The Hot Lawyer (A Romance Love Story) (Hargrave Brothers - Book #4)

by Alexa Davis

  "Whoever did this knows that getting rid of Lydia would put a crimp in our business," I said. It wasn't that I couldn't hire another lawyer. That would be the easy part. In Los Angeles, lawyers were a dime a dozen and I could easily replace the legal counsel, but what I couldn't replace was the trust and loyalty. Lydia knew things about the business that I wasn't eager to share with anyone else, and she knew how to keep her mouth shut.

  "Do you think they got anything out of her before they killed her?" Riza asked.

  "Shit, I don't know," I said. Riza’s face was blank. While the fact that she rarely gave anything away was good for doing business, sometimes I wished she would give me a little more so I could tell what she was thinking. Not knowing bothered me. But Papi had taught his daughter well, and she had put those lessons to use.

  "I'll do what I can to find out what they know," she said.

  "Ri, what does your gut tell you happened?" I asked.

  "Honestly, from what I could see, they tortured her, boss," she said. "She looked pretty beat up. But then again, it could have been from the water. I just don't know."

  "Alright, we need to get this locked down so that we don't appear weak," I said. "If the others think that they can come after us and just abduct and execute our people, we're going to have problems. I want you to figure out who's involved and I want a public spectacle made of them. Got it?"

  "Got it," she saluted.

  "And Ri?"

  "Yeah, boss?"

  "Don't lose sight of that little fucker Beck," I said. "He's starting to become a real pain in my ass."

  "No worries, boss," she said. "I got it handled."

  I watched her walk out of the office and hoped that she was right. If she didn't have it handled, we were going to suffer in ways that not even I could imagine.

  #

  I sat at my desk thinking about whom I could call and ask about finding a new lawyer. There weren't many people in LA that I trusted – and certainly not many lawyers. In my line of business, I had to be careful that I didn't spill the wrong information to the wrong person and wind up having them turn state's witness in a case against me. But there was no question that I needed a new lawyer.

  I shifted a little in my chair, then reached down and tried to alleviate the pressure that I felt in my jeans.

  The news about Lydia, while sad and disturbing, hadn't done much to alleviate the hard on I'd had since I'd met Brooke, and it was starting to feel painful. So, when one of the cage dancers stuck her head in the door and said she needed to speak with me, I waved her in.

  "What's up, babe?" I smiled as the gorgeous brown girl glided across the floor and dropped to her knees in front of me. She smiled up at me as she unzipped my jeans and slipped her hand down into the front of them so she could stroke my rock hard cock. I looked down at her, calmly watching as she did what she had always done best.

  "Mmmm, you're hard tonight," she said as she pulled her hand out and ran her flattened tongue over it several times before slipping it back into my pants. The slick sensation of her saliva-covered hand made me groan when she gripped my cock and stroked up and down.

  "I need you to do what you do best, baby," I growled as I reached out and stroked her cheek.

  "You know I'll do anything you want," she smiled as I lifted my hips and pulled my jeans down around my knees. Diamond was one of the girls who danced on stage or in a cage over the bar every night. She was tall and lean, and she gave the best head of any of the dancers I employed. She loved giving blowjobs, so I felt no guilt in taking advantage of it.

  I leaned back as she slowly ran her tongue from tip to base and then back up, coating my cock and making it slippery. She did this until I began to groan with need and push my hips up, then she wrapped her full lips around the head of my cock and began the agonizingly slow descent to the base. She sucked and licked until I felt like I was going to explode.

  Normally, I would watch her as she performed her magic, but tonight, I leaned back and closed my eyes. I pictured Brooke's beautiful blue eyes looking up at me as she wrapped her lips around my shaft and moved her mouth up and down. I imagined how she would look and sound as she took the entire length of my shaft into the back of her throat, and I began to pump my hips as I envisioned her beautiful breasts resting on my thighs as she sucked and sucked and sucked. The image was so powerful that I thrust my hips up as I held Diamond's head and owned her mouth.

