Page 17 of One Dark Kiss (Grimm Bargains #2)

Hendrix sighs. As I understand it, there wasn t a lot of time to do anything else. Alexei has always been very—shall we say—seductive. I m sure he thought he could charm his way back into the crime scene and fetch the knife before anybody found it.

That makes zero sense. The police didn t release that entire scene until they were done. Is that all you have for me, Hendrix?

He takes a drink of his scotch. No, I have more for you.

I reach for my martini and lift the glass, noting it seems heavier than my last drink. That s a sure sign that I ve had too much to drink. What do you have?

Money, he says directly, taking another gulp and then putting the glass on the table.

I lean away from him, studying him. Tonight he wears a perfectly pressed peach-colored button-down shirt and black slacks. The lighter colored shirt makes him seem even more dangerous. Are you trying to bribe me?

He carelessly lifts one shoulder. You can call it whatever you like, but Hologrid Hub is looking for an in-house attorney.

Starting salary is $1.2 million with a $1.

2 million signing bonus. Full benefits, 401k, golden parachute, you name it.

As well as two months off a year and the use of both the corporate jet and any of our vacation properties anytime you want.

Heat flashes down my throat. That s quite the offer.

You re quite the attorney. His eyes sparkle. In addition, I understand that you re having financial difficulties. This would take care of your problems, don t you think?

My temper spirals somewhere from the base of my spine and up, although I m a little numb right now.

He holds his drink up and then clicks it lightly with mine. Cheers.

Cheers, I say automatically and take a sip. It s the good stuff and I enjoy it. Hendrix, you have to understand that if I am taken off of your brother s case, another attorney will be assigned. The case won t go away.

He s not my brother, Hendrix says instantly. Please don t refer to him as such.

Man, this family has some serious problems. Fine. That fact doesn t change my analysis. I take another sip.

I know, but from my research, you re the best litigator they have. Even the full partners don t come close. He winks. In addition, you re beautiful and smart. I ve never thought of myself as much of a savior, but if I can save you from Alexei, I ll do it.

I blink twice. You think he ll kill me if I lose?

No, I think he ll seduce you so you win. If he s going to take over our, well, company, he s going to want to appear mature and settled. With a wife. In fact, I wouldn t be surprised if he hasn t already tried to get into your bed.

The image of Alexei in my bed that very morning flashes through my mind.

Apparently, Hendrix does know his brother, even if he won t claim him.

Is there any chance for a peace between you two?

I ask curiously, grasping the little sword in my drink and pulling out the apple slices to delicately nibble on one.

Hendrix watches my movements, his gaze on my mouth. His eyes flare. Oh my. I put the other slice back in the liquid. No peace, he says. We will never have peace.

So that s one question answered. Why do you want him in prison so badly?

I didn t say I want him in prison. Did I?

I cock my head to the side. But you do.

Hendrix finishes his drink. Yeah, I do. He belongs in prison.

He killed that man merely because the guy found out about the affair.

That s cold-blooded and that s evil. His eyes glow with intent and purpose.

He truly believes what he says. Do you ever wonder how the Fairfax security system was fried that day so the interior security system didn t record the murder? Alexei has a way with computers.

I sober slightly. Security system? I d gone through all the evidence provided to the defense and hadn t seen a hard drive.

Yes, Hendrix says. Surely you re aware of that fact.

I m not. I make a mental note to visit the police station first thing in the morning.

Well, after my hearing. Oh yeah, I have a hearing.

I should probably stop drinking. Even as the thought crosses my mind, I finish my martini.

You re very charming, Hendrix, and I appreciate the offer, but I m going to have to decline.

I start to scoot from the booth. He plants one hand over mine, holding me in place. I jolt and look up. His face loses the pleasant expression, and I see the animal behind the facade. To be honest, he looks more like Alexei than I would ve imagined.

His voice drops low. I don t think you understand. I m offering you an easy way out. If not, you re going to lose everything.

Is that a threat?

You can take it any way you like, but you re three months behind on your mortgage, and I m about to own your home.

My heart stutters. I can t lose that house. I have seven elderly men to care for. I don t appreciate the threat. I glance across the bar to where my friends are watching me. If I need money, I can get it and you know that.

He releases my hand and follows my gaze before looking back at me. That s true. Although I believe you have too much pride to ask those silly heiresses for help.

I normally would, but when it comes to taking care of my boarders, pride can get lost. I just lift my chin and glare at him.

He shrugs. Very well. Perhaps I can t take your house, but I know how much you care about Merlin and Felix and Percy. Shall I name all of them?

Fire finally lances through me, and I keep my hand in place on the table, leaning closer to him. Try me, Hendrix. You don t want me for an enemy. Trust me. With that, I stand, turn, wobble only slightly on the heels and stomp my way across the bar.

What was that about? Ella asks as I slide back into the booth.

It was a bribe and a threat, I say.

Alana glances back at Hendrix who s now watching us. I don t really like violence, but if you want––

No, I say before she can finish a thought. I don t need Thorn Beathach to do my dirty work. I can handle myself. I wave to the waitress for one more drink.

Ella cocks her head. Are you working tomorrow, Rosalie?

I am. I have a hearing at nine in the morning, I say.

Oh. Alana waves at the bartender. Then we only have about a half an hour to do a couple of shots.

For some reason, that sounds like an excellent plan to me. Just how drunk do I want to be when I return to my bedroom tonight?