Free Her Dom's Lesson (Dominic Powers Book 2) by A.D. Justice Page A

seat on the couch on the far wall.  His eyes assess the situation and I know he must have heard Dana call Sophia.
    Several minutes later, Dana’s usual three-tap knock alerts me and my back unconsciously straightens as I wait for Sophia to walk through the door.  It’s been two months since I’ve really seen or talked to her.  Two months of hell.  Two months of uncertainty.  Two months of wondering what the fuck happened and how we lost everything I thought we had together.
    Two months of being so fucking mad I could spit nails.
    Dana opens the door and I see the concern etched in her motherly face.  Her eyes find mine and she silently conveys her worry to me, but I have no idea what she’s worried about.  Until Sophia appears in the doorway, and then I have no doubt of what was on Dana’s mind. 
    Sophia’s once radiant skin is now pale and lackluster.  Her smile has disappeared, as have the supple curves of her body that I knew intimately.  She’s lost weight–I can tell that her cheeks are somewhat drawn and her eyes are slightly sunken.  It wouldn’t be evident to others who didn’t know her so well, unlike Dana who saw it immediately.  But the subtle changes in her are definitely there.  Even with these minor changes in her appearance, she’s still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen and I have to keep myself rooted in my seat to not just take her in my arms.
    Sophia looks around nervously and I watch with curiosity as she places her hand across her abdomen.  “You wanted to see me?” she asks tentatively, her eyes darting from me, to Cheryl, and back to Shadow. 
    “Yes, Sophia.  Please, have a seat,” I offer cordially and she sits in the chair opposite Cheryl.
    “What can I do for you?” she asks, her voice strong and determined to not show any fear.
    “Darren came to me this morning and shared that since he’s so close to retirement, he’d prefer to not manage other people.  Before we move you, I wanted to ask your thoughts about you coming back to work directly with me,” I state without emotion.
    Sophia’s mouth hangs open from the shock and her eyes search mine.  I can only imagine all the thoughts that are racing through her mind.  I hold her gaze while giving nothing away.  She won’t see my anger over her betrayal.  She won’t sense my confusion over her conflicting actions. 
    “Yes, I would love that,” Sophia finally answers.
    Cheryl pipes in, “Your interactions with Mr. Powers would be recorded on video cameras.  In the event any further claims are made, the video would be used to either substantiate or negate your claim.  Do you understand?”
    Sophia’s eyes hold mine for a moment longer.  She doesn’t answer Cheryl’s question right away.  She acts as if her eyes are physically attached to me and she can’t turn her head away.  I continue to study her reactions, her body language, and try to ascertain what is going on in her head.
    “Yes, I understand and I agree to that.  Although, it’s not necessary,” she finally turns to Cheryl.  “I’ve requested a meeting with you every week for the past eight weeks, except the two weeks I was out after my accident.  I’ve been trying to tell you that-.”
    “Miss Vasco,” Cheryl interrupts.  “I think I’ve made it clear that we are not discussing the case without your lawyer present.”
    Sophia looks completely exasperated and opens her mouth to blast Cheryl, if the look on her face is any indication.  Shadow speaks up from across the room and stops Sophia’s impending tirade.
    “Can the two of you excuse Miss Vasco and me for a minute?”
    Cheryl and I both look at Shadow like he’s grown a second head.  He wants me to leave my office so he can talk to Sophia without me.  What the fuck?  Shadow rises from the couch and walks over to where we’re seated.  He stares at me until I finally get up and walk toward he door.
    “Cheryl, let’s get some coffee,” I say and walk toward