Page 64 of Rival Desires

Now he’s being charged with rape.

My brain short-circuited. It was like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube while wearing boxing gloves - just not happening. There was no universe, no alternate reality, where Cory McCrae would ever force himself on anyone.

As a woman, I knew I should side with the alleged victim and give her the benefit of the doubt. But I also knew Cory. I knew the kind of guy he was. And despite my unwavering loyalty to my fellow ladies, I couldn’t bring myself to believe this of Cory.

NotmyCory.

“Rylee!”

Mallory’s voice snapped me out of my daze, but it wasn’t until she gave me a good shake that I really came to. “Whoa, there. What’s up?” I croaked, blinking my eyes and trying to focus.

“Oh, thank God.” Mallory let out a relieved sigh. “I was about to resort to desperate measures. I was this close to smacking you, but I didn’t think HR would appreciate that.”

I shook my head, trying to clear the cobwebs. “Sorry, I’m here now. So, what do we know?”

Mallory hesitated for a moment before straightening up. “It’s not much, just rumors, really.”

“I’ll take anything at this point. I need a place to start.”

Mallory took a moment to gather herself before telling all. “Apparently, Cory was minding his own business at work when two beefy cops barged in, slammed him against the wall, and slapped the cuffs on him. They accused him of sexually assaulting and raping some woman named Becky.” She scrunched up her face. “Then they hauled him out of the office while he was hollering and cussing up a storm, directed at the cops and women in general.”

I furrowed my brow. “That doesn’t sound like Cory. I can’t imagine him doing something like that, and the screaming and cursing part? That is just straight-up strange.”

“I know what you mean,” Mallory chimed in. “I don’t know him as well as you do, but from what I’ve heard around the office and how he was at the bar with us, it just doesn’t add up.”

“No,” I murmured, shaking my head. “It doesn’t.”

Mallory’s gaze locked onto mine, and a sense of tranquility seemed to wash over her. “I’ll hold down the fort here. You go find out what the hell is going on.”

I should start with Fury. He must know something. Halfway to the door, I stopped and glanced back at her. “I owe you one.”

A half-smile tugged at her lips. “Anytime, boss.”

Plopping into my car, I suddenly realized I had no idea where Fury might be. The police station? Home? I was at a loss for a hot second, feeling like a dog chasing its tail. I took a deep breath and asked myself, “Alright, where’s the best place to start?”

Now, Fury was no dummy. He’d want to help his cousin but also know that showing up at the station wouldn’t do squat since he wasn’t a lawyer. But he could make some calls, and he’d soon figure out that going home to make those calls would just be a waste of time.

So, that led me to the most logical conclusion: He was at work.

With that in mind, I pointed my car towards Gracen & McCrae.

I couldn’t shake the déjà vu feeling as I made my way over. Hadn’t I done this before? But no, it was to wrangle Cory last time, not to keep him out of harm’s way.

As I pulled up and spotted four squad cars outside, a shiver ran down my spine. It wasn’t exactly a cop convention, but it still gave me the creeps.

Trying my best to blend in and not draw attention – which is trickier than you’d think for someone like me – I slipped into the lobby and headed for the elevators. Somehow, I managed to sidestep a pair of chatty uniformed officers deep in conversation with the security guards. I wasn’t sure if I’d even make it to the Gracen & McCrae floor, let alone get a warm welcome.

Luck must’ve been on my side because when the elevator doors opened, no one seemed to notice me. Everyone was too busy huddling in little groups, some chatting with the officers, all wearing expressions like someone had just run over their puppy.

Well, crap.

I’d really been hoping the rumors were way off base. I’d show up here, and everyone would look at me like I’d lost my mind because everything was just peachy.

Clearly, that wasn’t the case.

“I’ve covered all your bases, buddy.” The voice next to me sounded familiar, and I swiveled my head to see Fury.

“You call that cooperating?” A gray-haired man, who was clearly a cop despite his lack of uniform, glared up at Fury. “All you’ve done is insist we’re on a wild goose chase.”

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