APPEAL: Esquire Black Duet #2

by Faiman, Hayley

  “I’m sure,” I nod.

  I don’t leave the conversation open for discussion as I walk over to my desk and fire my computer up for the day. There aren’t any new emails that I need to worry about. Even if there were, I’m not sure that I would be able to concentrate on them.

  I spend the next hour assuring that my files on the Dunning case are up to date and ready for court—which is in an hour.

  “Brooklyn,” Aaron calls out from his office once I have everything ready to go.

  I close my eyes and hiss a curse to myself. He’s been scarce lately, and I don’t deny that I’ve been ecstatic about that. However, now he’s standing at his office door, his creepy, beady, little eyes staring right at me.

  Standing, I smooth down my skirt and make my way toward him. He shifts slightly to the side, giving me just enough room to pass by him, forcing my ass to rub against his crotch. I suppress a shiver of disgust as I find my way to a chair. He always finds some kind of way to be extra creepy.

  “I’ll be sitting second to you today. I just wanted to make sure that you have everything ready?” he asks.

  I don’t roll my eyes like I want to. He’s seriously asking me if I’m ready the day of the trial? No, less than an hour before it’s set to begin? I can’t freakin’ stand this asshole.

  I plaster on a grin and nod. “Yes, I have everything ready, Mr. McDonald.”

  “And the situation with your condo burning down? That won’t affect anything?” he asks.

  He didn’t give much of a shit about it when I told him what had happened. He just gave me a pitying look and told me not to let my personal life affect my job. He’s an asshole of epic proportions. Lucas may be an asshole, but seriously, this guy takes the cake.

  Shaking my head, I suck in a breath. “My living situation is fine. I wasn’t there when it burned, and the fire and police officers are investigating everything. I’m living with my boyfriend for the time being,” I smile.

  He scowls at the word boyfriend and sits back. “Lucas Black?” he asks, arching a brow as his eyes roam over me.

  Nodding, I hold my breath to see what he’s going to say next. I can see that he’s chomping at the bit to speak.

  “I’m sorry, Brooklyn, but I feel the need to inform you of Mr. Black’s reputation.”

  He doesn’t look sorry. Not at all. In fact, he looks the exact opposite. He looks rather smug.

  “He has a reputation for sleeping with his clients. It’s actually extremely well known,” he offers mockingly.

  I sit up a little straighter and nod. “Yes, sir, I’m aware of his past reputation.”

  Turning around, I march out of his office, leaving it at that. I have no desire to discuss our relationship with my boss. It’s nobody’s business but ours.

  I don’t need to tell him how I feel about Lucas, or how I think Lucas feels about me. He doesn’t deserve that information. He’s my boss, not my friend. He’s nothing to me and I honestly don’t even like the man.

  I thank him and inform him that I’ll be ready to leave for court in the next thirty minutes. Making my way back to my desk, I sit down and take my phone out of my purse. I send Lillie a quick text, hoping that she’ll answer me.

  Court is today. Wish me luck. Text me back. I’m freaking out.

  LILLIE-BELLE: Sorry I’ve been such a shit friend. I’ll call you after court. I want to hear all about it. Good luck, but you don’t need it.

  Life has been crazy here too. You aren’t a shit friend. You’re just enjoying yourself in Paris. I miss your face.

  LILLIE-BELLE: Paris is where my soul lives. I don’t think I’ll ever come back.

  Her words send a stabbing pain to my heart. Never coming back. My best friend, the woman that I have thought of as a sister for years, she’s gone.

  I blink away the tears that stab at my eyes. I’m happy for her, selfishly I want her back here, but, in reality, I’m glad that she’s finally found herself—her place.

  I know without a doubt that I have found my place as well. My place is beside Lucas. Even when he fights me being there, it’s where I will forever belong.

  I’m so happy for you. Talk after court.

  She doesn’t reply, and I know that part of our relationship is ending. We’ll probably always check on one another, but even the past few weeks those emails, texts, and calls have been few and far between.

