Chapter 16
Hudson
I, Judge Hudson Armstrong, solemnly swear that I will administer justice without respect to persons, and do equal right to the poor and the rich, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all duties…
The oath was one I’d memorized before accepting my position as a judge. There’d been no need for teleprompters or a cheat sheet. I’d said the words proudly.
Now, that seemed like a lifetime ago.
There was a newfound electricity in the air. I was on edge and while Valentina was watching me from a close distance, the reason for the shock of current had more to do with plans running through my head.
Vile, evil plans.
Her sigh was meant to draw me away from the zone I’d driven myself in.
“I need to go to my house to grab some clothing and toiletries. Even a toothbrush,” Valentina insisted even before I’d had my first cup of coffee.
I pulled the coffee mug from under the Keurig machine, adding cream, and tried to formulate an acceptable answer.
“You can’t do that. You’re well aware it’s not safe.
” Given my state of exhaustion and anger, it was apparent I was more in the mood for bluntness this morning.
Maybe because I’d caught the early morning news, another reporter deciding to lament over the wheels of justice in the Jacob Jones case.
What pissed me off almost more than anything was the number of supporters the man had.
Maybe not hundreds, but enough to make my skin crawl.
When the local channel had used the term ‘no justice served for the victim and his family,’ I’d been swept back into the wave of anger that had carried me into day three. Even now, after gazing at her luscious beauty, I returned my attention to the last of the news.
She followed my gaze. At this point with only the weather girl droning on about another approaching storm system, she was confused as to why my attention had been swayed.
Had I chastised myself all over again for tossing aside my conviction to keep it professional? You bet I had. Right after I’d done so my cock had become fully aroused.
“Well, unless you don’t mind me raiding your closet for clothes, you’ll either need to purchase me a new wardrobe or allow me to grab a few things.” Her statement seemed perfectly logical and exceptionally dangerous.
I glanced at her over the mug of coffee. “First of all, I’m not certain I’d mind seeing you in my shirts. Second, while I’m not a decent shopper, I know your size.”
“You do, huh?”
When I held my hands out, drawing an hourglass figure with them, she blushed, followed by her eyes lighting up when she laughed. The reaction pulled in me as did everything else about her.
Every smile.
Every laugh.
Every brush of her hand through her long hair.
The night before had been yet another steep drop into pure sin, but I’d loved every moment. Who knew I had a kinky side to me? Crap. There I went again avoiding the elephant in the room. Keeping her safe was my job, not playing house.
“I was teasing about you buying me clothes. I already told you I don’t take charity from anyone. Plus, I have Bella to think about. Is there any way we can drop by just for ten minutes? I can pack a bag like nobody’s business.”
Feigning indignation, I threw up my hands. “Alright. You’ve worn me down, but you’re not going by yourself. Do you hear me?”
When her eyes shifted toward the television, a frown on her face, I noticed Jacob’s picture had appeared on the screen once again. The news crew was going above and beyond their duty to inform or in his case, warn the public of his release. Leaning over, I turned it off.
“You don’t need to see that,” I told her.
“Maybe I do. Maybe that’s exactly what I need right now.” Her gaze remained on the dark screen for a few seconds before lifting. “You know what’s funny? I managed to block out his face. All these months with every vision I wasn’t seeing him. Just his eyes. His eyes are something I’ll never forget.”
Pulling her closer, I lifted her chin with a single finger. “You’re safe here. Okay? I’m going to keep you that way, which is why you’re not going off halfcocked and head to your apartment by yourself.”
She offered a salute while wearing the wicked grin she knew I adored. Thankfully, the haze I’d seen in her eyes began to fade. “Yes, sir. I wouldn’t think of disobeying you, sir. Or maybe I should say judge. Since I am the kind of girl who follows the letter of the law.”
For about a million reasons her teasing statement brought a tightness to my chest. She still hadn’t asked any direct questions about what I’d done the night before.
Maybe that was for the best. She’d been right to be concerned about the list being leaked.
What good would it do to unnecessarily worry her?
“I have court today, two pain in the ass cases. Then I have a meeting. After I’m finished, we’ll head to your apartment.”
“Fair enough.”
