Black Rainbow (Rainbows 1)

Reaching up, I wiped them away. “I’m sorry—no, that’s a lie. I wasn’t really thinking. I saw him moving towards you, I saw his intent and I just… But I’m glad I did. I’m glad I ran forward. You’re always saving—”

“That is never the way I want you to save me, especially because you feel indebted to me.”

“I don’t,” I said. Looking into his eyes I don’t know why I didn’t say it before. “I did it because I loved you… because I love you. I’d rather die than lose anyone I love.”

The corners of his lips twitched and turned upwards, but he fought it. “You can’t say that now. I still have a whole speech—”

“Later, Professor.” I kissed him.

He kissed me softly… softer than any kiss we’d ever had before. It was as delicate as a first kiss, and all too soon he broke away.

“If you think you’re running away from me now, then we should get your head checked too,” he whispered, brushing back my hair.

I grinned. “Oh you have no idea what you’re getting yourself into. I now have the I-literally-took-a-bullet-for-you card.”

“Well I have the I-helped-your-dad-get-out-of-prison card,” he said as he got up, and for a moment my heart rated quickened as I stared at the door.

Instead of my father, it was Selene, my Grams and another bo

y that I had never met before, who was holding on to Selene’s hand.

“I don’t understand,” I told them as my Grandmother walked over to me and took my hand. She kissed it with a large smile on her old face.

“Just watch,” she replied as Levi turned on the television.

The screen flickered once before turning on. Levi flipped through the channels and finally, there stood Tristan, making his way on to the screen and standing before a podium. The ticker underneath him read: Odile Van Allen’s SHOCKING confession.

She sat behind the microphone, as beautiful and as regal as ever, with her head held high as she addressed the audience before her— “My name is Odile Van Allen, when I was twelve, my mother was murdered in a motel room in Woodstock, Connecticut. Her case made national headlines and our family was given an overwhelming amount of support from all of you… support that we didn’t deserve.

“I was there when she went to go see her lover Ben Walton. She wasn’t kidnapped, we drove there. And she wasn’t raped, she loved him openly. The truth of the matter is that she was not murdered by Ben Walton.

“Her killer was my brother, Cole Van Allen, who I had called to come get me that night. For seventeen years, I’ve held my tongue and allowed an innocent man to pay the price for my brother’s sins. And after seeing Cole’s actions once again today in the attempted murder of Levi Black, I realized how far this has gone, and I feel that I can no longer lie for him.

“To Ben Walton’s family, I’m so sorry for all the pain we have caused you and the rift we have left in your homes. Though my words mean nothing at this point, I will say it again for all of you to hear; Ben Walton is an innocent man and I urge the six court of Connecticut to free him.”

“What?” I cried wiping my face, “I… why? How did you—?”

“Breathe,” Levi whispered taking my hand, “it’s over.”

It’s over.

“Oh my god!” I shrieked, as I latched on to him and cried.

It was finally over.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

THEA

“We’re late,” I looked at my watch as Levi helped me into the wheelchair. It was the only way my doctor was willing to let me out for the day.

“Stupid press, now everyone wants to get a bloody picture,” Selene mumbled, but I was more shocked at the bright yellow dress she wore, and how styled her hair was. At least one of us didn’t look like a total mess.

Reaching up, I took her hand. “You look pretty. I’m sure he will think so too.”

“I know I do,” her boyfriend said.

Laughing, she smacked his arm and he wrapped himself around her waist. I couldn’t help but stare at them being all lovey dovey while we stood outside a prison. They were in their own little blissful world.