by Reana Malori
“Forgive me. Nice to meet you, Mr. Valentine.” After a brief shake, she turned toward Max. “Good to see you, Max.”
“Kiana.”
That’s all he had to say. One fucking word? After no calls or texts for almost twenty-four hours. What the fuck is he up to?
Determined to put her game face on, Kiana glared at Max, giving him a look of womanly retribution when this was all over. In the meantime, she wanted to find out just why her boyfriend was sitting in her boss’s office. Grabbing a seat at the conference table, she placed her notepad and pen on the table. William grabbed his seat before using the intercom button to ask Mary to bring in coffee and tea for everyone. A sure sign he expected this meeting to go longer than fifteen minutes.
Her eyes slid toward Max, and her blood started to boil. Clean-shaven. Clean suit. Showered. He must have gone home this morning after she’d left. Which meant he also must have seen the multiple messages she’d sent him. Now she was pissed.
Unsure why she was in this meeting, her nerves began to get the best of her. William wouldn’t care who she was sleeping with, so that couldn’t be it. Right? Maybe Max was in some type of legal trouble and had hired her firm to represent him. If so, that would be very bad for their relationship because his first call should have been to her. Especially considering she was an attorney.
Her stomach knotted with fear and worry. Max was keeping secrets from her. Secrets so important to him, he’d ignored her, stayed away from his own home, and then walked into her firm the next day with an attorney by his side.
Eyeing Max again as Mary ran inside with all the items for their drinks, Kiana noticed that he looked tired. His normally bright eyes were dull and reddened. Those lips she loved to kiss were turned down in a frown. Even at this moment, with her sitting so close to him, he seemed to be focused on something else on his mind. Whatever held his attention, it sure as shit wasn’t her, or how he seemed to forget all about her. His dismissive behavior hurt more than she wanted to admit.
He hadn’t even apologized or said he was sorry for not returning her messages. Not that they had privacy for him to bare his soul. But still. The man hadn’t even smiled at her. He acted as if this were any other business meeting. Something was rotten in Denmark, and she didn’t like it one bit.
Suddenly, his eyes lifted to her. Her expression didn’t change as she stared at him. Max gave her a slight smile, quickly shifting his eyes from her to the others around the table. Focused now on William Lewis, he cleared his throat.
“We should get started,” he grunted roughly.
“Yes. Yes, of course.” William took a quick sip of his tea before clasping his hands on the table.
She was positive William knew exactly who Max was, but she’d also seen him play this game before. It was meant to throw the other person off. Many people came in with their power suits and loud bluster, thinking they’d bully him into doing exactly what they wanted. Their needs always taking precedence over anything else, with no regard for legality or ethics. This was William’s way of showing them exactly who he was, and whose office they were seated in.
William began speaking, and the longer he spoke, the more panicked Kiana became.
“Mr. Bishop here needs legal counsel. Not for him, but his nephew, to be precise. It appears yesterday afternoon, one Jeremy Manning was arrested and charged with assault. Based on the condition of the victim, there’s a concern he’ll be charged with a hate crime.”
Kiana’s head slowly turned to Max, who sat there stewing silently. Brow creased. Lips pursed in a tight line. But he didn’t say a word. Just sat there watching. “You mentioned he’s a nephew. How old is he?”
“Sixteen,” Max’s attorney answered.
“It’s a juvenile case.” Turning to William, she raised an eyebrow. “Not our usual type of case.”
“No, it’s not. However, Mr. Bishop is asking us to take on the case if his nephew is charged as an adult.”
Glancing over at Max, she wondered why he was so silent. Was he upset? Sad? Numb? Why wasn’t he talking? Say something, Max, her mind begged silently.
“Are the charges legitimate?” Kiana’s question was directed at one specific person in the room. Max. She couldn’t help but speak up. He needed to answer the question. She also wanted to know why they came here, to her firm, for help.
Hard eyes turned to her. “My nephew says he is innocent. I believe him.”
His tone was cold. Firm. Kiana didn’t really give a shit if he was annoyed. She was not asking him the question as his attorney, but as the woman he fucked every night. If he was mad about that, he’d better get glad real fucking quick.
He’d ignored her for more than a day. She slept at his home, in his bed, all by herself last night. Worried out of her mind when he didn’t contact her. No call. No text. Nothing. Yet, he waltzes in here as if his word is law. This motherfucker didn’t even acknowledge her presence other than to say her name. What kind of shit was that? Hurt grew inside as she thought about the situation.
They stared at each for a few long seconds. Disappointment in him was reflected in her eyes. What looked to be anger and frustration was displayed in his. The question was, who was he angry with?
Another voice joined the discussion. “Ms. Moore. If I may, let me give you some context. Mr. Bishop’s nephew has a history.” Clearing his throat, he glanced at Max with a silent question. Max nodded his head as if telling him to proceed.
“Not only does the nephew have a history, but so do others in the family. We’re facing a delicate situation. Donner & Lewis is known for its virulent support of criminal clients of color. We believe, in order to get the best representation for Mr. Bishop’s nephew, this firm would be our best opportunity.”
