The Grim Reaper's Lawyer (Life After Death, #1)

by Mea Monique

For those who feel that you must Water yourself down for others Let them choke

I only had one friend—the old Jamaican lady who lived next to me.

I should’ve gone to medical school. No. I should’ve gotten a master’s degree in an easy field. Nope. That does not seem basic enough. I should’ve just graduated from law school and became a trophy housewife.

He still believes, in his delusional mind, that I secretly want to get back together with him. Jesus himself would have to come down and tell me to get back with him, and even then, I would first ask Jesus what he was smoking up there.

He knows I can throw a mean right hook. He was on the other end of it when I caught him cheating with my former best friend. There’s a special place in Hell for them both.

I reply with zero hesitation, “The latter.” He looks taken aback for a moment and says, “I think you meant the former?” “I know English pretty well, Mr. Reaper. I meant what I said. The latter.” “All those degrees, and you’re still making stupid decisions.” He shakes his head. “What could possibly be a justifiable reason for choosing eternal damnation?”

“I didn’t realize you enjoyed Hell that much that you are willing to go back.” I drop back in my seat and cross my arms. “You know I am still on edge from last time.” He chuckles. “I’m on edge from being with you all the time.” “Excuse you, I’m an angel to be around,” I inform him. “I’m going to Heaven and everything.” Aiden smirks. “You know the devil was once—"

However, you shouldn’t play chess by reacting to your opponent’s moves. You should look at your current position and decide where you want your piece to go—and where you want

your opponent to move. I know exactly where I want my pieces to go.

he is fixing the cuffs, I knock on the open door. “Excuse me,” I say hesitantly. He jumps slightly and lets out a startled laugh. “Dios mío! You scared me,” he exclaims. Joey turns towards me, and I stare with my mouth slightly open. It’s embarrassing really. I shut it quickly, trying to not add to the embarrassment. Is everyone here attractive? Does becoming a reaper come with a beautification process? He smiles at me. “Well, hello there, may I help you?” I do a quick glance up and down, and take in his dark curly hair, full beard, and the way his black suit just molds over his firm body so well.

I give him an annoyed look. “Listen, let me break this down for you, since you don't seem to understand the position you are in. But after this bite.” I put a little wasabi on it, dip it into the soy sauce, then take a bite. At the taste, I close my eyes and groan in satisfaction. It is my favorite type—spicy tuna roll. When I am done appreciating my little bite of heaven, I open my eyes and see Aiden staring at me. “What?” He blinks a couple of times. “Nothing. I was just daydreaming of when you’ll tell me how you can solve this case and leave.”

He chuckles. “Last night when you were too drunk to even know your name, you showed me your toy. I was impressed at the size.” He leans down until his lips are by my ear. “Let me know when you want something bigger.”

“That’s so beautiful. To be sure of someone so much that you tie your soul to them forever.”

Holding eye contact, Aiden lifts me forward off the bed and rips my shirt over my head, throwing it onto the ground. He slides my shorts off leaving me in just my panties. Holding eye contact, he traces my slit with his fingertip and groans. “You’re already so fucking soaked. I’ve been dreaming about you since the first time you sat across from me in my office,” he softly says. “I thought about bending you right over that desk and fucking the attitude out of you. I once told you to choose Hell or me. Well, baby…welcome to both.” I let out a moan, rubbing myself against him.

“Open your eyes. I want you to watch me fuck you. I want you to see what you do to me.”

“Take it, baby. Take it. I want you to walk around Eden knowing who you belong to. Who you’ll always come back to.”

He kisses my forehead. “Whatever my lawyer wants, she can get.”

“Are you staring at my ass again?” I admonish over my shoulder. “My ass,” he whispers, and gently slaps it with his free hand. I jump, turning my head to mouth curse words at him. Aiden cautions, “Joy, watch—” I turn too late, running directly into someone. Luckily, they catch me before I fall. I look up to see Gabriel, one of the glitch reapers smiling down at me. He is kind of cute. Only kind of, because I still remember that he enjoys dried grapes. The monster. “So sorry, Gabriel!” I say. He lets go of me, and shyly takes a step back. He smiles. “No problem at all, Joyce.”

“How have you been doing? You look fantastic in that suit! I’m assuming you found your niche in the Soul Directory department.” “I sure did! I’ve met so many nice people. Thank you again for all your help.” “No problem at all. Just doing my job. I look forward to—” “We are in a rush, Joy. Maybe you two can converse later,” Aiden rudely interjects. He jerks his head towards the Reaper’s Court. Gabriel’s eyes widen. “Sorry to bother you before court. It was nice seeing you both. I will see you around, Joyce.” “You too,” I reply, I watch as he walks away. He seems different. More confident. Even in the way he walks. “I bet he will,” Aiden mumbles under his breath. I glare at Aiden and poke him on the side. “Stop being an ass,” I whisper harshly. “You were flirting with him.” “I did not flirt with him. I just complimented him on his suit. You know you’re the only man I like to look at.” He rolls his eyes. “I bet you tell all your men that.” I chuckle. “Yes. But it’s your turn.” He stares at me then turns to walk into the courtroom, not before I see the faint smile on his lips. I know he thinks I’m funny.

Chris continues. “I’ll repeat my previous question. Attorney Joyce Parker is thirty years old, correct?” Taevian hesitates. “Yes.” I narrow my eyes on him. Why would he hesitate? “Were you married thirty years ago to Erin Jackson?” With saddened eyes, he replies, “Yes.” “And she was pregnant when you died? With a baby girl, correct?” Taevian’s face slackens. “Yes.” “And that baby grew up to be Joyce Parker. The daughter who you manipulated the system for to prevent her from going to Hell and disguised it with Aiden’s case, correct?” I hear the courtroom gasp as I roll my eyes. Chris needs to double check this information. The number one rule for being an attorney is to always ask questions you already know the answer to and the answer to this question is an obvious ‘no’. I laugh and turn to Aiden to share this moment of Chris embarrassing himself. But he’s not laughing. His face is carefully blank. I turn forward. The courtroom is quiet as they await an answer. Taevian looks at me. “Yes. She is my daughter.” What the fuck. No.

My voice is full of steel when I finally speak. “Are you my father?” “Yes,” he whispers, his voice tortured. We stare at each other. I break the silence. “Fuck you.” Then, I walk out of the courtroom.

What you do not realize is that he looks at you as if you are the reason the universe exists.”

“I can’t get you out of my head,” he cuts me off. “The way you walk in those heels. The way your suits mold to your body. I can’t walk behind you because one look and I’d fall to my knees. Fuck, Joyce. You already have me on my knees. I can’t sleep. I can’t breathe. I can’t go through the day without thinking about you. Whether you ate. If you are sleeping well. Who you are talking to. You’ve taken over my every thought.”

My purpose isn’t being a reaper, my purpose is to be yours. I love you, my Joy.”

“How much do you love me?” His words send waves of pleasure spiraling through my body. He has barely touched me, and my body is ready for him.

He asks again, “How much do you love me?” I gasp. “So, fucking much.”