Derision (The Broken Bonds 7)

The promise in his dark tone sends a wave of heat coursing through me, confirming I wouldn’t have denied him.

I don’t recognize who I am anymore. A woman who’d let her boss fuck her in a police station—and love it. What’s more, as he leads the way toward processing, I believe this man may understand me—what I desire and need—on a level I may never. I fear I’ve been more than dominated, more than owned; I’m being corrupted. And I crave every one of his defiling touches.

12

Ridicule

Chase

ACA Garcia is all contemptuous glares and wounded pride as Malcolm Bates is released from temporary holding. I enjoy every slitted scowl she sends my way. Though it wasn’t my discovery that freed Bates, she’s invested in beating me.

Hearing my little, meek Alexis tear down the prosecution’s case in a matter of seconds was thrilling. She took control, owning a power she never knew she possessed. I saw it in her eyes the moment she scented weakness; the second the ACA faltered, giving her an in to strike.

I’m crawling out of my skin to touch her. Devour her newfound power. I’m seconds away from hauling her into the dirty bathroom and fucking her up against a stall, when Bates exits through the door.

I adjust my slacks as I stand, dampening all arousing thoughts, before I approach my client.

“I swear, you’re a genius,” Malcolm says, shaking my hand.

I nod toward Alexis standing at my side. “I appreciate your confidence, but this was all the doing of Miss Wilde, my secret weapon here.”

His gaze is already assessing Alexis, a hungry glint in his eyes that raises my hackles. “I see what you mean,” he says, turning toward her and extending his hand. “Sorry we didn’t get a formal introduction before, with all the commotion of the pending arrest. Thank you for your services, Miss Wilde.”

She offers him a tight smile, pulling her hand away quickly. “I only pointed out the facts, Doctor Bates. It’s my job, but you’re welcome.”

My mouth curls into a slight smile, loving how she dodged his advance while not insinuating his innocence. Which stresses the need to discover exactly what happened to the victim last night.

“Let’s walk.” I head toward the doors, not giving the ACA another glance as we leave the station. Once we’re near my car, I turn toward Bates. “Now’s the time to inform me of anything, anything at all that might pop up during their investigation.”

His face pales as he shakes his head. “I thought this was over now.”

It’s never going to be over for him. He’s in the system. A future suspect for any rape that happens within fifty miles of him. His trial was splashed all over the state, so the only thing he has going for him is that it didn’t go national.

I don’t say this, however. Instead, I try to keep my client’s confidence that we’ll help him one day lead a normal life. “Malcolm, once the Commonwealth sinks their teeth into someone, they don’t let go so easily. Especially when the prosecution believes you got off on a shoddy defense.”

Which is the truth, unfortunately. I’m damn good at what I do, but the jury was only moved to acquit Bates due to lack of evidence. With no DNA, no firsthand identification, and the only thing linking the rapes was the fact that Bates had just been with each woman prior on a date…there was much room for doubt.

It doesn’t prove him innocent, but it’s not enough to convict him, either.

With that in mind, I pull Alexis closer to my side, staking my claim.

Bates releases a heavy breath as he considers this news. “I’ve told you everything, Larkin. I don’t know what else you want me to say.”

That’s not what I want to hear. The prosecution is going to pull some form of evidence—no matter how bizarre—out of the air, and I’ll be left backtracking in order to suppress it or defend it. I’d rather have a strong offense on this one, considering the MO doesn’t completely align.

I don’t like not being prepared. Control and routine.

“I’ll keep in touch, then,” I say, offering him my hand. “For now, lay low. I can’t stress this enough. Stay off those sites”—I send him a knowing glare—“and you’ll be fine.”

The worry that creases his weathered looking eyes bothers me. “Make this end, Larkin.”

The only way that will happen is if my client is truly innocent and the rapist suddenly decides to confess or is caught. In other words, it’s starting to look doubtful on all accounts.

Regardless of what proof Alexis uncovered, there’s one universal truth for innocents and criminals alike: people learn from their mistakes. They get smarter. More prepared. Cover their tracks better.

For Malcolm’s sake, he better pray he’s gotten good enough to fool me.

I couldn’t get Bates out of my car fast enough. Once I dropped him off at his house, I decided to take the scenic route back to Arlington. This is exactly the type of distraction I feared. The reason why I have such strict rules…that I’m completely breaking when it comes to Alexis.