After Glow

by Autumn Jones Lake

  “How’s Rock?” he asks.

  “Probably tired,” Mara mumbles around a bite of salad.

  Damon pops her on the ass. “You’re awfully wound up today.”

  She drops her gaze, and her lips curve into a playful smile.

  “Hmm, this is a whole different side of the terrifying Judge Oak,” I say.

  He laughs, deep and rich. “Haven’t seen you in my courtroom lately.”

  “Mmm.” I much on a forkful of lettuce, trying to think of something that won’t make me sound totally brainless. “I’m scaling back my workload.” I pat my belly. “For when little bean gets here.”

  He nods. “Good for you. How does Rock feel about impending fatherhood?”

  “Everything I’m nervous about he’s excited for.”

  “Well, I’m sure Mara can share all sorts of helpful stories.”

  Mara wiggles her eyebrows. “Have you gotten to the wild sex dreams part yet?”

  Damon gives her the side-eye. “That’s not what I meant.”

  My cheeks heat up, and I steal a look at Damon. He’s too focused on Mara to notice my reaction.

  “I had the craziest ones about one of Damon’s friends.” She giggles. “Worked out well for me, though.”

  Please don’t let me have any sex dreams about Damon. Ever.

  I clear my throat. “So, where’s Cora? I thought you said she was refusing to nap lately?

  “She’s with my mother for the night,” Damon answers.

  Mara wraps her arm around Damon’s arm and leans into him. “Damon’s teaching a workshop tonight.”

  “Like a CLE?” I take a sip of my water and mentally try to calculate how many credits I have for this reporting period. Crap, even if I’m not practicing, I still have to keep up on my credit hours if I want to keep my license.

  “Not exactly.” Mara’s sly tone implies something of the non-professional variety.

  My curiosity piqued, I raise an eyebrow and wait for her to elaborate.

  “He’s giving a lecture on nonconsensual consent and the law to, um, some friends of ours…”

  One look at Damon tells me why Mara’s voice trailed off. “Not something I can get credit for, I’m guessing?” I ask to lighten the tension that settled over us.

  “Hope won’t say anything,” Mara says to Damon.

  “My lips are sealed.” I run the title of the class through my head again. Who would I tell? Besides Rock.

  Damon’s stony-eyed stare is terrifying enough when I’m in court. Somehow in the relaxed environment of his home, it’s a hundred times more intimidating. “It’s not that I don’t trust you, Hope.” He casts his penetrating stare at his wife again. “The club has everyone sign nondisclosure agreements. Which my lovely wife knows.”

  “I didn’t say anything about the club,” Mara mutters. “You did.”

  Damon’s stare turns into one full of affection, and he leans over to kiss her temple. “There are easier ways to earn a spanking, darling,” he whispers against her ear. Something about the way the corners of his mouth are curled says she’s not off the hook.

  I’m insanely curious but unsure of how to prod for more information. I’m almost buzzing with the need to know. “I, uh, gather it’s not something you want to talk about in Empire legal circles, Damon?”

  He blows out a breath. “It’s not exactly a career enhancer.”

  “Hmm.” Neither is having everyone know your husband and a bunch of his friends are being sued for paternity by a stripper/porn star.

  “I’ll let you ladies get back to your discussion,” Damon says. “I have a call in a couple minutes.”

  Mara watches Damon until he disappears around the corner.

  “Damn, you still look at each other like newlyweds.”

  She grins. “Sorry about that.”

  “No, it’s fine. I’ve just been signing up for the wrong kind of classes, I guess.”

  She bites her lip and hesitates for a second. “I can get you an invitation. I think you and Rock might enjoy—”

  “Are you trying to recruit me into your kinky society?”

  She shrugs. “It’s normal people with similar interests.”

  While I’m curious, I don’t think I’m brave enough, and I’m pretty sure Rock’s much too private to entertain the idea. But at this point in our lives, haven’t I learned that nothing is outside the realm of possibility? “Maybe after the bean arrives. I can’t really focus on much else these days.”

