Judge (Breeding #5)(9)
The bell rings, releasing me to my fate. I grab my bag that’s filled with homework I need to make up and I keep my head down as I exit the school. I realize once I’m outside that I didn’t think about how I was going to get back to the courthouse. My uncle always had a car waiting for me.
“Miss Nora,” an older man calls out and I turn to see him wave me over. He’s holding open the door to a black SUV and I walk over.
“Mr. Prescott sent me to collect you.”
I should have known. He might be a judge, but it’s looking like all lawyers are the same. Smith is doing the same thing my father and uncle did, sending people to fetch me since they never had the time to do it themselves. I slide in the seat and I don’t know why I care. The man doesn't know me and he’s a freaking judge. Of course he doesn't have time for me. I should be happy he’s giving me a place to lay my head at night where I don’t have to worry about someone creeping into my room. Even if I wish Smith had.
It doesn’t take long before we’re in front of the courthouse. I wonder what people would think if they knew what Judge Prescott does in his chambers to girls who misbehave. A lick of desire spirals up my body only to be washed away when I think of all the others he’s probably done the same thing to. Maybe he has a line of woman like my uncle has. He hasn't said much more to me since he laid down his rules. He went cold as ice and I think a few times he forgot I was around. I feel like a sad little kitten wanting attention but being ignored. The nickname he’d given me became too real even as I’d tried a few times to bait him into something.
Security lets me pass without incident. Smith must have told them about me. When I get to his office, the same woman I saw briefly yesterday stands from the desk that sits outside of Smith’s office.
She’s older and her gray hair is pinned up in a tight bun reminding me of a Sunday school teacher. She’s in a conservative suit dress and she looks at me the same way she did yesterday. Curiosity is written all over her.
“Hi.” I raise my hand and give her a small wave.
She’s warm as she welcomes me over and her smile puts me at ease. “He said for you to wait in his office when you got here. He’s still in court. Can I get you anything?”
“No thank you, I’m okay,” I tell her before pushing into his office. I’m disappointed that he isn’t here. It’s a silly thought, but I was looking forward to seeing him. I glance around and see that everything is spotless and in its place. I’m not sure what it is he wants me to clean around here.
“In my chambers now!” someone barks at me.
I suck in a breath.
“Yes, let’s do this in private.”
My heartbeat pounds in my chest at the sound of that voice. I’d know it anywhere. I turn as Smith and my uncle walk into the office and I stand there frozen. Both look as surprised to see me as I am to see them. I take a step back, wanting as much space between him and me as I can get and I think about the last time I saw him.
“Nora,” Smith says as he glances down at his watch and mutters a curse.
“Where have you been?” my uncle demands. Unlike Smith, Harry’s voice rakes against my skin.
“Watch your fucking tone with her,” Smith growls at him, and it’s an honest-to-god growl. I’m not shocked by the sound coming from him. He looks like he could make the sound easily. I watch Harry pale a little. “Remember your place and where you’re standing,” Smith adds.
Against my will, my core clenches. There has to be something wrong with my body because I should not be getting turned on by the way Smith is putting Harry in his place.
“I’ve been worried about her.” Harry glances over to me and I take another step back. “Your Honor,” he adds quickly. “There is no need for this. I’m not pressing charges. She can come home.”
I clench my hands into fists at my side as I look over to Smith in a silent plea. He studies my face for a moment and I swear he looks even more pissed than I’ve ever seen him before. I didn't know that was possible, but there it is.
“I issued her sentence and it will be followed through. She’s racked up some other petty crimes.” Relief fills me and though I might only be free of my uncle today, I’ll take it.
“She didn't even have a lawyer. I want to see the files since I’m representing her.”
“Sorry, she already took a plea deal,” Smith says casually, and the anger isn’t as thick anymore. I can see it in the lines of his body as he removes his robe.
“She’s my ward and I’m to oversee her.” Harry’s face starts to redden and he reminds me of a child about to throw a fit. He’s not used to being dismissed so easily, but Smith doesn't even want to hear what he has to say.
“You think I haven't gone over the files?” He gives Harry a sharp look, but clearly Harry doesn't catch on because he keeps talking.
“But—”
“Enough! At any time a judge has the power to change a will because of circumstances. Circumstances have changed. You failed her as her guardian. Now get out of my chambers.” Harry stands there for a moment in complete shock. “Now!”
Goosebumps break out across my skin at his tone. This time Harry does know better and he gives me one last look. I can tell by the glare in his eyes that this isn't over. But I don’t say anything as he leaves Smith’s chambers in a huff.