Chapter 69

Harvey heard her stirring on the sheets of his bed and instantly knew she was waking up. When they’d arrived at his apartment two hours ago they’d both cleaned up and dropped down into bed for another session of love making. By then Mia had become too exhausted, unable to fully listen to any of his words, in the end she’d fallen asleep in his arms.

He didn’t want to untangle himself from her but he was made too. His cell phone had started ringing off and he had eased their bodies off each other to answer it. It was Raya; he’d planned to have her come discuss matters with Mia but he had to delay her. It was fortunate that his office was five minutes away from where he lived.
He texted Raya to be on her way over and made his way over to the bed. Mia’s eyes were now fluttering open. She pressed her fingers to her temples and groaned as she sat up. There was no greater reason for despising day sleep than the headache she always got.
Harvey stopped midway to where she sat upright. The covers pooled around her torso, leaving her entire upper body naked for his viewing pleasure. He licked his lips and sucked in a huge breath, his boxers were beginning to feel uncomfortable around his waist.

“Is something wrong?” Mia questioned as she caught sight of the blank expression he used to look at her. She followed his gaze, her head lowering to look down at herself.

“I had no idea I was this easily distracted.” He wiped the corner of his lip with his thumb and cleared his throat.

“Am I merely a distraction now?” Mia scoffed playfully, deigning to pull the covers over her. Harvey reached out and grabbed her hands, he was kneeling on the floor now.

“You know the answer to that,” he responded breathily. “But for now, Raya is on her way over to discuss some legal business with us, so as much as I would rather sink back down into bed with you,” he cupped her breasts in his hands and placed a light kiss on her sternum. “we have to be company appropriate.” He hated having to say those words. Was it too late to cancel their meeting with Raya?

“Legal Business?” Mia repeated the words as he helped her out of bed and into the shower.

“I told you I was helping you, remember?” He turned the shower on and began rubbing soap over her body. “Raya works for my legal team.” He told her.

“Oh.” Mia responded, not because she didn’t have anything else to say but the feel of Harvey’s hands roaming her entire body was making difficult to concentrate on anything serious.

In record time, Harvey was dressed and presentable, just as the doorbell rang. He looked over at Mia who was still getting dressed; she was on the final step of combing her hair.

“You can come out whenever you are ready.” He placed a kiss on her cheek and travelled through the apartment to the front door.

“Had enough of each other’s company?” Raya teased as she struts into the apartment and gazed around. Mia was nowhere in sight which further proved Raya’s theory as to the two hour postponement.

“Are you planning to carry about in your usual behaviour?” Harvey shut the door behind her and shoved his hands into his trousers pockets as Raya stared up at him. She hated that Harvey towered over her, in all fairness he towered over most people. She often projected her personality around him to a greater degree; it was a great distraction from how intimidating he was. If she focused her energy on being larger than life, she could ignore his stature.

“You mean being an absolute delight?” She flipped her hair and ventured further into the apartment.

“Not even close.” He said to her disappearing head. He hoped her personality wouldn’t scare Mia too much. Actually he was more nervous about them liking each other. They both held important placements in his life.
Harvey bent the corner into the living area. He found Mia and Raya sitting close to each other chatting about animatedly.

“I actually love to bake.” Mia was telling Raya. Harvey didn’t have the whole conversation for reference. “I’ll definitely make it for you, whenever you are ready.” Mia offered and Raya beamed in excitement.

“Make what?” Harvey intervened their conversation; apparently he hadn’t much to worry about.

“Does this seem like any of his business?” Raya scoffed and turned her attention over to Mia. Mia chuckled, “No, I don’t think so.” She gave Harvey a nervous smile.

“She’s going to be a bad influence on you, isn’t she?” Harvey muttered the words to Mia. Raya leaning back into the seat with a self-satisfied smile adorning her face. There was only so much sass he could take.

“Hush and let’s discuss what we are here to discuss.” Raya called Harvey over for a seat. He took the chair opposite them both, ankle to knee.

“In my professional opinion, we have a very good chance of success.” Raya began. She’d already begun preparing the motions for the court, but the first step was ultimately the divorce. Once that was under way she would file a motion for an interlocutory order to keep Gabriel away from both mother and child least he tried to intimidate Mia again.

“Success meaning?” Mia questioned.

