Accused

by Sharon C. Cooper

  Egypt’s knees went weak, and she dropped down in the nearest chair, relief flooding her body. She might’ve put on a brave front, but it would have killed her to lose the job she absolutely loved.

  “Make no mistake, we’re not condoning this behavior, and the fact that you did this at Supreme pisses me the hell off,” Mason said. “But we value you, Egypt. You always show up. You never complain, and you have always gone beyond the call of duty for us. However, we can’t have a situation like this again.”

  “In the future, I trust that you’ll use better judgment,” Hamilton added.

  “And no more hacking…or trying to hack,” Wiz said.

  Egypt nodded, emotion tightening inside her throat. These guys were her family. Knowing that she had disappointed them, and put the company at risk, was almost too much to bear. Hamilton and Mason were fiercely protective of Supreme, and Egypt had crossed the line.

  Never again. She would never again do anything to betray their trust.

  “All right, so that we are all clear, Egypt didn’t hack into Hoakley’s Manufacturing, but she came damn close. I have a few security measures in place to keep hackers out, as well as protect our systems internally. The alarm that I’m sure you heard through your computer, alerted us of a few things. You had typed in a command that hackers often use, and you stumbled upon a site that was being monitored,” Wiz explained.

  Egypt frowned. “What do you mean monitored?”

  “There are…eyes, for lack of a better description, that has that network under surveillance. My initial research didn’t reveal who was watching until Hamilton mentioned Hoakley’s death, and the call from the FBI.”

  Egypt’s heart thumped wildly in her chest. Thank God Wiz had been able to shut her down. Hacking was a federal offense and guaranteed jail time if caught. She didn’t even want to think about what would’ve happened if she’d gotten into the network that the feds were monitoring.

  “I knew you had a computer science degree. Where’d you pick up the hacking abilities?” Wiz asked.

  “It’s not something I really do…often. My uncle taught me the basics when I was a sophomore.”

  No way could she tell them that her Uncle Billy had taught her how to hack into the high school’s server to change her biology grade. After that, she tested her computer abilities in other areas. When her parents found out all that Shady Uncle Billy, as her mother referred to him, had taught Egypt, they stopped him from coming by the house.

  “I—I didn’t even know for sure if I could get into Hoakley’s because they had some serious firewalls. I just needed…” her voice trailed off when she noticed Hamilton’s brows rising toward the sky. “Nevermind.”

  Hamilton glanced at his watch. “Though I’d love to know more about this particular ability of yours, we have another pressing matter. Tell us what happened at that restaurant?”

  Egypt gasped.

  “Don’t look so surprised. You already know. Between me, Mason, Wiz, and Malik,” Hamilton said of the founder of Supreme, “we have a lot of friends, especially in law enforcement. It’s not hard to get information, whether we want it or not. Which is why we constantly remind our team to watch what they say and do outside of these doors. You two represent us whether at work or on the streets.”

  Mason cleared his throat. He’d been out of the office and on vacation for the past week and wasn’t scheduled to return for another two weeks. “A friend from Atlanta PD, who recognized Kenton, sent me a video of the incident at the restaurant. Though a little fuzzy, and after watching it twice, I could make out Egypt. Now we want the story behind the incident.”

  At some point, Kenton had moved closer to her chair, and Egypt met his unwavering gaze. It was safe to say he was waiting to see how much she wanted to tell.

  “Any day now,” Hamilton said, rocking in his desk chair, his attention bouncing between them.

  “I used to date Ross.”

  Egypt recounted the story, starting with her date canceling. The more she shared, the more disappointment knotted in her gut. After the way things ended between her and Ross, she shouldn’t have been anywhere alone with him. Telling the guys about why he had backhanded her, was the hardest part. No man had ever hit her before, and she vowed never to let it happen again.

  Kenton squeezed her shoulder. “I showed up shortly after. I happened to be picking up a takeout order and ran into them. When I found out what Hoakley had done, I…”

  “Handled him,” Hamilton finished. He leaned forward, his forearms folded on the desk. “Anyone of us would have done the same thing. What I don’t understand is why you didn’t report the incident to the cops.”

