AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You okay?”
Nodding, I leaned into his hand. “Yes, I’m okay. Sometimes I wish I lived in New York City instead of Chicago. I could avoid cars completely.”
He chuckled. “Yeah but it wouldn’t be home. Besides, New York smells like piss.”
I wrinkled my nose, making him laugh. The sound settled me and I felt myself relax. I’d been so scared that I’d never hear it again. His joy, his uncanny ability to brighten a room, it was as necessary to me now as oxygen. I wanted to keep him next to me at all times. It wasn’t possible, once the job was done I’d be going back to my office and he’d return to his job as Jo’s bodyguard, but at least for now he was staying with me and I was going to enjoy it as long as I could.
When we finally headed inside, the entire O’Connor clan was waiting for us. I came up short, my eyes widening at the sheer amount of them staring at us. My face flushed but it wasn’t like we were doing anything inappropriate.
“Ladies and Gentleman, the woman of the hour! She ripped apart the enemy without using a single bullet and saved our fearless leader from a life behind bars. Rebecca Sloan, the greatest lawyer in the city!” Jaime crowed beside me. When I jerked to face him, he was beaming at me. He knew this was what was waiting for me and he didn’t warn me. Big jerk.
The applause was deafening and I fought off a grimace, forcing a smile. I love my job but I never did it for attention. I did it because I’m good at it and I can help people. I wasn’t entirely sure I liked this kind of attention but I was nudged into the crowd and passed around for hugs and handshakes by different members of the O’Connor family, including the Volkovs and Ramirez family. It was overwhelming to say the least but Jaime was a constant presence at my back and I felt like I could handle it as long as he was behind me.
Liam approached last with Jo on his arm. She looked better, less pale, and she stepped forward first to hug me tightly. She helped save Jaime so her affection I didn’t mind. I hugged her back and when she pulled away, I squeezed her hands tightly.
“I told you it’d be okay.”
She flashed me a watery smile. “And I told you that you’d be the next member of the MWC. Guess we were both right.”
I tipped my head, frowning. I didn’t remember her saying that before the night Jaime was in the hospital. Liam didn’t give her a chance to explain though. He put a hand on my shoulder, leveling me with a look.
“I’m hoping to change a contract and I need your help.”
While it wasn’t entirely surprising that he would immediately start talking about work, I was a little surprised Jo didn’t react. She just leaned into him and smiled softly. Furrowing my brow, I nodded.
“Alright, I’m sure I can handle it. What kind of changes?”
A small smirk pulled at his lips. “My lawyer is only assigned to me to the end of the build. I’d like her to be put on staff permanently.”
My eyebrows flew up and I couldn’t hold back a smile. “Really?”
He nodded, his expression serious. “I’m under no illusions that today would’ve gone well without you. I need you on my team. This does however put you at a permanent conflict with your family. I’d understand if you refused.”
I shook my head slowly. “That ship sailed the minute my father tried to kill the man I love.” I felt Jaime stiffen beside me and Jo’s eyes lit up but I kept going. “I do have a few conditions though.”
Liam raised an eyebrow. “Do tell.”
“I’d like to redo my office. No offense to whoever designed it but the floor to ceiling windows on the 49th floor of a skyscraper is a little terrifying.”
Jo nodded emphatically. “I know, right? It’s like if you accidentally trip you’ll go sailing through the glass to your death!”
Liam dipped his chin. “I can make that happen. Anything else?”
I did have another request but I was a little worried that it’d upset Jo. I kept my gaze on Liam, trying not to feel guilty.
“Yes, there is something else. As being a member of your staff comes with risks, I’d like to request my security detail be made permanent.” I glanced over my shoulder at Jaime, smiling softly, before turning back to Liam. “He’s been invaluable since I began and I–”
“Done.”
Liam didn’t even question it but Jo’s mouth fell open. “Hey!”
Liam ignored her outburst. “Have the paperwork drawn up, I’ll sign it right away. We’re going to start on your father soon. I kind of like the idea of returning the favor and putting him behind bars. He’ll suffer longer.”
My grin was wicked. “I agree. I’ll get it to you as soon as I can.”
Jo was still unhappy about the change but Liam dragged her away, leaving me alone with Jaime. He stepped around me, taking my hands and kissing the backs of them. “You’re amazing, you know that?”
“You’re not upset about the change?”
