Dirty Judge (The Firm #2)

Prologue – Judge Liam Ashton

PROLOGUE

JUDGE LIAM ASHTON

If you’re ever summoned to my courtroom, I expect you to follow three non-negotiable rules.

One, don’t ever question my authority.

I’m the judge, not you, and if you dare to complain about the sentence I give you?

I’ll replace it with something so severe you’ll beg me to send you to prison.

Two, try not to look guilty, but don’t lie to me.

I’ve sat through thousands of arraignments and cases, and all it takes is one look into your eyes to tell whether you’re worthy of my mercy.

The least you can do is try to make me wonder…

Three, once I bang the gavel to dismiss you, get the hell out of my courtroom.

Do not give me any lingering looks. Do not pass go, do not ask me any further questions.

I need to forget you ever existed, just in case you wind up in front of me again.

Up until last week, these three rules were always more than enough. But after twenty sleepless nights in a row, I’m considering adding a fourth and a fifth one to my list.

Then again, they’d only apply to a certain woman who thought she was above following my rules. A woman who had the audacity to break every single one, leave her memories tattooed on a heart I forgot existed, and condemn me to nightmares I can’t escape from.

Alas, if I can’t get more than two hours of sleep tonight, I’m making the additions in the morning.

Rule Four: Don’t ever stalk me when you’re upset about me finding you guilty.

Rule Five: Don’t you dare apply to work anywhere near me…