by Anya Nowlan
“Please, try to calm down,” he whispered, leaving her there for a second.
He returned to hand her a glass of water and to take a seat on the arm of the chair.
Hailey gulped it down, even though she wasn’t thirsty. Her hands were shaking.
“Calm down? Why don’t you tell me what’s going on here, and I’ll take it into consideration then,” she spat, scorn dripping from every word.
Troy ran a hand down his neck, looking torn. He seemed a little worn at the edges, like he’d been through a lot lately.
None of your concern! Hailey reminded herself sternly.
He wasn’t due any pity from her.
“I took over from the previous lieutenant. I don’t know anything about your parents. Whatever deal Dempsy had with you, I wasn’t a part of it.”
“There was no deal. He told me I either take your cases or something bad was going to happen to my mom and dad. And it wasn’t like your people left them alone before, they’re already paying you protection money.”
Hailey was trying hard not to raise her voice. Claiming that she was ‘told’ to take the job was really underselling what the Crimson Claws had used against her, but she couldn’t bring herself to talk too much about it. Troy had been nothing but charming thus far, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t just like all the other bastards in the organization.
If she crossed him, her parents could be left paying the price. It sent chills down her back, the thought that she’d shared a bed with a man like that. A man who had no qualms about ruining the lives of innocent, defenseless people.
And he could be the father of my child…
“I’m sorry for all that’s happened to you and your family,” Troy said, kneeling down and taking her hands in his.
Hailey pulled them away, appalled he would even think it was okay to touch her. But in some deep, dumb part of her, she felt momentarily comforted by the contact.
He is not the funny, considerate, sexy man that took you to dinner. He is the mobster that makes people’s lives hell through threats and extortion! “If you’re so sorry, does that mean I’m done getting your goons out of jail?” she demanded.
Troy got up, something unnamed flitting across his face. His voice held an edge when he spoke.
“If I say yes, I’ll never see you again.”
“A girl can hope,” Hailey shot back.
Adrenaline pumped through her, mixing with rage. She really didn’t want anything to do with him. Then why did she feel she was trying to convince herself of that fact instead of Troy?
His gaze hardened. Those blue eyes she’d thought inviting before took on an edge to them.
“Then no. You are still our lawyer. Your arrangement with Dempsy stands.”
Hailey shot up from her seat, barely controlling her anger.
“Then your apology doesn’t really mean much, does it?” she hissed, her nails digging painfully into her palms.
Troy let out a frustrated sigh.
“It’s complicated.”
“That’s not a reason, that’s an excuse,” Hailey replied.
He paused, looking like he was searching for words.
More lies to tell me?
“I know you must hate me right now, but is there any way you could give me the benefit of the doubt? Everything isn’t as cut and dry as it might seem to you.”
Hailey wanted to believe him, to think there was an explanation for everything, but she couldn’t think of a scenario where Troy didn’t represent everything she despised. She didn’t want to keep arguing. Looking at his face made her feel too many things, with a large portion of them being far more sentimental than she would have liked.
“Just drop it and tell me why I’m here,” she said, looking away.
Troy glanced at the door and then at her before sighing deeply. It was accompanied by something resembling a growl, and suddenly it hit her.
Holy shit, he’s a shifter too!
It was a palm-to-the-forehead kind of moment. Everyone in the Crimson Claws was a shifter, she knew that. But the shock of seeing Troy here had robbed her of her common sense.
A new swirl of trepidation started in her stomach. She didn’t know a lot about shifters but she did remember hearing that carrying a shifter baby was different from a usual pregnancy. Everything happened faster, with the term being significantly shorter than nine months.
While shifters were clearly ‘out’ in the world, they still kept to themselves and didn’t take kindly to people knowing too much about them. As such, the general public really didn’t get much more than the occasional sensationalized article about them here and there.
That could explain why I’m already nauseous…
She could feel the color draining from her face. Fortunately, it looked like Troy was done arguing and was ready to get down to business, as distracted as she was. Hailey couldn’t wait to get home and know for sure if she was carrying a criminal’s baby.
When exactly did my life turn into a daytime drama?
“Snake Rogers was stopped earlier today during a traffic stop. The cops found a bloody knife in his car and he’s been taken into custody,” Troy explained, his features tensing.
“What do you mean ‘found’?” Hailey started before stopping herself and closing her eyes for a moment.
She held up her hand.
“It doesn’t matter, I’ll get on it.”
Like the good little lapdog I am, she added bitterly in her mind.
“I would like to go over what your next move is with you. My boss has been very adamant about us keeping out of the public eye lately,” Troy said, getting back behind his desk.
He was falling into his position as a crime lord so easily that Hailey began to wonder if that time she’d spent with him hadn’t been a cruel dream of some sort.
But dreams couldn’t get a woman pregnant, now could they?
“Actually, I was on my way home when Culliver called. Can it wait until tomorrow?” Hailey answered, trying to keep her voice even.
“Home? Culliver said you were working today,” Troy questioned, frowning.
Isn’t that sweet. They know my every move, my two twisted fan boys.
