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“I’m sorry to come over unannounced, but Mr. De Santos insisted, and you know the man has a way of getting what he wants.” He laughs at his little joke, but we both know he’s spot on.

“Yes, he does. Come in. Please have a seat, Mr. Lane.”

I’ve been cordial with Luca, as we’ve exchanged emails here and there, but never a mention of what we did a week ago. It’s been seven days and my body continues to ache for his touch, but he’s off limits.

Harry has his briefcase held tight to his person. “I’m glad you’re here, Mr. Lane. I’d planned to call you today. Mr. De Santos mentioned there’s a slight chance his competition could be responsible for the lawsuit, and….”

He sits in front of my desk and puts his hand out like a crossing guard, silencing me.

“Could you let me finish, Mr. Lane. I’d like this information shared with me as I devise a strategy to win. Looking into the competitor,” I leaf through papers on my desk, “Keep it Greene Inc. is owned by Garrett Greene, and if we don’t rule him out, it could be negligent on my part.”

“It’s not credible, Ms. Atkins, this I assure you. It’s simply two alpha men who hate one another. And let me tell you Luciano De Santos and Garrett Greenehateeach other.”

He’s a lawyer, we’ve had the same education, for the most part, and he’s going to disregard preponderance of evidence?

“Has something changed in the law? Does the preponderance of evidence no longer exist, Mr. Lane?”

“When it looks like you’re desperate and using it as your only defense, yes, it is.”

Is this man for real? He’s displeased with what I’ve said, but I’m just as confused. “But, since I’m lead counsel, let me be the judge of it. Please have your assistant send over every bit of information, so I can catalog it.” I pause, realizing there must be more Harry wants.

“What else can I do for you, Mr. Lane? I can’t imagine you came halfway across the city so we could have a friendly strategy argument.”

He doesn’t chuckle at my little dig. “No, you’d be right. I wanted to relay Mr. De Santos’s requirement that I’m the go-between for you and him. Anything you have for him, or need to discuss, will go through me. If he needs to reach out to you, he will, but he wants to reassure you he’ll take a back seat. He’d mentioned you wouldn’t be surprised by this change.”

That fucker, again—Luca and not Harry, though Harry is an idiot.

“Sure thing. I’m one hundred percent on board.”I’m one hundred percent not on board.

“Okay, great, and thanks, Ms. Atkins. I’ll send everything you’ve requested first thing in the morning.” He’s out of the door before I can say goodbye. And in all honesty, I had no idea Luca would remove himself entirely. I should be relieved, but I’m not.

* * *

The door opens, a small creak gets my attention. I suspect it’s Caroline. I attempt to let her off early on Fridays, but it’s not even lunchtime. This better be the files I asked Harry Lane for. Two days. And I’ve gotten nothing from him. It makes me wonder why a man like Luca De Santos listens to Harry’s advice when he’s incompetent.

I look up, hoping it’s the files, but to my surprise it’s Penn. If one ass-chewing from the man isn’t enough, I brace myself for another outrageous claim Luca has drummed up this time.

“Anisten, do you have a minute?”

His voice sounds almost remorseful, and I fan my hand to the seat on the other side of my desk.

“Thanks.” He takes in a deep breath. “I wanted to apologize to you for last week. I was a bit harsh, and when Luca called me, coming clean with his intentions, I just….”

“Wait, what, Penn?” I place my reading glasses on the desk, and my full attention is on the man who could shame all other silver foxes.

“I should have known from the beginning. I wouldn’t listen to you. You’re professional, and if you still want Guylin to take the case, he’s agreed.”

I push my seat back and am careful. I’d rather not be struck by lightning. “Can you tell me what Luca said, Penn?”

He loosens his tie. “He mentioned that you guys met at a wedding. Got along…” He holds those words out a beat longer, alluding to something. And sure as shit, there’s a fuck-ton to allude to. “Anyway, Ani, he used his authority to get closer to you. He realized the error of his ways. I’ve spoken with Guylin; he needs your help on the case to build it up, but he can take over. And, of course, you won’t be penalized for this. If it wasn’t for Luca’s overly assertive retainer, I would have told him to fuck off.”

Luca apologized for his actions? It seems too decent for a man like him. “If the feelings were reciprocated, I wouldn’t have held it against you, Ani. But it doesn’t seem like they are. So…”

I hold up my hand to stop him. “Harry, his corporate lawyer, has already told me Luca will no longer be in the day-to-day operation of the case. If anything, I’m professional, and…”

I stop mid-sentence. Why should I care? But I fear Penn may have an image of Luca that isn’t completely accurate. “Just for the record, he never forced himself, and plus, it was wrong to get involved with him while he’s my client.”

Penn begins to laugh, and I focus on his unusual reaction. “In a perfect world, it’s the way it should be, Ani. Do you know how many lawyers met their spouses while representing them? Or judges that end up with lawyers who have tried cases in their court. Sure, as lawyers, we have to keep our integrity about us, but if there’s a chemistry building between you two, I’m not going to stop you. But, if you say it ends and doesn’t, it’s an entirely different thing.”

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