Chapter 3
Chapter Three
Julian
Damn her. Why did she have to be so goddamn beautiful? Why did my brothers have to go and hire her? I didn’t care how qualified she was. Having her right down the hall from me would be a problem.
“Did you see Laurel?” Melinda entered my office and set a stack of files on my desk.
“Yes.” I tipped the mug to my lips.
“And?”
“And what?”
“You better have been nice to her.” She pointed at me.
“I’m always nice, Mel.” I smiled, leaning back in my chair.
“That cheesy look on your face tells me otherwise.”
“Don’t you have work to do?” I cocked my head.
She shook her head and left my office.
“What?” I shouted, holding out my arms.
Okay, maybe I was a little rude. Sighing, I stood, grabbed my coffee, and walked down to Laurel’s office .
“You got a minute?” I asked, standing in the doorway.
“Sure,” she said. “Come on in.”
I entered her office, where she put picture frames on her desk.
“Sorry if I was a little rude in the kitchen. I’m intolerable until I’ve had my coffee.”
“Apology accepted.” She smiled, and my cock twitched.
“Anyway, welcome to The Hamilton Group.”
“Thank you, Julian. I appreciate it.”
I walked over to her desk and picked up one of the picture frames, staring at the three little girls, who were all smiling.
“Are these your nieces?” I asked.
“Those three angels are my daughters.”
I gulped as my stomach twisted in a knot.
“Your daughters?”
“This is Stella. She’s ten. And these are the twins, Sara and Sophie. They’re nine.”
“Huh. They’re cute.” I set the frame back on her desk. I assumed the father wasn’t in the picture, but I had to know for sure.
“Do you have full custody or share custody with their father?” I asked.
She stared at me momentarily, and I was lost in her beautiful blue eyes.
“I have full custody. Their father, my husband, died two years ago.”
“Oh.” My brows furrowed. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
“Julian,” Melinda stood in the doorway. “James Peterson is on the phone for you.”
“Thanks, Melinda. I have to take this call. I’ll see you around. ”
I stepped into my office and picked up the phone. “James, how can I help you?”
“I have a new deal for your client.”
“Oh yeah? What deal are you offering?”
“Five years. Out in three with good behavior.”
“My client is innocent, James. But I’ll present the offer, even though he won’t accept it.”
“That’s the only deal I’m offering, Julian.”
“Then I guess we’re going to trial.”
“Suit yourself,” he said and ended the call.
I turned my chair around and stared out the window at the city. Suddenly, Laurel Evans became less attractive to me after finding out she had three kids. Shit .
“What’s up?” Parker grinned, walking into my office and sitting down.
“How are you out of court already?” I asked.
“I got the case thrown out.” He smiled.
“Way to go, bro.” I held out my fist to him.
“Thanks. You looked like you were in deep thought when I walked in. What’s going on?”
“Did you know that Laurel has three little girls?”
“Wow. Really?” His brow arched. “I had no idea.”
“She didn’t mention that during the interview?” I asked.
“No. But it doesn’t matter. Her personal life isn’t any of our business. So, she’s married? I didn’t see a ring on her finger.”
“Her husband passed away two years ago,” I said.
“Oh shit. How?”
“I don’t know.” I shrugged. “I didn’t ask. Like you said, it’s none of our business. This is good.”
“What’s good?”
“The fact that she has three kids,” I said.
“Why?” My brother’s brows furrowed .
“Because now I’m not attracted to her anymore. Thank God I didn’t sleep with her.”
“You’re fucked up.” He pointed at me, standing from his chair. “I have work to do. I’ll talk to you later.”
Turning my chair around, I leaned back and placed my hands behind my head as I stared out at the city. Life was good. Laurel had three kids, and I wouldn’t give her a second thought.
“Hey,” I heard Roman’s voice from behind.
Turning my chair around, I stared at him. “What’s up?”
“Ken Bennett just called. His daughter was arrested.”
“Georgina? For what?” I asked.
“The murder of her husband. I want you to grab Laurel and get down to the station.”
“Laurel? Why?” My brows furrowed.
“Because she’s new, and I want her on this case with you. With that being said. I’m warning you, brother.”
“Please.” I waved my hand in front of my face. “Laurel will not be a problem for me anymore.”
“And why is that?” His head cocked.
“Because she has three kids. Duh.”
“What are you talking about?” His brows furrowed.
“Laurel has three daughters. One is ten, and the other two are nine.”
“She does?”
“Yeah. So now, she’s unattractive to me.” I grinned, standing up and buttoning my suit coat. No worries. I got this.” I patted his shoulder as I left my office.
I walked down the hallway and stepped into Laurel’s office.
“Let’s go.”
“Go where?” She looked up at me .
“One of our top clients’ daughter has been arrested. We need to go see her.”
“What was she arrested for?” she asked.
“The murder of her husband. “Let’s go.”