  “Sure, I understand.”

  “So, what’s the class? It sounds like a kinky CLE.”

  “Not exactly.” Her eyes lift. “Tonight’s is more advanced. Usually they’re more of a mix between educational and cautionary. There are a lot of people in the lifestyle with less than honorable intentions and some who just need some guidance.”

  “I can imagine.” I think about what she’s actually saying. “Are the type of predators you’re concerned about likely to sign up for workshops, though?”

  “Probably not. But it doesn’t hurt to describe what to look out for to others. Especially if they’re new.” The excited sparkle returns to her eyes and her words come faster. “Some women think just because they’re submissive, they have to take whatever abuse some psycho who calls himself a Dom wants to dish out. It should always be about consent and communication. And each participant deciding what works and doesn’t work for them.”

  “You sound awfully passionate.”

  Her mouth turns down, and she glances out the window. “I made the mistake of mentioning something to someone I thought was a friend, and she was rather harsh. Like how could I be an educated woman and condone violence against women? That attitude pisses me off, and it’s part of why women fall into shitty situations, you know?”

  I nod, even though she’s lost me a little. But Mara’s one of the sweetest people I know, so I’m angry on her behalf and totally want to kick her friend’s ass for making her feel bad.

  “I wanted to tell her to fuck off,” she continues. “Exactly how does shaming women for what they enjoy empower them?” By the fire in her eyes, I think this time her cheeks are red with anger instead of embarrassment.

  “Fuck her.”

  “Right. Thank you, Hope.”

  “Uh, I might have had my own experience there recently.” She raises an eyebrow, and I quickly add, “Not a kinky thing. Adam kind of accused me of being a bad feminist for being excited about being pregnant.”

  “Seriously? That’s surprising coming from him.”

  “Well, there’s more to it than that.” I don’t know why I’m so embarrassed. Mara’s been my friend for a long time and just shared some pretty personal stuff. “Papers were served to me at his office, and he opened them.”

  “For a case you’re working on?”

  “Sort of.”

  “You’re killing me, Hope. Spit it out.”

  “Well,” I stop and twist the napkin in my lap around as I search for the right words to explain something so messed up. “This woman Rock used to… see is kind of suing him and a couple other members of the club to establish paternity of her son.”

  “Holy shit. Seriously? Are you okay? Is Rock okay? He must be so upset.”

  My eyes water. “Thank you. That’s more of the reaction I expected from someone I consider a friend.”

  “Oh, honey.” She covers my hand with hers. “I’m sure Adam was just worried about you.”

  “He was. I know that. The papers make it sound… well, I guess like Rock cheated on me.”

  “Ugh. That’s awful.”

  “Yeah, and she named me as the attorney, even though I haven’t represented Rock on anything in a while now.” As I tell her everything, I feel so much better. I’d been trying not to focus on that part of it because I didn’t want Rock to insist I hand the case over to Glassman. But I’m still livid Inga deliberately involved me in her lawsuit.

  “Can I ask you something? Don’t be mad.”

  “Go ahead.”


  “Do you think there’s a chance it is Rock’s kid?”

  Even if she thinks I’m an idiot for blindly trusting my husband, I can’t lie. “I really don’t.”

  But there’s no judgment in her response. She nods once as if the matter is closed. “Then everyone else can fuck off.”

  “Thank you.”

  “It’s no one else’s business. And even if it is his kid, that’s between you and your husband. No one else. Don’t you dare let anyone make you feel bad.” She shakes her head. “What a twatmuffin, though. Dragging you into it like that. You know how much gossip goes on down at family court?”

  I groan. “Thanks for reminding me.”

  “Sorry. Who’s the other attorney?”

  I give her the name, and she jots it down. “I’ll see what I can find out about him. Damon might know who him.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Try not to let it bother you. Hopefully the tests are done soon, and you’ll have an answer and can move on.”

  I blow out a long breath and sit back. “I actually feel better now.”