  "Oh fuck, fuck, fuck, yes!" I groaned as I let go and filled her mouth. Diamond sucked and licked as I throbbed and pulsed, making me see stars as the explosion continued. My eyes were still closed and all I could see were Brooke's blue eyes looking up at me as she smiled, her mouth filled with my cock.

  "How was that, babe?" Diamond asked as she rose up off her knees and sat on my lap.

  "Very, very nice, little girl," I smiled as I ran my hands over her breasts.

  "You want more tonight?" She ran her hand through my hair and down across my cheek.

  "I'd love to, but I can't tonight, sweetie," I said with a feigned look of regret. "I've got some business to take care of so I have to get going, but maybe later?"

  "Anytime, you know that," she smiled as she stood up. She bent over and kissed my cheek before turning and walking across the room. The way she swung her hips never failed to get a response and even though she'd just given me a bit of relief, tonight was no exception.

  "God, you're hot," I said as I watched her go.

  "Just for you, babe." She winked over her shoulder as she opened the door and stepped out into the hallway.

  I'd always liked Diamond because she understood the game. I wasn't any more or less special to her than any of her other clients, but she made me feel like I was the only one she'd ever want. It wasn't love, but it was the next best thing.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Brooke

  I woke up the next morning with a pounding head and a mouth so dry that I couldn't swallow. I felt like I'd been hit by a truck and left in a ditch, but since I was resting on the thick fluffy duvet with my head on a soft down pillow, I knew that the ditch scenario was unlikely.

  I slowly sat up, holding my head and wishing that I'd been sober enough to close the curtains so that I wouldn't have to be suffering the pain of having the sunlight shining brightly in my eyes.

  "Oh God," I groaned as I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and sat waiting for the room to stop spinning. I rarely drank enough to actually get drunk, but when I did, I did a bang up job. I slowly stood up and made my way across the floor to the bathroom, where I turned on the shower and shed my clothes as I waited for the water to heat up. I stepped under the stream of steaming hot water and let it pound out a rhythm on my aching head.

  After my long, hot shower, I wrapped myself in a fluffy, terrycloth robe and walked into the kitchen to make a good strong cup of coffee. As the coffee was brewing, I turned the television on and flipped to the local news. My back was to the set when I heard the news reporter say, "And in local news, Los Angeles attorney Lydia Banks’ body was fished out of the ocean near the Marina del Rey dock by the U.S. Coast Guard yesterday evening. Authorities say that Banks had been shot in what appears to be an execution style before being dumped into the water, but wouldn't confirm the details. Ms. Banks was most well known as legal counsel for local club owner, Dax Malone, whose run-ins with the law made her a household name. There is speculation that her death is retaliation for last year's murder of Westside Vice Lords leader Arturo Moritz by the rival gang Blood Posse, possibly led by Mr. Malone. However, there has been no hard evidence to connect Malone to the Blood Posse, so the connection to Banks’ murder remains speculation this morning. We'll follow this case closely and have more on Action News at five this evening."

  I heard the newscaster, but it wasn't until I was standing at the picture window that looked out over the city sipping my coffee that something clicked. Dax Malone. Hadn't I met a guy name Dax last night? I tried to retrace the conversation in the bar, but I'd
been pretty drunk and my memory was full of holes. Maybe if I called Billy when the bar opened, I'd be able to track down the guy and figure out who he was.

  What I remembered about him were the unruly dark curls, the sensual eyes, the jaw that looked like it had been chiseled out of granite and the amazing body. I felt my pulse race as I remembered how close I'd come to taking him to bed and felt both grateful that I hadn't since I probably wouldn't have remembered it and sad that I'd missed out on seeing him in all his unclothed glory.

  I heard my phone ring as I stood in front of the window and scanned the room to figure out where the sound was coming from. I'd left my phone on top of the bookcase in the hallway. I grabbed it and saw that it was a local number that I didn't recognize, I debated whether to answer it and finally tapped the screen and said, "Hello?"

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Dax

  "Good morning, sunshine," I said when I heard Brooke's voice on the other end of the phone.

  "Who is this?"

