My Boss Covered for My Rapist

Our team lost their fourth game in a row, and somehow I ended up being the reason why — apparently I'd been sneaking performance enhancers to my ex-boyfriend on the rival team.

I was still wrapping Matt's wrist when Reid stormed in, still in full gear.

"This is bullshit." He addressed the whole room. "Did you see their third line? Those guys were flying around like they'd been on energy drinks all week."

Brody nodded immediately. "Way too energized for the third period."

I kept my head down.

"I'm telling you, something's not right," Reid continued. "Their guys had way too much stamina. Way too much energy."

"Maybe they just trained harder than us," I said. Without thinking.

The room went dead silent.

Reid turned to look at me. Slow.

"Oh really, Nora?" His voice had that dangerous edge. "You seem to know a lot about their training."

Something cold settled in my stomach.

"Actually, now that I think about it." He stepped closer. "Didn't I see you talking to their players after the game three weeks ago?"

Cole. My ex. Five minutes in a parking lot.

"That was—"

"Just what?" His voice carried across the room. "Getting cozy with the enemy?"

Brody jumped in. "Wait, you know guys on their team?"

"I dated someone from State," I said. "We broke up months ago. It was nothing."

"Dated someone from State." Reid let the words sit there. "Interesting."

Several guys were looking at me now.

"You know what I think?" He crossed his arms. "I think little Nora here has been a very helpful girlfriend. Helping their guys stay... energized for games."

"Come on." His smile went cruel. "Everyone knows what kind of help athletes need. And you work in the medical room. Easy access to all kinds of... performance enhancers."

I opened my mouth.

He kept going.

"I'm saying you've been giving State's players inside information. And probably more than that, considering how friendly you looked with that guy."

Brody laughed. "Dude, that would explain everything. Nora's been playing both sides."

"Both sides of the ice," Reid said. "And probably both sides of their bench too, if you know what I mean."

The room erupted.

This cannot be happening.

"Especially big, strong hockey players," Brody added. "Girl's got a serious appetite for athletes."

"I heard she can't control herself around guys," someone else said. I couldn't see who anymore.

"We're right here, Nora." Brody grinned. "Why go across town when you can get what you need right here?"

Reid nodded. "I'm in great shape, Brody's in great shape. We could definitely satisfy whatever cravings you've got."

I set down the tape roll.

My nails pressed into my palm.

"You know what this is actually about," I said.

Reid's smile didn't move. "I really don't."

"Yes, you do." My voice came out steadier than I expected. "This is about last year. Me saying no to you."

The room went quiet. A different kind of quiet.

Some of the guys looked at the floor.

"You're making up stories," Reid said. His face was red.

"I'm making up stories?" I grabbed my bag. "You just told a room full of people I'm trading sex for game tips. All because I wouldn't sleep with you."

Brody started to say something.

"I'm reporting this to Paige." I pushed past Reid toward the door.

"Good luck with that," he called after me. "She's got more important things to do than your hurt feelings."

I didn't slam the door.

I didn't slam the door.

The hallway was empty. I made it to the stairwell before my hands started shaking.

Paige will fix this. She was head of medical staff. She had actual authority over the team. She'd shut this down tonight.

I climbed to the administrative level. Light under her door at the end of the hall. I walked faster.

I was almost there when I heard it.

A soft moaning sound. Through the door.

I stopped.

"Oh god, Reid... yes..."

Paige's voice. She was playing with herself.

I stood there with my hand raised to knock, listening to my boss moan my tormentor's name.