  “Well, sure. I know the club is like family to you, but you’re in a rough spot here. You have to portray confidence and be professional for your clients. But it’s hard to separate that from the fact that you have skin in this game.” She pauses and lets out a short laugh. “And Rock’s probably about ready to strangle a bitch for upsetting you, so you don’t want to encourage that.”

  I burst out laughing, because she nailed it.

  Her smile fades. “You should’ve told me sooner, Hope.”

  “I’ve been a little crazy since we got the papers.”

  She tilts her head. “How many possible fathers did she name again?”

  I give her the number. “Oh, and she added another one. The attorney hasn’t gotten around to filing the amended papers yet.”

  “Oh for God’s sake.”

  “Yeah, like we were talking about, I really don’t like to judge, but…”

  “What a skank?”

  I chuckle and duck my head. “Pretty much.”

  “I think, in this case, you’re one hundred percent justified in judging.”

  “Then, there’s a small part of me that kind of feels sorry for her. Ugh. I’m waffling all over the place, but you know, that’s why Marsden gave me a B in Evidence, because I couldn’t stick to one argument.”

  She rolls her eyes at the mention of the abrasive law school professor we both had for Evidence and Criminal Procedure. “Lawyers are supposed to analyze and look at a case from all sides.” She waves her hand in the air. “He only gave you a B because he wanted to bang you and you were unavailable.”

  I blink and stare at her. “What? That’s crazy.”

  She shrugs.

  “Anyway, I want to whap myself upside the head for considering Inga’s feelings at all.”

  “You’ve always been empathetic, Hope. It’s why you’re a good advocate for your clients.”

  “Nah, I think it just makes me a sucker.”

  “Only if you let it. Besides, the world could use more empathy these days.” She rubs her hands together. “Just wait until you get the results in. Then the real fun begins. She was stupid to bring the action here. You’ll have a strong case to argue that any custody issues should be fought in New York. You said she’s a porn star, right? Maybe you can sue her for support.”

  “I hadn’t gotten that far yet.” The last thing I want to do is involve myself in an ugly protracted custody battle. I’ll tag Charlotte in if it comes to that. “Who knows, maybe she’ll want to move here to be near the father.” Doesn’t that make me want to hurl. “Shit, if one of the guys is the father, I’ll end up having to see that wench again at some point.”

  “Hopefully it’s before the baby gets here.” One corner of her mouth slides up. “That way when you choke the shit out of her, I’ll argue pregnancy hormones made you do it.”

  Chapter Three

  Rock

  “How was your afternoon with Mara?” I ask as soon as I see Hope.

  “Enlightening and entertaining.” Her phone rings before she has a chance to explain her answer. She pulls it out of her pocket and checks the number. “It’s the lab. I’ll be right back.”

  “Thank fuck. Finally.”

  She nods at me as she heads into the room across the hall with her cell phone against her ear.

  I drop down on the edge of the bed and wait for her to return. She’s not on the phone long.

  “Argh!” She stalks over to me, and I wrap my arms around her, resting my cheek against her stomach.

  “Tell me.”

  “Can you get all the guys together for me tonight? I have testing times for everyone.”

  “Finally.”

  She runs her fingers through my hair, lightly grazing my scalp with her nails. “I set you and Teller up first.”

  Even though her voice is low and hypnotic, my head snaps up. “Why?”

  “Because you’re the president.” She rests her hand against my cheek. “And because this whole thing is a ploy to get at you. I want to make it clear to her that we are not scared of the results. The sooner she understands she can’t sink her claws into my man again, the better.”

  As usual, my wife knows the words to unlock my worries, setting them free. And turn me on, because damn do I love her all possessive. “Thank you.”

  “Teller, because he could be the father.” Her mouth twitches. “For Charlotte’s sake. But don’t tell the others that was a factor. I don’t want them picking on Teller.”

  I close my hands over her hips and pull her closer. “Your secrets are safe with me.”

  “Probably not the most ethical action when I have multiple clients.” Her mouth twists down. “I’ve never had a case like this.”

