Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4

A leksander

What the fuck?

I'd made some stupid mistakes in my time, but to not only accuse my new employee of breaking into the office, but spank her for the infraction?

Fuck.

I was an attorney. I should know better than to lay a single finger on a woman unless we were under the sheets. Hell, that hadn't happened in so long maybe I'd forgotten, but working with her was a lawsuit ready to happen.

Raphaella.

Her name, light olive skin, and huge blue eyes all kept my attention.

Beautiful yet demure.

I doubted my new assistant had any idea how attractive she was. Yet in an unassuming way. A spark had been created between us immediately, but that didn't bode well for the company rules or making her any more comfortable. She should be considered forbidden fruit for a half dozen reasons. One included the simple fact she was my intern. She was also likely taken. Right? Great. Maybe her boyfriend would attack me in the parking garage.

The night had been grueling, but the deposition work was completed. The new trial started the next day and by God, I wasn't going to allow it to take long. My opponent was known for grandstanding, doing his best to use time to his benefit.

I knew every opposing attorney's tactics. I had made it my business to learn every nuance, every poker face and weakness. That had allowed me to crush them in the courtroom every time.

The thought usually offered a smile, but the world was full of pompous attorneys.

Raphaella sucked in her breath as we strode in through the entrance. I continued to be surprised she'd agreed and that she was acting as if the morning hadn't occurred. Well, if that's the way she wanted to play it at this point, it was fine by me. However, the air would need to be cleared at some point. She'd said very few words during the ride over. Even when I'd asked a few personal questions, she'd provided one- or two-word answers.

My new employee was completely hesitant, which I couldn't blame her for. Whether or not she'd learned of my reputation remained to be seen. I didn't hide my client list, Vadim's corporation billed by the law firm given the monthly retainer. That also wasn't anything new. However, questioning why my partner and I had a few corporate clients on our list had often presented itself.

We were the best criminal defense attorneys in the business, most of our clients needing us on a one, maybe two-time basis. Any more than that and we hadn't done our jobs. Some of our clients were considered notorious, much like the Bratva, but many were white-collar criminals or those falsely accused of a crime they didn't commit.

However, my guess was that Raphaella was very perceptive and had done her homework, which had prompted her eyes growing as large as saucers when I'd made the suggestion of getting to know each other outside of work.

It wasn't an unusual action, but I'd been through so many assistants lately, the revolving door had forced me to become wary of the activity. Something about this young woman had pushed me to do so.

She was so nervous around me, skittish to the point of having difficulty talking. I didn't need her to be like some wide-eyed deer when handling our significant workload.

She'd remained quiet as I'd driven to one of my favorite spots, the stunning location perfect for observing and being seen. I wasn't typically into trendy places but at times, making a splash wasn't a bad idea. This go-around, it would allow me to keep a close eye on any Cosa Nostra members.

I'd found information on several of Bernardi's men, more than a handful with records. I'd memorized their faces to ensure there wouldn't be a surprise attack in or outside my office building. I noticed several people who knew me, including a prosecutor I'd sparred with years before. He'd been assigned the upcoming case as well, which didn't bode well for accidentally meeting here. However, the man was very much like me, pushing every envelope. As he sauntered closer, his grin widening, he almost immediately shifted his full attention to my companion.

I couldn't help but notice she'd stiffened even more than before.

"The illustrious Aleksander Semenov. Are you ready for another big day in court?" Jacob O'Hare had an uncle reported to be in the Irish mob. It seemed everywhere you looked, there were second- or third-generation descendants from one crime syndicate or another, all determined to make names for themselves.

As he threw out his hand, I lifted my eyebrows. "I'm always prepared; my clients depend on me." I accepted his handshake but could easily tell he was fishing for information.

"Yes, well, so am I. I predict we'll be in and out in just a few days."

"From your mouth to God's ears." At least I could laugh. Although I found it highly unusual when his heated gaze toward Raphaella pissed me off. Since when had jealousy been a part of my world? His gloating seemed forced, like there was something he was hiding. Was there something I hadn't heard about yet, maybe a new witness?

The worst part was I had no clue who it could be. I had additional homework set up for me. Or I could task my beautiful new assistant, testing her research skills.

"Jacob O'Hare," I said quietly, "my new assistant Raphaella."

