,”Isaid,standingupandleaningmyhandsonthetable.“Weare
both damn good attorneys and you’d be lucky to have either one of us, but instead you
havebothofus.Thechancesofyougettinganotguiltyverdict,oratleastavoidinglifein
prison,goupsignificantlywithbothofusatyourtable,butyoumustbeabletoworkwith
him. Sneering at him the whole time won’t do you any good. In case you forgot, we’re
heretohelpyou,”Ifinishedwithahuff.

“Whoa,easythere,”Joshsaid.“Ithinksomeoneneedstogetlaid.”Iignoredhim.

“Areweclear?CanIhaveMr.Beckcomebackin?”

“He can come in, and I’ll tell him whatever you want if you tell me when the last time
was.”

“I’mnotbargainingwithyou,Josh.Mypersonallifeisnoneofyourbusiness.”

“IfIhavetospendtwenty-threeoutoftwenty-fourhoursinacellbymyself,Imightas
wellatleasthaveagoodimageofyoutokeepmecompany,”hesaidarrogantly.

“Okay,that’sit.I’mdone.”Ipickedupmybriefcase.“Havefunspendingtherestofyour
lifeinhere.”Iturnedandwalkedtowardthedoor.

“Okay, okay, I’m sorry,” he said, all cockiness gone from his voice. “Don’t go, please
don’tgiveuponme.”Hesoundedlikeascaredlittleboynow.Isatmybagbackdown.

“Iknowbeforeallthisshithappened,youwereontopoftheworldandcoulddoandsay
whateveryouwanted,wheneveryouwanted,butthingsaredifferentnow,Josh.Likeitor
not,youneedourhelp.”

“I know,” he whispered. “Please help me. I can’t stay here forever.” His voice cracked,
andIknewifheliftedhisheadandlookedatme,I’dseetearsinhiseyes.

“We’regoingtohelpyou,”Isaidsoftly.“Bothofus.”

SIXTEEN

Jameson

hemeetingwithJoshhadgonebetterthanexpected.Ididn’tknowwhatOliviahad
said to him while I was out of the room, but it had worked. He went from being a

silver-spoon-fedprick,tohumbleandremorsefulinamatterofminutes.

I had gone into the meeting 99% sure Josh was guilty of raping and murdering his
girlfriend,butbythetimeweleft,Iwasn’tassureanymore.Hisgirlfriendhadbeenfound
dead in her apartment, strangled with her own sheets. Josh’s DNA was everywhere, of
course, as he’d been there, and slept there dozens of times. Even worse, the autopsy
showedshewaspregnant,anditwasn’tJosh’sbaby.

The prosecution’s working theory was Josh had found out Cecilia was pregnant with
another man’s baby and freaked out. That he went off in a rage, raped her to show
dominance, and then killed her. It read like a storyline straight of Law & Order: SVU.
Except,inthiscase,thewholethingdidn’twrapitselfupinaneatlittlepackageinafew
weeks; it had been almost a year since Cecilia had been found dead, and this trial was
expectedtolastweeks.

Joshclaimedhewasinnocent,saidhehadleftCecilia’shousebeforeshehadbeenkilled.
Buthehadnoalibi.Hesaidhehadgonerunningthatnight,butnoonewaswithhim.His
doorman saw him leave and return, but it still would have given him more than enough
timetomurderCeciliaandgetback.

“I think we should put Josh on the witness stand,” I said, as Olivia returned from the
bathroom.Wehadstoppedatasmalldineronourwaybackfromtheprison.

“What?Areyounuts?”sheasked,slidingintothebooth.

“No,Ithinkhecouldmakearealimpactonthejury.”Itwasrareforthedefendanttotake
the stand in a murder trial. Most attorneys, myself usually included, believed that any
benefit they could gain from calling their own client would be nullified during cross-
examination.AndthentherewasthematteroftheFifthAmendment.Inthecasetheywere
actually guilty, they didn’t have to answer any questions that would incriminate them.
Manyconsideredpleadingthefifthtobeasignofguilt,andeventhoughthejurywastold
nottotakepleadingthefifthintoconsiderationwhentheymadetheirdecision,mostofthe
timeitjustwasn’tworththerisk.

“ThereisnowayI’mcallinghimtotestify.”Sheshookherhead.“IknowIdon’tspeak
highlyofJasonDrew,buthewillliterallyripJoshtoshreds.”

“Wegetthefirstcrackathim,though,andDrewcan’tbringupanyevidencethathasn’t
already—”

“Iknowhowtrialswork,”shecutmeoff.“Theanswerisstillno.”

“Beforewemetwithhimtoday,Iwould’vebetyoumycarthathewasguilty,”Isaid.

“Andnow?”

“Iwouldn’tbetmycaranymore,that’sfordamnsure.”Justthen,ourwaitressshowedup
atourtablewithourburgersandfries.“Justthinkaboutit.”

“Fine,I’llthinkaboutit,butIdoubtIwillchangemymind,”shesaid,andtookabiteof
herhamburger.Greasedrippedoutoftheburgerandrandownherfingers,ontoherhand.
She swore and licked the juice from her hand before sucking it off her fingers. I felt
myselfgetturnedonatthesightofherfingersinhermouth.

I shook my head and focused my attention on my own burger. I had to learn to control
myselfaroundher.Itwasn’teasy.NotonlywasOliviabeautiful,butshewassmartashell.
ThelongerIworkedwithherthemoreimpressedIwas.ThewayshehandledJoshand
coaxedinformationoutofhimeffortlesslywasnodoubtoneofthereasonsshe’dbeenso
successful.

I wanted to know more about her. She’d been at the top of her class at Columbia Law
School, and before that, she’d graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of
Connecticutwithdegreesinbothpsychologyandcriminology.

Shewasthewholepackage,thekindofwomanIusedtoimagineI’dsettledownwithone
day.Ipushedthatideaoutofmyheadassoonasitentered.Thosethoughtshadnoplace
inourrelationship,noplaceinmyheadrightnow.Thosethoughtsweredangerousandled
nowheregood.

AsmuchasIwantedtoknowaboutOlivia,Iwasmoreinterestedinhowshegothere.I
wanted to know more about her painting, more about her childhood. I had noticed how
she’d dodged my question about why she became a lawyer, and I definitely planned to
bringitupagain,butnotrightnow.

Not when she was sitting across the table from me sipping on her strawberry milkshake
andlookingsexyashell.Notwhenbeinginthecarwithherallday,smellingherperfume
hadalmostmademecrazy.NotwhenIwantedtotakeherinthebathroomandfuckher
rightnow.No,rightnowIneededtogetherbacktomyapartmentandoutofthatdress.

SEVENTEEN

“W

Olivia

here are we going?” I asked when I realized Jameson wasn’t heading for my

apartmentortheoffice.

“Myplace,”hereplied,nevertakinghiseyesofftheroad.

“Istillhaveworktodo.”Itwasonly3:30,soIcouldeasilyworkacouplehoursbeforeI
hadtomeetKate.“Also,Ihaveplansfordinner.”

“SodoI,”hesaid,hismouthcurvingintoaseductivesmileashelookedmyway.

“Ihaveactualplans!”Iprotested.“I’mmeetingmyfriend,Kate.”

“IthinkIcanpersuadeyoutocancel.”

“Ihaven’tseenherinweeks.I’mnotcancelling.”

“We’llseeaboutthat.”Jamesonstoppedataredlightandlookedoveratme.Icouldfeel
him undressing me with his eyes. The hunger in his eyes made my stomach flip. He
reachedoverandrestedhishandonmyknee.Thelightturnedgreen,andheeasedthecar
forwardwiththetraffic.Hedidn’tsayanything,didn’tmovehishandfrommykneeaswe
drovethroughthecity.

At the next red light, he moved his hand up my thigh, his fingertips skimming lightly
acrossmyskinandundermyskirt,thefabricrisingashishandinchedhigherupmyleg.
Hisfingersskimmedovermypantiesjustasthelightturnedgreen,andhishandslidback
downmyleg,restingonmythighaswedrove.

Jamesonwastednotimeatthenextstop.Hisfingersmovedquicklyupmylegandtomy
panties. I slid down in my seat and spread my legs to give him better access, my skirt
bunched up around the tops of my thighs as I did so. I gasped as he pushed my panties
aside and his fingers met my bare skin. The light turned green, and he pulled his hand
awayagain,denyingmethetouchIwascraving.

I didn’t have to wait long before we hit another red light and his hand was between my
legsagain.Hisfingersrubbedgentlyovermyswollenclit,beforepushinginsideme.

“Holyshit,Olivia,you’resoakingwet,”Jamesonmumbledthensmiled.Hisfingersnever
stoppedmoving,overmyclit,theninsideme,thepatterndrivingmecrazy.

“Thegarbagetruckdrivernexttousiswatching,”Jamesonwhispered,liketheguycould
hearhim,too.

“Idon’tgiveashit,”Imoaned.Whenthelightturnedgreenagain,Jamesontriedtopull
hishandaway,butIgrabbeditandhelditinplace.“Idon’tthinkso.”Hekepthishand
betweenmylegsbutdidn’tmove,didn’ttouchme.Isquirmedinmyseattryingtogethis
fingerstotouchmeagain.

“Callyourfriend,tellheryoucan’tmakeit,andI’llgiveyouwhatyouwant,”hesaid.

“Jameson…”Iprotested.

“Callher,oryou’llhavetofinishwhatIstartedonyourown.”Ilookedoverathim,could
seehiserectionstrainingagainsthispants.

“Youwouldn’t,”Isaid.Hepulledhishandoutofmyloosegraspandresteditbackonthe
steeringwheel.

“You underestimate me, Ms. Roberts,” he said without taking his eyes off the road. “I
don’tsaythingsIdon’tmean.”Mybodyscreamed,everycellinmybodybeggingforhis
touchagain.Icouldgohomeandmasturbate,butitwouldn’tbethesame,wouldn’tsatisfy
theneedcurrentlypulsatingbetweenmylegs.NothingbutJameson’scockcoulddothat.

“Fine,”ImumbledtomyselfandpulledmycellphoneoutofmypurseandcalledKate.

“Hey,what’sup?”sheanswered.

“Ican’tmakeittonight,”Isaid.Jamesonmovedhishandbackbetweenmythighs.

“What?Whynot?”Kateprotested.Jamesonbrushedhisfingersovermyclitandmymind
wentblank.“Hello?”Katesaidinmyear.

“Sorry.” My words caught in my throat, as Jameson plunged his fingers inside me.
“Somethingcameup,”Ichokedout.

“Whatiswrongwithyou?”Katesaid.Theconnectionbetweenmybrainandmymouth
wasquicklyfading,allmyattentionfocusedonthesensationsbelowmywaist.

“I’msorry,”Isaid.“I’llmakeituptoyou,Ipromise.”Ibitmyliptokeepfrommoaning,
asJamesonusedtwofingerstocirclemyclit.“Ihavetogo,”Ibreathed.

“Areyouhavingsexrightnow?”IheardKatesay,butIdisconnectedthecall,myphone
slidingoutofmyhandandontothefloorasmyorgasmhitme.Mybackarchedoffthe
seatandmybodybuckedagainstJameson’shandasthepleasurerolledoverme.

WhenIfinallysatupandstraightenedmyskirt,Jamesonlaughed.

“Idon’tknowwhyyoueventryfightingme,”hesaid,pullinghiscarintotheunderground
parkinglotofhisbuilding.

“Youdon’tfightfair.”

“Playingdirtyisalotmorefun,”hesmirked.Heputthecarinparkandturnedtofaceme,
leaningoverthecenterconsoleuntilhisfacewasjustinchesfrommine.“Besides,I’mnot
going to risk losing something I want by playing by the rules. And right now, Olivia, I
wantyou.”

“MaybeI’llstillgomeetKatefordinner.”Imovedmyhandtounbucklemyseatbelt,but
Jamesoncovereditwithhis.

“Thatwasn’touragreement.”

“Idon’trecallmakinganyagreements,”Iteased.“Didyougetthatinwriting,Mr.Beck?”

“Sorry,Iwastoobusymakingyoucometodraftupaformalagreement,Ms.Roberts.”

“Iwasn’tintheproperstateofmindtobemakingdecisions.”

“Ididn’thearanyobjections.”Hismouthseemedtobemovingclosertomine.

“Youknowthatargumentwouldn’tstandupincourt,”Iscoffed.

“Wearen’tincourt,Olivia.”Jamesonbrushedhislipsacrossmine,andmybodymelted
even further into the plush leather seat. “And we already established I don’t play by the
rules,”hesaid,pullingbacksohecouldlookatme.“Nowgetyourassoutofthecarand
upstairsbeforeItakeyourighthere.”

“IthinkwealreadyestablishedIdon’ttakeordersverywell,”Imocked.Jamesongrowled
infrustration.“What’sthematter,Mr.Beck?Notusedtohaving…”Hesilencedmewitha
kiss.Apanty-melting,earth-shatteringkissthatleftmebreathlessandsentchillsdownmy
spine.“Let’sgoupstairs,”Iwhisperedwhenhepulledaway.

“I like it so much better when you do what I say,” he said, unbuckling his seatbelt and
gettingoutofthecarinoneswiftmotion.

“Don’tgetusedtoit,Jameson,”Isaid,asIfollowedhimontotheelevator.Butthetruth
wasIwasquicklybecomingaddictedtothewaythismanworshippedmewithhisbody,
andhisroughdemands.Iconstantlycravedhisskinagainstmine,hiscockinsideme,and
the highs he took my body to. And if he kissed me like that again, I’d do anything he
asked.

EIGHTEEN

“L

Jameson

etmeputJoshonthewitnessstand.”

“For the hundredth time, no. Besides, if he’s going to answer questions for anyone, it
wouldbeme,”Oliviasaidwithoutlookingupfromthenewspapershewasreading.

ItwasFridayafternoon,andourtwoweeksofpreptimewereup.Readyornot,thetrial
startedMonday.

“Olivia, you have to trust me on this. The kid is our secret weapon.” She set the
newspaperdownandglaredatme.

“Whyareyousoconvincedweneedasecretweapon?Mycaseissolid…”

“Ourcase,”Icorrectedher.Shewavedherhandanddismissedtheidea.

“Whatever.Thecaseissolid.Wedon’tneedtocallJoshasawitness.”

“Let’smakeadeal.”

“Idon’tmakedealswiththedevil.”

“Iguessit’snotreallyadeal,”Isaid.“Moreofasuggestion.”

‘Ialsodon’ttakesuggestionsfromthedevil.”

“I’m pretty sure you thought I was a god last night,” I smirked. She half-snorted, half-
laughedandshookherhead.

“Areyougoingtotellmeyoursuggestionordealorwhateveritis,soIcantellyouno
andwecanmoveonalready?”

“Let’sjusttabletheideaofusingJoshasawitness.Let’sseehowtheprosecution’scase
playsout,andthenwecandecide.”

“Fine.Iwon’ttellyounorightnow.Butyoushouldknowmyanswerwillprobablystill
bethesameoncetheprosecutionrests.”

“Thatgivesmeatleasttwoweekstobreakyoudown,maybelongerdependingonhow
manymorewitnessesJasonDrewaddsbeforeMonday.”

“You can count on at least five. That is Drew’s favorite thing to do. Add as many last-
minute witnesses as he can. It’s like he thinks if he doesn’t give me the full witness list
untilMondaymorningIwon’tbeprepared.”

“It’snotaterriblestrategy.”

“Ifyouropponentisashittyattorneymaybe.IcanguaranteeI’vegoteverysingleperson
headdsonmylistofpotentialwitnessesalready.”

“NoteveryonecanbeasgoodasOliviaRoberts,”Isaidsarcastically.

“Don’tforgetiteither,Mr.Beck,”shedrawled.She’dmadeitahabittoleanheavilyon
herSouthernaccentwhenevershecalledmeMr.Beck.Ifounditbothannoyingandsexy.

“TellmemoreaboutDrew.”

“Whatabouthim?”sheasked.

“Youseemtoknowhimprettywell,”Isaid.“Ialwaysliketoknowmyopponent.”The
truthwas,Iwasjustcuriousabouttheirhistory.Theremarksshe’dmadeabouthimmade
it clear they knew each other well, beyond the typical prosecutor/defense attorney
relationship.

“Wesatbyeachotherinourveryfirstclassinlawschool.Bothofuswerenervousand
felt out of place…” she paused. “He spilled his coffee on my notes, and we’ve been
friends ever since.” She finished in a hurry, obviously leaving out some of the details.
“Drew’sdadhadpushedhimintothefamilybusiness,andhewasstillpissedaboutit.He
wanted to play baseball, and from what I heard, he was pretty damn good until his dad
railroadedhimintolawschool.”

“How does a kid who doesn’t want to be there get into and successfully complete law
school?”Iasked.Lawschoolwasnotforthefaintofheart.

“Drewissmartanditonlytookhimafewweeksbeforehedecidedheactuallydidlikeit.”

“Whydidyoufeeloutofplace?”Iasked,bringingtheconversationbacktoOlivia.

“Lawschoolwasn’tmyfirstcareerchoice.Ihadwantedtobeapainter,likeItoldyou.I
wasn’tsureifbeingalawyerwasrightforme,”shesaidinatone,likeshe’drehearsedita
milliontimes.Whatwasn’tshetellingme?Icouldtellshewasshuttingdown,soIsteered
theconversationbacktomorecomfortableterritory.

“Itseemstosuityounow,”Isaid.

“Iwastwenty-threeandstupid.I’vegrownupandlearnedalotsincethen.”

“WereyouandDreweveracouple?”Iwasn’tsurewhyIcared,butIdid.

“Nope,justfriends.Foralongtime,Iwould’veconsideredhimmybestfriend.”Icouldn’t
explain, but for some reason, I felt a twinge of jealousy. Drew obviously knew Olivia
better than I did, knew about her past, probably about her childhood, all the things I
wantedtoknow.

“Whathappened?Didyoubothgetreallydrunk,sleeptogether,andruinit?”Sheblushed,
andIknewmyquestionhadhitanerve.

“Notexactly.WegrewapartwhenhetooktheDAjobandIstartedatHughandRoscow.
Itwashardtoworkagainsteachothersooftenandstillbeclose.Neitherofushadanylife
outsideofourjobsandwehadnothingtotalkaboutbutwork,andwecouldn’tshareany
details.”

“Soyoudidn’tsleepwithhim?”

“Whydoyoucaresomuch?”sheasked.

“Ijustliketohaveallthefacts.”

“Areyoujealous,Jameson?”

“Jealousofwhat?Thathegottosleepwithtwenty-seven-year-oldyou?IguaranteewhatI
getisbetter.You’reasexy,confidentwoman,whoisn’tafraidtogoafterwhatyouwant,
andIfuckingloveit.”

“You’reapig.”

“Howdoesthatmakemeapig?”Iasked,thenletitdrop.Ididn’twantasideargumentto
distract us from the real conversation here. “You still didn’t answer the question. And
beforeyouask,no,I’mnotgoingtodropit.”

“Fine.Wedidsleeptogether.Once.Afterourveryfirstcaseagainsteachother.Itwasa
mistake,webothknewit,anditneverhappenedagain.”

EventhoughIhadguessedit,Ididn’tlikethisnewinformation.Ididn’tlikethethought
ofDrewandOliviatogether,evenifithadonlybeenonce.Itriedtopinpointthesourceof
mydislikebutcouldn’tputmyfingeronit.WhydidIgiveashitwhattheydidyearsago?

“Areyoudonewiththequestionsnow?”Oliviaasked.“Canwegetbacktowork?”

I pushed my unexpected feelings of jealousy aside; there was no room for them in our
relationship. We had to get through this trial as a team and convince the jury that Josh
Delaneywasinnocent.Thentherewasthepartnership.Therewasnoteamwhenitcameto
that.Itwaseitherherorme.Oneofuswouldwinandoneofuswouldlose.Emotionsand
feelingsandjealousydidn’tfitintothatequation.

NINETEEN

“I

Olivia

wasgoingtounfriendyouifyoucanceledagain,”Katesaid,asIslidintothebooth

acrossfromher.

“Well,nowyoudon’thaveto!I’mhere,andsorryforbeinglate.”

“I know, I know, work ran late,” Kate said and took a drink of the cocktail that was
alreadyinfrontofher.“Italwaysdoes.”

“Whatareyoudrinking?”Iasked,eyeingherturquoisedrink.

“Idon’tknow…Iaskedforthebartenderspecial,toldtheguyIlikedvodka,andvoila!”
Sheheldupherglassandtookanothersip.

“I’llhaveoneofthose,”Isaidtothewaiter,whohadjustappearedatourtable.

“Makeittwo,”Katesaid.“Andkeepthemcoming,”shewinked.

“Areyoutryingtogetmedrunk?”

“Absolutely,” she smiled mischievously. It turns out she didn’t have to try very hard. I
didn’t know what else was in our blue mystery cocktail, but two-and-a-half drinks later
andIwasmorethanalittletipsy.

“Okay,soIneedALLthedetailsaboutthishunkyou’vebeensleepingwith,”Kateslurred
asshepoppedasweetpotatofryinhermouth.

“Oh,Jesus.”IthoughtaboutJamesonforthefirsttimesinceI’dsatdown,andinmyhalf-
drunkstatewasalmostembarrassedabouteverythingthatwashappening.“You’renever
goingtobelieveme.”

There was nothing like a little liquid courage, so I drained the rest of my drink and
launchedintomystory.

“No!”KategaspeddramaticallywhenItoldheraboutthedayI’dfoundoutwhoJameson
was.Herreactionwasclassic,andIgiggled.

“Oh,youshould’veseenme,Kate.Idon’tthinkI’veeverbeensopissedinmylife.”

“Well,thatsucks,”shesaid.“YoufinallyfindsomeonetogetyouoverGabriel,andthen
it’sruinedbecauseyoufindoutyouworkwithhim.”Ittookmeaminutetounderstand
whatshewassaying,andthenIblushed.

“Oh…I’mstillsleepingwithhim,”Isaidsheepishly.

“Youwhat?”shescreeched,earningusglaresfromthetablesaroundus.Sheleanedover
thetableandwhispered,“Youmeantotellme,Ms.OliviaRoberts,thatyouarefucking
theguyyouareworkingonthatmurdercasewith?”

“Thatiscorrect.”

“Youlittleslut!”shewhispered-yelled.

“That’snoteventhewholestory.”

“Thereismore?Whatelsecouldtherepossiblybe?”

“Wekinda-maybehadsexonmydesk,”Isaid.

“Maybe?”

“Okayyeah,wedefinitelydid,anditwasaaa-mazing!”Webothburstoutlaughing.

“Okay, let’s get serious for a minute,” Kate said, the look of concentration on her face
bringingonanewroundofgiggles.“No,I’mserious!Ihaveaseriousquestion!”

“I’mready,”IsaidwhenIfinallystoppedlaughing.

“Ishetheone?”

“Theonewhat?”Iasked,sippingmyfourthdrink.

“Olivia…”Sherolledhereyes.“Theone!”

“OhGod,”Isnorted.“YoustillthinkI’mgoingtogetmarriedoneday?That’scute.No,
he’snottheone.Idon’tneedtheone.”

Buthonestly,I’dalreadyfoundmyone.Ihadbeenmadlyinlovewithmysoulmatewhen
I was just seventeen years old. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I shut the unwelcome
thoughtsofJakeoutofmymindwithanothergulpofalcohol.Katenoticedtheshiftinmy
moodandcoveredmyhandwithhers.

“Olivia,” she said softly. “It’s okay to move on. It’s okay to be happy again. That’s
what—”

“Let’snottalkaboutthat,”Iinterrupted.Iknewwhatshewasgoingtosay.Shehadsaid
thesamethingamilliontimes.Jakewouldwantmetobehappy,blah,blah,blah.“Idon’t
wanttoruinourgoodtime.”

“Besides,” I continued, “what about you? If you’re so worried about the one, when are
yougoingtosettledownwithoneofthegazillionguysyoudate?”

“WhenIfindtheone!Obviously!”Katesaid.

“Iwishyouluckinyoursearch,butno,Jamesonisnotmyknightinshiningarmor.”Kate
shookherheadandmumbledsomethingaboutdyingaloneunderherbreathasshegotup
and went to the bathroom. I pulled my phone out of my purse and checked my text
messages.

“Speakofthedevil,”IsaidtomyselfwhenIsawIhadamessagefromJameson.

Jameson:Whatareyoudoing?

Me:Talkingaboutyou.

Iwouldn’tnormallyadmitIwasthinkingabouthim,muchlesstalkingabouthim,butthe
alcoholwasmakingthedecisionsnow.

Jameson:Ohreally?Whataboutme?

Me:Onlygoodthings.Likeyouramazingcock.

Jameson:Areyoudrunk?

Me:Notatall;)

Jameson:DrunkOlivia,nowthatisasightI’dliketosee.

Me:Why?

Jameson:Youcan’tbeperfectandincontrol,anddrunkatthesametime.

Me:YouthinkI’mperfect?

Jameson:See,youjustmademypoint.Youdidn’teventrytoarguewithme.You
alwaysarguewithme.

“Whoareyoutexting?”Kateasked.Ijumpedatthesoundofhervoice.

“Jameson,”Iadmitted.Shesnatchedmyphoneoutofmyhand.

“Idon’tthinkso…thisisgirl’snight.”Shetuckedmyphoneinherpurseandgrabbedmy
hand.“Comeon,we’regoingtodance!”

Iletherdragmeoutonthedancefloor,wherewespentthenextthreehoursdancingwith
guyswedidn’tknowanddrinkingmoredeliciousbluecocktails.

It was after three AM when I finally stumbled into my apartment. I didn’t even bother
takingoffmydressbeforeIcollapsedonthebedandpassedout.

TWENTY

Jameson

Olivia:YouthinkI’mperfect?

stared at the text message, like I had been doing since she sent it an hour ago. Of
course,thatwaswhatshehadchosentotakefrommymessage.

Icouldonlyhopeshe’dforgetallaboutthemessagesbythetimeshewassobertomorrow.
Ialsohadtohopeshedidn’tgobackandreadthem.

“Whatthefuckiswrongwithyou,Jameson?”Imutteredtomyselfandranmyhandsover
my face. I had to get my shit under control. Everything I’d worked toward for the past
twentyyearswasontheline,aman’slifewasontheline,myentirecareerwasontheline,
andhereIwasactinglikesomelovesicktwenty-year-old.

IlikedOlivia,therewasnodenyingthat,evenasmuchasshemademecrazysometimes.
Herstubborn,cocky,take-no-bullshitattitudehadgrownonmeoverthepastfewweeks.I
guessedspendingtwelve-plushoursadaywithsomeonewouldeithermakeyoulikethem
or hate them. And I liked spending time with her, especially when we weren’t talking
aboutworkortheDelaneycase.

Even though it was 11:30, I put on workout gear and went down to the gym. I’d never
sleepifIdidn’tburnoffsomeofthisfrustration.IhadhopedOliviawouldcomeoverand
helpmewiththat,butnowIwasn’tonlysexuallyfrustrated,butIwasgenerallypissedoff
atmyself,too.

Whynow,afteryearsofbeingalone,didIhavetofindsomeonewhomademefeelthings
Ihadn’tfeltinalongtime?AndsomeoneIshouldn’thave,couldn’thave?Ididn’tlove
Olivia, yet, but it wouldn’t be hard to make the leap from where I was now to a place
wherelovewasintheequation.Andtheneverythingwouldbeacompleteclusterfuck,if
itwasn’talready.

I turned my music up and let it drown out thoughts of Olivia and love and ridiculous
thingsIcouldn’thave.WhenIfinishedliftingweights,Iranonthetreadmilluntilmylegs
couldn’t keep up anymore. I showered quickly and fell into bed, sheer exhaustion not
leavingroomforanythingbutsleep.

LIVIA

WAS

ALREADY

at the courthouse when I arrived Monday morning. She was all

business in her skirt suit with a blood red blouse underneath, her hair pulled back in a
sophisticatedbun.Shewassippingcoffeeandflippingthroughayellownotebookinthe
roomdesignatedforthedefenseteam,andlater,ourwitnesses.

“Good morning,” I said, entering the room and setting my briefcase down on the table.
She looked up and smiled. “You’re here bright and early this morning.” I hadn’t really
expected anyone else to be here yet, since opening arguments weren’t scheduled to start
foralmosttwohours.

“Iliketogethereearlyontrialdays,watchaseveryoneelsearrives,”shesaid,takingasip
of her coffee. “I feel like it gives me an edge.” She went back to looking through her
notebook,everyfewsecondsscribblingmorenotesinthemargin.

“Iseeyou’verecoveredfromyournightout.”

“It’snoteasybeingperfect,butsomeone’sgottodoit,”shesigheddramatically.Wasthat
areference to mytext message? Orwas she just beingOlivia? It washard to tell. “Will
you sit down and relax? I can feel you stressing about something and it’s throwing my
energyoff.”

“Yourenergy?”Iraisedmyeyebrow.“Areyouoneofthosepeoplewhobelievesinauras
andpsychicsandshit?”

“Psychics,no,I’mnotcrazy.Butdon’tfuckwithmyenergy,Jameson.”Sheputdownher
penandlookedatmesharply.“Youattractwhatyouputoutintheworld,soifyouareall
stressed and worried and uptight, that’s what you are going to attract. I don’t need that
rightnow,andneitherdoesJosh.”

“That sounds ridiculous.” She pushed her chair back and stood, closing the few steps
betweenusuntilshewasrightinfrontofme.Icouldsmellherperfume,anditmademy
pulsequicken.Ikeptmyeyesonherface,fightingthenaturalurgetoskimdownherbody
andadmirehercurves.

“Look,Ihavebeenmorethanaccommodatingwithbringingyouontothiscase,butifyou
aregoingtomesswithmypre-trialritual,thenyouhavetoleave.ThereisareasonIget
herebeforeeveryoneelse,soeithersitdownandshutuporcomebackinanhour.”

“WhatifIdon’twanttodoeitheroneofthosethings?”Ichallenged.Thiswasturninginto
a disaster already, and the trial hadn’t even started. I was turned on just standing here
arguingwithher.

“Idon’treallygiveashit.I’mtheleadattorneyonthiscase,whichmeansI’mincharge.”
Shesmirkedlikeshelovedtheideaofbeingabletotellmewhattodo.

