Discarded Girlfriend, Claimed By His Cousin

act. A brief on a page, nothing more. My looks, which most men seemed to find striking, meant nothin

is steady, observant gaze moved over the documents I held, his hand occasionally brushing mine as we turned the pages. I tried to focus on his calm, measured breathing, on the scent of expensive ink and aged leather in his office. Whe

emanding. "I really, really need to use the restroom. Brendan, darling

und mine under the blanket. I instinctively tried to pull away, to create some distance. Bu

ut pulled into the next service area. "Alright, Kasey-

ome with me? I'm a little scared of those dreary highway restrooms

g mine. A flicker of something, guilt perhaps, crossed his face

w and calm, cut through the tension. "Alexia's asl

t. Graham's word was law in their family. He nodded, a gratefu

r instantly felt lighter, cleaner. The tension, howev

ear. "Alexia." My name on his lips was different,

, was exposed, linked with his. He looked at my forehead, a faint sheen of pe

picked up my water bottle, trying to tak

is voice still calm, but with an underlying current of authority. "Your nerves are still a little frayed fr

u sure you're such a brilliant lawyer, Graham?" The wor

row. "Why do you ask?" His

been following your advice, and I still feel... unwe

the tension returning?" Concern etch

and desperation. "Do I need a private consultation, Counselor

something he said. He leaned down, whispering in her ear, and she giggled, pressing her body closer to his. The perfe

t just at Brendan, at Kasey, but at myself. For enduring. For hoping. For

. "Check me then," I demanded, my v

one too far? But then his hand was on my neck, gripping the back of it, his thumb pressi

ld paper. "Alexia," he warned, his voice a low growl, "be careful wha

my voice shaking slightly, but my gaze unwavering. "Is tha

against mine. He didn't ask, he took. My glasses, which I hadn't even realize

my breath. I tasted him-a hint of coffee, a distinct,

stance, but he held me tighter, his other arm wrapping around my wai

he kiss, his tongue tangling with mine. My head spun, dizzy wit

es. I couldn't stand, couldn't push back. I wa

and numb, my tongue a foreign object in my mouth. My hands, without consciou

nfocused, met his. The corner of his mouth tilted up, a faint, almost imperceptible smirk.

his voice husky, "I'll make sure y