Accused

by Sharon C. Cooper

  “Are you fucking kidding me?” Kenton lunged toward him, but the manager wedged himself between them. “Your ass hit her. There’s nothing all right about that!”

  “Come on. Let’s go. Please,” Egypt whispered, and Kenton glared down at her. Why didn’t she want to report this guy?

  “Before you leave, we need to do an incident report,” the manager said as he ran his hand through his short hair. “I assure you nothing like this has ever happened. If you will all come back into the restaurant, we—”

  “No!” Egypt snapped. Everyone turned to her, including Kenton who was still holding her hand. She huffed out a breath. “Look, I’m fine. Thank you all for everything, but this was all a misunderstanding. I need to leave.”

  Dumbfounded, Kenton didn’t say anything but didn’t miss the way she shivered against him.

  “Can we go now?” she asked the manager, who looked just as perplexed as Kenton.

  “I-I guess so.” The manager stared at the man who’s name Kenton still didn’t know, but would soon find out. “Sir, do you want me to call the police or an ambulance?”

  “No. I’m fine, and she won’t have any more trouble out of me.”

  “You’re damn right she won’t.” Kenton locked gazes with the man. This wouldn’t be the last time they saw each other. Kenton had every intention of seeking him out and making sure he never contacted Egypt again.

  In the meantime, she had some serious explaining to do.

  Chapter Five

  Egypt had to practically run to keep up with Kenton as he wordlessly headed to his black GMC Yukon truck. She couldn’t ever remember seeing him angry, and the firm grip he had on her hand, left no doubt that he was pissed.

  Just another reason why this evening was one of the worst nights she’d had in a long time. Because of her, Kenton had just revealed a side of himself few people have seen. Mad enough to get physically violent with someone wasn’t how he operated.

  Then there was that look he gave her when she begged them not to call the cops. Downright angry. He had never regarded her with nothing less than compassion and respect. Tonight was a different story.

  But Egypt had her reasons for wanting to keep the cops away. It wasn’t safe for her to go to a police station, and just as perilous getting questioned by law enforcement for any reason. She wouldn’t risk her life that way, and she had no intention of explaining her decision.

  When they arrived at his truck, he unlocked the door and helped her inside.

  “Damn, I didn’t know your skirt was ripped,” he said in a voice that held so much angst.

  “Yeah, it got snagged on the brick, but it’s okay. I can fix it,” Egypt said, grateful the skirt had a lining, so none of her skin showed.

  Kenton looked even more ticked off when he closed the door and stood at the front of the vehicle as if trying to decide on whether to get in. Earlier, in the office, he wore only a dress shirt and suit pants. Tonight, he had added the suit jacket, making his tall, muscular frame look even more powerful and dangerous. The man was downright drool-worthy and panty-dropping hot on any given day, but right now Egypt saw something else on his face. Standing under one of the parking lot lights revealed his pinched expression, making her feel even more guilty about tonight.

  What had she been thinking, letting Ross follow her outside? Experience had taught her never to be alone with him, but overconfidence got in the way. Knowing she could defend herself had given her a false sense of bravado.

  Never again.

  Never would she put herself in that position again.

  And God, what would this do to her relationship with Kenton? He was one of her best friends. To be honest, he was much more than a friend. He was special. She hated he had to find her in a weakened state, and then had to defend her.

  Egypt’s heart had nearly burst when he came around the corner. At first, she thought her eyes were playing tricks on her after that jarring slap, but then she heard his voice. The gentleness of his touch had been her undoing, and she hadn’t been able to hold back the tears at that point.

  Kenton finally climbed into the driver’s seat but didn’t start the vehicle. Instead, he dropped his head back against the headrest and closed his eyes. Anxiousness swirled inside of Egypt’s chest. She didn’t know what to say. Thank you and sorry didn’t seem to be enough.

  “Do you have any idea what could’ve happened to you tonight? That whole situation back there could’ve been so much worse.” His voice, low and sensual was full of pain. “No more online dating.”

