Her breathing is choppy. “They wouldn’t let me see you until now. I tried, Gray. They forced me to wait until you were cleared for visitors. Whatever that means.”
I smirk at her. “I had to earn this with good behavior. They hold everything against us.”
“That sounds terrible.”
I don’t want to lie to her. “It’s an adjustment. They study us. New inmates are under observation. Gotta make sure I’m not a danger or liable to go off the rails. Guess this means I’m good to go.”
“Are you suffering?” Her voice cracks and more rivulets drift down those smooth cheeks. I curl my fingers, wanting nothing more than to feel the heat of her skin beneath me.
“I’ll adapt to this latest version of torment. Don’t worry about me, Sutt.”
She huffs into the phone. “That’s impossible, especially when they’re keeping us apart. Hopefully we’re past all those hurdles. I was the squeakiest damn wheel. Pretty sure their front desk phone didn’t stop ringing until they granted me permission. I’d camp out in the parking lot if that did us any good.”
I crack a grin at her tenacity. “You’re too much, beautiful. They’re gonna kick you out.”
Her gasp pierces my eardrum. “I dare them to try.”
“So feisty,” I growl.
Sutton gives me a long once-over. “I want to kiss you.”
“I want a lot more than that.”
“Is it weird that I find you ridiculously attractive right now? You’re so hot, Gray.”
I rub over my newly acquired beard. “You like the convict vibe? I wasn’t sure if orange is my color.”
Her forehead bunches, the flirty undertone between us vanishing in a snap. “Stop it.”
“I’m being real, Sutt. This is my new normal.”
“I refuse to accept that. Did you talk to a lawyer? My parents said they hired the best one for you. They wanted to come with me, but you were only approved for one visitor.”
I drag a hand through my shaggy hair. “Yeah, he met with me after initial intake. He’ll be back next week.”
“Have you heard about a court date?”
“The attorney says it’s best to drag out this limbo period for the maximum allotted time. That way we build the strongest case for a plea deal. Thanks to Lance and his persuasion, there’s no chance for bail. I could be a hazard to society.” I hitch a thumb over my shoulder. “I’m trapped in the holding pen until trial.”
“They don’t care about your side of the story?”
I offer a shrug. “It’s his word against mine. Who are they gonna believe?”
“How is that justice?”
“Flawed system, Sutt.”
She flicks her gaze to the stained ceiling. “What happens to you after the official judge’s hearing?”
“I’ll stay in county jail until getting hauled off to state prison.” I clench my jaw at those daunting options.
She flinches. “They can’t send you there.”
“They probably will, Sutt. That’s a reality we need to discuss. I don’t expect you to wait around—”
“You better stop that train of thought right now, Grady Bowen. We’re going to fight this. You’ll be free to go in a few days. You’re getting out of here. We’re getting you out, Gray,” she repeats.
She shouldn’t bother trying. None of them should. Why waste money and effort on me? But I know Sutton won’t quit. Deep down in the pit of my sour gut I can admit I don’t want her to. That doesn’t mean I’m going to let her be shackled to me.
