He leans back slightly. “The lady would like an apple martini with two apple slices, and I’ll take a Balvenie Old Port Wood on the rocks.”
I’ve never liked scotch, but it seems like such a manly thing to order. I blink several times in an effort to clear my vision. “What can I do for you, Hendrix?” I only slur his name slightly.
His smile makes him appear even more handsome. While his younger brother had been slick with the good looks, Hendrix is smooth. I like that about a guy.
He taps his fingers on the table. “I feel we should discuss Alexei and your representation of him.”
“What would you like to discuss?”
“Your safety,” Hendrix says calmly. “I won’t be able to sleep if I fail to at least warn you that he’s a very dangerous man.”
Well, no kidding. I learned that today firsthand. “I appreciate the warning.”
“He killed David Fairfax.” Hendrix leans forward. “You need to understand that fact. He actually killed the man in cold blood.”
“He says that he was set up,” I mumble. There’s a ring of truth as well as anger in Alexei’s eyes every time he talks about the murder.
Hendrix purses his lips as if he’s just sucked on a lemon as the waitress deposits our drinks, once again pushing her boobs toward his face. I don’t think the guy looks like he needs to breastfeed at the moment, but what do I know? She pats his shoulder and then turns, her butt swaying seductively as she walks away on four-inch spiked boots. I admire that. I’ve never mastered the sway in high heels. Both Hendrix and I watch her go, then he turns back toward me.
“He is a killer.”
I’m well aware that he is a killer, but I don’t think he killed David Fairfax. “I don’t see Alexei being dumb enough to hide the murder weapon in a pond right outside the back door of a mansion,” I say. “Do you?”
Hendrix sighs. “As I understand it, there wasn’t a lot of time to do anything else. Alexei has always been very—shall we say—seductive. I’m sure he thought he could charm his way back into the crime scene and fetch the knife before anybody found it.”
That makes zero sense. The police didn’t release that entire scene until they were done. “Is that all you have for me, Hendrix?”
He takes a drink of his scotch. “No, I have more for you.”
I reach for my martini and lift the glass, noting it seems heavier than my last drink. That’s a sure sign that I’ve had too much to drink. “What do you have?”
“Money,” he says directly, taking another gulp and then putting the glass on the table.
I lean away from him, studying him. Tonight he wears a perfectly pressed peach-colored button-down shirt and black slacks. The lighter colored shirt makes him seem even more dangerous. “Are you trying to bribe me?”
He carelessly lifts one shoulder. “You can call it whatever you like, but Hologrid Hub is looking for an in-house attorney. Starting salary is $1.2 million with a $1.2 million signing bonus. Full benefits, 401k, golden parachute, you name it. As well as two months off a year and the use of both the corporate jet and any of our vacation properties anytime you want.”
Heat flashes down my throat. “That’s quite the offer.”
“You’re quite the attorney.” His eyes sparkle. “In addition, I understand that you’re having financial difficulties. This would take care of your problems, don’t you think?”
My temper spirals somewhere from the base of my spine and up, although I’m a little numb right now.
He holds his drink up and then clicks it lightly with mine. “Cheers.”
“Cheers,” I say automatically and take a sip. It’s the good stuff and I enjoy it. “Hendrix, you have to understand that if I am taken off of your brother’s case, another attorney will be assigned. The case won’t go away.”
“He’s not my brother,” Hendrix says instantly. “Please don’t refer to him as such.”
Man, this family has some serious problems. “Fine. That fact doesn’t change my analysis.” I take another sip.
“I know, but from my research, you’re the best litigator they have. Even the full partners don’t come close.” He winks. “In addition, you’re beautiful and smart. I’ve never thought of myself as much of a savior, but if I can save you from Alexei, I’ll do it.”
I blink twice. “You think he’ll kill me if I lose?”
“No, I think he’ll seduce you so you win. If he’s going to take over our, well, company, he’s going to want to appear mature and settled. With a wife. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if he hasn’t already tried to get into your bed.”
The image of Alexei in my bed that very morning flashes through my mind. Apparently, Hendrix does know his brother, even if he won’t claim him. “Is there any chance for a peace between you two?” I ask curiously, grasping the little sword in my drink and pulling out the apple slices to delicately nibble on one.