  Wait. He thought Ross had been her date? Of course, he did. Why would he think anything different? She battled with herself on whether or not to tell him the truth. It would only cause more questions, but she owed him that much.

  Kenton turned his head. Dark, intense eyes bore into her like a gimlet through a slab of wood, and she fidgeted under his stare.

  “Finding out he had hit you…I wanted to kill him. I wanted to pull out my pistol and blow him the fuck away! That’s how bad that situation back there could’ve gotten. I wanted to end his worthless life for hurting you, and that scares the hell out of me, Egypt.”

  Yeah, it scared her too.

  “I am so sorry. I never meant to put myself in danger, and I didn’t mean for you to end up in that position.”

  “It’s not your fault. He shouldn’t have ever touched you. God, if you only knew how often the guys and I deal with domestic violence, or ex’s who can’t get a clue.”

  “I do know, which makes me feel even worse.” Suddenly cold, Egypt ran her hands up and down her arms. The lightweight jacket she had on was cute, but not very functional when it came to battling the October chill.

  Kenton started the engine and turned the heat on full blast. “Tell me that guy’s name, and what happened tonight. I also want you to make me understand why you didn’t want to file a police report.”

  “Kenton—”

  “But not right now.” He gently cupped her face, turning it slightly. “Right now, I need to get you home so you can put some ice on your cheek. It’s starting to swell.” The sharp bite in his tone made it clear he was still angry, but his gentle touch on her cheek was a tender contrast. When he put a little pressure on the spot, Egypt winced, only making him curse under his breath.

  “Does it hurt when you open your mouth or talk? Any loose teeth? A headache?”

  “My head hurts a little, and my cheek aches when I open my mouth or talk.”

  No doubt the pounding in her head was a tension headache, and not one brought on by the slap. But mostly, she was embarrassed. Both Kenton and Dakota, when teaching women self-defense, harp on running away from an attacker. Egypt had been able to inflict a little pain on Ross, but her main goal should’ve been to run. She just hadn’t been quick enough.

  “Are you sure you don’t want to go to the hospital and get your cheek x-rayed?”

  “Positive, but thank you.” She rung her hands, fidgeting under his penetrating stare. “Let’s just forget tonight ever happened, okay?” Egypt hoped that would convince him to start the truck and head to her house.

  “I will never forget tonight. It’s taking everything within me not to hunt that bastard down and beat his ass. And though I didn’t fight your decision, I think you’re making a huge mistake not filing a report.”

  “Kenton, I know you don’t understand, but I don’t want to have to deal with cops or answer a ton of questions. Besides, it’s not like they’d do anything. At most Ross might get a slap on the wrist, and then they’d let him go. I’d be the one looking crazy in front of a bunch of people because I allowed a man to hit me.”

  Hurt and embarrassment warred within her and Egypt turned her attention to the window. Kenton was right about one thing. No more online dating or dating period. So what if she lived the rest of her life alone. It might just be safer with less drama.

  “His name is Ross, huh?”

  Shoot. Of course, he had pick up on the name.

 
; “Yes, and he wasn’t my date.”

  Kenton’s hand froze, hovering over the gear shift before he could put the vehicle into drive. His brows pinched together. “Then who the hell was he, and where was your date?” He held up his large hand before she could respond. “You know what? Let’s table this conversation until we get to your house. Because right now I’m tired, hungry, and—”

  “Angry as hell. Not a good combination,” Egypt added.

  “Exactly. I have a feeling I need to be in a better frame of mind before I hear about your evening and this guy.” Kenton headed toward her house but pounded his hand on the steering wheel. “Dammit. I forgot my food.”

  “Where is it?”

  “I had ordered takeout, which was why I was at the restaurant.”

  Egypt’s mouth dropped open. “I thought you were there checking up on me again.”

