Conflict Of Interest (12 page)

Evan’s POV

Chapter 20

It is already mid-way through the week and just thought it was over. It’s not. I came into my office this morning to find new information on my desk. Apparently, I have to investigate Claire Worth and some of her family members.

This is what comes with the territory of my job. Should I tell Natalia or just keep doing my job? That is the question. Claire is Frederic’s sister who is Alyssa’s mother and I hope like hell she has nothing to do with all this shit going on. As I continue to read, Alyssa’s mother has never been stable. She was more into alcohol and men than her family. Sighing in frustration, I’m torn by all of this. I thought all this stress was over.

I walk over to the coffee room to make me some coffee. I walk back to my office and stand in front of the window while sipping my coffee. I’m enjoying the NYC view that is filled with lots of cars and tall buildings. That is when an idea comes to mind.

I want to go away for the weekend with my stubborn kitten. That sounds perfect right about now and that’s what I am going to do. I don’t know where yet but I am going to plan it. It will be a weekend for the two of us to spend and get to know each other more.

I turn around and see my cell phone sitting there. Picking it up, I shoot a text to Natalia.

Evan: I want you beyond forever.

Nat: Good Afternoon. I want you too sir.

Evan: Let’s meet tonight. Be ready for me.

Nat: Be ready? Oh, I’m ready.

Evan: My naughty girl.

Nat: All yours. See you tonight

That made my dick stirs in my pants. It is now hard as a pole. A knock on the door interrupts and kills my hard-on quickly.

“Come in.”

I hear a “good morning, Mr. Daniels” as Marissa walks right in. I notice today she has on some makeup and looking polished. Not that she ever was, but something is different today. I look at her and smile. Thank God, I sat down before she walked in. She could’ve seen my dick hard through my pants when my thoughts we only for Natalia.

“I just came from a meeting; a new case was assigned to me.” She sits on a chair with her arms and legs crossed. “So what’s next, Evan?”

“Michael told me he put our new case investigation on your desk this morning.” I grab the manila folder and hand it to her. She grabs it and opens it and her eyes widen as she reads it.

“Oh shit. It’s Natalia’s best friend's mother. How are things working out with her?”

“Marissa, please keep it professional.”

She lets out a low laugh as she gets up to walk around my desk. She leans against the desk. “That kiss you almost returned to me the other night told me otherwise.”

I get up from my chair and she senses I am furious with her, her demeanor changes. I am not playing with her.

“Take the information with you to go over and we can start tomorrow. Now would you excuse me, I have to be somewhere that is none of your business.”

She smirks as I walk around her and storm out of my office. I went to the break room to calm myself down for a few minutes. Marissa sure knows how to wind me up. She pisses me off so bad but then again, she is a great job partner. Fuck!

Leaning up against the counter, all I want tonight is to see Natalia. I can't explain what I feel for her; I don’t even understand it myself. She came into my life like an unexpected gust of wind. She has taken over my thoughts along with my body and heart. I know she is the one. I can actually imagine my future with her.

Getting back to focus, I walk back to my office and work for the remainder of the afternoon. I do as much research on my current case, for Claire, as I can do through the internet. I get up from my office to go to Marissa's office and walk right in since her office door was already open.

“I hope you have come in here in a better mood.” She eyes me.

I sit down at a chair in front of her desk. “Let’s get down to business with this case.”

She looks at me with a hidden smile and I see straight through it. She’s up to something, but instead of her normal banter, she gets right into business. She has researched her own way and we begin to compare information.

We couldn’t find anything that would link her to her brother and his crimes, yet. She actually has not been in NYC for a couple of years. She is residing in the state of Florida. It looks like this case was going to be all about Frederic and his team.

The lounge has been temporarily closed for ongoing investigation. Once he gets sentenced, I am sure we will not be opening it back up. Frederic has a couple of charges on him and his team for being his accomplices. I know there has to be a link there somewhere but I just can’t seem to find it.

