Page 129 of Counting On You

Chapter Thirty-Five

Vicky

The doorto the main office is closed. I stare at it for a few seconds, undecided about what to do. My heart is slamming so hard, it takes every ounce of my willpower not to run away.

The decision is taken from me when steps sound and the door is thrown open.

I find myself face to face with the redhead from the bus.

Marlene Elijah.

“We were just talking about you.” She glances at me with pity. “Come in.”

Shit.

They know.

Of course, they do. Sylvie warned me already, but it didn’t feel real…until now.

I follow Marlene in, and she motions to a chair. “Please, take a seat. They should be done soon.”

“Shouldn’t I go in?” I ask.

She shakes her head. “Kaiden Wright has already explained. We just need to confirm a few details with you.”

I frown. Kade has explained what? I want to ask, but Marlene stops me by grabbing my hand and forcing me to sit. Keeping my hand in hers, she says, “Don’t you worry. You’re safe now. He’s being transferred as we speak.”

I stare at her, dumbfounded. “What are you talking about?”

“How he befriended you—” she makes air signs, “—and then demanded things from you. We had no idea he would go as far as assaulting you. We know you’re scared, but rest assured we’re dealing with the situation.”

“What?” My lungs constrict, choking me. “But he didn’t do anything.”

“We know everything, Victoria,” Marlene says, ignoring me.

“Know what?”

“You had no choice. He forced you to engage in sexual activities because of the phone. We’ll understand if you decide to press charges.”

I’ve never felt so faint in my life.

“No, you don’t understand. Kade never assaulted me; never forced himself on me. I don’t know why you’d come to such a conclusion.”

I try to push my way past her.

“You can’t go in there,” Marlene protests.

Ignoring her, I throw the door open.

Five people are sitting at the table: four male and one female. Kade’s not among them.

“This is all a mistake,” I say. “Please don’t transfer him. It’s me you need to send away.”

All heads turn to me. This is when I notice the television screen. The image is static, but there’s no denying that that’s Kade and me, caught up in the moment of our lovemaking.

How anybody could ever believe that he’s forcing me needs their eyes checked.

A hot blush covers my face and neck. I can still remember Kade’s hand between my legs, stroking my clit as his cock plunged in and out of me.

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