Page 71 of Entice

Brady’s family erupted, and the judge banged his gavel. “This courtroom will have order, or I will hold you all in contempt.”

“Your Honor, surely you can understand why my clients are upset,” Winters said, waving his hand at Brady’s parents and brothers.

“Get them under control, counselor.” The judge turned to Brady. “I’m going to question the witness.”

Brady was clearly nervous but stayed strong, his attention lasered on the judge. Crystal had warned him his family would go nuts, and the judge might ask him questions.

“Tell me about your relationship with the defendant.”

Brady swallowed. “Sage is wonderful to me. We enjoy each other and give the other what they need.” He smiled at Sage. “Our relationship has a sexual component that includes kink.”

“Kink?” the judge said. “You’re in an alternative lifestyle?”

“Yes, sir.”

“You do realize your family has brought a civil lawsuit for abuse?”

“Yes, sir. I don’t agree, and I refuse to play a part in my family’s pettiness. Sage does not abuse me. We have a loving relationship.”

“I see.” The judge looked over at Brady’s family. “Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs, you claim your son has been abused. I remind you that you are still under oath.”

Brady’s father stood up. “He has. That woman has beaten him.”

“She has not,” Brady yelled, then looked at the judge. “I’m sorry, sir.”

The judge nodded. “Brady, how long have you been in this relationship?”

“Two years.”

“I see. Have you lived at home all this time?”

“No, sir. I’ve been living on my own since I was twenty-five.”

“Are you employed?”

“Yes, sir. I’m a physician. I’m starting my own clinic.”

“Like hell,” his father said.

The judge glared at the family before turning back to Brady. “Brady, tell me more about how you ended up on the defendant’s doorstep on Sunday.”

“As I stated, I was tired of my family not listening to me. I wanted to give them one last chance to drop this case, so I stopped by my childhood home. I stated the facts and then got ready to leave when my brothers grabbed me and began beating on me.”

“I have to object,” Winters interjected.

The judge waved his hand in the air. “Overruled. Continue please.”

Brady swallowed. “When they were finished, it took me a little bit to get my body to work. I had my keys in my pocket, so I made my way to my car and went to Sage.”

“Why the defendant’s house?”

“Because I knew I would be safe with her.”

“I see.” The judge turned his gaze to Sage. “Ms. Montgomery.”

“Yes, Your Honor,” Sage stood up.

“When Brady showed up at your home, what did you do?”

---