Page 210 of Toxic Temptation
72
KOVAN
“Your court date’s been moved.”
My lawyer, Derek Augustine, leans back in his leather chair and flashes me a smile filled with Crest-commercial teeth. I assume it’s meant to be reassuring, but I’m busy wondering how much those veneers cost—because I’m two seconds from cracking every single one.
“What the fuck do you mean, moved?” I spit.
“No need to worry, Mr. Krayev; this is normal. Court dates shift all the time. Judge’s call, lawyers’ call?—”
“We didn’t ask for a postponement,” I interrupt. “Which means their side did.”
“Bingo.” Derek adjusts his Armani tie, completely unaware that I’m imagining wrapping it around his throat like a noose. “They’re buying time. Standard legal strategy.”
I chose this oilymudakof an attorney because he has a perfect track record. Custody cases, high-profile divorces, alimony battles—the man hasn’t lost once in fifteen years. His successrate is the only reason I’m sitting in this pretentious office instead of handling Yana and Ihor my way.
Which would involve significantly less paperwork and a lot more blood.
But trusting him is not the same as hiring him. Not even fucking close. I’ve got two of my men shadowing him day and night, just in case. I’m not leaving Luka’s future to chance.
“How long can they drag this out?”
“Not indefinitely. The judge won’t allow endless delays.” Derek leans back in his chair, fingers steepled. “They’ve requested two weeks. That actually works in our favor—gives us more time to solidify your case.”
“My case is already solid.”
“Is it?” Derek’s eyebrows arch. “Because opposing counsel is going to attack the weakest point in your armor. I think we all know what that is.”
I know where this is going, but I let him say it anyway.
“Your relationship with Dr. Fairfax.”
I clench my teeth. “What about it?”
His brows go up. “This isn’t my first rodeo, Mr. Krayev. I play devil’s advocate for a living. Literally.” He scoots his chair in and gives me a serious look. “Here’s what’s going to happen: They’re going to claim it’s fake. A bullshit PR stunt, just a cynical, calculated scam to make you appear more stable for the custody evaluation. Lucky for you, I’ve been anticipating this exact scenario since the day you walked into my office.”
My hands tighten on my lap. “What exactly are you implying?”
“I’m not implying anything; I’m stating facts.” Derek opens a manila folder and spreads photos across his desk. Pictures of me and Vesper at the medical gala, at Luka’s school, walking through Golden Gate Park. “The story for the jury is simple: Dr. Fairfax treated your nephew; you developed feelings for her during one of those visits. Love at first sight, that’s all. Tale as old as time. So you asked her out—but you kept the relationship private initially, because you didn’t want Luka getting attached too quickly. That’s just the kind of father figure you are. Sober, responsible, thoughtful.”
He slides another photo toward me—Vesper and me, each of us holding one of Luka’s hands, laughing while we swing him between us.
“Once you were sure this thing was serious, you finally introduced her to your nephew. A natural progression that any judge will find believable.”
I don’t like his smug attitude. “You think this is all an act.”
“Who, me?” Derek’s grin widens. “I think you’re a very smart man who understands what’s at stake. Getting yourself a serious girlfriend right before a custody battle? Well-played, sir.”
The urge to reach across the desk and break his nose remains damn near overwhelming. “You’re wrong.”
“Oh, no doubt. I often am.” His tone suggests he doesn’t think he’s even a little bit off the mark. “But even if the relationship is genuine, we need to prepare for their attacks, because they sure as hell don’t buy it. They’ll try to paint Dr. Fairfax as unstable, unsuitable, dangerous for a child to be around.”
“She’s a pediatric surgeon who saves children’s lives for a living.”
“She’s also been suspended from surgery pending an investigation into professional misconduct.”
That stops me cold. “What?”
