Page 190 of Destined Lovers

Only knowing and seeing are two different things. “I’m here now, my love. I’m here.” I cry into his shoulder, my heart pounding against my chest.

After a few moments, he leans back, and it seems like some of his composure is back. He runs his hair through my newly dyed locks, and a slight smirk plays on his lips.

“I’m so glad you’re okay, Pip.” He murmurs, then leans in and kisses me softly. I coax his lips open, needing to feel the connection between us. Our tongues explore one another, and I instantly feel the knowing tingle deep within. I pull back, remembering where we are, and giggly quietly at our performance.

What must we look like?

Declan runs his fingers through my hair again. “I love it. You look beautiful,” he whispers in awe and clenches his jaw a few times to hold back his tears, ultimately making mine fall. Seeing him with deep pain laced through his eyes makes me feel sick to my stomach that he’s gone through this because of me.

I pepper kisses around his face. “I love you,” I whisper so only he can hear. “After this, we can finally start fresh, Dec.”

He smiles sadly and caresses the apples of my cheek. “Don’t worry about me, Nora. I’ll be okay. Today is about you.”

I narrow my eyes. What is he going on about?

My whole life is for him. Who cares about today? If he’s not okay, I’m not okay. Before I can respond, my lawyer interrupts us.

“Time to head in. Are you ready?”

Already?

In an instant, my mood changes. I look up into Declan’s chocolate eyes and interlock our fingers. Suddenly the nerves I’ve suppressed are bubbling up, choking me, and leaving me speechless.

“Can you give us a second?” He looks around at the lawyer, Bennett, and the guards.

“Hey,” Declan pulls me back into his chest, palms my nape, and gives me a swift yet passionate kiss, “I love you too, Angel. Everything is going to be okay. You’re going to be amazing, and when you’re nervous, you know what to do.”

“Use you?”

He pecks my lips again, “Aye, always use me.”

Six days later

Although Conor had one of the best defense attorneys money can buy the mob, today is not looking good for him, seeing as the jury took less than one day to deliberate on a verdict.

The last six days have been stressful, tearful, and at times filled with happiness. Nonetheless, getting up on the stand and retelling the story of my parent's death in front of the man who killed them is not something anyone will ever be ready to do, no matter how much preparation you have. The worst of it all was the cross-examination—the belittling and making you out to be a liar.

They feck with your mind. It was gut-punching, and I’m so done with it. I’m ready to go home to London. Put my past to rest, and live for my future.

The judge breaks me out of my thoughts, “Will the jury foreperson please stand? Has the jury reached a unanimous verdict?”

“We have your honor.”

The courtroom is silent. You can hear a pin drop as the clerk passes the verdict to the judge. She silently reads it and gives it back to the clerk, who reads it out loud.

“The Jury finds the defendant guilty on all counts.” The court breaks out in cheer.

“The jury is thanked and excused. Court is adjourned.” The judge says, but no one pays any attention, too lost in their victory.

I drop my head in my hands and take a few deep breaths before I face everyone. I can feel Declan at my back and know he will only give me a second to myself before he takes over and comforts me.

I grab at my necklace, desperate to feel closer to my parents.

When the verdict hits media outlets across the globe, I hope this case helps people gain strength and courage. To never give up and fight for what and who they care for.

It applies to everything.

If I didn’t fight for my life, I wouldn’t be with Declan, my parents wouldn’t have gotten justice, I wouldn’t be living the life I’ve always wanted, and I would be a shell of a human.

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