Shaking her head, she interrupted. “William, I appreciate you bringing me into the meeting, especially since Mr. Bishop and I are personally acquainted.” Turning to Mr. Valentine, she asked, “What does our representation of clients of color have to do with Max’s nephew or the charge against him?”
As she made the statement, things began to click. Taking a few deep breaths, she briefly closed her eyes. Praying what her mind had conjured up wasn’t the truth, she turned her head to the one man who could answer this for her but refused to open his fucking mouth.
Glancing at Max, she saw that he was staring at her, an unreadable look in his eyes. His elbows were resting on the arms of the leather office chair, his fingers steepled in front of him, the tips resting on his chin.
Making a point to look away from him, she addressed William. “Shouldn’t Jamie Rutledge be in this meeting instead? These types of cases are her passion.”
William nodded his head as she spoke. Of course, he knew all of this. It was his firm after all. Then again, if he knew this, why was she here?
“Before we contact Jamie, Mr. Bishop and Mr. Valentine wanted to propose an added member to the team. Since your focus is employment law, their request was out of the ordinary. However, they asked if you could serve in an advisory capacity to Mr. Bishop. An enhancement to the team to help us navigate this…situation.”
There it was again, an insinuation that it would be difficult to defend Max’s nephew because of some other complications.
“I’d like some transparency here. I feel there are things being said in coded language. You’ve told me what he’s been charged with, but nothing else. If I’m here in an advisory capacity in support of Mr. Bishop, then I need the details.” Her voice had been sharper than intended, so when she finished, she looked at William and added, “Please.”
Nodding at her, he motioned to the other attorney. “Yes, let’s discuss the multiple elephants in the room. Mr. Bishop wanted Kiana on the team, so she needs to be fully read-in.”
Kiana felt Max shift in his seat. His hands here now resting on his flat stomach as he leaned back. His hard gaze was still on her, but he continued the silent treatment. He was really pissing her off right now.
Mr. Valentine cleared his throat. Leaning forward, his gaze was steady. “Ms. Moore, Jeremy has a history of accusations of racial violence. In addition, several members of Mr. Bishop’s family have been arrested, or convicted, of violence against minorities. Mr. Bishop’s grandfather led one of the longest existing white nationalist parties located here in Virginia. When he stepped down, Mr. Bishop’s uncle ascended to the leadership role.”
Her stomach roiled with the need to purge the food she’d eaten today. This wasn’t happening. Was Max somehow involved in his family’s extracurricular activities? Did his relatives burn crosses in the front yards of black families? Were Confederate flags plastered all over their cars to stoke fear among those who saw the vehicles? Was their relationship all a lie? Was he with her to fulfill some type of fetish?
The attorney continued, “The young man they allegedly attacked has swelling on the brain. The hospital has him in an induced coma as they try to relieve the pressure. The cops are saying there’s a witness who saw the three young men running from the scene of the crime. One of the boys also recorded the attack. It was uploaded to the dark web for a short time. Although it was removed after only one hour, someone on the site downloaded the video. That person reported the crime and sent the video as evidence.”
Whipping her head around, her eyes landed on Max.
Sitting up straight in his chair, he began to speak. “He says he wasn’t there.”
The hurt must have shown on her face because he finally made a move toward her. Not willing to have her personal business aired in front of her boss, she turned away from him.
“Anything else, Mr. Valentine?”
Max’s voice broke in. “Kiana, not everyone in my family is involved. I’m not. Neither is my mother. Everyone else is questionable. Jeremy’s mother is also not a part of that life. His father, my youngest uncle, doesn’t seem to care either way. If Jeremy tells me he’s not part of it, I believe him. He’s only sixteen. Believe me, kids do a lot of stupid shit at that age.”
Glaring at him, ice wouldn’t have melted in her mouth when she spoke. “Are you excusing their behavior? As a business owner in our community, you should be careful how you speak about this situation outside of this room.”
“Well, Kiana, that’s the reason we want you as an advisor,” William interrupted. Maybe he sensed the tension in the room. “Mr. Bishop knows you; he trusts you. While it wouldn’t be appropriate for you to work as legal counsel on the defense team, I’d like your help to make sure that Mr. Bishop steers clear of any media traps. Plus, as one of his lawyers, you would be able to speak for him on any legal, media, or other public relations issues.”
While she knew this type of arrangement had been done before, she never expected to be in this position herself. Could she do this? Advise Max professionally while their personal relationship was on such shaky ground?
There was only one thought running through her mind. Max didn’t trust her enough to tell her the truth about his family. They’d been sleeping together for months, and not once did he give her any type of warning or heads up. Not one mention that she’d never be welcomed at the family reunion. Hell, she didn’t even know his mother had siblings.
He’d showed her only a sliver of his world. A small piece of his life. It allowed him to keep her hidden away. Out of the public eye where word couldn’t get back to his family members. She was his dirty little secret. Even if he weren’t racist himself, he’d behaved as if he were. Shame filled her as these thoughts flew through her brain in a matter of seconds.