  We’re no longer the single roommates who cling to one another. We’re women who have found our paths. We’ve found what we’ve been searching for.

  I grab my files, my purse, and my laptop as I begin to ready myself to leave. I feel even more nervous than I did before. It’s really here. This day is here.

  I don’t know what to expect, even though this isn’t the first trial that I’ve ever sat in on, this is the first one I’ve been lead on.

  Plus, this is one where both parents despise me. They’re going to hate me even more when they find out that my recommendation isn’t in favor of either of them.

  Then there’s the fact that Lucas will be sitting there. His eyes will assuredly be on me the entire time, watching me while wearing that sexy gray suit.

  I close my eyes for just a moment, trying not to think about the way his hands feel on my naked flesh, the way he spanks me, the way he makes me come.

  The way he looks at me.

  Dammit, I am so gone for this man, it’s completely ridiculous. I have no clue how I’m going to get through this session.

  None at all, whatsoever.

  LUCAS

  I watch her sweet ass beneath her tight navy skirt as she makes her way to the witness stand to testify about her findings. Usually, a case like this wouldn’t be held so formally. Given the circumstances and what awaits Curtis Dunning, they’ve moved us into this courtroom.

  Just the walk from her seat to the witness stand has made moving to the more formal courtroom worth every fucking second.

  Brooklyn is commanding, confident, and unwavering in her testimony. She clearly states to the judge what her findings were during the short, but thorough, investigation. I can’t feel anything but pride for her with each word she speaks.

  She is a force to be reckoned with. I’m proud to have her as mine. She was made for this. If ever I had a doubt about her abilities as an attorney, they’re completely gone now.

  There’s an odd feeling at the back of my neck, my hair sticks straight up and I turn slightly to see that her boss, Aaron McDonald, isn’t watching her.

  Instead, he’s staring daggers at the back of my head. I lift my chin to him and give him a smirk. He wants my woman, and he’s never getting her.

  I always win—always.

  Even when it appears as though I’ve lost, it’s normally because I’ve planned it that way. Like today. I’m not even going to attempt to get full-custody of Fisher Dunning awarded to Meredith.

  That boy doesn’t deserve the hell he would live through with this cunt. My conscience doesn’t typically stand in my way of a victory, except when it comes to kids.

  “In light of the psychological reports, and Miss. Myers’ testimony and report, I’m awarding full custodial custody to Mrs. Andrea Dunning, mother of Curtis Dunning. She will also be awarded child support from both Curtis and Meredith Dunning. All visitation by both Curtis and Meredith will be supervised.”

  He slams his gavel down and stands, as do all of us in the room. Meredith turns to face me once the judge has walked out of the courtroom.

  “You are fucking worthless,” she seethes.

  I lift a brow, tired of biting my lip when it comes to this bitch. “Look in the mirror. If you weren’t so busy being a narcissistic pill popper, more concerned with cash and attempting to find a way to bounce on my cock, you may have received custody of your child and a shit ton of money. Peg will bill you. I expect that payment immediately—in cash,” I announce.

  Turning around, I walk out of the courtroom without looking back. Fuck that cunt. I hurry outside and am surprised when
I see Curtis being led away in handcuffs.

  Brooklyn is standing to the side, her hand covering her mouth in her own shock.

  With long strides, I make my way toward her side, placing my hand at her lower back. “What just happened?” I demand, tipping my head down to look at her.

  “They just arrested him for possible involvement in the arson of my condo,” she whispers.

  I pull her a little closer to my side to comfort her. Something catches my attention out of the corner of my eye. I turn my head to see Meredith staring right at us with a grin tipping her lips. She blows me a kiss, and I know that Brooklyn has seen it because her entire body stiffens.

  “I’m picking you up right at six. No backtalk about it, kitten,” I murmur, feeling uneasy.

  She exhales a shaky breath but nods. “Curtis glared at me the entire time I was on the stand,” she whispers. “He did it, I know he did.”

