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The bailiff told them to rise as an attractive black man in his late forties with a touch of gray at his temples took his seat on the bench. Judge Matthews exuded an aura of dignity, calling for order in the court. An immediate silence settled over the room, allowing the defense team to present their motion to dismiss.
Jenny stood in her pinstripe skirt and blouse. She patted her jet-black hair, which was styled in a chignon for court. Her voice rang out confidently. “Your Honor, we move for a dismissal of the charges against Marcello Russo based on the prosecution's clear conflict of interest. Drake Walker is Mr. Russo’s brother-in-law. Given this familial role, my client can’t receive the fair trial he deserves.”
“I attended the wedding, Miss Nguyen. Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Walker. It was quite eventful, to say the least. I don’t see how a marriage impedes the prosecutor’s duty to try this case fairly. As I’m sure you’re aware.”
“Excuse me?” her eyebrows shot up in astonishment.
“I have it on authority that you are in a relationship with the defendant. Is that not a conflict for you, Miss Nguyen?”
“N… no… of course not, Your Honor,” she stammered as she sat back down. “My relationship status does not impact my ability to do my job.”
“Motion denied,” Judge Matthews ruled.
“Thank you, Your Honor. I want to make a motion if the defense is finished.” Drake stood.
“Go ahead, Mr. Walker.”
“The defense coerced Alessandra into becoming my bride to force a mistrial. That’s witness tampering.”
The judge angrily addressed the defense. “This is a serious accusation. Is this true, Miss Nguyen?”
“Your Honor, with all due respect, it’s a moot point. I am not aware of any malicious scheme or collaboration. As a court officer, it would have been my responsibility to report such an occurrence. I received the marriage certificate that proves a legal wedding took place. The couple is filing for divorce. I drafted the papers myself as Miss Russo’s attorney.”
“Really?” Judge Matthews addressed Alessandra.
Luca snickered and made a lewd gesture. Drake’s hands clenched by his side; Alessandra beat him to answer.
“It’s not true, Your Honor! Drake and I are not divorcing.”
“Alessandra, be quiet,” Drake hissed.
“Now, counselor, I’d like to hear from Mrs. Walker. Allow her to continue so we may put this situation to rest. Step forward, please.”
Alessandra stepped next to Drake. She grabbed his hand, and they interlaced fingers. She took her ring back from him and placed it on her finger, flashing it at the judge and Jenny.
“Your Honor, what Mr. Walker said is true. Our love story wasn’t a whirlwind romance, to say the least. Despite our circumstances, Drake and I have fallen for each other. It may have begun as an arranged marriage, but I care for him. Please don’t hold this against my husband.” She turned to her brother. “I was forced to marry Mr. Walker due to my father, Anthony Russo. I’m sorry, Marcello. I have no reason to suspect my brother’s involvement in this scheme. ”
“What the hell is going on, Alessandra?” Drake spoke through gritted teeth.
Alessandra whispered in Drake’s ear. “Kiss me. Please, sir. We need to make this look real. My father is here for me. You promised to keep me safe.”
As Drake scanned the courtroom, he met Anthony’s scowl with steely determination before enveloping Alessandra in a comforting embrace. Drake leaned closer to Alessandra, stopping just a hair’s breadth away from her lips.
“Drake!” she squeaked.
“For you, Alessandra. Damn the consequences.” He closed the distance. Their kiss was supposed to be brief and innocent, but Alessandra couldn’t help but wrap her arms around Drake’s neck. He reciprocated by gripping her hips and pulling her flush against him.
Drake’s tongue demanded entry to her mouth, groaning when she opened to him. His hand lowered to squeeze her ass. She moaned as he pressed his growing erection against her belly. Drake’s hand made its way from her ass to the hem of her short skirt.
A loud bang startled them apart. Another bang of the gavel had them staring wide-eyed at one another breathlessly. They quickly attempted to compose themselves.
“Perhaps we should take a short recess to allow Mr. Walker and his new bride time to compose themselves. We’ll reconvene in fifteen minutes.” Judge Matthews didn’t seem amused by their display.
***
Chapter Eleven
What the hell is wrong with me? I’m acting like a horny teenager. Drake was angry when Alessandra left him and stopped responding to his calls. However, upon seeing her before him, his anger dissipated. He was more relieved to see her safe.
