“Based on what Michelle told me, I knew there had to be others. Stephan and Tanya researched and pulled some photos for me. There was something in those women’s faces as they stood next to him in those pictures.”
“So you were bluffing?”
Michael just smiled, “Do you want some decaf tea or juice?”
“I want high octane espresso.”
“I thought you were still nursing.”
“I’m weaning...and don’t change the subject.“
“His ego is so big he thinks he can get away with it. I’m pretty sure he’s paid off women to keep them quiet.” He motioned for the server and ordered the espresso.
“See here’s the thing. You should’ve told his lawyers and waited a few days. If you’d done that and still hadn’t heard back from them, then you could reasonably argue they were withholding pertinent information from him. You’d be okay talking to him.”
“I thought about it.”
“So why didn’t you contact them?”
He leaned away from the table and crossed his legs placing his hands in his lap. “I promised Michelle, I’d keep it quiet if I could. We both know she’d be fired for this.”
“That’s very noble of you. But that’s not why and you know it.”
“Yeah, it is.”
“Really? So what was that, “I piss where I want?” I know you. He made you angry…viscerally angry. I can hear it in your voice.”
“So?”
“Listen to me. You know why I love working with you? Because you love the law and you’re one of the most decent human beings I’ve ever met. Your empathy for our clients drives you to get them justice. That’s why you’ve built this practice to be what it is. You’re ethical, smart and committed. But you crossed a line and you know it. You let your emotions take over and left your better judgment at the door. It was reckless. That’s not like you.”
Lacy could give him the proverbial hard slap or gentle stroke when he needed it.
“So what do you advise, counselor?”
“At this point, I’d say keep your bluff going. But you need to call his lead attorney today and share this with him to keep the ‘No Contact’ rule at bay and potentially save this situation. ”
“I want to close this. This case has taken longer than it should because of their fucking delays.”
“I know. But don’t make this worse. The good news is The Sorenson House can hold on for a few more months if that’s what it takes.” She paused for a moment before continuing, “I’m coming back to the office next week and we can close this.”
Her pronouncement surprised him. She originally planned to be on Maternity Leave for twelve weeks, but it was barely nine. He always suspected she wasn’t the “stay-at-home” type even though she’d be highly capable in that role too. Lacy loved being a lawyer, but found her greatest satisfaction running the office as efficiently as she did. She was also masterful at encouraging potential clients to sign with the firm. She kept a keen eye on finances and how things were going with the other attorneys. As he listened to her, he understood her decision was made in the moment. She wanted to help and protect him. Her friendship and loyalty meant everything to him.
“Is Dan okay with you coming back early?”
“Are you kidding? He wants me out of the house,” she chuckled. “Besides, we’ve been transitioning the baby. The nanny comes twice a week. It’s working well. Honestly, I’m ready to come back.”
“I appreciate the gesture, Lacy. But you don’t have to do this.”
She smiled, leaned forward and patted his shoulder. “I know, but I want to.”
Sipping their coffees, he enjoyed listening to her talk of her joy and missteps with motherhood. Her sense of humor was endearing. But with the hour passing quickly, he needed to head back to the office. Everything she said echoed in his mind as he kissed her cheek saying “good bye.” No matter what his personal feelings were about people like Sam Davenport, he had to find a way to turn this situation not only to his advantage but also back to something that didn’t leave him feeling so...dirty. Just because he could be a ruthless bastard, didn’t mean he wanted to be.
On his way to the office, he placed the call to Davenport’s attorney arranging a meeting. When he arrived, it was fairly quiet as the others worked dutifully at their desks. He exchanged a few pleasantries with Ricardo, got his messages and went to his office to prepare. He didn’t want to include Stephan and Tanya unless he absolutely had to. He didn’t want his actions to set a tone for their work in the future.
When Davenport’s attorney arrived, he was pleased to see he came alone as requested. Michael took him into the smaller conference room closing the door behind him.
“Thanks for coming, Ben.”
“Well, given what you shared over the phone, I thought it best we keep this between us for now. So, let me hear it.”
“Of course.” Michael played the recording watching the composure of his adversary shift considerably. Once it was finished, he asked, “Should I play it again?”
“No.” He took a deep breath, clasped his hands on the table and said, “Why were you talking to my client?”
“Your client approached me.”
“You always carry a recording device?”
“Only when the featured speaker is someone I want to hear.”
“You expect me to believe you attended the event to record the speaker?”
“I think you’re missing the bigger point, counselor.”
“Enlighten me, Michael.”
“You’re not stupid. This is a problem for your client…and mine.”
“There’s no way a judge will let this in a court room.”
“Let’s hope we don’t have to find out. We both know this could be devastating to our clients. We can end this. We need to end this.”
“What do you propose?”
“Make him pay the pledge.”
“That’s not going to happen.”
“Why not?”
“Sam Davenport is used to getting his way. Period. He’ll never agree.”
“It seems to me it’s your job to make sure he sees his options are limited since doing the right thing isn’t in him.”
