The single tear rolling down my face.

HURT MOVED ACROSS SIERRA’S FACE as I sucked in a breath at the sight of her tear. Moving her hand and wiping it away, she gave me a weak smile. “I see. So this case is just a way to prove to daddy you’ve got what it takes to win one, right?”

Shaking my head, I whispered, “No.”

Tilting her head, Sierra glared at me. “I mean, yes and no. It’s not just about winning this case, Sierra. I . . . I can’t stand to think what all that fucker did to you, and I want to take him down.”

Nodding her head, she looked down. “So, is your receptionist helping you with my case at a bar or something, Dodge? Is that how you review files? Is that your idea of going over my file? I mean I am the client, so I expect certain things from you. Or maybe you and the receptionist were hitting your old stomping grounds. I heard you liked to fuck girls over your desk.”

Holy shit. Sierra was jealous I was out with Karen. What the fuck? She’s the one leaving to go spend time with her new boy-toy.

“We were having dinner and a drink and then I was heading home, if it’s any of your business.” The sad thing was, that was exactly what was going to happen. Once Karen opened her mouth and began talking, I was instantly turned off and the only thing I could think about through dinner was Sierra.

Swallowing hard, Sierra glanced back to me. “No, it isn’t any of my business. I’m sorry.” Shaking her head, she looked at the ground. “It’s just been a really shit-filled day, and knowing Robert was in my house while I was in the bath just kind of has me freaked out. Listen, I’m sorry I even bothered you, but you said to call you if Robert tried anything.”

My mouth dropped open. “What? You were home when he was there?”

Sierra’s eyes looked lost and that threw me. I’d never seen her like that. Her guard was down and her eyes were filled with sadness. “I just want to go find a hotel, Dodge. I’m tired and I can’t deal with all of this right now. I rushed out of my house without anything.”

Panic set in for some reason. Not wanting her to leave, I grabbed her by the arms. “Sierra, look at me.”

Closing her eyes, she whispered, “I can’t.” Shaking her head, she pushed me away and quickly got into her car as I stood there and watched her pull away. What in the hell happened just now? She went from completely pissed off to . . . defeated.

“Is everything okay, Aaron?”

Closing my eyes, I let out a frustrated sigh. “Yeah, Karen, do you mind if we call it a night? I’ve got to get caught up on Sierra’s case.”

Karen licked her lips as she walked up to me and said, “You sure you don’t want to go back to my place?”

The hurt that washed over Sierra’s face crept back into my mind. Looking at Karen, I smiled. “Listen, it was wrong of me to ask you out. I think you’re a knock-out and believe me, if I wasn’t working at the law firm I’d have no problem . . . well . . . let’s just say it’s best if we keep our relationship professional.”

Pouting, Karen nodded her head and said, “Of course. I understand.” Placing her hands on my chest, Karen smiled. “Aaron, may I offer a bit of advice?”

Smiling, I nodded my head. “I’ve seen that look before on a man’s face. The look you gave Sierra. Are you sure you should be handling her case?”

Pulling my head back, I let out a nervous laugh. “W-what look?”

Raising an eyebrow to me, Karen chuckled. “I’m going to take a cab home. Go make sure she’s okay. I saw the fear in her eyes when her husband was talking to her.”

Leaning over, I kissed Karen on the cheek. “Thank you for understanding, but you will not take a cab home. The least I can do is take you home.”

“Deal,” Karen said with a wink as she wrapped her arm around mine and we headed back to my truck.

The entire time we drove to Karen’s, I couldn’t stop thinking about Sierra. How in the hell did Robert get into her house?

Pulling into Karen’s driveway, I turned off my truck and started to get out. “Aaron, I’ve been thinking about something that has been bugging me.”

Looking at her, I asked, “What is it?”

“How did Sierra’s husband know she would be at Hyde Park Bar and Grill? Do you think he’s having her followed?”

Taking in a deep breath through my nose, I nodded my head as I exhaled. “Yeah. I do.”

Karen shook her head. “You need to go check on her. I’ll show myself in. Thanks for dinner.”