“Leadattorney?Idon’tthinkso.Ihaveyearsmoreexperiencethanyou.”

“Ihaveseniorityatthefirmandonthiscase.”Sheputherhandsonherhips—shewasn’t
backingdownonthis—andIhadmyownpre-trialpreptogetto.

“Youcanbeleadattorneytoday,butthisconversationisn’tover,”Iconceded.

“Oooh, thanks for letting me be in charge for the day, Daddy,” she mocked. I half-
expectedhertosay,“You’renotthebossofme,”butshejustglaredatmeandturnedback

toherwork,ploppingdowninherchairandpullingthepenoutofherbun.Ileanedover
her,puttingmyhandsoneithersideofherchair.

“IcanthinkofseveraltimesandplacesI’dlikeyoutocallmeDaddy,butthisisn’toneof
them,”Iwhisperedinherear.Iheardherintakeofbreathandsmiledtomyself.“Wehave
atrialtogetthroughandIcan’tdoitwitharaginghard-on.”

“That sounds like a personal problem to me, Mr. Beck,” she drawled. I spun her chair
aroundsoshewasfacingme.HereyeswandereddownthefrontofmypantstoseeifI
waslying.Iwasn’t.Shesmirked,butdidn’tsayanything.

“Canwejustagreetoplayniceforthenextfewweeks?”Iasked.

“Iwasplayingnice,”shesnapped.“It’snotmyfaultyoucan’tkeepitinyourpants.”

“Actuallyitisyourfault.”

“I don’t know what you want me to do about it,” she said, crossing her arms over her
chest. “I can’t dress any more conservatively than this, not that I’m responsible for
dressing in a way that makes you comfortable, but that’s an entirely different argument.
But if me arguing turns you on, then you should probably tell Jack and Dan you can’t
workthiscase.”

“Notachanceinhell.”Istoodupandtookafewstepsaway.Ihadtoputsomedistance
betweenus,beforeIkissedher,beforeIshutthedoorandfuckedherrighthere.

“Ifyouthinkyou’regoingtogetmetobackoffonthiscase,youarewrong.I’veworked
toohardandtoolongonthistoturnthereinsovertoyounow,”shesaid.“Untilthiscase
isoveratleast,wearestillequalshere.Youdon’tgettobeincontroljustbecauseyou’rea
man.”

Ifshekepttalking,Iwasgoingtofindawaytoshutherup.Ihadtogetoutofthistiny
roomandawayfromOliviaRoberts.

“Fine,we’lltryityourway,”Isaid,spinningonmyheelandturningtowardthedoor.“I’ll
seeyouinthecourtroom.”

TWENTY-ONE

Olivia

od,thatmanwasinfuriating.Now,insteadoffocusingonthetrial,Iwasallriledup
andflustered.Iblewoutabreathandtriedtocalmmynerves.

Ihadjustsatbackdownandstartedgoingovermynotesformyopeningargumentsagain
whenDrewpoppedhisheadintheroom.

“Damn,IthoughtmaybeIwasearlyenoughtobeatyouherethistime,”hesaid.

“Please, I’ve been here for an hour already,” I said. Drew looked good in his black
pinstripesuitandbluetie,hiswavydarkblondehairpushedbackfromhisface.

“Why? There is absolutely no reason to be here two and half hours before court even
convenes.”Mycellphonebuzzedonthetable—itwasJameson.Isilenceditandturned
backtoDrew.

“Maybeifyouspentlesstimequestioningmypracticesandmoretimeonyourown,you
wouldactuallywinacaseagainstme,”Isaid.

“Please,I’vewonplentyofcasesagainstyou.”

“Shallwecountthem?”Iteased.

“There is no need for…” Just then, Jameson rounded the corner, nearly crashing into
Drew,whowasstillstandinginthedoorway.

“Excuseme,”Jamesonsaidbeforehepushedhiswayintheroom.“Olivia,Iranintothe
bailiffonmywayout.Josh’stransfervanwaslategettingtherethismorning,sothey’ve
justbarelyleft.”

“Whydidn’tsomeonecallme?”

“IranintotheguyandtoldhimI’dgiveyouthemessage,”Jamesonsaid.“Savetheextra
phonecall.”

“Are you James Beck?” Drew asked from behind Jameson. Jameson turned around and
lookedatDrew.

“Yes,andyouare?”Jamesonasked.

“James,” I said, the name sounding unfamiliar on my tongue. “This is District Attorney,
JasonDrew.Drew,thisisJamesBeck,mynewco-counselonthecase.”Jamesonlooked
DrewupanddownbeforehestuckouthishandandshookDrew’s.

“Nicetomeetyou,Mr.Beck,”Drewsaid.“YouworkatHughandRoscownow?”Drew
shot me a look that clearly said: “Whydidn’tyoutellme?”Ishrugged.WhatIhadtold
Jamesonwastrue…DrewandIweren’tnearlyascloseaswewerebefore.Ihadn’ttalked
tohiminweeks.

“Yeah,I’vebeenherejustafewweeks,tryingtogetuptospeedonthiscase.”Therewas
a weird tension in the room, something I couldn’t quite put my finger on. Drew and
Jamesonlookedateachother,sizingeachotherup,liketwoanimalsabouttofight.

“Well,itlookslikeyou’vegotafewmorehours,”Drewsaid.“Ibettergolettherestof
myteamknow.Itwasnicetomeetyou,James.”

“Youtoo,”Jamesonsaid.

“Seeyouincourt,Drew,”Icalled,ashelefttheroom.

“Whatwashedoinghere?”Jamesonasked,turningbacktofaceme.

“Youcanjustgonow,”Isaid.Iwasn’tdealingwithhisbullshitanymorethismorning,and
Idefinitelywasn’tdealingwithwhateverthisweirdangeraboutDrewwas.“Gobackto
doingwhateveritwasyouweregoingtodoandletmebe.”Hedidn’tmove.

“Thanks for the message,” I said, making it clear I didn’t want him here. “I’ll text you
whenJosharrives,which’llgiveyouatleastanother30minutestogetback.”

“What if I don’t want to leave?” he asked, his voice deadly. Jesus, the trial hadn’t even
startedyetandwewerealreadyateachother’sthroats.Idon’tknowwhyIeverthought
thiswasgoingtowork.

“Stayifyouwant,butI’dliketofinishgoingovermynotesforopeningarguments.”

“Don’tyouthinkweshoulddothattogether?”

“No, Jameson, I don’t. I’m presenting opening arguments, not you. I’ve been preparing
theseforweeks,soIdon’tneedyoufuckingwiththemnow.”Frustrationandangerlaced
mywords.Mycareer,andthetrajectoryIwantedittotake,wasatstakehere.Thiswasa
disasterwaitingtohappen,butIhadtotryandmakeitwork.Itookadeepbreathandtried
tocalmthenervesJamesonhadstandingonend.

“You might think it is ridiculous, but this is my pre-trial ritual, and I’d like to finish it
beforethetrialactuallystarts.”Helookedatmeforalongtime,hisdeepblueeyesboring
intomelikelasers,asifhelookedhardenoughhe’dbeabletoreadmymind.Thenext
wordsoutofhismouthwerelikeice.

“Thisismytrialtoo,Ms.Roberts,”hespat.“Icaneitherbeonyoursideoragainstyou,
andtrustme,youwantmeonyourside.”Hetooktwostepscloser,andlookeddownat
me.Hisvoiceloweredtojustaboveawhisper.“Youmightthinkyou’reinvincible,butI
couldmakeyoulooklikeafirst-yearlawstudentinthere,ruineveryounceofcredibility
you’vebuiltovertheyears,anddoitwithoutbreakingasweat.”Myeyesnarrowed,andI
wonderedifhewouldactuallydoit,actuallyturnagainstmeinthecourtroom.

“Iwon’thesitatetomakeafooloutofyou,ifIthinkyou’releadingthistrialinthewrong
direction,” he said, as if he read my mind. “Your career isn’t the only one on the line
here.”

Heturnedonhisheelandwalkedout,pausingatthedoorway.

“I’llbebackinanhour,andIexpectafullbriefingofyouropeningarguments.Callmeif
Mr.DelaneyarrivesbeforeIreturn.”

Thenhewasgone.Istoodstaringatthedoorway,wonderinghowmuchofwhathesaid
wastrue.Couldhereallymakeafooloutofme?AsmuchasIfoughthim,therewasno
denying he had more experience, more time in the courtroom, more knowledge, simply
becausehe’dbeenworkinglonger.Butthatdidn’tmeanhewastheteacherandIwasthe
studenthere.

Isatbackdownwithmynotes,determinedtomakethemthebestopeningargumentsI’d
ever given, determined to prove to Jameson I was more than just a pretty face, to show
himIcouldbehisequal.

TWENTY-TWO

Jameson

hadn’tmeanttolosemycool,butdamnit,IwastiredofOliviatreatingmelikeIwas
anintern,especiallywhenI’dbeenalawyersincewellbeforeshehadevenstartedlaw

school. I shouldn’t have threatened her, but I needed her to know I was done fucking
around.

Istormedoutofthecourthouseandpushedmywaythroughthecrowdofreportersthat
hadgatheredforthestartofthetrial.IwalkeduptheblockuntilInolongerfeltlikeIwas
goingtoexplode,thenIslowedmypaceandtookseveraldeepbreaths.

I pulled out my phone and tried to call Reggie. It rang and went to voicemail before I
remembereditwasonlyfiveinSeattle.Ipacedbackandforthforafewminutes,thinking
tomyselfwhatReggiewouldsay.“You’regettingsoft,Beck!”“Quitbeingsuchapussy.”
“Don’t let a woman get under your skin like that!” Reggie was a male chauvinistic pig
and said things just to get me riled up, but that was what I needed right now. I needed
someonetogetmeriledup,totalksomesenseintome,tomakemerememberwhyIwas
here.

IgavemyselfthepeptalkReggiewould’vegivenme,andthenIwalkedbackdowntothe
courthouse,readytogettowork.

AMN

,Oliviawasgood.Isatatthedefensetable,nexttoJoshDelaney,andlistened,

nearly in awe, to her opening arguments. We had gone over her notes when I got back
frommylittletantrum,butthefewpagesofscribblednoteswerenothingcomparedtothe
compellingspeechshewasgivingthejuryrightnow.

“Theprosecutionisgoingtoweaveanelaboratestoryforyou.Astorywithveryfewfacts
andbasedontheopinionsofpeoplewhodislikeMr.Delaneybecausehe’swealthy.Their
storywillbeconvincing,sodetailedandthoroughyoumightactuallycometobelievethat
Mr.Delaneydidinfactrapeandkillhispregnantgirlfriend,”Oliviasaid.IfeltJoshstiffen
in the seat beside me and patted him on the shoulder as a reassurance that Olivia knew
whatshewasdoing.

“ButIurgetorememberthattheprosecution’sstoryisjustthat,astory.Listencarefullyto
therealevidencepresented,andbaseyourdecisiononthefacts.Andasyou’lllearnover
thenextfewweeks,thefactsdonotproveanythingwhenitcomestomyclient’sguiltor
innocence. There is certainly enough evidence, or lack thereof, for you to jump to the

conclusionthatMr.Delaneycouldbeguilty,butthestandardsofthelawrequirethatyou
findhimguiltybeyondareasonabledoubt,andtheresimplyisn’ttheevidencetosupport
thatconclusion.

“As the prosecution presents their case, you will notice there is no murder weapon, no
witnessesordirectevidencetoputMr.Delaneyatthesceneofthecrime,nocompelling
motive, nothing that paints him as a cold-blooded murderer.” Olivia took a breath and
glancedoveratthetable,oureyesmeetingforabriefsecondbeforesheturnedbacktothe
jury.

Jesus,ifIthoughtshewassexybefore,nothingcouldcomparewiththewayshelooked
right now, fully in her element. Her confidence and calm demeanor demanded the full
attention of the jury, and everyone else in the room. Even dressed conservatively, she
screamedsexappeal,herpoutylipsfilledwithapalepinklipstick,acolorthatreminded
me of her wet pink pussy and the way it looked when she was spread before me on her
desk.IshifteduncomfortablyinmychairandtriedtofocusonwhatOliviawassaying.

“WhatyouwillhearisanabundanceofevidencethatJoshDelaneylovedCecilia,thathe
hadplanstomakeherhiswife,thathewasgenerousandcaringinallaspectsofhislife,
thathisworldhasbeenshakenandhislifeturnedupsidedownbythesenselessmurderof
hisfuturefamily.Iurgeyoutoconsiderthosepoints,alongwiththerestoftheevidence,
asyoulistentothetestimonyinthecomingweeks.Thankyoufortimeandserviceasjury
members.”

Olivia wrapped up her speech and sat down at the table, on the other side of Josh. She
didn’tlookatme,didn’tseekanysortofapprovaloracceptancefromme.Shewhispered
somethinginJosh’sear,andhesmiled.

“Council, please approach,” Judge Davidson called from the bench. Olivia and I both
stood and made our way to the bench, along with Drew and his partner, whose name I
didn’tknow.“Mr.Drew,howlongisyourfirstwitnessgoingtotake?”Davidsonasked.

“Atleastanhourortwo,”Drewsaid.

“Seeingasit’salreadyafterthree,Irecommendwerecessfortherestofthedayandgeta
freshstartontimetomorrowmorning.Doanyofyouhaveanyobjectionstothat?”

“Tomorrowisgreat,”Drewsaid.Oliviaopenedhermouthlikeshewasgoingtoargue,but
Ispokebeforeshecould.

“No objections to starting tomorrow morning, Your Honor,” I said. He looked at Olivia
andwaitedforherresponse.

“Thatisfine,YourHonor,”sheconceded.Sheglaredatmeasweturnedandwalkedback
tothetable.

“CourtwillbeinrecessuntiltomorrowatnineAM,”JudgeDavidsonsaidbeforehegave
the jury instructions to not watch or read any news or speak to anyone about the trial.
OliviaspokequietlytoJoshwhilethecourtroomcleared.

“TheyaregoingtokeepyouhereinthecityattheLincolnCorrectionalFacilityforthe
restoftrial,toavoidthedelaysandtravelcostsofmovingyoutoandfromGreenHaven
everyday,”shesaid.“It’sonly15minutesfromthecourthouse.”

“It’snotsafeformethere!”Joshprotested.

“Youwillbeinaprivatecell,awayfromallotherprisoners,”Iinterjected.“You’llmostly
justbesleepingthereanyway.You’llbeheremostoftheday.”

“You’llalsohaveaguardondutyatyourcelltheentiretimeyouarethere,”Oliviasaid.
“Trustus,itwillbebetterforeveryonetohaveyoucloserduringthetrial.”

WewalkedJoshbacktotheholdingcell,wherehewouldwaituntilhistransportarrived
inafewminutes,beforeleavingthecourtroom,whereacrowdofreporterswaited.

“Ms.Roberts,howisJoshfeeling?”onereportershoutedout.

“TherehavebeenrumorsofasuicideattemptbyJosh…canyouspeaktothoserumors?
Howdoesthatimpactyourcase?”anothercalledout.

“Wehavenocommentaboutthecaseatthistime,andasfortherumors,youcanreference
the Delaney family statement made on August 14 about that matter,” I said, putting my
handonOlivia’sbackandguidingherthroughthecrowd.

“Whoareyou?”ashort,red-headedreporteraskedfrommyleft.

“JamesBeck,co-counselonthecase.”

“Ms.Roberts,anycomments?”thered-headpressed.

“Tellthemyouhavenocommentandkeepwalking,”Ihissedinherear.Ifeltherbody
tenseundermyhand.

“As Mr. Beck said, we have no comment at this time,” Olivia said, her voice calm and
cool,showingnosignsoftheangerIknewwasbubblingupunderthesurface.

We made our way through the reporters and back into the room that would serve as our
homebaseandofficeforthenextseveralweeks.Ipushedtheheavydoorshutbehindus
andclickedthelockintoplace,thenoisefromthehallwayquicklycut-offbythesound-
proofdoor.

“What the hell was that?” Olivia yelled, turning around to face me. “You don’t…” I
silenced her with a kiss. My body crashing into hers, my hands roaming down her back
and over her ass, I commanded her mouth with mine. My self-control had been fighting
mealldayandfinallylost.Iletallmyangerandaggressioncomethroughinthatkiss,and
when I pulled away we were both breathing hard. We stood there looking at each other,
the sounds of our heavy breathing the only noise in the room. There had been enough
wordsforoneday.Nowitwastimetoletourbodiesdothetalking.

Olivia turned and started gathering her things, stuffing them haphazardly into her
briefcase.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Iasked.

“Therearestillreportershere,let’sgobacktotheoffice.”

“Theoffice?”Iraisedaneyebrowather.“Howaboutmyplace?”

“Myplace,yourplace,theoffice,itdoesn’tmatter.”Shefinishedpackingherthingsand
walkedtothedoorway.“Let’sjustgetthehelloutofhere.”

Itwasthefirstthingshe’dsaidalldayIagreedwith.

TWENTY-THREE

Olivia

wanted to kiss him again. I wanted to rip his clothes off in the back of the cab right
now.Whenwefucked,allthetensionandfightingbetweenuscameoutandonlymade

thingshotter,andafteradayliketoday,wehadplentyoffuelforthefire.

Inamomentofclearthinking,Ihadtoldthecabdrivertheaddressfortheoffice.Inthat
moment, I had thought I shouldn’t take him back to my apartment, I should keep my
distance,atleastuntilthetrialwasoverandoneofuswasmadepartner.ButnowIwas
regrettingthatdecision.ThelastthingIwantedtodorightnowwaskeepmydistance.

We rode the elevator to the 21

floor in silence, then walked to our respective offices

withoutawordtoeachotheroranyoneelse.Ishutthedoortomyoffice,tookoffmysuit
jacket, and paced back and forth. This was a disaster. Continuing to have a sexual
relationship with Jameson hadn’t seemed like a big deal before, but now with the trial
starting,itsuddenlyfeltdifferent.Likewewereplayingwithfire.

“Goddamnit,whydidhehavetokissme?”Imurmuredtomyself.“WhydidIlethimkiss
me?”

“Talking to yourself?” I jumped and turned around to find Bev standing just inside the
doorway.

“Bev!Youscaredtheshitoutofme,”Isaid.“Ididn’tevenhearyoucomein.”

“That’sbecauseyouweretalkingtoyourself,”shesaid.“Howwasthetrialtoday?Youare
backearlierthanIexpected.”

“Thetransferfromtheprisonwaslate,sowegotalatestartandthejudgedecidedtocall
itafteropeningarguments.”

“What’supwithyouandprettyboydownthehall?”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Sheraisedhereyebrowatme.

“Youdidn’tlookatanyone,didn’tsayanythingwhenyoucamein,juststaredatthefloor
and rushed to your office,” she said. “In the ten years you’ve worked here, you always
stoptosayhelloatthefrontdesk.”

“Nothing,it’sfine,justalongday,”Isaid.IwantedtofinishthepaperworkIneededtodo
andgethome.Ihadadatewithabottleofwineandmyvibrator.

“Mmmm-hmmm.”

“I’ve still got a lot of work to do, if you don’t mind,” I said as gently as could, even
thoughIknewBevwouldtakeitasaninsulteitherway.

“Well,alrightythen.”Sheturnedandleft,thedoorslammingbehindher.Iturnedbackto
mydeskandcontinuedpacingwhenIheardthedoorclickopenandcloseagain.

“Bev,IalreadysaidIhaveworktodo.”Iturnedaround,expectingtoseeBevstandingin
myoffice,butInearlycrashedintoJamesonashemadehiswayacrosstheroom.

“Whatareyoudoing…”Isaid,butwascut-offbyanotherkiss,thisoneevenmoreintense
than the last. He cupped my face with his hands and devoured my mouth, his tongue
pushingintomymouthanddemandingcontrol.

“Jameson,”Iwhisperedwhenhepulledaway,mybreathingragged,myheartpoundingin
mychest.

“Foronceinyourlife,justshutthefuckupanddon’tthinkaboutit,”hesaid,pullingme
in for another kiss. His hand skimmed down the front of my shirt, deft fingers quickly
undoingthebuttonsandpushingthefabricoffmyshoulders.

Hetuggedatthecupsofmybra,pullingthelacymaterialdownandrubbinghisthumbs
roughlyacrossmynipples.Ihadtobitemyliptokeepfrommoaning,whenhetookone
of m nipples in his mouth. Without warning he turned me around and bent me over my
desk.

“GodIloveyourass,”hesaid,grabbingmewithbothhandsbeforehereacheddownand
pulled up my skirt, the fabric bunching up around my waist. He removed my panties,
letting them drop around my ankles. “Spread your legs for me, Olivia. Let me see the
pussyI’vebeenthinkingaboutallday.”

Lust and desire rolled through me at his words. I spread my legs and let him see me. I
heard the click of his belt buckle and the swoosh of fabric as his pants fell to the floor.
Thenhewasrightbehindme,hishandsonmyhips,hiscockpoisedatmyentrance.

Withoutwarning,hedroveintome,andIhadtostiflemycrywithmyarm.

“Fuck,Olivia,”hegrunted,histhrustshardandfastanduncontrolled,likeamanwhohad
beenteeteringontheedgeofself-controlforseveraldays.Hereachedaroundandrolled
mynipplesbetweenhisfingers,tuggingatthemgently.Heputonehandonmyshoulder
andusedtheothertoreachbetweenmylegs,swipinghisfingersovermyclit.Imoaned
softlyatthetouch.Momentslater,mybodytensedandmyfingernailsdugintothewood
ofmydeskasmyorgasmwashedoverme,aseaofpleasureconsumingmyentirebody.
Noonehadeverbeenabletomakemecomesofastbefore.

Asmybodyspasmedaroundhim,Jamesonmovedhishandoffmyclitandtomyother
shoulder and fucked me with reckless abandon. He grunted and thrust into me one last
time as he came. My chest heaved against my desk, my legs nearly shaking as they
struggledtoholdmeup.

Jamesonsteppedbackfrommeandpulleduphispants,discardingthecondombeforehe
walkedtothewindowandlookedout.Ifinallystood,mylegsshakyinmyheels,pulled
mypantiesbackon,andstraightenedmyskirtandbra.

“Wecan’tkeepdoingthis,youknow,”IsaidasIbuttonedmyshirt.

“Ialreadythoughtaboutit,listedeveryreasonwhycontinuingthisisabadidea,”hesaid,
notturningtofaceme.“Anditis…webothknowweshouldn’t,butthereisnowayI’m
going to be able to make it through a multi-week trial watching you, working with you,
arguingwithyou,andnottouchyou.Ijustdon’thavethatmuchself-control.”

“Itmightdoyougoodtolearnsome…”

“It’sjustsex,andwearebothprofessionals,soIthinkwecanhandleit,”hesaid,turning
backtofaceme.“Unlessyou’regoingtofallinlovemeandruinit.”

“Notachanceinhell,Jameson,”Isaid.“Idon’tdolove.Especiallynotwithanarrogant
bastardlikeyourself.Frankly,I’mmoreconcernedaboutyoufallinginlovewithme.”

“Youandallyourirresistible,lady-likecharm?”Helaughedandshookhishead.

“Somemenaresecureenoughtohandleanassertivewoman,Mr.Beck.”

“Oh,Ms.Roberts,youcontinuetounderestimateme.”Hemadethatannoying,dismissive
clickingsoundwithhistongue,andIhadtofighttheurgetoslaphim.“But,no,youdon’t
havetoworryaboutmefallinginlovewithyou.”

“Good,itsoundslikewebothagree,nolove.”

“See,thiswillworkoutquitewellthen,”hesaidashestrodeovertomydoor.“Seeyou
tomorrow,Olivia.”

“Asshole,”ImumbledundermybreathasIclosedthedoorbehindhim.

REST

oftheweekwentbywithoutincident,oranymoreofficesex—oranysexfor

thatmatter.ByFriday,IwasbeginningtowonderifJamesonhadchangedhismindabout
ouragreement.Then,halfwaythroughthemedicalexaminer’stestimonyFridayafternoon,
heleanedoverandwhisperedinmyear.

“Ican’twaituntilwecangetoutofhereandIcantakeyoubacktomyplace,spreadthose
beautiful legs open on the kitchen island, and eat that sweet little pussy until you can’t
rememberyourownname.”

Iclenchedmythighstogetherunderthetableandfeltmycheeksflush,butkeptmyeyes
forwardandlistenedtothemedicalexaminerdroneonandonabouthisfindings,untilit
wasfinallytimeformetodomycrossexamination.

“Dr.Peters,yousaidyoufoundMr.Delaney’ssemeninsidethevictim,isthatcorrect?”

“Yes,”hesaid.

“And how long after having sex would you be able to find someone’s DNA inside a
woman’sbody?”

“Roughly72hours.”

“SoifMr.Delaneyhadsexwiththevictimanytimeinthe72hoursbeforeherdeath,his
DNAwouldbepresent?”

“Yes,but—”Icuthimoffandkeptgoing.

“WasthereanyotherDNAinsidethevictim?”

“No,onlyJoshDelaney’s.”

“Wouldtherebeanyevidenceifsomeonehadsexwiththevictimusingacondom?”

“Yes,mostcondomsdoleavesometracesbehind.”

“DidyoufindanyinsideCecilia?”

“No,butwehadDNAevidence.”

“So,youdidn’tlookfortracesofcondomuse?”

“WehadDNAevidence,therewasnoneed,”hesaiddefensively.

“Sotheanswerisno?”

“No,thetestslookingforcondomtraceswerenotperformed,but—”

“Thankyou,Dr.Peters.Ijusthaveafewmorequestions.Thereweresignsofrape?”

“That is correct. Bruising, abrasions … it is clear someone was very forceful with her
beforeshepassed.”

“Andhowlongbeforeshedieddoyouestimatethathappened?”

“Itisimpossibletotell.Itcould’vebeenminutes,oritcould’vebeenhours.”

“Butenoughtimethatbruisesformedbeforeherheartstoppedpumping?”

“Yes,butsomepeoplecanbruiseinamatterofminutes.”

“WerethereanyotherbruisesonCecilia’sbody?”

“Yes,onherwrists,andofcoursethestrangulationmarksaroundherneck.”

“Is it possible to tell how big the hands that left the bruises on her wrists would have
been?”

“It’snotanexactscience,butwecanestimate.”

Iwalkedbacktothedefensetableandpulledthreephotosoffit.

“In your estimation, Dr. Peters, which of these hands most closely represents the set of
handsthatbruisedCecilia?”Ilaidthethreephotosonthewitnessstandinfrontofhim.

“Thoseones,”Dr.Peterssaid,pointingtothemiddlephotograph.Ihelditupforthejury
tosee.

“DothesehandslookliketheycouldbelongtoMr.Delaney?”Iasked.

“Objection!”Drewyelledfromtheprosecutiontable.“Speculation.”

“Withdrawn…I’llrephrase,”Isaid.“Dr.Peters,howtallwouldyouestimatetheowner
ofthesehandstobe?”

“Assuming the person has somewhat normal proportions, I would say between six-foot-
twoandsix-foot-six,”hesaid.Ididn’thavetospellitoutforthejurythatJoshwasn’tthat

tall.Theysawhimstandinginthecourtroomeverymorningwhentheyentered.Joshwas,
atbest,five-eleven.

“Nothingfurther,YourHonor.”

TWENTY-FOUR

Jameson

liviahadinsistedongoinghomeandtakingashowerbeforeshecametomyplace.
Thathadbeennearlythreehoursago,andnowIwasgettingrestless.Ipacedback

and forth in my living room, like a puppy waiting for their owner to get home. It was
pathetic,butIdidn’tevencare.TherewassomethingaboutherIcouldn’tresist.

I was on my third glass of whiskey when the doorbell finally rang. I drained the warm
amberliquidbeforeIpulledopenthedoor.Oliviastoodinthedoorway,herhairhanging
pasthershouldersinblondewaves.Herlong,tannedlegsmadeitlooklikeshelivedon
thebeach,insteadoftheinthecourtroom,andlookedamazinginhershorts.Herlow-cut,
whitetanktopwasshowcasingmyfavoritefeature.

“Well,atleastIknowwhattookyousolong,”Isaid,openingthedoorfullyandmoving
asidesoshecouldcomein.“Youlookfuckingamazing.”

“Thankyou,”shesaid.“Itookmytimeonpurpose…youneedtolearnsomepatience.”

“No,whatIneedistogetyououtofthoseclothes.”

“Notsofast,Jameson,”shesaid,strollingintothekitchen,andtakingseveralitemsoutof
heroversizedpurse.

“Didyoubringyourentirekitchenwithyou?Whatelsedoyouhaveinthere?”Ipulled
herbagtowardme,butshesnatcheditoutofmyhandsandsetitonthefloorbesideher.

“I’m making us some mojitos. God knows we could both use some relaxation after this
week.”

Iwalkedaroundtheislandandstoppedbehindher,puttingmyhandsoneithersideofher
bodyandkissingherneck.

“ThereareplentyofotherwaysIcanmakeyourelax,”Iwhispered.Sheturnedaround,
grabbed my face in both hands, and kissed me. My cock responded to her touch almost
immediately, and when it brushed against her stomach, she laughed and pulled away,
movingoutfrombetweenmyarmsandacrossthekitchen,openingandclosingcupboards
asshewent.

“Butit’smuchmorefuntomakeyouwait,”sheteased.Igrowledundermybreath,and
shelaughedevenharder.“Patienceisavirtue,Jameson.”

“It’snotoneI’veeverhad,”Irespondeddryly.Sheapparentlyfoundwhatshewaslooking

for in my cupboards. I watched as she muddled mint in the shaker, and then dropped it
intothepitcherandstartedpouringinrum.“I’vealreadyhadthreedrinks.”

“Good,maybedrunkJamesonwillbemorefunandlessbossy.”Sheaddedalittlesugarto
therum/mintmixture,andthenpouredclubsodaontop.

“WhatifIdon’tlikemojitos?”

“Everyone likes mojitos,” she said, slicing up limes. “Especially mine … they are my
specialty.”

“I’mnotreallyafruitydrinkkindofperson.Besides,drinkingmojitoslikewe’rebestpals
wasn’tinmyplans.”

“Don’tbesuchabuzzkill…therewillbeplentyoftimeforsexlater,Ipromise,”shesaid,
fillingtheglasseswithice.“Besides,mojitosaren’tfruity,theyarerefreshing.”

