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I think that it wounded me a little, watching Ezra defend Lorenzo’s character like that. Maybe it’s because deep down, I’m fairly certain that Ezraknowswhat a piece of shit Lorenzo is, and still he’s trying to rob Bianca of well-deserved retribution on his behalf.

Which, I’m aware, is a grossly unfair line of thinking. That at the end of the day, Ezra is doing hisjob, and what’s more, there’s a good chance that hehateshaving to defend Lorenzo. He hasn’t said as much directly; it would be highly unethical if he did, but still, I can sense it, I think.

So why am I sulking about it in my office after hours?

Ezra has texted me a few times after court let out, and normally we would have been at one of each other’s places by now, but I haven’t been able to bring myself to answer him tonight. Not when I have all these conflicting feelings.

I thumb through financial documents, making notes that seem relevant; Ezra will finally be calling Bianca to the stand thenext time we are in court, and I want to be prepared for the inevitable question about the first time she filed for divorce. I’ve already worked out a relatively solid redirect, but as I’m all too aware when it comes to Ezra, you can never be too prepared.

Something that is made overly evident when the person in question knocks on my office door.

I startle when he pokes his head through the unlocked door after opening it; I want to be surprised, but honestly, knowing Ezra’s tenacity the way I do, I’m really not.

“How did you get in?”

“Bribed the security guard,” he says with a grin. “You really should pay that guy more.”

“I have it on good authority that Larry is excellent at his job.”

“Oh, he really is,” Ezra admits. “Actually, I told him that you were expecting me, and that I had some documents to drop off. I guess I’m just too charming to question.”

“You’re toosomething,” I scoff.

Ezra steps inside, closing the door behind him. I hear the softsnickof the lock, peeking up at him in question as he moves deeper into the room.

“I figured we needed to talk,” he explains as he settles into the chair on the other side of my desk. “I can tell you were ruffled after we let out today.”

“I’m not…ruffled,” I protest.

Ezra just laughs. “You forget that for the first few months that I knew you, all I ever saw was ruffled Dani. I’m definitely an expert on what she looks like.”

“It’s nothing,” I try, not deigning to look at him in favor of the document in front of me. “I just had a lot to go over and forgot to text you back.”

“No, you didn’t,” he pushes calmly. “None of this is going to work if you aren’t honest with me, Dani.”

“It’s stupid,” I sigh, leaning back in my chair to pinch the bridge of my nose. “Seriously, it sounds ridiculous even in my head.”

“I doubt that. Just talk to me.”

“I just…it’s so hard watching you defend him.”

Ezra arches a brow. “Lorenzo?”

“I know, I know. It’s your job. You have to. I know that you have to play the cards you’re dealt, just like the rest of us, but…” I shake my head. “He’s such a bastard.”

Ezra frowns, looking down at his laced fingers resting in his lap. “We knew this wasn’t going to be easy,” he starts. “But it’s just a job, Dani. You know that.”

“I know that, I do,” I assure him. “I just…I’ve gotten to know Bianca. She’s…she’s been through so much. I feel like I’m failing her sometimes.”

This is a dangerous conversation, one that we’ve carefully avoided the last few weeks. Both of us know that discussing our clients is tricky territory. I don’t even know why I’ve admitted any of this to begin with.

“Listen,” he says finally. “Things will be better when this is over. We do this job to the best of both of our abilities, and then after…maybe we disclose. We can avoid being on opposite sides going forward.”

I suck in a breath. “Disclose?”

“You don’t want to?”

“I…” I swallow. “I didn’t knowyouwould. Alexander…”