The Adam Walton Effect

21. Sounds Sexual

Bella Reynolds

Two days. Two fucking days since I had the most difficult conversation of my life with Devil Walton. Can't he just stay in his lane? Two days since the flowers from him stopped coming. It must be his way of telling me he is upset. Who cares. Seems like you do. Shut up. I don't. The flowers mean shit to me.

Yes, it was nice for a while to know that someone thought of me every day and it felt special, but nothing lasts forever. I know Adam sent me flowers to annoy me, but a tiny part of my heart, a teeny tiny part wanted it to be for some other reason. Maybe because he didn't hate me as much as he showed he did.

My thoughts about Adam being a softie for me are interrupted by the loud vibration of my phone. As expected, it was a group call from my annoying cousin Amy and my loud friend Aaron. But a small part of me wanted it to be someone else. A certain green-eyed criminal defense lawyer turned prosecutor. No, Bella. You can't soften your heart for a Devil like him. I answer the call with disappointment written all over my face.

Before I can say anything, Amy starts in her high-pitched voice. "Why the hell didn't you tell me that smooth-ass Walton punched asshole Morgan in the face? God, why wasn't I there to witness it?"

Of course, Aaron can't keep anything in his damn belly and has to spill the beans all the fucking time. There I was trying hard not to think about Adam, and turns out this call was based on his best performance. How ironic.

"Your brother-in-law punching my husband didn't feel like a proud moment for me to announce. Plus, it wasn't that special." I reply softly.

"Shut up, Bells. We need details."

"What details, Amy?"

"What is going on between you and smooth-ass?" She sounds suspicious.

"I have said it a thousand times before. Nothing at all." I defend myself.

"Bullshit. He's not a violent man." Aaron breaks his silence. He's not wrong though. Did he by any chance punch him for me? No. Don't think about him. That's what he wants. For you to keep him in your thoughts.

"Close this topic guys. Aaron, you are thirty minutes late. Come to work." I say sharply.

"On my way, boss."

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"Do you think we can win the case?"

"You have any doubts, Rendell?" I give him a foreign look. He's been sitting here for the past forty minutes, and all he's asked me are absolutely stupid questions.

"No. I know that you are one of the best defense attorneys out there, but-

"But what?"

"We have to consider who we are up against. It's-

"I know who we are up against." I don't let him finish Adam's name, because all I keep thinking about is why hasn't he been sending me flowers. He's literally dominating my mind. I won't let him. "Adam's not God. He isn't perfect. He can make mistakes, you know." I add.

"Has he ever?" Rendell raises his brow.

Although I am mad at Rendell for giving me a scar on the forehead, I am furious at myself for letting Adam see it. He must be thinking I am some weakass wife who gets beaten up every chance her husband finds. He must be thinking I am helpless. Urgh. I hate Rendell for ruining my image in front of Adam.

"No, but there's always a first time for everything," I reply.

"Bella?"

"Yes, Rendell?"