  “I-I didn’t want the co-cops involved,” Egypt stammered. “Ross agreed to stay away, and that was enough for me.”

  The tension bouncing off of Kenton was almost as nerve-racking as the suffocating silence that filled the room. Hamilton stared at her in that way that always made Egypt a bit uncomfortable, as if knowing there was more she wasn’t saying. All the guys had mastered the look.

  Hamilton finally diverted his gaze to Kenton, but instead of him saying anything, Mason spoke. “Kenton, since you had already taken care of Ross, what made you pay him a visit last night?”

  Egypt’s heart thudded against her chest. Kenton hadn’t told her exactly why he’d gone to Ross’s house, but she already knew. She shouldn’t have ever put him in this position. She should’ve kept her mouth shut about the incident in Ross’s office all those years ago.

  “I wanted to ensure that he stayed away from Egypt, and by the time I left, we had an understanding…and he was alive.”

  “Well, so that you understand, the FBI will be here later today. I’m sure they’re going to ask you two more questions than we asked. So be ready to cut the bullshit. Whatever else Hoakley did to you,” he looked at Egypt, “be ready to come clean.”

  Egypt swallowed hard, trying to push down the anxiety exploding inside her chest. How could she confess that Ross tried to force himself on her, and she hadn’t reported it? Besides Kenton, the only other person Egypt told was Nelson, her long-time friend, and confidant. If only she could call him. He was the only person who knew everything about her, and Hamilton had him on a long-distance assignment for Supreme.

  “Egypt, we’re a family, and that includes you too,” Mason said. Egypt had temporarily forgotten he was on the phone. “We have your back.”

  On that, Egypt bit her bottom lip, trying not to get emotional. All she had was them. At the moment, she couldn’t express how much she appreciated and needed these people in her life.

  She quickly swiped at rogue tear and made sure no others would follow. No way would she fall apart in front of them.

  “Listen, I have a meeting to get to, but Ham, you or Mase hit me up later regarding the meeting with the FBI,” Wiz said. “Egypt, I’ll be in touch. I’m curious to learn what other computer skills you have. Kenton, thanks for looking out for our girl.” With that, he signed off, and Mason followed suit.

  “Why don’t you two get out of here and get some air. I’ll have the front desk monitor calls for the rest of the day. Just be back here by five.”

  “Come on. Let’s go,” Kenton said and escorted her to the hall with a hand at the small of her back. “Get your jacket and purse and meet me in the parking lot.”

  “Kenton.”

  “Just do it Egypt.”

  She nodded, too emotionally spent to argue, and headed to her office. It was tough enough meeting with the guys who cared about her. How would she get through a grilling by FBI agents?

  Chapter Fourteen

  “You’re awfully quiet,” Kenton said to Egypt as he steered his truck toward Chamblee, a suburb of Atlanta, where his favorite burger joint was located. He hadn’t eaten since that morning, and even then, the muffins and coffee hadn’t been much. Now that it was late afternoon, he was hungry enough to eat a whole cow. “What are you thinking about?”

  “Do you solve all problems wi
th food?” she asked solemnly, but Kenton laughed.

  “It’s either food or sex, baby. Since I didn’t think you’d go along with the latter, I figured a big, fat juicy hamburger would fill my stomach and take your mind off our meeting.”

  Egypt graced him with a smile, but it didn’t reach her troubled eyes. Since Kenton didn’t know what she was hiding, he had no clue how to help.

  He reached over and covered her hand, gripping it within his. “Listen, I know you’re worried about being questioned by the feds, but I promise, it’s going to be okay. Trust me. If they were concerned about you or me being involved in anything shady regarding Ross, we would’ve heard from them already. My guess is that they have a solid lead into what happened to the guy, or they have a possible suspect. Questioning us is just formality.”

  Egypt didn’t look convinced but squeezed his hand. The fact that she hadn’t pulled away from him was encouraging.

