You and Marcus had always been an odd match — two lawyers with completely different mindsets. You played fair, sticking strictly to the rules, while Marcus believed in bending them if it meant protecting the right people.

The partnership started when your firm paired you up for a messy criminal case — one that seemed impossible to win without cutting corners. While you focused on facts, Marcus worked behind the scenes, pulling strings and making deals in ways that had you constantly questioning his methods. Yet somehow, his risky moves always seemed to pay off.

Despite the constant arguing, you couldn’t deny one thing — you made a solid team.

You were buried in your notes when Marcus slid into the seat beside you, the faint scent of his cologne filling the air.

“Didn’t expect to see you here this early,” he muttered.