His reassurance offers me the courage to press for more. “Do you want to talk about what happened with the sheriff?”

He shakes his head. “It’s not something you need to worry about.”

“Yes, it is, because it’s bothering you so it bothers me.” I pause, placing a hand to the side of his stubbly face. “You don’t always have to protect me, Grayson. I’m actually pretty strong.”

His deep blue eyes never waver from mine. “You’re the strongest girl I’ve ever known.”

Warmth invades my chest with his words, especially when he has seen me at my weakest. “I want to be there for you, too,” I tell him. “Let me.”

I see the moment he makes his decision. “All right, but on one condition.”

I quirk a brow. “What’s that?”

He moves away from the door, carrying me in his arms with my legs wrapped around his waist, to sit on the couch. “You sit right here.”

I smile, straddling him, thinking there’s no other place I would rather be. “Deal.” With his hands under my dress, resting high on my thighs, he leans back against the couch, his expression troubled once more. “What’s wrong, Grayson?”

“Remember that day outside of the courthouse, when all hell broke loose?” he asks, his expression sullen. I nod. “I saw Terrell getting his ass kicked by a group of those bastards. I ran for him as fast as I could, but there was so much chaos to get through it took me some time. As I was pushing through people, I saw Prichard standing off to the side, watching it all go down. He saw what was happening, and instead of stepping in to help he turned his fucking back on him and walked away.”

I frown. “What? That doesn’t seem right. Do you think maybe he didn’t see him?”

“He saw him. I’m fucking positive.” He’s vibrating with rage and certainty.

“I don’t understand why he would do something like that.”

“Because, obviously, he’s a racist motherfucker.”

I tense as I remember something. “Wasn’t he the one accused of hurting Daryl Baker?”

“Yeah, he was.” He shakes his head with a heavy sigh. “I don’t know. I’ve worked with the guy for a few years. Terrell said something to me a while back, asking me if I was sure he didn’t do it, even though he was cleared. The thought never even crossed my mind, but after what I saw outside that courthouse… I think he did fucking do it. He shouldn’t be on the force.”

The thought that he may have hurt Daryl Baker because of the color of his skin infuriates me. “Well, what did Sheriff Dixon say when you told him?”

“He doesn’t believe it. He thinks I misread the situation because it was so chaotic. He doesn’t think Prichard would do that. I know what I saw, Liv. He turned his back on Terrell. If I hadn’t seen him who knows what would have happened.”

Pain slices through me at the thought. I couldn’t imagine my life without Terrell, and I know Tania would never survive without him.

“I feel like I don’t know anything anymore.” Exhaustion dominates his handsome face. “I’m seeing sides of people I never thought possible, and it makes me wonder if it’s because of everything that’s happened, or if I’ve just been so goddamn blind this whole time.”

It kills me to see him so defeated. It reminds me of how he looked when he showed up at the farm after the courthouse incident. “I’m sorry. You’re right, he shouldn’t be on the force and it should be investigated. But you’ve done all you can, Grayson. You told the sheriff and if he doesn’t take it seriously that’s not on your shoulders.”

“But it is. I can’t just sit back and do nothing now that I know what he’s done.” He pauses, something flickering in his tormented eyes. “The day I graduated from the academy was the week before my father died. When I walked off that stage he shook my hand, and said something to me that I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

“What’s that?” I ask softly.

“Seek the truth and you will find justice.” The words are so simple yet so powerful, they burrow inside my heart and quickly take root. “I know the truth, I know what I saw, and I’ll find a way to expose him for what he is. Something is off though, and I haven’t figured it all out yet, but my gut tells me it’s all tied together with this case. Hell, I think it goes deeper than all this. I’m going to figure it out, and I’m going to bring it all down along with every single person involved, if it’s the last thing I do.”

Hearing him talk like this terrifies me, but it also makes me fall even more in love with him because it proves the kind of man he is.

Framing his face between my hands, I lean in and brush my lips over his. “You are the most honorable and courageous man I’ve ever met. If anyone can do right by this mess it will be you. Just…promise me you’ll be careful. I can’t lose you. I’ve lost so much already, I wouldn’t survive it.” The last of my words fall from my mouth in a choked whisper.

With swift precision he flips me over to my back on the couch, positioning himself between my open legs. Cupping the side of my neck, he drags a rough thumb across my cheek. “You’ll never lose me, Liv. Nothing on earth will ever take me from you. You’re stuck with me, baby. Always.”

I melt beneath his touch and the intensity of his gaze. Before I can respond he takes my mouth in a searing kiss, branding my lips and soul with his promise. Then he made love to me with a tenderness and passion I’d never known, his body saying so much more than words could ever convey. I knew in that moment that no matter what awaited us, as long as we always have this, as long as we always have each other, we will always be okay.

CHAPTER 23

Grayson

I’ve been on high alert, anticipating the next strike, but the last few days have been quiet around here. Which I’m thankful for, but I know there’s more to come.

The one good thing about this is I’m able to be around Liv all the time—watching over her, touching her, and pleasuring her. She’s still a little shy at times but she’s opening up, giving more of herself to me, and slowly letting go of the insecurities those fuckers left with her. She’s less hesitant now, and it makes me feel good knowing she feels safe and comfortable with me. That she knows she will always have me.

I never want her to doubt that.

Henderson called yesterday to let us know he and that prick, Larson, would be stopping by today around noon to discuss some things regarding the trial.

So here we are, in the living room after exchanging pleasantries, but I’m feeling far from polite, especially around Larson. Ever since he walked in I’ve wanted to knock him on his ass for the way he’s looking at Liv, but I’ve managed to control myself, remembering what’s important here.

Liv walks back in with drinks for everyone as I take a defensive stance in front of the fireplace, too anxious to sit. Walt sits in what I’ve come to learn is his chair, while Larson and Henderson take the couch. Liv automatically moves to the arm of Walt’s chair, her hands wringing together nervously. Her big brown eyes find mine; seeking the reassurance I know she needs. I lift my chin, offering her a tight smile.

She immediately relaxes, turning her attention to Henderson as he begins. “Thanks for seeing us today, Olivia.”

“Of course. Anything I can do to help. I want this over as quickly as possible,” she replies softly.

“We do too, which is why I’m here. This is how I plan to approach the jury. I want them to live through exactly what happened to you. I want them to feel it and know how badly you suffered at the hands of Reginald West.”

I tense, not liking where this is going.

“Although we have some incriminating evidence with the chain, and your recognition of his voice, there’s no doubt the defense will try and find a way to discredit all of it. Making it that much more important for us to have the jury’s sympathy. I know this will be extremely difficult for you, but I think it would be beneficial to put you on the stand so the jury can hear everything you do remember.”