Page 64 of Heist

When he heard where she was taking him, he regretted letting her pick. It was in the heart of a busy restaurant district, teeming with press.

“You’re lucky you’re cute, Austin,” he said as slipped on his jacket.

She just flashed him a smile and said, “The good news is the spot I picked is where Hunter is taking his pop star for dinner before the show at his club. I’m willing to bet he’ll invite us into the private room with him so all you have to do is wave to the cameras on your way in and out.”

“Austin, you are so on thin ice right now. I already said no to the nightclub.”

“And I’m not taking you to the nightclub.”

Patrick clenched his fists. “Fine. Let’s get this over with.”

Austin gave him a sweet smile as she slipped into sky high red heels. God, they were the epitome of fuck me pumps and Patrick regretted not fucking her after her spanking.

“Change your tie,” she said as she ran her fingers through his hair.

He looked down at the bright orange tie he wore. It was his favorite color. Why would he change it?

Austin answered his unspoken question. “The pumpkin diamond is at the center of this. The orange tie is going to get people talking even more than they already are. Don’t wear a red one either though. I’m your attorney, not your date and if your tie matches my shoes, people will speculate.”

Patrick cursed as he tugged at his tie. “This is fucking ridiculous. The color of my tie should not determine my guilt or innocence.”

“It doesn’t, but somewhere out there is the jury that will be sitting for your trial if it gets that far. The court of public opinion matters.”

Patrick knew she was right, and he hated it. That didn’t mean he was going to appease the press with statements and interviews.

When he had changed to a blue tie, they stepped outside and rode the elevator down. They walked straight out the front, much to Patrick’s chagrin, but the limo was waiting and the press pool hanging out by the front doors had dwindled from what it was a few days ago.

Patrick called Hunter on their way to the restaurant. “I hear you’re going to be at Le Bernardin. Any chance we can join you?”

“Absolutely, man. I’ve got Skylar Cameron with me, but we’ve got some extra seats in our private dining room. I’m assuming by we you mean Austin.”

“Yep. She’s insistent that I be seen by the press.”

“Going about life as normal. She’s right, you should listen to her.”

Patrick growled. “Did she put you up to this?”

Hunter laughed. “No, I’ve just been around the block a time or two when it comes to scandal and the media. If you hide, they’re just going to make shit up about you. If you confront them head on at least you control the narrative a little bit. They will still make shit up, but at least they’ll have some facts.”

“God damn it.”

Austin reached over and squeezed his hand.

“I’ll see you in a little while,” he said to Hunter. “We have reservations, but we’ll just join you.”

Patrick ended the call and tossed his phone on the seat beside him.

“I’m sorry this has you so tense, Sir,” Austin whispered, trying to soothe him. He appreciated the attempt.

“Me too. I don’t mind going to events like Hunter’s opening, I just don’t want to do it under all this pressure. Can’t I just take my new submissive on a proper date?”

Austin laughed. “No, but you can buy your attorney dinner. We’ll talk about dates when this is all over.”

Patrick sighed and pulled her to him. At least he could touch her in the privacy of the car. Out there they had to be all business.

“What are you doing to me?” he murmured as he kissed her hair. “I haven’t been this connected to a woman since… ever.”

Austin sighed and snuggled close. “I’m not sure I understand it myself but I’m going to enjoy it and not question it for now.”

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