Page 128 of Reckless Vengeance

I let Josie and the lawyer go over everything, only answering questions the lawyer told me to answer, and I bit my tongue when Claire’s parents showed up to defend her.

Not that it went the way they thought it would when they realized Josie was backing us and the footage was pulled out for them to see.

I was surprised to find Rory sitting in the main office when we went to leave, no one else with her.

“What did they say?” she asked immediately, getting to her feet and walking towards me.

“Her parents are furious, but with the video evidence that their daughter is the problem here, they agreed to sweep it all under the rug. Josie’s lawyer scares me a little, he was going after her for attempted rape and everything,” I said, still a little dazed on the entire situation. “What are you doing here alone?”

I’d expected a fight, to be kept here for fuck knows how long while a court date was pending, but it was already over. It was the only reason I wasn’t flipping out that it was obvious Rory had driven herself here, which wasn’t safe.

“I came to check on you. Caden said Claire was having you charged with sexual assault. You’re okay?” she asked softly, and I could tell she wanted to hug me but wasn’t sure if touch was the right way to handle this. I wasn’t traumatized, I was disgusted and angry, but never with her.

“I’m okay,” I promised, taking her wrist to pull her closer for a hug.

She happily hugged me back, that stupid familiar feeling rising inside me from the comforting touch.

“I’m fine too, baby girl. I know you were probably really worried, but Josie handled it,” Skeeter said dryly, grinning when she turned to give him a hug next.

“I was getting to you,” she scolded, giving him a quick kiss. “I assume you’re free to go too?”

“Yeah. The risk of us exposing Claire as a horny bitch that climbs on criminal cock was kind of enough to make them leave us both alone. Can you imagine what her future college would think if this went public?” he asked with a chuckle like it was funny.

“Skeeter,” Josie warned as she approached, not finding his comment amusing. “You two need to head home before you start another problem.”

“Thank you for coming down here,” I said awkwardly. “It might take me a while, but I’ll pay you back for the lawyer fees.”

“Nonsense. The family lawyer is for family. I’m glad Skeeter called me,” she said with a smile, making him tense up as she gave him a hug. “I’m always happy to help you.”

“Thank you,” he grumbled, staying stiff as a board until she pulled away.

She made sure we’d all walked out ahead of her to ensure we didn’t start another issue, and Skeeter pointed to the Corvette while looking at me.

“You go with her.”

“Where are we going?” I asked slowly as he walked towards the McLaren.

“Her place. Holloway’s blowing up my phone looking for information, and you’re going to go crazy in the office if I drop you off at the Shed.”

“Skeet—”

“Get in the car,” he warned as he climbed into his car and closed the door, waiting for me to get in the Corvette before motioning for us to go first.

“You smell like booze,” Rory noted as we pulled out onto the road, flicking her gaze to me. “It’s unlike you.”

“You don’t even fucking know me, Donovan,” I snapped, wincing the second it left my mouth. “Shit, sorry. I’m not mad at you. I’m having a bad day. Took it out on the bottle, and then Claire pissed me off on top of it.”

“I get it,” she replied, reaching over to pat my knee. “I have days like that too.”

I took her hand and her fingers clasped mine with ease, not hesitating in the slightest.

“Thanks for just listening when I need to talk,” I murmured, her hand tightening in mine a little.

“Everyone needs someone to talk to.”

“Who do you talk to? Can you talk to Skeet like this? Caden?” I asked, and she blew out a breath.

“I can talk to the guys.”