I look over Jess’s shoulder, and Mike’s there, out in reception, talking to one of the associates, and I feel my stomach take a hit, which must’ve registered on my face because Jess turns her head and follows my gaze.
“You sure you guys can’t work something out?”
I look down, and I’m still absentmindedly twirling that teaspoon through my fingers. And then I hear Evan’s voice and I inhale deeply before I stand up, dropping the teaspoon onto the table with a clatter.
“I’d better go. Evan’s here and if I’m not at my desk…”
Jess stands up too. “If you’re not at your desk he can pick up his own mail, he’s not completely incapable.” She throws me a small smile. “I’ll catch up with you later, okay?”
“Yeah. Okay.”
She leaves the kitchen, and I take my empty mug over to the sink and wash it out, putting it back in the cupboard before I set about making Evan’s coffee.
“Hey.”
I turn around and he’s there. Mike. Handsome and tall in a dark suit and tie, his blue eyes bright against his lightly tanned skin.
“Hey.”
“You got a minute?”
“Not really. I need to fetch Evan his coffee and get back to my desk.”
He pushes a hand through his hair and briefly drops his gaze. “Saturday night, it was…” He raises his head and his eyes meet mine, “it was good, Lola.”
I don’t say anything. I’m scared to; scared of what’s going to come out of my mouth because he’s right. Saturday night was good, but that doesn’t mean we’re okay. We’re not. I left, I didn’t even stay the night with him. I left, and I went straight to Evan so, no, we’re not okay.
“And I know… I know we said that we can’t go back, but maybe… maybe we just need some time…”
I pick up Evan’s coffee and make my way out of the kitchen. “I need to get to my desk, Mike.”
“Jesus… Lola, come on…”
I look at him, my fingers tightly clutching Evan’s coffee mug. “Don’t make this hard for me, Mike. Please.”
“I still love you, baby.”
“I know.”
“And Saturday night…”
“Maybe it was a mistake, in hindsight.”
He looks confused, but I need to end this. We said we were over, we were done. Whatever we’d needed to do to get us out of our systems, that’s what Saturday night had been. That’s all it had been. So I need to end this.
“You don’t mean that, Lola.”
I just turn and walk away.
Evan’s already in his office when I get there, and he doesn’t even look up as I place his coffee down in front of him.
“You weren’t at your desk.”
“I was fetching your coffee.”
“It doesn’t usually take you this long.”
“Something you want to talk about?”
He finally looks up, his eyes staring right into mine, and I’m not really in the mood for games. And his demeanor this morning; his attitude…
He drops his gaze and looks back down at his laptop. “You need to go shopping.”
I narrow my eyes slightly. “I’m sorry?”
He slowly raises his head, and his expression is stoic. “You’re coming with me. Tonight. There’s a drinks reception being held at the SoHo Grand, by a potential new client. Dana’s busy, she suggested I take you.”
“Did she now.” That isn’t a question. And he doesn’t answer it anyway, he just stands up and slides a credit card across the desk.
“Go buy yourself something nice to wear. On me.”
“You don’t think I already have something nice to wear?”
“That isn’t what I said so lower that defensive shield, honey, all right?”
I push the card back toward him. “I don’t want your money, or your gifts, Evan, I’m not that woman. And I might have plans for tonight.”
He walks around the front of his desk, his hands in his pockets, his eyes fixed firmly on mine.
“I think you’re forgetting our arrangement, Lola. Don’t you remember what I said to you on Saturday night? You belong to me, and I’m rewriting the rules now.”
“And there’s no legal proviso that says I have to stick to them.”
He smiles, but it doesn’t go anywhere near his eyes. “All I’m asking you to do is your job. Long hours, late nights – loyalty. You want to work for me, Lola, you need to keep that in mind. And if I tell you you’re coming with me to any work-related event you don’t argue, you don’t negotiate. You nod, you smile, and you do exactly what I ask you to do.”
