The Laws of Love

by Belle Winters

  She nodded. “He told me. Don’t get me wrong I like you, but I was a little concerned when he asked me to do this and said you were in his house. I thought for sure he slept with you and you would be leaving. I kind of beat the story out of him.”

  I nodded. “I understand, but you do not have to worry about that. If I weren’t so tired I would’ve probably orchestrated to kill him in his sleep.”

  She shook her head. “I really like you. Now let’s see about these clothes.”

  She led me out into the living room where she pulled out a black dress. It was sexy yet conservative. It had a V neck and I wondered if my breast would spill out. The size was perfect, but I had a feeling that this might fit me a bit too well. But hey, it was the only option I had. She pulled out a small Victoria’s secret bag that held underclothes and a box of Christian Louboutin’s and I almost fainted. Was she crazy? I would take these back and buy a pair from payless and use that money to help clean up my debt.

  “I can’t accept this.” I admitted. When she frowned I explained myself. “I mean I can’t afford to pay you back for this.”

  She let out a loud laugh that seemed uncharacteristic for how polished she looked. It did have a kind of calming effect on me though. She seemed more… human to me now. “It’s on the company. Don’t worry about it.”

  I nodded. Who was I to turn down free stuff? I knew I needed to go shopping I just couldn’t afford to do it. With that she finished her coffee and left. I grabbed the clothes and the toothbrush and headed in search of his room.

  Of course it was large and masculine. The bed had to be at least a king, but was probably larger. He had an intricate headboard in a dark wood that matched the other furniture in the room. There was a large TV hanging off the wall in front of the bed. His room was decorated in red and gold, from the curtains to the sheets and rug. I looked around for a closet and frowned. I went to door number one, and it was his walk-in closet. I was immediately assaulted with the scent of woods and his man scent. I closed it quickly before the smell could drag me in. I walked over to a second door and pulled it open. Yummy aftershave wafted through this one and I saw it was a bathroom. I entered hesitantly, but I was sure I would find bathroom supplies in well… a bathroom. I looked around and couldn’t find where he had additional stuff and I frowned. I knew I had to get going to I brushed my teeth and turned on the shower. I took his loofa and added some of his expensive soap on it and began to wash. When I was done, I bit my lip and searched around the room. There was a damp towel on the rack and I figured it was the one he used today. It was my only option so I snatched it and dried off quickly. I hung it on the door this time so he would see that it’s been touched and knows I used it.

  I grabbed my stuff and headed into his room. I found his lotion easily enough and lathered up and got dressed quickly. I saw that it was 11:30 now and I jumped up and ran downstairs. I threw on the shoes that Shelly brought me and I sprinted out the door barely remembering my purse. I was able to hail a cab and decided I could splurge $10 on a ride to work. Besides I didn’t know this area that well to attempt to figure out what trains and buses were the closest. By the time I got to work it was almost noon and I sighed.

  Drayden’s office door was closed, but he had the shades off and I got a clear shot of him. He wasn’t paying attention when I walked in so I went straight to my desk. I checked for anything extremely important. When that was done I bit my nails. I opened up an IM chat box and wrote to Drayden.

  Cassie R: Thanks… for letting me crash, and the clothes, and extra hours of sleep.

  I was sweating now because this was very new territory. We were nice to each other, we didn’t like each other.

  Drayden M: You’re welcome, but don’t get used to it.

  My pulse immediately calmed. Yup, things were definitely back to normal.

  Cassie R: I want to croak at all of this niceness you’re showing me. I’m not fooled, I know you’re Lucifer in disguise.

  Drayden M: Says Satan…

  Cassie R: I have two fingers just calling your name… can you guess which ones?

  Drayden M: I just threw up a little in my mouth. That’s inappropriate. If you need to handle that by all means take care of yourself. Please make sure to wash up, I unfortunately need you physically present… in my office to work on this case.

  I was going to stab him. I keep a switch blade in my bag just in case. I don’t live in the nicest of neighborhoods. It wouldn’t be a thing to just put us all out of our misery.

