Forbidden

  Forbidden

  Hadley Raydeen

  Copyright © 2018 by Hadley Raydeen

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  About the Author

  Excerpt

  Author Hadley Raydeen Appreciates you

  Also by Hadley Raydeen

  Prologue

  Reid

  “The law firm is going to shit in a handbasket. I want to know who is responsible!” Joe slammed his beer on the bar top and turned to me.

  “Easy with that beer there, killer; and, isn’t it going to hell in a handbasket? How does one go to shit in a handbasket?” I chuckled.

  Joe ignored my joke and kept talking. “I need you to come back as a consultant, Reid. I want you to figure out what the hell she is doing. This is Arlene; I know it is. I will not flush everything I have worked for down the toilet because of her ridiculous jealousy or whatever this is! She is not getting my law firm!”

  He slid the file on the bar top in front of me. I took a sip of my own beer and eyed the manila folder. “What’s this?” I asked, flipping it open and eyeing the contents within.

  “It’s the merger she is working on. Or, I should say she is having her paralegal work on. You know she isn’t doing any of the grunt work herself. She’ll pass off Addison’s work as her own. We both know that.”

  I looked up at him at the mention of her name. Not my ex, that lying bitch, wasn’t even worth this conversation. I didn’t know why he didn’t just fire her and be done with it. But, Addison… It was the same girl from my class.

  I teach Employment Law at a prestigious law school in New York City. Most of my students are working in some capacity in law firms throughout the city. I knew Addison Mitchell was a paralegal at Eisen, Gold and Blume. Joe Eisen’s firm was one of the largest. He was not only named partner, he was also one of my best friends.

  “Addison?” I asked, trying to say her name with nonchalance. Joe didn’t know she was my best student. She was sharp as a whip and thoughtful in her approach to law. She also happened to be what kept me awake at night, hard as a rock. That body. That face. Christ, I was getting hard now just thinking about her. I had no business thinking about a student like that. She was ten years my junior for God’s sake.

  On paper, she should be completely off limits. I shook the thought from my brain. She’d be graduating soon, and I wouldn’t have to see her in class anymore. She’d be one hell of a lawyer, of that I was certain.

  Joe lifted the beer to his lips taking a long swig and signaled the barkeep for another. He pointed at me, and I nodded for another long neck as well.

  “Yea, Addison Mitchell. She is our senior paralegal. Real nice girl. Easy to look at.”

  My gut twisted with jealousy at the thought of Joe looking at Addison, which was stupid because I had no claim on her. It wasn’t like she was my girl. She was off limits anyway for more reasons than just the age difference and the student-teacher relationship. She worked for Arlene and that could be freaking sticky if we were ever found out. I wasn’t going there. No, Addison Mitchell was hands off. My ears perked up when Joe continued talking about her.

  “I would hate to think she is involved in any illegal activity—”

  “Wait, what?” I asked, grabbing my new beer. “What illegal activity?”

  “Man, have you been listening to me at all?” Joe glared at me.

  I didn’t want to admit I’d heard only half of what he said as my mind kept wandering to my student’s smooth, mocha-colored skin and that killer body.

  “You think Addison is involved in illegal activity. I know I heard that much,” I answered.

  Joe sighed. “She works closely with Arlene. She does all the paperwork. She has to be helping Arlene skim money off the top.”

  I nearly choked on my beer. “She’s doing what?”

  “Dammit, Reid. I need you to keep up with me here. Arlene is stealing money from this client. I don’t know how the fuck she is doing it, but I need it to stop before the client notices the money is missing and thinks the firm is behind it when it’s just that conniving bitch. Someone is helping her with this. She isn’t smart enough to do it on her own but that paralegal is.”

  “Addison wouldn’t do that.” I stuck up for her even though I wasn’t sure what she would do. She was definitely smart enough to sweep assets under the rug without being detected, but would she?

  “How the hell do you know what she would do? You sleeping with her, too?” Joe laughed, but my face remained stoic. “Jesus Christ, Reid. Please tell me you aren’t banging her, too.” Joe rolled his eyes and wiped a hand down his face.

  “I’m not banging anyone, Joe. And, it’s none of your business if I were.” I shot back.

  “Like hell it’s not. She’s one of my employees.” Joe raised his voice.

  I scoffed and sipped my beer. “You don’t know who half those people are in that firm empire you built over there. You barely know those who report directly to you. Not the whole damn org chart. The only reason she is even on your radar is because Arlene is fucking up. Just fire her and sue her for what she stole. There, end of story.”

  “You know as well as I do that is not how it works. She’s got to pay. If she goes down, so does your little girlfriend.”

  I gritted my teeth, holding back something I may later regret. Joe had his nerve talking about who I was banging when his bedpost was all the way notched up.

