Page 5 of Legally Loved

"They are,” I agree. “I’m glad to be completely free of them. At first, I thought moving away would be enough, but working for my dad’s company let him keep a hold on me.”

"Which is when you switched jobs and gave up all that wealth.”

"It's just money," I reply. That causes her to smirk and inform me only rich people think like that. “There are some things you can’t buy.”

"Such as freedom, even when you’re innocent. People were paid off to label Harry guilty." She's not wrong. This whole thing reeks of conspiracy and a cover up. It wouldn’t take much to sway the small-town jury Franksville would have.

Needing to discuss the upcoming gala, I ask, "Do you think you can put on a show? Sean needs to believe he’s literally getting away with murder, so you can't make a scene."

"Relax, suit. I won’t be the goon."

"What does that mean?"

"It’s a hockey term for the person that’s prone to start fights. His main goal is to focus on an opposing player and act aggressively toward him.”

"Okay then. You also need a dress."

"I’m more comfortable in jeans and a hoodie. What the hell do I know about fashion?” She grumbles." I tell her that’s why we’re going to visit my friends.

"Grace will be happy to go with you." This causes her to sigh again in frustration. For some reason, her attitude makes me smile. She and I balance each other out nicely, not to mention the sex is fantastic. She satisfies a hunger in me that I didn't know existed. On the other hand, I know she’s nervous and I can’t blame her, so I take her hand in mine. "They’re going to love you. And we'll devise a plan to make sure this it goes smoothly."

Shortly after we arrive and introductions are made, Halo and Grace take off. Clive and I sit down and go through everything regarding Harry’s case. When he asks if I believe her brother, I don’t hesitate to reply that I do.

"He came across as being completely honest and desperate for the truth. Plus, he’s scared about Halo getting too close with her digging."

"I checked on some leads and they’re all dead ends. None of the evidence they presented in court exists, at least not where I can find it. We need to talk to Sean. I don’t expect him to confess or be truthful at all, but seeing his reactions might help us.”

I groan and mumble, "I hope my parents won't ruin this for Halo. As soon as they see us together, chaos will ensue."

Clive shrugs, declaring, "Who cares what they think? I never did."

"Which I’ve always appreciated. I've reached the point where I don’t either."

"They're not going to like Halo."

"Tell me something I don't know,” I mutter. “I can’t believe how quickly she and Grace hit it off. They’re so different.”

Clive grins and proudly says, "My girl has the magic touch."

"Or mine does," I argue, which leads to us essentially starting a game of one upmanship with our women before we bust out laughing. I never thought he and I would both have this, but I’m so damn thankful we do.

* * *

Halo

"I don't understand how women enjoy this," I observe while staring at myself in the ball gown. It’s black, silk, and hugs my body to perfection. The slit on the side starts at my thigh, showing off the red rose and ivy design wrapped around it.

"I don't know,” Grace concedes, “it's kinda fun getting dressed up.” My expression clearly states I disagree, so she humors me by saying, “Think of it as a costume." Grace suggests. Okay, that’s not a bad idea. I instantly felt comfortable with her. I wasn’t surprised to discover that she’s a social worker. The kids she helps are lucky to have her.

"You're right,” I tell her. “I think Caleb will love it." I know for a fact he does my artwork. That thought has me remembering when he traced them with his fingers, then his lips. We can barely keep our hands off each other, which admittedly allows me a reprieve from all the chaos going on in my life right now. If I’m being honest with myself, I think I’m already falling for him, and that epiphany scares me to death.

A group of giggling women breaks through the silence, causing me to glance their direction. They’re tall, blonde, and pretty much a carbon copy of one another. I know they’re being catty, probably talking about how I obviously don’t belong in such a high-class store. "Don't mind them,” Grace tells me. “They think they’re better than everyone."

"Which means they’re more than likely part of his parents’ circle," I grumble. "Being on my best behavior is going to suck,” I grumble. It already is now as they look me over from head to toe with matching expressions of disgust.

"Ignore them and take a deep breath." Deciding I’d rather handle this my way, I grab the champagne we were offered, put my thumb over the top, and let her know I’ll be back. Her face pales and she panics while urging me to wait. “What are you going to do?” She knows.

"Relax and just enjoy the show." Walking toward them, I shake the bottle as I go. They smirk as I get closer, but I can guarantee I’ll have the last laugh. “Would you mind taking this off my hands?” I ask with a fake smile. “The taste isn’t something I’m used to.”

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