He cocks his head. “How many criminal trials have you won?”
“None,” I say instantly. It’s crucial to be honest with clients. “I haven’t lost any, either.”
His head tips up and he watches me from half-closed lids. “You’re in charge of the pro bono arm of the firm?”
“No.”
“Why you, then?”
It’s a fair question as well as a smart one. “I’ve never lost in a civil trial, so the partners assigned me your case, even though this is a criminal procedure.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m good and they want you free.” I shrug. “This is positive exposure for the firm.” Which is what my boss, Jaqueline Lion, told me when assigning me to the docket. “We have several verdicts being overturned because of the judge’s corruption, and yours came up, being the most high profile. Losing your case harmed the firm seven years ago.”
His nostrils flare. “The firm? The loss hurtthe firm?”
“Yes.” Damn, he’s intimidating. Do I want him free to roam the streets? “This is a chance to fix the damage caused.”
“And promote you to partner?” he guesses.
My life is none of his business. “I’m good at my job, Alexei.” Yeah, I don’t use his last name. “You can go with outside counsel. I’ll rip up your retainer agreement if you want.”
“I want you.”
I hear the double entendre and ignore it. “Then it’s my way and you’ll follow my directives.”
Now he smiles. Full on, straight teeth, shocking dimple in his right cheek.
Everything inside me short circuits and flashes electricity into places sparks don’t belong.
He taps his fingers on the table. “I signed the agreement, and this means you work for me. Correct?”
“Yes.” But I call the shots.
He moves so suddenly to plant his hand over mine, that I freeze. “You need to learn now that I’m in charge of every situation. Do you understand?”
I try to free myself and fail. His large palm is warm, heavy, and scarred over my skin, with the hard metal table beneath it a shockingly cold contrast. My lungs stutter and hot air fills them. “Whatever game you’re playing, stop it right now.”
His hand easily covers mine, and his fingers keep me trapped in sizzling heat. “I don’t play games, Peaflower. Learn that now.”
“Peaflower?” I choke out, leaving my hand beneath his because I have no choice.
“Your eyes,” he murmurs. “The blue dissolves into violet like the Butterfly Pea flower. A man could find solace from everlasting torment just staring into those velvety depths.”
I have no words for him. Are there words? Scarred, barely uncuffed, and intense, he just whispered the most romantic words imaginable. And he’s a killer. Just because the judge was corrupt doesn’t mean Alexei hadn’t committed cold-blooded murder. Two things can be true at once. “We need to keep this professional, if you want me to help you.”
He releases me and stands. “Guard,” he calls out.
My hand feels chilled and lonely.
Keys jangle on the other side of the door.
“Rosalie, this is your out. If you tear up the retainer, I’ll find another lawyer. If you stay, if you decide to represent me, there’s no quitting. You’re in this for the duration. Tell me you get me.” Fire burns in his eyes now.
I stand, even though my knees are knocking together. “I’m doing my job.”
“Just so we understand each other.”
