Page 12 of The Councilor

What the fuck?

I’d made some stupid mistakes in my time, but to not only accuse my new employee of breaking into the office, but spank her for the infraction?

Fuck.

I was an attorney. I should know better than to lay a single finger on a woman unless we were under the sheets. Hell, that hadn’t happened in so long maybe I’d forgotten, but working with her was a lawsuit ready to happen.

Raphaella.

Her name, light olive skin, and huge blue eyes all kept my attention.

Beautiful yet demure.

I doubted my new assistant had any idea how attractive she was. Yet in an unassuming way. A spark had been created between us immediately, but that didn’t bode well for the company rules or making her any more comfortable. She should be considered forbidden fruit for a half dozen reasons. One included the simple fact she was my intern. She was also likely taken. Right? Great. Maybe her boyfriend would attack me in the parking garage.

The night had been grueling, but the deposition work was completed. The new trial started the next day and by God, I wasn’t going to allow it to take long. My opponent was known for grandstanding, doing his best to use time to his benefit.

I knew every opposing attorney’s tactics. I had made it my business to learn every nuance, every poker face and weakness. That had allowed me to crush them in the courtroom every time.

The thought usually offered a smile, but the world was full of pompous attorneys.

Raphaella sucked in her breath as we strode in through the entrance. I continued to be surprised she’d agreed and that she was acting as if the morning hadn’t occurred. Well, if that’s the way she wanted to play it at this point, it was fine by me. However, the air would need to be cleared at some point. She’d said very few words during the ride over. Even when I’d asked a few personal questions, she’d provided one- or two-word answers.

My new employee was completely hesitant, which I couldn’t blame her for. Whether or not she’d learned of my reputation remained to be seen. I didn’t hide my client list, Vadim’s corporation billed by the law firm given the monthly retainer. That also wasn’t anything new. However, questioning why mypartner and I had a few corporate clients on our list had often presented itself.

We were the best criminal defense attorneys in the business, most of our clients needing us on a one, maybe two-time basis. Any more than that and we hadn’t done our jobs. Some of our clients were considered notorious, much like the Bratva, but many were white-collar criminals or those falsely accused of a crime they didn’t commit.

However, my guess was that Raphaella was very perceptive and had done her homework, which had prompted her eyes growing as large as saucers when I’d made the suggestion of getting to know each other outside of work.

It wasn’t an unusual action, but I’d been through so many assistants lately, the revolving door had forced me to become wary of the activity. Something about this young woman had pushed me to do so.

She was so nervous around me, skittish to the point of having difficulty talking. I didn’t need her to be like some wide-eyed deer when handling our significant workload.

She’d remained quiet as I’d driven to one of my favorite spots, the stunning location perfect for observing and being seen. I wasn’t typically into trendy places but at times, making a splash wasn’t a bad idea. This go-around, it would allow me to keep a close eye on any Cosa Nostra members.

I’d found information on several of Bernardi’s men, more than a handful with records. I’d memorized their faces to ensure there wouldn’t be a surprise attack in or outside my office building. I noticed several people who knew me, including a prosecutor I’d sparred with years before. He’d been assigned the upcomingcase as well, which didn’t bode well for accidentally meeting here. However, the man was very much like me, pushing every envelope. As he sauntered closer, his grin widening, he almost immediately shifted his full attention to my companion.

I couldn’t help but notice she’d stiffened even more than before.

“The illustrious Aleksander Semenov. Are you ready for another big day in court?” Jacob O’Hare had an uncle reported to be in the Irish mob. It seemed everywhere you looked, there were second- or third-generation descendants from one crime syndicate or another, all determined to make names for themselves.

As he threw out his hand, I lifted my eyebrows. “I’m always prepared; my clients depend on me.” I accepted his handshake but could easily tell he was fishing for information.

“Yes, well, so am I. I predict we’ll be in and out in just a few days.”

“From your mouth to God’s ears.” At least I could laugh. Although I found it highly unusual when his heated gaze toward Raphaella pissed me off. Since when had jealousy been a part of my world? His gloating seemed forced, like there was something he was hiding. Was there something I hadn’t heard about yet, maybe a new witness?

The worst part was I had no clue who it could be. I had additional homework set up for me. Or I could task my beautiful new assistant, testing her research skills.

“Jacob O’Hare,” I said quietly, “my new assistant Raphaella.”

“Hello, new assistant,” he said, more amused than anything when she stuck out her hand.

“Mr. O’Hare,” she countered. “As a prosecutor for the city, you have an excellent reputation, even if you are a bit of a maverick.”

She’d obviously already done some of her own research, which was another positive tick in her direction.

“I think she’s a keeper, Aleks,” he said with a grin on his face. “Beautiful and brainy. I do suggest you keep a close eye on this man. From what I’ve heard, he starts his day eating a side of rare beef to get into the mood for a kill. Plus, he’s gone through at least twenty assistants.”

---