“Is this because of Mike? Because I slept with him? Are you trying to punish me in some way? Exert your authority, show me who’s boss?”
He laughs quietly and briefly breaks the stare. But then he raises his head and his eyes burn into mine. “Take the card, go buy a dress, some shoes. Get your hair done.”
“You’re an arrogant prick sometimes.”
He just smiles again, and I want to slap him so hard my hand stings with the pain. “So I’ve been told.”
I hold his gaze for a few more beats but his expression doesn’t waver, not a flicker.
“I need some files bringing up from downstairs. Can you get someone to do that, Lola?”
I nod, and I turn and go. And I could easily walk away from this shit, I don’t need it. Except, I do. I need it. I need him.
Evan King has me right where he wants me, and there’s not a thing I can do about it.
Evan
I watch her leave, watch her return to her desk and pick up the phone before I sit back down. And I lean back and sigh, turning my chair so I face the window. I don’t know why I did that, why I spoke to her that way, but then – yeah. I do know. She came to my apartment on Saturday night; she let herself in, fucked with my head, and she made me realize shit I never wanted to have to think about. I went into this thinking I knew what I was doing, but I don’t. Not really. I didn’t bank on her being who she is. So I have to pull it back, get my shit together, I can’t afford any weakness. The slightest hint of that and I am done.
She needs to know the rules now. There have to be rules. That was my first mistake, not having any, but now – I’ve rectified that. She’s mine, in every sense of the word. I told her that on Saturday, but I’m not sure she really heard what I was saying, so tonight – tonight she needs to get the message.
She’s mine.
She belongs to me.
Long hours. Late nights. Loyalty.
She’s going to eat, sleep and breathe me, both in the office, and out of it.
I’m closing the deal.
Lola Burrows is mine.
Fourteen
Lola
I took full advantage of his credit card. He wanted to me go shopping on him? I went all the way. I spent an eye-watering amount of money on a strapless dark-pink sheath dress that sits just above my knee and hugs every curve I possess. The matching shoes weren’t cheap, either; sky-high heels that I reckon are going to put me almost at his height, and while I was at it I bought a new purse to finish off the outfit. I got my nails done, had my hair trimmed and blow-dried at one of Manhattan’s top salons, and my make-up’s brand new and ultra expensive. I’m ready. And now his car’s here to pick me up, and I feel like a million dollars.
“Lola…”
I look at Kat as I open the door. “What? I’ve got to go, Evan’s car’s outside.”
“Are you sure about this?”
I widen my eyes and throw her a look that asks her to expand on that. “Again, what?”
“This thing you and Evan have got going on… Look, Lola, after Saturday night aren’t things just a little bit different now?”
“In what way? And I don’t have time for this.”
“You and Mike…”
“No. No, don’t you dare. Don’t you dare go there. What happened on Saturday night was an emotional, knee-jerk reaction to his coming back, that’s all.”
&nbs
p; “You felt nothing?”
“I felt everything, Kat, and I’ve already told you this. But I can’t go back. I can’t.”
“Because of Evan?”
“Because I don’t want to be hurt that way ever again.”
“And Evan won’t hurt you?”
I stare at her for a couple of beats, my hand tightening around the door handle. “It’s sex. That’s all it is, all it’s ever going to be. It’s just sex. And I really shouldn’t have told you anything about me and Evan because – because if anyone else found out…”
“You think I’d tell Mike?”
“I don’t know, Kat. I mean, one minute you’re telling me he isn’t ever coming back to me, that I should forget him; that he broke my fucking heart and I shouldn’t waste any more time pining for him. And now – now you’re asking me to think about giving him another chance?”
“He came back, though, didn’t he?”
“But not for me. Jesus! How many more times do I have to tell you that? He secured a junior partnership at Cavendish King, that’s what he came back for.”
