Waking up, I was warm. Very warm. My entire being was on
fire and it felt amazing. Blinking my
eyes open, everything seemed sharper, more colorful and more in focus. The
smells of the room were more fragrant. Some, not so pleasant, but I was more
aware of them. Looking down, I saw that Bella was curled on my chest, her
cheeks flushed and her face relaxed. The bruises on her face had faded
significantly and her hair was draped over my chest in mahogany curls.
This is not good. She’s
my client.
I tried to move her, but Bella tightened her arms around me,
whimpering quietly. She snuggled closer, burying her nose into my neck. “Bella,”
I whispered, trying loosen her hold on me. She sighed, her eyes fluttering
against my neck. I felt her smile. “Um, this is awkward,” I laughed.
“No. It’s nice,” she giggled, her hand gliding across my
belly. “You’re like a human ‘Chillow.’ You know, one of those pillows that are
constantly cold? It feels so nice against my heated skin.”
“I’ll have to take your word for it,” I said, rubbing her
back. “As nice as this is, you’re still my client. And this is crossing so many
lines that are highly unethical and very unprofessional. You want to divorce
your husband? Your husband. You’re
still legally married to him. You don’t want to give him proof of you
cheating.”
“We’re not cheating, Edward,” she said, sitting up and
giving me a mock glare. “We fell asleep and it’s not like we had sex.”
“There was snuggling,” I chuckled. “Snuggling usually leads
to other things, like sex.” I pinched my nose, sliding out of the bed and
padding to the window. I leaned against the frame, watching as ice cracked from
my hands. I had to get my temper under control. “I have to finish the order of
protection and get it submitted to the court. I’m sorry.” I stomped to the
nightstand, grabbing my laptop and smiling tightly at Bella before I ducked
into my room. I sent a text to Carmen.
I don’t know if I can
handle this case with Bella ~ Edward
Too bad … you’re stuck
with her. Trust me ~ Carm
“Fuck,” I spat. I dialed her, sneaking into the bathroom. “Carmen,
pick up the damn phone.”
“Edward, I’m holding firm on this,” she said as she answered
the phone call. “You have to trust me.”
“You know something,” I said. “And it’s not about her case.
Why are you so insistent that I work with her?”
“Do you know where I live?” she asked.
“Yes. I’ve been to your house numerous times. Christmas
party? Marcus’s birthday? Heidi’s wedding thingy?” I snorted.
“Just to the north of my house is a gated home. The pin
number to enter is 1918. Meet me there after you file Bella’s order of
protection,” Carmen said. “I need you to know more than what I can tell you over
the phone.”
“Carm?” I barked.
“Just be there, Edward,” she said. “I’ll explain everything.
I promise.” Before I could respond, she hung up. I got another text, too. I’ll pick up Bella. I think that staying at
the hotel is not an option much longer. Jacob, Bella’s husband, came to the
office looking for her. I don’t know how he figured it out, but I’m on my way
to pick her up.
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