  “Addison didn’t do anything. I’ll prove it.” It was my turn to slam my beer bottle.

  “Whatever. All I care about is getting the money back, keeping this client happy and watching Arlene’s miserable ass pay. You will help me on this.” It wasn't a question, it was a demand.

  “What does any of this have to do with me?” I asked, my tone incredulous.

  “You know exactly what it has to do with you. Arlene trusts you. And, it seems like you know Addison.”

  “You know good and well Arlene hates the ground I walk on. And, Addison is one of my students. I know how she is from my classes. She is highly ethical. She wouldn’t do this.”

  “All the more reason for you to come work for me and figure out who is doing it then.” Joe stood from his stool and threw a bill on the bar to cover our drinks. He slapped me on the shoulder before walking away. “Good talk, partner,” he called out over his shoulder before he left the bar.

  Son of a bitch.

  Every time I consult at this firm, shit hits the fan. I was sure this time would be no different. The upside is, I’d get to spend more time with Addison.

  That was also the downside.

  Chapter 1

  Addison

  I jumped at the sound of thunder and rain hammering against the law library windows as the storm the local weatherman had predicted rolled in. I knew I was crazy staying after hours to study like this. It would be a bitch getting home, especially
at this hour. I checked the time on my laptop and decided I’d hit the books again tomorrow.

  Snapping my laptop shut, I grabbed my things and stuffed them in my oversized bag. There was no doubt I’d be working when I got home anyway, but at least I could do it with a nice glass of Chardonnay nearby.

  I hadn’t heard anyone else in the building with me since John Huber, my cohort and fellow paralegal, said good night about an hour ago. He offered to wait for me, but I declined. He was an excellent paralegal, dependable and thorough, easy to work and study with, but he also had a girlfriend and daughter at home that needed him way more than me. The thought of having someone waiting at home was a warming thought. Meaningful relationships remained to be seen in my life. Clubber Cat and bottles of wine were all I had waiting for me at home. The life of a twenty-something law student and paralegal.

  Fun fun.

  “This will all pay off, Addison,” I mumbled to myself. “Hard work and determination...”

  God, I sound like my father now. But, he’s right. It’s what I had to do to get ahead at this law firm. Still in school trying to study hard to pass the bar while running crazy for a senior associate at work, who was a witch in high heels. Let me tell you, it was taking its toll. I was exhausted. But, it would all be over soon. I graduated in just a few weeks. I had one more paper to complete and hand in to the professor, and I’d be on my way to taking that bar exam.

  Standing from the wooden library chair, I moaned. I must have been sitting too long. My leg fell asleep. Note to self: get up and get away from this seat once in a while before I start growing roots.

  I heard someone clear their throat from near one of the book shelves.

  Oh, shoot.

  Almost forgot, I’m still in the library and can’t be making noise, no matter how much my legs felt like rubber.

  “Are you okay, Miss Mitchell?”

  I snapped my head up and almost tripped again as I looked into the dark brooding eyes of the man I’d just stared at in class for two hours tonight; Reid Matheson, my Labor and Employment Law professor. He was sex on a stick. Not overly tall, but definitely taller than me. I looked up at him as he smiled at me. His brown hair speckled with some gray was tousled as usual. He’d run his hands through it more than once during class and my fingers itched to do it for him. His eyes were a dark gray which was very unusual, and freaking distracting when you are trying to concentrate in class. They seemed to look right through me now. He offered a warm smile as he came closer. “Are you okay?” he asked again.

  My legs felt weak again, and I didn’t know if it was from being physically exhausted or the way he was looking at me. “What? No, I’m fine, Mr. Matheson.”

  “You can call me Reid.” He winked and I swooned.

  Damn it.

  I eternally rolled my eyes. I didn’t want to be that girl. Pining for a professor, so far out of my league, when I needed him to pass law school was not a good look.

  “Burning the midnight oil, are we?” he asked. “Class was over.” He looked at his watch. “Almost two hours ago.”

  “Yea, I know. I just had to… I’m just...” I cleared my throat as my heart started to pound hard. “I needed to study…and I’ve been working as a paralegal over at Eisen, Gold and Blume during the day. My boss is a real bit—” I caught myself from calling her the bitch she is, looking at his mysterious eyes as they shined with amusement. But, then his handsome face grew blurry to my vision. I held my head, feeling dizzy.

  I felt the numbness in my legs again and this time in my fingers, too.

  Oh no, not this again. Not in front of him.

  I knew what was going on and I didn’t need Reid looking at me like a weak hack that couldn’t cut the pressures of being a lawyer. This would not look good for any recommendations he would, or could, give me.