He’d played her like a fiddle. Silly dreams of a future with Max faded into dust. Her wake-up call had come hard and fast. Stupidity was not a natural trait for her. To feel this way made her want to scream in rage.
There was no greater fool than a fool in love.
Max was right: he was the damn devil.
She’d already sold her soul to the monster in the form of orgasms, moans, and begging him to fuck her into oblivion. What was one more foray into the darkness?
Lifting her chin, she gave Max a cold look before sliding her gaze to the other two men around the table. “I have no problem taking on this role, William. You can count on me.”
CHAPTER FIVE
Walking into her dark home that night, Kiana’s entire being reflected the stress of the day. It wasn’t that she’d been put on a case as a special advisor. It wasn’t even that someone she was extremely close to on a personal level had come to her firm asking for help. No. It wasn’t that at all.
This was all about Max and their relationship. Or what she thought was their relationship. Now, she wasn’t so sure what the hell they’d been doing. Worried that she didn’t really know the man she’d allowed into her life, she blamed herself for focusing on the wrong things.
This whole time, he’d been keeping secrets.
As she thought back to the meeting earlier this morning, she became even more pissed. His utter confidence that all he had to do was say the words and she’d fall at his feet in understanding was on full display. He didn’t even bother to give her the courtesy and respect she deserved.
They were together.
A couple.
One who shared their innermost thoughts and concerns.
She’d been blinded by her need for him.
Even if he didn’t share every aspect of his life, what she learned today had been a doozy. Caught off-guard, she’d reverted to the cut-throat lawyer she’d learned to be. From the look on his face, Max hadn’t appreciated her change in attitude. Oh well. Maybe if he’d treated her like more than just the woman he fucked on occasion, there would have been a different outcome.
Turning on the lights as she walked through her space, she sighed as she looked around. This had once been her sanctuary, her safe space. It no longer felt that way. Something, or someone, was missing.
When she’d rented this place, it had everything she wanted. The decorations were an eclectic mixture of contemporary and traditional designs. It had been the perfect reflection of who she was. Now, she missed the dark wood with red and gray accents of Max’s home, the place she’d spent most of her time these past months.
Unbuttoning her blouse, she pulled it from her shoulders as she entered her bedroom. Yes, this place used to be her perfect escape. Not anymore. That honor now belonged to Max’s home.
More specifically, it belonged to Max. Whether he was at her place, she was at his, or if they were staying in a hotel for a weekend getaway, he’d become her foundation. She could no longer sleep without him next to her. His deep breaths were the lullabies that helped carry her off to dreamland. His warm skin was her blanket after they made love.
She knew it was ridiculous, but she felt betrayed. His lies, secrets, omission of facts, whatever you wanted to call them, tore away at the bond she thought they’d created. Heavy tears fell from her eyes.
Sitting heavily on her bed, Kiana allowed herself a moment. She let all the concerns and fears rolling through her body come out in the wetness trailing down her face.
Max’s family was part of a white supremacist group.
Max never had any intention of taking their relationship further.
Her time, energy, and emotions had been wasted on a man who lied to her every day of their relationship.
The things he’d said to her meant nothing. There was no other conclusion she could come to.
Just then, a thought entered her head. The other night when they were sitting in his house, he must have known something would break soon. That she’d find out more than he’d told her. Secrets always have a way of being found out. His just came out a bit sooner than he’d expected.
Glancing at the clock, she noted the time. Right about now, Max was expecting her to be at his house. Before he’d left her office earlier today, he’d pulled her aside to confirm she was still coming over tonight. Before she was able to answer, his attorney was calling his name. The interruption sav
ed her from voicing the words on the tip of her tongue. Thank goodness.
It would not be good to tell a new client to go fuck himself only minutes after securing the deal.
She’d excused herself from his side, telling him she’d talk to him later as she walked away to her office. The tick in his jaw gave away his agitation, and his concern, with her response. At this stage, she could care less. He wasn’t the man she thought he was. Her mind and her heart had to deal with that realization. Self-preservation was more important than giving in to Max’s silent demands for her to believe him. To not leave his side.
It was funny. If only he’d explained the situation to her, she would have accepted it. She was woman enough to admit that after being with him, knowing him, loving him, there was almost nothing that would make her leave him. The one thing she would never accept was being kept in the dark. Of not being trusted.
Gathering her items for the night, she made her way to the large en suite bathroom for her shower. Max would be pissed when she didn’t show up tonight. He’d either do one of two things.
Stay pissed off, go out to one of his favorite clubs, and sulk for a day or two. The other option would be to drive to her house for a confrontation. She wasn’t looking forward to either option, but she’d deal with whatever happened.
Thirty minutes later as she lotioned her skin, her phone rang. Max’s distinctive ringtone blared into the silence of her room. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath. Picking up the phone, she swiped the screen to answer.
“Hel—”
“Where are you?” Max interrupted her, his gruff voice loud on the other end of the phone.
“I’m at home, right where the fuck I belong.”
His heavy breathing was the only sound on the phone for a few seconds. “Kiana, don’t do this.”
She fought back the tears forming in her eyes. It was difficult to speak past the lump in her throat. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m not doing anything. I’m at home. My home.”