Jonas didn’t respond. I didn’t expect him to.
My last call was to the cop. I got his voice mail and left a message. Scott had already been given too many passes. It ended here.
Then I went to check on Fee.
She was in the tub, her arms wrapped around her legs, her head resting on her knees. Her shoulders shook, and I knew she was crying.
Something happened to me when I saw her cry. I had witnessed countless tears in my life. From clients, witnesses, the women I dated, even Rene on occasion, but they never affected me in any way. Fee’s tears, however, did something to me—caused a reaction, a need to comfort and care. To solve whatever was causing her pain and ease it.
Without a word, I shed my clothes and slid in behind her, drawing her close to my chest and wrapping my arms around her.
“Careful,” I instructed gently and turned on the tap to add some hot water to the bath which had grown tepid. I moved my legs, distributing the heat, then shut off the water.
Fee leaned into me, her body tight and anxious.
I rubbed her shoulders, wanting to loosen the muscles.
“Let it out, love.”
She turned her face, resting her cheek against my chest and wept openly. I held her, cupping water and pouring it onto her skin to keep her warm, mumbling quiet assurances that she was fine. I was here. Everything would be okay.
Finally, her sobs stopped.
“I was so scared,” she admitted, her voice rough.
“So was I.”
“Why?”
I tightened my hold on her. “I saw him grab you. All I could think of was getting to you before he hurt you.” I drifted my fingers over her arms. “I was too late.”
She lifted her head, her beautiful eyes red-rimmed and tired. “No, you saved me, Halton.”
I ran my finger over her pale cheek. “You’re staying here, with me, until this is done. We’ll get your things in the morning.”
She opened her mouth, and I held a finger to her lips to stop her disagreement. “No arguing. I’m driving you to work and home. I’m not going to risk you again. I might not be around to stop him next time. He’s irrational and erratic. I can’t risk it. Don’t ask me to.”
Her breathy sigh was warm against my skin. “Okay.”
“And I have security coming as an added precaution.”
“You think that’s necessary?”
“Yes.”
“Okay.” She agreed again without argument.
I pulled her back, letting her relax against my chest. I rested my chin on her head, holding her tight. I couldn’t find the words to express the fear I had felt when I saw Scott with her earlier. The rage that overcame me when I knew he was hurting her. The desire to rip him apart limb from limb with my bare hands for even approaching her. I couldn’t tell her, because I didn’t understand it. The emotions I felt with Fee were all new, at times frightening, and definitely overwhelming.
I didn’t want to talk about things I didn’t understand.
Instead, I held her until the water cooled, then carried her to my bed and lost myself in her, taking my time and drawing out her climax slowly.
I braced myself over her, watching as the ecstasy flitted across her face, our eyes locked, the intense emotion of the moment binding us together. Pleasure rippled down my spine as I orgasmed. I entwined our hands, our fingers clutched tightly as her name escaped my lips. I lowered my head to her neck, kissing the damp skin as my body shuddered and shook, the aftereffects of my orgasm strong.
I slid my arms around her, gathering her close. For a moment, there was silence. Our chests moved in unison, one breathing in while the other breathed out, our skin always touching.
“We just made love,” she murmured. “At least, that’s what it felt like to me.”
I kissed her brow, knowing she was right. It felt that way to me as well. To my body anyway. My heart remained intact.
My chest ached because I knew this would end soon.
I didn’t do love. I didn’t do relationships. I didn’t know how. I didn’t have the capacity.
And I was certain I would fail, even if I tried.
For the next few days, I dealt with the aftermath of Scott’s attack on Fee. The police, his attorney, the security Aiden had sent over. Fee showed her strength once again, giving her statement in a quiet but steady voice. I added in my account, and the police followed up with the witnesses I had given them the information for.
Then I left it up to them to carry forth justice.
My phone rang late in the afternoon on Monday, and I frowned looking at the number.
“Smithers.”
“Jonas Peters here.”
“What can I do for you?”
“There has been a development with Scott.”
“The development had better be the fucking proposal I’ve been waiting for and an apology with the assurance he will never to come close to Fee again.”
“He’s gone into rehab.”
I tossed my pen on the desk and rubbed my eyes.
“Are you serious?”
“Yes. His partners convinced him it was in the best interest of everyone involved.”
“In his best interest,” I snapped. “Great way to avoid the fallout.”
“He admitted to his drug addiction, Hal. He wants to move past this and get help.” He paused. “His, ah, assistant, was let go from the firm as well.”
I snorted. “His assistant, girlfriend, and supplier you mean?”
There was silence. Then he spoke.
“I have a settlement proposal I’m sending to you tomorrow. I think you’ll find it fair.”
“I’ll let you know when I see it.”
I hung up.
That fucking bastard. I would bet my last dollar rehab was simply a stunt to buy him some time, escape jail, and maybe garner Fee’s sympathy. He wasn’t fucking getting mine.
I picked up my pen, tapping it impatiently on the desk. I decided to wait and see the proposal before discussing this with Fee. I wanted to see the offer before I told her.
I waited until the office closed the next day and we were alone. Rene still came in part time, but he was putting in more hours than I wanted him to. He insisted he was bored at home, and with Fee in the office, he enjoyed being there. I had to admit he was right. The office was a great place, and I thought we made a good team. Still, I liked the times when it was only Fee and me.
But for now, I had to wear my attorney hat. I handed her the offer and explained the terms.
“It’s a flat settlement. He is offering two million, Fee. He’ll release you from any of his debts. He’s going to sell the house. But that’s it. You have to agree not to go after the business and that we will stop any other inquiries.”
“That’s a lot of money, Halton.”
“It is.” I sighed. “I think he’s hiding money somewhere, Fee. Stealing from his own firm. Reid suspects we’ve only scratched the surface. We could push this.”
She passed a hand over her eyes, staring into space for a moment in thought.
“At what cost?” she asked quietly. “Me worrying he is going to show up and do something? You overprotective and tense all the time? A security person standing outside the door all day and night?”