Page 100 of Perfectly Naïve
“We’ll see you in court?”
Lalo and Josh nod. “Don’t worry, C. We’ll make sure you’re safe.”
She nods, chewing on her cheek.
“We’re going to go.” I tip my head toward the car, and Cici starts walking in that direction. I give Lalo and Josh a pointed look. “Don’t fuck this up, got it? She’s struggling, and the last thing she needs is more dad-trauma. Okay?”
“Understood, son.” Regret flashes across Josh’s face. “You’re a good brother,” he rasps.
Lalo claps his hand on his shoulder and nods at me. “Take care of her. We’ll make sure George won’t win custody for a second time.”
With that promise, I spin on my heel and jog to catch up with Cici, hoping that court doesn’t turn us all into liars and send her right back into the lion’s den.
There’s nothing exciting about being in a courtroom. TV shows make it seem glamorous, but in reality, it’s a wood-covered box of hell. Cici and I are sitting behind Josh and Lalo as the lawyers battle it out. Josh and Lalo have already hit the stand, being hammered with questions abouthow fit they are to take care of Cici. George’s lawyer made a few low blows. Nothing they can’t recover from, though.
Finally, George takes the stand. Cici grabs my hand, gaze intent on the little box where our father sits, and I give her a reassuring squeeze. Liv takes my other hand, giving me hope. I honestly wasn’t sure if I wanted her to come witness this mess. Cici asked her to come, and I’d never deny my sister the comfort she needs.
I only wish that Liv could be spared from seeing the man who created me, for fear of her worrying that one day I’ll become him.
“George,” his lawyer begins. “You fought for full custody in the pack breakup, correct?”
“That’s correct,” George says, glancing at Cici. “I love my daughter.”
That fucking manipulative bastard better stop looking at her.
“And what did Josh and Lalo do?”
George scoffs. “Probably found a willing omega to pay for.”
“Objection, Your Honor!” Thomas, Josh and Lalo’s lawyer, shouts.
“Sustained. Careful, Mr. Wilson.”
George places his hand on his heart and nods. “Sorry, Your Honor.”
“Oh, fuck off,” I whisper.
Cici glances at me. Dammit. I press my lips together to keep from making this situation worse for her. Liv leans in closer, enveloping me in her scent. God, I love this omega.
“And how did you feel when your son took Cici without your consent?”
“Betrayed. Heartbroken.” George sniffs, really playing it up. “I gave him everything, and he took his sister away, kidnapped her from her own home?—”
“He didn’t kidnap me!” Cici shouts, standing up.
The judge bangs his gavel. “Order in the court. Young lady, sit down.”
She narrows her eyes at the judge, but I tug on her hand and she sits with a heavy sigh, grumbling under her breath.
“It’s okay, C. His words don’t hurt me.” Not anymore. Besides, there’s no proof of what George is saying, whereas our team has all the proof. His lawyer is simply trying to make George look better when this is all said and done.
“What would you say to Cici now that you couldn’t that night?”
“Objection, Your Honor. Relevance?”
The judge frowns but glances at George. “I’ll allow it.”
Thomas drops into his seat and flicks his concerned gaze at Cici. She tips her chin, probably remembering all the prep we’ve done the last few days.No matter what George says, don’t forget what it felt like to know he was bargaining your future away.
