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I was prepared this time for his reaction. He’s always had a short fuse. He launched himself at me, screaming profanities, but Viktor and Vlad were waiting and stopped him before he got close. The judge demanded his arrest and the bailiff dragged him away as he screamed at me.
“You’re part of this family, Rebecca! This isn’t over!”
Lifting my chin, I watched them drag him away. He wasn’t wrong. This wasn’t the end, not in regards to the war between my family and the O’Connors, but today just showed the world where my loyalties lie. Whether through the legal system or through Liam’s force of will, my father will get what’s coming to him.
“Order! Order in the court!”
The room settled and I held my breath, waiting for the verdict.
“On the grounds of false evidence, the court dismisses all charges against Liam O’Connor with prejudice. You’re free to go, Mr. O’Connor.”
ChapterThirty-Three
It didn’t matterhow much I prepared or how often I won cases like this, elation always slammed into me when things went my way. I’m not perfect, no lawyer is and if they claim to be they’re obviously lying. Letting out a slow breath, I turned to face Liam, shaking his hand with a smile.
“Thank you, Sloan.”
I shook my head. “Rebecca is fine. Now go home to your family. I’m pretty sure if you’re gone any longer, Jo is going to lose it.”
He smirked, dipping his chin before pushing past the swinging gate, catching Jo in his arms when she threw herself at him. He didn’t care that they were in public, claiming her lips roughly and wrapping himself around her. She was just as eager, plastering herself against him. Only the little swell of her belly stood between them. Shaking my head, I cleared my throat and jerked my chin towards the door when they separated long enough to look at me. Liam took the hint and grabbed Jo’s hand, marching out of the courtroom with his wife and security in tow.
Mateo stepped up to the fence separating the court, a devilish smile on his face. “I told him you were invaluable. Maybe now he will listen better.”
Gathering the materials leftover, I put them carefully in my bag before swinging to face him.
“I was just doing my job, Mr. Ramirez. I’m glad I could help.”
He scoffed. “So modest. Come, we are going to celebrate. I’ll give you a ride.”
Yeah, not going to happen. The snow started in earnest and I wasn’t going to be getting anywhere near a car today.
“She’s good, Mateo. I’ve got her.”
Jaime’s voice surprised me and I whipped my head around to face him. He was back in his suit, his hair disheveled and that panty dropping grin on his face. I was overjoyed to see him and furious at the same time.
“Jaime! You’re supposed to be resting!”
He chuckled, his eyes sparkling. “The bed got lonely without you. Besides, I knew you wouldn’t want to drive today.”
I scowled. “That doesn’t matter, you can’t take the train in your condition!”
Mateo watched us avidly, a grin on his face. “Then I guess you’ll be riding with me? To spare him, of course.”
My chest tightened and I glanced between them. I knew I’d need to face the car eventually, Liam’s house is nowhere near the station and he was doing a lot more business at home while there was a threat. I just didn’t think it’d be today.
Jaime held out his hand, smiling softly. “Come on. I’ll drive.”
Sucking in a breath, I blew it out slowly before nodding and taking his hand. I trust Jaime. He’s cautious and he doesn’t complain about my constant comments about safety. He laced his fingers with mine and I huddled closer to him, a deep frown on my face as we stepped outside into the blustery weather. The now familiar SUV was waiting, already running with a team of security guards watching it. They’d follow behind us in their own car because we never go anywhere by ourselves anymore. Not until my father could be handled.
Jaime helped me into my seat, kissing my hand before shutting the door behind him. I pulled my seatbelt on tightly and grabbed at the emergency handle with a death grip. It was worse weather than the day I got into the accident and visibility was almost zero. Jaime slid into the driver’s seat, Vlad and Viktor joining us in the back. Mateo took his own fancy car with his wife and I shuddered as I watched the little thing speed off. I will definitely never get into a car with him in the winter.
“Deep breaths. I’ve got you.”
His calm reassurance bolstered me a little and when he pulled away from the curb, he took his time, driving carefully back to the O’Connor home.
* * *
We werethe last to arrive, which wasn’t surprising. Viktor and Vlad slid out first, heading inside. They never commented on my fear and I appreciated it. I needed a minute though and Jaime seemed fine waiting. He turned to face me and trailed his fingers along my jaw, tipping my face towards him and raising his eyebrows.
