Reading Online Novel

Mercy(White Collared Part 1)(34)



Carrying her candle, she went to the kitchen and poured herself a tumbler of gin on ice, foregoing any mixer. Probably not wise to mix pills and alcohol, but since in one night she’d lost her best friend, boyfriend, and lover and had managed to ruin her career before it had even begun, she figured she deserved heavy sedation.

The cool liquid slid down her throat, erasing the taste of Jaxon, which lingered on her palate like the finest Belgian chocolate. With her glass in one hand and candle in the other, she flopped herself on the couch and took another sip, the gravity of tonight’s actions hitting her full force.

Sex with a client.

Was she obligated to tell Nick?

Although she technically hadn’t violated the rules of ethics, sleeping with Jaxon certainly wouldn’t gain her a spot as an associate. Her first big case and she’d already placed the firm at risk of a lawsuit. Nick couldn’t sweep this under the rug. Hadn’t he warned her he’d look out for himself first? If she told him the truth, he’d have to fire her, and once word got out why she was let go from her internship, no reputable firm would ever hire her.

Even worse, she’d disappoint him. He expected more from her. Pushed her to be the best. There was no losing in Nick Trenton’s world. No coming in second.

She covered her face with her hands. Jaxon wasn’t only his client. He was his best friend. What if the kiss with Nick could have led to something more after graduation? She’d ruined any chance of it.

In the morning, she’d have to come clean and beg for his forgiveness. Maybe he’d take her off the case but consider keeping her on as his intern. She gulped down the last shot of gin and rolled an ice cube in her mouth. If she were in Nick’s position, she’d fire her ass.

It was hopeless.

Spinning, she rested her head on the back of the couch and shut her eyes. Her arms felt as though she’d attached fifty-pound weights to them, and her breathing slowed.

Just as she slipped into unconsciousness, the trill of her phone jarred her awake. She gritted her teeth.

What would it take for Hannah to get the message?

She lifted her phone, but her fingers barely worked, making it difficult to press the green button. After several tries, she managed to connect with it. "Hannah, I mean it, don’t call me—”

“Jaxon Deveroux is dangerous. You need to drop his case.”

Despite the alcohol and pills suppressing her adrenaline, she jolted awake. “Who is this?”

“I can’t tell you.”

The caller’s voice was computerized, making it impossible to identify its owner. She sat up and tried to gather her wits. Who knew her cell number? “I don’t know who you think you are, but you can’t accuse him of being dangerous without proof.”

“You don’t want proof. You want to believe he’s innocent. Tell me, Katerina, did you fuck him yet?”

Bile burned her throat. Other than those she’d left behind in the Upper Peninsula, no one knew her as Katerina.

No one except Jaxon.

She coughed back her fear. “Excuse me?”

“That’s what he does. He’ll protect you. Convince you he’ll keep you safe. Make you think you’re the center of his universe and that the sun rises and sets in your cunt. But he’s a sociopath. A sadist. You should know Alyssa wasn’t his first.”

“His first what? His first wife? Submissive?”

“His first kill. You understand what it’s like to take a life, don’t you, Katerina Martini? The rush. The power.”

It was as if carbon monoxide replaced all the oxygen in her lungs. A stabbing pain unfurled in her chest, and she gasped for air. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. My name is Kate Martin.”

The caller laughed. “Fine, Kate. We’ll play it your way for now. It’s up to you whether you choose to listen to me or not. Maybe you want to die. Maybe you think you deserve it.”

A knock pounded through the door of the temporary holding cell, and a pretty female officer entered. “Katie, your mom is here.”

What had taken so long? They’d locked her in here hours ago with nothing but a cup of water and some crackers. Her father’s blood had dried on her clothes, and she had to pee. No way could she use the disgusting aluminum toilet in the corner.

She followed the cop upstairs to the lobby. As soon as she saw her mama, she started to cry and rushed toward her. Her head whipped back as Mama slapped her cheek.

“I never wanted a child, but I did it for him. You were a mistake. It should’ve been you who died in the woods.”

She shook away the memory. “Don’t call me again or I’ll contact the police.”