Page 61 of Cocky Choices: Zoe Cocker

Caleb snaps, “Father, stop!”

My gaze races to Tom, who’s suddenly got his fists clenched. The tension between us crackles like electricity. I grab one of his fists, wishing we could run away from all this.

From the unknown future.

From my promise.

From the police.

Tom’s voice is low and fierce. “I can’t just stand by and watch him treat you like that.”

Caleb thrusts out his chest, voice rising. “So you treat her how, Tom? Like a princess who needs saving? This isn’t a fairy tale!”

The sound of sirens wails in the distance.

I breathe, “They’re coming,” barely audible.

Time is slipping away.

Tom’s gaze searches mine. “If punching him sends me to jail, I’d do it again.”

Shared moments during the months he’s worked for me flash before my eyes. Suddenly, I see everything I couldn’t before — the longing in him for me. The undeniable connection. All this time, he harbored intense feelings, and is right now willing, even eager, to go to jail if that’s the price for standing up for me.

“Just go, Zoe, before they get here,” Tom says, his voice strong. “I don’t want you to see me in cuffs.”

Desperation fuels my, “No! I’m not leaving you!”

Mr. Astor growls, “You’re making a mistake, Zoe. If you defend him, you’ll be throwing away your future.”

Caleb interjects, “Father, she’s defending her employee. Zoe has a right to do that. This isn’t a comfortable place for her.”

“This animal works for her?”

“Animal?” Caleb almost laughs. “Haven’t you ever gotten into a fight?”

“I know you don’t take after me in that regard.”

I stare at Caleb as he winces from his dad’s verbal jab, dark eyes glittering with rebellion that never finds his lips. “Father, you’re right. I’ve had some… instances… in the past. But her employee only punched me once.” Touching his jaw, Caleb shrugs, “Can’t even feel it anymore.”

Police rush into the hall, and Mr. Astor points to Tom, “This man! He assaulted my son.”

“Father!”

The twist of Mr. Astor’s silver eyebrows don’t budge. “He’s going to jail!”

Tom presses his keys into my palm and holds for a second longer than he should. “Zoe, make the deliveries.”

My eyes widen. “You’re thinking of those at a time like this!”

“People are waiting.”

“I know but…”

“No buts.”

“You’re amazing.” They start to cuff him and I whip around to beg Caleb, “Please stop them!”

Caleb takes my hand, “Zoe, what are you doing?" lacing our fingers together. "Whose side are you taking?”

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