She filled the two glasses from the pitcher, squeezed a lime into each, and carried them
bothtothecoffeetableandploppeddownonthecouch,crossingonelegovertheother
andleaningbackintheplushleather.

Isatdownnexttoherandtookadrinkofmymojito.Shewasn’tlying,itwasrefreshing
and delicious. We sat in silence for a few minutes before she started peppering me with
questionsaboutmychildhood,college,lawschool,family.Wewerehalfwaythroughour
secondglassesofmojitobeforeIstoppedher.

“Whyareyouinterrogatingme?”

“JusttryingtofigureoutwhatmakesJamesonBecktick,”shesaid,takingalongdragof
hermojito.

“Well,I’mdoneplayingtwentyquestions.”

“Onemore,”shesaid,pouting.

“Fine,onemore,andthenit’smyturn.”

“WhydidtheirresistibleJamesonBeckneversettledownandgetmarried?Youseemlike
thetrophywifetypeofguy.”

Ithoughtaboutherquestion.ThoughtaboutallthewaysIcouldspinthistomakemyself
lookgood.Ididn’tknowifitwasthealcoholorthesultrywayOliviawaslookingatme,
butIdecidedtogowiththetruth.

“IactuallyalwaysthoughtIwouldgetmarried,wantedtoeven,butIneverfoundagirl
whowaswillingtodealwithmycareer.IthoughtIhadonce.IhadboughtNataliearing
andeverything.ButIcamehomefromworkonedaytofindshehadmovedout.Inever
saw her again.” I drained the rest of my drink before I continued, “After that, I realized
therewasnopoint.Noonewantsahusbandwhoworksallthetime,andIwasn’twilling
togiveupmycareerforsomeonewhowasjustgoingtonagmeaboutwhenIwascoming
home.”

Shelaughedandnearlyspitoutsomeofherdrink.

“I was starting to actually feel bad for you there for a second,” she said, finishing her
drink.“Butthenyouhadtoruinit.”

“Whataboutyou?TherehavetobeplentyofmeninthiscitywhowanttobeMr.Olivia
Roberts.” She threw her head back and laughed again. When her eyes returned to mine,
theywerefulloffireanddesire.

“Thequestionandanswerportionoftheeveningisovernow.”Sheslidoffthecouchand
ontoherkneesontheplushrugbeneathus.

“That’snotfair.Iansweredadozenquestionsforyou.”Sheranherhandsupmythighs
andundidmybeltbuckle.

“Haven’tyoulearnedIdon’tplayfair?”Shereachedinsidemypantsandpulledmysemi-
softcockout,strokingitasshedidso.Igroanedwhensheloweredherheadandsucked
mydickintohermouth.Itgrewhardunderherwarm,softtongue.Iranahandthrough
herhairandpushedmyselfdeeperinhermouth.

“Jesus,Olivia,”Ihissed.Hermouthfeltlikewarmvelvetassheslidherpinklipsupand
downmycock.Ileanedmyheadbackonthecouchandenjoyedtheblowjob.Myhand
heldasteadypressureonthebackofOlivia’shead.Afterafewminutes,shewrappedher
handaroundthebaseofmycock,movingitinunisonwithhermouth.

“Fuck yes,” I moaned, as she sucked harder. “Oh God, I’m gonna come, Olivia.” She
didn’t even lift her head, keeping the constant up and down motion when my thighs
clenchedandIcameinhermouth.Allthetensionandstressoftheweekmeltedawayas
mymusclesrelaxedandIsankbackintothecouch.“Fuck,thatwasjustwhatIneeded,”I
whisperedasshepulledhermouthoffme.

Shestoodupandwalkedovertothewindows,lookingoutatCentralPark.Izippedmy
pants and stood, a little unsteady from the alcohol and the orgasm. I walked over and
stoodbehindOlivia,puttingmyhandsontheglassoneithersideofher.

“Iwassupposedtomakeyouforgetyourname,nottheotherwayaround,”Iwhisperedin
herear.

“Oh,I’mstillexpectingyoutofulfillthatpromise,”shesaid.

“Well,ifthat’sthecase,you’regoingtoneedtotakeyourclothesoff.”

“Aladynevertakesherownclothesoff.”

“Ms. Roberts, you are a lot of things. A damn fine attorney, a beast in the bedroom, a
blondegoddessmaybe…butaladyisnotoneofthem.”Sheturnedaroundsoshewas
facingme.Herfacejustinchesfrommine.

“Iresentthat,Mr.Beck!”shedrawledinherverybestSouthernaccent.“Mymamaraised
metobealady.”Shefeignedoffense.

“Well,yourmamafailed,”Ilaughed.Sheduckedundermyarmandstartedwalkingback
towardthelivingroom.

“I guess if I can’t be a lady, I might as well be a whore.” She pulled her shirt over her
head, then shimmied out of her shorts as she continued her trek to the bedroom. She
glancedatmeoverhershoulderandshotmeasmolderinglookbeforesheunclaspedher
braandletitfalltothefloor.“Itookoffmyclothes,sonowit’syourturntofulfillyour
endofthebargain,”shesaid,hookingherthumbsinthesidesofherthongandpullingit

down.

“Oh,don’tworry,babe,I’mgoingtomakeyouforgetalotmorethanyourname,”Isaid,
followingherintothebedroomandshuttingthedoor.

TWENTY-FIVE

Olivia

he prosecution continued down their never-ending list of witnesses first thing
Mondaymorning.Jamesoncross-examinedCecilia’scleaninglady,theonewhohad

foundherdeadinherapartment.DrewcalledCecilia’sbestfriend,VivianRamirez,next.
ThegirlcriedasshetoldthejuryhowshethoughtCeciliahadbeenafraidofJosh,how
Ceciliawoulddoanythingtopleasehim,howshehadalwayshatedJosh.

“Vivian, did Cecilia tell you she was pregnant?” I asked when it was my turn to cross-
examine.

“Ofcourseshetoldme,”shesaiddefensively.“Wewerebestfriends.”

“Didshetellyouthefatherwasn’tJosh?”Shewasquietforaminutebeforesheshookher
headyes.

“Pleaseanswerthequestion,sothejurycanhear,”JudgeDavidsondirected.

“Yes,”shesaid,barelyaboveawhisper.“Shetoldme.”

“Didshetellyouhowithappened?”

“Nooffense,ma’am,butIthinkweallknowhowbabiesaremade,”Viviansmirked.

“Iagree,Ms.Ramirez,butI’mnotaskingforasciencelessonfromyou,”Isaid,tryingmy
besttokeepthecondescensionoutofmyvoice.“WhatImeantwas,didyouknowCecilia
wascheatingonJosh?”

“Objection!”Jamesonshoutedfromourtable.Iwhippedaroundandlookedathim.

“Mr. Beck, you can’t object to your own partner’s line of questioning,” Judge Davidson
said.

“Ofcourse,”Jamesonrecoveredsmoothly.“MayIhaveamomentwithher,then?”

“Make it quick,” Davidson said. I glared at Jameson. What was he getting at here? I
walkedbacktothetableandstoppedinfrontofhim.

“Whatdoyoumeanobjection?”Iwhisperedvehemently.

“You don’t want to make Cecilia look like the bad one here,” Jameson whispered back
calmly.“Theyneedtolooklikeastrong,lovingcouple.”

“Shewasbangingthemaintenanceguyinherbuilding!”

“Yes,Iknow,butthejurycouldconstruethatasamotiveformurder.”

Joshlookedupatusfromhisseatatthetable,hiseyesbouncingbackandforthbetween
us.

“Itisamotiveformurder,”Isaid.“I’mtryingtoshowthatJoshknewnothingaboutit.”

“You’renotaskingherthat,”Jamesonsaid,matter-of-factly.

“This is not your witness.” I barely registered the judge clearing his throat somewhere
behind me, but Jameson and I ignored him, our voices steadily rising as we continued
arguing.

“I’mtakingovercross-examinationfromhere.”

“Likehellyouare.”

“I’mnotasking,Olivia,I’mtellingyou.”

“Idon’tknowhowmanytimeswehavetogooverthis,butyouarenotmyboss,thisis
notyourcase.Wearedoingthistogether,andthisismywitness.”

“I’m not letting you fucking ruin this case.” Whispers were now coming from the
audience.Thejudgepoundedhisgavelonthebench.

“That’s enough. Order! Order!” he yelled, until the room had quieted down. “You two,
approachthebench,”hesaid.IcaughtDrew’seyeforjustamomentbeforeturningtothe
bench.Withhiseyebrowraised,hewaslookingatmelikehecouldn’tbelievewhathehad
justseen.

“Have you two lost your minds? Have you forgotten this is my courtroom and certain
behaviorisexpectedifyou’dliketokeeppracticinglawhere?”

“No,YourHonor,Iapologize,”Isaid,embarrassmentwashingoverme.

“Ms.Roberts,you’vebeeninmycourtroombefore,soyouknowIexpectbetterofyou,”
JudgeDavidsonsaid.“Mr.Beck,Idon’tknowwhatgoesoninCaliforniacourtrooms,but
youshouldknowIwillnottolerateanotheroutburstlikethat.”

“Ofcourse,YourHonor,”Jamesonnodded.

“Ifthereiseventheslightestsignofimproprietyfromeitherofyougoingforward,Iwill
nothesitatetobanyoubothfrommycourtroom.”Hebangedhisgavelonthebenchagain.
“We’lltakeafifteen-minuterecess,andwe’llreconveneatelevenAM.Courtisinrecess.”

“Allriseforthejudgeandjury,”thebailiffcalled.

WhenIturnedmybacktothejudge,IsawDanstandingatthebackofthecourtroom.My
stomachdropped.Itwould’vebeenbadenoughforJackandDantohearaboutthis,butto
witnessit?

Hisfacewasredandfullofanger,hiseyesconnectingwithmineforabriefglarebefore
heturnedtoJameson.Heshookhisheadandstormedoutofthecourtroom.We’dbelucky
ifwebothstillhadjobsbylunchtime.

“O

LIVIA

AMESON

OFFICE

!”Danbarkedassoonasweenteredthelobby.He

hadclearlybeenwaitingalldayforus.Dan’sofficewasamess,papersscatteredacross
thedesk,hissuitjacketthrownhaphazardlyoveroneofthechairs,pilesoffilesstacked
onthecouch.

Hehadhistieloosenedandlookedlikehehadbeenrunninghishandsthroughhishair.

“Wouldoneofyoumindtellingmewhatthehellthatwas?”hespatassoonasJameson
closedthedoor.“Istopbythecourthouseforthemorning,expectingtoseemagicbeing
created by two of the best defense attorneys in the business, and instead, I find you
makingfoolsoutofyourselves,yourclient,andthisfirm!”

Jameson and I exchanged glances. Neither of us were going to own up to being in the
wrong,eventhoughwebothwere.

“Oh,nowyouhavenothingtosay?”Danyelled.“It’sfine,Idon’tgiveashit,asfarasI’m
concerned,youarebothonemistakeawayfrombeingpulledoffthiscase.Themediais
alreadyhavingafielddaywiththis.We’llbeluckyiftheDelaneysdon’tfireus.”

Isteppedforwardandopenedmymouth.

“Save it, Olivia,” Dan said. “I know you know this case better than anyone else, but I
don’t give a damn. If you can’t represent yourself and this firm with respect, you don’t
deservetobeonthiscase.AndIdon’tgiveashitifyou’restillpissedaboutJamesbeing
putonthecasewithyou.Getoverit,it’sdone,you’renottheonlygoodattorneyhere,and
if you stopped trying to prove him wrong at every turn, you might actually learn
somethingfromhim.GetoffyourhighhorsealreadyandstartactingliketheattorneyI’ve
groomedyoutobe.”

I saw Jameson smirk out of the corner of my eye, but I didn’t move, didn’t dare say
anything.

“Youthinkthisisfunny,James?”DanroundedonJameson.“Idon’tcarewhatyourpast
experience is like or what you got away with in California. You are still new here. It is
wellwithinmyrightstoterminateyourcontract,andgoodluckgettingajobinNewYork
oranywherealongtheEastCoastifthathappens.

“I don’t know what the issue is between you two, but you better figure it out before
tomorrow morning. You are on this case together, you are a team, and you better start
acting like it. Either Jack or I will be in court for the foreseeable future, and if we see
anything even remotely close to what happened today, you can both kiss this case
goodbye,” Dan continued. “And any consideration for a partnership for that matter.
Understood?”

“Yes,sir,”Imumbled.

“Absolutely,”Jamesonsaid.

“Good,nowgetoutofmysightbeforeIfireoneofyoujustforpissingmeoffsobad!”

I scurried out of Dan’s office, avoiding Jameson as I hurried to mine and shut the door,
lockingitbehindmetopreventanyunwelcomeintrusions.Iwasstillleaningagainstthe
door, trying to gather my thoughts when a soft knock caused me to jump. Then I heard

Bevwhisperthroughthedoor.

“It’sme,”shesaid.Iundidthelockandletherin.

“Whathappened?!”shewhisperedagain.

“Bev,wedon’thavetowhisper.”

“Idon’tthinkI’veeverseenDanthatmadinthetwentyyearsI’veworkedhere.”

“JamesonandIgotintoanargument,”Isaid.“Incourt.Infrontofthejuryandthejudge
andthemedia.”

“Oooooooh,that’sbad.”

“The media is having a heyday with this, and if the Delaneys don’t fire us, it’ll be a
miracle, but it could’ve been a lot worse. I’m surprised the judge didn’t hold us both in
contempt and declare a mistrial.” I shuddered, thinking about what could’ve happened.
Justthen,myofficephonebegantoring.“I’lltellyoutherestofthestorylater,”Isaidto
BevasIwalkedtomydesk.

“OliviaRoberts,”Ianswered,thedoorclickingshutbehindBev.

“Ms. Roberts, I’m glad I caught you, this is Chad Delaney.” I swear my heart stopped
beating.Ihadexpectedhimtocall,butnotsosoon.

“Mr. Delaney, I’d like to apologize on behalf of both myself and Mr. Beck. What
happenedtodaywasinappropriate,andifyouareseekingothercounsel—”

“Ms.Roberts,Ididn’tcalltogetanapologyfromyou,”hecutmeoff.“AndI’mnotfiring
you,either.”Ibreathedasighofrelief.

“Iwould,however,liketomeetwithyouandMr.Becktomorrowmorningbeforethetrial
resumes.”

“Certainly,wecanbeavailablewheneveryouneed.”

“Great,beatmyofficeatseven.”

“Wewillbethere,”Isaid.

“Good,seeyoutomorrow,Ms.Roberts.”Thelinewentdeadinmyhand,andIstaredatit
forafewmoments—relievedweweren’tbeingfired,butconfusedastowhatMr.Delaney
wantedtomeetaboutnow.

IsentJamesonanemailwiththemeetingdetails,tooafraidofwhatwouldhappenifwe
hadtobeinthesameroomrightnow.Therewouldbemoreyelling,Iwassureofthat,and
probablysomehot,angrysex.MaybeIshouldgoseehiminperson?

I shook my head and turned off my computer. As much fun as angry sex with Jameson
was, we both needed to cool off right now. I shut my door quietly and hurried past his
officeandoutthedoorwithhopeshewouldn’tseemeorwanttotalk.

Athome,Iranahotbath,pouredmyselfaglassofwine,andpulleduponeofthedirty
romancebooksIhadonmyKindle.Forthenexthour,Isoakedanddrankandread,and
didn’tthinkaboutJamesonorthetrialoranythingrelatedtowork.

TWENTY-SIX

Jameson

t was after eight when I finally got home from the office. Dan’s words still played
through my head. We had to get our shit together. Olivia and I had to find a way to

worktogether,notagainsteachother,orwe’dbehandingJasonDrewthistrial.Ithought
things had been going relatively well until today. No, I was mistaken, things were not
goingwell.

IchangedclothesandpouredmyselfaglassofwhiskeybeforeIsatdownonthecouch
andcalledReggie.

“Heyman,what’sup?”heansweredafterthreerings.

“Justgettinghome,”Isaid.

“Youshouldreallyworkless,Beck.I’monmywayhometoo,butit’sthreehoursearlier
here.”

“One minute you’re giving me shit about not making partner yet, and the next you’re
tellingmeIshouldworkless.”Ishookmyhead.“Ican’twinwithyou.”

“YouknowIjustlikebustingyourballs.What’sthestatusofthepartnershipanyway?”

“Nothingyet.Theywon’tmakeadecisionuntilthistrialisover,andaftertoday,I’msure
theyareconsideringotheroptions.”

“What happened?” Reggie asked. I launched into the story of our courtroom debacle
today,Reggiedoingnothingtohidehislaughterandsnorting.

“JesusChrist,Beck.Ithoughtyouweregoingtoputthatwomaninherplace,notlether
dragyoudownwithher?”hesaidwhenIfinished.

“She’stoogood,”Isighed.

“That’s bullshit, Jameson, I’ve seen you in court, remember? As much as it pains me to
admitit,you’rethebestthereis.I’veseenyoumakelawyerswithdoubleyourexperience
looklikestumblingfools,andyou’retellingmeablondebombshellwithlessexperience
thanyouhasyoustumped?”

“You haven’t met her, Reggie, so you don’t know what I’m up against over here! You
haven’tseenherwork.Sheisruthless,likealionessonthehuntinthere.”

“I’vesaiditbefore,andI”llsayitagain…Ithinkyou’rebeingapussy.”

“Ithinkyou’reanasshole.”

“Well,yeah,but we’renottalking aboutmehere. Doyou like her?” he asked, his voice
gettingallhigh-pitchedlikeateenagegirlgossipingaboutherlatestcrush.

“Don’tberidiculous,”Isnappedback.“Thisisn’thighschool.”

“Soundstomelikeyou’vegotacrushonher,”Reggiesaid,barelycontaininghislaughter.

“Shutup,Idon’thaveacrushonher.”Helaughed.Reggiewasjoking,butIconsidered
hisquestionseriously.Wasthatwhattheproblemwashere?WeremyfeelingsforOlivia
gettingintheway?DidIhavefeelingsforOlivia?

“It’sgoodtoknowthegreatJamesonBeckishumanwithfeelingsliketherestofus.Iwas
beginningtowonderifyouweresomesortofsuperhumanfreak.”Ididn’tsayanything,
anditwassilentlongenoughthatIthoughtmaybehehadhung-up.

“Youreallyfuckedyourselfthistime,Beck.”

“Tell me oh-mighty-wise one, what would you do?” I asked sarcastically. Reggie had a
worsetrackrecordwithwomenthanIdid.

“Well,firstofall,Iwould’vestoppedfuckingherwhenIfoundoutwhoshewas…”he
said,liketheanswerwasthatsimple.Isnorted.

“That’swhatyouthink.AwomanlikeOliviawouldhaveyousotightlybytheballsyou’d
bepickingupherlaundryandmakingdinnerlikeagoodlittlehousewife.”

“False.Butthat’snotthepoint,”Reggiesaid.

“Andwhatisthepoint?”

“Jesus,shereallyhasmessedwithyourhead.Thepointisyoucan’thaveboth.Youthink
she’s still going to want to get naked with you when you take the job she’s wanted for
years?Incaseyou’vegonecompletelystupid,theanswerisno.Orworse,whatareyou
goingtodoifshegetsthepartnership.Areyougoingtoplaythegoodlittlehousewife?”

“I’mhangingupnow.”

“That’s fine, go call your girlfriend and cry to her,” Reggie said. “Maybe she’ll be
sympatheticwhenshe’syournewbossinafewweeks.”

HedisconnectedthecallbeforeIhadachancetorespond.

“Fucker,” I mumbled as I put the phone on the coffee table. I thought about Olivia as I
sippedmydrink.

It seemed like more and more, my thoughts turned to her. At work, at home, it didn’t
matterwhereIwas,sheseemedtofindherwayintomythoughts.EventhoughIwould
never admit it to Reggie, I would be a liar if I tried to deny I had feelings for her. We
workedtwelvehoursadaytogether,andIstillwantedtospendmoretimewithher.Ithad
been years since I’d felt this way about a woman. And, of course, it had to be the one
womanwhocouldruineverything.

IstaredoutthewindowatthelightsofNewYorkCity.I’dcomehereforareasonandthat
reasonwasn’tawoman.I’ddecidedalongtimeagoIdidn’tneedawomaninmylife,and

Isureashellwasn’tgoingtostartneedingonenow.

The partnership was at stake, and nothing else mattered. Not my feelings, not Olivia’s
feelings, not anything. I was taking our twisted and fucked up relationship back to the
basics:sexandwork.Buteventhathadanexpirationdate.Oneofusbeingnamedpartner
wasgoingtochangeeverything,andIwasn’tsureIwasreadyforthat.

MEETING

with the senior Mr. Delaney was uneventful. I wasn’t sure what to expect

whenIgotOlivia’semail,butaftertheincidentincourt,Ithoughtforsureitcouldn’tbe
good.

Hereallyjustwantedtotalktousbothinperson,makesureneitherofuswereleavingthe
caseorbeingreassignedaftertheincident,andgetourfeelingsonhowthetrialwasgoing
sofar.

“It’sbeengoodsofar,”Oliviasaid.Shehadn’tsaidmorethantwowordstomesincewe
rode the elevator up to Mr. Delaney’s office. “The prosecution has some key witnesses
coming up though. Cecilia’s parents, another friend who says she saw Josh and Cecilia
fighting the day she died. In a case like this one, where there are no eyewitnesses, no
useable DNA evidence, and no solid alibi, the jury’s decision will be based on
circumstantialevidence,andanytestimonythatpaintsJoshinabadlightcouldultimately
impacttheirdecision.”

“We get to question all the witnesses as well, so we can hopefully redirect some of that
negativity,”Ijumpedin.

“Good, let’s try and keep things a little more professional from now on, shall we?”
Delaneyasked.

“Ofcourse.”Oliviasmiled.“Thatwon’thappenagain,youhaveourword.”Inoddedin
affirmation,andwebothstoodtoleave.

“Canwecallatruce?”Iasked,onceinthecabonthewaytothecourthouse.

“Canyoucallatruce?”Oliviahissed.“Iwasplayingnice.Youweretheonewhojumped
inandmadeusbothlooklikeidiots.”

“Yourlineofquestioningwascompletelyridiculous.”

“Sotheanswerisno?”Oliviacrossedherarmsoverherchestandturnedaway.

“Maybe if you weren’t so secretive about your work, I would know what questions you
were going to ask, and we could strategize together,” I said, my voice rising. “Instead I
have to guess what you are doing at every stage, and then undermine you when I think
you’remakingamistake.”

“Youaresofullofyourself,”shesaidwithoutlookingatme.

“Andyou’renot?Jesus,Olivia,I’venevermetsomeoneasarrogantasyou.Yes,you’rea
good attorney, maybe even great, but you’ve got to let some of the ego go. You’re not
God’sgifttothecourtroom.”Whenshedidn’trespond,Icontinued,“Wearegoingtolose
thiscaseifwedon’tstartactingatleastalittlebitlikeateam.Isthatwhatyouwant?”

Thecabwassilentforafewlongmoments,andIcaughtthedriverwatchingusintentlyin
therear-viewmirror.HelookedawayquicklywhenImethiseye.

“All right,” she finally sighed. “We are two adults who negotiate and make deals for a
living,soIthinkwecanfigurethisout.Andno,Idon’twanttolosethiscase.Icansend
you my notes for the rest of the witnesses, and we can go over them the day before if
you’dlike.”

“IcandothesameforthewitnessI’vebeenassigned,”Isaid.

“Doyouwanttomeetbeforecourttodiscussthatday’switnesses?

“Eitherthatorthenightbefore…itshouldn’ttakelong.”Finally,weweremakingsome
progressonnegotiating.Knowingwhatshewasgoingtoasktheprosecution’switnesses
beforehandwouldmakeeverythinggoalotsmoother.Wesatinsilencetherestoftheway
to the courthouse, neither of us willing to admit fault or apologize for yesterday or risk
arguingandundoingthelittleprogresswehadjustmade.

Drew was getting out of another cab when we pulled up outside the courthouse. He
noddedhellotobothofus.

“Iwasn’tsureIwasgoingtoseeeitherofyouheretoday,”hesaid.Iresistedtheurgeto
saysomething,butIdidn’tknowhimwellenoughtoputhiminhisplace.

“Youthoughtyouweregoingtogetoffthateasy?”Oliviaasked.“Unfortunatelyforyou,
weareheretostay.”

“ArewegoingtoseeanotherStellaoutbursttoday?”DrewnoddedtoOlivia.Isawaflash
ofangercrossherfacebeforesheforcedalaugh.

“No,Idon’tthinkso,”wasallshesaidasshejoggedupthestairsaheadofus.

“Seeyouinside,”IsaidtoDrewandtookthestairstwoatatimetocatchuptoher.

“Whatwasthatabout?”

“Drewbeinganass,”shesaid,hertoneofvoicelettingmeknowthesubjectwasclosed
fordiscussion.Iopenedmymouthtoarguebutdecidedtoletitgo.Icouldn’tsabotageour
progressbypushingheranyfurther.

WebothwentstraighttotheholdingcellwheretheykeptJoshbeforethetrialandduring
recesses.

“Goodmorning,Mr.Delaney,”Isaidasweenteredtheroom.Oliviasaidhelloandbegan
takingafewthingsoutofherbriefcase.

“Youlooklikeyou’reinabettermoodtoday,Ms.Roberts,”Joshsaid.“Youtwofuckyour
problemsawaylastnight?”

Olivia and I looked at each other before we both turned and looked at Josh. He was
grinningfromeartoear.

“Thatisnoneofyourbusiness,”Oliviasnapped.

“IseeIhitasorespot,”helaughed.“Don’tworry,yoursecretissafewithme.”

“All right, we’ve got a few heavy witnesses on the docket this morning.” I cleared my

throat, bringing the conversation back to a more appropriate topic. Josh laughed again
beforeheturnedhisattentiontomeandthelistofwitnessesthatshouldbecalledtoday.

It was by far our best day in court together. Instead of sitting in silence during the
prosecution’s questioning, Olivia and I both took notes, passing them across the table,
occasionallyleaningovertowhisperanideaoraddedquestiontotheother.

By the time court recessed for the day, I was feeling more confident than ever with our
chances of winning this case. If Olivia and I continued to work together, we could be
almostunstoppable.

TWENTY-SEVEN

Olivia

swore the prosecution was never going to rest. I thought maybe as the trial went on
Drewwoulddropafewofhiswitnesses,buthecontinueddownthelist,nevermissing

asingleone.Wewerealreadyinthethirdweekofthetrial,andaccordingtohislist,Drew
stillhadeightmorewitnesses.Iwashopinghe’dwrapuphiscasebeforetheweekend,so
I’d have two days to finalize my counter strategy, but at the rate this was going, it’d be
Wednesdayofnextweekbeforehefinished.

I was sitting in the makeshift office at the courthouse Friday morning when Drew stuck
hisheadinside.

“Goodmorning,Stella,”hesaidcheerily.Iglaredathim.

“CallmethatagainandI’llcutyourballsoff,”Isaid,turningmyeyesbacktothenotesI
wasmakingabouttoday’switnesses.“EspeciallyinfrontofJameson.”

“Hedoesn’tknow?”Drewsaid,loweringhisvoiceandsteppingfartherintotheroom.

“Ofcoursehedoesn’tknow,don’tbestupid.”

“It’sreallynotthatbigofadeal,Olivia.”Ishothimawarninglook,buthekeptgoing.
“Youweren’teventheguiltyone,literallyorotherwise.Besides,itwastwentyyearsago.”

“Whatwastwentyyearsago?”Jamesonasked,appearingbehindDrewinthedoorway.

“The last time our friend Mr. Drew here got laid.” I smirked before I turned and gave
Drew another look that said don’t say another fucking word. There was an awkward
silencewhereweallthreelookedateachotherwhileJamesontriedtofigureoutwhatwe
weretalkingabout.

“Drew, do you really have to call all these witnesses? Don’t you think you’ve presented
enoughevidence?”Iasked,breakingupthesilence.

“Wouldn’tyouliketoknowthemethodtomymadness?”Hepickeduphiscoffeeoffthe
tableandturnedtoleave.

“Thereisdefinitelymadness,butIdon’tknowaboutanymethod,”Imurmuredundermy
breath.“Let’sjustwrapthisupalready.”

“I’llwrapitupwhenI’mready,andyou’lljusthavetowaituntilthen,”hesaid,walking
outthedoor.Iletoutasighandputmynotesdownonthetable.Jamesonmadehisway
intotheroomandtookaseatatthesmalltablenexttome.

“Whatwasthatallabout?”heasked.

“Oh,nothing,”Ishrugged.“JustDrewgivingmeshit.”

“Itsoundedprettyserious,”Jamesonpushed.

“Itwasnothing,let’sjustgettowork,”Isaid,morevenominmyvoicethanIintended.

“It’sobviouslyatouchysubject.”

“Jameson, drop it. Drew and I have known each other for a long time, we have a lot of
history, and I don’t have time to give you a play-by-play right now. Trust me, it was
nothing,it’sinthepast,”IliedbutknewIsoundedunconvincing.

“Allright,fine,”Jamesonsaid,thenmutteredunderhisbreath,butIdidn’thearanything
except“fornow.”Ididn’twanttogetintoitwithhimrightnow.Jamesonhadnobusiness
knowing about my past, especially when it would only distract from the matter at hand.
Wesatsilently,goingoverournotesforthedayuntilitwastimetomeetwithJosh.

The trial was harder on him than I had expected. He had been telling me for months he
was ready, that he just wanted to get it over and move on with his life, whatever that
meant. But having a never-ending parade of acquaintances, friends, and experts take the
standagainsthimwaswearinghimdown.

Today,hisnormallyimmaculatehairwasrumpled,anditwasclearhestillhadn’tshaved
thisweek.Histiewashanginglooselyaroundhisneckandhisshirtwasonlyhalf-tucked
intohisdresspants.

Jamesontookonelookathimandsnorted.

“Goodmorning,Mr.Delaney,youlookalittlehaggardtoday,”Jamesonsaid.Joshdidn’t
evenlookup.

“Jameson,”Iwarned.Heglancedmywaybutcontinued.

“Haveyougivenup?Ifso,let’sgo.Youcanpleadguilty,andwecanallsaveourselves
anotherfewweeksofthistorture.”