  He came to me and grabbed me by the elbow escorting me back to the chair I’d just vacated. He helped me ease myself down to the seat. “Here you go. Just breathe, Addison.” I looked up at him as he leaned back against the table. “No, no, put your head back down; yes, like that. Just breathe.”

  I leaned over in the chair until I was looking at the top of my high heels. I’d have to change into my tennis shoes before I made it out in this storm. I could still hear the rain pelting the windows outside. I’d have to catch a cab still,and I wasn’t standing out there in high heels. My head started to pound again and my chest grew tight. I gasped for air as it felt like the library walls were closing in.

  “Hey.” I heard his voice, calm and deep. The rumble of it soothed me. I listened for more. Hoping his calm would help.

  “One of the most important parts of reducing symptoms during an anxiety attack is taking deep breaths. You don’t want to hyperventilate, Addison. It’s cutting off the carbon dioxide levels in your blood and causing light-headedness.”

  I held my fingers to my temples. He was right. I was feeling light-headed. And, I felt like I had to puke….and then just die of embarrassment. That is the last thing I needed in front of him.

  Oh God, why is this happening right now?

  He continued talking, and I made myself concentrate on his words. “Take control over your breathing, deep, from the belly. Come on, it will help your nervous system relax. Don’t think about anything stressing you out right now and just breathe.”

  I did as he said and took a few deep breaths instead of the short breaths from the chest I’d been doing. I felt his large strong hand rub my shoulder right over a few knots that had been tensing up the whole week. His touch and his words comforted me.

  After a minute or two, the breathing seemed to help. My head still throbbed but the numbness in my limbs had ceased and I didn’t feel like I was about to have a heart attack. But, it was an attack, and he had said it.

  Anxiety.

  I didn’t know what it was about him that had triggered it. I’d only experienced this a few times before when I felt overwhelmed with… life. Work, school, personal life, or the lack thereof, were all stressors. And, it all came to a head at this moment just thinking about it all.

  I sat back up slowly, making sure no sudden movements would cause me to relapse.

  “How was that?” Concern showed in his eyes, but his tone still remained even.

  “It’s good. How did you know… I mean…how did you know how to deal with that?” I asked timidly, avoiding eye contact.

  “Well, from what I could make out, you are working full time at one of the busiest law firms in the city. You are attending law school full time at night and you are hanging out in a law library after 11:00 pm. Just hearing that stressed me out.” His light chuckle made me smile.

  “Yea, it’s a lot…but I’m managing,” I rushed to say. I didn’t want him to think I’m a slacker or something.

  “I have no doubt you are killing it in whatever you put your mind to, Addison. Some of the finest lawyers I know have had just as hectic of schedules and anxiety attacks too, and they are doing just fine. You are looking at one.” He winked at me again, and I nearly melted into a pile of goo.

  “You’ve had anxiety attacks before?” I asked, putting two and two together.

  “How do you think I know how to deal with them?” He patted me on the shoulder. “Come on; let’s call you a cab, Miss Mitchell.”

  Chapter 2

  Three days later on Friday, I sat in my office on my work computer. Arlene, my boss, had been riding her broom all week. She was in the middle of a case and needed all my attention. As if on queue, she walked through my office door; her face looked more pained than usual.

  “Hi, Arlene. I finished researching and gathering the relevant information for the Kinequoa merger. This should be a slam dunk for you.” I handed the woman my written report determining just how the client merger should be handled.

  “Good, good.” Her pretentious tone grated on my nerves as she opened the file looking over the report. “Did you—”

  “I prepared the presentations for the client
for tonight’s dinner meeting,” I said, cutting Arlene off. I handed her the flash drive as well as the handouts for the formal dinner the firm was throwing for the client. I’d stayed up the last three nights doing all this work and had missed class last night because of it.

  Luckily, I had my assignments completed and was able to stay up to date on my classes online. I’d just emailed Reid my final paper when Arlene had paraded in.

  Arlene looked up at me and smirked. “Good work, Addison. Clear your schedule for tonight. I’ll need you at this dinner. It’s a much larger event than we first expected. It appears Kinequoa is throwing an investment/merger cocktail party tonight for their clients and investors as well as their new partners. We will have this meeting next week.” She pointed at the folder.

  My eyes grew wide and my blood started to boil. “So, all the work I did on that—”

  “Will be used next week,” Arlene said, her clipped tone finishing my sentence. I could see red.

  I could have planned my week better and stress free if I’d known this wasn’t due for tonight’s event.

  “Now, as I was saying, I will need you at this dinner tonight with me. A lot of what you have in this report will be useful. If any questions come up, we can field them now and be prepared for next week… Addison, do you hear me?”

  I could feel my blood pressure rising and I had to calm myself before I responded to her. I could hear Reid’s words about breathing from my belly and not deep shallow breaths. I needed his calming voice in my ear again before I snapped out on this woman.