“There are always options for a man like that.”
Michael found the comment very revealing. “So you’ve dealt with this before?”
“You don’t really expect me to answer that?”
“It won’t work this time. He admits it on tape.”
“Which I’ll have to fight.”
“If that’s the case, my options are clear.”
“The injunction is being filed as we speak.”
“That’s interesting and very disappointing.” Michael pulled out his cell phone and dialed. “Hi. Yeah, it’s a go. The newswire is fine. And place a call to Mrs. Davenport.”
“What was that?”
“It seems we both need to prep our clients for what’s about to happen. The next big news cycle is in two hours, so we don’t have a lot of time.” Michael stood up and opened the door, “Thanks for coming, Ben.”
“You’re kidding.”
“It seems we’re done here.”
“You can be disbarred for this.”
“Ben, sometimes there’s the right thing and the legal thing. I’m going with right on this.”
“Give me a minute.”
“For what?”
“To make the call.”
Michael stepped out somewhat surprised he had forced Ben’s hand. All that remained was whether or not Ben could convince Davenport to settle. He walked over to the reception desk where Ricardo sat waiting patiently.
“Did it work?” Ricardo whispered.
“We’ll see. You’ve got the reporter’s number handy, right?”
“Yep.”
Ben emerged at the conference room door about fifteen minutes later. “Michael?”
Michael joined him again. “Well?”
“I’ll draw up the settleme
nt along with pertinent Non-Disclosure Agreements.”
“How much?”
“Forty cash. I can have it ready in twenty-four hours. Any other amount will stretch payment over ten years. He’s adamant about that. Of course you’ll have to hand over the recording and call off the press.”
He wanted the whole amount—fifty million plus his fees and damages. He wanted Davenport to pay what he promised as well as pay for his criminal behavior. But he also knew this was the best he could get.
“You’ll get the recording when the full amount is transferred. I’ll keep the press at bay until everything is properly filed.”
“I want the recording now along with the guarantee there are no duplicates.”
“You’re lucky I’m not putting damages on the amount. And you want NDAs? No. I hold the recording. This is non-negotiable, Ben.”
“Fine. I’ll have the papers ready later today.”
“Thank you.”
After seeing him to the door, Michael went to his office to let his client know the deal was done. Next he called Lacy, sharing every detail with her before informing his team. The day had gone far better than he could have imagined and he wanted to celebrate. But that would have to wait until the next day when the money was transferred along with the recording. He instructed Ricardo to order champagne and food for a congratulatory party with the Sorenson House team.
Sitting at his desk, he finally flipped through the rest of his messages. One of them was from Jocelyn. She had violated the rules. He made clear she was never to call him at work. If there was a problem or she needed to talk, she had his cell number. He crumbled the note and tossed it in the trash. He’d deal with her later because he still had other matters requiring his attention. As the day came to a close, he gathered his things and placed one more call on his cell.
“Hi.”
“Can you meet me in an hour?”
“That depends on what you need me for.”
“Excuse me?”
“Am I babysitting again or are we playing?”
What the fuck! He wasn’t in the mood for her attitude considering it totally unwarranted. Shortly after taking on Jocelyn, he discussed the arrangement with Nikita several times before asking her to help him. She seemed eager and turned on about bringing a cherry into their relationship.
“First of all, you need to remember who the hell you’re talking to,” he said sharply. “Can you come over or not?”
“I’ll be there…Sir.”
He hung up and headed home. Their friendship had blurred their roles before, but this was different. He felt he’d have to rein her in.
CHAPTER 34
Stripping down to his boxer shorts, he grabbed a beer and scanned the newspaper. He was fairly relaxed despite his brief conversation with Nikita. Whatever was going on with her—jealousy or something else—he’d find out on his terms. Finishing his beer, he glanced at the clock. She was late. In the past if she were running late, she’d call. This was deliberate on her part, adding to his exasperation. As much as he understood women, they still had the capacity to frustrate the hell out of him especially when they were holding on to some emotional issue. In spite of her openness and humor, she was ultimately no different in that regard.
When the doorman buzzed letting him know she’d arrived, he cracked the door and returned to the sofa. Tonight he wasn’t about to let her top from the bottom. There had been enough of that between them lately. He was determined he’d chart the course of their evening together. She tapped on the door before coming in. He didn’t say a word and instead, watched her intensely.
“Hey.” She set her bag on the floor and hung her coat in the closet before walking towards him. “How’re you doing?”
“You’re late.”
“Yeah, well…”
“Where’s your collar?”
“In my bag.”
“Put it on. Don’t come here again without it on your neck. Do you understand?”
She stood for a moment looking at him trying to read him as much as he was reading her. She finally answered, “So it’s like that, huh?”
“It’s always been like that, but you seem to have forgotten. So we’re going to work on that.”
“Humph! Fine. Whatever you say, Sir.”
“Put on your collar, take off your clothes and get on all fours. Now.”
“Yes, Sir.”
