No feelings. No fear. No complications.
But Laurette is a complication. And all I can think about is what could happen if I leave.
That thought alone is enough to knock the air from my lungs. I tighten my grip on her, and hold her closer, like I can keep her safe with proximity and pressure and force of will.
But I can’t protect her if I’m not here. And I can’t stay without letting someone else be in danger.
I don’t know how to do both.
All I know is if something happens to her—if she vanishes from my life, if I lose this—I won’t survive it.
I bury my face in her neck and breathe her in, memorizing the feel of her in my arms.
This won’t last.
But for tonight, she’s mine.
And I’m hers.
Chapter 32
Laurette Devereux
They say justice is blind.I’m here to make damn sure she isn’t also deaf.
The clerk’s voice slices through the inaudible murmur of the gallery. “State of Louisiana versus Evan Lemaire.”
A ripple moves through the room. Jurors straighten. Reporters shift, phones gripped tight, thumbs poised.
Evan Lemaire lounges at the defense table as if he’s poolside instead of on trial for rape. Dark suit, expensive watch, posture soaked in entitlement. His smirk is slow and smug.
Beside him, Jon David oozes quiet confidence. Every gesture is polished, every glance deliberate. He adjusts his cufflinks, more concerned with them than the charges. To him, this isn’t a courtroom. It’s a stage.
I’m at the prosecution’s table—files aligned, posture sharp, every detail in place. He’s watching, but not with his usual charming smirk. Today, he’s still. Controlled. Waiting.
The judge enters, robe sweeping as she takes the bench. “Everyone, be seated.”
Chairs shift, the jury settles, and reporters edge forward. Acrossthe aisle, Jon David leans toward Evan, murmuring something I can’t make out. Whatever it is, it earns a quiet chuckle.
I hold my gaze on them.
Let them laugh. The storm is coming.
I stand and step into the well. Every eye turns my way—jurors, courtroom staff, reporters. Even the defendant himself.
“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen of the jury. On the night of April fourteenth, the defendant, Evan Lemaire, attended a gathering. Emily Westbrook was also present.”
I pause long enough for that fact to settle.
“During the evening, Ms. Westbrook consumed alcohol. The toxicology evidence you will hear shows a blood alcohol concentration consistent with one standard drink. However, the toxicology results will also show the presence of an additional substance.”
I let the wordadditional substancesink in.
“You will hear testimony from the medical examiner regarding the effects of that substance on the human body. You will hear from several witnesses who were with Ms. Westbrook that night.”
My eyes drift for a heartbeat toward Evan, reclining as though this were someone else’s trial.
“And you will be presented with evidence of what occurred next.”