I’m holding my head in my hands when Marissa’s phone rings. She picks it up and all I hear is a one-sided conversation. I hear her say thank you and she hangs up.

“I think we may have found our connection.”

“What do you mean?”

“Claire has been working in Florida sending girls here. She finds them, making sure they are worthy enough for her brother's club. She also has been having somebody else look for her. Apparently Alyssa’s dad is trying to kill her.”

“You have to be shitting me? That means that the case against Claire will fall under the Florida State Jurisdiction and we can get it off our hands.” I am standing, pacing the room while talking.

Marissa throws the folder into her incoming bin on her desk and wipes her hands. “We should go for a drink and celebrate this, Evan.”

I do want to celebrate, but it’s definitely with someone else I say to myself. I mean, Marissa is my partner and we have been working together for a couple of years now. “Sure, let’s go and then I have to leave to meet up with a friend.”

“Okay, let’s go.” She stands up, getting her bag from inside her desk. I let her out of the door first and I close the door behind us. We drive in our own cars and head down a few blocks to a bar.

We sit down in the back of the bar where all the pool tables are. The bar is not too full since it is still early, but I’m sure it starts getting packed after five when people get off of work. I make my way up to the bar and order two beers and two shots of tequila to celebrate our victory.

We clink to the end to all of the case and slamming it back, chasing it with our beers. No lemons or salt needed.

A couple of beers later, we are still talking nonstop. Marissa has been telling me about her family in Pennsylvania and her soon to be vacation to spend some time with them.

“What about you, Evan. Is it serious between you and Natalia?” I eye her and she shrugs her shoulders continuing, “You’ve seemed different ever since she came in the picture.

“I really like her Marissa.” I have to be honest, after all. It’s how I feel. As far as Marissa and me, we were never an item. Strictly partners. Sure there have been flirts her and flirts there but nothing more.

My mind is reeling over these past few days. Marissa has been acting strange and I know she wants something else but I choose to leave it alone for now.

I smile looking down. “She lights up my world.” I laugh, knowing I might sound like a cornball but she does light up my world and I can’t wait to see her tonight. “What about you, Marissa? Are you seeing anyone?”

“Nothing serious but I have been on a date or two with this one guy. He seems like a good catch, we’ll see what happens.”

I nod. “I wish you the best. You need a tough man that can handle a woman carrying a gun.” We both seemed to be laughing for no reason. No more alcohol for us.

“I need to get out of here.”

“Yeah, me, too,” she says. We both stand up and walk out. I walk her to her car. Before she gets in, she turns to me. “Evan, I’m really sorry about the way I have been acting. I’m not going to lie and say that I don’t want you because I do. I always have. I should have never kissed you like I did. I am really happy for you though. I see how you look when you talk about her and I just wanted the same thing. Will you forgive me?”

I hug her tightly. “Of course I will. I know you will find someone one day who does the same thing to you that Natalia does to me.”

She pulls away and kisses my cheek. “Thank you, Evan.” She gets in and waves as she drives off.

I get into mine and I drive over to my mother’s to kill some time until Natalia gets off of work and will be home.

I use my own key to open my mother's door and walk right in. My mother is on her recliner, crocheting like she usually does in her spare time. She stands up as soon as she sees me, almost running over to see her favorite son. Okay, her only son. She kisses me all over my face.

“How are you, my boy?”

“I am fine, Mother.”

“Hungry?” I nod my head, smiling. “Come with me, I'll prepare you something to eat. Sit down,” she insists, almost pushing me down into the chair. As she walks into the kitchen, she starts asking me questions. “Where is Natalia?”

“She is at work. I am going to see her after here.”

“She is a lovely young lady. I hope you settle down soon and marry her.”

Here she goes. She starts rattling off to the point where I quit listening. Why did I come here? I ask myself as I run my fingers through my hair. I need a beer.

“Are you listening to me, Evan?”

“Yes, ma’am, I am.”