“I’mnotguilty!”Joshshotoutofthechairbutwaspulledbackdownbythecuffsaround
hiswrists.

“Well, then stop acting like it,” Jameson countered. “Look, I get it, trials aren’t easy for
anyone, but especially not you. It’s hard to see people you thought were friends turn on
you.Butthisisn’tover,notevenclose.”

“Idon’tcareanymore,”Joshmurmured.

“That’salie,andyouknowit.Ifyoudidn’tcare,wewouldn’tevenbehere.OliviaandI
aredoingeverythingwecanforyou,andwehaveasoliddefensestrategyinplaceifthe
prosecution ever finishes presenting their case,” Jameson continued. ‘But none of it will
doanygoodifthejurysmellsdefeat.Theyarelikesharks,andyoucan’tgivethemeven
the slightest hint of blood. You must look like the confident, future-CEO you are. You
havetocontinuetobestrongandputtogether,notweakanddefeated,orthat’showthey’ll
seeyou.”

“Sowhat?NothingwillbringCeciliaback.”

“Josh,”Ijumpedin.“Youareabsolutelyright.Nomatterwhathappenshere,Ceciliaisn’t
comingback.”Iknewalltoowellthatwastrue.“Butyouareonlytwenty-six…youhave
yourwholelifeaheadofyou,sodon’tthrowitaway,too.Ceciliawouldn’twantthat.”My
mind immediately drifted to Jake and Amanda, and I had to push them from my mind
beforetearsformedinmyeyes.

“She would want you to be happy. To find love again.” I felt like such a hypocrite
preachingaboutthingsIhadn’tbeenabletodointhelasttwentyyears,butJamesonwas
right. Josh had to snap out of it, and I had a feeling this was a better approach than
berating him. “She wouldn’t want you to give up, Josh. If you can’t fight for yourself,
fight for Cecilia. If you give up and the jury finds you guilty, they will never find the
personwhoistrulyresponsibleforthis,andtherewillneverbejusticeforthepersonwho
reallymurderedCecilia.”

Angry thoughts about Ryan Summerfield clouded my mind. I couldn’t let Josh get
convicted for a crime he didn’t commit, knowing there was someone else out there like
Ryan.Someoneelselivingahappy,contentlifewithoutbeingpunished.

“Imissher,”Joshwhispered.

“I know you do,” I replied. “But you can do this. We can win this, but not if you’ve
alreadygivenup.”

Joshdroppedhishead,andIknewheneededamomentalone,ormaybethatwasjustme,
buteitherway,Istoodandmademywayoutoftheroom.

“We’llgiveyouafewminutes,”Isaid,noddingtoJamesontoleavewithme.“We’llbe
back.”

“Wow,Ms.Roberts,”Jamesonsaidassoonasthedoorclosedbehindus.“Youcontinueto
pullnewtricksoutofyourhat.Ididn’tknowyouhadacompassionateside.Ithoughtyou
werealwayshard-nosedandemotionless.Ievenboughtyouralmostfaketears.”

“Maybe I’m just a better lawyer than you,” I shrugged. I didn’t want to talk about
emotions, or lack thereof, right now because then I’d have to think about them, and I
mightnotbeabletoholdittogetherifthoseoldfeelingsandemotionsstirredinsideme.

“Youwish,”hesnorted.“Justbecauseyouspewedsomeemotionalbullshitdoesn’tmean
youarebetterthanme.”

“Itworked,didn’tit?Youryellingathimwasgettingusnowhere.”Ileanedbackagainst
thewallandsmiled.“It’sokaytoadmitthatawomanisbetterthanyou.”Jamesontook
twostepstowardme,ourbodiescloserthantheyshouldhavebeenconsideringwherewe
were, but there was no one else in the quiet hallway outside Josh’s holding cell—no
pryingmediaorfamilywereallowedbackhere.ItwasjustJamesonandI.

Oureyeslocked,andJameson’sgazedarkenedwithobviousdesire.Mybreathcaughtin
my throat as he took another step toward me. A throat cleared to our left, the guard
stickinghisheadoutoftheroomwehadjustleft.Jamesonsteppedquicklyaway,bothof
usturningourattentiontotheguard.

“Mr. Delaney is ready for you,” he said. I stood and straightened my jacket and skirt. I
gave Jameson another long glance before I turned and led the way back to Josh. It was

timetogettowork.

“D

youhaveanymorewitnessestocall,Mr.Drew?”JudgeDavidsonaskedat4:30PM,

aftertheprosecution’sfifthwitnessoftheday.Bymycount,thatmeanttherewereatleast
three more, assuming Drew hadn’t decided to add a few more in the last eight hours,
meaningtheprosecution’scasewouldcarryintoyetanotherweek.

“No, Your Honor,” Drew said. My head snapped up from the notes I had been taking.
“Theprosecutionrestsitscase.”

“Finally,”Imurmuredundermybreath,earningmeasharplookfromJameson.Likehe
wasn’tthinkingtheexactsamething.

“Ms.Roberts,doyouhaveyourfirstwitnessreadytogo?”Davidsonasked.

“Your Honor, I was under the impression the prosecution had several more witnesses to
call,sononeofmywitnesseswillbeavailableuntilMonday.”Davidsongavemealook
thatwould’vemademostlawyerspeetheirpants,butIstoodmyground.Didheseriously
wantustocallourfirstwitnessat4:30onFridayafternoon?

“Verywell.”Heshookhishead,clearlywantingtogetthistrialmovingalongfasterthan
the snail’s pace we’d been crawling at. “We’ll recess for the weekend. Court will
reconveneat8:30Mondaymorning.”

WeallstoodasJudgeDavidsonandthejurymadetheirwayoutofthecourtroom,thenI
started gathering my things. Jameson was in a deep conversation with the senior Mr.
Delaney,soIwalkedbacktotheholdingcellwithJosh,givinghimabriefrundownofour
gameplanfornextweek.

IwashalfwaydownthestepsofthecourthousewhenIheardsomeonecallingmyname.I
turnedtoseeJamesonjoggingdownthesteps.

“Olivia,”hesaidonemoretimeashecaughtupwithme.“IthoughtImissedyou.”

“JustheadingbacktotheofficetofilesomepaperworkbeforeIheadhomeforthenight,”
Ireplied.

“Ihaveabetteridea,”Jamesonsmiled.

“Doesitinvolvebeingnaked?”

“No,”hesaid,thenreconsidered,“Well,maybeeventually.Letmetakeyouout.”

“Whatdoyoumeanout?Likeonadate?”

“Yeah, sure if you want to call it that.” He shrugged noncommittally. “Dinner, drinks,
dancingifyou’reintothat.”

“Why?”Iblurtedout,unabletocontainmycuriosity.

“Whynot?We’vebothbeenworkingourassesoff,let’shaveanightoff.”

“Andyouthinkgoingonadateisagoodidea?Westillhavetoworktogether,youknow.”
Jamesonsteppedcloserandloweredhisvoice.

“Olivia, if I can fuck you on your desk and still work with you, I think we can handle
dinner,” he said, shooting me a knowing smile as he stepped back. “Besides, we’ve had
dinnerplentyoftimes.”

“Where we talked about work,” I protested, trying not to think about the way my body
wasreactingtothememoryofusinmyoffice.

“I’m not taking no for an answer.” He walked the rest of the way down the steps and
hailedacab.“I’llpickyouat7:30.Pleasedon’twearanythingthatlooksevenremotely
closetoapantsuit.”

Thenhegotintoacabandwasgone.Forabriefmoment,Iconsideredgoingbacktothe
officeandworking,lettingJamesonseewhathappenedwhenhetoldmewhattodo,butI
had to admit a night out, especially one that would no doubt end with super-hot sex,
soundedamazing.

I hailed my own cab and headed home where I showered and straightened my hair, and
tookextratimewithmymakeup,givingmyselfasultrysmokyeyeandapalepinklip.

I slipped on my nude heels and surveyed my reflection in the mirror. My rose gold
bodycon dress was low cut and hugged all my curves, the hem ending well above my
knee.ItwasaboutasfarfromtheconservativepencilskirtsandblousesIworeeveryday
as I could get. It was 7:29 when the buzzer rang, letting me know Jameson was
downstairs. Butterflies formed in my stomach. I’d never been on an actual date with
Jameson before, and I had to admit I was nervous. We’d rarely had a conversation that
didn’trevolvearoundworkorsex,andnowweweresupposedtotalklikeactualhuman
beingsfor3hours?Thismightbeadisaster.

Thebuzzerrangagain,pullingmeoutofmytrance.Ithrewmylipglossinmyclutchand
headedoutthedoor,thebutterfliesstillflutteringrapidlyinmystomach.

“I hope you know what you’re doing, Jameson Beck,” I whispered to myself as the
elevatordoorsslidopen.

TWENTY-EIGHT

Jameson

watchedOliviaasmycabpulledaway.WhatthefuckhadIjustdone?Justafewdays
ago,Ihadsworntokeepourrelationshiptosexandworkandnothingelse.NowIwas

invitingOliviaondates?

I had actually meant to tell her good work this week and see if she wanted to meet for
lunchtomorrowtofinalizeourdefensestrategy,butwhenIopenedmymouth,apparently,
ithadotherideas.Don’tgetmewrong,IdefinitelywantedtotakeOliviaonadate,soI
couldfinallygettoknowheralittlebetter,butIalsoknewdoingthiswastakingahuge
risk.

Ithoughtabouttextinghertosaysomethingcameup,butIcouldn’tdoit,didn’twantto
doit.BecausewhenitcametoOlivia,Iwasn’tthinkingstraightanymore.Infact,Iwasn’t
sureIeverhadbeen.

FELT

liketimehadfrozen.Olivialookedlikeagoddess.Itwasasifshemovedinslow

motionassheexitedthebuilding.Shewaslaughingatsomethingthedoormanhadsaid,
herlong,blondehairswishingaroundherfaceassheturned,herdressshimmeringinthe
lateeveninglight,makingitlooklikeshewasliterallyglowing.

Iwasstillstaringwhensheapproachedmeafewsecondslater.

“Catgotyourtongue,Mr.Beck?”shedrawled.

“Youlookstunning,”Imanaged.

“Youtoldmenopantsuits,sowillthisdo?”Shegesturedtoherdress.UpcloseIcouldsee
ithungtoeverydeliciouscurve,andallIwantedtodowastakeherbackupstairsandpeel
itoffher.

“Idon’tknow,throwablazeroverthatandyoucouldwearitincourt,”Ijoked.Shehitme
withherclutch.

“Let’sgo,funnyguy,I’mstarving.”

Wesatinarare,awkwardsilence,herononesideofthecarandmeontheother.Forthe
secondtimeintwohours,Iwonderedifthiswasamistake.MaybeIshould’velistenedto
herwhenshetriedtotellmeno.

I watched her as she stared out the window at the passing New York City traffic … she
trulywasstunning.I’dneverseenherhairstraightlikethatanditlookedgreat.Iwantedto
run my hands through it, down her bare back, and pull her closer to me, but I kept my
hands to myself, knowing where that would lead. And as much as I would love nothing
morethanstayinginandfeastingonOlivia,Ireallydidwanttotakeherout.Talktoher,
gettoknowher,hopefullyseeanothersideofher.

Luckily,theridetotherestaurantwasashortone,andbeforeIknewit,wewerepulling
upoutsidethesteakhouseIhadchosenforourdate.

IhelpedOliviaoutofthecarandledherintotherestaurant,whereourtablewasalready
waitingforusintheback.Itwasquietandintimate,andjustwhatI’dwanted.

“Well,well,”Oliviasaid.“ItlookslikeyouhavefriendsinhighplacesontheEastCoast,
too.”

“Imayhavepulledafewstrings,”Isaid,pullingherchairoutforher.

“Ididn’tknowyouhadanyfriendsinNewYork,”shelaughed.“Oranyfriendsatallfor
thatmatter.”

“Just because you don’t like me doesn’t mean other people don’t. I happen to be quite
likable.”

“Puh-lease…” she laughed again. I loved that sound. When she laughed, it was a rare
momentthatwasn’tcomposedandthoughtout,itwasjusther.“Let’slistallyourlikable
qualities, shall we? Stubborn, demanding, controlling, arrogant, self-centered…” She
countedoffonherfingers.

“Thosetwoarethesame,”Iinterjected.Ilaughedwhensherolledhereyes.Eventhatwas
sexy.Jesus,thiswasabadidea.

“Alwayshastoberight,”shecontinued.

“Ithinkwesharethatquality,Ms.Roberts.”

“ThedifferenceisIamalwaysright.”Ourwaitercameandtookourdrinkorders,thenleft
us to peruse the menu. When we had placed our orders, I sat back and admired Olivia
again.Itookasipofmydrink,watchinghertheentiretimeIdid.

“Ifyou’regoingtostare,youcouldatleastbesubtleaboutit,”shesaid,takingasipofher
whitewine.

“I have no shame in staring at someone as beautiful as you,” I replied. “I like your hair
straightlikethat.”

“Thankyou,”shesaid,andwefellintoanotheruncomfortablesilence.

“Olivia,relax.Thisisjustyouandmehavinganicedinner,”Isaid.Ineededhertorelax
andhaveagoodtime.“Wedon’thavetocallitadate.Itdoesn’thavetobeanythingwe
don’twantittobe.”

Sheexhaledandtookanothersipofwinebeforeresponding.

“I just don’t understand what your motives are here, Jameson. We work together and
occasionallyhavehotsex.”

“Occasionally?”

“Okay,maybealot,”shesaid.“Ijustdon’tunderstand,whatisthepointofthisdinneror
dateorwhateverthisis?”

“Ithoughtgirlslikedtogetdressedupandgooutfornoreason?”

“Wedo…Ido…Iguess,”shesaid.“Thisjustseemsstrange.”

“Justhaveanotherglassofwineandcalmdown.”

“Areyoutryingtogetmedrunk?”

“Ifit’llgetyoutorelax,thenyes,thefasterthebetter.Let’sjusthavedinnerandseewhat
happens,butifyoustillfeeluncomfortablewhenit’sover,I’lltakeyouhomeandthatwill
bethat,noharmdone.”ShelookedatmelikeIhadjustofferedherapleadealwhenshe
knewshewasinnocent.

“Okay,” she shrugged, draining her glass of wine and signaling the waiter to bring her
another.Ourentreesarrivedandwetalkedaboutnothing.Pastcases,lawschoolstories,
everythingexceptwhatIreallywantedtoknow.WhowasOliviaRoberts?

“Thatwasamazing,”shesaidaswesteppedoutside.Threeglassesofwinelaterandshe
seemed to be loosening up a little. “If I remember correctly, you said something about
dancing?”

“Ifthat’swhatyouwant,yes,wecangodancing.Wecandowhateveryouwant.”

“Whyareyoubeingsonicetome?”sheaskedskeptically.BecauseIloveyou,thewords
nearlytumbledoutofmymouthbeforeIcouldstopthem.Icoughedandchokedbackthe
wordsastherealizationhitme.

“You deserve a break every now and then, Olivia, even from me,” I recovered. I loved
Olivia.Ilookedather,inhershimmeringdress,andsmiled.Ihadfallenforher.Ididn’t
eventrytofighttheemotionsIwasfeeling.Iputmyhandonthesmallofherbackand
guidedhertoaclubwherewecoulddance.

Wehadtwomoredrinksatthebar,andIlistenedtoOliviarambleonaboutvariousclubs
she’d been to, clearly feeling the effects of the drinks, while I considered what loving
Olivia meant. Love. It had been years since I’d felt anything close to it. Since Natalie
walked out and took half my heart with her. I’d forgotten how it felt, how it made
everythingfeellikeyouwerewalkingonacloud.

“Hey…”Olivianudgedme,bringingmeoutofmythoughts.“Ithoughtwecamehereto
dance.”

“Let’sdancethen.”Iledhertothemiddleofthedancefloor,stillsparselypopulatedthis
early in the evening. It was a fast song, pumping with bass, and I mostly watched in
amusementasOliviadancedanddidthingsinherheelsIcouldn’teverimaginedoingin
barefeet.Thesongchangedtosomethingslower,andIpulledherclosetome.Shewas
outofbreath,andtherewasasheenofsweatglisteningonherchest.

Her body settled into a rhythm with mine, her arms resting on my shoulders, her pelvis
grindingintomine.

“I’mnotgoingtomakeitonesongifyoukeepdancinglikethat,”Iwhisperedinherear.

“Maybe that’s my goal,” she said with a shrug. I grabbed her ass and pulled her flush
againstmybodysoshecouldclearlyfeelwhatshewasdoingtome.

“Ifthat’swantyouwant,baby,saythewordandwe’regone,”Ihissed.Shegrabbedmy
faceandleanedinforalong,hardkiss.

“YouknowIcan’tresistyou,Jameson,”shesaidwhenshepulledaway,andIwonderedif
itwasherorthealcoholtalking.

“That’sit,let’sgo,”Isaid,grabbingherhandandpullingheroffthedancefloor.

“Iwasn’tdonedancing,”shepouted.

“Youcandanceatmyplace,naked.”Iwinkedandhailedusacab.Wetriedtomakeoutin
the car, but the tight fabric of her dress made moving around difficult, and short of me
climbingontopofher,itjustwasn’tgoingtowork.Werodeinsilence,exceptthetapping
ofherfootonthefloorboard.Whenwefinallypulledupoutsidemyapartment,Itossed
some bills to the driver and was inside my building within seconds, Olivia dragging
behindmebythedeathgripIhadonherhand.

Whentheelevatordoorsslidclosedbehindus,Ipushedheragainstthewall,runningmy
tongueuptheseamofheramplecleavagebeforeIdevouredhermouth.Westayedinthe
elevatorforseveralsecondsafterthedoorsopenedonmyfloor.Thedinglettingusknow
theelevatorwouldbegoingbackdownstartledmeoutofthekiss.Onceinmyapartment,
I kicked the door behind me and grabbed Olivia’s hand to immediately lead her to my
bedroom.Shedidn’tobject,justscurriedtokeepupwithme,herheelsclatteringonthe
floorasshedid.

The full moon was shining through the huge windows in my room, bathing the entire
roominapaleblueglow.Istoppednexttothebed.Welockedeyes,andIsaweverything
Iwasfeelinginsidereflectedinherdeepbrowneyes.Lust,fire,passion,desire…itwas
allthere,swirlingbehindherthick,blackeyelashes.Shereachedbehindherandpulledthe
zipperofherdressdown,nevertakinghereyesoffmine.

Thefabricfelltothefloor.Shewascompletelynakedunderneathhershimmeringdress.I
smiledandranahandthroughmyhair.

“Jesus,Olivia,areyoutryingtogivemeaheartattack?”

“I just know what you like,” she said, waltzing toward me. She stopped in front of me,
loosened my tie, and began unbuttoning my shirt. I ran my hands down her back and
grabbedherass,massagingherfleshwithmyfingertipsassheundressedme.Shetookher
sweetasstime.Bythetimeshepushedmyboxerbriefstothefloor,IthoughtIwasgoing
toexplode.Shereacheddownandtookmeinherhand,butIpushedheraway.

“Myturn,”Igrunted.IgrabbedacondomoutofthenightstandandrolleditonbeforeI
pushedheronthebedsoshewasonherhandsandknees.Itookafewsecondstoadmire
theview.

“God,Olivia,youaresofuckingperfect,”Imurmured.ThenIslammedintoher.

“Fuck!”sheyelled.IgrabbedherhipsandheldhersteadywhileIpushedandpulled,in

andout,long,hardstrokesthatmadehermoanmynameandgripthesheets.Sheclenched
aroundmeandsworeloudly.Iwasn’tgoingtolastlonglikethis.Ipulledoutandflipped
herover,droppingtomykneesandsuckingherclitintomymouth.

“JesusChrist,”shemoaned,herhandsrunningthroughmyhair.Hermoansfilledtheair
asherbodywrithedbeneathmymouth.“Fuck,Jameson,I’mgoingtocome,”shemoaned,
grippingmyhairhard.Herthighsclenchedaroundmyheadasherorgasmhither.Istood
backup,spreadherlegswide,andthrustinsideherwhileshewasstillcomingdownfrom
herorgasm.

“Fuck, Olivia, I’ve never met anyone like you,” I grunted. “Your body is fucking
amazing.” I moved faster, slamming in and out of her, her moans getting louder and
louder,sweatshiningoffbothofusinthemoonlight.

Oureyesmetandshebitherlip,runningahanddownherstomachtotheplacewhereour
bodiesmet.Herheaddroppedbackandhereyesclosedwhensheranherfingersoverher
clit.

“That’sit,baby,touchyourselfforme,makeusbothcome.”Mywordselicitedagrowl
from the back of her throat, but she didn’t stop. I was getting close. I couldn’t hold on
muchlonger.

“Holyfuck!God,yes!”Oliviayelled,herbodyclenchingaroundmineasherorgasmhit.

“JesusfuckingChrist,Olivia,”ImoanedandshudderedasIcame.Iburiedmyselfinside
her,asdeepasIcouldgo,androdeoutthewavesofpleasure.

Icollapsednexttoher,mybodyspent,butmymindstillspinning.IlistenedasOlivia’s
breathingevenedoutandshedozedoff.Iopenedmyeyesandlookedathersleepingin
themoonlight.God,IlovethiswomanwasthelastthoughtIhadbeforesleeppulledme
under.

TWENTY-NINE

Olivia

e were sipping beers on Jameson’s patio, the air finally cool enough to tolerate
beingoutsideformorethanfiveminutes.

I hadn’t left Jameson’s for more than a few hours since the night before, our date
morphing into a night and day spent together, most of it naked. I had gone to my
apartmentforalittlewhiletograbsomethingsIneeded,whileJamesonwenttothegym,
butotherthanthat,wehadbeentogethersincehepickedmeupthenightbefore.Itwas
strange.Italmostfeltlikewewerepretending,justplayinghouseforafewdaystotake
our mind off the stress of the trial. But whatever it was, it was working. I couldn’t
rememberthelasttimeI’dfeltthisrelaxed.

“Howmanymurdertrialshaveyoudone?”Jamesonasked,breakingthroughmythoughts.
Forthefirsttimeinovertwenty-fourhours,theconversationwasaboutwork.

“Thisisnumberfifteen,”Isaid.“You?”

“Twenty-six,”Jamesonsaid.“Howmanyguiltyverdicts?”

“Six,”Isighed.Istillrememberedeverysingleonelikeitwasyesterday.

“Eleven,”Jamesonofferedwithoutmyasking.“Andtheynevergetanyeasier.”

“That’snotgoingtohappenthistime,”Isaid.“Wehaveasolidcaseprepared.”

“We,huh?”Jamesonraisedaneyebrowatme.“Ithinkthat’sthefirsttimeyou’vereferred
tothiscaseassomethingotherthanyours.”

“Well,Ihatetoadmitit,Mr.Beck,butIthinkwemakeagoodteam.”

“Icouldn’tagreemore,”hechuckled.

“Well,that’safirst,”Ilaughed.“Somethingweagreeon.”Wefellbackintoacomfortable
silence.Whenhespokeagain,heaskedaquestionI’dthoughtIhaddodged.

“Youneverdidanswerthequestion,butwhydidyouwanttobecomealawyer?You’ve
avoideditorchangedthesubjecteverytimeI’veasked.”Jamesontookalongpullofhis
beerandlookedatmeinquisitively.Therewereonlyahandfulofpeoplestillinmylife
whoknewthetruth,thewholeuglystory.

“It’salongstory,”Isighed,tuckingmylegsundermeonthechaiselounge.Ididn’twant
torelivethememories,butatthesametime,forthefirsttimeinyears,Ifeltcompelledto

tellsomeonemystory.Ididn’tknowifitwastheemotionsofthetrial,orJameson,orjust
theSeptemberair,butIknewIwasgoingtotellhimthetruth.

“I’vegotallnight.”

Isighedandstaredoutacrossthecity,takingasipofmybeerbeforeIclearedmythroat
andbegan.

“ItwasthesummerafterIgraduatedfromhighschool.Myboyfriend,Jake,andI,mybest
friend,Amanda,andherboyfriend,Ryan,andabunchofotherswerealloutdrinkingat
the swimming hole. Amanda and I had had too much to drink—we all had. We all kept
daringeachothertojumpin.ItwasonlyJuneandalreadyhot,butthewaterwasstillcold
anddeep.”Ipausedandtookalongsipofmybeer,ashiverrunningthroughmybodyat
thethoughtofwhathappenednext.

“RyanwastryingreallyhardtogetAmandatojumpinwithhim,butshewouldn’t.She
wassodrunk,shecouldbarelywalk,letaloneswim.Shewasstandingontheedgeofthe
water, and everyone was cheering for her to jump in, but she just stood there, so Ryan
gaveheralittlepush.Shefellin,butshedidn’tcomeup.Istaredovertheedgeandkept
waitingforhertosurface,butshedidn’t.Istartedscreamingforsomeonetodosomething.
Jakejumpedinafterher,butitwastoolate.Bythetimehepulledherup,shewasalready
blue.WetriedtodoCPR,triedeverythingtosaveher,butwecouldn’t.Isattherewithmy
bestfriend’sheadinmylapandsobbeduntilthepoliceandambulancecame.”

Asingletearrolleddownmycheek.I’dcriedsomanytearsovertheyears,itwasamazing
therewereanyleft.Jamesondidn’tsayanything,justwatchedmeandwaitedquietlyfor
metocontinue.

“Almosteveryonewasgonebythetimethepolicearrived.EvenRyanwasnowheretobe
found. The police took statements from everyone, and the paramedics took Amanda’s
body.

“InsmalltownLouisiana,everybodytalked…”Isaid.

“IthoughtyouwerefromKentucky?”Jamesoninterrupted.

“Thatwasalie,”Isaid.Therewerealotmoreliesabouttocometolight.“Itwasn’tlong
before there were four different versions of the story going around. One where Ryan
pushedher,onewhereJakepushedher,onewhereIpushedher,andonewhereshejust
gottoodrunkandfell.

“Amanda’sdadwasthesheriffintown,andtheprosecutor’sofficewasdeterminedtopin
thedeathonsomeone.”

“Itwasjustanaccident,”Jamesonoffered.

“Iknow,butthatdidn’tmatter.Iwasn’teighteenyet,sotheprosecutorswentafterRyan
andJake.Ryanwasthemayor’sson,quarterbackofthefootballteam,andgoingtoLSU
inthefall…hisfamilypaidforthebestdefenseattorneyinthestate.Jake’ssinglemom
couldn’taffordanattorney,sohewasstuckwithapublicdefender.

“It wasn’t long before everyone who had said Ryan had pushed her was changing their
story.Whentheycalledeveryonewhohadbeenthereaswitnessesinthetrial,Iwasthe

only one who said it was Ryan. I actually got thrown out of court that day because I
wouldn’tstopyellingthattheywerealllyingassholesandthatRyandidit.”

“Icanseeitnow,”Jamesonlaughed.“Ibettheycarriedyouout,kickingandscreaming.”

“Theydid.Thebailiffdraggedmeout,screamingthewholetime.”Iwassilentforafew
minutes,thinkingaboutthosefewmonthsIhadtriedsohardtoforget.

“Sowhathappened?”

“Ryangotofffree,andJakewasconvictedofmanslaughterandsentencedtotwentyyears
inprison.”

“Didn’tanyonementionthefactthatJakehadtriedtosaveher?”

“Yeah,theprosecutioneventurnedthataround,saidJakethoughthemightnotgetinas
muchtroubleifhejumpedinafterher.”

“Thatistotalhorseshit.”

“Iwenttovisithimeveryweek.Ithoughthewashandlingitreallywell,butthreeweeks
afterthetrialJakehunghimselfwithhisbedsheetinthecountyjail.”

“Olivia, I’m sorry,” Jameson said, but I just kept going. I had broken the dam that had
beenholdingbackmywordsfortwentyyears,andnowIcouldn’tstopthem.

“We were supposed to get married. My mama was saving up for our wedding the next
spring.” Tears rolled down my cheeks, and I couldn’t have stopped them if I wanted. “I
lostit.Istoppedpainting.Iwentcrazyandspentallmytimewalkingthestreets,yelling
abouthowitwasRyan’sfaultandnowhehadtwolivesonhishands.Ryan’sdadtriedto
havemeinstitutionalized,toldthetownnewspaperIwasacrazydrunkanddidn’tknow
what I was talking about. No one would talk to me, no one would give me a job, even
Mamawasbeingostracized.So,Ileft…tookthelittlemoneyMamahadsavedformy
wedding,changedmyname,andmovedtoConnecticuttolivewithmyaunt.”

“Yournameisn’tOlivia?”Jamesonasked.

Ipausedanddrainedtherestofmybeer,wipingmytearsawaywiththebackofmyhand.

“RememberwhenDrewcalledmeStella?”Iasked.

“Stella,really?Ithoughtthatwassomesortofinsidejoke!”

“He’sprobablytheonlyotherpersoninNewYorkwhoknowsthisstory…well,except
Kateofcourse.”

“So,StellaRoberts?”

“Nope, Stella Anderson … from Abita Springs, Louisiana.” I stuck my hand out like it
wasthefirsttimewe’dmet.Jamesonshookmyhandandlaughed.

“Nicetomeetyou,Stella,”Jamesonsaid,thenraisedhiseyebrow.

“I’mstillconfusedwhatanyofthishastodowithyoubecomingalawyer?”

“MyauntletmesulkforaboutthreeweeksbeforeshetoldmeIeitherhadtogotoschool,
getajob,orgetoutofherhouse,butshewasn’tgoingtoletmethrowmylifeaway.She

toldmeIowedittoJakeandAmandatolivelifetothefullest.

“By the time my three weeks were up, I had decided I wasn’t going to let what had
happenedtoJakehappentoanyoneelse.IgotacceptedtoUConn,rackedup$100,000in
studentloandebt,andworkedmyassoffforfouryearstograduatetopofmyclass.Igot
intoeverylawschoolIappliedto,butColumbiawonout.Iknewfromtheverybeginning
Iwasgoingtobeadefenseattorney.”Jamesonopenedhismouthtospeak,butIbeathim
toit.

“I know what you’re going to say, that I’m not helping anyone like Jake when I’m
workingforover$500anhour.ButIactuallyspendtwentypercentofmytimeworking
probonooncasesforthepublicdefender’soffice.”

