Page 37 of Protecting Christina

“There’s always a first time.”

She smiled. “Not for me.”

I got up from the chair, completely naked, and followed her to my front door.

Kissing me on the lips, she said, “See you around.”

Then she left. And I rubbed the back of my neck, watching her walk out, and wondering what the hell just happened.

9

Christina

The following morning, I woke up with a splitting headache. After experiencing one of the best orgasms of my life, I was surprised to wake up to one of the worst migraines.

Although, I didn’t get much sleep last night. My heart raced, and my body felt as though a current of electricity ran through it. I’d never felt anxious before, but a tirade of emotions flowed through me and I couldn’t make sense of any of them.

I tossed back three pain pills and prayed they would kick in by the time I reached the office.

Dressed in a tan pair of pants and a white blazer, I rushed out the door and into my car.

I arrived at work later than usual. But no one said anything to me. Not even Calvin. And he always made passive-aggressive comments whenever people were late. He’d only done it once to me, but after a few choice words, he never did it again.

Dropping into my chair, I immediately started researching precedent for Faye’s situation and how I could get her out of her marriage as soon as possible. I’d worked on cases of abuse before, but Faye’s was different, as there wasn’t any physical evidence. But that just meant I had to work harder to get her and her children away from her husband.

I texted her: “How are you feeling this morning?”

She replied after ten minutes. “Fine. A little shaken up and unsure what to tell my kids, but fine.”

“Do you need me to order you some groceries or anything for the kids?”

“Thanks, but Will has already been here to check on us and he brought bags of stuff with him. I haven’t even had a chance to go through it all.”

She piqued my curiosity. “What sort of stuff?”

“Food, toys, a crib, bassinet, and I think there’s even a neck massager for me, lol. I don’t know when he thinks I’ll have the time for that.”

I didn’t, either, but it was a kind gesture, nonetheless.

Another text from Faye came through. “I don’t know how I will ever repay him, even though he said they are gifts.”

“I wouldn’t worry about that. I’ll call you as soon as I have more information about our next steps. I promise I’ll take care of this for you.”

“Thank you. I’ve got to run. The baby just woke up. Bye.”

“Bye.”

A vein at my temple throbbed, and I rubbed it. The headache still hadn’t gone away, and my text conversation with Faye hadn’t helped.

What was Will’s motive? I rarely found people who wanted to help out of the goodness of their hearts. Was there something in it for him? I didn’t think it was money. It didn’t seem like he was in much need of any. Was he interested in Gabby? Did he want to impress her? But she never spoke about him in any romantic way.

I couldn’t think about it now. There was too much on my mind, and frankly, it had nothing to do with me. Why should I care? I leaned back in my seat and rubbed my chest. A pain shot between my ribs and I rubbed that, too. What the hell was wrong with me?

I was still researching Faye’s case when Nikole stepped into my office a half hour later.

“Do you have the name of the judge who presided over your last case?”

I rubbed my forehead, trying to recall the information. “I should have it in my schedule. Let me check.”

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