  Cassie R: Next time do us both a favor and choke on your vomit. I’ll be there when I feel like it.

  Drayden M: DON’T FORGET TO WASH YOUR HANDS.

  I flipped him off and closed the chat.

  Chapter 3

  Drayden

  I think I’m ill. I’m sitting on the floor across from Cassie, as we’ve been the past three weeks rebuilding the Mavorik case. If you thought that we should be able to coexist like two normal grown ass people than you are sadly mistaken. Everything has gotten worse and to make matters even more ridiculous I’m beginning to like it.

  This is not why I think I’m sick though. Oh no, it’s much, much more dreadful. I have been finding myself watching her. The way when she’s lost in thought she unconsciously twirls her jet black hair around her fingers. Or the way her pretty blue eyes get squinty when she’s confused. Even how when she gets all worked up her normally tan skin gets all rosy colored in her cheeks and she kind of bares her perfect white teeth. Not to mention the way her full, round, supple breast press against her shirt as she breathes fire. I’ve particularly taken a liking to her in dresses where her hour glass curves are mostly on display. Then when I compliment her on her lawyer skills her demeanor perks up and her eyes go wide and glassy, her pink lips pucker on their own accord, and she looks at me like I hold all the answers. Fuck me, I’m so screwed.

  I had always been attracted to her sure, but her attitude and the way she spoke to me was initially what I thought was a turn off. Plus, she has always been a pain in my ass, even now. But now that I can truly see what she’s about and get inside her brain, I actually like it. I never admitted it to myself, but I kind of like the challenge she presents to me. People never really do it, and it makes me frustrated a lot of times. People are intimidated to speak to me or even question or disagree with me. That’s how things fall through the cracks and the proper level of information isn’t communicated. It was refreshing, and at the same time infuriating. Why? Because she doesn’t argue about work things, but she’ll fight with me about everything else. It’s so damn backwards. Plus, I know that our relationship is far from professional and we’re the posterchildren for everything not to do to keep from getting your ass sent to HR.

  “Drassden.” Cassie said pulling me out of my thoughts.

  I clenched my teeth. “Stop calling me that. Just because one time I exaggerated the ass in your name doesn’t mean you need to call me that. You’re the one that actually has the word in their name.”

  She rolled her eyes. “What was it that Sheila called you that day…?” she asked thinking.

  I sighed. “Ayde.” I told her.

  “Why that?” she asked.

  I shrugged. “It’s a part of my name and we are all about nick names.”

  “Can I call you that?” she asked.

  “NO!” I shouted.

  Her head reared back. “Well damn, there was no need to yell… I won’t use your precious nickname. I just get tired of saying your long ass name sometimes is all.”

  I was just about to tell her to go to hell when my office door flew open. My head snapped up and I bit back my retort when I saw my sister standing there.

  “Hello dear brother, and Cassie. How are you two on this fine day?” she asked.

  I frowned. She wanted something. “What do you want Shelly?” I asked irritated.

  “I was just coming to tell you that mom is requiring your presence tomorrow afternoon. She wants to have a family dinner.
Reno and Charlie are both in the city for a few days and well you know…” I nodded. Reno and Charlie were my cousins; their mother was my mom’s sister. Their father died when they were babies – they were only 2 years apart, and then their mother died when they were preteens. My mom took them in and they grew up with us. They were more like brothers because even before they officially moved in they spent a lot of time at the house with us. My mom tries her best to bring us all together whenever she could because family was important to her.

  “I’ll be there.” I confirmed.

  Her eyes cut to Cassie and I frowned. “Cassie why don’t you come as well?” she asked.

  “NO!” I shouted before she could answer.

  Shelly put her hands on her hips. “Why not? Plus, it’s not your party so you don’t have a say and you can’t back out.”

  “Because I said so… and she’s my assistant she’s not family.” I pouted.

  Cassie smiled wide and sinister. “I would love to come.” She said to Shelly.

  I groaned. Shelly clapped. “I’ll text you the information, what’s your number?” she asked.

  Cassie rattled off her number and after promising to contact her Shelly left the office.