“Sothat’swhereallyourmoneygoes?Probonocasesandstudentloans?”Jamesonasked.

“No,Ipaidmystudentloansoffyearsago,”Isaid.“IsendJake’sparents$1,000amonth.
I don’t think they’ve ever spent any of it, but I feel responsible for what happened, so I
senditanyway.”

“Itwasn’tyourfault,Olivia.”

“Maybenot,butIcould’vedonemoretopreventit.Should’vedonemoretokeepRyan
FuckingSummerfieldfromwalkingawayscot-free.”

“Youwereseventeen,whatcouldyouhavedone?”Evenalltheseyearslater,Istilldidn’t
haveananswer,stilldidn’tknowwhatelseIcouldhavedone,butIfeltguiltyregardless.

“Idon’tknow,”Iwhispered.

“Didyoueverpaintagain?”

“Never…Icouldn’t.Ithurttoomuch.PaintingwassomethingIdidwhenIwashappy
andinlove,soitbroughtbackmemoriesIdidn’twanttoface.”

“IthinkIjustgottheanswertowhyyounevergotmarried,too.”

“IwassoinlovewithJake…wehadplansanddreams,andweweregoingtobuildalife
together.Ifhecouldn’thavethat,ifAmandacouldn’thaveit,whyshouldI?”

“Itwastwentyyearsago…youdeservetobehappy.”

“I’m happy enough,” I snapped back. “I don’t need a man to make me happy. Besides,
oncemyfairytaleendinggotrippedfrommyhands,Irealizedmostmenareidiots.”

“Aaah,thereistheOliviaIknow,”Jamesonsmirked.“Whydidyouchangeyourname?”

“Itoldyou,MayorSummerfieldranasmearcampaignagainstme.Iwantedtomoveon
withmylife,anddidn’tneedthatshitfollowingmearound.ThankGodthatallhappened
beforetheageofsocialmedia,orI’dbeCrazyStellaAndersonforever.”

“IthinkI’mgoingtocallyouStellanow.”

“DoitandI’llcutyourdickoff,”Iwarned.

“WheredidyoucomeupwithOliviaRoberts?”

“I liked Olivia Newton-John and Julia Roberts, so I figured I’d take a little of both and

makemynewidentity.”

“Isyourhairreallyblonde?”Jamesonasked,hiseyebrowraised.

“Theonlypartofmethat’sfakeismyname,”Ismiled.Hiseyeswanderedupanddown
mybody,lingeringamomenttoolongonmychest.Itwasquietforaminute,thesounds
ofthecitybreakingupthesilence,asweboththoughtabouteverythingI’djustsaid.

“Womenpaythousandsofdollarsfortitslikethat,youknow,”Jamesonsaid,andIknew
the conversation about my past was over for now. That was fine by me; there had been
enoughtalkingforonenight.

“SoI’vebeentold,”Isaiddryly.Hestoodupfromhisloungechairandofferedmeahand,
pullingmeupoffmine.

“Fake tits look nice, but they feel like shit,” he said, running his hands over my breasts
and giving them a squeeze. No one wants to play with two big silicone bags, or worse,
suckonsomethingthatfeelslikearock.

“Therealthingissomuchbetter,”hecontinued,pullingmytanktopdown,exposingmy
bare nipples and running his thumbs over them. He bent down and swirled his tongue
aroundoneofmynipplesandthentheother.Imoanedatthetouch.

Jamesonliftedhisheadandpulledmeinforadeepkiss—thekindthatIwouldsellmy
soultothedevilfor.Whenhepulledaway,I’dforgottenallaboutJakeandAmandaand
RyanSummerfieldandLouisiana.

Hetookmyhandandledmetohisbedroom,wherehepeeledoffmyclothesandlaidme
downonthebed.Therewasnourgency,norushtogetnaked,nobattleforcontrol.Forthe
first time, it was slow and gentle. For the first time since Jake, I felt something inside,
somethingmorethanjustlustandpleasureandfucking.Somethingterrifying.Something
beautiful.SomethingIwasn’tsureIwasreadyfor.

Me:I’minserioustrouble.

Kate:You’reakickassdefenseattorney,I’msureit’snothingyoucan’tgetyourself
outof.

Me:ImightbefallingforJameson.

HREE

LITTLE

DOTS

appearedindicatingKatewasresponding,butthentheydisappeared.

Theyreappearedanddisappearedthreemoretimesbeforehermessagecamethrough.

Kate:Wellit’sabouttime.

Me:This is really bad, Kate. I work with him. I want to be his boss one day. He
couldbemybossoneday!

Kate:Thatdidn’tseemtomatterwhenyoudecidedtokeepfuckinghim.

Me:He’sanarrogantbastard.Ineverthoughtthiswouldhappen.

Kate:Howisthisanyworsethanjustsex?

Me:YouknowIdon’tdorelationships.Thiswillonlyendbadly.

Kate:Maybethisisdifferent.

Me:I’llhavetofindanewjob.Startcompletelyover.Fuck.

Kate:Somethingsaremoreimportantthanajob.

Me:Wrong.

Kate:Maybehe’stheone;)

Me:Wrongagain.

Kate:Don’tdismissyourfeelingssoquickly.Maybethiscouldreallybesomething,
but you’ll never know if you keep pretending you have no emotions. It’s okay to
FEELthings,Olivia.Itmakesyouhuman,notweak.Youdon’thavetobethehard
assattorney24/7.Youcanhavearelationshipandlove,too.

Me:IthinkIjustthrewupalittleinmymouth.

Kate: Jameson is perfect for you. He knows the job and understands the
expectations.Andhealreadyputsupwithyourstubbornass12hoursaday.

Me:I’llthinkaboutit.

Kate:Don’tthinkaboutit.FEELit.

Iwasgoodatthinking,analyzingeveryaspectofeverysituation.Iwasn’tusedtoletting
myselffeelthings.Iwasn’tsureIcouldstartnow.

THIRTY

Jameson

uddenly, all the conversations I’d overhead between Olivia and Jason Drew made
sense.ThiswaswhatshehadbeentalkingwithhimaboutFridaymorning.Ireplayed

herstoryinmyheadandcouldn’thelpbutthinkthatDrewwasright.Itwasn’tnearlyas
bigofadealasOliviaseemedtobemakingit.

AsfarasIcouldsee,therehadbeennoneedtorunaway,tochangehernameandstarther
life completely over. It was the overreaction of a seventeen-year-old girl who’d just lost
everythingshe’dcaredabout,butthatdidn’texplainwhyshewassoguardedaboutitnow.
Didn’t explain why she had created an elaborate web of lies for anything related to her
past.

ItwaslikeDrewhadsaid…shewasn’ttheonewhohadpushedAmanda.Noneofitwas
herfault,butshewasstillcarryingaroundtheguilt,aburdenthathadturnedherintoone
helluvalawyer,buthadalsokeptherfromdevelopinganysortofrealrelationshipforthe
pasttwentyyears.

I stared down at her on my bed. Just looking at her, you’d never know she was broken
inside.Sheputupsuchastrongfront,guardedherselfsosheneverhadtoexperiencethat
kindofpainagain.Everythingabouthermadesomuchmoresensenow.Whyshewasso
stubborn and always wanted to be in control. She never wanted to be in a vulnerable
positionlikethatagain.

I wanted—no, needed—to help her understand it wasn’t her fault—none of it was. I
neededtohelpherletgoofsomeofherguiltandpain,tomoveonandbehappy.Maybe
fall in love. Maybe with me. I couldn’t deny I already loved her. I wanted to fall asleep
withherinmybedeverynightandwakeupwithherinmyarmseverymorning.She’d
saidshedidn’tneedaman,butIwantedtobehermananyway.

Irubbedmyhandsovermyfaceandwalkedtothewindowtolookoutatthedarknessthat
wasCentralPark.God,thiswasnothowthingsweresupposedtogo.WhenImetherat
thebarafewmonthsago,Icould’veneverimaginedthiswaswherewewouldbesucha
shorttimelater.Allthetimespentwithheratworkhadonlymadeitthatmucheasierto
fallforher.

Thisshouldhavebeenjustsexandworkandthatwasit,butfromtheverybeginning,it
had been more. There had always been more. Now there was no going back. I wanted
Olivia and damn everything else. I wasn’t even going to try and figure out how love fit

intotheequationrightnow.Thiswasn’tgoingtobeeasy,butIhadtimetofigureitout
beforetheDelaneytrialended.

I closed the curtains and climbed into bed, pulling Olivia close so her body was flush
against mine, her head resting on my outstretched arm. She wiggled and murmured
something in her sleep before she was still, her body relaxing against mine and her
breathingeveningoutasshefellbackasleep.

IkissedherheadandfellasleepthinkingabouthowIcouldmakeOliviarealizeshestill
deservedlove.EveryonedeservedtofeelwhatIwasfeeling.

“R

IGHT

, M

. B

ECK

?”IheardOliviasaybutdidn’tregistershewastalkingtome.Iwas

toobusystaringatthesubtlecleavageshowingoutthetopofherblouse.“Mr.Beck?”

“Hmmm,yes,”Isaid,myeyesliftingtoseeOliviaglaringatme.IcaughtJoshsmirkingat
meoutofthecornerofmyeyeandpushedthethoughtsofOliviafrommymind.Wewere
callingwitnessestoday,andOliviahadbeengivingJoshtherundownofwitnesses…or
soIthought.“I’msorry,whatwereyousaying,Ms.Roberts?”

“IwasjusttellingJoshthatweshouldhavethiswrappedinjustafewdays,assumingthe
prosecutiondoesn’ttaketoolongwithcross-examination.”

“That’sright,”Iresponded.“Thereisnoreasonweshouldn’trestourcasebyWednesday
afternoon.MaybeThursday.”

“Good,I’mreadyforthisbeoverwith,”Joshsaid.

“Itwillbesoonenough,”Isaid.Olivia’sphonebuzzedinherhandandshelookeddown
atthescreen.

“I need to take this,” she said, walking toward the door. She pulled it open before she
answeredthephone.

“You’vegotitbad,”Joshlaughed.

“Excuseme?”Iturnedbacktofacemyclient

“Olivia,”hesaid,noddingtowardthedoorway.“Something’schangedbetweenyoutwo.I
cantell.”HesmiledlikehethoughtIwasgoingtogivehimagoldstarorsomething.

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Ibarked.

“Dude—”

“It’sJames,”Iinterrupted.

“I’veseenthewayyoulookather,”hecontinued.“Likeyouareundressingherwithyour
eyes.AndIdon’tblameyou,du—I’mmean,James,she’shot.Butthepastfewdays,it’s
different.I’veseenmydadgivemymomthatlookahundredtimes.Youloveher,don’t
you?”

“Idon’thavetoansweryourquestions,”Isnapped.Iwasdefinitelygoingtohavetodoa
betterjobofkeepingmyemotionsoffmyface.

“Youknow,forbeinglawyers,youtwoareshitliars,”Joshsnorted.“Itwasobviousyou

guys were fucking in the beginning, and now it’s obvious you are in love. Anyone who
can’tseethatisblind.

“Idon’tknowifshefeelsthesameway,though,”hecontinued,asIstaredathim.“She
might be coming around, but I don’t know.” He shrugged like it was no big deal. I was
abouttorespondwhenthedooropenedandOliviacamebackin.

“Sorryaboutthat,”shesaid.“Josh,areyouready?Thejudgeisreadytogetstarted.”

“Yup,let’sgetthisoverwith.”

“We’ll see you in there,” Olivia said, picking up her briefcase before turning to leave
again. I still hadn’t moved from my chair when she turned back around. “Mr. Beck, are
youcoming?”

Istoodquicklyandfollowedherintothehallway.

“Whatthehellisyourproblem?”Shehissedassoonasthedoorclosedbehindus.

“Nothing,I’mfine.”

“Bullshit.I’veneverseenyousodistracted.Incaseyoumissedit,weareinthemiddleof
amajortrial,abouttostartpresentingourcase.Ineedyourheadhereinthecourtroom,
notwhereverelseit’sbeenallmorning.”

“Don’ttalktomelikeI’msomechildthatneedsscolding,”Iretorted.

“Don’t act like one then. Pull your head out of your ass and get your shit together. We
haveatrialtowin.”Sheturnedonherheelandstompedoutofthehallway.Itookseveral
deepbreathsandcountedtotentocalmmyselfdown.Iwantedtoyellather,arguewith
her.Shedidn’tgettotalktomelikethat.Iwantedtodefendmyself,butshewasright.I
hadtopullmyselftogether.

IhadtointernalizemyfeelingsforOlivia.Ihadtokeepmyheadinthegame,atleastfor
the next week … until this trial was over. After that, I could figure out my next move,
figureouthowtotellOliviaIlovedherandworkonwinningherover.Butrightnow,a
man’slife,andmyentirefuture,wasatstake.Icouldn’tletmyselfforgetthat.

Thedoorslammedbackopenattheendofthehallway.

“Jameson,” Olivia barked. “We are starting. Let’s go!” I took two more breaths and
followedherintothecourtroom.ThiswasgoingtobeharderthanIthought.

THIRTY-ONE

“W

Olivia

e have to put Josh on the witness stand,” Jameson said, bringing me out of my

trance. I had been staring at the wall of the conference room for what seemed like an
eternity,replayinghowbadlyputtingJosh’sbrotheronthestandhadgone.

Zack was younger than Josh, but only by a year. Every time I had talked to him, he’d
seemeddistraughtbywhathadhappenedandtalkedabouthelpingJoshanywayhecould.
Butthatlittlemotherfuckercouldact.Itwasclearaftertodaythatallhereallywantedwas
togethisbrotheroutoftheway,sohewasthenextinlinetotakeoverthebillion-dollar
Delaneyempire.Judgingbythelookshe’dgottenfromtheseniorDelaneytoday,Idoubt
thatwasevergoingtohappen,regardlessofwhathappenedtoJosh.

“Istilldon’tthinkit’sagoodidea.”

“Olivia,Zackplayedrightintotheprosecution’shandtoday.Hell,theymightaswellhave
calledhimforawitnessasbadasheplayedus.”

Zack had painted Josh in the worst light possible. Made it seem like he was a power-
hungrywomanizer,wholosthistemperattheslightestprovocation.Itdidn’tmatterthatI
hadhalfadozenotherwitnessesreadytosayotherwise,thejurywouldtakethewordof
someonethatclosetoJosh.

“Istillcan’tbelieveIreadhimsowrong.”Ishookmyhead.Iwasrarelywrongabouta
witness’smotivations,andwheninquestion,Ididn’tcallthem.

“Don’tbeatyourselfupaboutit,hefooledusall.Hisparents,Josh,youandme.”

Ismirked.Istillwasn’tusedtoJamesonfightingformeinsteadofagainstme.

“What’sthatlookfor?”

“Justthinkingabouthowlastweekyouwereyellingobjectionduringmyquestioning,and
nowitsoundslikeyou’retryingtobuttermeup.”

“Iamtryingtobutteryouup,”Jamesonsaid.“WehavetocallJosh.Olivia,it’stheonly
optionandyouknowit.”

“It’snot.Wecanstillrecover…we’vestillgototherwitnesses.”

“Noneasstrongasweneedthemtobe.”

“WhatifthereisanotherZackinthepool?Youreallythinkthecasecanwithstandanother

blowlikethat?”

“Thereisn’t.”

“Howcanyoubesosure?Upuntiltwohoursago,youthoughtZackwasonourside,”he
challenged.

“Questioningmyabilityasalawyerisnotthewaytowinmeover,”Ishotback.Jameson
came around the conference room table and stopped right in front of me. I looked up at
himfrommychair.

“WouldyouratherIbendyouovertheconferencetableandfuckyousenselessthen?”he
whispered. Desire rolled through me, and my thighs clenched at the thought. “Or would
youpreferIspreadyourlegsandburymyfaceinyoursweetpussy?”

“We’resupposedtobefiguringouthowtorecoverfromZack.Nottalkingaboutsex,”I
said,myvoicefaltering.IstoodsoIwasonmoreevenfootingwithhim.

“Ialreadypresentedyouwiththeonlyviablesolution,”Jamesonsaid,takinganotherstep
towardme.Hiscolognefilledmynostrils,sendinganotherwaveoflustthroughme.

“It’snottheonlysolution,”Iargued,myresolvegrowingweakerbythesecond.“Thereis
alwaysmorethanoneoption.”

“WhenitcomestothewaysI’dliketofuckyourightnow,yes,butintermsofwinning
thistrial,no,itistheonlychoice,andyouknowit,Ms.Roberts,”hesaid,hisvoicethick
withrestraint.

“CanIsleeponit?”

“Youcanthinkaboutituntiltomorrow,butIcan’tpromisetherewillbemuchsleeping.”
Hewinkedandwalkedbackaroundthetable,stuffingthingsintohisbriefcaseashedid.
“I’llmeetyoudownstairsintenminutes.I’llcallusacar.”

Jameson was leaning against a black town car when I emerged from the building. He
opened the door, and then climbed in behind me. We had barely pulled out into traffic
beforeheturnedandstartedkissingmyneck.Ileanedmyheadbackagainsttheseatand
closedmyeyes,asJamesonranhishanduptheinsideofmythighandundermyskirt.I
moanedsoftlywhenhisfingersbrushedovermypanties.

I spread my legs to give him better access, but he teased me through the fabric, never
givingmethefulltouchIwascraving.SoonerthanIexpected,thecareasedtoastopand
myeyespoppedopen.TherewasnowaywewereontheUpperEastSideyet.

“Wherearewe?”

“Yourplace,”Jamesonsaid,alreadyopeningthedoorandslidingout.

“Why?”Jamesonhadneverbeeninmyapartment.Iwasn’tsurewhy,butsuddenlyIwas
nervousaboutit.

“It’sahellofalotcloserthanmyplace,andIcouldn’twait.”HepalmedmyassasIgot
outofthecar.

My apartment wasn’t nearly as big as his. The small entryway connected to a short
hallwaythatledtothekitchenandlivingroom.Aroundthecornerfromthelivingroom

weremybedroomandbathroom.Therewasnobalcony,noCentralParkview.Mykitchen
island was granite and much smaller than Jameson’s marble one, and I doubted his
sectionalwouldevenfitinmyapartment,butithadhigh-endfinishesandenoughspace
forme.

Jamesontookabrieflookaroundbeforeheturnedhisattentionbacktome.Hislipswere
on mine before I could even say anything about the differences in our apartments. He
pushedmysuitjacketoffmyshouldersandrippedmyshirtopen,buttonsflyingacrossmy
kitchen.

“You’regoingtohavetobuymesomenewshirtsifyoukeepdoingthat,”Isaid.

“I’ll buy you a dozen more shirts if I have to.” He yanked down the top of my bra and
sucked one of my nipples into his mouth. “I don’t have time for buttons when this is
what’s waiting for me underneath.” He ran both palms over my breasts, my nipples
hardeningandbackarchingathistouch.

Heunzippedmyskirtandpushedittothefloorbeforeheliftedmeandlaidmedownon
thekitchenisland.Hestoodupstraight,stillfullyclothed,andlookedatmelikeIwasa
feastandhehadn’teatenindays.

“God,you’rebeautiful,”hewhispered,runningahandthroughhishairbeforehelowered
hismouthtomine.Heravagedmewithhismouth.Mymouth,mybreasts,thesoftcurve
of my stomach, the sensitive swollen flesh between my thighs, no part of me was left
untouchedonhismouth’stourofmybody.

Icametwicebeforeheeverunzippedhispants.Mymuscleswereliquidwhenhefinally
yankedhisshirtoverhisheadandpushedhispantstothefloor.Heslidonacondomand
pulledmeofftheisland,spinningmearoundandslammingintome.

“Fuck,Jameson,”Icriedout.Hefuckedmehard,hisbodyslappingintominewithevery
thrust. I could feel beads of sweat forming on my chest, running down my stomach.
Jamesongrabbedahandfulofmyhairandpulled,archingmybackandsendinghisthrusts
evendeeper.

“JesusChrist,Olivia,you’reamazing,thisisfuckingincredible.”Heusedhisfreehandto
slapmyass,thestingfromhishandandtugonmyhaironlyintensifyingmypleasure.He
didn’tslowhispace;histhrustswerehardandfastandrelentless.Mybackwaswetwith
sweat,andIdidn’tknow,didn’tcareifitwashisormine.

“Touch yourself,” he commanded. “Make yourself come again, I want you to come all
overmycock.”

Asmallmoanescapedmymouthathiswords,andIcompliedimmediately,pushingmy
handbetweenmylegsandfindingmythrobbingclit.Anothermoanfelloutofmymouth
asIranmyfingerslightlyoverthesensitivebud.

“OhGod,”Imoaned.

“That’sit,”Jamesongruntedandslappedmeagain.“Comeforme,baby.”

Jamesonslappedmyassathirdtime,andIfeltanotherorgasmbegintobuildinsideme.

“Holyfuck,Jameson,yes,”Imoanedasitrippedthroughmemomentslater.Hepulledmy

hairharder,mybackarchingevenfurtherashethrustintomeonemoretimeandcame,
murmuringmynameunderhisbreath.

Whenhefinallyreleasedtheholdonmyhair,Icollapsedagainsttheislandandclosedmy
eyes,thecoolstonefeelinggoodagainstmyhot,sweatybody.

“Idon’tthinkI’llevergettiredoffuckingyou,”Jamesonsaid.Istoodupandgatheredmy
clothes,makingmywaytowardthebathroomforashower.

“Thefeelingismutual,Mr.Beck,”IdrawledbeforeIdisappearedintothebathroomwith
awink.

“Y

KNOW

ifyou’rewrong,we’lllose,”Isaid,staringupattheceiling.IfeltJameson

shift on the bed beside me and turned my head to see him propped up on one elbow
looking down at me. “There will be no chance to recover. Josh will go to prison for the
restofhislife.”

“I’mnotwrong.”

“Howcanyoubesosure?”Ipulledthesheettocovermyselfandproppedupagainstthe
headboard. “I’ve been a defense attorney for ten years, and can count on one hand the
numberoftimesI’vecalledadefendanttotestify.”

“That’sbecauseit’ssafer.”

“Itakeplentyofrisks,”Iscoffed.

“Maybeyoudo,maybeyoudon’t,”Jamesonsaiddismissively.“Butthefactis,thiscaseis
different.Don’ttrytotellmeit’snot.Wecan’taffordtoplayitsafe.Ballstothewallsoto
speak.”

“Ilikeitbetterwhenyourballsareslappingagainstmyass,”Igiggled.

“Areyoutryingtodistractmewithsex?Again?”

“Always,Mr.Beck,”Idrawled,knowinghelikedmySouthernaccent.Hecrawledtoward
meonthebed,stoppingwhenhiskneeswereoneithersideofmylegs,hishandsresting
ontheheadboard,cagingmein.Iscannedhisnakedbodyandlickedmylips.

“Do you trust me, Olivia?” I looked at him closely, watched his blue eyes dance with
mischief,andthoughtaboutthequestion.DidItrusthim?

“Isthatatrickquestion?”Iteased.

“It’ssimple.Ifyoutrustme,trusttheskillsandexperienceIhaveasalawyer,you’lllet
me call Josh Delaney as a witness.” Once we had stopped fighting and had started
working together, I had gotten a chance to see the skills he was talking about, and I
couldn’tdenytheywereimpressive.Iknewhewouldn’tjeopardizethistrialonpurpose.
Maybehewasright,maybeIwasplayingitsafe,butthatwasn’tme.Ididn’tgettowhere
Iwasbyplayingitsafe,especiallynotinthecourtroom.

“Yes,”Ifinallyanswered.

“Good,thenit’ssettled.AslongasJoshagrees,we’llcallhimasourlastwitness.”

“Whatifhedoesn’tagree?”Iraisedaneyebrow.Jamesongrinnedawicked,devilishgrin
andyankedthesheetoffme.

“Well, unfortunately for me, my persuasion tactics won’t work nearly as well on him as
theydoonyou.”Hebenthisheadandpulledmynippleintohismouth,andjustlikethat,
allthoughtsofJoshandthetrialweregone.

THIRTY-TWO

“J

Jameson

osh,”Oliviasaidhesitantly,butIurgedheronwithalook.Shehadwantedtobethe
one to ask Josh, said he had a better relationship with her, but we only had a few

minutes for this conversation, and she needed to spit it out. “How would you feel about
testifying?”

“What?IthoughtyousaidIdidn’thaveto?”heresponded.

“You don’t have to,” I jumped in. “But we are asking if you are willing. After the
testimonyfromyourbrotheryesterday,weboththinkitwouldbebeneficialforyoutotell
yoursideofthestory.”

He looked at Olivia, and she nodded in agreeance before I continued, “There are no
eyewitnesses,youhavenoalibi,sothiscaseispurelycircumstantial,andwethinkitcould
goalongwayforthejurytohearfromyou,whatyouweredoingthenightCeciliadied.”

“We also think it could be good for you to talk about your relationship with Cecilia,”
Olivia said. “A lot of witnesses, as you’ve heard, have painted your relationship in a
negativelight.Yourtestimonyonhowyourrelationshipreallywascouldhelpcounteract
that.”

“You told me murder suspects rarely testify?” Josh shouted at Olivia. “You told me I
wouldn’thavetobeawitness!”

“IknowIdid,”shesaidcalmly.“Andit’strue,anduntilyourbrother’stestimony,Ihadno
planstohaveyoutestify,butJamesthinksitcouldreallyhelpourcase.”

“Butyoudon’t?”

“Ididn’tatfirst,butIdonow,”Oliviaadmitted.

“We won’t call you as a witness unless you agree,” I said. “We’ll also make sure you
clearlyunderstandyourFifthAmendmentrightssoyoudon’tansweranyquestionsfrom
theprosecutionthatcouldbeincriminating.”

“Idon’thaveanythingincriminatingtosay!”Joshyelled.

“Calm down, Mr. Delaney, no one is saying you do, but Mr. Drew is a very talented
attorney.You’veseenhoweasyitcanbetotwistawitness’swordsandusethemagainst
him.”

Joshexhaledloudlyandstaredupattheceiling,clearlythinkingaboutwhatwehadjust

said.Icheckedmywatch…weneededtobeinthecourtroominthenextfiveminutes.

“DoIhavetodoittoday?”Joshasked.

“No,”Isaid.“Itwouldbetomorrow.Wewouldaskthejudgeforanafternoonrecess,so
wecouldhavetimetogooverourquestionsandprepareyou.”

Hewassilentforwhatfeltlikeaneternity.OliviaandIexchangedseveralglances,neither
ofusabletotellwhichdirectionhewasleaning.

“Youreallythinkitwillhelpmycase?”hefinallyasked.

“Wedo,”Oliviasaid.“Wewouldn’tsuggestitifwedidn’t.”

JoshletoutanotherlongsighandlockedeyeswithOlivia,thenhenodded.

“Okay, I’ll do it.” The look on his face was one I’d never seen before. It was a look of
determination. For the first time in weeks, his eyes were full of fight and fire. He had a
purposenow,somethinghecoulddotoinfluencethecourseofhislife.Seeingthatlookin
hiseyes,Ihadnodoubtweweremakingtherightdecision.

“Ms. Roberts, Mr. Beck, does the defense have any more witnesses to call?” Judge
DavidsonaskedninetyminuteslaterwhenChadDelaneysteppeddownfromthewitness
stand.

“Your Honor,” Olivia stood to address the judge. “We plan to call Mr. Josh Delaney.”
Therewereseveralgasps,andthecourtroomeruptedintoloudwhispers.Drewstaredatus
fromtheprosecutiontable;heclearlydidn’tseethatcoming.

“Order,order!Quietdownnow,”JudgeDavidsonsaidfromthebench.“Youweresaying,
Ms.Roberts?”

“Yes, Your Honor. We would like to call Mr. Delaney, but since this decision was just
reachedafewhoursago,we’dliketorecessuntiltomorrowmorningtogiveusachance
toprepareMr.Delaneyforthewitnessstand,mostlygoingoverFifthAmendmentrights
andotherprotocolthatMr.Delaneyisn’tfamiliarwith.”

“Your Honor, with all due respect…” Drew stood from his chair. “Mr. Delaney doesn’t
deserveanyspecialrightsasawitness.Ifthedefenseplanstocallhim,itshouldbenow.”

“YourHonor,”Istoodaswellandaddressedthejudge.“Everyotherwitnesswhohasbeen
called has had weeks, in some cases months, of advance notice before taking the stand.
Mr.Delaneyhashadnosuchnotice.Wearenotaskingforweekstothoroughlyprepare
himasawitness.WearesimplyaskingforafewhourstogooverwithMr.Delaneythe
rightshehasasasuspect.”

JudgeDavidsonlookedfrommetoOliviatoDrewandthentoJosh,sizingupthesituation
beforemakinghisdecision.

“Verywell,”hesaid.“CourtwillreconvenetomorrowatnineAM.”

Olivia and I stayed at the courthouse with Josh until the bailiff informed us the last
transportbacktotheprisonwasreadytoleaveandMr.Delaneyhadtogo.Wewentover
everything, from the questions we would be asking, to some of the counter questions it
waspossibleDrewwouldask,totherightshehadasbothawitnessandasuspect.

“Remember,” Olivia said, gathering her things and standing, “only answer the question
that is asked. Don’t expound or offer any information that wasn’t specifically asked for,
especiallywhenDrewisquestioningyou.”

“Gotit,”Joshsaid.“I’llbeready.Iamready.”

“Good,we’llseeyouinthemorning,”Oliviasaid.Webothwatchedashewasescorted
fromtheroom.

“God,Ihopewearen’tmakingamistake,”shesighed.

“Wearen’t.”

“Howcanyouknowthat?”

“Didyouseehisfacethismorningwhenheagreedtotestify?”Iasked.“Itwasthemost
aliveI’veseenhim.Heisexcitedtobeabletohavesomepartinthecontrolofhisfuture.
Itmaybeaminuscule,buthe’slatchedontoitnonetheless.”

Oliviashookherheadandsighed.

“Don’toverthinkthis,”Isaid.“Youdon’thaveanythingtoworryabout.I’llbedoingthe
questioning. We got this. The finish line is in sight.” We had already argued about that,
andIhopedshewasn’tgoingtostartthatagain.

“It’sadamngoodthing,too,”shesaid.“I’mexhausted.”