“But now he’s here…”
“He doesn’t get to call the shots, Kat. Not anymore. I still love him, yes, okay, I’ll admit to that. But I need to move on. I can’t go back to him, and you all need to get used to that.”
I turn to go but she gently grasps my wrist and I swing back around to look at her.
“What’re you doing?”
“He’ll use you and he’ll throw you aside like you mean shit to him, Lola. Evan King is an egotistical asshole, I’ve been asking around…”
I wrench my wrist free and glare at her. “Keep out of it, Kat. This has got nothing to do with you. And if I find out you’ve told Mike anything about me and Evan, that’s it. We’re done.”
“Lola…”
But I’m out of there. I’m running down the stairs and into the foyer, where I stop for a second and compose myself, breathing in deep before I step out onto the sidewalk.
The black Lexus is parked right outside my building, and even in the fading light it’s gleaming, I can almost see my reflection in the bodywork. And I watch as Evan’s driver gets out and opens the back door for me, and I take another deep breath before I step inside, taking the hand Evan holds out for me as he pulls me in beside him. And he smiles, that crazy-hot smile of his and I feel my stomach twist up, because I’m still confused by this man; I’m angry with him.
“You look beautiful.” He hasn’t let go of my hand, and he leans in closer to me, so close I feel his breath on my neck, and it makes me shiver. “You spent my money wisely.”
I just look at him, I don’t say anything. And he still doesn’t let go of my hand, but I wish he would. I thought we were supposed to be discreet, and his driver is back in the car now, can’t he see Evan holding my hand? And it’s like he can read my mind as he leans in even closer to me and whispers in my ear. “He won’t say anything. I promise. I trust him.”
It still makes me slightly nervous, but I don’t have a lot of choice, this is Evan’s call. And then I feel his fingers slide out from between mine, and I breathe a small sigh of relief, but I already know that this night isn’t going to be all about work. He wants more from me, why else would he ask me to bring an overnight bag? I’m not going home tonight, and neither is he. And I’m both terrified and excited by that prospect.
“Did you bring a change of clothes?” he asks, and then his eyes drop to the small bag beside me on the seat. And he smiles. “As stunning as you look, we can’t have you going into work tomorrow in that dress, can we?”
“I haven’t changed my mind about you being an arrogant prick.”
His smile just grows wider, and a part of me hates myself for giving in to him. But another part of me is so attracted to him I can’t help wishing the night away, until we’re alone, in that room he’s obviously booked.
“This potential new client isn’t going to be an easy draw,” he says, switching to business mode. He sits up straight and clasps his hands together in his lap and I’m guessing we’re almost at the hotel now. “But you’re gonna help me reel him in.” He turns his head to look at me, and that smile’s back on his handsome face. “You’re gonna make it impossible for him to say no.”
“And how exactly am I going to do that? I’m no lawyer, I don’t know how this shit works.”
“You’re gonna do it by being you, Lola. The professional you, that is. Not the one who gives me crap with that smart mouth of yours. All you need to do is smile, maybe flirt a little, I know he likes a pretty face. And you’re more than that. You’re beautiful.”
“Make that a smooth-talking arrogant prick.”
He laughs quietly and turns his head to look out of the window as we pull up outside the hotel. “I can sell myself, Lola. You just need to sell him Cavendish King. If this man and his company put us on a retainer it’ll be another major coup for the firm, but we might have to fight for this one. I know he likes to have choices, so he’s gonna play us all tonight.” He looks at me again, and his smile is now nothing more than a slight smirk. “So I need you to be you, Lola.”
*
We won. We got them. Jackson Gray is coming to the Cavendish King offices tomorrow to meet with Dana and Evan to finalize the deal. He wants us to represent him and his company in a high-profile libel case, with Evan as first chair. And I don’t think I actually needed to do that much work in terms of helping reel him in. In my opinion Jackson Gray already knew who he wanted, he just needed to be sure. Besides, he’s a very amiable, friendly man, considering how successful he is. As far as egos go his isn’t all that big, and talking to him was actually quite refreshing. He didn’t treat me as just Evan’s secretary, he actually talked to me, as a person, and I enjoyed the short amount of time I spent with him while Evan talked business with Jackson’s partner.
