Page 3 of Claimed by My Lawyers

I’m so confused. Why the hell would Hendrix Morgan insist on representing me? And that I’m his girlfriend?

“Do you have a business card?” It’s the only way I can think to confirm he’s the Hendrix I think he is.

He smirks, stands, letting his fingers slowly pull from my thigh, then retrieves a business card from the inside pocket of his suit jacket.

I take it from his fingers, careful not to touch him, for fear of melting. The card confirms that he’s exactly who I think he is. Can I really be this lucky? It doesn’t matter. Whatever he’s up to, I’m grasping the crazy opportunity in front of me. And I hope the girlfriend angle can be more than a ruse.

Smiling up at him then at the younger guy, I can’t believe what I’m about to do. I slide the business card across the table and say, “Mister Wallace, thank you for your help. I’d like to accept Mister Morgan’s…my boyfriend’s offer to be my legal representative from here on out.”

While I’m saying things I don’t understand, I notice Hendrix motioning for the younger man to give me his business card. “Here you go, love.”

Love? This is more awkward by the moment. Ourgirlfriendmust have been deliberate.

I read his name from the card and note that he’s an intern, before offering the card to Frank. “Damian Weatherford…” I swallow hard. “My other boyfriend, will be assisting.”

When no one bursts through the door announcing the prank, I look at the ceiling, which has a skylight. Blue skies overhead show no signs of lightning striking me. So far, there’s no punishment for my lie.

“Now, Frank… Would you kindly let us have the room with our client?” Hendrix phrases it as a question this time, and somehow, it’s even more powerful.

My heart flutters as Frank nods at me. His furrowed brow betrays his respectful tone. “I don’t know what just happened, but you’re in good hands.”

Two

I’mbreathlessasthetwo men shuffle around me to make room for Frank to exit. What have I done…aside from lying to my public defender and kicking him off my case? Myfreepublic defender. How did I manage to forget that before firing him? I sink into my chair.

Would I seriously consider paying Hendrix and Damian with sex? And since when did I become so confident in my desirability and sexual prowess?

The tension in the air should be related to the charges against me, but I’m shamefully more interested in the girlfriend proposition. I clasp my hands in my lap and lower my head. I don’t want them to see the blush I can feel taking over my cheeks.

Damian closes and locks the door. “I know you’re up to something, but you’ll have to let me in on it, boss.”

I peek up at them. Hendrix nods at Damian then kneels in front of me. I’d love for this to be my new normal, but I’m not delusional. Not usually.

Damian sits on the end of the table, angling himself toward us.

Hendrix places his hand on mine. “I’m sure that left you confused too, but it was the only way to handle it. Allow me to explain.”

Before I embarrass myself, I take a deep breath and raise my head with some sense of reality. “Yes, please explain why you convinced me to fire my free legal counsel. I can’t afford your rates.”

The obvious option, which I’m trying to deny might exist—that Hendrix might have used the girlfriend line to suggest payment in sex—has my sex simmering greedily. I wish I could say I’m above that. But if it’s what we all want, why not?

That damn connection that has been present for all of the ten minutes or so I’ve known him is stronger than ever. And it’s from himandDamian. I’ve never felt something so protective, like I belong to them.

Surprisingly, I don’t shudder at the sensation. I also don’t offer myself just yet. This is happening too fast.

“Pay very close attention to the timeline.” Hendrix pauses.

“Okay.”

“Damian and I came in. The three of us agreed that you’re our girlfriend. Only after that did you hire us as your legal counsel.”

I shrug. His order of events is factually correct.

Damian jumps in. “Fucking genius. I hadn’t known where you were going with that at first, Hendrix, but I get it. We can’t initiate a romantic relationship with a client, but if that relationship exists prior to being retained as counsel, it’s permissible.”

“Of course, we’ll waive our fees for our girlfriend,” Hendrix adds.

“Thank you,” I say. “If you ever need something sweet, I’m your girl.”

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