“M

ELANEY

,isitallrightifIcallyouJosh?”Iaskedaftergettingtheformalitiesof

gettinghisfullnamedownfortherecord.

“Yes,sir,”henodded.

“Josh,howdidyouknowthevictim,CeciliaStanford?”

“Shewasmyfiancé.”

“HowlonghadyoubeeninarelationshipwithMs.Stanford?”

“Alittleovertwoyears,”Joshsaid.“Wewereplanningtogetmarriednextmonth,onour
threeyearanniversary.”Josh’svoicecrackedalittleonthelastword,andIpausedfora
secondbeforecontinuing.IaskedJoshafewlighterquestionsabouthowheandCecilia
hadmet,whattheirrelationshipwaslike,beforeIjumpedintotheheavystuff.

“Josh, when was the last time you had sex with Cecilia?” I had prepped him on this
question, but he still glared at me. We needed to establish that he’d had consensual sex
withhersometimeduringtheseventy-twohoursbeforeherdeath.

“Thatmorning,”heanswered.“Ihadstayedover,andwediditthatmorningbeforeIwent
towork,beforeeverythingelsehappened.”

“Josh,didyouknowCeciliawaspregnant?”

“Yes,shetoldmethesamedayshedied.”Therewereafewgaspsintheaudiencelikethis
wasnewinformation.

“Whatwasyourreaction?”

“Iwasupset.Iwasonly25.Itwasn’tintheplans.Weweregoingtogetmarriedandtravel
forawhile,thenhavekidslater.Shetoldmeshewasonbirthcontrol,soIwasupset.We
arguedaboutit.Shewantedtokeepthebaby,andIwantedhertotakecareofit.”

“Youwantedhertogetanabortion?”

“Yes,thatwasmyfirstreaction.”

“Butshetoldyouno?”

“Yes, she said that absolutely wasn’t an option, that she was keeping this baby with or
withoutme.”

“Whathappenedthen?”

“WearguedsomemoreandIleft.Itwasclearneitherofuswasgoingtoconcedeatthat
time.”

“Didyouphysicallytouchher?”

“Iwouldnever,”Joshsaidvehemently.

“Whattimedidthisallhappen?”

“ItwasafterIgotdoneworking,”Joshanswered.“Shesaidshehadsomethingtotellme,
soIwenttoherplacestraightfromwork,soaboutsixIwouldguess.Ididn’tcheckthe
time.”

“Doyouknowwhattimeitwaswhenyouleft?”

“I know it was after eight when I got home, because Mr. Steel, the night shift doorman
wastherealready.”

“Didyouleaveyourapartmentagaintherestofthenight?”

“Yes,Iwentforarunaroundten.”

“Wheredidyougo?”

“Justaround,onthestreets,intothepark,wherevermyfeettookme,Ididn’treallypay
attention…IjustranandranandthoughtaboutCeciliaandthebaby.IdecidedwhileI
wasrunningthatshewasright.Iwasashittoaskhertodothat.ItriedtocallherwhenI
gothome…IwantedtogooverandtellherIwassorry,butsheneveranswered.Itrieda
fewtimes,thengaveupandassumedshewasinbed.”

“Mr. Steel confirmed you arrived back at your building after midnight, does that sound
correct?”

“Idon’tknow.Iwasn’tpayinganyattentiontothetime.Istoppedandsatonabenchfora
whiletothinksoIcould’vebeengonethatlong.”

“Josh,whendidyouseeCeciliaagain?”

“I … I…” he stammered, tears quickly filling his eyes. “I never saw her again. Not a—
aliveanyway.ThenexttimeIsawhershewasinacasket.”Afewtearsdrippeddownhis
face.“Ilovedher,Ilovedhersomuch.IjustwantedtotellherI’ddowhateverittookto
keepher,babyandall.”

“DoyouknowanyonewhowouldwanttohurtCecilia?”

“No.”Heshookhishead.“No,Ceciliawasthesweetestperson.Everybodylikedher.You
couldn’tnotlikeher.Everywhereshewent,shelituptheroom,hersmileandlaughwere
infectious.Icouldneverimagineanyonedoingthistoher.”

“Nothingfurther,YourHonor.”

“Mr.Delaney,”Drewstoodfromthedefensetable,“sofromtenPMtoaftermidnight,no
onecanaccountforyourwhereabouts?”

“No,”Joshsaidstiffly.“Iwasrunningalone.”

“Mr.Delaney,didyouknowthegaragecodetoMs.Stanford’sapartmentbuilding?”

“Yes.”

“So, it is possible that you could’ve used the garage code, taken the elevator to Ms.
Stanford’sapartment,andneverhavebeenseenbythedoormeninherbuilding?”

“Yes,itispossible,”Joshsaiddryly.

“Howfarapartareyourtwoapartments?”

“Idon’tknow…Iwouldguessacouplemiles.I’venevermappeditout.”

“Doesone-point-fourmilessoundaboutright?”

“Iguessitdependsontherouteyoutake,butsure,thatcouldbecorrect.”

“Howfastdoyourunamile,Mr.Delaney?”

“Excuseme?”

“Amile,Mr.Delaney,howfastcanyourunamile?”Drewrepeated.

“Abouteightminutes,Iguess.”

“So,thetwohoursandfifteenminutesyouweregonerunningleaveplentyoftimeforyou
togettoMs.Stanford’s,rapeandmurderher,andgetbacktoyourapartment?”

“Objection!”Ishouted.

“Withdrawn,”Drewconceded.

“Mr.Delaney,didyouknowthesurveillancecamerasinMs.Stanford’sbuildingweren’t
working?”

“Yes,CeciliaandIhadalreadycomplainedaboutittomanagementtwice.”

“Nothingfurther,”Drewsaid.

“Mr.Beck,doyouhaveanyredirect?”JudgeDavidsonasked.

“Justafewquestions,YourHonor.”

“Mr. Delaney, did you know that Cecilia’s baby wasn’t yours?” Josh looked like he had
beenpunchedinthegut.Thisinformationhasalreadybeenpresented,Joshknewthetruth,
butitdidn’tmakeitanyeasier.

“No.Shedidn’tmentionthatfact.”Anewroundoftearsfellfromhiseyes.

“Howwouldyouhavereactedifyouhadknown?”

“Howwouldyoureact?Iwould’vebeenmadashell.ThewomanIloved,myfuturewife,
waspregnantwithsomeoneelse’sbaby…anymanwouldbefurious.”

“Madenoughtohurther?”Iasked.Joshwasquietforafewmoments.

“No,”hewhispered.“Icouldneverhavehurther.Ilovedher.IlovedherwitheverythingI
have.WhenIthinkaboutwhathappenedtoher,thatsomeonedidthattoher,Igetsomad,
somadatmyself.”

“Atyourself?”

“Yes!” he nearly shouted, tears streaming down his cheeks now. “I should have been
there! I should have been there to protect her. My fiancé told me she was pregnant, and
insteadofcelebratingwithher,orattheveryleaststayingwithherlikeamanshoulddo,I
ran away. I was a scared, selfish little boy, and I ran away! If I had stayed, none of this
would’vehappened.Ceciliawouldbehere,we’dhaveababynow,we’dbeafamily.”

Josh’sheaddropped,andhisshouldersshookashecried.

“Nothingfurther,YourHonor.”

“Doesthedefenserestitscase?”JudgeDavidsonasked,hisvoicethickwithemotion.

“Yes,YourHonor,”Oliviastoodandanswered.Herfacewaswhiteandhervoiceshaky.I
lookedatherwithconcern,butshewouldn’tmeetmyeye.

“We’llreconveneafterlunchforclosingarguments,”JudgeDavidsonsaid,eventhoughit
wasbarely10:30.Whenthejuryandjudgehadleftthechambers,IturnedtoaskOliviaif
shewasallright,butshewasalreadyhalfwayoutofthecourtroom.

“She said she needed to use the bathroom,” Josh offered, but I didn’t buy it. Something
wasoffwithher,andIneededtofindoutwhat.

THIRTY-THREE

Olivia

managedtoholdittogetherlongenoughforthejudgetocallarecessforthemorning,
long enough to excuse myself to the restroom, but as soon as I closed the bathroom

stallbehindme,tearsspilleddownmycheeks.

Asobtorethroughme,andIcoveredmymouth.Myshouldersshookandtearsstreamed
downmycheeks.IthoughtIcouldhandleseeingJoshupthereonthewitnessstand,tears
staininghisowncheeksashetoldhissideofthestory,butIcouldn’t.EverytimeIhad
looked at him, I had seen Jake. Except Jake had never gotten a chance to tell his story.
That was the real reason I never called defendants as witnesses … it reminded me too
muchofthepast,broughtupmemoriesIstillcouldn’tdealwith.

IjumpedwhenIheardthebathroomdooropenandtheclickofshoescomingtowardmy
stall.

“Olivia?” Jameson’s voice whispered from the other side of the door. I wiped my tears
quicklyandtriedtocheckmymakeupinthestainless-steeldoor.“Olivia,Iknowyou’rein
there.”

Iundidthelockandpulledthedooropen.

“Thisistheladiesroom.”

“AndI’mfeelingextrafemininetoday,”hesmirked.“Areyouokay?”

“Yes,”Ilied.

“You’ve been in here for almost forty-five minutes,” he said. Had I really? I pulled my
phoneoutofmypocketandcheckedthetime.

“Jesus,” I muttered under my breath when I realized I’d been hiding in the bathroom,
sobbinglikeachild,fornearlyanhour.

“Whatwasthatabout?”Jamesonasked.Itookafewstepsforwardandleanedagainstthe
sink,watchingmyreflectioninthemirror.Myeyeswereswollenandred,nearlyallmy
makeupgone.

“Jake,”Isaid,turningbackaroundtofaceJameson.Helookedpuzzled.

“You’regoingtohavetoelaboratealittle.”

“Jake,” I said again. “My high-school boyfriend who hung himself in prison after being

convictedofamurderhedidn’tcommit.”

“Yes,IrememberwhoJakeis,butwhatdoesthathavetodowithJosh?”Thebathroom
doorswungopen,andawomanwithgrayhaircameinside.Shegaspedandstoppedinher
trackswhenshesawJameson.

“Canwehavealittleprivacy?”hesnipped.Sheglaredathim,butturnedandleft.

“This is the ladies room,” she muttered under her breath before the door swung closed
again.Jamesonwalkedoverandturnedthedeadboltbeforehejoinedmebackbythesink.
Iwasstaringatmyshoes,refusingtomeethiseyes.

“Olivia,”heprodded.“Youcantellme.”Healreadyknewthestory,sotherewasnopoint
inkeepingmyfeelingstomyselfanylonger.

“Jake never got to testify at his trial,” I said with some finality, as if that explained my
tears.Jamesonwavedahandoutinfrontofhim,signalingformetocontinue.“Hewanted
to,butthepieceofshitpublicdefenderwouldn’ttakethechance,wouldn’ttaketherisk
andletJaketestify.Itcouldhavesavedhislife.Jakewouldstillbehereifhe’dbeenable
totestify,”Ichoked,anothersobthreateningtopushitswayout.

“Thereisnopossiblewaytoknowthat,”Jamesonsaid.

“Iknow,”Isaid.“IheardJaketellhisstory,morethanonce,andhecould’veswayedthe
jury. But he never even got the chance. He begged for the opportunity, but his attorney
shuthimdown.Everythingwouldbedifferentifhe’dbeenallowedtotestify.”

Itookadeepbreathandletitout.Iwastryingtokeepmyemotionsincheck,buttears
spilleddownmycheeksagain.Ishookmyheadandletoutacoldlaugh.

“Youknowwhat’sworse?”Iasked,butJamesonjustshrugged.“IalmostdidthattoJosh.
Itriedtokeephimfromtestifying,too.”

“He wasn’t exactly begging us for a chance to take the witness stand,” Jameson said.
PuttingJoshonthestandwasagoodmove;therewasn’tadryeyeinthecourtroomwhen
he’dfinishedhistestimony.EventhenormallystoicDavidsonhadbeenemotional.

“Itdoesn’tmatter.Ididn’twanthimto,Ididn’twanttotakethatrisk.Andthenwhatif
somethinghappenedtohim?Thatwouldbeonme,”Isaid.“I’dbenobetterthanJake’s
publicdefender.”

Ilookeddown,staringatmyshoesagain.Jamesongrabbedmyfaceandforcedmetolook
athim.

“Olivia.WhathappenedtoJakeisn’tyourfault.Itwastwentyyearsago,thereisnothing
moreyoucouldhavedone,soyouhavetoquitcomparingeverycaseyouhavetoJake,
youhavetoquittryingtofixthepastwiththecasesyouworknow,”Jamesonsaidgently.
“You are ten times the attorney that public defender was. You throw yourself into these
casesanddoeverythingyoucantowinforthepeopleyourepresent.”

Itriedtopullmyfaceoutofhisgrasp,triedtoshakemyhead.Hedidn’tunderstand.It
wasn’tthateasytoletgo.WitheverycaseIwon,IfeltlikeIhaddonealittletomakeup
forwhathadhappenedtoJake,butwhenIlost,itwasaspiralofself-loathingandblame
foreverything.

“Lookatme,”Jamesoncommanded.“Listentome.Youwereakid.Itwasanaccident—
an unfortunate accident. Nothing you say or do now will make any difference, except
make you crazy with grief and blame and self-doubt. Those things won’t make you a
better lawyer, those things won’t help your clients now. They will only make you doubt
yourselfandyourskills.”

AnothertearspilleddownmycheekandJamesonwipeditawaywithhisthumb.

“Hecouldstillbehere,”Iprotestedagain.

“Then where would you be? A housewife in Louisiana? A painter maybe? I can almost
guaranteeyouwouldn’tbehere,makingtheimpactyouare.”Iopenedmymouthtoargue
again,butJamesonkeptgoing.“It’sdone.It’sinthepast,andyouhavetoletitgo.”

“Idon’tknowifIcan,”Iwhispered.Ithadbeenapartofmeforsolong.Everythingabout
my life now was because of what had happened with Jake and Amanda. My career, my
home,myname…hell,evenmylovelifewasthewayitwasbecauseI’dlettheeventsof
twentyyearsagodictatethechoicesImade.

“You got me to give up being the lead on this case,” he smirked. “I think you can do
anything.”Jamesonkissedmegentlyonthelips.Itwasn’tdeeporfeverish,butIfeltthat
kissallthewaytomybones.

Therewasaknockonthedoor,breakingupthemomentwewerehaving.Jamesonpulled
awayandfinallylethishandsdropfrommyface.

“Let’sgobeforesomeonecallssecurityonus,”Jamesonsaid.

“Yougo.I’mgoingtofixmymakeup,butI’llberightout.”Jamesonraisedaneyebrowat
me.“Fiveminutes,Ipromise.”

I pulled a compact out of my purse and dabbed at my cheeks until they didn’t look like
riversofblackhadbeenrunningdownthem.ThenIdugaroundforatubeofmascaraand
touched up my lashes. When I was done, I stared at my reflection and thought about
Jameson.

Ihadbeentryingsohardtokeephimatadistance,tomakesureourrelationshipwassex
andworkandnothingelse.Whathadbeensoeasyinthepastwasbecomingastruggle.
MyheartsqueezedalittleatthethoughtofJamesonandthelookonhisfacewhenhe’d
seen me crying. It was a look of compassion, of understanding, and something else,
somethingalotlikelove.Ididn’twanttoadmitIhadfeelingsforJameson,butIcouldn’t
denyitanylonger.

IjumpedwhenJamesonstuckhisheadbackinthedoorofthebathroom.

“Your time is up, Ms. Roberts,” he chuckled. I put my makeup back in my purse and
pushedmythoughtstotheside.

“Oh? Am I a criminal on a strict time schedule now?” I said, my heels clicking on the
floorasImademywayacrossthebathroom.“Doyouhavehandcuffsforme?”Iheldmy
handsoutinmocksurrender.

“No,butthatcanbearranged,”Jamesonpurred,hisvoicesendingshiversdownmyspine.
“Haveyoubeenabadgirl,Olivia?”

“IthinkIhave,Mr.Beck,”Isaidmeekly,playingalongwithhisgame.“Areyougoingto
punishme?”

“Fuck,”hegrowled.“Ifwedidn’thaveanafternoonfullofclosingargumentsaheadofus,
I’dtakeyourighthereonthebathroomfloor.”

And just like that we were back to normal, all the emotions and tender feelings from
before were discarded, sex and lust and desire left in their place. But they weren’t
completely gone. The seeds had been planted, and maybe one day they could grow into
somethingreal.

THIRTY-FOUR

Jameson

weat dripped off me, pooling on the gym floor as I cranked out another round of
push-ups.MyarmsshookasIfinishedmyfinalsetandjumpedupforanothersetof

sprintsonthetreadmill.Ihadbeenworkingoutforoveranhour,thenervousenergyfrom
waiting for a verdict was too much to handle. The jury was still deliberating, but I
imaginedtheywouldbecallingitanightprettysoon.Lastnighttheyhadquitbeforenine,
anditwasalreadypastthattime.

The shrill sound of my phone ringing cut through the quiet gym, and I immediately
jumpedoffthetreadmillandgrabbedmyphoneofftheweightbench.ItwasOlivia.

“Hello,”Ianswered,mybreathcominginshortgasps.

“Theyhaveaverdict,”shesaid.

“What?”Ihadexpectedhertosaytheywererecessingforthenight.

“The jury has a verdict. The judge wants us back in the courtroom in an hour. Why are
youbreathingsohard?”

“I’mworkingout,”Isaid,grabbingmytowelandwaterbottleandheadingbackupstairs.
“Ididn’tthinkthey’dhaveadecisiontonight.”

“Well, they do. You better hurry. Judge Davidson isn’t going to be happy if we have to
waitforyou.”

“I’llbethere,don’tworry.”

I walked into the courtroom with five minutes to spare, but everyone else was already
there.Oliviawasseatedatthedefensetable,andJackandDanwereseatedintheaudience
onthebenchrightbehindthebar,nexttothemedia.Josh’sfamilywasononesideofthe
courtroom,Cecilia’sontheother.Joshandthejuryweretheonlypeoplemissing.

“Hi,”Isaid,slidingintotheseatnexttoOlivia.

“Youmadeit,”shesaid.“Thebailiffjustcameandaskedmewhenyouwouldbehere.”A
sidedoorofthecourtroomopened,andJoshwasescortedtoourtable.Hewaswhiteasa
sheet,and when hesat down nextto me, I noticedhis hands wereshaking. Olivia and I
bothlookedathim,butneitherofussaidanything.Whatwastheretosay?Thenextfive
minutesweregoingtodeterminetherestofhislife.

“All rise for the jury,” the bailiff said, coming back through the side door. The jury

shuffledinandstoodinfrontoftheirseatswhilethejudgecamein.

“Please be seated,” Judge Davidson said. “Jury, have you reached a verdict?” The jury
foreman,ayoungmanwithredhairstood,apieceofpaperclutchedinhislefthand.

“Wehave,YourHonor.”

“Let’sproceedthen,shallwe?Willthedefendantpleasestand?”Josh,Olivia,andIroseas
one, every second feeling like a minute as we waited for the jury foreman to read the
verdict.

“On the count of murder in the first degree, how do you find the defendant?” Judge
Davidsonasked.

“Not guilty,” the redhead said. There was an audible gasp from Cecilia’s side of the
courtroom,thesobbing,nodoubtfromhermother.Joshdidn’tmove;itwastoosoonto
breathe a sigh of relief, as there were still other charges that could send him away for
dozensofyears.

“Onthecountofrapeinthefirstdegree,howdoyoufindthedefendant?”

“Notguilty.”

“On the count of aggravated burglary, a first-degree felony, how do you find the
defendant?”

“Notguilty.”

“On the court of obstruction of justice, a second-degree felony, how do you find the
defendant?”

“Notguilty.”

Thatwasit.Thosewerethefinalcharges.Josh’sheaddropped,andtearsofjoyrandown
hischeeks.OliviapattedhimonthebackandsaidsomethingtohimIcouldn’thear,buthe
smiledather—thefirstrealsmileI’dseenfromhim.Thecourtroombrokeoutintoabuzz
ofwhisperedconversations.

“Noooo…”Cecilia’smothercriedout.“No!Hemurderedmydaughter!Hecan’tgetaway
withthis!HemurderedCecilia!”

“Order! Order!” Judge Davidson pounded his gavel on the bench. “You may all be
seated.”

JudgeDavidsonbeganthankingthejuryfortheirtimeandservice,butIwasn’tlistening.I
waswatchingOlivia.Shehadleanedbackinherchairandwaswatchingthejudgeclosely,
alookofsatisfactionIhadneverseenbeforeplayingacrossherface.Afewmomentslater
weallroseasthejuryshuffledbackoutoftheroom,thenwewereexcused.

Joshranaroundthebarandwasmetwithacrushingembracefromhisfather.Icouldn’t
helpbutnoticethesourlookonZack’sface.

“Nicework,Ms.Roberts,”Isaid,turningmyattentiontoOlivia.Shelookedup,hereyes
aliveanddancingwithhappiness,asmilespreadacrossherface.

“AsmuchasIwouldliketo,Idon’tthinkIcantakeallthecredit.”

“Oh?”Iraisedaneyebrow.

“PuttingJoshonthewitnessstandreallywasabrilliantmove.”

“Oh,we’rebacktothatagain?”

“Ithinkitreallysealedthedeal,”shesaid.Justthen,Joshcamebackaroundthebarand
stoodinfrontofme,hishandextended.

“Mr.Beck,thankyouforallyourhardworkonthis,”hesaid.Itookhishandandshookit.
WhenIreleasedhishand,heturnedtoOlivia,buthedidn’tshakeherhand.Hepulledher
intoahug,whisperingthingsIcouldn’thearinherear.Iglaredatthetwoofthem.This
washighlyinappropriate,butOliviacaughtmyattentionandjustshrugged.

“Come on, Olivia, Josh,” I said, breaking up the hug. “The media is waiting for a
statementoutside.”

HOURS

laterwefinallyleftthecourthouse,steppingoutinthestill-hotSeptemberair.

Interviews with the media, then meetings with the Delaneys, then congratulations from
JackandDanhadtakenlongerthanI’dexpected,anditwasnearlytwointhemorning.

“I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this feeling,” Olivia said, lifting her hands above her
headandspinningaroundinacircle.

“I’veneverseenyoulikethis.”

“Likewhat?”sheasked,droppingherhandsandturningtolookatme.

“Sohappyand…”Ithoughtforaminute,tryingtofindtherightword.

“Andwhat?”

“Carefree,” I said, finally. “You are usually so composed and calculated and always on
point,readyforworkatanysecond.”

“Yousaythosethingsliketheyarebad,”Oliviasaidasshebeganwalkingdownthestreet.
“Besides,forthisonebriefmoment,Idon’thavetoworryaboutanythingelse.Wewon,
wedidthejobwewerehiredtodo,Joshgetstogohometonight,anditfeelsawesome.”I
joggeddownthesidewalktocatchupwithher.

“Whereareyougoing?”

“I’m starving. I was too anxious to eat dinner, but there is a great little diner just a few
blocksfromhere.Youcangetpancakesalldaylong.”

Thedinerwasdeserted.Therewerenoothercustomers,nootherpeopleasfarasIcould
seeinthesmallspace.

“Olivia!”Alarge,roundmancameoutofthekitchenwhenthedoorshutbehindus.He
pulledherintoahuglikeitwasthemostthenaturalthingintheworld.Shelaughedand
saidhelloashesqueezedher.

“Itakeityou’vebeenherebefore?”

“Icomehereaftereveryverdict.It’stradition,”shesaid,pullingherselfoutofthechef’s

embrace.“Jameson,thisisRubio.Rubio,thisisJamesonBeck.”

“Nice to meet you, Jameson,” Rubio said, sticking out his hand. “You seem to be in a
goodmood,thatmustmeanyouwonagain.”

“We did, not guilty on all counts,” Olivia said, taking a seat at the bar. “I’ll have the
usual.”

Theybothturnedandlookedatme,andIrealizedtheywerewaitingformyorder,even
thoughI’dneverbeenofferedamenu.

“I’llhavewhatshe’shaving,”IsaidalittlemoregrumpilythanIintended.Rubiobrought
usbothwaterandcupsofcoffeebeforehedisappearedintothekitchentomakewhatever
theusualwas.

“Lightenup,Jameson,”Oliviasaid,jabbingmesoftlywithherelbow.“We’recelebrating,
remember?”

“Idon’tthinkanyonereallyassociatesa‘50s-inspireddinerwithavictorycelebration.”

“Ooooh, that’s right. I forgot you are much posher than this,” she teased. “Too good for
pancakesandcoffeeattwointhemorning.”Sheturnedawayfromme,andIcouldn’ttell
ifshewasmadorstilljoking.

IwantedtopointoutthatIhadprobablyspentmoretimeinrun-downdinersinmylife
thanshehad,butwhensheturnedbacktolookatmeagain,herfacewasstillbrightand
alive,withthehugesmileshe’dhadsinceweleftthecourthouse.Ididn’twanttoruinher
goodmoodwithasillyargument.

IlookedatmyplateskepticallywhenRubiosetitdowninfrontofme.Itturnedoutthe
usual was chocolate chip pancakes with bacon, over-easy eggs, and a glass of chocolate
milk.

“What?” Olivia said, watching my face. “Please tell me you don’t hate chocolate chip
pancakes?”

“Whohateschocolatechippancakes?”Iasked,takingalargeforkfulandstuffingitinmy
mouth.Thecombinationofmyworkoutfromearlierandwaninghighfromtheadrenaline
hadsuddenlymademestarving.“I’mjustsurprisedthisiswhatyoualwaysorder,”Isaid,
mymouthstillpartiallyfull.

“Whatisthatsupposedtomean?”sherepliedthroughabiteofherownpancakes.“You
thinkI’mtoogoodforchocolatechippancakes?”Iswallowedmybiteandlaughed.

“No, not at all. It’s just women with bodies like yours don’t usually eat chocolate or
pancakes,anddefinitelynotinthesamemeal,”Isaid.“Withbaconnonetheless.”

“Eh,” she shrugged. “My ass likes carbs, what can I say.” She took another big bite of
pancakes,thenturnedtolookatme,butallthelaughterwasgonefromherfacenow.

“Besides,”shesaid,“Iknowawaywecanburnoffallthesecalorieslater.”Sheranher
handupmythigh,herfingersstoppingjustshortofmycrotch.Inearlychokedonmybite
ofbaconbeforeshepulledherhandawayandpickedherforkbackup.

“Let’sgonow.”Allthoughtsofhungerandpancakesweregonefrommymind.

“Youcango,”shesaid.“ButI’mfinishingmypancakes.”Shepouredmoresyruponher
plateandtookanotherbite.

“Youcouldpoursyruponmybodyandeatmeinstead,”Ismirked.

“Andmisswatchingyousquirm?”sheasked.“Thisiswaymorefun.”Syrupdrippedoff
herforkontoherfingers,andsheputtheminhermouth,suckingonthemseductively,her
eyesneverleavingmine.

“Areyoutryingtotortureme?”

“Always,”shesmiled.“Isitworking?”

“I’mnevergoingtothinkofchocolatechippancakesthesamewayagain.”

“If you’re going to work with me, you’ll have to get used it, as they are a post-trial
tradition,”shesaid,poppingafinalbiteofbaconinhermouthandpushingherplateaway.

“Let’s start a new post-trial tradition,” I said, grabbing her stool and turning her toward
me. I leaned over and kissed her, my fingers inching up my thigh as I did. A soft moan
escapedherwhenIkissedherneck.

“Okay,let’sgo,”shewhispered.Ipulledsomecashoutofmywalletandthrewitonthe
counterbeforeIgrabbedherhandandledhertowardthedoor.“Bye,Rubio!”sheyelled
overhershoulderaswesteppedoutintothenight.

WewalkedhalfablockbeforeIpulledherintoanalleywayandpushedherupagainstthe
wall. She opened her mouth to say something, but I silenced her with a kiss. She tasted
likedsyrupandchocolate,anditwasdivine.ShemoanedintomymouthwhenIsqueezed
herbreasts.Istartedtopullupherskirt,readytotakeherrightthereinthealley,butshe
pulledaway,cuppingmyfacewithbothofherhands.

“Jameson.We’renotfuckinginthisdirtyalleyway.”Iignoredherwordsandkissedher
again, my hand dipping under her skirt and between her legs, where I was greeted with
bareskinandmoisture.

“Doyoualwaysgocommandoincourt?”Iasked,nibblingherneckandearlobewhilemy
fingerstracedlazycirclesoverherclit.“God,you’resofuckingwet.”

“Jameson,”shepleaded.

“What,baby?”Islidafingerinsideher,andshebuckedagainstmyhand.Shespreadher
legswider,herskirtbunchinguparoundthetopsofherthighs.“Tellmewhatyouwant,”I
said,rubbingmythumboverherswollenclit.Islidanotherfingerinsideher,mymouth
teasingherneckasIfuckedherwithmyfingers.

“Fuck, don’t stop,” she whispered. “Oh God, Jameson, holy shit, yes!” I silenced her
moans with my mouth as she came, her body convulsing around my hand. I sucked her
juicesoffmyfingers,justlikeshe’ddonetothesyruplessthantenminutesago.Iturned
andstartedwalkingbacktowardthestreet,butshegrabbedmyarm.

“Whereareyougoing?”sheasked,stillbreathinghard,herskirtstillbunchedaroundher
waist.

“Ithoughtyousaidweweren’tfuckinginthisalley?”

“Ichangedmymind,”shebreathed.“Idon’tgiveashitwhereweare,justfuckme.Now.”

Ididn’thavetobeaskedtwice.Mymouthcrushedagainsthersasshetuggedonmybelt
andthebuttonofmypants,reachinginsideandpullingoutmycock,strokingitwhileshe
kissedme.Iunbuttonedthetopbuttonsofherblouseandyankedherbradown,sucking
oneofhernipplesintomymouth.Hergriponmydicktightened,andImovedawaylong
enough to roll on a condom before my mouth was back on hers. I lifted her up and slid
insideherasshewrappedherlegsaroundmywaist.

Ihadnorestraint.Icouldn’thavegoneslowlyifI’dwanted;mybodytookoverandmy
mindcouldn’tstopitasIfuckedherhardagainstthebrickwall.Bothofuswereoblivious
tothefactthatanyonewalkingbywouldseeusgoingatitlikeanimals.

