Page 16 of Tracker
Marty unbuttoned his jacket as he sat. He smelled good. Expensive.
“This is wild. We probably see each other all the time without ever knowing we crossed paths. Marty isn’t my real name, by the way. It’s Atticus.”
Despite the odd situation, a genuine smile stretched Tracker’s lips. “You should just use your real name. Like me, most people will think you’ve made it up.”
“So Tracker is your real name? You’re right. When Zeus said your name last night, I thought it was the name you use for the club. I’m honestly surprised Zeus did that. Giving someone’s real name inside that place is dangerous.” The laughter in Atticus’ voice didn’t sound like it was at his expense. He sounded morelike someone everyone liked. “I guess this is a bit strange for you. Running into me, I mean.”
Tracker thought before he spoke. He wondered how Zeus would want him to answer. His gaze moved over Atticus’ face. Tracker had never been good at reading people. He just went with his gut. “No. I’d think it would be awkward for you.”
Atticus shrugged. “Meh. I am who I am. Everyone is someone else behind closed doors.”
They absolutely weren’t, but Tracker didn’t judge. He had to change the subject. “You look put together. What do you do for work?”
“I’m CEO of Cavern Technologies. What about you?”
“I’m a professional hacker.” The truth was always best. Just like his name, no one ever believed it anyway.
The low laugh that came from Atticus was a lot sexier than he saw coming. “Sounds like I should hire you before I become a victim of yours.”
“Thank you, but no thank you. I work for myself. I’m spoiled to keeping my own hours.”
Atticus’ gaze flickered to a spot over Tracker’s shoulder. His smile fell. The hair stood on the back of Tracker’s neck. Tracker had a nose for danger. Security was his thing. On the sly, Trackerscanned the room. At the last second, he caught sight of Zeus leaving. Tracker’s heart soared and dashed upon the rocks just as quickly. The coffeehouse wasn’t by any means crowded. Only a few people waited for coffee. Zeus was observant. Surely he had seen Tracker. Why would he leave without saying hi?
“Since I now know we both like coffee, you should meet me here again sometime.”
Tracker couldn’t think straight. He checked his watch. Maybe it was time for Zeus to teach his class on rope safety. It was possible he had been running late, but damn. Tracker had to get out of here. “Sure. Sounds great.” Apparently, they liked the same coffee shop. If they crossed paths again, there was no need to act like they didn’t know each other.
Atticus smiled. He did that a lot. “Great. You should give me your number so we can make plans.”
Tracker had to get out of there. Zeus hadn’t spoken to him. Tracker’s heart beat too fast. He had to know if Zeus hadn’t seen him. He felt hyperventilation coming in hot and fast. “Yeah. Okay?” He was just agreeing to shit now. Whatever got him out of there faster.
“Great.” Atticus pulled a pen from a pocket inside his jacket and slid a napkin Tracker’s way.
He quickly jotted down his number before making a break for it. “I hate to run, but I have a meeting with a potential client. Itwas good seeing you.” Tracker stood without waiting for Atticus to argue.
Atticus put the napkin in his pocket along with the pen. “That’s fine. We’ll talk again.”
With a quick nod, Tracker headed for his car. He didn’t bother to even pull out of the parking lot before calling Zeus.
“Hello?” Zeus’ voice could freeze all of California.
“Hey. I saw you at the coffee shop. Did you not see me?”
“I saw you.”
That was it. No explanations. Just cold, concise responses. “Okay. I guess I caught you on a busy day.”
“Not really.”
That hyperventilation felt closer. “Okay. Bye, I guess.”
The phone disconnected without Zeus saying goodbye. A rock formed in his stomach. An invisible weight sat on his chest, making it nearly impossible to breathe. This was everything he feared by crossing the line. This was everything Zeus had sworn wouldn’t happen. Tracker had believed him. What else had he lied about? Horror struck so hard and fast, Tracker almost fainted. His vision darkened around the edges. Zeus had pretended Tracker’s scars didn’t bother him. Goddamn it. Healready felt as if it was impossible for anyone to want him. Now, Zeus proved it was true. The guy who was supposed to be his best friend. Not just a flawless figure who knew nothing about being imperfect. His driver’s side door opened.
“Move. You’re not driving like this.”
Tracker blinked, and tears blurred his vision. He hadn’t even known he was crying. Even though Tracker didn’t really know Atticus, he still climbed from the car and circled around to the passenger side. Atticus was right. If Tracker chose to drive right now, he would probably drive straight off a bridge. His life had been nothing but torture until his brothers and he had taken their peace by force. The mental damage had already been irreparable before Zeus tore him down. Hacking was all that had kept him hanging on for a while now. Tracker had gotten two whole days of bliss. He’d had his eyes opened to his real feelings for Zeus. Now look at him. He had nothing and looked like a goddamn fool in front of a complete stranger.
Atticus climbed behind the wheel, but he didn’t start the engine. He stared hard at Tracker. Just as he had done the night before, Tracker practically heard the way Atticus saw everything. “Tell me.”
