Her mouth dropped into an O of understanding. “How did he tape us?”
“I don’t know. Let’s think about this for a second. Was there ever a time when he was alone at your loft?”
She started to shake her head, and then stopped. “Yes, last fall I went with Gloria skiing. She’d bought the tickets with her ex-boyfriend and then they broke up. Since they were nonrefundable, I went.” Smiling ruefully as she remembered. “I had to practically beg Wesley to come water my plants for me.”
Gabe nodded. “The large, low, flat bed has to be yours.”
A dark shadow crossed Danny’s pretty face, and Gabe hooked a finger under her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes. “What is it?”
Shivering, she seemed reluctant to answer, but finally did. “I hate that he ever touched me. Then to know he taped it, well I just feel so dirty, so used. How can you stand to ever touch me again?”
“Hey, sweetie, don’t do this to yourself. It’s in the past, and none of it matters. You belong to me now, and no one will ever take you away. Do you understand?” In truth, he hated it too, but it wasn’t like he’d been a saint before they’d met either, and that was the bottom line. He would have to deal with it.
Danny nodded, dashing away tears. “God, I love you!” She sobbed, throwing herself against him. Gabe held her tight, wanting to protect her from the ugliness of the world.
* * * *
Presenting a composed front, Gabe ushered a much-improved Danny into Judge Wrenn’s private chambers. He saw her gulp as she spotted the television that had been brought in to review the new evidence.
Wesley was already seated next to the prosecutor, nervously shuffling his hands in his lap. He refused to meet anyone’s eyes, and the prosecutor had a sick look on his face, as if he already knew he’d lost. Noir sat on the far side of the room, shooting her former professor dirty looks. Judge Wrenn nodded for Danny and Gabe to take the two empty seats in the middle.
“Now, in light of the personal nature of this new evidence, I felt it was best to be viewed in private,” the judge began. She lifted a remote control, and the television clicked to life. “The first DVD we will see is the one in which Ms. LeChat claims Professor Dandridge called her by the wrong name. Ms. LeChat, how far into the video is the scene you are referring to?”
“It’s at the end. It was right as he…” She paused, actually blushing, much to everyone’s surprise. “Well, you know...” she finished lamely, and Gabe had to admire the courage it had taken for her to come forward.
The judge hit the play button, and they seemed to jump into the middle of the scene. There was Wesley in all his pale glory, his pasty, narrow behind humping up and down between Noir’s sprawled, tattooed legs. The camera’s angle left little to the imagination. You could clearly see his slim penis disappearing between the lips of her shaved sex. She had her eyes closed and her head thrown back, but the look on her face was decidedly bored. Thankfully, Judge Wrenn hit the fast forward button before they were forced to view anymore in detail. It was almost comical, to watch them bounce up and down at super-fast speed, like a little jackhammer or fast-forwarding a bad porn movie.
“Wait, slow down,” Noir cried, and as the judge hit the play button, they could distinctly hear heavy breathing, and then Wesley’s whining voice echoed out to them.
“Oh Danika, oh Danika, my beautiful Danika,” he squealed, his head thrown back, his face beet red, the veins in the neck protruding. Then all hell broke loose on the television screen. Noir screeched, actually tossing Wesley’s slender body off of her as she bounded from the bed, cursing and smacking him. His thin erection quickly withered as he scrambled to get away.
Clearing her throat, Judge Wrenn hit the stop button. “I think we’ve seen enough of that.”
Wesley had gone from sickly pale to bright red. All eyes turned to him, and he opened his mouth, sputtering, trying to weasel his way out of it, but the prosecutor elbowed him into silence.
Raising an eyebrow at this, the judge extracted the DVD and inserted the second one. Nodding to everyone, she hit play. Unlike the other DVD, the scene started out dark, but Gabe could make out what was indeed Danny’s bed.
“You bastard!” Danny screeched. “How dare you invade my privacy like that?”
The judge paused the video and turned to Danny. “Do you recognize this place?”
Nodding, Danny seethed as she replied. “Yes, it’s my home.”
