Chapter 19
Amélie consumes my thoughts for most of the morning after what happened in the early hours. She doesn't seem inexperienced at all—the kiss, the touch, she's absolutely perfect. I wanted to take her to my room, but it's not time yet.
It occurs to me that after Luma passed away, I hadn't kissed anyone for a very long time.
But with Amélie, I felt that urge to taste someone again, and I simply loved the experience of Amy's mouth—that's exactly what I was afraid of, which is why I held back, scared of wanting more and more.
I think about Mattia's words, that it's time for Ellie to have a mother, and for me to have a companion.
Should I commit, move forward with her? I think I'll let time decide, which is the right thing to do, and just let things unfold.
Especially since she's a virgin and very young—but I'll take it slow with her.
Tonight we'll spend some time together. I invited her to dinner on Saturday, so I'll leave it at that and see where things go.
I really enjoyed our moment together. I felt alive, even just from touching her, feeling her soft, fragrant skin, her strawberry-flavored lips, her whole self surrendered to me. I smile and hear a knock at the door.
“Come in.”
“Doctor, your hearing is in thirty minutes.”
“Yes, Sandra, I'm on my way out. I'll be taking Mattia's case home today, so please set it aside. As soon as I finish at the courthouse, I'll stop by to pick it up.”
“Of course, sir. I'll have everything ready.”
“Thank you.”
I grab my briefcase and my robe from where it hangs in my office and leave. My security guards are already outside waiting for me. I get in the car and head straight to the courthouse—the place I love working the most.
My passion for law has always been strong, but being a judge was always my ultimate goal, and I fought hard to get here.
On the way, I study the cases I'll be judging—there are two: one involving theft, and the other theft resulting in death.
This second one will be exhausting since we'll have to evaluate a lot of evidence.
My profession isn't easy, but as difficult as it is, I love being behind my desk, sitting in my chair facing everyone.
We arrive at the courthouse. I enter my private chamber and prepare for the first trial. When I walk in, everyone is already in their places, and out of respect, they rise as I enter. Then I begin.
The first case was quick—an eighteen-year-old boy stole meat from a market.
Poor family. Anyway, the owner withdrew the complaint after hearing the whole story.
I'm amazed that a case like this can even reach a courthouse, but that's fine—I'm there for that.
The second was more complicated and ended with the defendant being convicted of felony murder. He got life in prison.
Finally, after hours, I finish my work there. I need to stop by the office to pick up the case I promised Amélie, then head straight home. I don't know why, but I'm anxious to see her.
I come in through the front door and hear voices from the kitchen.
I leave my bag on the living room table along with my jacket and head that way.
When I arrive, I see them—they're making a cake, and today it's orange.
I watch my daughter with her, how well they get along.
The love they have for each other is obvious.
Amélie treats her like a daughter, gives her love and affection, and that makes me extremely happy.
“Good afternoon!”
I call out to them, and Ellie immediately climbs down from the stool and comes running over to me, covered in flour. I don't mind and give her a hug and a kiss while exchanging glances with Amélie, who simply smiles.
“What are you two up to?”
“We're making orange cake with frosting, and it's delicious, Daddy.”
“Oh, I want to try this cake.”
“Only when it's ready, right, Auntie Li?”
“Yes, it's almost done. Just need the syrup, which I'm about to make.”
“I'm going upstairs to take a shower, and then I'll come down to try it.”
“First is dinner, then the cake.”
“Ah, I see—so the cake will be dessert.”
“That's right, Daddy learned.”
I leave the kitchen smiling and go straight to my room.
I put my things away in their proper places—I'm very organized—and head to the bathroom.
After relaxing under the shower, I turn it off and dry off.
I put on sweatpants and a t-shirt—I like to be comfortable at home—and finally head downstairs.
I'm approaching the kitchen when Amélie passes by with Ellie in her arms, all messy and covered in batter. She must be going to give her a bath. She says she'll be right back and heads upstairs with my daughter.
I go to my office to sort through the papers I brought for Amélie when I hear a knock on the door.
Mama comes in, letting me know that the table is set and calling me for dinner.
I get up and follow her. When I arrive in the kitchen, I see Amélie serving my daughter.
We eat in silence, as we always do, and after dinner comes dessert—the cake the two of them made.
It really is delicious. I have two pieces, and as soon as I finish, I stand up and say:
“Amélie, I brought the case. As soon as Ellie falls asleep, come straight to my office.”
“Of course. I'll take her to her room, and as soon as she falls asleep, I'll come down.”
And so I head back to my office and begin reviewing the document. I left it in the hands of my best lawyer at the firm, but I like to look over everything myself to make sure it meets my standards.
Forty minutes later, there's a knock at the door. I'm already expecting Amélie, and sure enough, it's her.
“Hi. Ellie took a little longer to fall asleep.”
“No problem. Have a seat—I'll explain the case to you.”
And so we began. I explained everything to her. Amélie is sharp—she picked it all up quickly and even made some observations I liked, which I added to a draft right away. We stayed there for hours, discussing the case.
“Would you like to come by the office sometime, see what it's like? You'll need to do an internship soon, and if you want, you could do it there.”
“I'd love that. Actually, my internship starts next semester, and I've been researching law firms, but since you're offering, I'm in.”
“Our cases are pretty complicated—that's why I have the best lawyers.”
“Are you saying I could be a great lawyer?”
“You're sharp—you picked everything up quickly and even suggested some changes I really liked. I review all the active cases at the office. I'm demanding because my name is on the line.”
“And you think I'm capable?”
“Yes. I can see you're very dedicated, and I like that.”
Then she gets up from her chair, walks around the desk, pushes the case folder aside, and sits there—right where it had been.
“Am I capable of other things too?”
“Amélie, don't play with fire. You might get burned.”
“I love playing with fire. I love the heat.”
She finishes talking and grabs my t-shirt, pulling me toward her as she leans down, her lips brushing mine—lightly at first. But I can't resist. I stand up, pulling her against me and deepening the kiss. Fuck it. I want her. This little devil tempts me, and I simply can't resist her.