“Olivia,Jesus,youfeelsogood,”Igruntedintoherneck,andsherespondedwithmoans
ofherown.Sweatbeadedonmyforehead,matchingthesheenthatwascoveringOlivia’s
nakedchest.Iwasn’tgoingtolastlong.Ipinnedheragainstthewallwithmybodyand
pushedonehandbetweenourbodies,usingtwofingerstoputpressureonherclit.

“Fuck,” she breathed and pulled my mouth back to hers, her body contracting and
releasingaroundmemomentslaterwhenherorgasmhit.Ipoundedintoherforafewfinal
thrusts before I came, my legs shaking when I pulled out and set her back down on the
ground.

Webothstraightenedourclotheswhilewecaughtourbreath.

“Ithinkyouowemeanewsuit,”Oliviafinallysaid.

“You’retheonewhodemandedIfuckyouinthealleyagainstabrickwall,soIdon’towe
youanything.”

“Let’sgosomewherewithairconditioning.”

“Myplaceoryours?”Ismiled.

“Myplaceiscloser.”

“Minehasabettershower.”

“Whydidyouevenaskifyoudidn’twantmyopinion?”Sherolledhereyesandstrodeout
ofthealleywaytohailacab.

Webarelymadeitbacktomyplacewithallourclotheson,thedriversighingloudlyas
wegropedeachotherliketeenagersinthebackseat.Thesunwasstartingtopeekthrough
thebuildingstotheeastwhenIfinallycollapsedonmybed.Oliviawasalreadyfastasleep
beside me. I watched her for a few minutes, the soft light in the room making her skin
glow.Shelookedlikeagoddesswithherblondehairinahaloaroundherhead.Ithought
myheartwasgoingtoexplodeoutofmychestjustlookingather.

IkissedhergentlyonthecheekbeforeIpushedthebuttontoclosetheelectronicblackout
curtains.

“Iloveyou,Olivia,”IwhisperedbeforeIrolledoverandfellasleep.

“J

ACK

AND

want to see you,” Beverly said before I had even stepped fully off the

elevatorThursdaymorning.I’dtakenhalfadayoffonWednesday,catchinguponsleep
aftertheDelaneytrial.“TheyareinJack’soffice.”

“Didtheysaywhy?”Iasked,eventhoughIknewwhatthiswasabout.Istraightenedmy
tieasIwalkeddownthehalltowardthelargecornerofficeJackoccupied.Jackwassitting
at his desk, Dan leaning over it, both looking closely at a document. They lifted their
headswhenIknockedonthedoorframe.

“Beverlysaidyouwantedtoseeme?”IwonderedforasplitsecondifthiswashowJosh
feltbeforetheverdict,knowingthenextfewmomentsweregoingtohaveamajorimpact
onhislife.Iwasn’tfacingalifelongprisonsentence,butonewayoranother,mylifewas
abouttochange.

“Mr.Beck,yes,pleasetakeaseat,”Dansaid,pointingtoachairbeforesittingdownnext
tome.

“CongratulationsontheDelaneytrial,”Jacksaid.ThiswasatleastthethirdtimeI’dbeen
congratulatedonthewin,butthatcouldn’tbetheonlyreasonIhadbeensummoned.

“Thankyou,”Isaid,waitingtohearwhatelsetheyhadtosay.

“Mr. Beck,” Jack continued, “as you know, we have been considering adding a name
partner to the firm for quite some time now. We are both getting older, and we need
someoneyounganddriventohelpleadthefirm.”

Ilookedatthetwoofthem.Neitherofthemwereevensixtyyet,butIunderstoodwhat
theyweresayingnonetheless.Workingsixtytoonehundredhoursaweekforthirtyyears
hadtobeexhausting,nottomentionatollonthefamiliestheybothhad.

“We’vethoughtaboutit,discusseditextensivelyoverthepastfewweeks,”Danjumped
in.“Andwe’dlikethatpersontobeyou.”Itwasn’tatotalshock…itwaseithermeor
Olivia, but I was still stunned. When I didn’t say anything immediately, Jack began
speakingagain.

“We’ve been watching you closely for several months, even before you came to New
York,andwe’vebeenimpressedwithyourwork.Webothagreeyouarethemanforthe
job.”Hisuseofthewordmandidn’tgounnoticed,andIwonderedifOliviawereaman,
ifIwouldevenbehere,orifI’dstillbeinCaliforniaworkingmyassoffforWeston.

“Thankyou.Iamhonored,”Isaid,finallyfindingmyvoice.

“We’vedrawnuptheoffer,”Jacksaid,handingmethepapertheyhadbeenstudyingwhen
Icamein.Itookthepaperandskimmeditover.Iwouldbecomeapart-ownerandname
partneratthenewHugh,Roscow,andBeck,andwassettoreceiveasubstantialincrease
inpay,managerialduties,andthefirstchoiceofcasesIwantedtoworkon,andpeopleI
wanted to work on them with. Nothing looked out of place, but I still wanted time to
reviewthecontractindetailbeforeIsignedit.

“Upon first glance, everything appears to be taken care of,” I said. “But of course, I’ll
needtimetogiveitacloserlook.”

“Ofcourse,”Dansaid.“Wewouldexpectnothinglessfromalawyerlikeyou.”

“HughandRoscowisoneofthepremierdefensefirmsinthecountry.Icouldneverturn
downanopportunitylikethis,sopendinganycontractnegotiationsormodifications,you
canconsidertheofferaccepted.”ThiswaswhatIcameherefor.Ididn’twanttopassthis
up.

JackandDanbothstood,andIfollowedsuit,risingandshakingtheirhands.

“Welcometotheteam,Mr.Beck,”Jacksaid.

“I’llhavethisbacktoyoubytheendoftheday,”Isaid,holdingupthecontractbeforeI
turnedandwalkedtomyoffice.Ishutthedoorbehindmeandpunchedafistintheair.It
wasfinallyhappening.

“Hugh,Roscow,andBeck,”Isaidoutloudtomyself.“It’saboutfuckingtime.”

I spent the rest of the morning going over the contract, making a few notes of things I
wanted to be changed or clarified, but overall it looked great, and I couldn’t wait to get
started.IpickedupmydeskphoneandcalledBeverly.

“Beverly,doJackandDanhaveanyfreetimethisafternoon?”Iasked.

“Letmecheck,”shesaid.Icouldheartherapidclickofherfingersonthekeyboardasshe
nodoubtpulleduptheirschedules.“Theyarebothfreeat4:30…wouldyoulikemeto
putyouontheirschedules?”

“Yes,please.Thankyou,Beverly.”Ihungupandbegansiftingthroughthecasefilesof
clientslookingforrepresentation.At4:30,Imademywaybackdownthehallandfound
mynewpartnersinthesamepositionsIhadlefttheminthatmorning.

“I made a few notes,” I said, handing the contract back to Jack. “Once those things are
changed,I’llbehappytosign.”Danraisedhiseyebrowatme.

“Whatifwedon’tacceptyourchanges?”hesaid,asItooktheseatnexttohim.

“Ithinkyou’llfindthechangesIsuggestedmakethisdealstronger,”Isaid.

“Youseemtobeprettysureofyourself,”Dansaid.

“OfcourseIam,whichiswhyyouwantmeaspartner.”

“I see nothing wrong with any of these,” Jack finally spoke and handed the contract to
Dan.Wesatinsilenceforafewmomentswhilehereviewedmychanges.

“Verywell.We’llhaveBeverlymakethesechangesandadditions,”Danagreed.“It’llbe
readyforyoutosignfirstthinginthemorning.”

“I look forward to it,” I said and stood. I still had at least two hours of work left to do
beforeIcouldcallitaday.Ishookbothmen’shandsagainandthenturnedtoleave.

MyhandwasonthedoorwhenIheardJackmurmur,“NowwehavetodealwithOlivia.”

“Shewon’tbehappy,”Danwhispered.Istoppedinmytracks.Ihadn’teventhoughtabout
Olivia.I’dbeensoengrossedinmyworkallday,Ihadn’thadasecondtothinkabouthow
shewouldreacttothisnews.‘Shewon’tbehappy’wasagrossunderstatement.Ithought
she had been furious when they added me to the Delaney case, but I imagined this was
goingtobeonehundredtimesworse.Iturnedbackaroundandclearedmythroat.Both

menlookedup,surprisedtoseemestillstandingthere.

“IthinkIcanhelpwiththat.”

“Whatwouldmakeyouthinkthat?”Danasked.

“We’vedevelopedagoodrelationshipthepastseveralweeks,”Isaid,choosingmywords
carefully. The full details of our relationship didn’t belong in this conversation, or any
conversation at the firm, for that matter. “Maybe she’ll take the news better if it comes
fromme.”

“Youdorealizeshe’swantedthisjobforquitesometimenow?”Jackasked.

“Ido.”

“Andyouthinkshe’llhaveabetterreactionifthenewscomesfromyou?Thepersonwe
choseinherplace?”DanlookedatmelikeIwasdelusional.“Irespectyourtenacity,Mr.
Beck,butIthinkthatisaterribleidea.”

Ihadtobetheonetotellher.Itwasn’tgoingtogowellnomatterwhat,butIdidn’twant
her to jeopardize her career or future here with the inevitable outburst she was going to
have.Iwasusedtoarguingwithher,sothiswouldbenodifferent.Besides,ifIgottotell
her,Imightbeabletosalvageourrelationship.

“I’dliketoaddthattotheconditionsofmycontract,”Isaid,presentingtheonlyoption
thatwouldguaranteeIgottogiveOliviathenews.Dan’seyesnarrowed,andhelookedat
mesuspiciously.

“James,” Dan said, using my first name for the first time all day. “Are you saying you
won’tsignthecontractifyouaren’ttheonetogiveMs.Robertsthenews?

“ThatisexactlywhatIamsaying.”

“Thatisaverystrangedemand,”hecountered,andIcouldseethewheelsspinninginhis
head.

“I do things a little differently than most,” I said, bringing the conversation back to me,
steering it away from Olivia and any thoughts that our relationship may be more than a
workingone.“CorrectmeifI’mwrong,butyouwantmeaspartnerbecauseI’mnotlike
everyoneelse.Ihaveanunconventionalapproachtomyworkfromthecourtroomtothe
office, and this is just one of those things.” They looked at me, considering what I was
saying.

“I’dliketomeetwithalltheseniorassociatesandtelltheminperson,”Iadded.Icouldn’t
reallygiveashitlessabouteveryoneelse,butthisway,itdidn’tseemlikeIwassingling
Oliviaoutofthecrowd.ThetwomensharedalongglancebeforeJacknodded.

“Thatisnotunreasonable,”hesaid.“We’lladdthattothecontractlanguage.”Danshook
hisheadbutdidn’tsayanything.

“Thankyou,”Isaid,adjustingmysuitcoat.“I’llreturnthecontractassoonasIsignitin
themorning.”

Withthat,Istrodeoutoftheofficebeforeanymorequestionswereasked.Iwentbackto
myoffice,butinsteadofdivingbackintocasefiles,Itriedtopreparefortheconversation

InowhadtohavewithOlivia.

Ourrelationshipwasfinallyonsomewhatsteadyground.IhadalmosttoldherIlovedher
thenightafterthetrial,butdecidedatthelastminutethatIneededtowait,tokeepthetwo
separate.Ididn’twanthertothinkitwasjusttheemotionsandadrenalinefromtheverdict
talking,butnowIwasregrettingit.NowIwishedsheknewhowIfelt,IwishedI’dtold
herweeksago.

Ourrelationshipmightbeabletosurviveifsheknew,butnowallIcouldthinkwasIhad
justdemandedthatIdeliverthedeathblow.

THIRTY-FIVE

Olivia

ate afternoon sunlight was still shining through my office windows, but I was
alreadygettingreadytogohome.AfterthemarathonthathadbeentheDelaneytrial,

I’d decided I deserved an evening off and was ready to start my weekend a few hours
early.

IlookedupatthesoundofaknockonmydoorframeandsawJamesonstandingthere,his
handsinhispockets,lookingsexyasever.Ismiledatthesightofhim.Ihadgottenused
to spending twelve hours a day with him, and the past few days I hadn’t seen him as
much.

“Youleavingsosoon?”

“It’salmostfive…Icanleaveatanormalhour,youknow.Wedeserveabreakeverynow
and then, Mr. Beck,” I teased, but he didn’t smile. Instead, he came into my office and
shut the door behind him. I couldn’t quite place the look on his face; it was satisfaction
mixedwithatouchofsomethingIcouldn’tputmyfingeron.

“Ihavesomenews,”hesaid,walkingforwardandtakingaseatinoneofthechairsacross
frommydesk.Ifollowedsuit,sittinginmychair,butpeeringathimclosely.Heopened
hismouthandthencloseditagain.

“Whatisthisabout,Jameson?”Iaskedimpatiently.

“Iwastryingtobedelicate…”hesaid.Isnorted.

“Please,whenhaveyoueverbeendelicate?”

“Well,ifthat’showit’sgoingtobe,”hemumbled.

“Howwhat’sgoingtobe?”

“Igotit,”hesaid,andthenwaitedformyreaction,butIdidn’tknowwhathewastalking
about.“I’vebeenofferedafullpartnership,Olivia.”Ifeltlikesomeonehadpunchedmein
thestomach.Icouldn’tbreathe.Theroomwasspinning,andIgrabbedholdofmydesk
forsupporteventhoughIwassittingdown.Jamesonwatchedmeclosely,hiseyesnever
leaving my face, his hard expression never changing. I didn’t believe him. I couldn’t
believehim.

“Liar,”IspatoutwhenIregainedmybearings.

“WhywouldIlie?”hecountered.“Thepaperworkisalreadybeingdrafted;itshouldonly

beafewweeksandyou’llofficiallyworkforHugh,Roscow,andBeck.”Istoodupfrom
mydesk.

“I’mgoingtotalktoDanandJack,”Isaid,stalkingtowardthedoor.

“Don’twasteyourtime,theyalreadyleft.”Jamesonstoodandfacedme.

“Andtheysentyoutogivemethebadnews?”

“No,Iwantedtotellyou.”Angerfloodedthroughme.

“Why…soyoucouldrubitin?SayItoldyouso.”Iturnedawayfromhim.Unwanted
tearsbuiltupbehindmyeyesandthreatenedtospillover.

“It’snotlikethat,Olivia.”Hegrabbedmyelbow,butIyankedaway.

“Don’ttouchme.Don’tevertouchmeagain.Getthefuckoutofmyoffice.”

“Olivia, calm down,” he chided. “I didn’t come to brag … I just wanted you to hear it
fromme.”

“Why?” I yelled. “Did you think I’d be happy for you? Did you think I’d give you a
congratulatoryblowjobandgoforcelebratorydrinks?”

“Well,no…”hestumbled.

“YousweepinandtaketheonlythingI’vewantedforthelasttenyearsandyouexpect
me to say congratulations and carry on like nothing has changed? You’re more arrogant
andconceitedthanIthought.”

“Olivia,thisdoesn’thavetobetheendofeverything.Itdoesn’thavetobetheendofus.”

“You’dlikethat,wouldn’tyou?ThenIcouldbethegirlyoualwaysthoughtIwas,theone
whofucksthepartnerstogetherway,”Isneered.“Nothanks,Mr.Beck.”

“You know I don’t think that anymore. You’re a good lawyer.” A good lawyer? After
weeksofpouringmysoulintotheDelaneytrialwithhim,thebestIgotwasI’magood
lawyer?

“Fuckyou,Jameson,getout.”

“Olivia…”

“Get out of my office or I’m calling security.” He didn’t move, but rather stood there,
lookingatmewithsadnessonhisface.Ipickedupmyphone,andhetookasteptoward
thedoor.

“Ihopewecanstillworktogether,”hesaid,pausingatthedoor.“Wemadeagoodteam.”
Then he disappeared around the corner, and I heard his footsteps making a quick exit
downthehallway,probablytostartgettingsettledinhisnewcorneroffice.

“You can go to hell,” I mumbled to no one as I finished gathering my things and left,
slammingmyofficedoorbehindme.

COULDN

’

BELIEVE

thiswashappening.IfeltlikeIwasinabaddreamIcouldn’twake

up from—like the world was falling out from underneath me. I had been on Cloud 9,

ridingthehighfromthetrial.I’dfeltunstoppable,hadknownforsurethepartnershipwas
coming next. Aside from the incident with Jameson, the trial had gone perfectly. I had
neverdonebetterwork.

ThenJamesonhadwalkedinlookingsmugaseverandpulledtherugoutfromunderme.
Atfirst,Ithoughthewaslying,thathewasdoingitjusttogetmeriledupsowecould
havehotmakeupsex.Butitwasn’tanact.

I didn’t know what I had expected. Had I thought his feelings for me would change
anythingwhenitcametohiscareergoals?Hadheevenhadfeelingsforme?Orwasthat
justaprojectionofmyownfeelingsforhim?

I took a shot of vodka, slamming the glass back down on my counter, anger rushing
throughmyveins.Iwassuchanidiot.Sonaive.Theadrenalineandthehighfromthetrial
had made me forget about the partnership for a moment, made me forget that I was in
competitionwithJameson.Ihadletourcamaraderiethepastfewweekscloudmyfocus.

Icouldn’tdenythatourrelationshiphadchangedovertime.Ihadn’tbeenreadytocallit
love, and now I never would be. Fuck Jameson. This was why I had limited my
relationships to sexual ones for the past twenty years. Emotions, any of them, made
everythingmorecomplicated,madeeverythingmessy.

Myphonerang,andJameson’snameflashedacrossthescreen.

“You honestly think I’m going to answer the phone for you? Not a chance in hell,” I
snorted.IletitringandringandringasIdownedanothershotandheadedtomyroomto
change.ThephonerangtwomoretimeswhileIwaschanging.Iputonalow-cutblack
bandagedressandletmyhairdown.Itouchedupmymakeup,rimmingmyeyesindark
eyelinerbeforeIsmudgeditforasmokyeffect.

BythetimeIputonmyheelstwentyminuteslater,Iwasthoroughlybuzzedandpissed
off. It was a terrible combination and gave me an idea I was sure I would regret in the
morning,butIdidn’tcare.Igrabbedmykeysandclutchandleft.Iwasn’tgoingtogive
Jamesonanymoreofmythoughts.Thebastardwasn’tworthanotherminuteofmytime.

Iscrolledthroughmyphoneontheelevator,myfingerstoppingwhenIfoundthenumber
Iwaslookingfor.Gabriel. I paused, my finger hovering over the call button for a split-
secondbeforemycommonsensewasgoneagain,andItouchedthescreen.

“Olivia.” Gabriel smiled appreciatively as he approached, his eyes taking me in. “You
lookamazing,asalways.”Heleaneddownandkissedmeonthecheek.Eventhoughwe
were around the corner from the club entrance, you could still hear the music thumping
outtheopenfrontdoor.

“Hi, Gabriel,” I smiled back. I’d almost forgotten how hot he was. His skin was even
darker now, the summer months darkening his already tanned complexion, a contrast to
hisflawlesswhitesmile.Hisdarkhairwaspushedbackfromhisface,thetoptwobuttons
ofhisshirtalreadyundone.

IthadbeenincrediblyeasytoconvinceGabrieltocomeoutwithme,andIhadwondered
brieflyifhe’dbeenwaitingallthesemonthsformetocall.ButthenIdidn’tcare.Hewas
here and that was all that mattered right now. I wasn’t going to think about what would

happentomorrow…Iwasjustgoingtoenjoytonight.

“Howhaveyoubeen?”heasked,leaningagainstthebuildingbesideme.

“Can’tcomplain,”Isaid.IactuallyhadalonglistofcomplaintsIcouldlodgeagainstlife
rightnow,butIwasheretoforgetaboutthem,nothaveGabrielsayItoldyouso.“And
you?”

“The summer has been kind to me, good luck on Wall Street and with the ladies.” He
smiledagain,andIlaughed.

“You’veneverhadanytroublewiththeladies,”Isaid.

“Except for the one I wanted the most.” His eyes darkened for a second and his smile
dimmedasheranafingerdownmycheek.Mystomachballed.Thiswasamistake.Then
theflashwasgoneandhewasbacktohisnormalhappyself.“Butlifeisgood.”

“Have they finally made you partner?” he asked, bringing up the biggest complaint of
themall,andIrememberedtheentirereasonIhadcalledhim,anditsureashellwasn’tto
talkaboutworkandourpast.

“Unfortunately, no…” I shook my head and pushed myself off the wall. My buzz was
wearingoff.IneededmorealcoholandmusicsoloudIcouldn’thearmyselfthink.“ButI
don’tthinkeitherofuscameheretotalkaboutwork.”Helaughedandstoodupstraight
besideme.

“Let’sgetsomedrinks,”hesaid,takingmyhandandleadingmeinside.

TwohoursandmoredrinksthanIcaredtocountlater,andIwaslaughinghystericallyat
somethingGabrielhadsaid.Iwasdrunk,andIdidn’tcare.Gabrieldidn’tcareeither.He
kept ordering me drinks, his arm never leaving my waist as we drank and danced and
laughed.

Gabrielorderedusanotherround,ashotthatwassweetandtastedlikepineapple,thenhe
pulledmetowardthedanceflooragain.Hewrappedhisarmsaroundmywaistandheld
me close, his body grinding against mine as we danced to the loud music. His hands
roamed everywhere, down my back, across my ass, up and down my arms. Then he
grabbedmyfaceandkissedme.Mymouth,myear,myneck.Everytouchofhislipssent
awaveofdesirethroughme.

“Let’sgetoutofhere,”Iyelledinhisear,grabbinghishandandpullinghimtowardthe
exit.Wemadeoutinthebackofthecabliketeenagers.Wewerebothoutofbreathwhen
wepulledupoutsidemyapartment.Ithrew$20atthecabdriverandhurriedoutofthe
car,Gabriel’slipsonmineassoonaswewereintheelevator.Ourlipsneverpartedaswe
stumbleddownthehalltomyapartment.Iturnedbrieflyandputthekeyinthelock,as
Gabrielkissedthebackofmyneckandshoulders.

“God, I’ve missed kissing you,” he said. I shoved the door open and pulled him inside,
silencinganymoretalkingwithanotherkiss.Iunbuttonedhisshirt,runningmyfingertips
overhistonedchestandabs.Hisfingerspulledatmyzipper,yankingitdown.Heslidthe
strapsofmydressoffmyshouldersanddownmychest,suckingoneofmybarenipples
intohismouth.Imoaned,myheaddroppingbackandmydressfallingoffme.

Itlandedatmyfeetwithasoftwhoosh.Itwaslikethesoundhadbrokendownawallin
mymind,andathousandimagesofJamesonslammedintome.Hismouthonmine.Him
laughing at my Southern accent. The way his face lit up when we got the not guilty
verdict.ThelookhegavemewhenItoldhimaboutJakeandAmanda.

IpushedGabrieloffmeandtookafewstepsback.Hewasbreathinghardandlookedat
me like I had lost my mind. I covered myself with my hands, suddenly feeling very
vulnerableandexposedinfrontofhim.

“I’msorry,Gabriel,”Iwhispered.“Ican’tdothis.”

“What do you mean?” The look in his eyes was dark and possessive and little bit scary,
and for a minute I thought maybe I had gone too far, maybe he wasn’t willing to stop,
maybeIwasgoingtoendupinthemiddleofmyownrapetrial.

“I’msorry,”Isaidagain.“Thiswasamistake.Inevershouldhavecalledyou.”

“Whydidyouthen?”Heshookhisheadangrilyandbeganbuttoninghisshirt.Ibreatheda
sighofrelief.Ipulledmydressbackupandcoveredmyself.

“Tohidefromthetruth.”

“You’renotmakinganysense.”

“It’sokay,youdon’thavetounderstand.”

“You know I would’ve loved you better than anyone else?” he asked, a pained look in
eyes.Gabriel’sconfessiononlymademeseewhatIhadwithJamesoninaclearerlight.

“Youonlylovedhalfofme,”Isaid.“Youneverlovedmycareer,younevercouldhave,
and that’s why it would never work.” It was true. In a different life, I could’ve loved
Gabriel,could’vegivenhimeverythinghehadaskedfor,butthatwasjustafairytale,and
fairytalesnevercametrue,Ialreadyknewthat.Gabrielshookhisheadbutdidn’tspeak.
We’dalreadyhadthisargumentahalf-dozentimes.

“I’msorryIcalledyoutonight,”Isaid.“Itwon’thappenagain.”

“I hope you find what you’re looking for, Olivia.” He turned and left, the door shutting
softlybehindhim.

“IthinkIalreadyhave,”Iwhispered.

THIRTY-SIX

Jameson

t had finally happened. The thing I had been working toward for years was finally
mine.IwasgoingtobepartneratoneofthebestlawfirmsinNewYorkCity.Ishould

have felt ecstatic, should have been out celebrating, riding the high of winning the trial
andgettingthepartnership.Butinstead,Iwasleaningontheedgeofmybalcony,nursing
mysecondglassofwhiskeyandstaringoutattheNewYorkCityskyline,likeIhadbeen
doingforthepasthour.

Myconversation,ifyoucouldcallitthat,withOliviawasstillplayinginmyheadlikea
bad movie stuck on repeat. I drained my whiskey, hoping it would make me forget the
lookinhereyeswhenIgaveherthenews.IseriouslyregrettedinsistingIbetheoneto
tellher.JackandDanhadwantedmetowaituntilMondaytotellher,butIhadwantedto
tellhertonight.

Ihadbeendelusionaltothinkshewouldbeinanywayexcitedforme.Ihadthoughtshe
reciprocatedsomeofmyfeelingsforher,butdamnwasIwrong.Thelookshehadgiven
me was one of pure hatred. Disappointment, anger, and hatred had flashed through her
eyesinamatterofmoments.

My phone ringing cut through the silence and my thoughts. I looked at my screen and
sighed.Thenewswasabouttogobi-coastal.

“Congratulationsonthewin!”ReggiesaidwhenIanswered.

“Thanks,man,”Isaid.“Itwasarush.”

“Whendotheyplanondecidingaboutthepartnership?”

“Theyalreadydid.”

“And?”heprobed.

“It’s me, I got it,” I knew I didn’t sound excited or even happy about it, but I couldn’t
mustertheenergytopretend.EspeciallynotwithReggie.

“Andwhydoyousoundlikesomeonejustkilledyourdog?”Reggieasked.“Wait,letme
guess.ThishassomethingtodowithOlivia,doesn’tit?”

“Shewaspissed.”

“Of course she was pissed. I would’ve been pissed. You would’ve been pissed. That’s a
natural reaction when you get passed over for something you’ve wanted and worked

towardforyears.”

“I love her,” I blurted out. I wasn’t in the mood to go ‘round and ‘round in circles with
Reggietonight.Hecoughedlikehewaschokingonsomething.

“Excuseme…youwhat?”

“Iloveher.”

“I’msorry,canyouputJamesonBeckbackonplease?”

“I’m serious Reggie,” I sighed, as I went back inside for more whiskey. “I can’t deny it
anymore.Iloveher…I’velovedherforawhilenow.”

“Sowhat?”

“Shehatesmenow,”Isaid.“WhenItoldherIgotthepartnership…”

“Youtoldher?”Reggiecutin.“Whywouldn’tyoulettheotherpartnershandlethat?”

“Itwasstupid,butIthoughtmaybeshewouldtakeitbettercomingfromme.”

“Ithinkyou’vehonestlylostyourmind.”

“NowIdon’tthinkshe’llevertalktomeagain.”

“You’llgetoverit,justlikeyoudidwithNatalie.”

“I don’t want to get over it,” I snapped. “I think she’s the one.” I couldn’t believe the
wordscomingoutofmyownmouth.Theysoundedforeignandsounlikeme.

“Theonewhat?”Reggieaskedexasperatedly.“Don’tgetallsentimentalonmenow.You
gaveuponmarriageandlovealongtimeago—webothdid.Thatwaswhatthecareerwe
wanteddemanded.”

“Whatifwemadeamistake?”

“Ithinkyouhityourheadorsomething.”

“Thisisn’tafuckingjoke,Reggie,”Isnarled.

“Calmthefuckdown,Beck.HowamIsupposedtotakethisconversationseriouslywhen
foraslongasI’veknownyou,you’veonlywantedonething?Andnowyou’vegotitand
you’reseriouslyconsideringlettingitgoforyourlatestfuck?”

“Doyouwanttobealonefortherestofyourlife?”Ishotback.“Spendeveryweekendat
thebartryingtofindanewladytoscrew?”

“We’renottalkingaboutmehere.We’retalkingaboutyouandhowyouarereadytogive
upyourlife’sdreamforablondebombshellwhoalsohappenstoliketosuckyourdick.”

“Youareadisgustingpig.”

“Three months ago you would’ve said the exact same thing,” Reggie nearly yelled.
“What’schanged?”

“How many times do I have to say it before you actually believe it? I love her, Reggie,
that’swhatchanged.Thisisn’tjustcasualsexanymore.Iwanther,allofher,allthetime.
Idon’twanttoloseheroverthis,andImighthavealready…”Iranahandthroughmy

hair and blew out a breath. I didn’t want to think about that. Didn’t want to think about
whatitwouldmeanifsheneverspoketomeagain.

“Jesus,okay,Igetit.”

“Doyou?”Icouldalmosthearhimshakinghisheadthroughtheline.

“Igetit,man,you’vesaidyouloveherhalfadozentimesnow,Ibelieveyou.Youwant
hermorethanthepartnership?Doesshereallymeanthatmuchtoyou?”

Ithoughtabouthisquestions.ThoughtsofOliviaracedthroughmymind.Herlaugh,the
wayshelookedwhenshewasmad,hersoftskin,thewayshemoanedmynamewhenshe
came.Iknewitwouldsoundcliché,butIlovedeverythingabouther.

“Yes,”Ifinallycroakedout.

“Well,I’llbedamned,”Reggiebreathedout.“IneverthoughtI’dseetheday.”

“Waituntilyoumeether.You’llunderstand.”

“Youhavetoconvincehertotakeyoubackfirst.”

“Takemeback?Ihavetoconvincehertohavemeatall.”Isuddenlyregrettednottelling
herhowIfeltbeforenow.

