Untouchable (Untouchables, #1)

by Sam Mariano

Every part of what he just said is fodder for some intense dissection, but I am stuck on the absolute hilarity of the first part. “Did you just say, Columbia Law?” His brown eyes sparkle with a hint of shared amusement. “I did.” “You’re going to law school,” I repeat, dumbstruck. “You are going to law school?” Flashing me a grin, he says, “That’s right. I’m going to be a trial lawyer. Not what you expected?” I throw my head back and laugh. It’s probably an inappropriate response for a lot of reasons, but I can’t help myself. When I catch my breath, I bring my gaze back to him. Seeing he’s not offended by my laughter, I ask, “Are you at least going to be gettin’ the bad guys off, or are you the one puttin’ them away? I have to know how deep your hypocrisy runs.” “Does it really count as hypocrisy if I’m well-aware of it?” he shoots back. “Most hypocrites are in denial, fumbling around with bullshit justifications and empty reasons why they’re special and breaking the rules doesn’t make them a bad person. People who do bad things but need to believe they’re still good—that’s a hypocrite. That’s not me. I don’t lie to myself like that. I don’t have to justify my actions in order to sleep at night. I don’t blame anyone else for the way I behave, or pretend I’m being fair when I’m not. I know I’m fucked up, I just don’t care.” Sighing, I tell him, “You’re shameless. I think that’s one of the reasons I like you, though.” “Probably. One of the many,” he half-jokes. “Oh, so many,”...