The judge turned to Wesley for an explanation, but he wisely held his tongue.
Rolling her eyes, the judge continued the video.
* * * *
Danny squinted at the image. It seemed to be from an angle above and to the left of her bed. Frowning, she realized that there was a carnival mask Wesley had given her there. Then, off camera, she could hear voices. Distinctly, she made out Gabe’s deep sensual voice and her own throaty reply.
Watching in morbid fascination, Danny realized it was the first night they’d made love. She could hear the urgency in their heated words.
She and Gabe appeared on the screen, but his back was to the camera, leaving him faceless. She was bare from the waist up as he laid her down on her bed. His shaggy, dark head hovered over her, blocking the view as he undressed her, but then he stepped back, and there she was, sprawled wantonly across her bed, naked, panting, and eager. Her full breasts quivered, and the lips of her pussy parted and glistened with her desire.
Danny knew she was beyond red and was surprised she didn’t burst into flames from embarrassment, but what shocked her most was how turned on she was watching them. Shifting in her seat, she tried to ease the throbbing between her legs as she stared mesmerized at the screen. The Gabe on the television was quickly flinging his clothes off before diving onto the bed with her. As he did, the viewer finally received a full frontal shot of him as well. His heavy cock jutted toward his belly, and a drop of pre-cum glistened on the broad tip.
“Talk about an upgrade,” Noir quipped, and Danny bit back a chuckle as Gabe flushed under her naughty admiration of his endowments.
The judge quickly stopped the video and turned to her audience, flushed. “I think I’ve seen enough,” She stated, and Danny was amazed at her composure. “We will reconvene tomorrow morning, and I will render my verdict.” She said nothing more, turning on her heel and leaving them to stare after her. Danny wasn’t sure if she was more disgusted than ever or extremely turned on.
* * * *
When word spread throughout the small community that the judge was ready to return a verdict, the courtroom flooded with eager students and teachers, all hoping to get an eyeful, regardless of the outcome. The two DVDs were widely speculated over, and it seemed to be the general consensus that if they were so explicit that they had to be viewed in private, they would most likely have a great effect on the case’s outcome.
Danny and Gabe sat quietly at the defendant’s table, hands clasped. Gabe was completely confident, but Danny was almost too afraid to hope. She wanted to think the best but prepare for the worst. At the plaintiff’s table, the prosecutor and Wesley sat in stiff, stony silence. It was as if they already knew they’d lost. The tension was palpable.
Finally the bailiff called for everyone to stand as the judge entered the packed courtroom. Danny gulped, having trouble breathing. For several seconds, she fought back waves of panic. Blindly, she squeezed Gabe’s hand and clung to him like a lifeline. He gave her a gentle squeeze in return for reassurance.
“Would the defendant please rise,” Judge Wrenn began, and Danny was actually surprised that her legs were able to support her, they were shaking so badly. She wouldn’t have been surprised if they could all hear her knees knocking. The judge thankfully took pity on Danny, skipping the preliminaries. “Ms. Eldridge, ladies and gentleman, I find the defendant not guilty of the charge of assault against the plaintiff, Professor Dandridge.” Nearly collapsing in relief, Danny barely heard the judge’s next comment as her penetrating gaze swung to the other side o
f the courtroom. “I would also recommend the prosecutor investigate the conduct of Professor Dandridge.” She turned to Noir. “Ms. LeChat, am I correct in understanding you to say that you destroyed all but those two videos?”
“Yes, ma’am,” she mumbled at the strict censor in the judge’s voice.
“You realize you destroyed valuable evidence in possible, upcoming, criminal investigations?”
“Criminal!” Wesley squeaked, a horrified look coming over his face as he jumped to his feet. The audience exploded in hushed whispers.
“Be silent and take your seat, Professor Dandridge,” Judge Wrenn thundered, beating her gavel repeatedly. “I find your behavior reprehensible and intend to do everything in my power to ensure that they throw the book at you. You took unfair advantage of the defendant as well as your students. You used your position of authority for your own nefarious intention. This is unacceptable.” She rapped her gavel once more. “Court adjourned.”
