Forbidden

by Hadley Raydeen

  “He is one of our bosses now, Addie. He was involved one way or another with Arlene. He is our professor. He is way overprotective of you. You have been leaving class and the law library with him, for the love of God. Let me guess, to make sure you ‘got home safely’,” he said, putting his fingers up for air quotes. And, now, I guarantee wherever he is in this ballroom, he will know you are here and he will come swooping in to—”

  “To what, John? Why do you even care?” I hissed at him. This made no damn sense. Why should this mean anything to him?

  “Come on, Addison. Look at this rationally. The man is a smooth talker. He is a lawyer. That is what they do—”

  “Aren’t you in law school, right now, to be a lawyer? You’re talking about yourself too there, bud.” I scoffed.

  He ignored me and kept on with his speech. “Are you sure he isn’t using you until things get better with Arlene? He will just push you to the side. The last thing I want is to see you get hurt.”

  “John, will you please stop it? I’m not getting serious about this guy. We are just enjoying each other’s company as two colleagues, and that is all it is…” I shook my head.

  Damn, it, John.

  And, now here I am, in my head, thinking about the whole Reid situation, again. I thought we were doing well keeping this to ourselves but obviously that wasn’t the case. I did not want my personal life mixed with work because a few nosey coworkers couldn’t keep their noses out my business.

  “You do what you feel you have to do, Addie, but you know if I don’t tell you, Kayla definitely will.”

  “Tell her what?” The woman he just mentioned materialized out of what seemed like thin air. She looked over my dress and back up to my face. “Cute dress,” she said, but her smiled didn’t quite reach her eyes.

  “Um, thank you,” I said, taken aback by her tone and the way she regarded me.

  “What were you two talking about?” She eyed John.

  “Just work. I was telling Addison about how Arlene was going on and on the other day about the merger and about her working so closely with Reid. I told her you would tell her about it.” John lied. That is not at all what he’d been telling me.

  Kayla seemed to see right through it as she narrowed her eyes at him before he turned back to me. “She isn’t very happy about your working relationship with Reid, if that is what you want to call it,” she mumbled.

  “Excuse me?” I asked, stepping toward her, but John stepped in between the two of us.

  “We are going to go get some champagne. Enjoy the rest of the night, Addison.” He raised his brow at me and hooked an arm around the other woman’s waist, pulling her away from me.

  “What in the hell was that all about?” I mumbled.

  Chapter 21

  Reid

  I saw her when she walked in. She was a picture of beauty in the pale pink gown. Her hair was swept up and away from her neck, but tendrils fell from the loose bun at the top of her head, caressing the creamy brown skin of her bare shoulders; just like I wish my fingers could, rubbing over the same spot while I rained kisses from her ear to her jaw and to her neck. I knew that path always drove her wild. I could feel the physical shudder in her perfect body that simple act would cause. I wanted to go to her, and tell her exactly what I wanted to do to her this evening, more than once.

  I had plans to take her home tonight and claim that body over and over, until she begged for it. Addison Mitchell would be my woman exclusively after tonight, of that I was certain.

  I took a step in her direction but a few things happened that caught my eye before I could make my way to her.

  I noticed John Huber and Kayla between me and Addison. They were in a heated discussion about God knows what, but I was too far from them to make out what they were saying.

  Kayla suddenly turned around and stomped off in the direction of what I could only assume was the ladies’ room. John turned from her and walked in the direction of Addison.

  I narrowed my gaze at him. There was something about this young man that was irking my nerves. What was his fascination with her? Especially, when the mother of his child just left in a huff. Shouldn’t he be going to see about her?

  I took another step in the direction of Addison and John until I spotted something even more curious than the John and Addison situation. I redirected my steps in the direction of the hallway where the restrooms were located.

  I quickened my steps, so I wouldn’t miss the conversation about to happen.

