Page 10 of Free to Judge

It’s quite different from the look he gave me over and over on one of the most important days of my life, when he charmed me from half a tent away. Fury builds up inside me as I recall the way I wanted to stay behind for him, causing me to shout, “You asshole!”

“Jesus, Kalie!” Jon admonishes, but I’m so beyond caring what my traitorous cousin thinks. Knowing another member of my extended family will bail my ass out, I ignore my cousin. Myheel slips slightly as I struggle against the officer’s increasingly tightening grip as I let my venom spew. “You have a lot of nerve to show your face in this town, Conian.”

He quirks his brow at my cousin and asks, “Who is this…individual, Lockwood?”

Jon growls, “My cousin.”

“Ahh. That…explains so much.” He dabs at his lip one final time before announcing, “You look good leashed up, sweetheart.”

“Why you, son-of-a…”

“Mr. Conian, I suggest you walk away if you don’t want a judge to believe Ms. Marshall had provocation to attack you,” the officer suggests.

My head whips around. “Why am I not surprised he has a few of Darien’s finest tucked in his pocket right next to the dick you’re likely sucking?”

Jon scrubs his hand down his face. “Kalie, stop digging your hole any deeper.”

“Jon, I hope when I tell the family, they’ll be proud of you for turning to the dark side.” I jiggle my hands at the officers, and in a saccharine sweet tone, I say, “If you’re going to do more than tease me with these, do it already. I don’t like to be held down for too long.”

At that, Conian chuckles roughly. “I’d love to see who has the balls to do that to you.”

My smile is diabolical. “Any man other than you.”

“Kalie,” Jon warns. “Let me just call your father.”

“Aww, ain’t that sweet—a daddy’s girl. Explains so much,” Conian mocks me.

“Why you…”

“Maybe I should meet your father to offer him some pointers about how to raise his little girl.”

A hush envelops the crowd. My smile is lethal. “You really want to meet my father?”

“I don’t think you want me to answer that.”

Something in his tone sends a shiver down my spine. I refuse to admit it’s fear. Before I can lash out again, the officers are dragging me away, beginning their recitation. “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney…”

I snarl, “I am one.”

Conian lets out a frustrated sigh, “Then you should have known better.”

“Go to hell and take my traitorous cousin with you!” I spit back with venom.

He casts a withering glance over me one last time before turning his back, engaging in a cold, calculated discussion with my cousin—his face a mask of indifference. I snap my head toward the officers as they finish reading me myMirandarights. “Yes, I understand my rights. But before I utter another word, I demand my right to a phone call.”

The devil remains unfazed as I am dragged toward lockup. Not a single flicker of concern crosses his face. But he should be worried.

This battle is far from over. Not as long as I have a breath to fight with.

CHAPTER SIX

Her dazzlingblue eyes bore into mine with a searing fury, so incredibly different than the last time I looked into them seven years ago. Christ, has it been that long?

I was too stunned to fake my reaction when her fist collided with my face. I didn’t resist, letting the motion carry me to the floor. I let her channel all her raw anger into me, knowing she neededto unburden herself to stay strong for those around her. Besides, enduring her dainty fist to the face was a lot easier than putting her in danger by explaining the truth—that I’m not the enemy she believes me to be. Still, I admire the fact Kalie has such a strong moral code she believes in.

I just hate I’m on the side of it she abhors to such a degree she lost sight of her own safety in the process.

“Mr. Conian.”