She hadn’t spoken to her mother or Franklin in months. Her mother had reached out several times, but the wound was too fresh. Roman told Alexandra he never wanted to be in the same room as her, with good reason, so she was respecting his wishes. She’d probably have a limited relationship with her at some point, but for the time being, it was too hard.
She was also in counseling; after everything she’d discovered, she needed professional help to process the situation. She told Parker what happened. They cried. They also found out Parker was Franklin William’s child as well, one of the few pieces of information their mother let slip. Why didn’t her mother just divorce Marcus Kane? She wasn’t talking, but it probably had something to do with their relative net worth at the time of their marriage. Marcus had it, and Franklin didn’t.
The fraud involved with the cases was exposed two weeks after the confrontation at the cabin. She exposed everything she’d learned about her former firm, and they were the news story for a week. It put Alexandra and Roman back in the spotlight, albeit temporarily, but the hoopla died down quickly. She was finally living the dream, loved by a wonderful man who was the forever kind. She greeted Roman’s parents, who’d accepted her within the fold as though she’d always belonged, steering them toward the table where her grandparents sat. Roman hadn’t discussed what they learned about Trina, decided it would make no difference, and she’d supported his decision.
Roman’s parents and her grandparents met a couple weeks before, and everyone got along so well she’d danced a jig in the kitchen before she’d brought out dessert. Her grandparents knew her mother was currently out of her life and didn’t ask why, but that would change. Alexandra and Roman would cross that bridge when they got there.
“How are you liking your practice?” Roman’s dad asked her after he’d sat down.
“I love it.” Her smile was genuine when she thought about the corner office, She had one paralegal, a young woman who was working toward getting into law school, and her former assistant, Karen, who took the opportunity to come with Alexandra even when she didn’t know where they’d land. Her old firm was still in business—the detective she’d contacted told her there wasn’t enough evidence to bring charges—but she and the court of public opinion knew the truth. Justice wasn’t always fair, but she’d gotten out of the situation.
“Did Derrick ever agree to help you out?” Roman asked. Alexandra extended an invitation to Derrick because she’d wanted assistance on some pro bono cases and he’d agreed, partially to get back into Blair’s good graces after he backed into her car.
“Yeah, and it’s a good thing he did, with all the work I’ve been getting.”
“She’s been in business a week and already has a full load,” Roman bragged. “I told her I’m going to become a stay-at-home husband.” She swatted him when she saw the glimmer in his mother’s eye. There’d been some heavy hints that she wanted another daughter, and felt Alexandra fit the bill. They’d discussed marriage a month back, but Alexandra wanted to enjoy this relationship without any added pressure to wed. Her sister would be married the following month, and that was enough for the year. Besides, Club Valentine had gone back to normal after he’d kicked both Arrows out, and Roman tended to be even more selective about who he let in the club.
“You’re not getting laid for a month if you mention marriage in front of your mother again and I don’t have a ring.” She pinched him, ignoring his wince. He steered her away from the table after a couple minutes of small talk.
“You wouldn’t dare.”
She narrowed her eyes, hands on hips. “You throwing out my full name to scare me? Too bad it doesn’t intimidate me. And if you think I wouldn’t, why don’t you try me?”
She found herself jerked toward him, his erection pressed into her stomach. “You love my cock too much to deny yourself. Besides, how would you orgasm since they’re all mine?”
“I’m immune to your cock.”
“Watch it; you’ll be screaming my name while you’re milking it tonight.”
She stood on her tiptoes, licking the shell of his ear before she blew on it lightly. “I guess we’ll have to see you try.” She tried to see to their other guests, but he pulled her back against him.
“Unless you want to give them a different kind of show, I suggest we call a ceasefire or I’m going to take you against one of these tables.”
“I’d expect nothing less from the mysterious owner of a sex club, but I need you to act like an adult.”
“Mysterious owner?” He raised his eyebrows. “I didn’t know I had such an illustrious reputation.”
“Yeah, right.” She kissed him, wrapping her arms around him and resting her chin on his chest while she looked up at him. “Why do you think it was so hard to get your email address? Club Valentine was the stuff of whispers. Not that it matters anymore, because you’re not going anywhere without me. The mysterious owner has finally been caught. I’ll cut a bitch if she tries to take what’s mine.”
He threw his head back, laughing. “Love you, too, babe.”
Copyright © 2015 by Charlotte Winston
Cover Design © Indie Solutions by Murphy Rae, http://www.murphyrae.net
Without infringing on the copyright of those listed above all rights reserved. This book should not be reproduced, copied, or distributed by any means- electronic, printed, recording, or any other form without the expressed permission from the author. This book is a work of fiction. Any names, characters, places, and events are a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual people, places, or events is coincidental. The author acknowledges the trademark status and trademark owners of the various products references in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owner.
ABOUT CHARLOTTE
Charlotte is a southern girl who has loved a good story for as long as she can remember. A long way from sneaking around past her bedtime with a flashlight, she's currently plugging away writing her own stories. She loves writing about strong characters and how their personalities influence those around them.
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COMING SOON
Be on the lookout for a brand new series coming March 2016!
I’ve loved her since I was twelve.
It’s always been him.
She’s been lost to me for years.
I wasn’t strong enough to keep him.
She’s broken beyond repair.
Please don’t let him give up on me.
I hate the way she makes me feel.
I hate the way he makes me feel.
Why do I still love her?
Why can’t I let him go?
She should have stayed away.
I never should have come home.
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