"Hello, new assistant," he said, more amused than anything when she stuck out her hand.

"Mr. O'Hare," she countered. "As a prosecutor for the city, you have an excellent reputation, even if you are a bit of a maverick."

She'd obviously already done some of her own research, which was another positive tick in her direction.

"I think she's a keeper, Aleks," he said with a grin on his face. "Beautiful and brainy. I do suggest you keep a close eye on this man. From what I've heard, he starts his day eating a side of rare beef to get into the mood for a kill. Plus, he's gone through at least twenty assistants."

Raphaella rolled her eyes from his ridiculous comments. "I assure you I can handle my own with any man, yourself included. I have my way of exploiting a man's greatest weakness and using it against them like a black widow would do."

It would seem the woman had a backbone and I was more than just pleased.

My cock was twitching all over again.

"Another warning," Jacob offered. "Careful. I might steal her."

"Over my dead body."

He laughed and waved us off, winking at Raphaella before doing so.

"What a smarmy dude," she said.

I could swear she mumbled so was I.

"Smarmy. Someone needs to explain the terminology to me."

She all but exhaled as if disgusted as I continued walking her toward my favorite bar top table, the location with a perfect view of one of the busiest streets in Manhattan. "It means a jerk to the fullest extent, so much so you feel the need to take a shower afterwards."

"Ah, then you've pegged him correctly." As we sat down, I noticed my share of people staring at us. That didn't mean anything necessarily, especially since there'd been no reports on the incident from the night before. That didn't mean there wasn't buzz in the street, Bernardi putting his men on watch. "What would you like?"

"Cabernet." The blush on her face was quite endearing, but I did my best to ignore what she was doing as well as her appearance. Although she was entirely too buttoned up, the suit was lovely on her but way too conservative. I was also surprised when she didn't take off her jacket.

"Cabernet it is." I didn't need to bother flagging down a waiter; one appeared seconds later.

"Mr. Semenov. Good to see you again. What would you like?"

"Whiskey, neat and a glass of the finest cabernet you serve." I scanned the room before leveling my eyes on her once again. I couldn't tell if she was annoyed, amused, or surprised. Of all the assistants I'd gone through, none had intrigued me this much. She had a backstory. I could feel it.

"Yes, sir."

"Do you do that everywhere you go?" she asked.

"Do what?"

"Compel people to do your biddings?"

A little more of a brazen attitude. Yes, she definitely had potential. "I've been blessed in my work and life, Raphaella. That's allowed me to command attention and the ability to snap my fingers if necessary."

She lifted a single eyebrow, the arch highlighting her face even more. "I'll keep that in mind. Although you should know, I'm rarely impressed."

How could she have me laughing so many times when she said very little? "Touché. Now, I am curious. Is this nothing more than a steppingstone to becoming an attorney?"

She took a few seconds before answering. "Well, I'd prefer to be a famous sculptor, known all over the world but I don't see that happening. So, yes."

"Wow. Two entirely different worlds."

"Not necessarily. They both need absolute creativity."

"True enough. A sculptor. Impressive."

"I always loved the idea, the finesse needed, the quiet peace I was able to achieve. I don't have enough time now, but it will always be my first love."

The drinks arrived and I could tell she was very much aware we were being watched. People unused to the limelight were usually put off by the instant notoriety. "And the law?"

While her eyes had lit up from talking about her form of art, the look in them now was entirely different. "I believe in justice. Right and wrong. I also don't like bullies, predators, or when innocent victims are abused in any way."

"I can't tell if your dream is as a defense attorney or a prosecutor."

"There are reasons for both, Mr.… I mean Aleksander." Another flush swept up from her neck, but it was obvious she hated me. She had a flawless complexion and extremely long eyelashes. What little makeup she allowed herself to wear included mascara, which highlighted her eyes even more. She was more complex, multi-layered than I'd expected. However, it remained to be seen whether she had enough of a backbone to do this work. And I would test her.

That was part of my tutelage. And it was what had driven my other assistants away.

"True. I suspect you'll learn in this job which you're better suited for."

"Aleksander," a voice came from behind me, a hard clap on my back next. "Good to see you out and about."