  He released a long drawn out sigh and split his attention between her and the road. “That was a one-time thing, Egypt. Remember, you threatened to give me the worse assignments if I ever spied on another one of your dates.”

  “Yeah, but I didn’t know you would actually listen. When you showed up, I assumed Dakota told you where I was going and who I’d be with.”

  “I’m not going to lie. I thought about working her for the information, but I respect your privacy…and your decision.”

  Her decision to date others, but not him.

  Egypt already knew they’d be good together, and the kiss they shared earlier brought that fact home even more. They had a connection like nothing she had ever experienced with a man, and she doubted she ever would. Unfortunately, there were pressing reasons keeping her from saying yes to him.

  “I’m sorry for everything that happened tonight, Kenton, and I appreciate you coming to my defense.”

  He reached over and squeezed her hand. “Always, sweetheart. You can always count on me to be there for you no matter what.”

  Yeah, he could say that now. He didn’t know about her past. A past that made her a danger to his life. A past that she had no intention of sharing with anyone. Not even him.

  *

  Kenton pulled up to the small bungalow, slowly starting to feel a little more like himself. The night definitely hadn’t gone the way he’d planned. By now he should’ve been at home, full from his food, and camped out in front of his fifty-five-inch flat screen. Instead, he was with the woman he adored and trying to figure out her angle. She was hiding something. He already knew getting answers from her would be like trying to pick up leaves during a wind storm.

  Egypt sighed and grabbed the door handle, but Kenton put his hand on her arm.

  “I’ll get that for you.” He started to climb out, but stopped and glanced over his shoulder when she made a sound. “You say something?”

  “I know I already said thank you, but…it’s been a long time since someone came to my rescue like that.”

  Kenton studied her, more curious than ever about this woman he once thought he knew so well.

  “A long time, huh? Does that mean something like this has happened before?”

  The oh shit look on her attractive but now swollen face would’ve been adorable had it not sent his protective instincts into overdrive. Irritation gnawed at his nerves. The woman was becoming more and more of a mystery to him. What else didn’t he know about her?

  “Look like it’s going to be a long night of you telling me more about yourself.”

  Kenton went around to open the passenger side door and helped her out of the vehicle. As Egypt headed toward the narrow walkway that led to her house, he went to the back of the SUV. Grabbing the bag that held a six pack of beer, he also pulled out a duffel bag.

  “What’s the bag for?” she asked when he caught up to her.

  He lifted the black canvas. “A change of clothes.”

  She slowed and narrowed her eyes. “Listen, I appreciate what you did for me tonight, and I plan to feed you and answer a few questions, but you’re not staying.”

  “Think again, sweetheart. I’m too tired and wound up to drive home. You might as well get your spare bedroom ready. I’m staying the night.”

  “I only have one bedroom. The other is my office.”

  Kenton shrugged. “Well, I guess we’ll be sharing a bed because after the last two days I’ve had, I’m sure as hell not sleeping on the sofa. Oh, and I’ll take the side of the bed that’s closest to the door.”

  He almost laughed at her shocked expression. That’ll give her something to think about.

  Kenton survey the quiet, family-friendly neighborhood as Egypt unlocked the front door and disarmed the alarm.

  “I would say make yourself at home, but I’m afraid you might take me seriously.”

  Kenton chuckled and slipped out of his jacket. Egypt reached for the garment and hung it up in the coat closet near the front door.

  “Come on in. I’m going to go and change clothes. Then I’ll fix you something to eat.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Kenton glanced around her small, tidy house that he had only been inside of a couple of times. From where he stood near the front door, the small dining area that flowed into the kitchen was to his left, but he walked to the right

  He stepped into the living room and strolled around the space that was sparsely decorated. Considering Egypt had lived in the house for a couple of years, there wasn’t much by way of furniture. The simple, tan colored sofa was fairly new. Purchased a few months ago, she had recruited him and Angelo to pick it up from the furniture store and deliver it to her house. Except for the flat screen television across from the sofa, the TV stand, tattered chair, and coffee table looked to be second-hand pieces.

