His Unexpected Lover (The Thorpe Brothers) Read Online Free

was hoping you might transfer to the University of Chicago.”
    She smiled up at him, but her smile wasn’t as bright as it had been a moment ago.  “Why would I do that?” she asked.
    “Because I’m going back to start up the mergers and acquisitions division at The Thorpe Group, the law firm my brothers own.”
    She pulled back slightly.  “You’re leaving Washington, D.C.?” she asked, a sharp, stabbing pain shooting through her stomach and chest at the idea.  “I thought you loved your job at the Supreme Court?  It’s such a coup to have that opportunity.”
    “It is, but it’s also just a stepping stone.  The ultimate goal all along was to figure out which type of law I wanted to practice, so I could start up and build that division in my brothers’ law firm.  It’s a great opportunity.  And when you finish school, I’m sure there would be a job there for you as well.”
    Kiera pulled back, appalled by the idea.  “I can get my own jobs, thank you very much.” She was offended that he would suggest that he get her a job somewhere.  She was going to be a great lawyer!  She definitely didn’t need handouts!
    Axel pulled her back into his arms.  “Of course you can.  But why would you when you could have a ready-made job waiting for you?”
    She didn’t like his answer one little bit.  “Because I need to prove myself on my own ?” she suggested sarcastically, unable to hide the hurt in her voice with his idea.  Did he think she couldn’t cut it on her own merits? 
    He laughed again, shaking his head.  “I have complete faith in your abilities, Kiera.  That was never a question.  But if you transferred to U of Chicago, we could still be together.”
    She pulled back, irritated for some reason.  “And what about Georgetown University?” she challenged.  “It has a better reputation than the University of Chicago.  I had to work very hard to get into Georgetown.”
    He pulled back slightly, looking down at her with eyes that were hurt at her quick rejection.  “I thought you wanted to go to law school?” he asked, his shoulders straightening in the face of her resistance.  It all seemed like a great plan in his mind.  Why couldn’t she see how perfect this was?
    “I do!”
    “So what’s wrong with law school in Chicago?”
    She couldn’t believe what he was actually suggesting.  “What’s wrong with working in a law firm right here in Washington, D.C.?  It’s the center of legal activity.”
    He shook his head, dismissing her idea completely.  “This is all politics and lobbyists.  It isn’t the type of law I want to practice.”
    Words failed her.  “Are you suggesting that I give up a great school, one that I’ve wanted to attend since I was ten years old, just because you have a cushy job with your brother’s law firm?”
    Axel stood there looking down at her, confused.  “I’m not sure I understand.  There is no downside to this for you.  Hell, Kiera, you don’t even need to work if you don’t want to.”
    Kiera stood there staring at him, not sure how to react.  “I don’t think I understand what you’re suggesting.”  Her body was going numb.
    Axel pulled her closer, feeling her tense muscles underneath his fingers.  “I want you to marry me. I would love it if you would come back to Chicago with me and be my wife.”
    Her mouth fell open and her chest felt about the same but with additional pain shooting throughout her whole body.  “Are you suggesting that I give up going to law school, drop out of college and just follow you so I can be your wife?”
    “You don’t have to give up anything.  But if you wanted to, I’m just saying that’s okay.  You can do anything you want.  I intend on making enough money to support both of us.”
    Kiera knew he thought this was a good deal.  But to her ears, she was giving up everything and he was getting the life he always wanted.  “So let me get this straight.  You want me to drop