Free Utterly Yours (Book Five) (An Alpha Billionaire Romance) by Alexa Brookes Page B

it.”
                  “A five million dollar mistake,” Lillian reminded him.  “You tried to get him the plea deal, and he wouldn’t take it.  There’s not much more you can do for him at this point, is there?”
                  “I could maybe try to get him a decent lawyer,” Nathaniel said.  “But that would probably be a conflict of interest since I’m the one who’s name is on the lawsuit against him.  If it were up to me I probably would just fire the kid and get my money back.  He’s been my assistant for a long time now, and he was my intern before that.  He’s been a huge part of my life, and I hate this.”
                  “You sure were angry when you first found out,” Lillian said.  “I didn’t think you’d get this worked up over seeing Tony today.”
                  “Of course, I was angry,” Nathaniel said.  “He wasn’t just my assistant.  He’s my friend –like a kid brother almost.  I felt betrayed.  I still do.  But he’s like family.”
                  “What did Adam say last time you talked to him?” Lillian asked, referring to Nathaniel’s lifelong friend and business partner.
                  “Adam is pissed.  He and Tony were close, but not in the way that I was with the kid.  I think Adam is making things worse with the lawyers back home and with the board.  He’s acting out on emotion, I think.  Adam’s got a hot head, and he’s not thinking straight.  He wants to take Tony down for it.  Five million dollars is hardly a dip in our company’s finances, but it is enough to embarrass the company if we let it slide.  Damn it, Tony,” Nathaniel rolled his eyes.  “And now I got to go back to California tomorrow.  I guess I can’t stay hanging around the shelter forever.”
                  “True,” Lillian said and ran her fingers through his hair.
                  “Come with me,” Nathaniel said suddenly and sat himself up.
                  “Come with you?” she questioned.
                  “Come on, Lillian,” he said.  “It’s not like you have somewhere to be, no offense.”
                  “None taken,” she said with an eye roll –clearly taking some offense.  When Nathaniel had arrived in Troy a few weeks prior, she had been homeless and sleeping on a park bench.  It was clear she certainly did not want to go back to that once he was gone, but she was still job searching.  “You really want me to come with you to California?  This is temporary, right?”
                  “If you want it to be,” he said.  “Though I don’t think I’d mind if you stayed… you know, if you’re looking for a job… I did just lose my assistant.”
                  “Too soon, Nate, too soon,” she said and waved the offer away.  “Although I don’t think I would mind seeing your new home.  I’d love to see Lynch Industries for myself.”
                  Nathaniel smiled.  “Okay then,” he said and wrapped his arms around her, scooting her closer to him on the couch.  “It’s settled.  You are going to be coming with me to California tomorrow.”
                  She smiled and gave him a few soft kisses.  “I’m looking forward to it.  I can’t wait to see what little old Nate from Troy has made of himself out in Cali.”
                  “I hope you’ll be impressed,” he said and gave her several more kisses, leaning in more to let her know he was in the mood.
                  She shoved him off in a somewhat flirty manner.  “Easy, big guy,” she said with a wink, “looks like we both have an early flight tomorrow.  I think we should get some rest.”
                  Nathaniel frowned, and she laughed at his expense.

Chapter Three
     
                  Nathaniel leaned back in