* * * *
Everyone overwhelmed Danny, flooding forward to congratulate her. Gloria, Tiffany, Mariah, and Smokey were the first to reach them. Soon she was mobbed by students and faculty offering congratulations, and the assurance that they had been behind her 100 percent. While Danny seriously doubted the sincerity of all of them, she was too relieved to care.
Out of the corner of her eye she caught Wesley’s narrow form slinking out of the courtroom, the prosecutor in hot pursuit.
The next few hours passed in a quick blur. There was a stack of paperwork to sign, and dozens of people all seemed to want to talk to her. Several reporters from local television stations and newspapers shoved microphones into her face before her friends could push them away. Through it all, Gabe kept a protective arm around her shoulders, scowling at anyone who got too close.
The biggest surprise was from the enigmatic Noir. She elbowed her way through the crowd till she faced Danny.
Everyone watched in silent anticipation, curious as to what the volatile young woman would do. She’d surprised everyone by hugging Danny tightly.
“I just…uhm…” she stammered as she drew back from Danny’s stunned frame, but determination showed on her face. “I just wanted you to know that he told me that it was over between the two of you. If I’d known he was seeing someone, I’d have never had anything to do with him. My rule’s always been ‘Never take a man from another woman’ ’cause someday someone will come along and take him from you. Anyway, I’m glad things worked out for you. You were really nice to me that day I had to do the stupid library skills part of orientation, so I figured I owed you. Besides, he really is a creep. I figure we both deserve better.”
Danny smiled, genuinely happy the girl had seen the light. “Thank you for everything.” She hugged her back.
Chapter Fourteen
Thankfully Gabe was able to finally get her out of the courtroom and into his Jaguar. He took the back roads and dropped her off at her loft, telling her to change and pack a few days’ worth of comfortable clothes in her saddlebags.
“I figured you’d want to get away for a few days,” he explained with a light kiss. “Lord knows you deserve a break after what you’ve been through. I’ll be back in a few minutes. I just need to go pack myself and pick up my bike.”
“That sounds wonderful sweetheart,” she said, returning his kiss eagerly. “I don’t know how I would have survived this without you.”
Gabe sobered. “You wouldn’t have been in this mess if it wasn’t for me.”
Stroking his cheek, she shook her head. “Baby, you have to let it go. It’s over, and we have each other. That’s all that matters.”
Pulling her into a big bear hug, he held her tight, and she never wanted him to let her go. “Hurry up and get packed and changed. We’ll hit the road. I have plans for the evening.” He said the last with a wink.
* * * *
Danny had just finished loading her saddlebags when Gabe rumbled up. “You should have stayed inside,” he admonished. “You know the reporters aren’t through with you yet.”
Shaking her head, Danny said, “I refuse to live my life in fear of who might or might not be interested in me. Besides, I just got down here, and you’re here now, so I’ll be fine.” Turning to look at him more fully, she smiled. The old Gabe was back. Worn jeans, tight T-shirt stretched across his broadly muscled chest, thick long leather duster, and heavy black boots. She loved the fancy Gabe in his expensive suit and tie, but this Gabe set her on fire.
Gabe blushed under her heated stare. “What?”
“We need to get out of here,” she groaned, swinging her leg up and over her bike and sliding into the seat, trying desperately to ignore the heat thrumming through her body. “Or we won’t be going anywhere for a while.”
Gabe chuckled at her eagerness. “Then let’s roll, baby.”
* * * *
Danny wasn’t surprised when they took the long, winding road leading to the house he was building. What did surprise her was the progress he’d made.
“You were busy.” She laughed, taking in the nearly complete shell of the house.
Shrugging, Gabe looked away. “I was trying to exhaust myself to the point where I couldn’t think. It didn’t work, though. No matter how many times I swung the hammer or how many times I turned a screw driver or pulled a saw, nothing took my mind off of you.”
Moving to stand behind him, she wrapped her arms tightly around his stiff body, burying her head in the strong valley between his shoulder blades. “It’s going to be a beautiful house when you’re done.”