  “I don’t know, Kenton. I want to believe you, but…”

  “But you don’t trust the FBI,” he said with resignation, though he found that realization troubling. “Does that mean you don’t trust me either? I’m a former agent. Deep down I’m still one of them.”

  Now that Kenton had put the question of trust out there, he wondered if that was why she’d been keeping her distance. Because he was former FBI. She blamed the agency for destroying her life, but he still had no clue into how or even why.

  Egypt eased her hand from his hold. “You already know I trust you, but experience has taught me to be careful.” Then she snorted. “Says the woman who tried, failed, and got caught attempting to hack into an organization.” Disgust rolled off her words before she turned to stare out the passenger window.

  Yeah, Kenton was still a little thrown by that bit of knowledge. Her trying to hack into someone’s company and continuing to keep secrets should make him want to run in the opposite direction. Instead, it made him more curious about the woman sitting next to him.

  “You know what?” he said. “Why don’t we, for the next two hours, forget about Supreme, the FBI, and anything else surrounding work. Besides eating, I also considered finding a place to shoot pool.”

  “I didn’t know you shot pool. Are you any good?”

  “Sweetheart, I’m good at everything I do.”

  Egypt rolled her eyes. “Arrogant much?”

  Kenton shrugged, unable to keep the grin from spreading across his face. “What can I say? When you’re good, you’re good.”

  “Anyway, so why aren’t we playing pool instead of heading to the burger joint?”

  “One: because I’m starving. And two: because I wouldn’t have been able to focus on the game with you there.”

  Her arched brows bunched together. She really was a beautiful woman, and even more so since she didn’t seem to know it.

  “Why wouldn’t you be able to focus? You’re the one telling me not to worry about the interrogation that’s coming.”

  “My distraction has nothing to do with the FBI,” he mused. “It’s all you.”

  “Oh, please. I haven’t shot pool since college. I’m not that good, and it sounds like you’re the best.”

  “Well, the last part is true,” he said smugly. “But right now, I can barely focus on driving with you sitting over there looking all sexy. Just thinking about you bent over a pool table, in that tight skirt hugging your fine ass, has me—”

  “Oh, knock it off. You’re acting like I never wear skirts. I wear them all the time.”

  That was true. Besides the tight outfit and looking a little sexier, something was different about her today. She seemed the same, yet something had changed. Kenton couldn’t quite put his finger on it. Or maybe it was him.

  He glanced at Egypt to find her still looking at him puzzled, and his heart did a little giddy-up. Their connection had always been powerful, but since their encounter with Ross and then spending the night together, their bond was stronger. That protectiveness, and maybe even a little possessiveness that he always felt toward her was more profound than ever.

  “Yeah, you wear skirts often, but today you look smoking hot.”

  She grinned shaking her head but didn’t say anything. He was almost positive she had him on her mind when she dressed that morning.

  “Since our work day is technically not over, maybe I should take you home so you can change clothes. Wouldn’t want you tempting one of the agents during questioning. He might try to get with you, and then I’ll have to kick his ass for looking.”

  Egypt laughed. “Okay, just stop with the nonsense. I’m suddenly hungry. Hurry up and get us to this burger place. I’ve wanted to try one of their sandwiches since it’s all Dakota talks about,” she said of Hamilton’s wife. “You have her hooked on these burgers. Poor Ham has to make a trip there at least twice a week to battle her cravings.”

  “Poor, Ham? You should be saying poor me. I’m the one she called yesterday afternoon. Mind you, it was my day off, and I was at home. Which is at least twenty, twenty-five miles from the burger joint. She gave me this sob story about needing lunch because my future godson was starving, and she couldn’t leave the dojo.”

  “That’s what big brothers and future godfathers are for.”

  “Yeah, right. So far I’m getting the short end of this pretend brother crap.”

  Egypt laughed. Dakota, an only child, often said Kenton was the brother she always wanted. “Don’t act like you don’t love it. That woman dotes on you all the time. Like the homemade cinnamon rolls, and that four layered chocolate cake she made you the other week. It’s a good thing Hamilton isn’t the jealous type. You would be looking for another job and maybe in a different city.”