  “Yeah, and with any luck, his ass will be locked up for a long fucking time. The Feds do not fuck around when it comes to the type of illegal activity he was up to,” I grunt.

  “Brooklyn?” Aaron clips.

  She jumps slightly and tries to take a step back from me. I don’t let her. Lowering my face, I press my lips to hers gently, then nibble on her plump bottom lip.

  “See you at six, kitten.”

  Brooklyn shivers in my arms, causing me to smile. I look up at Aaron and see that he’s frowning in our direction. I give him a smirk, and a wink, to be a cocky ass. He frowns even more dramatically.

  I release Brooklyn, giving her a small tap on her ass as she walks away. She turns back to me, her cheeks tinting pink before she and Aaron continue walking. Maybe it was a dick move, but she’s mine, and he needs to fucking understand that shit immediately.

  Making my way to a deli, I grab a sandwich on my way back to the office. I quickly eat it as I drive toward work. It’s going to be hard as fuck to wait until six to pick up my woman. I want nothing more than to be buried inside of her, congratulating her on her victory.

  Peg is sitting at her desk and arches her brow at me when I walk through the elevator doors.

  “Where’s Mrs. Dunning?” she asks knowingly.

  I cough in my hand, shaking my head. “Mrs. Dunning is to pay her bill in full, to you, with cash. I’ll not be entertaining any further contact with her from here on out. She is not a client. I’ll not be representing her for anything in the future or accepting any phone calls or visits,” I state.

  “Oh my, this is a first,” she says with a smile.

  Clearing my throat, I lift a brow before I take a step toward my door, then I pause. Turning my head back to look at her over my shoulder, I smirk.

  “If Brooklyn Myers ever calls, you send her straight through to me, no matter what I’m doing. She’s mine,” I grunt.

  “Yours?” Peg asks.

  I fight rolling my eyes knowing that Peg understands me completely. She’s requiring me to explain myself for her entertainment. The gigantic smile on her lips is extremely telling.

  “She’s living with me now, Peg. She’s mine, and she has full access to me whenever she desires it,” I state.

  “Oh, my. Well, I’m glad you’re settling down, Lucas. She looks like a very professional, yet sweet girl. I can’t wait to get to know her better.”

  I grin widely. Getting approval from Peg is almost like gaining approval from my mother.

  “Set up a lunch after the Labor Day holiday, the three of us.”

  Peg gasps, but I turn and continue into my office, closing the door behind me. If Brooklyn is going to be a continuous integrated part of my life, she needs to know Peg, they need to get along.

  Peg holds the keys to my schedule, and whether I want to admit it or not, Brooklyn holds the keys to my cold black heart.

  Chapter Six

  BROOKLYN

  The remainder of the workday I stay pretty scarce, feeling the awkward tension rolling off of McDonald in waves. I was glad he didn’t try to force me to lunch to celebrate my first solo case.

  If I wasn’t so invested in my career, and afraid that I would have to start all over again, I would quit in a freaking heartbeat.

  Lucas is waiting for me, just as he promised, at six o’clock on the dot. Walking out of the office building, I see him standing with his ass leaning against his car. He looks completely unruffled, as if he hasn’t worked all day long.

  The only evidence that he’s been at the office is the long sleeve white shirt he’s wearing, that is rolled up his forearms. His suit pants are unwrinkled, he’s discarded the jacket elsewhere and his tie has been loosened.

  He looks like a dream.

  His dark hair looks exactly like it did first thing this morning.

  As soon as his gaze meets mine, I lick my lips watching as he tugs the car door open for me. Slipping inside of his passenger seat, I smile and thank him as he closes the door, before making his way to the driver’s side.

  I love that Lucas is so effortlessly gentlemanly with me, for the most part. He’s always opening doors and guiding me around with his hand on my back.

  It makes me feel special.

  I absolutely love that about him. Even if he can be a bit overbearing, controlling at times, and a complete fucking asshole.

  “I hope Italian is okay?” he asks before he continues. “I made reservations at Spasso.”