  “I swear to God! I don’t know what they see in her. I know John ran right to her the moment I walked away. I gave him a child, for crying out loud. All he cares about is Addison this, and Addison that.” Kayla paced the hallway throwing her hands in the air.

  Arlene stood in the opposite side of the hallway watching her.

  “For the love of God, girl, get yourself together. How do you think I feel, her flaunting around the office with Reid!? I told you we would make her pay. Did you get what I asked you to get?”

  “Yes, I.T. helped. Matt from the Help Desk owed me a favor or two.” She winked. “He changed her password for me.”

  “Perfect,” Arlene cooed. “Were you able to log in as her to do the transfer?”

  “I moved half like you told me to. They won’t see it coming. When they do, they’ll think it’s her, “ Kayla whispered.

  “And Reid?” Arlene asked.

  “I sent Joe an email from her account telling him about your affair with Reid, with pictures,” Kayla confirmed.

  Holy Shit.

  I backed away from the conversation. I had to get Addison and find Joe. This could not blow up tonight.

  The scent of him filled my nostrils causing my heart to flutter. He leaned in and planted a soft kiss on my cheek, then spoke into my ear, “I need to talk to you, beautiful. Come with me.” He took my hand and pulled me behind a partition hiding us from the prying eyes of the gala.

  My skin was flushed from his public display. I’d wondered if anyone had seen him. I could tell from his facial expression, he didn’t seem to care. In fact, something looked wrong.

  “Reid?” I asked.

  “You look beautiful tonight, Addison. That dress is…” He shook his head. “Under any other circumstance, I’d find a dark hideaway in this hotel to have my way with you…” His voice was gruff.

  I cocked my head and raised a brow. I didn’t know what was going on here. Under any other circumstance, his words would make my insides liquefy. But, right now the look on his face was scaring me.

  “Reid, what is it? Talk to me,” I pleaded.

  “It’s Kayla. She is the one working with Arlene to set you and me up. She hacked into your account and made it look like you took the money Joe has been missing and she sent a message from your email to Joe outing me and Arlene’s affair.”

  My hand flew to my mouth. “Oh my God.” My words were muffled. I reached out with both hands grasping the label of his suit jacket. “How do you know this?” I asked, feeling my insides going cold.

  This would be my career. This could be criminal charges if Joe believed the crock of shit.

  “I just heard Kayla and Arlene talking in the hallway outside of the ladies’ room.”

  “But, why?” I could feel my knees weakening. Reid’s hands were around me in no time flat.

  “I have no idea. Usually, when it comes to Arlene, it has something to do with jealousy or spite.” Reid ran a hand over his handsome face.

  “But, Kayla? Why would she want to do anything to you…or me?” I could feel tears burning in my eyes. I was angry she would do something like this to jeopardize my career, and cause me to possibly face criminal charges if Joe saw fit to press charges.

  “This has to do with John.” Reid shook his head.

  “John? What the hell?” I asked, confused.

  “Kayla thinks he has a thing for you. She did this to get you out of the way,” Reid explained.

  “You have got to be fucking kiddin
g me. She did this because she thinks I want her man?” I shrieked.

  Reid looked over his shoulder to see if my outburst had drawn any attention our way. “She did this because she thinks her man wants you. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, sweetheart. Anyone can see John has the hots for you. If that is the father of her child, of course she is coming for you. Arlene has it in for me, and they know the two of us are involved.”

  I scoffed. “What a cluster this involvement is costing us, Reid.”

  “I have no regrets.” He leaned in and kissed me lightly. “We need to go find Joe and tell him what the hell is going on, before he sees his emails.”

  Reid pulled the partition and walked out before me...directly into the right hook of Joe.

  “Too late, you back stabbing mother fucker.” Joe glared at Reid as he held his bloody nose.

  Chapter 22

  Addison

  Oh my God.

  I jumped to assist Reid, but he held up a hand indicating for me to say behind him. He held his hands up in a surrender-type move. “Joe, let’s go somewhere and talk about this, man. Not here.” Reid’s voice was calm despite the situation.

