Kaylee's POV:

I woke up very early this morning, just like every other day.
The early bird gets the worm.

"Yeah, right." I smirked

If you want to become a partner in the law firm, you must get up so freakin' early. Picture this as- my soul is still asleep, but my body is ready to run a marathon. I got up before the first rays of the sun and after the ritual in the bathroom, I headed to the kitchen.

With automatic movements of my hand, I prepared a magic potion and opened the balcony door. I was applauded by the sound of busy cars and people already rushing to their jobs.

It seems that this city really never sleeps.

"Or it doesn't go to sleep at all"

I thought, as the smell of coffee wafted through the apartment and swirled with the sounds coming from the busy streets of the city.

An icy breeze played its dirty dance around my legs and climbed towards my shoulders and neck. This caused goosebumps to appear all over my body and one sip of coffee warmed my chilled body again.

I opened the door of my closet and already knew what was appropriate to wear for a meeting of an important nature.

This time it will be beige dress,with sophisticated lines, a little above the knees that has a gold narrow plate on the neckline that connects the two ends. Over the dress I will wear a blazer without buttons, which is part of the costume. Golden checkered earrings, minimalist and elegant and dark yellow stillettos.

I blow dried my long brown hair, and put enough makeup on my face to cover all the overtime hours I spend in the office. That will do the trick. I burst my favorite perfume couple of times, "J 'adore", and I was ready for a new work day.

"Damn girl, you are smokin'."

I laughed childishly. I've always done that. The girl has to raise her self-confidence. I always liked to lead monologues with myself, out loud. The power of man must come directly from his center. Self-confidence must have its roots in the image we give ourselves. I was ready, I took the keys, locked the door and left the apartment with the following thoughts

"I survived because the fire inside me burned brighter than the fire around me"

I sat in my gray Toyota C-HR, and in the blink of an eye, I was already on the too crowded streets of New York.

I parked the car in the company's private garage, and after a few dozen steps I found myself facing a building with "Johnson" written in capital letters.

"And Walker. Soon, very soon. " I thought, as a dark look changed on my face.

The elevator took me with its astronomical speed to the floor where my office was located.

"Good morning Harper" I greeted the receptionist.

"Good morning, Miss Walker, you are on fire today," she said with a smile.

"It seems to me that today, unfortunately, I will only put out some fires"

I commented, primarily referring to the extensive work that lies ahead and the problems it encompasses. As well as stubborn middle-aged directors who will surely make it difficult to complete this job quickly.

I settled in my office, which I personally arranged. Wenge wood color furniture combined with green and white. A large table with a pile of papers neatly stacked. Two comfortable chairs of industrial design in front of my desk and walls covered with shelves that had some books and folders. Behind my back, as if painted, stood a beautiful view of the city and all the beauty it possesses.

I took the necessary documents and headed to Mr. Johnson's office.

"Good morning Colt. I brought standard forms as well as those customized for "Carter". I personally went through every item and as for the dismissal of the two directors - there is nothing to say, they can't find any loopholes in the law. I personally took care of it. Each paragraph is supported by the letter of the law. "

I said, leaving the leather folder on the table in front of my boss.

"I didn't expect less from you," he said with, as far as I can tell, a forced smile.

That mimicry of his face suddenly awakened some strange feeling in me. I felt like this sentence will be followed by some others that I won't like so much.

"Sit down, make yourself comfortable. You know Kaylee ... "

He said opening the drawer and taking out his cigarettes. He lit his silver lighter and continued talking, throwing himself deep into his leather and massive armchair.

"I don't think there has been a person like you in the legal circles I've mingled for a long time. Young, ambitious,extraordinary smart, incredibly hardworking and so open minded "

Is that so? I thought, and I have already seen some hidden intention behind the words.

"Your potential has no limits. But unfortunately, what has limits is the progress path you can take. "

I understand, he is giving me hot shower- cold shower.

"The only thing that separates you now from becoming the youngest partner in the history of the city Of New York, is this job. If all goes well, I believe that history will write new pages in your favor. "

"Colt, I understand how important this business is and how much profit it brings to the company. Personally, I made sure that everything will be okay, don't worry. "

I said, tilting my head to the right, squinting my eyes and giving him a look." Tell me what's going on. "

"You know I see you as a family, that's why I trust you. I believe that what I will tell you will not leave these four walls. "

Come on Colt, we're not going to play hide and seek, like kids. I think to myself.

"The thing is", he breathed deeply,
"Carter" is a link that connects the business that is done between the underworld and legal businesses across the country. Our obligation at this meeting is to incorporate these "under the table" deals into legitimate streams and support this with the necessary regulations."

I smiled rudely and surprised. I got up from my chair and said coldly

"What amazes me, Colt, is the fact that you know how hard I worked to get away from that way of life. And now you force me to do something on the threat of my career. It seems that what I was running away from is what I need to rush in right now. Is that right?"

I straightened up and crossed my arms over my chest. My calmness amazed me so much that I feel that it will reach me at some point, and then I will burst like a balloon full of confetti.

"What you don't understand, Kay, is the fact that this job MUST be done. It's not up to me, it's not up to you. They have the support of the ruling authorities, who are interested in this. This matter is above me, you, the company and the individual in general. The state and the mafia, I will not say anything else "

The truth is, I knew how these things worked. I will thank my family for that. I know this thing has to be resolved one way or another. But do I want to be the one to "solve" it?

My sharp mind was already telling me in the background that as soon as Colt told me everything, it wasn't that I had a choice. They chose me as a legal mediator, with intent. Because with them, nothing is accidental and left to chance.

So the truth is, I thought to myself- what we run away from catches us at some point.

"Tell me everything I need to know," I told Colt, and a visible relief appeared on his face.

After an hour, I went out of his office.

"Harper, is everything ready in the conference room?"

"Everything is ready, Miss Walker. We also provided the additional conditions that Mr. Johnson requested. I will be at your service for everything you need and no one but me will go inside. "

Harper said a little darkly and at the same time amused. I winked at her and headed for the boardroom.

The large oval table was empty. In front of each chair were just a folder, a glass, and a bottle of water. I left my things in the place reserved for me, and I grew uncomfortable. I don't remember when I felt this way. But I am strong and what does not kill me will only strengthen me.

I walked over to the coffee machine and my back was facing the door, when I heard footsteps, a horde of footsteps. I turned slowly and was greeted by a horde of people in suits with black briefcases. I glanced over at the group of people, leaning against the coffee table, both hands clinging to the wood.

And then I saw him.

"Fuck" is all I could slowly mumble to myself.

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I started a new book
"Absolutely his".
Please check it out, I think it is waaay better than this one 😍