  I squeeze her hips tighter, kneading her ass. Fighting my urge to throw her down on the bed and strip her down, I say the words my intelligent, determined wife needs to hear right now. “I doubt many lawyers have had a case like this. You’re doing a great job. You’ve taken all of our needs into consideration. Balanced everything the best you can. The whole situation is fucked-up. And honestly, once they quit bitching, every one of them would want you to send Teller ahead of them, just for the reason you said.”

  “After they razzed him first.”

  I lift one shoulder. “Well, yeah.”

  She laughs. “Thank you.”

  “Before I call them, tell me about your day. How was Mara?” I ask again. I don’t want this lawsuit to take up every waking moment of our lives. We still need to talk about other things. And Mara’s the only friend Hope’s age who’s had a baby, so I’ve been anxious for them to spend more time together, hoping it might ease my wife’s fears.

  “Mara is a deviant who tried to drag all my dirty pregnancy sex stories out of me.”

  “So the usual girl talk.”

  She taps my arm. “You wish.” Her smile fades, and she stares at a spot somewhere over my shoulder. “I told her about the lawsuit. I didn’t realize how much some aspects were bothering me. It felt good to hash it out with a colleague.”

  “Like what?”

  She clamps her lips shut and shakes her head.

  “Hope, talk to me.”

  After we dealt with Adam telling Hope about the lawsuit, my focus has been on how pissed I am this is happening and my concern for Hope’s health. I didn’t consider the harm to her reputation or how embarrassing it might be when and if she actually has to go to court.

  “She was supportive.” Her mouth quirks. “She wanted to strategize about which jurisdiction to sue for custody in. And promised to represent me if I strangle Inga.”

  I tip my head back and laugh, happy the conversation went well. “Did she ask if it was my kid?”

  “Of course. But she didn’t treat me like I was pathetic for believing you.”

  “Good. How was Cora?”

  “Didn’t get to see her. She was with Damon’s mom.” Hope tra
ils her fingers along the collar of my cut, stopping to play with the pin she gave me before our trip to National. “They have some top-secret kink class to go to tonight. Damon’s the guest lecturer.” She wiggles her eyebrows.

  “Anything you wanted to attend?”

  A playful smile ghosts over her lips. “Maybe.” She hesitates. “Mara said she could get us an invitation. I wasn’t sure you’d be interested.”

  “Depends on what it is.”

  She nods and glances at the clock. “Can you call the guys? I want to give out their times before dinner.” She runs her hands over her stomach. “Swan said she’s making a rib roast tonight. I told her she better be making two and I don’t think she took me seriously.”

  Meaning, she plans to be the first one at the dinner table tonight and I better not get in the way.

  “Yup. On it.” I pull out my phone and text Wrath and Z, knowing they’ll handle contacting everyone else.

  An hour later, we arrive at the clubhouse. The guys are surprisingly quiet. Scents from the kitchen waft down the hallway and Hope briefly stares in that direction before pulling out a packet of papers and waving her hands in the air to get everyone’s attention.

  “Listen up! I have your testing times.” She calls each of them by name and hands out a card with the address, date, and time of the appointment. When everyone has their card, she adds, “Please don’t be late, and call me after you’re done.”

  “Thank you, Hope.” Sparky runs up and hugs her. “You’re the best.”

  She rubs her hand over his head, and he leans in like a puppy. “No problem, Sparky.”

  “Man, I really hope it’s not me. I don’t wanna be a dad.”

  She hesitates, and I can tell she’s thinking over several answers. Finally, she settles on. “I know.”

  Our eyes meet, and she shakes her head at the smirk I’m wearing.

  “Go forth and give your DNA, boys. Make me proud.” She smiles at each one of them.

  “Wait, are we jerking off in a cup?” Ravage asks.

  Hope takes a deep breath before answering. “No, Ravage. It’s a simple cheek swab.” She stares him down. “Please do not under any circumstances jerk off at the facility.”