But the party’s over now. And I’m in the room Evan’s booked here in the hotel. Well, I say room but this place is bigger than any apartment I’ve ever lived in. It’s a penthouse loft on the north side of the hotel with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a huge living area, and a stunning terrace with breathtaking views across the city. And I don’t know why he felt the need to commandeer somewhere so huge when a double room surely would’ve done, but we’re talking about Evan King here. He likes to impress, he just doesn’t need to impress me.
I came up ahead of him, of course, it was too risky to head up here together. Some of the stragglers may have seen us, put two and two together and come up with the right answer. So, I came up first; left Evan to make those final arrangements for the meeting tomorrow, and call Dana to give her the news.
I help myself to a drink from the fully stocked bar and step out onto the terrace, taking in the view of Manhattan, which is even more breathtaking in darkness.
“Do you like it?”
I swing around at the sound of his voice. He’s taken off his jacket and tie, rolled his shirtsleeves up a touch, and he’s fixed himself a drink. I’m guessing it’s bourbon.
“The room? What’s not to like? But, it’s a bit extravagant, isn’t it? For one night.”
He smiles and walks toward me, taking a sip of his drink as he approaches, his eyes fixed on mine. “This isn’t just for one night, Lola.”
I frown. What’s he talking about?
“I want you to stay here, until you find a place of your own.”
“How do you even know I’m looking for a place of my own?”
He takes another sip of his drink. “I know everything, Lola.”
“Sorry. I keep forgetting you regularly pry into my private life. And I can’t stay here. You’re being ridiculous.”
He puts his drink down on the table behind him and rests a hand on my hip, pulling me gently toward him so I almost touch him, but not quite. Close enough for him to lean right in to me though, his mouth brushing my neck as he speaks. “I want you to stay, in this apartment, Lola. Do you hear me?”
I pull back slightly, an
d I narrow my eyes as I stare into his. “Say I agree. How the hell do I explain it, huh? How do I explain that you’re paying for me to stay here until I find somewhere of my own? There’s no need for me to stay here, I’m quite happy at Kat’s until I…”
“I want you to stay here, Lola.”
My frown deepens. “As what? Your own personal prostitute? Always here, whenever you need me?”
“If you want to make it sound that cheap then, yes.”
“You’re crazy.”
“Stay here, Lola. Please.”
I shake my head, because I still can’t see how I could possibly explain my staying here without arousing some kind of suspicion.
“You need somewhere away from Mike, am I right?”
I shake my head again. “You don’t get to talk about me and Mike. You don’t…”
“Oh, I do, Lola. Believe me, honey, I do. Now, I know that your roommate – she’s involved with Mike’s brother, isn’t she? And Mike, he still wants you…”
“How do you…?”
He presses his fingers to my lips, and it’s his turn to shake his head. “Mike still wants you, and I can’t have that. I can’t have him dropping by your apartment, unannounced, whenever he feels like it so, I need you to be somewhere else. I need you to be here. And all it’ll be is your extremely wealthy, incredibly generous boss helping you out until you find your own place.”
“All it’ll be? And once I find my own place – because I will, find my own place – once that happens, you don’t think Mike could just drop by there? Because he might, whether I want him to or not. So what you’re doing here, it all sounds a little bit crazy. I mean, have you even thought this through?”
“I think everything through, Lola.” He smiles, and he runs his fingers lightly over my cheek, and that causes a shiver to wrack my body but I try to ignore it. “But by the time you find your own place, I promise you, you won’t want him anywhere near you.”
“Like I said, an arrogant prick.”
Lawfully His (A Dirty Business Novel Book 1) Page 12