Page 15 of Inadmissible
“None of that,” I declined, shoving his hand down before pulling back the empty seat that was next to me.
Zander, Carson, Kaos, and Serenity laughed as I helped her into her seat.
“Damn, brother. It’s like that?” Carson joked.
“Justlike that,” I replied, sitting down.
“Tristan, I think it’s okay for your date to shake my hand. That’s just a common greeting.”
“For anyone else. I’m not about to play with you, bruh.” I took the time to introduce her to everyone at the table before giving her my undivided attention. “You okay? That looked kind of intense.”
“I’m good now,” Taj said. “It’s a long story, and I’d rather not bore you with the details.”
“There’s nothing boring about you. Just let me know if I need to put his ass out, because I will.”
She giggled until she realized by my facial expression that I was serious. “Wait, you’re serious. Why don’t you like Destin?”
“He’s weak and annoying. I only tolerate him because he’s attached himself to one of my fellow partners and friends.”
“What’s your last name?”
“Pierce.”
Realization covered her face as she nodded. “Ah, gotcha. Tristan Pierce. So you’re a partner at MPWG?”
“I am. How are you familiar with us?”
“I work at Adams and Co. Emilia Hart is my best friend. She’s the one who invited me here as her plus one.” She turned in her seat and looked around the room. “I actually need to find . . . oh! There she is.” Taj waved sweetly at Emilia, who shot me a look of warning before giving me theI’m watching yousign with her fingers. “Sorry about that,” Taj said as we shared a laugh. “She’s very protective of me.”
“I respect it. Hell, I am too, and I don’t even know you.”
Her eyes returned to mine. “Thank you again for that night.”
“You don’t have to thank me, sweetheart.”
“I do. There’s no telling what he was going to try and do to me. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Taj.”
“I prefer sweetheart.”
“Sweetheart it is.” I complied through my smile. “How do you know Destin?”
Her eyes rolled as she pushed her hair off her shoulder. “He’s my ex-fiancé. That night, I was reeling over what was going on between us, and that’s how I ended up drunk at the hotel. He cheated on me and got her pregnant. I guess they’re married or at least engaged now.”
“Oh, so it was your brother that beat his ass last year?”
Taj nodded and covered her mouth as soft laughter escaped. “Yes. How do you know about that?”
“That’s how he made his way into our orb. He came to the firm looking for representation and has been attached to Carson ever since. I knew there was a deeper reason why I couldn’t stand someone I barely knew. Now, I know it was because he hurt you.”
Her expression softened as she silently stared at me.
“Here,” Emilia said, extending a two ounce glass of what I assumed to be tequila in Taj’s direction.
“Thanks, E.” Taj gave me a sad smile. “I have to go, but thanks again.”
“Oh no, don’t leave for my benefit,” Emilia said. “I see a few people I know, so I’m good. Enjoy yourself.”