“I also called in a favor with a police officer I’ve worked with over the years. He had a couple days off. I asked him to work off duty, keeping watch on the house while I’m gone today.”
When her brow furrowed, I had a feeling she was going to object vehemently. Instead, the corners of her mouth upturned into a smirk. “What’s wrong, big boy? You don’t trust me? You think I’m going escape again.”
With a light brush of my fingers through a strand of hair, I gave her a stern look. “I wouldn’t put anything past you.”
Laughing, she punched me in the stomach playfully. “You are an incorrigible man. Do you really think it’s necessary?”
“I believe in taking every precaution. He won’t be intrusive. You won’t notice him and neither will Bella. Just humor me on this and don’t give him a hard time.”
“Would I do that?”
“Yes, you would. I know you too well already.” Every touch of her soft skin was a reminder that what we were doing was teetering on a precarious edge, but the man inside was proving more controlling than the officer of the law.
She studied my face, touching my forehead just as she’d done the night before. “You’re no fun, but I will be a very good girl with your officer friend. Your wound is healing, but might leave a scar. What are you going to tell everyone at work that happened?”
“Let’s see. I know. That I was accosted by a sinfully gorgeous woman.”
“You wouldn’t.”
My grin was meant to ease the tension. “You really don’t know me that well.”
“Maybe that needs to change. If you’re a good boy and don’t go around beating everyone up.” She surprised herself by what she’d said, biting her lower lip. I’d caught her doing that more than once. A little nervous tic that I found adorable.
“All kidding aside. Remember what I said. If anyone knocks on the door, you can check the video camera in my office.”
“Why don’t you just have ringtones set up like everybody else?”
I took another gulp of my coffee. “Because unlike most people, I can have a target on my back at any given time.”
My answer forced her eyes open wide. She took a deep breath, nodding as she looked away. “I understand.”
Now I felt like a shit for reminding her she was in danger. She’d had another fitful night of sleep. Why did I know that? Because I’d slept maybe thirty minutes, checking on both her and Bella several times. Valentina had insisted she sleep with her daughter. I couldn’t blame her.
I’d be fucking terrified if four goons had been intent on attacking me.
“After I return, we’ll go to your house and get some things. Until then, no one knows you’re here. Not a soul.”
“Don’t worry,” she said, the sound of her sigh full of such sadness. “I really don’t have anyone to tell.” Seconds later, a spark returned, mischievous in nature. “What if I don’t obey you? Remind me again?”
My reaction was to reach out and grab her, which was completely out of character for me. I’d been called many creative things by the few women I’d dated in my life including stodgy and self-serving. They had good reason. I’d never tried to be playful with any of them.
“Then I’m afraid you’re going to learn all about various acts of punishment.”
Punishment.
Just thinking about the few minutes with her allowed a smile. I’d had few that morning, including in dealing with the complete assholes in court. Some criminals were animals. Others were simply dumb motherfuckers who I was surprised had gotten away with previous crimes.
I headed out the door of the courtroom, taking long strides down the hallway.
Favors.
I’d issued a few in my life and had rarely acted on requiring one in return. I’d burned one of them by asking a cop who owed me more than one to do a few drive-bys of my house while on his day shift. He’d obliged without asking a single question. He knew what I could do for or against his career.
That was the type of power I held and had yet to wield. But I would.
Damn straight I would if necessary.
With a police officer stationed at my house, I felt more confident neither Jones nor his band of merry men would attempt to make good on their threats. However, I’d feel relieved when I returned.
The courtroom drama of the day was mild in comparison to the night before. Fortunately, the attorneys had both done their jobs well, allowing the jury to come to a quick decision. Soon, the latest monster would be behind bars.
Even if his crime had been to break in and steal a few thousand dollars without bloodshed. Maybe at this point I had zero tolerance for anyone breaking the law.
With the unexpected time allotted me, I’d be able to prepare for an upcoming case before heading to Chase’s house.
I’d left Valentina with explicit instructions to remain behind locked doors.
I swore to God, if she disobeyed me again, I would tan her hide.
She had no idea how much danger she’d placed herself in the day earlier.
Maybe at least with washing blood from my clothes she’d finally embraced the dangerous position she was in.