Page 122 of Endgame

Twenty years inside will feel like a lifetime. That is, if he even survives the first month.

The room breaks out in applause. I slam my gavel.

“Order in the court.” My tone is calm but authoritative.

The bailiff steps forward, raising his voice to echo mine, reinforcing the command.

As expected, Silva’s attorney opens his mouth. Reminding me of the day Aurora heard her sentence. “Your Honor, the defendant has no prior convictions.”

As if that means anything. As if the kid he raped hurts any less just because Silva hadn’t done it or hadn’t been caught before.

“I’m well aware that your client doesn’t have a prior criminal record.” That burning, righteous fire in me is determined for justice to be served.

Wrath has my hand clenching into a fist beneath my bench.

Strangely, none of my anger is directed at Aurora this time. The need to take my revenge out on her isn’t even a whisper anymore.

What I feel for her is this ache in my bones. This longing to hold her, to fuck her. Watch her cry and beg.

Her pain, it’s so real. So potent that whenever I’m around her, I can taste it.

She isn’t like the rest of them.

Yet nothing can change the fact that Winston raised her.

The desire to hurt her has dwindled significantly. That’s true.

I’m no longer interested in impregnating her so I can steal the baby from her either.

Truth is, I’m not sure what it is I want from Aurora anymore.

The only thing I’m certain of is that I’m far from being done with her.

“But?” Silva’s attorney pushes, the rude fuck.

“But nothing.” My speech should’ve clued him in on where I stand. I won’t repeat myself. “Court is adjourned.”

This is my last case of the day. I leave the courtroom, head into my chambers, remove my gown, and check my phone.

A missed call. Cormac.

My heart gives a loud thump. A call this early in the day, that can’t be good.

I should be satisfied instead of worried. I sent Aurora there hoping she’d break down and cry.

A week ago, when I planned this, I salivated at the thought of this call. Of listening to Cormac tell me about her pain.

Satisfaction isn’t what I’m experiencing. This twisting in my gut. The clenching of my jaw.

This desire to go over there and protect her from the pain I’ve inflicted, I can’t stand it.

I lock the door behind me and return Cormac’s call.

“Hold on.” His voice is strained. “Mrs. Alder, I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere.”

Her muffled, “Okay,” fucks with my head.

I need to see her. Need to hear about how her day was.