“My world makes sense with you in it,” he whispered as he tugged on my bottom lip.
I wanted to stay in his arms forever, but sadly, destiny had other plans.
A phone rang somewhere in the room.
He froze as if he knew who was calling.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“My lawyer is here,” he said, sauntering over to the phone by the elevator doors. “He called this morning to tell me he was meeting with the DA and a judge.” He lifted the receiver. “Yeah. Send him up.”
I shook my head. “Do you know the verdict?”
He hung up. “I don’t. Will you stay?”
“Of course.” Talk about a panic attack. I started practicing my breathing as if I were going into labor.
Duke was rather pale as he waited for the elevator doors to open. Minutes later, when they did, I felt sick.
Kelton Maxwell stepped into the penthouse with one of those deadpan expressions, but when he regarded me, questions danced in his blue eyes.
“Just saying my peace,” I said.
“What’s the verdict?” Duke asked, shoving his hands into his jean pockets.
“Do you want her to hear this?” Kelton asked.
“She’s cool,” Duke said.
“Judge Dixon had a chance to weigh the facts in the case, including how you worked with BPD and saved Fallyn’s life and that this is your first offense. The DA fought for ten years. I fought for time served. After all, the government has the source of the weapons, Rosario Mendoza. Plus, there were only three assault rifles on-site, which can’t be proven to belong to you. But?—”
Duke and I said “fuck” in unison.
“The judge feels you need to pay for your role in this mess. He slapped a one-year sentence on you, but you can be out in six months on good behavior.”
Happy tears streamed down my face as I threw myself at Duke. “This is great news.” At least I thought so, considering how adamant Agent Howard was to lock Duke up for at least ten years.
He held me tightly for a beat, shaking in my arms, before securing Kelton into a hug.
“Thank you, man,” he said to Kelton, sounding choked up.
Kelton laughed as he eased away. “Dillon always said you were a cold bastard. Could’ve fooled me.”
“He’s right.” Duke grinned. “I don’t hug many people. I really appreciate you going to bat for me.”
“Don’t thank me just yet,” Kelton said. “You’ll need to pay a fine of two hundred fifty thousand, and the ATF is seizing the Monarch. I’m sorry, but I wasn’t able to save your club. They’re planning on auctioning it off.”
I had rather liked working at the club. “That’s all they’re seizing?”
“Yes,” Kelton said. “Duke doesn’t have much more than that.”
“No bank accounts?” I regarded Duke.
“Not important,” he said. “When are the cops coming for me?”
I got the feeling he had more assets than the club, and I would bet they were hidden.
Kelton glanced at his Rolex. “They should be here within the hour. You might want to call your brothers. I’m also required to wait here with you, but I have calls to make. Do you mind if I use Jade’s office?”