Maybe I should sneak out now but I could never do that. After a few minutes, she brings me a warm tuna melt sandwich with a glass of juice. Juice? Oh, that’s right I am in my mom’s house. She sits in front me as I eat the sandwich. We talk about her, work, her, and more of her. I am beginning to think my mom likes herself a lot. Wrapping things up and saying bye to my mother, I head out to run to my house but first, I send Natalia a text.

Evan: Hope all is well. Text me when you’re home. Dying to see you.

Nat: We already agreed on it. Will text you soon.

Evan: Can't blame me if I’m a desperate man.

Nat: Take a power shower :)

Evan: That’s in the plan for tonight. See you soon

I take a cold beer from the fridge and almost couldn't stop drinking it. It was cold and refreshing and much needed after that interrogation from my mom. I go into my home office to retrieve messages, answer some emails, and return some business phone calls.

I start browsing the internet on Goggle for popular romantic getaways. I have plans and I want to go soon, and I need to take her with me. Would she come? Maybe she will after her graduation? I am going to find out soon. I get an incoming text and it’s her. She’s home, finally. I wrap up what I’m doing and make my way to her.

Natalia’s POV

Chapter 21

It’s been a long few weeks of ups and downs, but everything seems to be falling into place. I need to start to get ready with graduation with it coming closer to time and decide on what to do with my career. Should I stay where I am presently and working up the ladder as a paralegal? Or maybe getting more into my career, actually going to law school, and become a lawyer. As it approaches, I need to get these details worked out so I can have a future. I also would love for Evan to be part of my life.

I know I agreed to meet with Evan tonight after work, but before that, I’m going to Alyssa’s house for a drink or two. Then I will text Evan to meet up with me at my apartment. She is expecting me. Evan and I will have all night for ourselves. I miss him, but tonight is Alyssa’s time. I walk up to her door and knock twice.

“Hey, girl,” she says after opening the door. She hands me a glass of our favorite red wine. I follow her back to her room while she gets ready to leave for the night with Alex. I throw myself on her bed as I watch her pick and try on clothes. I play with my phone while we talk.

“Where you going?” I ask since I know Frederic’s is closed.

“We are actually going to catch the late night movie after we get a few drinks at Diskos Bar around the corner from here.”

“Fun!” I said

“How is this shirt with these tights?” Aly asks and models for me.

“It’s nice.” I stand up and lower one side off her top shoulder fabric. I pick a belt that was hanging on her closet door and put it around her waist and I turned her around to the mirror so she can see her new look. She smiled because she loved it. I walked over back to her bed and I sat on the edge. I wanted to change the subject to ask more questions regarding her mom. “Have you talked to your mom lately?”

She lowers her head and turns around to face me. “Actually, no. I called my grandma and she said she left to go to Florida a while ago. Haven’t heard anything about her since.” She sighs, “Have you heard anything, you know from Evan?”

“No. He’s coming over tonight, which is why I wanted to come visit you for a little first and talk.”

She smiles warmly.

“Alyssa—” I sit up looking at her, “—you know I will always have your back and love you. Don’t let this ruin who you are. You’re not like either of them.” I am refereeing to her mother and uncle.

She runs over to me, tackling me onto the bed. “I know, bitch. I love you.”

Laughing, I say, “I love you, too.”

I chug the last couple drops of my third cup of wine and I decide I need to leave. I text Evan to let him know I would be home in few minutes. Alex was already on his way to pick up Alyssa.

The afternoon has become quite cool and cloudy with the smell of rain in the air. Enjoying the weather while walking tipsy home, I already feel butterflies moving in my stomach with the thought of seeing Evan soon.

A chiming sound is coming from my bag and I realize it’s my phone. It’s from Evan, asking exactly where I was at. I reply to him that I was home. I quickly freshen up and change into something exotic.

I pick out a red corset with black ribbon to tie in the back. I remember how my other black corset drove him wild the other night. I throw on a short black skirt with some tall black high heels.

I hear the doorbell ring so I make a beeline for the door. I let go of the breath I was holding and open the door. Staring at him obviously, noticeably.