  “True, but Ham knows he has nothing to worry about. Dee is crazy in love with the man, and you’re the only woman for me.”

  “Man, you’re really pouring it on thick today.” She grinned, and if her skin wasn’t so dark, he would see a blush tinting her cheeks.

  Interesting how when she smiled at him, warmth spread through his body, making him want to keep her happy. Gone was the worry and sadness in her eyes from earlier. In its place was the sparkle that he’d grown to look forward to seeing each day.

  Caleb had once asked him what was it about Egypt that had him vying for her attention even though she kept shooting him down. The more time Kenton spent with her, the easier it was to answer the question. He loved the way she made him feel.

  The other day, he’d been able to be her hero, coming to Egypt’s rescue when she needed him most. That night at her place, he was her comforter, wiping tears away and keeping bad memories at bay. He felt needed and desired when it came to her, and this was the first time in his life that he wanted to be all of that to a woman.

  He pulled into the restaurant’s crowded parking lot. Clearly, he hadn’t been the only one craving a Bad Daddy’s Burger. No surprise since their burgers were hands down the best in town.

  Kenton finally found a parking spot at the back of the building. “Sit tight, and I’ll get the door for you.”

  “I guess you weren’t the only one with this idea. That parking lot is packed. Hopefully, we’ll get a seat,” she said, holding Kenton’s hand as she climbed from the Yukon.

  “It’s fairly big inside. I’m sure we’ll be fine.”

  Kenton closed the door and engaged the locks without releasing Egypt’s hand. Instead of heading into the building, he backed her up against the truck and claimed her lips.

  Despite the drama of the morning, Kenton had thought about this moment more than once, and now he was taking what he wanted. Instead of pushing him away, like he half expected, Egypt slipped her hands inside his suit jacket and wrapped her arms around his waist. Kissing her with everything he had in him, he needed her to feel how much he cared about her.

  As their tongues tangled, feverishly exploring each other’s mouth, Kenton tuned out the sounds around them. He cradled the back of Egypt’s head, pulling her even closer, deepening their conne
ction as the intoxicating kiss grew more intense. It anchored him in place and confirmed what he already knew. Egypt was his.

  *

  Egypt’s heart thumped wildly as Kenton’s demanding tongue thrust deeper, and his hands moved to her hips. She allowed herself to get lost in the moment, feeling his thick shaft pressed firmly against her stomach, proving he was just as turned on.

  He would never understand how much she needed this. Needed this closeness. Needed to be transported to a happier, more peaceful place. That’s what she felt whenever they were together. At peace.

  A calmness surrounded her, and she held on tight as he made it easy to forget about the horrors of the outside world and forced her to be present in that moment. His deep, sensual moan filled her, and his experienced lips were insistent, yet tender. Egypt didn’t want to stop kissing him. She didn’t ever want to let him go. And that should scare her, but instead, it gave her hope that she could have the type of romance she always wanted.

  A car horn blared, and Egypt jumped. She broke off the kiss, but Kenton didn’t release her. After glancing over his shoulder, he moved in closer, effectively shielding her with his large body from the car pulling into the parking spot next to them.

  “I guess that’s our cue to go on inside,” he said.

  “Why the kiss?” Egypt asked as they walked around the building. He held onto her hand, and she didn’t pull away, enjoying the comfort of the gesture.

  “I wanted to help you relax.”

  She laughed. “That was supposed to make me relax? I’m pretty sure my pulse is off the charts, and my blood pressure has doubled.”

  Kenton flashed that sexy grin that made her all tingly inside. It was such a cliché, but his smile truly did light up her world. The last hour at work might’ve been crappy, but spending time with this man was quickly making up for it.

  “I just thought of something. This will officially be our first date.”

  Egypt rolled her eyes and shook her head. “This is not a date. This is two people getting something to eat in the middle of the day.”