  My eyes widen. I’ve heard of Spasso, but I’ve never actually been there before. Working for the D.A.’s office, paying off student loans, plus paying the entire condo payment with no roommate to help out the past couple of months, it doesn’t leave much room for going out to eat—especially to a restaurant like Spasso.

  I almost complain that it isn’t the margaritas that he promised, but I try not to quibble. “How was the rest of your day?” I ask as he drives.

  Lucas sighs and runs his hand through his now rumpled hair. I lick my lips at the sight of him. I want all of him, and it feels like I’ll never get enough.

  “I’ve got a few new clients that have appointments scheduled right before Labor Day. I had to do some research that my junior attorneys didn’t fucking get right. But I’m done for the day and with you, so it’s turning around,” he murmurs.

  I don’t hesitate to reach over and wrap my hand around his as I turn my head to face him. “You make my day better, too.”

  He grins, giving me a wink as he pulls into the restaurant’s parking lot. He doesn’t say anything as he gracefully exits the car. I watch as he quickly makes his way to my side, opening my door for me. I don’t think I’ll ever grow tired of this part of him.

  Taking his hand, I jump slightly when my phone goes off. I hope it’s Lillie. I know that I told her I would be celebrating tonight, but I had hoped she’d call me anyway.

  “Sorry, I’ve been waiting for a call from my friend,” I mutter, eagerly digging it out of my bag.

  “Yeah?” he asks as his hand slips to my lower back.

  I nod as I wrap my hand around my phone tugging it out of my purse. “Yeah, Lillie. She moved to Paris a few months ago. We grew up together, she was my roommate, too,” I explain. “She’s been kind of silent the past few weeks.”

  “You should visit her,” he murmurs as we walk inside.

  I shake my head and look up at him, making a noise of protest. “Paris?” I ask. “I wish I could afford something like that. With my school loans, I don’t think I’ll ever get much farther than Arizona to visit my parents, baby.”

  Lucas’ eyes darken a touch at my use of the word baby, then they begin to dance as he smiles.

  “I think we could make a trip to Paris happen, kitten. I don’t remember the last time I had a vacation. I could definitely use some downtime.”

  My eyes widen at the thought of traveling to Paris with him. The city of love. It’s a nice pipe dream, but I wasn’t joking about being broke.

  I have to think about my future, how I’m going to find another place to live and come up with first and last
month’s rent.

  I know that he said we were living together now, but he’s in his mid-thirties, there’s no way he’s going to just accept that this is our new situation. I’m under no illusions that there won’t be a time where he needs his space.

  “You don’t have to answer me today, but as long as you have some vacation time saved up, let’s make tentative plans, kitten,” he murmurs, lowering his lips to my ear.

  Before I can respond, to tell him that he’s crazy, that there’s no way I’m going to freaking Paris, the hostess asks us if we have a reservation.

  Lucas talks to her while my mind spins, thinking about everything he’s said, unable to completely comprehend an extravagant trip like that.

  My phone completely forgotten in my hand. The call having gone to voicemail some time ago.

  “Did she text you?” he asks, turning back to me.

  I shake myself out of my daze, looking down at my phone. Sure enough, there’s a text from Lillie. My lips form a smile as I read over it. She asks me how my case went, her message thoughtful, but also short because she’s busy living her life.

  I love that for her. She’s found her Parisian Lucas and I couldn’t be happier.

  Everything went flawlessly. Celebratory dinner with my Esquire happening now. I respond.

  “Table’s ready, Brooklyn,” Lucas murmurs.

  I look up from my phone and nod once. Dropping my phone back into my purse, I follow behind the hostess as she shows us to our table.

  Lucas holds my chair out for me, proving, yet again, that he’s a gentleman on the streets. When he’s seated, a waiter stops by immediately and asks if there is a wine we’d care for this evening.

  Lucas grins at me and orders champagne. I make a noise in the back of my throat, but he ignores my surprise as he talks to the waiter. I’m totally willing to give up margaritas for real champagne.