“I love when you look at me with those sparkling blue eyes.”

I smile and I walk right up to him. I couldn't help myself so I throw both of my arms around his neck. I was feeling his hair around my fingers and kiss him while inhaling and getting drunker with his scent.

“Welcome home darling.” He watches me with those lust-filled eyes and I grab his hand to walk him in. He pulls me close against him, holding me by my hips, and looking intensely in my eyes.

“I really missed you.” He makes my body shiver from head to my toes. “I have no idea what you did to me, but whatever it was, I want more.”

He kisses me over and over again. The longest kiss any human, I think, has ever had. I savor it and love every single dose.

“Now I know those panties are soaking wet. I want nothing on you but that corset.”

I can feel my heart racing like it's coming out my chest. “Why you don't take them off yourself,” I say boldly.

He looks at me and his face changes like he wasn't expecting that. He places his hand behind his back and moves back a step. He looks mad. “Let’s make something clear. You are not the one giving orders here, I am!”

Oh God, all of sudden I don't feel well. I place my hand to my forehead to hold it there. I grab my stomach. “What’s wrong?” I hear Evan ask me.

“I don’t know.”

I feel my legs weaken. Evan walks me over to the couch and I sit for a second before I rush out of his arms into the bathroom. I threw up everything I had for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. What the hell? How embarrassing. I sit on the floor next to the toilet and Evan is wiping my lips off with a cold, wet rag.

“Are you okay?”

“I must have eaten something bad.”

Before I know it, I am hugging the toilet again. I throw up until I am dry heaving. I sit back down on the floor and put my head in my hands. I look up to see darkness coming. My vision is gone, then so am I.

“Oh my God! What happened?” I lift my head and sit straight up, then open my eyes a little. I was still unfocused unsure of where I was or what happened to me. A bottle of water is on my lips and I see Evan’s face full of worry. Some water is poured into my mouth and I take little sips.

“There you are. Are you okay?” Evan’s voice sounds shaky and terrified. He was scared. I nod my head and start sitting up. I feel his hand on my back, supporting me.

“I didn't know what to do when you passed out in the bathroom, so I picked you up and laid you on the couch and took off your shoes.”

“How long I have been out?” I ask.

“Like two minutes. I was about to call my team to get their asses over here.” That made me giggle. “Feeling better?”

“Yes, I am.” I start to move off the couch to get up so I can stand.

“Don't move, Natalia.”

I don't move, still trying to get it together. I look to Evan, who was in my room taking off his shirt. I was enjoying the view when he glances up at me a few times. I know he knows that I like what I see. I went to get up from my seat.

“No, Natalia. Don’t. Get. Up.”

“I’m fine,” I say as he walks over and picks me up. He walks me into my room and lays me down. “I’m not sick, Evan. I feel better.”

“I am here now and I am going to take care of you.”

“Evan, I’m okay. I promise.”

“How about you promise me you will call the doctor tomorrow to get a checkup?”

“I am fine; there’s no need for all that. I ate...” I don’t even remember what I ate, but I just make up something. “I ate a fast food burger for lunch and I felt it turn my stomach. It has to be that, Evan.”

“If you don't go on your own, I’m taking you even if I have to cuff you and tie you up.”

My stomach turns into a knot and it’s not from the burger. I open my mouth ready to word fight with him and he stands over me with a dominant look. “I mean it!”

“Okay. Okay.” I give in.

He crawls into the bed with me and starts to take my corset and skirt off. He hands me his button up shirt. I go along with it and slip it on. He takes the rest of his time undressing me, locking our eyes and smiling at each other. I feel content where I am with him, lying comfortably next to me.

“I am falling for you, Natalia. Like I have never for any other girl.”

I am speechless for a second. “I feel the same way.”

We go to bed and wrap ourselves around each other. He holds me tightly. I bury my face in his neck and breathe all of him in. His chest is hard, toned, and perfect against mine. I keep my eyes on his face; I love that face. He turns his face to me and kisses me possessively. Then he rolls me under him and makes love to me. I fell asleep after that with those words he spoke on my mind.