“Luckyforyou,youcanbeprettypersuasive,”helaughed.“Whatareyougoingtotellthe
partners?”

“Ichangedmymind.”

“Areyousureaboutthis?”heaskedagain.

“100%positive.”

“Ijusthadtocheck,”hesaid,thentherewassilence.“So,that’sit?”

“Thisistherightdecisionforme,Iknowitis.I’veweighedalltheprosandcons…”

“Ofcourseyouhave,”Reggiecutin.“Youcan’teverjustgowithyourgut.”

“Allright,I’mdonewithyourbullshittonight.”

“Youbetterletmeknowhowitgoes.”

“YouknowIwill.”

“Goodluck,man.”

“Thanks,Reggie.”Ihungupandpouredmyselfanotherglassofwhiskey.

IthoughtaboutcallingOliviarightthen,butIdoubtedshewouldevenanswer.Shehad
beenfuriouswhenshe’dthrownmeoutofheroffice.ButIneededtoseeher,neededto
talktoher.Idialedhernumber.Aspredicted,itrangandrangbeforegoingtovoicemail.I
triedtwomoretimesbeforeIgaveup.

Now I had to wait until Monday morning to talk to Jack and Dan. I had to wait until
MondaytotrytoconvinceOliviatogivemeachance,totellherIlovedherandhoped
shefeltthesameway.

Itwasgoingtobethelongestweekendofmylife.

THIRTY-SEVEN

Olivia

t was after seven, and the office was quiet. As far as I could tell, everyone else had
gone home. For once, though, I wasn’t doing case work. I didn’t owe these bastards

any more of my time. Ten fucking years of complete dedication, working extra-long
hours, taking the tough cases, being on point every single day. And for what? To get
passedupforthejobthey’dbeendanglinginfrontofmeforyears?

No, instead I was perusing the email offers from other firms I’d received recently. I’d
gottenthreeoffersjustsincetheDelaneytrial.Ithrewoutanythatweren’tinNewYork—
I wasn’t moving—then began making a list of others that interested me, with plans on
callingthemthisweektofollow-upontheiroffers.

Jack and Dan had wasted no time in making their decision, or rather, finalizing their
decisionafterthetrialhadended.ItwasthenIknewtheyhadneverbeenconsideringme
fortheposition.Theyhadbeenplayingmeallalong.Ifeltsostupid.

Athroatcleared,andIlookedaroundmydouble-monitorstofindJamesonstandinginthe
doorway,histieloosened,hissuitjacketgone.Iglaredathim,andthenturnedbacktomy
screens.DespitemyrevelationwhenI’dcalledGabrieltwodaysago,Iwasstillpissedat
him. Still furious about losing to him. Still unwilling to admit I had feelings for him, to
admitdefeat.Hispartnershipwouldn’tbemadeofficialforanotherfewweeks,and,with
anyluck,I’dhaveanewjobbythen.Iwasn’tgoingtoanswertohim,thatwouldnever
work.Maybeafterthat,wecouldfigureoutawaytobetogether,ifthatwaswhatheeven
wanted.Maybehehadbeenplayingme,too.

“I’msurprisedyou’restillhere,”hesaid.“Ithoughtforsureyou’dstopworkingsomany
hourswhenyoudidn’tgetpromotedtopartner.”

Hiscondescensionmademewanttothrowmystaplerathim.

“Didyoucometogloatsomemore?Because,really,youcanfuckoff.Idon’tcareabout
youoryourpartnershiporthisfirmanymore.I’mactuallylookingforotherjobsrightthis
moment.”

“Ididn’tcometogloat,”hesaid,hisvoicesoft.

“Whydidyoucomeherethen?IthoughtImadeitprettyapparentIneverwantedtospeak
withyouagain.”Jamesonhadn’tmovedfromthedoorway,casuallyleaningagainstit,his
handsinhispockets.

“IactuallycametotellyouIturneddownthepartnership,”hesaid.Ishookmyheadand
lookedathim.Hiseyeswerehardtoreadfromthisdistance,buthehadtobelying.

“Nowyou’rejustbeinganassholeonpurpose,”Isaid,standingupfrommydesk.Heshut
thedoorandtookafewstepstowardmeandshookhishead.

“I’mnot.Iturneditdown.ItoldJackandDanthismorning.”

“Why?”

“IrealizedthereissomethingIwantmorethanbeingapartneratHughandRoscow,”he
said.

“Didyougetanotheroffer?”Suddenly,Ipanicked,wonderingifhewaslookingatoffers
fromotherplacesaswell,andhowmanyofthefirmsthathadreachedouttomehadmade
himofferstoo—howmanyreallywantedhiminsteadofme.

“No,I’mnottalkingaboutanotherjob,Olivia…”Jamesonsaid.

“Whatareyoutalkingaboutthen?”Iasked,confusedandannoyed.Ifhewasn’thereto
gloatanddidn’thaveanotherjob,whatthehelldidhewant?Whycouldn’thejustleave
mealone?

“I’m talking about you.” I looked in his eyes, but as usual, the deep blue gave away
nothing;theywereastranquilandquietastheoceanatmidnight.

“Whatdoyoumeanme?”Ithadbeenalongfewweeks,andIwasn’tinthemoodtoplay
gameswithhim,butthewordscomingoutofhismouthweren’tmakinganysense.

“Olivia, I love you.” My heart started racing, and my knees went weak, as I sank back
downintomychairandlethiswordswashoverme.

“Areyousure?”Isaidthefirstthingthatcametomymind.Jamesonlaughedandcame
aroundthedesk.Hetookmyhandsinhisandlookeddownatme.

“I’veneverbeenmoresureofanythinginmylife.Ishouldhavetoldyouweeksago.”

“I thought I made you crazy?” I raised my eyebrow at him. This was completely
unexpected;Ihadbeencaughtcompletelyoffguard.Lustsure,likeeven,butlove?Ihad
neverthoughtweweretothepointoflove.Helaughedagain.

“Oh,youdo,youdrivemecompletelymadeverysingleday,butthat’soneofthereasons
Iloveyou.”

“Really?”Iaskedagain.“Isthisadream?”

“My God, woman, stop asking questions. I’m not lying or playing some sort of weird
prankonyou.Iloveyou.”

“Whataboutthepartnership?”Ilookedupathimskeptically.

“Itdoesn’tmatter,”hesaid.Isnorted.

“Please, you and I both know that being a partner at a major law firm is the only thing
we’veeverreallywanted,andnowyou’rejustgoingtothrowyourchanceawaybecause
youthinkyouloveme?”

“Idon’tthinkIloveyou.IknowIloveyou.I’velovedyouforweeksnow,Iwasjusttoo
afraid to tell you. I thought the partnership was more important, but I was wrong,”
Jamesonsaid,kneelinginfrontofme.“WhenItoldyouIgotthejob,andIthoughtyou
hatedme—”

“Ididhateyou,”Iinterrupted.

“When I thought you’d never speak to me again, I realized it wasn’t worth it,” Jameson
continued.“Icouldn’tstandthethoughtofneverbeingwithyouagain.”

“Oh,sothisisjustaboutsex?”Iwasstillreeling,tryingtowrapmymindaroundwhathe
wassaying.

“Oh,that’sdefinitelypartofit,butno,itismorethanjustthesex.Iloveyou,Olivia,allof
you.”Ilookedathimclosely,hiseyesfullofalightIhadneverseenbefore,anditmade
myheartmelt.

“Ihaveaproposalforyou,”hesaid.Iraisedmyeyebrowagainbutwaitedquietly.“Let’s
openourownlawfirm.”

“BeckandRoberts,”Isaid,testingoutthewordsonmytongue.“Thathasaniceringto
it.”

“I was thinking more like Beck and Beck,” Jameson said, a mischievous grin spreading
acrosshisface.Judgingbythelookonhisface,Imust’velookedasshockedasIfelt.I
wasquietforaminuteconsideringwhathewassaying.

“Ithinkthatistwoproposals,Mr.Beck.”

“Andyouhaven’tgivenmeananswertoeitherone.”Ileanedforwardandkissedhim.

“I’mgoingtoneedtimetothinkaboutit,”Isaidseriously.“Ineedtoweighallmyother
options,asIhavequiteafewoffers,youknow.”

“Forwhichproposal?”heasked.

“Both,”Ilied.IsquealedasJamesongrabbedmywaistandpulledmedownonthefloor
withhim,crushingmymouthwithakiss.

“Well,thatmakesmydecisionalittleeasier,”Ilaughedwhenhepulledaway.

“Don’tmakemechangemymind.”

“It’stoolatenow…IalreadyknowyoulovemejustthewayIam.You’llnevergetmeto
changenow.”Ilaughedagain,thesoundturningtoalowmoanashekissedmyneck.

“Idoloveyou,Olivia,smart-mouthandall.”Ithoughtaboutitforaminute,thenletthe
feelingsIhadbeenhidingfinallycometothesurface.

“Iloveyou,too,JamesonBeck.”

THIRTY-EIGHT

Jameson

laidherbackonmybedandstrippedherclothesoff,takingmytimeasIremovedher
worksuitandadmiredeveryinchofherbeautifulbody.Ialmostcouldn’tbelieveshe

wasmine.

“God,Iloveyou,Olivia,”Isaid,standingupandadmiringtheview.

“Howmanytimesareyougoingtosaythat?”Shelaughed.

“AsmanytimesasIcan.”Ipulledmyshirtovermyhead,notbotheringwiththebuttons.
“Asmanytimesasittakesforyoutobelieveit.”

“I believe it! Trust me, I believe you,” she said in mock exasperation. “Now take your
pantsoffandfuckmeplease.”

“Therewillbenofuckingtonight.”Shepouted,butthensmiledasIundidmybeltbuckle
andpantsandletthemfalltothefloor.“No,tonight,I’mgoingtomakelovetoyou.”

“Idon’treallycarewhatyoucallit,aslongasyoudoit,andsoon,”shesaid.Afterour
impromptu make-out session on her office floor, we’d barely made it back to my
apartmentwithoutrippingeachother’sclothesoff.

“So,isthathowthisrelationshipisgoingtobe?”Iasked.

“Ididn’tsayyestoyourproposalyet,”sheteased.

“Oh,don’tworry,I’llhaveyouscreamingyesinjustafewminutes,”Isaid,reachingin
mynightstandforacondom.

“Youdon’thavetowearthatyouknow…”shewhispered,noddingtothewrapperinmy
hand.“I’vehadanIUDforyears.”Shebitherlipandlookedawaylikeshehadjusttold
measecret.Herstatementtookmebysurprise,andIstoodtherestaringatherformore
thanafewseconds.“I’mclean,too,”sheadded.

“Metoo,baby.”Ismiledandclimbedontopofher.Sheclosedhereyesandmoanedwhen
Islidinsideher.Itfeltlikeheaven,justherandmeandnothingbetweenus.Ipushedall
thewayinsideandrelishedinthefeelofherskinaroundmine.

“Jesus fucking Christ, you feel so good,” I grunted and began moving, thrusting in and
out,hermoansfillingtheair,herarousalcoveringmynakedcock.IlookeddownatOlivia
writhingbeneathmeandwassuddenlyovercomewithemotion.Ileaneddownandkissed
her,mythrustsneverslowingasourtonguestangled,matchingtherhythmofourbodies.

“Iloveyou,Olivia,”Iwhisperedagainstherlips.

“Iloveyou,too,”shebreathed.

“Sayitagain,”Icommanded.

“Iloveyou.”

“Say my name.” I was being neurotic, but I needed to hear it again, needed to hear my
namerolloffherlipsafterthosethreemagicalwords.

“Iloveyou,Jameson.”Shegrabbedmyfaceandpulledmedownforanotherkiss.

“Fuck, baby,” I groaned. I thrust harder, and she moaned loudly. I used one arm to hold
myselfupandpushedtheotherbetweenourbodies,findingherswollenclitandrubbing
myfingersoverit.Herwholebodyshudderedinresponse.

“God, Jameson, that feels so good … don’t stop.” I thrust harder and faster, bringing us
both higher and higher with every push and pull. I was close, so close. Olivia’s body
clenchedaroundme,andshescreamedmynameasshecamesecondslaterandpulledme
overthe edge withher. I buriedmyself inside her andcame, her namea whisper on my
lipsasIdid.

Icollapsedonthebedontopofher,bothofusbreathinghard.

“Iloveyou,Jameson,”shewhisperedinmyear.

Itwas,withoutadoubt,thebestsexI’deverhad.

ACK

AND

hadbeensurprisedandupsetwhenI’dtoldthemIwasn’tgoingtosignthe

contractforpartnership,buttheyhadbelievedmybullshitaboutwantingtogetmyfeeton
thegroundinNewYorkandgetinmoreworkwiththeotherattorneysbeforeIaccepted
suchanoffer.

Truetomysuspicions,theydidn’tevenofferthejobtoOlivia.Shehadbeenfuriouswhen
she’drealizedtheyhadbeenplayingherforallthistime.It’dtakenmeseveralhoursand
severalglassesofwinetogethertocalmdown.

But if I thought they were mad about me not taking the partnership, it was nothing
comparedtothereactiontheyhadwhenOliviaandIhadtoldthemwewerebothleaving
thefirm.

“Whatdoyoumeanyou’releaving?Bothofyou?!”JackeruptedwhenItoldhimOlivia
andIwouldbetakingourtalentselsewhere.Ileftoutthepartaboutusstartingourown
firm.They’dfindthatoutsoonenough.

It had been more than two weeks since I’d turned down the partnership. We had
intentionallywaitedafewextraweekstogivethemthenews,givingustimetostartthe
process of opening our own firm and letting the dust settle from the Delaney trial. We
alreadyhadafewclientsknockingonourdoor,eventhoughweweren’tofficiallyopening
foranotherfewmonths.

Despite my objections, Olivia had offered to keep her cases and stay on until they were

wrappedup,butthatdidn’thappen.Twosecurityguardswatchedaswecleanedoutour
offices, gave instructions to Bev on where to have our things shipped, and we were
escortedfromthepremises.

“I’llcallyou,Bev!”Oliviasaidcheerfullyoverhershoulderasweleft.

“Well,thatwasadisaster,”Oliviasighedwhentheelevatordoorsclosed.

“IthoughtDanwasgoingtobustaveinwhenyousaidyouwereleavingtoo.”

“Fucking idiots,” she mumbled. “They were too busy courting you to even think about
keepingtheirbestemployeehappy.”

“Secondbestemployee,”Icorrected.Shecorneredmeintheelevator,pushingherfinger
intomychest.

“It’snottoolateformetochangemymind,”shesaid.“Ifwearegoingtobepartnersnow,
I’mgoingtobetreatedasyourequal.Andthatmeansenoughwiththecomments.Gotit?”
Sheglaredatme,asseriousascouldbe.

“Whoa…”Iputmyhandsup.Iftherehadbeenanywheretogo,Iwould’vebackedupa
step.Thelookinhereyestoldmeshewasn’tmessingaround.“Gotit.”

“I’mserious,Jameson,”shewarned.Igrabbedherassandpulledherclosertome.

“Butyou’resohotwhenyougetmad.”

“No,no,no.Youdon’tgettoturnthisseriousconversationintosex.”

“Whynot?Angry,argumentsexisthebestkindwithyou,”Isaid,andsheglaredatme.
“Well,maybesecond-besttoI-love-yousex.”

“Youareimpossible,youknow?”

“That’swhyyouloveme.”

“I’m starting to regret saying that.” I leaned down and kissed her softly on the lips, her
bodyrelaxingintomineasIdid.

“Webothknowthat’salie,”IsaidwhenIpulledaway.

“Damn it, fine,” she said, not moving from her relaxed position against my chest. “I do
loveyou,butI’mseriousabouttheotherthing.We’reequalsnow.”Shepressedherlipsto
mineagain,lingeringthereuntiltheelevatorpingedandthedoorsslidopenontheground
floor.

I grabbed her hand as we exited the building and steered her toward my car that was
waitingatthecurb.Iopenedthedoorandwaitedwhileshegotinside.

“Wherearewegoing?”sheaskedwhenIslidintothedriver’sseat.

“I have a surprise for you.” We drove toward Chelsea, and it wasn’t until I pulled up
outsideanunfamiliarbuildingthatOliviarealizedweweren’tgoingtoherapartment.The
building was small, only four stories, two of which were residential units. The modern
buildingborenonameoranythingotherthanthebuildingnumber.Iopenedherdoorand
helpedheroutofthecar.

She looked at me suspiciously but didn’t say anything as she followed me inside. The
spacewasnearlyempty,exceptforabuilt-inreceptiondesk.

“Whatarewedoinghere?”sheasked.Iturnedandspreadmyarms.

“Welcome to the offices of Beck and Beck,” I said. She sucked in a breath and looked
around, peering closely at the marble floor and the fixtures on the wall. She turned and
lookedoutsidethewindows.Ihadconvincedhertosellherapartmentandmoveinwith
me,butIknewshelovedthisneighborhood.Ihadbeenlookingatbuildingseverydayfor
thepastthreeweeks,sowhenthisonebecameavailableIpounced.

“Youpickedanofficewithoutme?”sheasked,ahintofangerbehindhervoice,herback
stilltomeasshestaredoutside.

“I wanted to surprise you … I know how much you love this neighborhood,” I said,
walkingovertoher.Ikissedhernecksoftlyandturnedheraround.“Areyoumad?”

Shelookedatmeclosely,likeshewastryingtofigureoutwhattosay.

“Idolovethisneighborhood,soforthat,yougetapass.”Shewalkedpastmeanddown
thehall.“ButIgettochoosemyofficefirst.”

She looked inside every room as she passed, flipping on the lights and considering the
vacant offices before moving on. There was a conference room and four offices on the
mainfloor,noneofthemIimaginedshewouldwant.

“Therearemoreupstairs,”Isaid.Shedidn’tevenwaitfortheelevator,insteadtakingthe
stairs up to the second floor. Her process repeated as she looked inside every office, all
emptyexcepttheoneattheendofthehall.Shepokedherheadintothelastoffice,then
enteredcompletely.

Itwasn’tthebiggestoftheoffices,butithadbigwindowsinthebackthathadaviewof
theHighline.ThesoftsunlightfilteredinandlandedonthelargedeskI’dalreadyhadput
intheroom.

“Iwantthisone,”shesaid,walkingovertolookoutthewindows.

“Iknow,whichiswhyIalreadyputyourdeskinhere.”

“WereyouhopingI’dbesoexcitedwecouldchristenthenewspace?”Shesmirkedand
turnedbackaround.“WhatifIdon’tevenlikethisdesk?”

“Thenwecangetyouanewone.Wecangetwhateveryouwant.”

Shepulledopenthesidedrawers,lookinginsideandclosingeachonebeforeshemoved
to the next. When she pulled open the middle drawer on the top, she stopped, her hand
retreating momentarily before she reached inside and pulled out the jewelry box I’d left
there.Sheturneditoverinherhandsafewtimes.

“It’snotabomb,youknow,”Isaid.Shedidn’tsayanything,didn’ttakehereyesoffthe
Tiffanyblueboxinherhands.Sheopeneditwithasmallgasp.Whenshefinallytoreher
eyesofftheringandlookedupfromthebox,Iwaskneelinginfrontofher.

“OliviaRoberts,willyoumarryme?”

“OhmyGod,”shewhispered,tearsforminginhereyes.“Jameson.”

“Isthata‘yes’?”Iasked.Shelaughed.

“Youaretooimpatient.”Shelookeddownatme,hereyesswimmingwithtears.Itookthe
ring from her now shaking hands and slipped it on her finger, the stones and rose gold
metalsparklinginthesunlight.Shelookedatherfingerandthenbackatme.

“Yes,”shewhispered.“Yes,I’llmarryyou.”Istoodandpulledherintoadeepkiss.

“Anewofficebuilding,afancyring,”shesaid.“You’vebeenverybusy,Mr.Beck.”

“Shhh,don’ttalk,justkissme,”Isaid,coveringhermouthagain.Iliftedherupandset
heronthedesk,andfeltherlaughbeneathmylips.

“See,Iwasrightaboutthedesk.”

Icouldn’tevenarguewithher.

THIRTY-NINE

“O

Olivia

livia! Hurry up, we are going to be late,” Kate yelled from outside my bedroom

door.“AndinthetenyearsI’veknownyou,you’veneverbeenlate!”

“I’mcoming,I’mcoming!”Iyelledbackandstoodtotakeonemorelookinthemirror.
Myhairfelldownmybackinprettycurls.Thelacebodiceofmydresswaslow-cut,just
likeJamesonliked,butnottoorevealing.Thechiffonskirthungstraightdownfromthe
waist,thefabricskimmingthefloor,thetoesofmyredshoespeekingoutfromunderthe
dress.

Iwantedtolookperfect.AfterJakedied,Ihadletanydreamsandideasofaweddinggo
out the window. I had never imagined my dress or the venue or the cake. There wasn’t
goingtobeabigreceptionorceremonywithhundredsofpeople,andtherewouldbeno
cakeandnodancing,justusandahandfulofpeopleatthecourthouse,butIstillwanted
this day to be perfection. I brushed some gloss over my red-stained lips and opened the
door.

“OhmyGod,”Kategushed.“Youlookstunning.”

“Youthinkhe’lllikeit?”Ihaddebatedaboutwearingwhite,buteventuallyhadsettledon
asilver-coloreddressinstead.

“Themanwouldlikeitifyouworeafloursack,”Katesnorted.“Ofcoursehe’lllikeit…
he’llloveit.Nowcanwego.Wearesupposedtobeatthecourthouseintwentyminutes.
Ifthereisanytraffic,we’llnevermakeit!”

Igrabbedtherestofmythingsandfollowedheroutthedoorwhereacarwaswaitingfor
usonthecurb.

Ofcourse,therewastraffic…thiswasNewYorkCity.Despiteourdriver’sbestefforts,
wewerefifteenminuteslate.Bevstoodatthedoorwatchingforus,andshehurrieddown
thestepswhenshesawmegettingoutofthecar.

“Jamesonisfreakingout,”shesaid.“Hethinksyou’renotcoming.”

“He’sbeingridiculous…therewasjusttraffic.”Ipausedoutsidetheroomeveryonewas
waiting in, and Bev handed me a small bouquet of purple calla lilies. I waved Kate and
Bevinaheadofme.

“Go,I’llbeininjustasecond,”Isaid.

“You’renotgoingtoleave,areyou?”Kateasked.

“WhydoeseveryonethinkI’mgoingtorunaway?!”Iasked.“No,I’mnotleaving,Ijust
needasecond.”

“Okay,”shesaidapprehensively.“Youhaveoneminute,andthenI’mcomingbackoutto
getyou.”

I watched the door close behind her, and then took two deep breaths. It had been eight
monthssinceJameson’spseudo-proposalonthefloorinmyoffice.Threeweekslaterhe
surprisedmewithabeautiful3-caratcushion-cutdiamondinahaloandrosegoldsetting
from Tiffany’s at the new office space he found for us. Even though I knew I loved
Jameson, I had to think seriously about marriage and if we could make it work. At that
point,westillfought,alot,andeventhoughitalmostalwaysendedinsmokinghotsex,I
wasn’t sure if eventually the sex part would wear off and we’d just be left with the
fighting.Sofar,thingshadbeenamazing.

It had taken me a few months, but now I knew without a doubt I was making the right
decision.IknewIwantedtobewithhim.Hehadbeentheonetofinallyconvincemeto
letgoofJake,toputthepastbehindmeonceandforall,acceptwhathadhappenedand
moveon.He’dwoundhiswayintomyheartandputthepiecesbacktogether.

Itookonemorebreath,andthenopenedthedoor.Jamesonwasstandingatthefrontofthe
small room, his hands in his pockets, staring at the floor. He looked nervous, and I
couldn’thelpbutsmile.JamesonBeck,ruthlessdefenseattorney,wasnervous.

There were only a few people in the room. Kate and Bev were on one side. Reggie and
Drew were on the other. But they all disappeared into the background when Jameson
lookedupandoureyeslocked.TheconcernonJameson’sfaceimmediatelymelted,and
hebrokeintoasmile.Hecrossedtheroominafeweasystepsandtookmyhands.

“Ithoughtyouweren’tcoming,”hewhisperedandplantedasoftkissonmylips.

“I don’t know why you would think that,” I said, kissing him again. “I’m not a quitter,
JamesonBeck.”

“Oh,Iknow.”Hesmirked,givingmeonefinalkissbeforehepulledawayandlookedme
upanddown.“Youlookperfect.”

“Youdon’tlooktoobadyourself,”Ismiled.Jamesonwasoneofthosemenwholooked
liketheybelongedinasuit,andthisonefitparticularlywell.“Areyouready?”

“I’vebeenreadyforeightmonths.”Jamesonhadwantedtogetmarriedsooner.Daysafter
he’dgivenmethering,he’dstartedpesteringmetosetadate,butIhadmadehimwait,
somethinghehadn’tletmeforget.“Itwasworththewait.”

Ileanedupandkissedhimagain.

“I’mreadynow,too.”

“C

Epilogue

JAMESON

anyoupleasetellmewherewe’regoing?”Oliviaaskedfortheeighteenthtimesince

Ihadmadeherputtheblindfoldon—whichwaswellbeforeanyoftheNewOrleansor
Louisianalandscapes,visiblefromtheairplane,wouldgiveawayourdestination.

“No,we’realmostthere,”Isaid.Ihadn’ttoldherasingledetailaboutthistrip,noteven
thatweweregoinguntilanhourbeforeweleftfortheairport.Icouldn’triskherfiguring
itout,and,knowingOlivia,shewould’vedugandsearcheduntilsheknewtheplan.I’d
evencharteredasmallairplanetomakesureshedidn’tknowwhereweweregoing.Ifshe
knewweweregoingbacktoherhometown,shewouldneverhaveagreedtocome.Ifshe
knewwewereminutesawayfromheroldhighschool,she’dkillme.

As the high school approached, I could see the press and dozens of people had already
gathered in front of the high school. The driver pulled around back, and I helped Olivia
out,makingsureherblindfoldstayedinplace.

I led her through the back doors and into a small room, where everything was waiting.
ThenItooktheblindfoldoff.Oliviablinkedseveraltimesashereyesadjustedtothelight
andthenlookedaround.

“Where are we?” she asked, looking confused. She glanced around the room again, and
outthesmallwindowinthedoor.“Areweatahighschool?”

I handed her the legal document without saying a word. She scanned it quickly, her
confusionquicklyreplacedbyalookofsurprise.Icouldn’ttellifshewashappyaboutthe
surpriseornot.

“Jameson…” She lifted her face, her eyes swimming with tears as they met mine. “You
didallthis?”Ijustsmiledandnodded.

“The Jake Rawlings and Amanda Jensen Scholarship Fund, set-up in loving memory of
JakeandAmandabytheirbestfriend,OliviaBeck(formerlyStellaAnderson)…”Olivia
readfromthedocument,“shallherebyprovide$5,000toonegraduatingseniorfromAbita
SpringsHighSchooleachyear…”

“You did this for me?” she asked, a tear rolling down her cheek. I knew then it was a
happysurprise.

“I’ddoanythingforyou,baby,butyoudeservedthis—somesortofclosure,somesortof
happyending.”Sheputthepaperdownandwrappedherarmsaroundmyneck,pressing

herlipstomine.

“Ialreadygotmyhappyending,”shewhispered.Shepulledawayandpickedupthepaper
again, scanning through the remaining pages, taking in the details. “Do Jake’s parents
know?”Amanda’sparentshadbeenkilledinacaraccidentseveralyearsafterherdeath.

“Itwastheiridea…theywanttocontributethemoneyyou’vebeengivingthemallthese
years,”Isaid.“Theyarewaitingoutside,wheneveryouareready.Afterthat,themayoris
waitingforapressconference.”

“Theyarehere?”Shelookedpanickedandstartedpacing.“Ican’tseethem.Ihaven’tseen
themsinceJake’sfuneral.I’msuretheyhateme.”

“Theydon’t,trustme,”Isaid,grabbingherarmandpullingherclosetome.“I’vetalked
to them multiple times as we got this all set up. They can’t wait to see you.” I wiped
anothertearfromunderhereyeandkissedherforehead.“Pleasetellmeyou’renotmad?”

“Jameson,”shewhispered.“Thisisperfect.”

“That’sallyouhavetosay?”Iraisedmyeyebrow.Ihadfullyexpectedanargumentfrom
her.

“Mr.Beck,”shedrawled,“it’sthenicestthinganyonehaseverdoneforme.”Iletouta
sigh of relief. I’d been so worried about her reaction—so worried she’d rip up the
documentandtellmetoundoitall.

“I’mgladyouloveit.”

“Ido.Iloveit.AndIloveyou,JamesonBeck.”Ipulledherinforanotherkiss.

“Iloveyou,too,Olivia.”

Acknowledgments

Thank you for reading Power Struggle! Please leave a review and share it with your
friendsandfamilyifyoulovedit.

Whew. It seems like I finished writing this book months ago and I’m so glad you are
finally reading it. This book was so much fun to write, and I hope you love Olivia and
JamesonasmuchasIdo.

A million thank you’s will never be enough for my husband, John. Thank you for your
loveandsupportandencouragement,Icouldn’tdoitwithoutyouinmycorner.

To all my friends and family, who continue to support me through this crazy journey.
Thankyouforlovingme,encouragingme,andputtingupwithmynonstopjabberabout
authorstuff.

TotheSquad,thankyouforkickingmyassintoshapeeverysingledayandmakingme
wanttobeabetterauthor.I’msohappyIfoundyouallandIcan’twaittoseewherewe
gonext.

To my beta-readers, thank you for your thoughts and comments, they made this book
everythingitistoday.

Lastbutcertainlynotleast,thankyoutofellowauthors,editors,coverdesigners,etc.who
aresosupportiveandencouragingandmaketheindiecommunityabeautifulplacetobe,
youareallaninspirationtome.

AbouttheAuthor

PaigeFieldstedlivesinUtahwithherhusband,sonMasonandWillythepug.Shehasbeenwritingforaslongasshe
can remember and eventually pursued a career in journalism before leaving her job as a reporter for a job in
communications,wherethehoursaren’taslongandthestressisn’tashigh.Whenshe’snotwritingorworking,Paige
loves watching sports, especially football, cooking, having impromptu dance parties in the kitchen with her toddler,
singingloudlyinthecar,andreading.

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