“From what Harvey told me, success means your daughter is in your full care and control.” Raya answered, “and that is exactly what we are aiming for.”

“I was told that my chances were almost non-existent.” Mia turned her gaze over to Harvey. Did she dare believe?

“That brings us to what we must discuss.” Raya cleared her throat. “The previous attorney, Nylah, how did you decide to go to her for legal advice?”
Mia’s lips parted but nothing came out. She stared at Harvey. “Was your intuition of her knowing Gabriel true?” Mia’s heart was thundering. Had she delayed her escape from that man due to her own stupidity and ignorance?
Harvey nodded, giving Raya a signal for her to continue the conversation. “Actually, Nylah has admitted that she and Gabriel were also having an affair and as a result she may have been considering his interests not yours.” Raya was gentle.
Mia pressed the palm of her hands to her eyes. That fucking bastard. “He was pulling the strings the whole time?” She didn’t direct the question to anyone in particular.

“I really want to nail him for the manipulation of the entire situation but it’s a bit of a stretch to connect him without solid evidence.” She was searching for Mia’s eyes, once she found them she continued, “His defence may be that Nylah acted on her own without his influence, because you choose that firm all on your own. That’s why I am asking why did you choose that firm?” Nylah went back to her original question.
Harvey noted numerous emotions flaring up in Mia’s features. She’s had a sickening thought. “My mother in law…” she caught herself and cleared her throat, “Gabriel’s mother recommended me a list of reputable attorney’s in the field of family law.”
Harvey and Raya exchanged glances. “We many have to consider that Gabriel and Nylah were not the only manipulators.” Raya directed to Harvey and his jaw set as he peered at Mia. There were tiny droplets of tears forming in her eyes and he could tell she was making the same connections that they were.

“Are you close with Gabriel’s mother?” Harvey leaned forward in his seat.

“I was so stupid.” Mia scoffed, “I told her everything, how miserable I was, how I planned to leave…” Mia paused. “That’s how he knew.” She mouthed the words to herself. Raya and Harvey were busy discussing their next step to hear the words. She’d been wondering how Gabriel knew about her job, but it had been Marina.

“Do you still have that list of attorneys?” Raya questioned. They had to rule out the possibility of coincidence.

“A-actually I do.” Mia pulled out her cell phone and logged into her email. She opened up the document and handed it over to them. Raya sighed dismally.

“I am sorry to tell you this, Mia, but over half of these I recognise as having an affiliation with your husband’s company or family.” Raya handed the phone over to Harvey.

Mia’s heart sank down to her stomach. Harvey was by her side, taking her hand in his.

“This is good news though.” Raya instantly got up. “The email shows proof of origin, the source being Gabriel’s own mother. I can connect him and make sure no judge
sees it fit for him to be in you or your daughter’s life.” Raya was abuzz with adrenaline. She felt the need to begin the proceedings immediately.

“I am sorry, Mia.” She said, realising the sadness in her at learning someone she trusted had a hand in manipulating her. Mia nodded her appreciation.

“You can also pack your things and leave if you’d like. I’ll be filing an interlocutory motion for Gabriel to stay away from both you and your daughter during the proceedings. When I file it, he’ll be given notice, seeing his history it might be best you are not alone in that house with him.” Raya advised.

“How soon will you be filing it?” Mia asked.

“In three days, I’ll even message you right before. The court is coming out of vacation in that time.” Raya replied, nodding to Harvey.

“Gabriel’s supposed to be leaving for a business trip tomorrow. He also is supposed to have an overnight meeting tonight, so I’ll probably grab a few things and just stay with my sister.” Mia was thinking out loud.

“Sounds good. I’ll go get started on everything.” Raya was out the door without further discussion.

“You could stay with me, you know?” Harvey had taken to rubbing her back. Mia shook her head.

“I’ll be fine. Thank you.” She stared at him, she was getting another chance to get away from Gabriel and she was nervous it would all fall apart. More than that, she was furious.

“I have to go pick up Amiyah at Gabriel’s mother’s house.” She laughed sardonically. With the knowledge she had now, she couldn’t stomach her daughter staying with Marina for one more second.

“Let me come with you.” Harvey offered.

“There is no need; I need to talk to her as well.” Mia was adamant. She needed answers and it was the best time since Gabriel was otherwise occupied.