Page 49 of The Prey
And they didn’t. Close to an hour went by—with Clarke just giving people, including the judge, the run-around. Everyone’s frustration level kept rising. Except, possibly Clarke. He just kept shooting smug glances at Gia.
Finally, the judge called a fifteen-minute recess. “I don’t like games. Remember that.”
Everyone knew exactly who she was speaking to. Clarke still had that smug look on his face, and Walters was about to turn purple. Hudson didn’t see Walters keeping Clarke on much longer. Not after what he’d witnessed today.
Hudson pulled Gia to her feet gently. “Let’s go get some air.”
“All the hot air coming from the defense isn’t enough?”
“No kidding.” He did it before he could stop himself—Hudson wrapped his fingers around her hand and pulled her closer. “After this is over, I’ll buy you lunch. Iftheydon’t steal you away from me first.”
Her brothers had risen to their feet when the rest of the court had. Now all five of them stood there, just watching. He wasn’t complaining—all five Hiller brothers had shown up when the galley opened, filed in, and just stood there. Guarding their sister.
“I would like that very much. You think if I started doing the Chicken Dance with the judge they’d do it, too?”
Hudson studied her beautiful face. There was a fading bruise just below her eye. She wore a sling—half her family seemed to be in slings right now—over that thin little pink blouse she liked so much. No jacket now—it interfered with the sling. Gia’s hair wasn’t pulled back. It hung down her back, taunting him to touch.
And he did.
This time, he had no hesitation about touching her where anyone could see. He would want to touch this woman forever.
“Probably. We could try it, and tell Ryan and Calvin all about it.”
“How much longer do you think he’s going to drag this out? I want to go home. This sling is rubbing my neck raw. I should have padded the strap better. Genny said this brand isn’t the greatest.”
And she’d be in it for six weeks. Three weeks after his own cast came off, and Ryan’s. If he could convince her to marry him as soon as possible, she’d not want to be in the sling, so…he was looking at around two months at the earliest. And he still had to get the ring. Gunn would definitely be the one doing the ceremony—but he’d ask Judge Collins to sign off on the license personally.
“Hudson? You in there?” She waved her free hand in his face.
“Just got a little distracted. It’s you in pink silk. Gets me every time.”
“Sure it does. Time for you to behave, Hanan. Or you’ll get us both in trouble. Contempt or something. I somehow think Judge Collins is the type to be wise to your wicked ways.”
“Probably. I’m going to set her up with Hendricks when I get a chance. I’d enjoy the show.”
She laughed. That beautiful laugh that got to him every time.
“I love you, you know. And I’m not ever letting you go.”
Big hazel eyes just stared into his. Hudson wanted to just scoop her up and kiss her forever.
But he controlled himself.
Barely.
39
Jason heardHanan’s words as he stepped out into the lobby to take a damned call and just there they were. Cozied up against each other where anyone passing by could see. Hanan was playing with her fucking hair.
SayingI love youand shit. Hell, Jason had been prepared to say that to her if it would have gotten him what he wanted. He’d seen good old Mac Barratt floating around the courthouse, acting as if he owned the world. Jason despised that rich prick.
Just as much as he did Hanan.
“Can’t you find a bedroom for that shit?” Jason asked, the words slipping out before he could stop them. “Or just strip her naked right here and get it over with. Doubt you have five minutes in you.”
“Clarke!” Shit. Walters was right behind him. Jason had thought that moron had stayed behind with Fullman. “Completely inappropriate.”
“Is it? This isn’t the place for romance. I thought we were in a court of law?” He’d run his mouth when he shouldn’t have. No denying that. Oh, fucking well. They’d just have to deal with it.
