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I bobbed my head and wiped my eyes.
“Brenda’s tough, but you’re tougher, Nadia,” Gunnar said. “If you don’t tell your story, she will provide her version as public fodder. That’s the truth.”
I hated being a witness, and none of this was my fault. However, the questions Brenda asked painted me as the bad person. Who better defend me than myself? Even if I hate it, I have to do it.
I took a deep breath. “Round two?”
Gunnar grinned. “Hell yeah. Round Two. Let’s go.”
Four hours later, and we were done. We walked out, and there was Paul. He closed the distance and cupped my face, his gaze scrutinizing me. “It was awful.”
“Yeah. It sucked big time, but I’m going to be okay,” I said, my voice hoarse.
“I’m sorry, baby. I’m proud of you.” He gave me a tender kiss, and I closed my eyes, resting my head on his chest as his arms closed around me. It’s over for now.
I answered with my truth, and that was all I could give. Gunnar and Dale didn’t promise me anything. I only had to wait and hope the men were charged for their crimes.
Paul’s hand warmed my back as we walked out of the building. The press had remained and sent more questions our way.
“Did you hear about the arrest of Mr. Livingston?”
“How do you feel, Ms. Sokol?”
I smiled inwardly. Trevor arrested? I feel fantastic.
Are you aware Justus Black has gone into rehab? Do you think your legal problems caused his relapse?
I bit the inside of my cheek. Yeah, blame the person that only met him once for his problems.
“That’s enough,” Paul said in a clipped tone.
Laurence stepped in front of us. “Back off.” Building security joined and helped us reach the car. We climbed inside, and I blew out my breath when the door closed.
Paul removed his suit jacket, and I went into his arms and snuggled into his chest.
We were on the road and missed the turn for the highway that would have taken us uptown. “Where are we going?”
“Away,” Paul said cryptically.
I lowered my brows. “What about my family?”
“Mom’s taking them back to her place for dinner and to rest. They will fly back to Wisconsin tomorrow. Xander is Xander and is always fine.”
I laughed. “True. But maybe I should call them—”
“Later,” Paul stopped me. “Trust me, they know and think it’s good for us. We need some time alone. So will you go away with me, Ms. Sokol?”
My heart skipped a few beats. “Yes.”
Wherever you go, I want to be there with you, Mr. Crane.
The drive ended at the airport hangar, where Paul kept his planes in NYC. I rubbed the back of my neck and rolled my shoulders. We were outside waiting to board, and Paul spoke with the pilot while his staff brought suitcases from the trunk. Mom and Dad never mentioned the trip, but there was a clear bag with the straw boater hat Mom had bought me. She must have been involved in packing. So where were we going?
I caught up to Laurence, who was transporting his bag to a BMW.
“You’re not coming with us?”
He closed the trunk. “Not this time.”
