Before I could respond, my phone vibrated. I glanced down in time to catch a notification: twelve new emails. As much as I enjoyed Link’s company, it was time to get back to work. Besides, I’d see the sexy biker again soon.
“Let’s go set up a time for the interviews with Jayson.”
As if summoned, Jayson buzzed me. Expecting news that my next meeting had arrived, I excused myself and answered.
“He who shall not be named has affixed himself to one of the chairs in my lobby and refuses to leave,” Jayson complained, his voice dripping with the animosity he felt towards my asshole ex.
I did not have the time nor the patience for Lance today. Rubbing my temple, I replied, “Be right there.”
“Everything okay?” Link asked as I hung up the phone.
Not about to air my dirty laundry with a client, but in desperate need of advice, I asked, “Do you ever get any unwanted visitors at your club?”
Shaking his head no, he chuckled.
That’s what I figured. If I couldn’t find a better way to rid myself of the douchebag, maybe I’d become a biker. Why not? I’d tried most everything else.
Link thanked me for my time and we both walked to the door. He grabbed the handle and froze unexpectedly. I had to stop short to avoid a collision, coming within inches of his body. Releasing the doorknob, he turned so his lips were practically against my forehead. Even in heels, the guy had at least six inches on me. He took a deep breath through his nose, closing his eyes as his expression relaxed.
He was sniffing me.
I don’t know why, but it was erotic as hell, sending sparks of interest throughout my entire body. Curious, I breathed him in as well. He smelled of leather, metal, and dark, edible promises. Heat rushed to my nipples and my hoo-hah as I stared up at him, wondering if he was about to kiss me. No. Clients didn’t kiss me. I’d kick his ass if he so much as tried. But my god, those lips…
“If you ever have an unwanted visitor you need to get rid of, all you have to do is ask,” he whispered. “In fact, now that you’re on this case, I’m putting a man on you.”
It took a lust-hazy moment for his words to register, but once they did, they put out my body’s fire like ice water. Certain I must be misunderstanding, I said, “Excuse me?”
“One of my recruits will be following you and making sure you’re safe. He’ll keep his distance. You’ll hardly know he’s there.”
Yep, I’d heard him right. The gesture was kind of sweet, and a little weird, but I didn’t need some sexy alpha male to fight my battles for me. The idea that he thought I did rankled.
“Thanks, but I’m quite capable of taking care of myself.”
A patronizing smile tugged at his lips. “I’m sure you are.”
He put a hand on my left shoulder.
Heat accompanied it, but not the kind I’d expect. His eyes held a challenge. As a criminal defense attorney, I’d seen my fair share of challenges. Clients were always testing my boundaries and trying to see what I was made of. Sometimes they stepped over the line, and I would need to enforce my boundaries and prove I could handle myself or I’d lose their respect. One look at the gleam in Link’s eyes, and I knew if I didn’t do something drastic enough to earn his respect, this entire case would be a shitshow.
“Don’t touch me,” I growled.
He kept his hand on my shoulder, his smile widening.
I leaned back like I was trying to get away from him, far enough to get a little momentum, and then brought my elbow up in a wide arc, nailing him square in the chest as hard as I could. He was in my personal space, I’d asked him politely not to be, so I didn’t hold back at all. Eyes widening in surprise, he withdrew his hand and stepped away, rubbing at what I’m sure would develop into a deep bruise. It had to hurt, but Link had asked for it, and now he handled it like a boss.
“Next time you touch me without my permission, I’ll nail you in the throat,” I said.
Respect shone in his eyes, and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make my lady bits tingle. He bowed and opened the door, gesturing me through. Sliding past him, I emerged into the waiting room to cast an irritated glare at Lance the cheating asshole. Then I fixed my face and gave Link my best professional smile.
“Thank you so much for your time. I look forward to our next meeting.” Turning to Jayson, I added, “Please add Link to my next available slot. I’ll need a few hours. Probably half a day to be safe.”
Glancing at my watch, I turned back to Lance and held up five fingers before storming into my office. He grappled himself out of the chair and hurried after me.
“Who is that?” Lance asked, closing the door behind him and walking over to sit across from my desk.
Wondering what on earth made him believe he had the right to even ask, I folded my arms and stayed beside the door. “None of your damn business.” We’d been doing this dance for over a month now, and I was bone tired of the steps.
“Don’t be like that, Em.”
