Page 41 of Rio (Knight Empire #3)

RAQUEL

I fly back to Miami with a heavy heart and return to my normal life—only this doesn’t feel normal anymore, but being with Rio does. Talk about a strange turn of events.

I miss him already.

We text. We call. We email. But it doesn’t feel the same, because he’s not here. And what complicates things is that ethically, what we’re doing, getting involved romantically, doesn’t sit right with me.

I’m the type of lawyer who always does the right thing. I have boundaries. I know black from white. There’s no grey with me.

But with Rio, I’m slipping into so many shades of grey.

My job in Belize was to investigate and compile evidence, and then I ended up filing an injunction at Alma’s behest.

I tell myself that Rio and me being together is fine.

It’s fine because I’m not negotiating with him.

There’s no coercion or bribery or manipulation.

What we have is emotional. It’s personal.

It’s not professional. We’re not in a lawyer-client dynamic.

And my law firm isn’t representing Knight Enterprises.

Nor is Rio personally a defendant or a client in my case.

I’m not compromising my legal stance. But I do feel guilty. And I do feel conflicted.

Now that the injunction has been filed, the court takes jurisdiction over the matter.

I’m not a permanent in-country legal rep.

I’m just a US-based lawyer, an NGO advocate and now I’m going back home while the local court begins its reviews.

Anything that happens—any hearings, pauses, rulings—in the following weeks, I’ll be notified of remotely.

When I check in at the office, Pierce’s gaze slides down my body making my insides harden. I’d forgotten how stressful this working environment was.

“Back from paradise already?” he drawls. “Not only did you survive the jungle, but damn, that sun did you good.”

I don’t respond. I never do when he talks like this. It wasn’t just the sun , I want to scream at him. I reluctantly take a seat in the chair opposite him.

His eyes linger. “You should wear that more often.”

I grit my teeth and ignore the comment. “The court’s reviewing the injunction. I’m keeping an eye out for updates. Alma’s handling local follow-up.”

“Good,” he says. “In the meantime, you need to get back to the Santos case.”

“Of course.” I’m grateful for the distraction, even if I’m not fully ready to move on. I get up to leave. “Is that all?”

Pierce’s eyes snake across my body with a slow and painful sweep that makes me itch. I miss Alma, and having this sleazeball for a boss is slowly poisoning my mental health. Being in the same office as him is a daily assault on my boundaries and well being.

I need to get out. And fast.

Still, I am grounded by the thought of the man I can’t stop thinking about.

I miss him. I need him and want him. Rio is such a perfect gentleman in contrast to this snake.

He never once looked at me like I was a piece of meat.

He wanted me, but the concern and care he showed me, is a stark contrast to this viper before me.

“You’re tanned ...” He remarks, his voice low, and dirty. “All over, I imagine.”

“It was hot out there.” I glare at him, try to level my breathing. Try not to make my chest heave as his gaze dips there, unashamedly. He shrugs, his eyes settling on my chest.

“You look like you spent too much time by the poolside, slathering yourself in sunscreen.”

My insides churn with nausea. I feel as if something rotten touched me. I taste bile in my mouth at the visual he’s got in his head. I ignore the heat rising to my cheeks and try to focus on my escape from this law firm. I need to get out of here. I’ve put up with this man for too long.

I square my shoulders, unable to put up with this anymore. “If you ever comment on my body like that again, Pierce, I’ll file a formal complaint.”

His smug expression falters, only for a second.

“It’s not a compliment. It’s harassment,” I add, my voice calm and cutting. “I’m not in the mood to be polite about it anymore. I’ve put up with your sleaziness for too long.

He stares at me, his expression tightening. He looks offended that I dared to say the word harassment out loud. Like it’s an insult to him . He looks shocked that I’ve finally called him out.

I have zero fucks to give. I’m done tiptoeing around men like him. After Belize, after Rio, I can’t unsee how toxic this place is.