Page 48 of The Devoted Husband

One Week Later

“Is it the same one that handled my situation?”

Sade did as he told her, hugging him as best as his cuffed hands behind his back would allow. He was glad he’d taken her to Georgia and New York, giving them a chance to rest and have some fun before having to deal with Jones’s new bullshit.

Three Days Later

“Is this a joke?” Dante asked his attorney.

“No, and I don’t need you to say anything to make the judge question why you’re so surprised.”

“But I am surprised,” Dante admitted. “What the hell is going on?”

When Dante was transported for his court date, he wasn’t expecting the charges to be dropped, but that was precisely what had happened.

“Give me a second, and I’ll find out.”

Dante nodded as Attorney Dennis made his way toward the judge next to the prosecutor. They had a whispered conversation before Dennis went back and stood next to Dante.

“Apparently, Jones is dropping the charges against you. He said he had you mistaken with someone else, and you’re not the man who attacked him.”

“What? Isn’t that something they should have confirmed before arresting me?”

“Seeing as this works in your favor, pipe down with the questions,” Dennis said low enough for only Dante to hear. “Because he didn’t have any eyewitness testimonies, and the police didn’t bother to get any security footage, you’re free to go.”

“Is there a chance he can change his mind and press charges again?”

“Yes, but that won’t make him look credible. If you can, get any footage erased and make sure no one who was there will testify against you. That way, if he does, it’ll be more difficult for the prosecution to make their case.”

Dante nodded his understanding, hanging his head as he chuckled.

He didn’t know what kind of game Jones was playing.

Was this supposed to be a show of power?

Was this supposed to make Dante relax before Jones did something worse?

Was it a ploy to make him anxious and keep him on high alert?

Dante wasn’t sure, but he’d be prepared either way.

At that moment, he was just grateful to be going back home to Sade.

Dante got into bed as delicately as he could. He wanted his kisses to wake Sade up, not his body weight. A part of him wanted to be upset that she hadn’t answered his calls, but she was in such a deep sleep that he could only smile when he walked in and saw her.

When he wrapped his arm around her, a quiet moan escaped him. Home wasn’t the structure that surrounded him; home was Sade. The moment she was close, he instantly relaxed and felt at peace. She shifted against him but didn’t wake up completely.

“It’s just me,” he whispered. Suddenly, Sade pulled in a deep breath and hopped up in bed. “Relax, Sade. It’s me.”

Clutching her chest, Sade took ragged breaths as she gripped his wrist. “Jesus, Dante. You almost made me pee on myself.”

As serious as she was, Dante couldn’t help but chuckle. “Who else would be in the bed with you, Smiley?”

“Hell, I thought I was having another dream where I thought it was you, but it was really Atlas.”

Dante scratched his head, trying to process what the hell she’d just said. “Huh?”

She shook her head and gave him a dismissive wave of her hand. “Nothing. You’re home! How did this happen?” She hugged his neck, and that was the greeting he’d hoped for.

After he ran down what happened in court, Sade said, “Is he playing a game we’re unaware of? What reason would he possibly have to drop the charges? You don’t think he has something worse up his sleeve, do you?”

“I considered that. Or, he could want me to owe him. I know his target has been on you, and that’s mainly because he doesn’t know I killed Willow.

Maybe he thinks that because he didn’t send me to jail, I will help him with you.

Either way, letting me out will be an error in judgment for him before it ever becomes an issue for us. ”

“I hope you’re right about that, but I’m just so glad you’re home!”

As she straddled him and began to cover his face with kisses, Dante laughed as he confessed, “I’m glad to be home too.”