Get back to business. Constance sat down, failing in her attempt to avoid staring too much. She shook her head briefly and was then able to focus. "There's a preliminary hearing coming up soon. I want to talk about your case before we go in there."
He grumbled. "There's nothing to talk about. I've been framed, and I'm going to rot in jail. We both know that, so cut the bullshit."
"Bullshit, huh? For someone who thinks he's been framed, I'm surprised you're rolling over so easily."
"I'm surprised you let me out of the handcuffs." He reached out and curled his fingers into claws, flexing them a few times with an amused snarl that was clearly playful.
Constance smiled at his little feral act. He couldn't do anything that would scare her at this point. She was even tempted to reach out and claw him back, but she kept her excitement in check.
Instead, while dream scenes played in her head, she tested him, acting as if he really was her dream man. "I'm surprised to see you in a shirt."
Nick snapped his head back and looked at her. He stared for a few seconds, squinting and working his mouth. "How do you know I hate wearing shirts?"
This surprised Constance. She had never seen him in a shirt in her dreams, but hadn't suspected it might be due to some aversion to shirts. "I. . ." She shrugged. "Just a guess, really."
"No, that didn't sound like a guess. How do you know me? What's in that pile of papers? Pictures of me with my shirt off?"
Yes, I'd like one of those. She was dying to know if he had a tattoo, but that would be resolved soon enough. "Sorry, the only pictures of you in here are your booking photos." She opened the folder and turned it so he could see. "I just get feelings about my clients. I guess I'm a bit of a psychic."
He chuckled darkly. "Oh great. A touchy-feely lawyer. They'll send me away for good. And a Westerley, too. Are you one of those fat-cat rich kids?"
Constance frowned. "I admit I come from that 'fat-cat' family. So what?"
"Great! The power elite sent their rich sister to make sure I never get out. What a setup!"
"Mr. Veseli, there's no need to be rude. I'm your attorney. I'm on your side."
"Really, Miss Westerley?" He narrowed his eyes. "Why do I have the feeling you're going to make sure I get sent away for the rest of my life?"
Another angry client. This sort of thing happened all the time. She couldn't blame him. Most of her clients got angry because of their situation. Some reacted to her last name-it spelled power, which these people had in short supply. So as much as she thanked the universe for bringing her to Nick, she had to wonder why they were meeting like this. And even if he was her so-called dream man, he needed to get off her back.