“I’m not feeling well. Bad sushi,” Hailey answered curtly.
“Are you alright? I can have someone drive you…” Troy started, but Hailey cut him off.
“Nothing about my life is your business. I’ll do the work because I have no choice, but our interactions will be professional, and kept to a minimum.”
Hailey could see his face fall and for a second, she almost felt bad for Troy. It didn’t last for long and Troy’s expression hardened as well.
“We can discuss the case at a later time. Preferably not in person or through someone who isn’t you. Right now, I’d like to leave,” she continued coldly.
Troy didn’t look at her, busying himself with some papers on his desk.
“You are free to go,” was all he said, his tone dismissive.
Hailey stomped out the door, practically slamming into the same beat-up guy standing guard behind it.
“Get out of my way,” she hissed, and to her surprise, he actually took a step back.
Either she was more convincing than she thought she was, or someone had put the fear of god in that guy recently. By the way he glanced at the office, she was guessing the latter.
Hailey rushed through the casino and into her car in a haze of confusion and anger, slamming her hands against the wheel after she got in. She felt like she was losing control over her own life. Now, even the excitement of a potential new relationship was ripped away from her.
I should have known something like this would happen.
She drove home, holding back tears.
Arriving at her apartment, she took the elevator up and took great care in locking her door behind her. Troy knew where she lived. It didn’t speak in his favor anymore. Her heart started to pound as she got out her pharmacy bag and headed into the bathroom, her head
empty of thought.
She used one of the tests and set it carefully on the counter, staring at the little windows. Two pink strips slowly emerged and Hailey grabbed the instruction manual, even though she already knew what it meant.
Maybe this test is different, she thought, mind racing.
There’d been enough bad news that day. Being pregnant with a mobster’s child would definitely rank among those.
Comparing the pictures in the manual and the test sitting beside her sink, there was only one conclusion.
Yup, I’m definitely pregnant alright.
Another thought popped into her head straight after that one, along with a sinking feeling in her gut.
Troy can never know.
Twelve
Troy
Troy pulled up in front of Forrest & Williams, whistling a tune.
He had done a lot of thinking after Hailey unexpectedly showed up the previous day. She had every right to be upset. Who wouldn’t be? But Troy was determined to show Hailey he wasn’t just a criminal. He was still the same man whose company she’d enjoyed earlier, he just had to make her see that.
I’ll make it work. I always do.
There were ways to do that, but none of them lent themselves immediately to his use. He couldn’t actively go telling her… well, there were things he couldn’t just divulge to a woman he had been out with twice, no matter how strongly he felt for her.
Right?
A part of her seemed keen to argue on that point.
Troy felt bad for the situation Hailey had been put in. She obviously didn’t enjoy working for the Crimson Claws or helping their guys get back on the streets and he didn’t like forcing her hand. Nevertheless, he couldn’t release her from her deal with Dempsy on a whim. That would raise suspicion.
Besides, having her work for him was probably the only way he would get her to talk to him.
Desperate times called for desperate measures.
He stalked up the stairs to Hailey’s floor. The woman behind the reception desk smiled at him as he entered. Troy glanced around to see if he could spot the woman he couldn’t seem to get out of his mind, hands shoved in his pocket.
A swanky law office lobby was so not his scene, but he was relaxed and in control. It was the only way to go through life, in his opinion.
So far, there was really only one person who could shake his iron confidence.
“Hi, can I help you?” the receptionist asked, looking him up and down with a hint of appreciation.
“Yes, I’m looking for Hailey Molloy,” Troy replied, giving the woman a friendly smile.
“Just a moment, please,” she said before almost running to a small office on the left side of the mostly open-planned floor.
Troy perked up his ears, tuning out background noise and focusing on where the receptionist went.
“Someone’s here to see you,” he could hear her say in a sing-song voice.
Hailey sighed, a soft sound of expelled air. It struck him immediately. Stopping himself from moving towards her voice was a chore.
“And you are so excited because…?” she asked, clearly not going along with her friend’s enthusiasm.
Troy smiled to himself. Even when she was grumpy, Hailey’s voice still sounded like melting honey.
“Because he’s the hunkiest man I’ve ever laid eyes on,” the receptionist answered, and Troy’s lion couldn’t help but bristle contentedly.
It liked compliments. So did Troy, but he would have preferred hearing them coming from Hailey.
“Wait a minute. Tall, brown hair, piercing blue eyes, cheekbones for days?” Hailey inquired, alarm creeping into her tone.
Cheekbones for days, huh? Troy mused with a grin.
“That’s the one,” her friend confirmed excitedly.
“Oh god, and he’s right outside?” Hailey asked, obviously not too pleased to see him.
Feeling just a tad bit deflated by the hitch in her voice, Troy rolled his shoulders back. He hadn’t been expecting an easy fight on this one, but he’d never lost out when he really wanted something. And he really wanted Hailey Molloy.
There was a rustle and the sound of a chair sliding across the floor. He knew he wasn’t going to get a warm welcome.
