Page 118 of The Rogue

“Your Honor, my client has endured three years of this so-called investigation, yet here we are with no resolution in sight.”

Frank stands. “Counsel, this is a federal case. Ms. Benett’s testimony is crucial, and her safety—”

Noah looks bored with his response. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say her safety is being used as an excuse to keep her trapped into giving you what you need.”

“Objection. With all due respect.” Agent Andrew stands. “Ms. Bennet was shot. They won’t hesitate to do it again.”

My heart sinks. I can almost feel Levi’s heated gaze behind me.

“When you catch him—whether it be tomorrow or six years from now—you call my office, and I’ll personally bring her in to testify,” Noah assures. “Until then, she’ll be leaving with us.”

Wait. What?

“No!” I shout, pushing off my chair. “No. I’m not going with them.” I shake my head at the judge and snap back to the agents. “Frank, make them leave,” I beg.

The same guard is at my side, restraining me from pushing forward.

Noah doesn’t even blink. “Your Honor, my client is concerned for her family’s safety. While the Hideaway Springs P.D. is providing a generous level of protection, I believe it is reasonable to expect that, since she is agreeing to testify, the agency should assign a 24-hour guard as well.”

The judge perks a brow. “Her family?”

Noah points to the back of the room, and my chest clenches. “Her husband, Levi Reeves, my brother, ensures her safety. He and I will be your main point of contact. I can confirm their cooperation with the agency and—”

“Tessa?” Frank cuts in, a question in his tone.

“I’m sorry, do you have a question for my client?” Noah asks. He's the picture of calm as my heart rattles in my chest.

Frank glares at Noah. Gritting through his teeth. “Last I checked, she wasn’t married.”

The judge inspects a paper Noah handed him. “This certificate is recent.” He dips his glasses to look at me. “My congratulations.”

My gaze carries to the quiet cowboy in the back of the room.

Agent Andrews stands, buttoning his jacket. “While we may release her from custody under the protection of her spouse, we’d need to inspect the grounds and arrange a visit with the local police department.”

Noah nods with a smirk. “Sheriff Bradshaw is expecting your call.”

I shake my head at mybrother-in-law. “Noah.”

“This hearing is adjourned.” Judge Larry strikes the gavel against the table.

Noah moves to collect his briefcase while the room erupts in chatter.

“No,” I shout. “I have the right to refuse. Frank,dosomething.”

The man I've trusted to protect me all these years steps forward abruptly, catching my arm. “If you don’t calm down, your mental state will be in question and your testimony will mean nothing to—"

“Take your hands off my wife.”

Frank drops my arm and walks off. I turn at his steely voice, pleading. “Levi, you can’t take me with you. It’s not safe. He’s still out there.”

Catching my hand, he turns to his brother. “Noah—”

“Yes. Get her in the car, I’ll finish up here.”

Levi pulls me through the crowd, and as much as I want to fight him—my stomach buzzes with how much I’vemissedhim. The gruff exterior, his hard scowl, these hands, his voice. Everything.

I want to be wrapped up in it all.

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