“Thank you, and big, I didn’t realize how big and lonely it would be until I had to spend the night in it alone.”
“Well, I guess you’ll just have to do something about that, won’t you?”
“Well I was hoping with your help we could maybe fill up a few of the smaller bedrooms with some little feet? The idea of you carrying my child is becoming an obsession.”
Danny was fighting to breathe. It all seemed too good to be true.
Then he scooped her up and carried her into their home. The insides were still bare walls and the floors were rough planks, but to them it was heaven. A large bearskin rug lay in front of a huge stone fire place, and in the middle sat a single long-stem rose and a small, red, velvet box.
As he sat her down on the rug, he picked up the box. Tears glistened in Danny’s eyes as she realized what was coming.
Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God!
The box opened, and there inside was the most beautiful diamond ring she’d ever seen. The light coming through the open windows reflected through the beautiful heart-shaped diamond, casting a rainbow over the exquisite filigree band. There was only one word for it, breathtaking.
Her trembling hand went to her mouth as she tried to stifle the emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.
Moving quickly, he pulled her into his arms, “Oh, baby girl, this wasn’t supposed to make you cry. This is supposed to make you happy. If you don’t like it, we can pick out another ring. Whatever you want, I just…”
Danny couldn’t help it. She was laughing and crying all at the same time. Unable to resist, she just kissed him to shut him up. When she finally drew back, still trembling, she fought to regain her voice. “Gabe, sweetheart, I love it. And I am happy. God, I’m so happy it scares me.”
“Then these are tears of joy?” he asked, his voice filled with hope. He reached out to caress her damp cheek. “You will marry me?”
Chuckling, Danny answered, “Of course, silly. As if there was ever any doubt!”
Laughing, he shook his head. “Well, I did have a backup plan,” he added, reaching into his pocket and drawing out a pair of fur-lined handcuffs.
Danny’s heart skipped a beat at the naughty ideas they inspired. His eyebrow lifted, and she blushed, knowing he knew exactly where her thoughts had plummeted. Life with Gabe would never be boring. “Well,” Danny paused meaningfully. “I might need a little convincing...”
“B
rat!” he growled. “Get your clothes off, and I’ll convince you.” His attempt to appear threatening only left her feeling hot and wet.
Squealing in mock horror, Danny rolled to get away, enjoying their love play.
He easily caught her, pinning her facedown with a laugh of triumph. “You’re mine, wench. Surrender or face the consequences.”
“Never!” she cried, fighting not to laugh.
Quickly he began pulling at her clothes. When he had her nude and shivering with anticipation, he gently rolled her onto her stomach and pulled her hands above her head. With a wicked smile, he clicked the cuffs in place, careful not to cinch them down too tight. Facedown and completely helpless, she trembled with the heady combination of passion and anticipation.
“You’re vicious.” She laughed, wiggling helplessly beneath him as he pulled her up onto her knees, giving her time to find her balance with her cuffed hands. Her laugh turned into a sharp gasp as he dribbled warm oil down the soft arch of her back and into the sensuous crack of her ass. She groaned, feeling the warm liquid sluice down over the sensitive rosette of her anus and had the first inkling of what he had in mind. Then the thick tip of his finger followed the oil’s path, drawing a moan from her as he slowly circled the entrance of her virgin hole.
“Oh God!” she shrieked as he gently pressed for entrance, not sure if she was ready for it.
“Relax, baby,” he crooned softly, nuzzling the sensitive hollow behind her ear as he continued to work his thick finger in and out of her tight hole. He pressed a hot patch of kisses over her neck and shoulders, and she purred softly as he added more oil, letting him slide in and out more smoothly.
“You okay, beautiful?” he questioned. “We’ll only do this if you’re okay.”
Okay? Was he crazy? She was on fire with need. His finger, thick though it was, wasn’t nearly enough. “Please, I need more.” Didn’t he understand that she could never get enough of him? He chuckled and then she felt the gentle pressure as he began to press a second thick finger inside her.
Breaking Free (Siren Publishing Classic) Page 11