Page 85 of Heist

When she was naked, he hauled her into his arms again and ravaged her mouth. “Christ, I feel like a fucking teenager. It’s barely been twenty-four hours since we said goodbye. You’ve managed to get under my skin.”

Austin sighed and sank into his still clothed chest. “I feel the same way. What are we going to do about it?”

Patrick chuckled. “Right now, we’re going to bed and after I’ve fucked you senseless, we’re going to figure out how to make you realize what you’re worth, so you’ll stop letting Thorley and his goons run you over.”

Austin sighed. She’d been hoping to avoid that conversation. Thankfully, he was more focused on the fucking her senseless part at that moment because he didn’t give her a chance to say anything else.

The next morning, she woke sore and satiated. He was already up and dressed. Breakfast was waiting for her when she wandered out of the bedroom.

“Morning, baby girl,” he said, handing her a robe and pulling out a chair for her.

“I want you to quit your job,” he said when she was sitting.

Her head jerked up from dishing eggs onto her plate. “Excuse me?”

“I’m tired of watching these jackasses run you over. I spent the morning on the phone with them and I can’t imagine why you’re still there.”

Austin sighed. “Please, Patrick. I don’t even know how to explain everything. I sent an innocent man to prison when I was working for the DA’s office. I’ve spent the last five years trying to do something about it, but I can’t. I work for Thorley because after I rage quit the DA’s office, he was willing to give me a shot. I didn’t realize at the time that I was just a diversity check mark for them—I’m one of two female associates. But I feel like I’m stuck here until that verdict gets overturned.”

Patrick stared at her, clearly not understanding. “So, this is some kind of punishment for you?”

Austin gave a slow nod. “I told you it was difficult to explain.”

Patrick pushed his chair closer to hers and picked up her hand. “It’s fucked up is what it is. You need to let go of the past, Austin. I’m sure you had every reason to think you were doing the right thing when you prosecuted that case. At the very least, you were just doing your job. If he’s really innocent, the system will sort it out.”

Austin gave a short laugh. “You don’t know how many innocent people I’ve seen locked up, Patrick.”

He stroked her hair. “Sweetheart, that’s not your burden to bear. Follow your dreams, open your own firm. I’ll support you every step of the way. I won’t even say I’m going to help you because I don’t think you need help. You might need a kick in the pants to get started and I’ll definitely give you that.”

Austin shook her head. “I don’t know. That’s a big undertaking. And you still might be stuck with Jack and Mike as your lawyers. You signed the contract with the firm, not with me.”

Patrick smiled. “Don’t worry about that. I’m perfectly within my rights to fire them and hire another firm.”

“There’s no way I get this done in four months.”

Patrick grinned. “You would be amazed what a wealthy investor can accomplish in a short timeframe. We got Solitaire up and running in less than three months.”

Austin shook her head. “No. Absolutely not. I’ve been saving my money. I’m perfectly capable of doing this myself when the time is right. I don’t want your money.”

Patrick sighed. “I’m going to let this rest for now. But we’re not done talking about it.”

Austin gave a dry laugh. I’m sure we’re not. I guess I should go to work soon.”

Patrick stood. “We’ll go together. I have a meeting with your friends in an hour or so anyway. I’ll have the driver drop me off at a coffee shop and walk in on my own.”

Soon they were on their way to the law firm with Patrick’s arm around her. Having been independent for so long, Austin wasn’t sure how she felt about how right it seemed to have him there. He kissed her gently when the driver dropped him at the coffee shop.

When she stepped out of the elevator onto her floor ten minutes later, Jax Fischer was waiting outside her door.

Mr. Fischer,” she said, holding out her hand. “What a pleasant surprise.”

He stood and gave her an uncomfortable smile. “Why do all you snobby wealthy types insist on calling me Mr. Fischer? I’m just Jax.”

Austin chuckled. “I should be offended, Jax. I’m neither snobby nor wealthy.”

Jax looked around her office, skepticism written all over his face.

“I’m not destitute or anything, but compared to the boys at Solitaire, I’m pretty well in the middle class. All of this is paid for by the owners. Now they are definitely wealthy.”

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