Derision (The Broken Bonds 7)

Before Jefferson arrived at my apartment this morning (which was odd enough), I received a text from Julia. Something she’s never done. Ever. She supplied that my office was ready, and copies of the case files on Malcolm Bates were on my desk. She welcomed me—warmly—to my new supervisor position.

At some point between the moment Chase shattered me on the hood of his car and I received that text, the world shifted. Julia became an ally. Which is more appropriate than friend. Friend feels forced. We’re not friends, but as I’ve never been able to call anyone here an ally, I’m content with that.

The elevator doors open, and I take one deep breath before stepping forward and entering the lobby of Lark and Gannet.

A few peeks, a couple raised eyebrows, and one sneer and counting as I make my way toward Julia’s office. Only as I enter the interoffice hallway, I spot my name stenciled in bold white on a glass door.

“This is yours, Alexis.”

Julia’s voice isn’t how I remember. Her tone is softer, and as I turn to face her, her features reflect that softness. So much has happened since we last spoke, that I’m wondering if it’s me or her that’s changed. Maybe both.

“This is…” I trail off, at a loss for words. “I know that I haven’t earned it. Not really,” I say, lowering my voice. “I don’t have years of experience, and—”

“Let’s go inside and get you settled,” she says, unlocking the door.

She enters ahead of me and then hands me the key. “Close the door, please, Alexis.”

As I do, I’m worried I may have assumed wrong about my new ally. “Julia, when I submitted my application for the supervisor position, I knew that I was inexperienced by like, three years.” I attempt a smile, then shake it off. “But I’m dedicated. I’ll do the job. I just wanted to thank you—”

“As I said before, it wasn’t up to me.” Her smile is, strangely, more genuine than mine. “You don’t have the required minimum years of experience, but that’s not the only requirement. Mister Larkin feels you’re qualified, and I don’t combat his authority.”

No other law practice in the country is conducted this way, I’m sure. I nod my understanding, even though she did state that she held sway over him the last time we spoke. She also seemed against my receiving the promotion. What’s changed?

I’m not entirely sure why she’s being so affable. Chase is her boss—more so, he’s made it clear that Julia oversees the secret internship for The Firm. Her duties to the practice aren’t well-defined, but I trust her job doesn’t require her to be this friendly.

“This is new for me, also.” She walks around the desk, situating the stack of files. “Mister Larkin has never taken on a submissive before, so we’re both going to have to feel our way through this transition. I’m still your mentor, as that was made clear to me. I’m here for you, Alexis, should you have any questions or need anything.”

I clasp my hands together to keep from fidgeting. “Okay, then. Thank you.”

She gifts me with another beautiful smile as she approaches. “As far as your duties, I think it’s best if we work on the Bates’ case together. I’ll help you get accustomed with delegating research and briefs to the paralegal team this week.”

Relief floods me, and I relax my shoulders. “I’d appreciate that.”

Her head tilts as she reaches up and unbuttons the top of my shirt. “You’re Master will be offended if you try to hide your collar like some shameful secret,” she says, opening my shirt to display the skylark pendant. “If you belong to him”—her eyes meet mine—“then you belong to him. Understand?”

I do, more than I can express. “Yes,” I say simply.

“Good.” She cocks her head toward the files. “Then first, check in with Mister Larkin. See if he needs anything from you before he releases your services to me, and then we’ll get started.”

I lick my lips, my chest fluttering with anticipation. “Yes, ma’am.” I head toward the door, but Julia’s voice halts my steps.

“You’re no longer required to call me that.”

I glance at her, confused.

“I’m just Julia,” she says. “I’m now required to refer to you as ma’am.”

For the second time this morning, the world beneath my feet feels as if it’s shifting. I accept her vague explanation with a tight smile, knowing that I’m not going to understand everything all at once.

I told Chase that I’d agree as long as I could trust him to guide me. As I head toward his office—the first time on my own—I’m suddenly worried about my outfit. I should’ve asked Julia if it was good enough, or acceptable, or whatever. The more stares I garner from my coworkers, the more flustered I become.

Why wasn’t he in the car with Jefferson this morning? Had I gotten instructions from him first thing, then I would’ve been somewhat more prepared. As it is, I’m unsure of whether to knock on his door or call. Or text.

And immediately, I despise this new situation.

I’ve never been mistaken for bold…but I certainly never questioned every single stupid, mundane decision I have to make.

I can feel the curious stares on my back, and in a need to get away from the encroaching anxiety, I raise my hand and knock. Three times.