“Is he the one who keeps sending flowers?” the receptionist asked before Hailey shushed her and stepped out of her office.
Troy frowned.
What flowers? Who the hell is sending her flowers that isn’t me?
Not that he didn’t enjoy competition every now and then, but there was enough to deal with without it. He didn’t need some chump making his task even harder. But that would be a thought for another time, as the sight of Hailey walking towards him pushed everything else to the wayside. The lion inside roared before settling on a persistent purr, like it always did when she was around.
The skirt Hailey was wearing accentuated her thick thighs and hourglass shape, while the white blouse she had on outlined her ample chest. Her golden-brown skin glowed, as if illuminated from within. She was the most gorgeous woman he had ever seen, even with that stubborn furrow in between her brows.
“Mister Sellen, I wasn’t expecting you,” she commented in a clipped tone.
“I said I wanted to look the case over with you. I’m a man of my word,” Troy replied smoothly, giving her a dazzling smile.
“He’s a client?” the receptionist piped up from behind Hailey.
“Yes, Laura, his cousin got into some trouble with the law and Mister Sellen wants to make sure he gets the best defense.”
The lie rolled convincingly off her pouty lips and Troy stifled a sigh. He wanted nothing more than to tilt Hailey back and bury her in a kiss, but she was all ice. Melting her would not be so easy.
“Why don’t we talk in my office?” Hailey added with a polite, trained smile before leading the way.
Troy did try and take the high road and not check out her ass, but a man only has so much self-control. The sway of her hips and the way her skirt clung to her rounded bottom as she walked was mesmerizing. He even forgot to wink to Laura.
Troy managed to tear his eyes away a second before Hailey stopped and held the door open for him. Troy brushed past her, hearing her heartrate quicken as he did.
Do I scare her or is she still more attracted to me than she’d like to let on? he wondered, taking a seat.
Hailey got behind her desk, eyes narrowing, and Troy took the seat facing her. She launched right into business.
“I’ve already filed a motion to suppress. The knife was obtained during an illegal search. The cops had no right to check Rogers’ trunk.”
Troy leaned back in his chair and interlocked his fingers.
“And it’s that easy?” he asked, hoping his disappointment wasn’t too evident.
“The prosecution is going to fight it, argue the officer had probable cause. Unless your guy gave them permission to search the car, which I doubt he did and he confirms as much, I think we should be good,” Hailey shrugged, avoiding his gaze.
The Crimson Claws men knew their rights, that much Troy was sure of. No way Rogers would just offer up his car for a search.
“Great. Why don’t I buy you lunch to say thanks?” Troy offered cheerfully, glancing at the watch on his wrist.
He had other meetings coming up, but he was more than happy to postpone them for some quality time with his favorite ruthless shark.
Hailey’s eyes widened and she crossed her arms before her.
“You can’t be serious,” she scoffed.
“Everyone has to eat. You’ve shared a meal with me before,” he reminded her, keeping his tone perfectly casual.
“That was before I knew who you really were!”
“I’m still the same man. And there’s more to me than just the fact I’m a lieutenant in the Crimson Claws,” Troy argued softly while running his eyes over her luscious body.
Bad move. Don’t get distracted by the package when you want what’s inside. Even if it i
s drop-dead gorgeous.
“Haven’t I made it clear? I want nothing to do with you,” Hailey replied, swallowing dryly.
The way her own eyes roamed across his frame made the words sound a bit less forceful than she probably would have liked. Troy tiled his head, thinking things over. There had to be a way to convince her to spend time with him. The tension between them was palpable, all her fiery attitude was doing was stoking the flames. He knew she felt it, the way her pupils dilated every time he got close to her told him that much.
There was something about her scent, too, that seemed different now. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it but he knew he wanted to get to the bottom of it.
“What if I give you veto-power? Going forward, you can refuse to take one case you really don’t want to be involved in. In exchange, I take you out for a meal,” Troy said after some consideration.
Hailey stared at him, taken off-guard.
“You’re serious?” she carefully asked.
“Completely. You think the cases aren’t just going to get bloodier and bloodier? The boss is doing cleanup and no one is safe. It’s a fair offer.”
Hailey pursed her lips, considering it.
“I thought I was going to be out after these ones,” she said, but there was no fire in her words.
Troy leaned back, shaking his head slightly.
“You and I both know you weren’t counting on that. You’re stuck with the Claws as long as they want you. It’s in your best interest to play along. I’m not saying this as a threat, but to make you understand what you’re dealing with here. I can’t get you out of it, but I can try and make things easier for you. And I want to spend time with you. If you say no, I’ll respect it.”
Troy could feel his phone vibrate in his pocket. He snuck a peek at the screen. It was an SOS from Culliver. He was needed back at the casino.
Damn it!
“Okay, I’ll take the deal,” Hailey uttered.
Troy grinned despite the roadblock, glad that she would take a chance on him.
“Great!” he exclaimed, standing abruptly. “We’re going to have to make it dinner, though, seems I have some things to take care of. I’ll be in touch.”