  "Aw, you don't remember me?" I teased. "The tall, dark, and handsome guy who promised you the world?"

  "Which one?" she asked feigning boredom. "There were several and after awhile, it got confusing. You're all so alike. Promising worlds and keys to heaven."

  "I was the one who was mesmerized by your beautiful blue eyes," I said. "And, I don't know about the rest of them, but you agreed to go on a date with me and gave me your card."

  "Oh, you!" she laughed. "Why of course, I remember you! The handsome guy in the Harley boots!"

  "You have a good memory," I observed.

  "I'm a lawyer," she said. "Or did you forget?"

  "No, I didn't forget," I replied. "That's not something I would ever forget. Did you forget that you agreed to go on a date with me?"

  "I don't think I did," she said. "But I was more than a little hung over this morning, so I might have. Remind me of what I agreed to last night, would you?"

  "Are you always this forgetful?" I asked.

  "'I'll have you know that I'm not at all forgetful," she said, obviously bristling at the accusation.

  "I'm not accusing you, I'm teasing you, Ms. Raines," I said calmly.

  "Well, I'd prefer if you'd call me Brooke," she said in a prickly tone. "And then remind me what your name is."

  "I'm Dax," I said. "I did introduce myself last night, I promise."

  "I know you did," she sighed in an irritated manner. "I'm just trying to piece together the evening and there are parts that I can't quite remember. One of them is you and I introducing ourselves."

  "I'm Dax Malone," I said, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

  "I see."

  "What do you see, Brooke?" I asked.

  "You hit on me because you need a new lawyer and you thought a drunk girl would give in more easily," she replied.

  "What the hell are you talking about?" I said feeling the beginnings of my own irritation.

  "It's all over the news, Mr. Malone," she said in a businesslike tone.

  "I'd prefer if you'd call me Dax," I mimicked.

  "Fine, Dax, it's all over the news about your dead lawyer," she said.

  "I didn't know she was dead when you and I were at the bar," I said flatly. "So, no, I was not trolling for a new lawyer. Besides, why on earth would I troll for a lawyer at a bar?"

  "I don't know, it seems like maybe drunk lawyers would give in and do the dirty work a little more willingly?" she said.

  "That's just mean," I replied. "How would you feel if I asked if you were out trolling for clients in a bar?"

  "Not offended, if that's what you're asking," she said.

  "Oh really? Well, then I guess we have different ideas of what's offensive," I said.

  "Oh please, don't tell me you have delicate sensibilities!" she laughed. I was getting irritated with this woman and I wasn't so sure I wanted to take her out on a date anymore. "Hello?"

  "I'm here," I said.

  "Dax, are you mad?" she asked in such an open way that I couldn't help but smile.

  "Not mad, just kind of irritated," I admitted.

  "Why? Don't you like smart women who can challenge you?"

  "Oh, that's below the belt, lady," I laughed. "If you had any idea..."

  "Of what?"

  "All of the people who help me run my business and are in positions of power are strong, smart women," I said a little defensively.

  "So, you want a cookie for being a good guy?" she asked. This question pissed me off.

  "What is your problem?" I lashed out. "Why do you seem so intent on emasculating me and chopping me off at the knees? Are you a lesbian or something?"

  "Oh right, simply because I'm a woman with a brain in her head and who isn't cowed by your macho 'I'm a nice guy' song and dance, you immediately assume I must be a lesbian," she shot back in an extremely irritated tone. "Nice stereotype, buddy. Good job."

  "I repeat, what the hell is your problem?" I shouted into the phone. "God, I try to be a nice guy and call the next morning to ask you out to dinner like I said I would and you turn a simple phone call into the Nuremberg Trials!"

  "I'm impressed," she said.

  "I'm pissed," I replied. A few seconds passed and I asked, "Why are you impressed?"

  "That you know what the Nuremberg Trials are," she said.

  "Of course, I took history classes," I shot back. "Who the hell doesn't know that?"

  "You'd be surprised," she said. I could hear a smile in her voice and that pissed me off even more. I felt like a mouse being played with by a cat that knew what it would do when the game was over.