It was clear she was less than enthusiastic, but for the time being, she was obedient. Nikita’s behavior could change on a dime if she was so inclined. Ever since he dropped the strict Dom/Sub barrier between them, their play had taken on a variety of configurations. Sometimes they were playful, other times they pushed the edge of their darkest elements and still other times, it was a mix becoming far more intimate emotionally. She undressed lowering herself to the floor as instructed. She kept her head down completely diverting her eyes from him as expected.
“What am I going to do with you?”
“What do you want to do, Sir?”
“Oh, so now you’re remembering your role?”
“What do you mean?” She said looking up at him for the first time.
“You know exactly what I mean. Who am I?”
Again fixing her gaze upon him, she raised her brow and tilted her head slightly before lowering it again. “You’re Sir.”
“Then act like it.”
He could tell she was processing how best to respond given the change in their dynamics. He stood over her, leaned down and pinched her nipples giving each a slight tug. She didn’t flinch, but then again, he didn’t expect her to. That would come. “Stay in position.”
He went to his bedroom to get the crop, leash and binding rope. When he returned he was pleased to see her compliance. He walked slowly to her, swinging the items to ensure he had her attention. When he approached her, he attached the leash to the collar and pulled hard.
“Up on your knees!”
Winding the rope around her upper torso he deliberately left her breasts free. Continuing the intricate binding of her arms and wrists, he secured them behind her back. He wanted them taut enough to create some discomfort. Snapping the leash, he instructed her to stand. With her balance impaired, she struggled to her feet and stood making sure she kept her eyes off his. He was a little surprised by her level of obedience. He hadn’t seen this in her for quite some time. He also was struck by what was missing.
By this time in their play, she’d be showing signs of arousal. She’d be provoking him for more punishment by being a bit sassy. Usually she had no trouble expressing her needs and desires explicitly. But there was none of that. Seemingly dispassionate, her expression and breathing reflected exertion and little else. He didn’t fully understand what was happening with her, but he continued nonetheless.
He took the crop moving it gently and slowly over her skin, deliberately tickling her back, ass and lower legs. Tracing it around her body, he brushed her nipples, watching as they hardened for the first time. He continued moving it down her belly circling her navel before taking it lower. Swinging it lightly against her mound, he let it glide over her upper thighs. She let out a soft moan. He knew the sound well, so he did it again.
Rather than strike her, he opted to keep the teasing going hoping to heighten her state and free her from whatever was holding her back. By slowly building her arousal, he’d push her over the edge later with the intense pain she craved and enjoyed so much. He came in close, letting his breath be felt on her neck. He ran his tongue lightly over her ears and down her neck as he grabbed her throat causing her to moan even more.
“I know what you want, but I’m not giving it to you until I’m sure you know how to behave,” he whispered while pinning her against his body.
Her breathing increased becoming more audible as her skin finally warmed to his touches.
“I’m sorry, Sir. I’ll do whatever you say,” she said looking at him for the first time over her shoulder. She was finally ready to play.
/> “Now why don’t I believe you?” He smirked before licking her again.
He released her neck and with one swift movement struck her hard on the ass with the crop. She shifted on her feet letting out a gasp. Taking hold of the leash, he placed his hand between her shoulder blades, directing her to lean over the back of the sofa. She spread her legs slightly shifting her hips in anticipation of another strike. Rather than strike her, he continued gliding the crop over her body until she began to quiver. Her pleasure was rising yet it was almost as if she were fighting against it. But he knew exactly how to draw her out.
He continued, letting the crop dangle while he ran his smooth fingers over the plump roundness of her ass. He squeezed and slapped it with increasing intensity without unleashing all the force he was comfortable exerting onto her. She began responding more favorably by spreading her legs a little further apart. He firmly took hold of the collar by placing his fingers between her neck and the leather. Pressing his penis against her ass, the grinding and rubbing caused it harden. She pushed back against him slowly rotating her hips signaling she was ready for whatever came next. But he moved his hips away from hers, gripping the handle of the crop delicately brushing and teasing her further. Then he delivered a powerful blow.
She dropped her head and yelled, “Oh, fuck!! That’s it Baby!”
She was now exactly where he needed her to be. Swinging the crop back and forth against her, he began interspersing his questions with strikes.
“Are you supposed to be late?”
“No, Sir.”
“What are you supposed to do if you are?”
“Call, Sir!”
“Did you?”
“No, Sir! I’m sorry, Sir.”
He struck her again before releasing the collar and taking hold of the leash again. He wanted to restrict her movement otherwise her wiggling would disperse the intensity of the strikes. Her ass was reddening as it warmed even more. He ran the crop handle between her cheeks sliding it against her labia. She was moist and getting wetter.
“And what was that shit about babysitting or play?”
She didn’t answer.
“I asked you a question and I expect an answer.”
He struck her a few more times. She winced but still didn’t answer. She finally looked over her shoulder at him. The frigid stare she gave him clearly relayed he’d struck an unintended nerve. Then she did the unexpected.
His Pleasures and Pain (Book II) (Allen Trilogy 2) Page 24