Page 154 of Wicked Lord

He ticked his head over his shoulder, and huddled between his father and their lawyer stood a young, pretty brunette with lively blue eyes around our age. There was something familiar about the girl, but I couldn’t quite place her.

“Who’s that?” I whispered.

“Susanna Michaels.”

For the second time in a matter of seconds, my breath caught. “Holy shit,” I hissed. “I thought she was dead.”

“So did I.”

Axel’s lawyer moved in front of us, and a dozen reporters swarmed in a tight circle, shoving mics at his face. “I will not answer questions, but I do have time for a quick statement. We are profoundly relieved and gratified by the information that was brought to light by Miss Susanna Michaels, which unequivocally confirms Mr. Axel Vanderhart’s innocence. The piece of evidence that had been previously submitted by an anonymous source was a complete fabrication. Therefore, all charges have been dropped. We are immensely thankful to the Copper Cove Court for its diligence and thoughtful consideration of the facts presented. Mr. Vanderhart looks forward to moving past this challenging chapter in his life and continuing his positive contributions to the community.”

A dozen hands shot up, but Barney, the shark, waved a dismissive one before marching away.

“That’s complete bullshit!” Brock’s voice rang out, his face flushing red. He stormed through the circle of reporters and grabbed one of their mics. “Axel Vanderhart is a killer. I saw the incriminating video myself.” He spun at Susanna, waving wildly. “Tell them, tell them the truth.”

The girl blanched, pressing her lips into a tight line.

Mr. Vanderhart moved in front of Susanna, blocking her with his wide shoulders. A dark gleam flashed across his eyes as he jabbed his finger into Brock’s chest. “I will ask you just one time not to harass this young woman who was brave enough to come forward with the truth about my son, or I will have the police escort you off the sidewalk and into a nice, cushy cell.”

Brock barked out a laugh. “Just try it, Vanderhart.”

Axel leapt between his father and Brock, darkness carved into his features as he curled his hands around his collar. “Hewon’t have to because I will. Now get the fuck out of here, Haversham, before you make a real murderer out of me.”

He shoved Brock back, sending him staggering down the stairs.

And good fucking riddance.

“Come on, let’s get out of here.” Axel weaved his arm around my shoulders, tucking me tight into his side. “We have a lot of catching up to do, blondie.”

CHAPTER 62

ALWAYS BY YOUR SIDE

Lorelei

The rumble of Axel’s Jeep was oddly soothing as we drove up the Copper Cove cliffside. I never thought I’d miss the sound of the old car, but after three nights without him, there wasn’t a single thing about him I didn’t miss.

And now, I couldn’t take my eyes or my hands off him as he steered us around the treacherous curves with all of Copper Cove stretched out beneath us. My hand lay on his thigh, my gaze fixed to his profile. He’d steal an occasional look in my direction, a faint smile playing on his lips.

“Are you going to tell me where we’re going already?” I blurted.

“You’ll see when we get there.”

A nervous energy thrummed beneath my breastbone. He must have felt it because he released the steering wheel with one hand and wrapped it around mine. He felt so solid, so warm, so familiar.

I was completely deluded to think I could ever let him go after that brief taste of happiness. Axel Vanderhart had shown me I deserved more. I had earned a healthy, loving relationship and that was before we even started dating for real.

The Jeep slowed, veering off the main road to a small promontory jutting over the cliff. As we rolled to a stop, Axel released a slow, tortured exhale. His gaze remained pinned to the sweeping views of the white-capped waves below.

“What are we doing here, Ax?”

His fingers tightened around mine as he slowly lifted his gaze. A storm of emotions darkened the twin pools of sky blue. “I need to show you something.”

Releasing my hand, he opened the car door then darted around to the other side and unlatched mine.

The hard set of his lips had the hair on my nape prickling. “Aren’t we supposed to be celebrating? You were just released from jail and acquitted of a murder charge.”

His lips twisted, and he heaved out another breath as he helped me out of the Jeep. “A murder I committed.”