  "So, do you want to go to dinner or what?" I couldn't hide my irritation, but for some reason, I still wanted to take her out.

  "Not if you're going to be angry the whole time," she said. "And, not if you can't ask me nicely."

  "Jesus, lady, what the hell do you want from me? Blood?" I shouted. "I asked you once very nicely and you turned this into a battle zone. Now, you want me to try it again?"

  "Yes," she said.

  "Fine," I huffed. I stopped and took a deep breath to calm myself then waited a few seconds and spoke calmly, "Brooke, I would like very much to take you out for a nice dinner tonight. Would you care to go with me?"

  "I'd love to," she said happily.

  "Wait, what?"

  "I told you to ask me nicely, and you did," she said. "So, it was easy to say yes to a nice invitation like that!"

  "You are maddening," I said.

  "No, I just know what I want," she said. "And, I'm not afraid to say what I think. Maybe it's maddening because so few women do."

  "That's entirely possible," I agreed. "But you're still maddening."

  "Oh, you like a good challenge," she replied. "Admit it."

  "I'll pick you up at eight," I said. "Where would that be?"

  She gave me the address and said she'd be looking forward to dinner. I hung up the phone shaking my head. This woman was a piece of work, but she was right about one thing.

  I did love a good challenge.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Brooke

  "Good morning, Alma!" I chirped as I walked through the front door and into the office. "Isn't it a lovely morning?"

  "Good morning, Ms. Raines," Alma replied. "The forecast says we have a forty percent chance of rain today, so while this morning may be passable, this evening looks like it will be less than lovely."

  "Thank you for the weather report, Alma," I said as I looked at her. The compact woman took everything we said quite literally. She could be maddening, but she was extremely functional and kept our office running like a well-oiled machine. Plus, I really liked her.

  "What's going on this morning?" I asked as I looked down the hallway to see if Jordie or Roger were in yet.

  "There have been several calls from news outlets, but they won't tell me what they want," she reported as she handed me my messages. "They keep asking for you. Mr. Lewis and Mr. Lee are in the conference room and told me to tell you to com
e in as soon as you get some coffee. I've made a fresh pot and your favorite mug is on your desk."

  "Alma, you are worth your weight in gold," I said with a smile.

  "Thank you, Ms. Raines, but I do not generally share my weight with anyone but my physician," she said with a serious look. The phone rang at that moment and provided me with a good excuse to head for my office. I wasn't sure what to make of Alma, but she certainly was entertaining.

  I set my things down, hung up my coat, and grabbed my mug before heading down to the conference room. I wondered what the guys were working on and why they were there so much earlier than I was. Usually, I was the first one to arrive at the office and often had to wait to start business while they slowly oozed in after late nights out partying and hooking up with the newest starlet on the Hollywood circuit. This morning, I felt like I really shouldn't stand in judgment.

  "Hey guys, what's up?" I called as I walked past the conference room toward the coffee pot.

  "C'mere, Brooke! We may have found something we can use to generate some business!" Jordie said excitedly.

  "Oh yeah? What do you have?" I asked.

  "Well, last night they fished Lydia Banks out of the ocean," Roger began.

  "I saw that on the news," I said. "It's so sad – and kind of scary."

  "But it could mean that we could swoop in and pick up some of her clients," Jordie said as he handed me a list of names. About half were crossed off, but the rest had phone numbers and addresses listed next to them.

  "What's this?"

  "It's Lydia Banks’ client list," Roger said.

  "How on earth do you have this?" I asked as I scanned the list. I recognized quite a few of the names on it, but one stood out like a sore thumb.

  "You don't really want to know, do you?" Jordie asked.

  "Is it going to make me an accessory to a crime that I didn't commit?" I asked.

  "Possibly, but we'll swear that you knew nothing about it," he added.

  "So, you'll commit perjury to help illegally build our client list?" I asked.

  "Pretty much," Roger said as he circled a name on the list and made a note beside it. "Look, if we don't generate some paying clients soon, we're going to lose the firm anyway, so what's to lose?"