I have to give her props. I don’t know many people who would dare threaten Thorn. Of course, he currently holds our best friend over his shoulder.
“I’ll have Justice contact you,” he says smoothly and with a smile that is anything but.
She faces him but remains silent.
He nods to me. “Rosalie, if you need any help with this Alexei issue, let me know. I’ll have it taken care of.” With that, he turns and strides out of my office with Alana over his shoulder.
Ella shakes her head. “You know, sometimes I think I should probably infect his crystals again.”
“Alana loves him,” I remind her.
Ella drops back into her chair, her lips turning down. “Yeah, I know. I don’t get it. Do you?”
Truth be told, I hadn’t. But after this morning, I think I have an inkling.
Another rustle echoes down the hallway. “What now?” Ella pales. “You don’t suppose that stupid Justice is coming after me?”
I stand. “I hope not.” As Alexei Sokolov completely fills my doorway, I change my mind. I do wish Justice Beathach was standing there. My knees wobble and my chin shoots up so I can better glare at him.
His smile holds so much sin, butterflies rip through my abdomen.
TWELVE
Rosalie
My breath catches and I stand as Alexei walks inside, followed by my secretary, my paralegal, and a couple of junior attorneys.
“Sir, you cannot just barge in here,” Eloise sputters.
“It’s okay.” I have to admit, she’s looking at him with more curiosity than anger, as are the other three. “Mr. Sokolov is a client, and he’s welcome anytime. Everybody return to work.” I infuse my voice with as much authority as I can manage, considering I’m now blushing head to toe, at least I assume I am from how heated my skin gets.
Ella stands and partially puts her tiny body between me and Alexei, as if instinctively knowing to do so. I introduce them.
He smiles, all deadly charm, looking dangerous in his leather jacket. “Miss Rendale,” he says, “it’s nice to meet you. Rumor has it you were once the heir to TimeGem Moments.”
“I’m still the heir.” She briskly shakes his hand.
TimeGem Moments is currently ranked fourth out of the big social media companies, and it allows users to share memories in real-time. It’s pretty fascinating, really, and if Ella ever manages to wrestle the company away from her stepmother and stepsisters, she’ll take the entire platform to mighty heights.
She looks back at me. “I’m busy tonight, but should we hit a couple of clubs tomorrow?”
“Sounds good,” I say. “It’s been too long. We’ll see if we can get Alana out without a million bodyguards.”
“Ha. Good luck with that, but we’ll still try.” Ella turns around and hugs me before heading toward the door. “Call me if you need me.”
“Thanks.” I don’t blame her for fleeing.
She’s great at computers, but not so wonderful with people. She gives Alexei what could only be considered a warning glare before turning and stomping out of my office.
I cross my arms. “I don’t believe we have an appointment.”
His smile barely moves the hard planes of his face. “Like you said, I’m welcome anytime.” He glances around my office. “We should start preparing my case.”
“I’ve already created a trial binder.” Even in the generic but bad boy clothing, he somehow appears wealthy. As if he’s just dressing down for the day. I have to admit, he’s mouthwateringly sexy. “Follow me.” I reach for my now cooled-off latte and walk toward him, my knees trembling. “I have a war room set up in the smaller conference room down the way.”
He moves to the side and allows me to pass. The heat from his body washes over me, and I shiver, masking the obvious tell by taking a drink of the coffee. He follows me silently down the hallway, and I turn into the smallest conference room where my paralegal organized stacks of files with trial transcripts, depositions, evidence files, and pictures already taped to a board.
“What’s your plan?” He shuts the door, enclosing us.