  I looked around noticing Joe’s fist to Reid’s face garnered the attention of some of the partygoers, including our client.

  Shit.

  Realization seemed to dawn on Joe at the same time. He smoothed his suit jacket and asked us both to follow him.

  Arlene was at his side in an instant. “Given the severity of what she did, don’t you think she should be escorted out of here… by the police?” She glared at me.

  My mouth hung wide open. “The severity of what I did?” I could, and would not, lower my voice. How dare she!

  Reid caught me midair as I was about to fling my entire body at the other woman. Since handing out fists seemed to be the theme of the evening, Arlene could get hers, too.

  “No, Addison.” Reid’s words were low and for my ears only. “Let me handle this.”

  I looked up into his steel-colored eyes. As always, they centered me and calmed the Armageddon of emotions bubbling inside. “She isn’t worth it,” he whispered to me.

  He was right. I wouldn’t lose myself over these petty women. If their men didn’t want them that was on them, not me. They wouldn’t drag me down into their pit of misery.

  I turned and noticed John and Kayla amongst the crowd of onlookers. The smirk on the woman’s face was enough to make me rethink my resolve. A growl came from the depths of me. “Neither is she,” Reid said, putting an arm around my shoulder and redirecting me behind Joe out of the ballroom.

  Arlene was still trying her hardest to get in Joe’s ear. “I don’t understand why they are even still here, Joe.”

  “Are you still talking, when you are the one who did this?” Joe turned on Arlene. “You and your little assistant Kayla?”

  I turned and noted the smug expression on the young girl’s face was gone and replaced with a look of horror.

  “What is he talking about, Kayla?” John asked.

  “Yes, why don’t you tell him, Kayla?” I chimed in.

  “Look, I can explain.” She stumbled over her words.

  “How do you honestly explain—”

  Arlene cut me off mid-sentence. She looked from me to Kayla and back to Joe. Speaking through clenched teeth, she lowered her voice. “I suggest we take this in the next room, like you suggested, Joe. We have an audience.” She ran a manicured hand over the back of her neck and tugged at the skin tight dress she wore.

  “I have nothing more to say to you, Arlene. Matter of fact, you and your assistant are out.” Joe’s tone and expression dare not be challenged, but of course, Arlene didn’t get the hint.

  “Excuse me! What do you mean by ‘out’, Joe?” she tried.

  I could hear Kayla start sobbing quietly and John look dumbfounded.

  “Security,” Joe said to the two hulking men dressed in black suits and ties.

  Arlene glared at Joe. “You wouldn’t dare… Get your hands off me.” She snapped as one of the men circled a large mit around her upper arm.

  “Oh, I already did,” Joe responded. “Your office and desks are being cleaned out at Eisen, Gold and Blume as we speak. You won’t work in this town again, sweetheart. Be happy I’m not going after your license to practice law, dear wife. It’s the least I could do after you stole from me and cheated on me with my best friend.”

  I glanced at Reid and noted his jaw clenched at the last implication.

  Before Arlene could spew anymore garbage, the large men escorted her and Kayla off the premises. John looked conflicted if he should follow after her or not. He looked at me, his eyes held something there I couldn’t read. Whatever he felt for me was not reciprocated and it drove his crazy, baby mama to illegal activity and the loss of her job.

  I think he got the picture when he shoved his hands in his pockets and turned in the direction to follow after the women being escorted out of the hotel.

  I turned my attention back to the two men I was left with, when Reid spoke. “Joe, we should talk, man.” Joe nodded once.

  “Addison, do you mind?” Reid asked, letting the question linger. He clearly wanted to have this conversation man to man.

  “No, of course not. You two have a lot to discuss. I’ll be here, trying to make nice with the client after that shit show,” I said for his ears only.

  He leaned in and pecked my cheek. When he moved away, I looked up into those eyes that always seemed to do me in. They held mischief and promises for later. “I’ll be back.”

