Page 74 of The Final Straw

Van is still hesitant, and he always makes sure he’s touching only me, but he’s definitely more comfortable with group foreplay.

Time seems to blur as we explore each other, the night unfolding in a series of heated moments. Our moans mix together, the air thick with desire as we explode in a mess of sweat and cum.

As the first light of dawn filters through the windows, we finally wind down. We are lying together in a comfortable heap, our bodies entwined. Van looks over at me, his eyes sparkling with happiness. “I’m happy, Livvy. So fucking happy. I love you.”

I smile back, feeling a deep sense of contentment. “I am too. I love you.”

Chapter 36

Van

I reach up, adjusting my tie as I wait for the trial to begin. I’m in the first row behind the DA’s table with Olivia, Kipp, and Grady sitting next to me. Having the three of them here supporting me means the world.

I caught a glimpse earlier of Barbi glaring at me, sitting beside her attorney and a woman who I assume is her mother sitting behind her, as they whisper to each other.

“Keep your eyes forward and don’t react to anything they say,” the DA leans backward and whispers.

I nod my head and take a deep breath. I trust what he’s telling me. We’ve prepared for anything that Barbi and her attorney can throw my way. It also helps that I have Olivia, Grady, and Kipp on my side as witnesses.

The bailiff calls the court to order as the judge enters. My heart begins to race. This is it. I’m going to stand before the jury and everyone in this room and tell the story of how I, a man, was raped by the woman sitting at the table next to me.

I’m either going to be vindicated, and Barbi will pay for her transgressions, or the verdict will come back in Barbi’s favor.

The judge makes his statements, then the DA and whoever the slimy fat dude is that's representing Barbi, give their opening statements.

Once they’re done, we go straight into testimonies. My leg bounces, knowing that I have to sit in front of everyone and repeat the events of that night. I can already feel judgemental eyes on me. Are they going to side with Barbi and believe her lies?

The DA felt it was best to save my testimony for last and begin with people who were at the party and witnessed what happened there.

One by one, the DA calls them up, asking them questions about that night. All of them testify that yes, Barbi and I were there, but not together. They tell how she kept coming up to me all night, flirting with me, but I was standoffish. I didn’t reciprocate her attention, and those who saw her handing me drinks testified to that. The only time my behavior changed with Barbi was after she gave me drinks. One after the other, they explain how I looked out of it, that I couldn’t stand up straight, and that the only time I touched Barbi was when she was practically dragging me out of the party.

A few of my buddies mention how in love with Olivia I am, and that all I could talk about that night was her. I’d even asked them about how I should propose to her. But they just couldn’t confirm that she’d tampered with the drinks she’d given me.

Barbi’s attorney cross-examines each of them, asking his own questions to try to spin the night in favor of her. I’m not sure if he did or not; the jurors' faces aren’t giving away any information.

“Next, I call Van Michaels to the stand,” the DA announces boldly, as he turns to face the jury.

I take a deep breath and stand. I lock my gaze with Olivia, and she gives me a reassuring smile. No matter what happens today, I know she’ll always be there for me. Holding my head high, I approach the stand, ignoring the chuckle I hear from Barbi, just before her attorney shushes her. God, I hope the jury and the judge heard it as well.

I take my spot and I’m sworn in. “I solemnly swear that the evidence I give shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”

My lawyer steps up in front of the witness box.

“Mr. Michaels, could you tell us in your words what happened that night?”

“Yes, sir,” I answer and recount the events I remember.

I tell him about how I went to the party after Olivia persuaded me to go. I ran into Barbi there but didn’t make any romantic advances toward her and was about to leave when she stopped me, wanting to have one drink.

“So you were attempting to leave until Miss Johnson stopped you?”

“Yes, sir.” Just as the attorney coached, I kept my answer short and to the point—only answering what he asked.

“Objection, your honor. Whether he was leaving or not is irrelevant to the facts.” Barbi’s attorney stands.

“Overruled. Proceed with your questioning.”

“You state that Miss Johnson gave you a drink, and prior to having it, you felt fine?”

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