  “What are you doing?” I asked Cassie.

  “Oh I know you didn’t think I would turn down that chance now would you?” she asked.

  “What are you up to?” I asked, my eyes narrowing.

  Her eyes sparkled with mischief and I knew it was war. “Dinner with the folks, where I could tell them how mean you are to me? How much you’re going to hate me being there, I’m going to sleep good tonight.” She let out a sigh and put her head in her hand. “This is going to be great.”

  I arched an eyebrow and leaned into her. “That won’t be work, and the same rules don’t apply. If I happen to push you down the stairs or lock you in the basement and forget, I can’t be held responsible for my actions.”

  “Ditto pal, game on.” She replied confidently.

  With that we got back to work and called it quits around 10.

  Cassie

  As promised, Sheila texted me the details before we had even left the office on Friday. I couldn’t help but gloat to Drayden who looked ashen. I guess if there was any question before, there wasn’t one now. Sheila warned me to dress warm and comfortably, if the weather permits they may move the ‘party’ outside.

  I looked through my scant closet and sighed. All my excitement to ruin his day I completely forgot about my wardrobe, or my lack of. I stared at the bit of casual clothes I had. With a huge sigh I grabbed a pair of my favorite blue jeans, a gray t-shirt that said ‘Mon Patron Suce’ in pink letters. I had bought it on a whim thinking of Drayden. I hopped in the shower and got dressed. The text said to be there at 2 and it was 1:45. I knew I was going to be late, but not too bad. I tossed on a pink sweater and flats and made my way over to his parent’s place.

  I ended up taking a cab. I really needed to slow down on these, they’re eating into my funds. I had expected to pull up to pull up to some grand mansion and was pleasantly surprised by the quaint, while still pretty large house. There were beautiful flowers in front of the house and I wondered who did their gardening. I walked up the door and lifted my hand to knock when the door was flung open.

  “Well hello there.” Said Mr. Marks. I remembered him from my interview. IF this was any indication of what Drayden would look like when he aged he was a lucky man. His father had salt and pepper hair, and was still in great shape. He had the same mesmerizing crystal green eyes, sharp jawline and defined angles. He extended his hand and I took it.

  “Great seeing you again Mr. Marks.”

  He let out a throaty chuckle. "None of that nonsense dear. It’s Kevin.”

  I smiled. “Ok Kevin.”

  He opened the door fully and waved me inside. I was taking in the chandelier when I heard a familiar voice. “Cass! You made it.”

  I turned to Sheila and smiled. That was the name my friends and family called me. “Hey Sheila. I told you I would come.”

  She came up to me and pulled me into a hug. “Oh no, please. Sheila is for work and assholes. Everyone calls me Shells or Shelly.”

  I nodded. “Alright… Drayden did say how you guys love your nicknames.”

  She eyed me curiously and nodded to herself. My eyebrow arched but I didn’t pry. She led me into the kitchen where her twin was. She and her mom looked exactly alike. I laughed to myself, Drayden was his father’s splitting image, she her mothers. I thought it was a bit weird how they looked very different. Their similarities began and ended with their eyes, which they got from their father.

  “Mom, this is Cass… Ayde’s assistant.” Shelly introduced us.

  Her mom put down the spoon she was using and turned to face us. “Well look at you. Nice to meet you dear.”

  She walked forward and I extended my hand. “Nice to meet you Mrs. – “She shot me a look and shooed my hand down. “Don’t you dare. Are you trying to make me feel old? It’s Lorraine and give me a hug.” She said as she wrapped her arms around me. I smiled and hugged her back. I missed these types of hugs that only a mother could give. It made me a bit nostalgic.

  “Well hello Lorraine. Is there anything I can help you with here?” I asked.

  She waved her hand. “Everything is done. We’re going to just hang around for a bit and catch up. It’s 70 degrees outside so I think we can enjoy some fresh air, unless you’re hungry now.”

  I shook my head. “I’m fine. That sounds great.”

  She nodded. “Shell, take her into the family room with your cousins. Your brother is late as usual.” She said with an eye roll. I couldn’t help but laugh.