  Kenton admired the painting above the fireplace mantle. The African artwork of women dancing, their clothing in bold colors, was truly a reflection of her style. The piece was a nice contrast to the plain beige walls. Nothing else in the room reflected her personality.

  Typically, when he stopped by, it was to pick her up or drop her off. This was the first time he’d taken the liberty of roaming around. Kenton hoped that something would jump out and give him more insight into the woman he had grown to care about.

  One last look before he left the room made him realize that there were no pictures of her and no family photos. None. Nowhere. At least none that he could see.

  Going back to the tiny dining area, he pulled the tail of his shirt out of his pants and started unbuttoning it as he strolled into the kitchen. Considering Egypt enjoyed cooking, he was surprised that the space was just as small as the rest of the house, and the white oven and refrigerator looked as if they were nearing their end.

  Kenton opened the freezer that wasn’t full but had enough meat and frozen vegetables for one person. He grabbed the ice pack and turned just as Egypt walked into the room, her long dreadlocks hanging free over her shoulders. His gaze traveled down her body, stalling at perky breasts that were on full display in the white, V-neck T-shirt. Why’d she have to look so damn tempting?

  His pulse ramped up, and his shaft leaped to attention at the way her nipples pressed against the garment. It didn’t help matters that the blue, skinny jeans she had on molded around her curvaceous hips and thighs like a second skin.

  “Damn, you look good even when dressed down.” Though it was a little chilly in the house, her pretty feet, with bright orange nail polish, were bare.

  She didn’t say anything, only twisted her bottom lip between her teeth, barely able to hide a smile.

  He held up the ice pack. “Do you have a towel handy to wrap this in?”

  “Yeah, but let me get you something to eat first. You’re probably starving by now. I can deal with the ice aft—”

  “I can get myself something to eat. You need to put this on the side of your face before the swelling gets any worse.”

  “Kenton, that can wait a few minutes. Let me—”

  “Damn, Egypt. Stop giving me a hard time and have a seat.” He opened a couple
of drawers until he found one that held dishtowels. “Here, this’ll do.”

  She huffed out a breath. “Dakota was right. You are bossy,” she grumbled as he guided her to the dining table with a hand on her shoulder.

  “I wouldn’t have to be if you two weren’t so damn stubborn.” He and Dakota verbally sparred constantly because she always tried roping him into some of her hair-brain ideas. Egypt wasn’t as bad, but tonight, he’d had about as much push-back from her that he could stand.

  “How do you feel about leftovers?” she asked, finally holding the ice pack against her cheek.

  He rinsed his hands in the sink. “As long as it’s food, I’ll love it. Why? What do you have?”

  “There’s baked ziti that I made last night, and I believe there might still be a couple of pieces of roast chicken and collard greens in there.”

  Kenton pulled out every covered dish he found, as well as the loaf of wheat bread. It had been a while since he’d had a home-cooked meal, but as hungry as he was, he didn’t know if it would be enough. At least it was a start.

  “Are you hungry? Want me to fix you a plate?” he asked as he put the plate of food in the microwave.

  “No, I’m good.”

  While Kenton waited for his meal to heat up, he found a sandwich bag and made another ice pack. Then put it back in the freezer. He didn’t miss the way Egypt regarded him as he moved around the tiny kitchen. Female appreciation showed in those glorious brown eyes. If she thought looking at him like she wanted to have him for a snack was going to let her off the hook from answering some questions, she had another thing coming. He hadn’t dived right in yet because he wanted to make sure he was ready for the answers.

  When he finally sat next to her at the small round table, she watched as he ate, shaking her head each time he moaned his appreciation. The woman could throw down in the kitchen.

  She stood and placed the ice pack in the freezer before pulling a beer from the refrigerator and handing it to him. “So, how is it?”

  “You have to ask? My plate is practically empty. It’s excellent.”