***********

I was woken up by millions of kisses from Evan. Kisses on top of my head, kisses on my face, kisses on my lips, and kisses on my neck. I was smiling while accepting them all.

“Wake up, sleepy head. How are you feeling today?”

“I feel good.”

“Good, let's jump in the shower and start our own sauna.” I already feel his hard cock against my sex, waiting for entrance. “I want you,” he says with his raspy voice. I growl and I am already wet. I need this man now. I wanted all of him.

We go into the bathroom and he is still in his boxers. I had his button down shirt from last night still on. He undresses me and takes off his boxers. He picks me up, cupping my ass with his erection right between the lips of my pussy and I rocked against it. I make the tip of his dick massage my clit. He walks us into my glass standing-shower.

The stream of water is running from above us and I feel his strong hands grips my ass even harder. My hands go over his shoulders when he all of sudden puts me down and forcefully turns me around so that my back is against his cock and he knees my legs open.

He pushes his massive size penis inside me. I moan because it hurts but damn if he feels so good, too. He feels hot inside me and my juices are flowing down my legs.

“Oh, Natalia. Fuck, you feel so good.” He moans and growls. He grips me tightly with my hair wrapped around his hand when I told him I was about to come. He kept on stroking his dick in and out of my greedy pussy.

“Yes, baby, give it all to me.” I orgasm, feeling him load his semen inside of me. My pussy is still throbbing for some more of him. I can't get enough; it is like an addiction. Evan was my addiction.

I tighten my towel tight around my wet body after we finally finish taking a morning shower. “I am going to get dressed and to get ready to go to the office.”

I look over at him and he looks annoyed. I was unsure if I missed something. “Are you okay?”

He finishes putting on his shoe and walks over to me. He presses his lips to my temple and whispers, “I am in love with you.”

It almost makes me jump back all of a sudden, but he holds me tight. Almost like he knew I was going to jump back. Lifting my head, I search his face. “Don’t say anything.”

He hugs me and kisses me and then leaves. I was left there, standing still and looking at the door.

I loved him at that moment. I love him fiercely. I loved him the moment I set my eyes on him. I loved him when he buckled me into the damn car. I loved him on the first date and I will love him the day after today.

Evan’s POV

Chapter 22

My eyes are focused on paperwork this morning, but my mind is somewhere else. I can't concentrate because of the amazing night I had. I said the ‘L’ word for the first time in my life, well, besides my mom, but damn if it didn’t feel good to say. I love her. She is amazing and we are amazing together.

Marissa barges in my office all of the sudden. I look up and say, “Yes, Marissa? Did you miss the knocking part on the door?”

She walks over to the chair in front of my desk and sits down. “Guess what?”

“What, and make it fast.”

“Alyssa’s mom is here in NYC. She actually lives here and…”

“And what, Marissa?”

She lifts her hand up. “It gets better; be patient, Evan,” she stalls. I roll my eyes in frustration. “She is the head boss of her brother’s illegal crimes.”

I sit there, shell-shocked. Natalia is going to be devastated. Hopefully, she doesn't know what is going on.

“How do you know all this?”

Marissa sucks the inside of her cheek and crosses her leg over the other. “I actually researched some more the case yesterday. We have to go and investigate further and do what we do next.”

I breathe in deeply, running my hand through my hair. “I am not sure if I can go on with this case.”

“What do you mean Evan?” She looks surprised.

“I have to talk to Michael and see if I can. Now that I am in a relationship with the big boss’s daughter’s best friend, this could be considered a conflict of interest.”

“Evan,” she calls my name with intensity and stands up. “Is it really that serious with her?”

“Yes,” I answer with confliction. “It is that serious.”

“Okay, let me know. I’ll be at my office.” She stands, walking toward the door and spins around. “If you don’t work this case, then you have just done all of this work for nothing. That isn’t like you, Evan. You see things through.” She turns to leave, slamming the door behind her.