Blindfolded Innocence by Alessandra Torre Read Free Book Online Page B

looking into the car.

     
    "You listen to me, " I hissed, pulling out my finger and pointing it in De Luca's face.   "I am not one of your strippers you can order around! I am BUSY at work and-" My tirade and conviction was interrupted by De Luca's burst into laughter, him grabbing his side, his entire torso shaking.   My finger sagged a bit but remained pointed at him, and I fought the ridiculous urge to laugh myself.  

     
    "Strippers! Jeff - did you hear that?"   Jeff started to smile and I turned with a snap and shot him the stoniest glare I could.   His smile faded but stayed in his eyes.   They were laughing at me.   Dammit. I don't care if he is a partner in the law firm that my future is riding on, I-

     
    "I don't know what you've heard about me, but I take all the new interns out.   Ask Todd.   We went out as a group last week, but Broward had you stuck in preparation for that boring as hell mediation that he flopped at.   I've taken that Asian intern out three times for Christ's sake - what's his name - Anton Woo or Wu?   Something like that.   So, despite what you think of me, I am just trying to give you the same courtesy I give all of the interns - the pleasure of my company and infinite knowledge."   He raised both hands in a "trust me I'm innocent" gesture.   His cocky smile infuriated me but my balloon of propriety had deflated.

     
      I stared at him, thinking. My ego, brain, and mouth were all totally confused.   My headache screamed at me - making it even harder to reason.   My shoulders finally slumped.  

     
    "Okay." I said glumly, getting into the car.  

     
    Jeff closed the door once my legs were safely inside.   He hummed a little tune as he returned to his rightful place in the front seat.   I wanted to smack him.   I dreaded doing so, but turned and tried, rather unsuccessfully, to smile at De Luca and convince him to forget the little hissy fit that had just occurred.   He didn't bite.

     
    He relaxed in the car beside me - such a large man that he took up a seat and a half without really meaning to.   He looked at me with interest, studying me.   I tried to sit as close to the other door as possible without making it obvious.   I could feel myself begin have trouble breathing again.   Damn this man.   I couldn't think of anything to say, and the silence was starting to get uncomfortable, at least for me.   He didn't seem anything other than totally at ease.  

     
    "Are we going to Office Max?" I finally said.

     
    "No."

     
    "What about the… cable port thingy?"

     
    "We are going to Centaur.   For lunch."

     
    "Do you just take everything you want?"   As soon as the words popped out, I tried to take them back.   Firm partner, Julia.   Remember that for God's sake!

     
    He seemed amused by the question.   "Yes, normally.   I've found it is more fun to ask for forgiveness than permission.   Plus, I already asked, and you said no."

     
    Oh, okay.   So he's daft.   I nodded politely and tried to put a respectful look on my face.   I don't think I succeeded.

     
    "Do you like Centaur?"

     
    "I've never been.   It's a little out of my budget."

     
    "You'll like it.   You do eat meat?

     
    My dirty mind chuckled to itself, but I kept my tone mild.   "Yes, I eat meat."   Keep laughing De Luca.   I plan on putting a Porterhouse on this bill.  

     
    The town car pulled through big gates and freshly cut lawns up to a huge white southern-style farmhouse with deep porches and thick columns.   The entrance steps were flanked on either side by Centaur statues.   The well-manicured lawn, impressive structure, and white-gloved valets screamed "expensive."   An attendant sprang to action when the car stopped, and pulled open my door.   I accepted his outstretched hand, swung a leg out and stood up, squinting in the bright sun.   My headache was drumming its fingers on my cerebral cortex.  

     
    I walked around the car and met De Luca at the