Page 62 of Cocky Choices: Zoe Cocker

TWENTY-SIX

Zoe

“Whose side am I taking?” I echo, paralyzed, torn between two worlds as Tom stands handcuffed, expression a mix of defiance and resolve as Caleb tightens his grip on my hand, body tight with suspense.

“Zoe, you need to decide now,” he insists, voice low, urgent. “Are you with me, or are you with him?” His piercing eyes search mine, the weight of his gaze heavy with the promise I made to marry him so he could access his trust fund.

I am at a crossroads, each path leading to a drastically different future.

I glance back to Tom and see hope suddenly cutting through the bravado he’s been holding on to.

But Caleb is right there, his presence powerful. Commanding. “You promised, Zoe. We talked about our future together,” he presses, voice a mixture of intense tenderness.

“Zoe Cocker,” Mr. Astor bellows ominously, “A choice must be made!”

“Cocker?” one of the police officers asks, his professional detachment falling away. “You’re Zoe Cocker?”

“Yes, that’s me.”

“We’re friends of your brother, Wyatt. Good friends! Wait a minute, this changes things. What happened here?”

“I…well…”

Mr. Astor interjects, “Her employee assaulted my son!”

“Is that true, Ms. Cocker?”

“He’s not just my employee. He’s my friend.”

The officer tries again, “But is it true that he assaulted…”

“My name is Caleb Astor III.”

A physical change takes over the officer at Caleb’s formal introduction, the dignified lift of his chin, his attire. Police don’t make a ton of money — I know this from Wyatt — so they’re not easily impressed by rich people’s privileged status.

Quite the opposite.

He exchanges a look with his partner, both men turning to Tom. “Did you assault Mr. Hoity Toity Pants?”

Caleb’s father roars “What did you say?!”

“Father, we’re not in New York,” Caleb mutters, grabbing his dad’s sleeve. “Don’t?—”

“—I don’t care where we are! We are due respect! These men are entrusted to the public to protect and to serve!”

The officer who’s been doing the talking needles Mr. Astor, “Oh, you consider yourself part of the public now? Why do I have the feeling you’re usually above it?”

Mr. Astor explodes, “What do you mean, Sir?!”

Tom raises his voice, “I assaulted Caleb.”

I blink at Tom.

So do CalebandMr. Astor.

Even the policemen pause.

Tom raises his cuffed hands, jogging his chin to the door. “Just take me in. I assaulted him. I did it and I’d do it again ifI heard him talking down to Zoe again. But first, I want to hear Zoe’s choice.”

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