Page 8 of Loving Justice

“Freedom exaggerated.”

“Freedom would never lie.”

“But she might overthink the situation.”

“Did you have something to do with poisoningher horses?”

“Of course not.” He waved a hand as if he could wipe her words away.

“I can’t believe you.”

Kent’s eyes widened slightly, but a man of his “caliber” never let his guard down. “Why would I want to harm some insignificant breeding horses?” Tension tightened his tight jaw.

“You wanted Requiem. That’s public knowledge. Not to mention, you thrive on drama.”

“You have the same temperament as your sister, my dear. It’s annoying.” He snorted. The first sign of anger started to show on his once placid features.

“I need your agreement that you will stop meddling in my life and stay away from me and my family,” she said calmly. She knew him well enough that he didn’t take kindly to demands, but she had reached her limits.

His face grew somber. “I had hoped we could try again. We were good together, right?”

Disbelief spun webs inside her mind. She could see now how much of a manipulator he was, and he no longer hid it as he was losing control. “A relationship consists of two people respecting, caring, and growing together. What you and I had…there were none of those things. You used me. You wanted me when it was convenient for you. Now I’m…” She wanted to make it very clear. “over you.”

The corners of his mouth played with a doubtful smile. “The only way you and I will ever be over is if you move on. Once another man touches you…,” he growled. Jealousy lit his eyes.

Justice looked at the beautifully crafted coffee table of polished wood and intricate glass adorned with fresh flowers, and a stack of unread magazines. The top magazine highlighted the marriage of a well-known businessman and famous country music artist.

Then it came to her so clearly…

“I’m getting married, Kent.” She held his gaze.

She swore she saw a gamut of emotions cross over his face, but again, they didn’t last long enough to read. “You’re lying.”

She swallowed the acid rising in her throat. “Why would I lie? Some don’t need to sink to that level.” Justice had never been good at telling tales, but when it came to convincing a snake, she had to make every effort to impress.

"Do you want to get rid of me that badly?"

“No, I simply want you to see that we are over. Do me justice by letting me go, and that means also stopping this attack on my family.”

“And what if I don’t agree?” One thick brow slid upward above his shrewd emerald gaze.

“Then I must do what I must,” she said.

He took a long drink from his glass, glaring at her. “There’s that threatening tone again.”

“I’m not threatening you, Kent. I’m laying the cards out so you can see how serious I am.”

“Fill me in, sweetheart.”

She reminded herself that standing eye-to-eye with a “lion” meant staying confident or at least faking it. “I know how close you and the Sheriff are.”

One corner of Kent’s lips lifted. “That’s no secret. Are we not allowed to hang out, golf, and enjoy a fine bourbon? Is that somehow against the law here in Sagebrush Pine?”

“What’s your relationship with Molly, his wife?”

A smirk stayed firm on his face and his jaw twitched. “What does she have to do with any of this?”

Justice had struck a chord.

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