3. Claire Benson

CHAPTER 3

CLAIRE BENSON

LONDON – EARLY JUNE, ALMOST A YEAR LATER – ON A WINNING STREAK

H igh heels clicking on the tarmac, I rushed from the office, running late as usual, and headed towards my car. Unlike most of my colleagues, who were forced to park in the nearby multi-storey, I had scored a coveted spot in the building’s car park—an unexpected perk granted after my recent string of successes.

Winning a couple of high-profile cases had made me one of the most talked-about defence lawyers in London. The partners at Turner and Hanson, eager to keep me on their team, had offered me a parking space and a pay rise to ensure my loyalty. For now, my commitment was firmly with them.

As a defence lawyer, my role was to uphold the integrity of the legal system, ensuring that every case was handled lawfully and fairly. I firmly believed that the court’s purpose was to seek justice, not merely to secure convictions. Every time I stepped into the courtroom, I felt the weight of that responsibility. For me, winning a case meant more than just securing my client’s freedom; it was about affirming the principles of justice and due process.

Sure, there were times when the outcome felt unjust. Clients were acquitted not because they were innocent, but due to flaws in the prosecution’s case or missteps in the investigation. That was the nature of the system, and while it made my job complex, I remained committed to the idea that everyone deserved a fair trial. It was my duty to ensure the law was followed. If that meant defending someone who had committed a crime, then so be it. I focused on the bigger picture; protecting the rights of the accused and maintaining the rule of law, even when the choices felt morally ambiguous.

Each case was a reminder that justice wasn’t always black and white. Navigating the murky waters of criminal defence wasn’t easy, but I hoped my principles would guide me, no matter how challenging the path became.

With the highest success rate in the firm, I felt the prospect of partnership inching closer. My current leverage was solid, but I had to keep the momentum going and maintain my streak.

I threw my wig and gown onto the passenger seat with my briefcase and jumped in. Tonight was Marcie’s twenty-ninth birthday party, and I had just over an hour to get home, get ready, and make it back into the City.

It was going to be tight. Really tight. But if I ordered an Uber as soon as I got home, I might just pull it off. It would cost a small fortune getting there and back, but Marcie was worth it.

Friday night traffic was lighter than expected, and for once, things seemed to be going my way. I made it home in less than an hour—fantastic!

I quickly called the Uber and jumped into the shower. Luckily, I’d washed my hair that morning, which shaved off some time. By the time the car arrived, I was dressed, makeup done, hair styled, and ready to go.

Grabbing my bag and Marcie’s gift, I dashed out the door, slipping into the back seat of the waiting car. As we cruised through the streets, I leaned back, already anticipating the night ahead.

The party was being held in the VIP section of Glitz , one of the Rominovs’ clubs. Of course, that meant Luca Orlov would be there. He was their head of entertainment, after all.

My heart thudded at the idea of seeing him again even while I desperately tried not to feel excited about that. And my lady parts certainly hadn’t got the memo. I shifted in my seat, trying not to squirm in embarrassment at the wetness that was now coating my knickers at the very thought of him. Bloody hell, I needed to get a grip.

It had been almost a year since I first met Luca at Platinum . Marcie had been planning their New Year’s Eve event, and I’d tagged along for the fun of it, never imagining I would meet the person who could have easily been the man of my dreams, except for one undeniable problem—he was a criminal. The type of man I had vowed never to get involved with.

Of course, that hadn’t stopped me succumbing to his charms and indulging in a heart stopping kiss with him. I blamed the cocktails for that lapse in judgment. That was the same excuse I had at Gracie’s wedding in December. And again, on New Year’s Eve. It was becoming a habit—a very bad one.

I’d rejected Luca because I refused to get personally involved with a criminal, no matter how drawn I was to him. It was na?ve, really, considering my cousin Gracie had married one—Ash Rominov, no less—and was now expecting their first child. Like it or not, I was tied to the Rominovs. And Luca wasn’t just an employee; he was part of their Brotherhood. He’d also openly admitted to having the reputation of being a ladies’ man, which only made him more off-limits to me.

It didn’t matter that I was connected to the Rominov family now, or how incredible a kisser Luca was, I couldn’t let myself cross that line. Luca needed to stay firmly in the friend zone. So why did my treacherous heart clench at the thought?

I shook my head and let out a quiet, exasperated sigh. What was wrong with me? How did he keep getting under my skin?

When we had first kissed, I had been determined it would never happen again. Yet, twice since, I had allowed Luca to worm his way under my defences. Each time, the chemistry between us only grew hotter, and the last time—New Year’s Eve—it had happened in full view of all of our family and friends. The moment I realised what we’d done, I’d practically died on the spot, and in my panic I had pushed him away far more harshly than I intended.

But the guy hadn’t given up, despite the teasing he’d endured from everyone. For months, he always seemed to turn up wherever I went. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear someone—maybe Gracie or Marcie—was feeding him intel on my whereabouts.

Then, just like that, it stopped. He had gone silent on me. Gracie had mentioned he was away on business, but that had been weeks ago. I kept telling myself a relationship with him was off the table, yet I couldn’t shake the truth: I missed him. His absence was a stark reminder of how much he had crept into my life and thoughts, and how much I’d secretly enjoyed having him around.

The flowers he’d sent yesterday—my first sign of him in weeks—sat in a vase beside my bed at home, their vibrant colours a striking contrast to my swirling thoughts. A surge of excitement had coursed through me at their unexpected arrival, a lifeline after weeks of silence. Even now, their presence in my home warmed my heart, and I hated that it did.

I sighed, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. Gracie had managed to overcome the Bratva issue, and seeing her so happy with Ash made me wonder: if I weren’t so focused on my career, could I do the same? But I guess that was a moot point.

A romantic relationship with a man like Luca could ruin my reputation, but more than that, I feared it would shake the very foundation of my moral fibre. There was no escaping it. I needed to push my attraction for him aside and make it clear that nothing could happen between us before he pursued me in earnest again.

How I was going to do that, I didn’t know.

Maybe I should take up Damien Turner’s offer for dinner? Soon to become the youngest partner at the firm, and only a few years older than me, he was quite attractive, but mixing business with pleasure was always a dangerous game.

Or perhaps I should seek a distraction tonight? Dating someone else would surely send Luca the message that we weren’t meant to be. But as much as it might solve my problem, the very idea filled me with dread. I hadn’t been interested in another man since I met Luca. He was just so hot, and that kiss had left an everlasting impression. Damn, I had it bad!

My heart pounded, my core clenching as I remembered his lips and hands on me. God, it was going to be hard seeing him again and not giving in. I had to keep my distance. Because once he got too close, my resistance would crumble, and I’d be putty in his hands.

I shook my head in frustration. Clearly, finding someone else to take my mind off Luca wasn’t the solution. I needed to find another way to exorcise the maddening man from my thoughts. As for tonight, I would keep my distance. There was nothing else for it.

Closing my eyes, I took a steadying breath before stepping into the club, determined to make it through the night without breaking my vow.

Surely, I could manage that?