The Law is Hard

Chapter 8

Alec's POV

I know my face is bright red as I hang up the phone with Magnus and look up at my boss. I just hope she thinks its because I'm nervous to talk to her, not because I have a crush on one of my clients.

"Hi, Miss Gray, sor-"

"Just Tessa is fine, Alec. " She interrupts with a soft smile. "Will you come up to my office for a few moments before your appointment?"

I nod, "Of course."

We walk silently up the hallway and under the elevator. Although I'm physically much larger, her confidence and composure seems to take up the whole elevator. We step out a few floors up and walk into her large office with floor-to-ceiling windows.

She walks in and stands at the window, looking quietly out at the city.

I stand awkwardly at the doorway with my hands clutched behind my back to stop myself from fidgeting with my collared shirt or blazer.

She turns around with the same soft smile, "I wish you would not be so nervous, you make me feel overbearing."

"I-I-I'm sorry, " I stutter out.

"Oh dear." She sighs.

I am really screwing this up and I haven't done anything but exist.

"I brought you up to my office to talk about your progress at the firm."

She moves and sits in one of the armchairs in another space of the room.

The office is so large it has its own sitting area in addition to the massive mahogany desk.

"Okay," I manage.

She gestures to the armchair across from her and continues as I sit down.

"Firstly, I want to ask why you did not tell me you were representing Magnus Bane?"

I feel the blood drain from my face. My heart feels like its struggling to pump my frozen blood through my veins.

Oh my gosh, I'm going to be fired for being gay...And I can't even sue them or take them to court for it because I know how good these lawyers are.

Before I can even muster a response, she says, "I mean, I'm surprised he doesn't have his own legal team. But this would be great publicity for the firm if you could talk to the media and field questions. Also, because of the high profile of this case, I'm recommending that one of our more senior staff take the lead on it and you can provide ancillary support."

My heart drops.

I think about no longer having an excuse to see Magnus, his golden eyes, caramel skin, glittery hair, his charming smile, wild jokes and infectious laughter...I feel a surge of protectionism and confidence--the kind I normally only feel in court when representing a client.

"With all due respect, Miss Gray," her mouth opens but I continue, "I really think I am the best person for this case. I was there when Mr. Bane was attacked and I have already begun processing all the paperwork to hire a PI as well as fill a restraining order. I also am meeting with him today to go over all the details and discuss any other necessary actions, " I say firmly. "Besides, Mr. Bane is already comfortable with me and its seem unprofessional to abruptly switch lawyers now. If you worry about my competence in this case, you shouldn't. If there's one thing that I'm sure of, it's that I'm a damn good lawyer."

I finish my speech and feel my mouth set into a hard line. Despite having numerous insecurities in my life, I am certain that when given a job or task, I will complete with my utmost best efforts. That being said, alarm bells are going off in my head as I worry I went too far. I worry that she knows how I truly feel about "Mr. Bane". I worry that she is homophobic. I worry she is like my parents.