I was about to open my mouth to object when I felt a touch on my hand. I turned to see Devlynn, her eyes sad and begging me to stay silent. At that moment, I knew I didn’t want her to be hurt any more than she already was. My love for her was greater than my pride.

“Permission to approach?” the lawyer said before walking up to the judge, followed by the Assistant District Attorney.

After what felt like an eternity, the men returned, and the lawyer nodded at Devlynn. A look of relief washed over her face.

“Care to clue me in?” I asked, slightly annoyed at his dismissal.

“The case is about to be dismissed. You’re lucky, kid.”

“Mr. Brooks, I suggest you refrain from gracing the city’s buildings with your so-called art in the future. Please use a store-bought canvas. The DA and the defendant’s counsel have come to an agreement, and there is no need to waste any more of the taxpayers' dollars. This case is dismissed.”

“That’s it?” I asked my lawyer in complete shock.

“Yes.”

“I don’t get community service or anything?”

“The Prices are pretty powerful,” he said before shaking Devlynn’s hand and walking away.

“Thank God that’s over with,” Devlynn said, tugging my hand and lacing her fingers through mine.

I shook her hand away, needing a little room to breathe. I couldn’t help noticing the hurt look in her eyes before she averted them. I was an ass.

I moved closer and grabbed her hand. “Let’s get out of here.”

“Are you mad at me?” she asked once we were outside, the cool air enveloping us.

“I’m not mad. There isn’t anything to be mad about. It’s just hard, you know? For the past five years, I’ve been against people like you—rich, privileged, and above the law—and here I am, bailed out by one and only you.”

“What’s so bad about me?” she asked, her bottom lip quivering a little. I wasn’t sure if it was from the cold or her trying to control the tears forming in her eyes.

“Nothing,” I said, pulling Devlynn beside me and kissing the top of her head. “I just can’t have you bailing me out. This way of life doesn’t work for me.”

“You didn’t do anything wrong. What—painting some stupid building in the city? Brooks, what kind of justice would it be if your future got ruined because a bunch of rich people didn’t want to face their hypocrisy and privilege? In the grand scheme, that isn’t worth any kind of real punishment.”

“So let’s celebrate.”

“What are you thinking?”

“How about we head to your place, and I can show you.” I winked at her.

* * *