CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY TWO – A ROMANTIC EVENING

In the face of such adversity, they'd grown inseparable - an inviolable bulwark against the vengeful wrath of the world. Jasmine gentled her grip, permitting her thumb to brush in a tender caress over Gordon's work-roughed knuckles as their hands remained clasped firmly together. She felt the imperceptible shiver of barely constrained longing ripple through his powerful form. The shrill clamoring of the bailiff's summons shattered the weighted quiet as the jurors filed back into the room at last. Jasmine couldn't resist the urge to lean minutely into Gordon's side, anchoring herself against the oncoming tide as he leaned down to brush the barest caress of his whiskered lips over her brow in wordless fidelity. "The jury has arrived at a unanimous verdict. Please rise." With those customary words, the judge and courtroom attendance alike stood expectantly to receive the final proclamation. A silent tableau suspended in the anguished pall of anticipation as the court clerk stepped f