Page 23 of Nova

''Look, Cain,'' I sigh. Brad and I are a long story. One I don't feel like getting into. The fact is, though, we are over. He's just having a hard time accepting it.'' I purposely leave out the part where it hasn't even been a week since the split happened and that Cain was my rebound.

''Maybe he needs some help understanding that shit,'' he clips.

I shake my head. Cain, acting jealous right now is confusing me. ''I need to get back to the office,'' I say, trying to wiggle past him so he will move, only he doesn't budge. Instead, he runs his nose along the side of my face. I close my eyes and shiver at the contact.

''I'm going to let you run now. Just know this, Sugar., you and I, we're happenin'.''

''Cain, there is no we. You and I both agreed to one night. Now that I'm your attorney. Let's pretend as if nothing happened.'' My voice shakes and the words taste sour as they tumble out of my mouth.

Cain shakes his head. ''That's not possible. I haven't been able to stop thinkin' about you. You've gotten under my skin, and I can see in your eyes I've gotten under yours too. You might be good at winning in the courtroom, babe, but know this; you don't stand a chance when going head to head with me.''

With those parting words, Cain steps back, taking his heat and scent with him. He then gives me a wink before he turns on his heel and makes his way back to his friends who are looking in my direction and all four of them are smiling. And I'm left with my head spinning.

Twenty minutes later, I'm back at the office. I'm still in a daze when I ride the elevator to the third floor and past Thomas's office and he calls out my name.

''Promise. A word, please.''

Stopping in my tracks, I spin around and step into his office. My eyes immediately land on Avery, who is sitting on the sofa in front of the window. I toss a sneer in her direction and the bitch throws me a smug look. I want nothing more than to wipe the smirk right off her face with my fist. Next, I take in Brad who is sitting on a chair in front of Thomas's desk and he refuses to meet my eyes.

''You wanted to see me?'' I address Thomas.

''Yeah. I'm taking you off the LeBlanc case.''

''What—why?'' I ask.

''It's been brought to my attention that you are involved with Mr. LeBlanc. That's something I can't have; therefore, you're off the case.''

I stand shocked for a second before I look from my stepdad back to Brad. Then I become pissed. ''You asshole,'' I spit.

''Watch your language, Promise,'' Thomas warns.

''I will not watch my goddamn language. Yes, Mr. LeBlanc and I have met before and are only friends but that will not affect my ability in his case.''

''I saw you two standing by your car after court, Promise. You looked like more than just friends,'' Brad says with disgust.

''That's enough,'' Thomas cuts in. ''Promise, you're off the case—end of story. I can't have you making this firm look bad by associating with the criminals we defend. I won't stand for that sort of inappropriate behavior. I will not have you making a mockery of my family.''

My anger turns to full-on rage. ''You don't want me making you look bad?'' I fume. ''Let's talk about what's inappropriate here, shall we? How about your daughter fucking my fiancé in his office? How's that for inappropriate, Thomas?'' I watch as Thomas's face turns red as I continue my tirade. ''Oh, and while we are on the subject of reputation and how you are so worried about mine and how it affects you, let's shift our focus to your real daughters' reputation, shall we? Not only did she fuck my fiancé in this office, but she also goes around New Orleans opening her legs to married men. Do you know your golf friend, Kenneth Perkins? The same Kenneth who is married and has three kids. Your sweet daughter over there is sleeping with him. Well, she's not sleeping with him anymore. He cut her loose six months ago when she insisted he leave his wife. Now Avery is blackmailing him. He gives her money so that she won't snitch about their affair.''

Avery flies off the sofa. ''You better shut your lying mouth.'' Avery goes to stand next to Thomas. ''You're just mad because Brad came running to me, a real woman, because you couldn't give him what he needed.''

''I'm not jealous, and as far as I'm concerned, you two can have each other.'' I turn to Brad. ''Be warned. You can't turn a whore into a housewife.''

''You, bitch!'' Avery screeches the same time Thomas slams his palm down on his desk. ''That's enough! How dare you come in here and badmouth my daughter. You have been nothing but a thorn in my side ever since your mother died.''

My heart drops at the mention of my mom. I always knew how Thomas felt about me, but it's different hearing the words said out loud.

''You know what? I'm done. I'm done with you and your spoiled bitch of a daughter, and I'm done with this job. I quit.'' Not giving my stepfather, Avery, or Brad a second thought, I turn and walk away, something I should have done a long damn time ago.

''Iam so damn proud of you.'' London engulfs me in a hug later that same evening as we sit on her sofa drinking wine while I give her the rundown of the crazy turn of events that transpired today. I told her all about Cain and about what went down with Thomas. London especially liked the part about me outing Avery.

''Thanks, Lon. I have to say I'm pretty damn proud of myself. It's like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.''

''So, what are you going to do about Nova?''

''There's nothing I can do. He'll learn tomorrow that I'm no longer his attorney. What's done is done.''

"I don't know, Promise. I have a feeling you haven't seen the last of your biker.''

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