Page 47 of Barristers & Bones

“Fiona said she’s going to be fine.”

“Did that Strack guy get arrested?”

I glanced at her. “Yes.”

“I bet you can still find someone else to go–”

“No.”

She sighed and sat back in her seat. “You’re being a grumpy dick today.”

“And your mouth is going to get you in trouble,” I returned as I pulled into the funeral home.

“It already has. I’d say thanks for the ride, but I didn’t want it to start with. Bye.” She got out and slammed the door. I watched her walk to her apartment with narrowed eyes. She’d wormed her way under my defenses, and I knew my plans were in jeopardy. Her father didn’t care about her, and she detested him–a feeling we both shared.

Whatever I did to ruin her life wouldn’t enrage him or get under his skin. The bastard would probably gloat. I should have figured it out when Klim seemed so eager to throw her to the wolves. He hadn’t meant to throw her to the wolves at all, he just wanted me to get over my searing hatred.

Fucking Klim. What he didn’t foresee was that I’d become obsessed with her. Luna was pure, wicked sunshine, and she was mine. Time for a new plan.

When I got back to the offices, the partners were in the conference room eating takeout from an expensive as fuck Michelin star restaurant that didn’t officially offer takeout.

Ivan pointed his fork at me. “I want to talk about Luna.”

I shook my head and leaned forward to grab a plate. “Too bad, I don’t.”

Ivan wasn’t deterred. “Luna’s father doesn’t give a rat’s ass about her, and she hates his guts.”

“I’m aware. I still plan to fuck her.”

Drakos laced his hands behind his head. “So, what? Now you’re thinking that maybe instead of ruining her law career before it starts, you’ll just destroy her life by fucking her while she’s your intern?” He looked disgusted.

Xander leaned back and studied me. “She doesn’t deserve to have her life wrecked so you can get your revenge.”

I glared at Xander. “Thank you for stating the obvious, but I’m not sure that’s how revenge works.”

Gideon stood. “I agree with Xander. You framing her for stealing from this firm and cheating on a law school exam is juvenile and asinine. Her father may have been a major shareholder in Bitter Creek Ranch, but Luna wasn’t. And now that you all know her, destroying her will make you feel exponentially worse.” He turned to me. “You need to fix this.”

I gazed at my partners. “I still plan to have her.”

Ivan sighed. “You and your fucking obsessions.”

We resumed eating, and a few moments later Brenna knocked on the conference door. “Hello, gentlemen. I saw lunch arrived, and Gideon invited me today. Oh, this looks good.” I glared at Gideon. There was a reason the reception desk was out front, away from the rest of us. I didn’t like her lurking around and using that fake, friendly voice, and I detested how she treated Luna. I needed to get rid of her.

Chapter 15

Luna

Alexa eyed the expensive-looking zipper bag and shoe box that had just shown up on the doorstep, then turned to me. “Well? Aren’t you going to open them?”

“I’m not wearing the dress, so it’s better to not even look.”

She rolled her eyes. “You and I both know your curiosity is going to make you pull everything out and try it all on, even if you don’t wear it tonight.”

I was already unzipping the garment bag. “Okay. I guess it won’t hurt to look.”

The creamy white couture dress and strappy sandals were exquisite. My breath caught as I held the dress up and turned it over to see the back. Then I saw the price tag, still attached to the inside label.

“Holy shit,” I whispered.

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