  He turned and went with Joe. Sad for him to go, but happy to watch him walk away as I unashamedly eyed that tight ass through his tailored suit.

  Good God.

  Chapter 22

  Reid

  I watched Joe pace the small conference room in the back area of the hotel. I was glad he suggested we stop by the open bar of the gala to get a double on the rocks and some extra ice for my throbbing nose.

  Joe may be a pretty boy lawyer, but he threw one hell of a punch. Boy, did he get me good. I did not see that shit coming.

  To be fair, it was a sucker punch. Joe knew good and hell well I’d lay him out if we’d squared up for real. But, I’d allowed it since he was under the impression I was fucking his wife.

  Which, I didn’t even know why the son of a bitch cared. He couldn’t stand her.

  “We gonna talk about this?” I asked, sipping the strong whiskey and holding ice to my nose.

  He turned and looked at me. “How long was it going on?”

  I sighed and threw the ice on the table. “We hooked up in law school. Remember that teacher’s aide I told you about?”

  I could see the gears turning in Joe’s head, and the moment realization kicked in. “Arlene?” he asked.

  Joe and I hadn’t met at school until the second year. By that time Arlene and I had been messing around for some time.

  “I ended things when school was over.” I added more to the story. “I hadn’t seen or heard from her in years…”

  “Until you came here to consult and saw her working at the firm.” Joe finished.

  “Bingo, man. You didn’t tell anyone you were even talking to her, let alone married to her. She and I hooked up after an office party. You know, for old time’s sake. She told me afterward the two of you got married after a night just like that, much to my surprise.”

  Joe closed his eyes and groaned. “Don’t remind me.”

  “Okay, you are going to have to forgive me for being slow, then. You can’t stand the woman. You married her and then get mad at me because you think I slept with her?”

  “It’s the principle of the matter, man. It doesn’t matter if I love her or hate her. I’m your friend. You shouldn’t be sleeping with her. End of story.” Joe threw his hands up in the air.

  “Okay, bro code. I get it. I ended things as soon as she said something. That is on her. Not me.”

  “I figured as much when I saw the damn
pictures. Which, by the way, is something I never want to see again.” Joe physically shuddered.

  “Shut up,” I warned, before he said anything else. “So, how did you find out Arlene and Kayla were behind this whole thing? I only just found out after I overheard them talking. Kayla said she sent everything from Addison’s account.”

  “She logged into Addison’s account, but she did it from her own computer.” Joe swigged from his drink.

  “Ahh. The I.P. address.” I nodded.

  “Yea, if you want to incriminate someone, you don’t do it from your own work laptop. Soon as I got the email, I had I.T. look into it. She was smart enough not to use work email, but we saw the many times she logged into personal email from work and messages that went to Arlene’s personal account. They’ve been working on screwing all of us over for the last month.”

  “Son of a bitch.” I shook my head.

  “You may have been able to see the warning signs if you were not so distracted by your honey dip.” Joe eyed me.

  “Watch it, man.” I warned.

  “See, it’s that right there that made me know you weren't really banging Arlene; at least not anymore. You are too into Addison to let the likes of Arlene get into the middle of it.”

  “You got that right. But, it sure didn’t stop your ass from cold-clocking me out there. What the hell?”

  “That was a bitch move, man. Anger got the better of me regarding the whole situation, and I reacted before I thought it through.”

  “Great, my nose gets to pay for the raw end of your reactions,” I complained.

  “Stop your whining. Let’s get out here and see if we can salvage this client.” Joe pushed away from the wall where he was standing and walked to the door. “Let’s go, Rudolph.” he said of my red nose, clapping me on the shoulder.

  “Not funny, asshole,” I grumbled.

  “Addison.” I heard John come up beside me at the bar. “Tell me what Kayla did to you.” He looked stressed. I handed him the Vodka tonic I just ordered for myself and asked the bartender for another.