  She led me into the family room and there were two men along with Kevin chatting away. She put me front and center and gestured to an empty couch I took a seat and she took the spot next to her father.

  “Who’s this?” one of the guys asked. He was cute, with dirty blonde hair and blue eyes with a hint of gray. He was lean and had this demeanor about him that was inviting.

  “I’m Cassie.” I said introducing myself.

  He leaned forward and took my proffered hand and kissed the top. I may have blushed a little bit. “I’m Reno, this is my little brother Charlie.” He said gesturing to the other guy in the room. “Do what do we owe the honor of having such a beautiful woman in our presence.”

  Kevin laughed and shook his head while Charlie rolled his eyes and Shelly snickered. Shelly spoke up before me. “I invited her over. She, my dear cousin, is Drayden’s new assistant.”

  His eyes widened. “No way.”

  I frowned. “Why do you say that?” I asked curiously.

  “Have you met him?”

  This time I laughed. “Oh now I get it. Yea, my boss is a douche. No offense.” When the words left I bit my lip. I really should work on my damn filter. I’m sitting here in a house full of his family and I’m talking bad about him.

  When his father’s laughter boomed out I looked at him. He shook his head and spoke, “I like you. Keep him on his toes.”

  I chuckled. “I don’t know. Most of the time I’m trying to knock him on his ass.” I admitted and he laughed harder.

  “Will you marry me?” Reno said and I turned bright red and laughed.

  “Why would you want to marry me?” I asked.

  “If you can take him on, you’re definitely the keeping type.” He told me and I had to question if he was serious.

  “She’s the type for firing.” A voice said from the entry and I sighed. Did I need to look up to know who it was? Of course not. I heard that voice more often that I wanted.

  “Ah, Darth Vader has arrived. Lovely seeing you again.” I told him in a sweet voice.

  He rolled his eyes. “Yes. Nice seeing you too, did you fly here on your broom today?” he asked just as nicely.

  His mother walked in then and pinched him on the arm. He yelped and rubbed the spot. She walked over and took the empty seat next to
her husband and scowled at Drayden. “Didn’t I teach you better than that? You apologize now, that wasn’t nice.” She scolded him.

  He frowned. “No, she started it.”

  She arched an eyebrow. “I hardly believe that. She seems like a sweet girl, and she has such manners.”

  He growled and she threw him a ‘don’t make me get my belt’ look and he glared at me. “Sorry.” He mumbled and looked around for a seat. I realized then that the only one empty was next to me on the couch. Good god my luck sucked. He plopped down next to me and I scooted further over.

  “Mom, she isn’t sweet. She called me Darth Vader… and that was just today.” He pouted.

  She rolled her eyes and Shelly scooted forward. “Seriously these two are like Batman and the Joker.”

  I giggled. “I’m Batman that means your ugly.”

  He scowled at me. “Finally! That’s what it is, you’re really a man aren’t you?” he asked.

  I fought the urge to punch him and decided to ignore him. His mom watched on silently and I’m sure she’s taking back her earlier assessment of me. She got up after a few minutes and announced it was time to eat. Drayden and Charlie went to set things up outside, while Shelly went to help her mom in the kitchen. I have no idea where Kevin disappeared to, but before I knew it just Reno and I were left.

  “That bad huh?” he asked.

  “What do you mean?”

  “The two of you, you could cut the tension between you with a knife.” He said.

  I laughed and shrugged. “It’s a job, we get through it I guess.”

  He held out his elbow for me and I took it looping my arm through his. “Shall I escort you to dinner?” he asked.

  I smiled. “Are you like this with all the girls?”

  He gave me a dazzling smile. “Oh no, only the most beautiful.”

  I shook my head. “You’re a handful, I can tell.”

  He didn’t comment so I figured I was right. He pulled out a chair for me and I sat. He took the one next to mine and Shelly thankfully sat on my other side. Unfortunately, Drayden ended up directly across from me so I had to stare at his sexy… oh wait I mean annoying face.