I stood, not necessarily out of respect either. I enjoyed lording my size over men who believed they held more power, which in fact they didn't. "Senator Young. I understand you've recently rebuffed some controversy. The labor union, I believe?" He'd held his position in the union over Vadim's head, even though it was supposed to be a secret. There was many a man doing double dipping, claiming loyalty to one organization when holding court for another. This politician was no different.

He seemed almost miffed but shook my hand. "Yes, well, you know how the press can be. Vultures."

"That I do. Good to see you again." I had no intention of giving him but so much of my time. He was a backstabbing jerk who would do anything to find evidence of corruption within the Bratva. It was never going to happen.

"You're a popular man," she said in a slightly lower voice than before.

"I wouldn't call it popular. Most people are just fearful of me."

"Why? You don't seem scary to me."

It was as if she had no idea about the second life I lived. Well, perhaps given her age and obviously being from a more protective environment she didn't. "Because my tactics are ruthless and what some would call unscrupulous."

For some beautiful reason, that brought a smile to her face. "Are you ready for tomorrow?"

"I have a bad feeling a witness is going to pop up out of nowhere. I don't like surprises, Raphaella. That is something you should know about me."

"No one does. I'm curious. I looked over the case file. I hope you don't mind. I just wanted to get a feel for the cases you were working on."

It was my turn to smile. No wonder she'd been at the office early. "Not at all. You have full access to all my files." What few knew, including my partner, was that I had two computers at home, one for doing work from the office and a second for my work as the Councilor of the Bratva.

"You do know there's another credible witness recently discovered by the police. Right?"

"How could you possibly know that?"

She shrugged, another gleam in her eyes. "I have my sources too. I emailed you the information thinking you might need it."

"You just might be a godsend. Now, no more business for tonight." To say I was shocked was an understatement. However, I had a distinct feeling I'd need to find out if Jacob was aware. My guess was that he was. Anything to win against me. The man would need a hard lesson. "Tell me more about yourself."

"There's not much to tell. I live with two roommates, all three of us just trying to make ends meet. I adore the city but often wonder if the crime isn't becoming too out of hand. I know it well, adore the foods and cultural events. But one day I hope to own a big house on a beach somewhere."

"Sounds lovely."

"And not the Hamptons. I hate entitled people."

"Then we have something in common."

During the course of the next thirty minutes, while she certainly managed to keep much of her personal life to herself, I found out enough I was even more intrigued. However, I would keep her at arm's length as I sensed she would become a valuable tool in my work.

"What are your interests outside of beating every one of your opponents?" Her question was laced with a laugh.

"I do enjoy that very much, but I love to hike, box, and spend time with good friends."

She seemed surprised once again. "You don't seem like a hiker."

"We all carry around surprises we prefer to keep private. Your sculpting provides you with a sense of peace. For me, it's getting out in the middle of Mother Nature, enjoying sunlight and a more rugged aspect of life than living in posh surroundings."

"Where do you hike in New York?"

"That's just it. I do go to the Catskill Mountains but prefer the Adirondacks. The rocks are more jagged, rough enough that I can get my hands dirty."

Other than my family and Vadim, no one knew what I considered my hobby. Hiking not only relieved stress but also anger from whatever case or asshole tumbled into my life.

"It sounds wonderful."

Another group of corporate moguls was celebrating something, their voices getting louder. As soon as they turned their attention in my direction, I sensed Raphaella was becoming more and more uncomfortable. Not everyone was used to the notorious level of light I'd brought onto myself over the years.

"Why don't we go for tonight?" I pulled out a hundred-dollar bill, tossing it on the table. It was something else that seemed to surprise her. "I'll take you home."

"No. I can take the subway. I like riding the subway."

I shook my head. "That's not going to happen this evening."

"Seriously, no need." She threw out her hand as if that was going to stop me.

"If you're worried I'll discover where you live, all I need to do is look in your file."

I wasn't entirely certain that gave her comfort or more angst, but she finally nodded in agreement.

"Welcome to Whitfield and Semenov, Raphaella. I hope you'll find what you're looking for in my employ. And keep in mind, I do bite but only with assholes who cross me." I winked as I started to stand. "Oh, and about this morning."

"Do not mention this morning. No man treats me that way and gets away with it."

I felt a lawsuit coming on.

Now her lovely face was devoid of color.

It made me wonder what the beautiful girl was hiding.