Page 39 of Honorable Convictions
“I don’t mind hard work, but I was hoping to have more time with you on the weekends, but I’m going to have to put in full days.”
Pierson wasn’t surprised, as Mitchell had been steadily working seven days a week since he’d started visiting his condo, and it didn’t matter much—he had his own project which kept him busy on Saturdays and Sundays. “I’ll be putting together my notes. I’m adding New Orleans to my schedule on Friday. I’ve decided to pick up the momentum since it’s going well.”
“This thing will benefit the entire Order of the Fallen Knights. You’re the perfect person to be liaison, too. Your reputation speaks for itself.”
“You’re a natural with people; you could’ve easily managed it.”
“You’d be a natural at a lot of things if you’d let yourself.”
Instead of finding a way to be insulted at words that Pierson was discovering were truer than he’d ever realized, he grinned. “Except for hand-to-hand combat.”
Mitchell’s laugh was rich, and Pierson closed his eyes to enjoy the way it warmed him. “You’re really terrible, Blondie. I had this dream of us hitting the streets together, but it died after a few weeks with you in the gym.”
“You should’ve asked me to help you study,” Pierson said. “Everyone figured out I memorized stuff fast, and I could’ve been an asset to you.”
Blowing out a breath, Mitchell lifted his feet and crossed them once they were resting on the coffee table. “Stupid fucking pride. I should’ve, but it wasn’t as if I’d dismissed the idea. It never occurred to me. I was so stuck on proving to you that I was capable of being Juris too.”
“From the beginning, I was confident that you weren’t applying yourself. I never questioned your intelligence or ability.”
“Just my commitment to my training.”
Pierson didn’t know how to fix that, so he let his gaze fall to his lap. Gathering his courage, he raised his head and met Mitchell’s eyes. “I had a dream last night…or this morning, I guess. It was of us in training. Only we weren’t fighting or trying to hurt one another. We were a team and used our strengths to assist each other. Our graduation was also the day we had our matebond ceremony. We were friends who provided the same level of helpfulness as we journeyed through our lives.”
“I don’t know what to say to you. If I ask questions, you’re going to tell me that it was a stupid fantasy, and that there’s too much between us to ever get there in real life. I’m sick of fighting about whether we’d ever work. There’s only one fucking way to find out, and you’ve resisted it for the past three months.”
“It was a fantasy because we aren’t those two people, but I woke up with so much regret that it nearly choked me,” he admitted. His voice wavered, but he was holding on to his bravery with everything inside him. “What if I was ready to try? To see if we have anything there to build on?” Pierson swallowed heavily. “That maybe wecouldbe mates.”
To Pierson’s consternation, Mitchell stood. His brow furrowed, but Mitchell lifted his arm and held out a hand. “Take it, Blondie.”
Slowing rising, Pierson laid his palm over Mitchell’s, and their eyes locked while the other fallen knight tugged him close. His fingers traced Pierson’s jawline; then he brushed their mouths together. Not content to settle for something so innocent, Pierson leaned forward and once their lips met again, he forged ahead to stroke his tongue against Mitchell’s. In their kiss was an echo of the previous one they’d shared, but the heat was more intense along with the tenderness.
Pierson relished it and forced his perfect memory to catalog each sensation…the softness, the passion, and the beauty. Those were the things he’d cling to and relive when his terror of what the future held took root. It was Mitchell himself he’d use to ensure that Pierson didn’t unintentionally sabotage what they were finally going to try and build.
A dark abyss opened as he was folded into Mitchell’s embrace, and he ignored the panic with a promise to take things one day at a time. Held tightly, Pierson looped his arms around Mitchell’s neck and simply let them be. Allowing himself to feel treasured, he swept aside the million questions which rose from his anxious soul and hoped he’d recognize what was left of him if they failed.
Chapter 21
One week after a miracle occurred in Mitchell’s life, he strode into a courtroom with his client a few steps behind him. After being seated, he set his bag on the floor and pulled the appropriate file out and placed it on the wide table in front of them. Lifting his head, his eyes locked with the Juris Knight opposite him for the case. It took a great deal of effort, but he managed to keep his face expressionless and instead gave his attention to his client.
“Are you ready, Mr. Mexicanum?” Mitchell asked.
“Yes, I believe so. I never realized inheriting all these properties would give me these kinds of problems.”
“Real estate can be complex, but don’t worry. You’ve got me to do that for you and help you with things like this.”
The axolotl shifter gave him a grateful smile. “Okay, I’ll sit here and pretend I’m not scared. Are you familiar with the other Juris Knight? I mean, I don’t know if you guys know each other or not. Was that a stupid question?”
“I was taught that there was no such thing as a stupid question, and we don’t all know each other, but I’m familiar with him. Although he’s damn good, the law is on your side here.”
“Okay,” Diego Mexicanum responded.
The door near the judges’ bench opened and Mitchell rose, along with everyone else in the room, to acknowledge the man who’d decide their case.
“Good afternoon,” Judge Marbendill said, taking his seat. “Let’s get started. Juris Knight Murphy, please explain to the court why your client, Mr. Loire, hasn’t vacated the property owned by Mr. Mexicanum.”
Pierson glanced quickly at Mitchell, who gave in to the urge to grin. “Judge Marbendill, Mr. Mexicanum falsely advertised the amenities offered by the property, to which Mr. Loire signed a lease, and accepted partial payment for past due rent after sending an eviction notice. Mr. Loire is in a location which is not conducive to his needs and has been trying to find a new home; however, his funds are limited. He emptied his bank account to supply the large deposit required by Mr. Mexicanum.”
“I want all these issues addressed today, so let’s start with the first problem. JK Murphy, what was promised to Mr. Loire when he signed the lease that Mr. Mexicanum didn’t follow through on?”
