Lib Novel Page 4
I’ve never met Patrick’s children, but I know they’re young. I make a noncommittal noise.
“Was that the new assistant?” Patrick jerks his head toward the door.
“Yes.” I can’t talk about her right now. The anger still boils within me.
Patrick clears his throat. “Are you involved with her?”
I glare at him, wondering what his motives are. He knows about the contracts. His office drew them up for us.
“Sorry, that just seemed emotional rather than physical.” He holds up his hands in surrender. “Just protecting my assets. After all, we uncovered her debt in our background check. I hope she isn’t taking advantage of you.”
I bark out a sharp laugh. “No, Patrick. She isn’t taking advantage of me. For her protection, to the outside world, we’re seeing each other. Besides, the company pays her plenty to cover her personal debts, which she acquired while attending school. Not because of some gambling or shopping habit. She’s sharp and works hard and deserves every penny she earns.”
“It wouldn’t be the first time a woman thought she caught a big fish.” Patrick pulls out his files from his briefcase. “We just need to be careful.”
Leighton. She came from old money, but she wanted the power of my name. Elizabeth Hartfield. That bitch thought she’d won the fucking jackpot, getting close to me through Seth. I’m used to being wanted for what I can offer. After all, I’m gorgeous and wealthy. I’m bound to attract certain types of women.
Patrick was the lawyer for Morrigan Technology Group when we had to handle Andrea and Rachel. His firm handled my family’s needs for years, so he’s familiar with my history from when he took over my family as a client. But comparing Madison to them is unthinkable.
“She’s not like those other women.” She’s softer, fewer harsh edges. Every reaction with her is honest, not contrived. I believe her when she says she wants this experience with us.
Patrick nods. “I hope not. For your sake.”
I don’t need his worry. I just need Madison to be safe.
Chapter 78
Logging Hours
Madison
When a noise startles me awake, I bolt upright on the couch and the tablet slips to the floor with a clunk. Blake glances my way.
“You okay?” He rises from the chair.
“I’m good.” As soon as my heart stops racing, I’ll be better.
He stands anyway, abandoning his laptop. Reaching down, I pick up the tablet and set it on the coffee table before he sits next to me.
As he tucks a stray strand of hair behind my ear, his green eyes search mine.
“You could go lie down in my room if you want to sleep.” His fingers curl around the nape of my neck, sending shivers coursing through my tense body.
“No, thank you.” I have to pull myself together. “I have work to do.”
Pressing his lips together, he nods and strokes his thumb along my jawline.
“Do you want to talk about what happened?” His voice is gruff.
“No.” After screaming my head off, I shut down inside, letting them take care of me and shuffle me around between them. When Blake and I came downstairs, he made me some hot tea and set me up on the couch to work.
His friend on the force came quicker than we expected. When he took the box as evidence, I had to explain there might be cum on it. And that they may find two different samples. I’m lucky I didn’t explode into flames from embarrassment. He didn’t even bat an eye and just said if they find any DNA on the dress he would contact us to come in and give samples.
We went through the pictures in the box to pinpoint when and where each one was taken to see if there was a pattern. Some of them were impossible for me to pin down. It was my favorite dress. I wore it a lot during college.
Blake took the officer aside and talked to him for a few minutes while I looked at my life as seen through the eyes of someone who wants to terrorize me. I still can’t imagine who would want to do this. I didn’t make a lot of friends during college. But I also didn’t make enemies that I know of.
I had some unwanted attention from a professor and a few guys who asked me out and I told them no. But I couldn’t tell you what those guys’ names were now.