Page 137 of The List
It would be hard for anyone to wrap their head around his father staying with the organization that, essentially his involvement with, had gotten his wife killed. Cross was too young at the time to know any of the details. But when he was old enough, his father shared everything. Even for him, it was hard to understand why he wouldn’t walk away, especially having a young son. His father had his reasons. Revenge being the first and foremost. Years later, his dad’s explanation finally made sense.
“If I left, I couldn’t do anything to ensure it didn’t happen again. So I stayed, and it didn’t.”
The Underground became a powerhouse in all illegal endeavors. Untouchable, for most. His father was part of the protection. And in the end, sacrificed himself. In a shot that would’ve ended Inez instantly, his father took the bullet.
“Like I said, good man.” Inez’s tone had shifted to somber. “Lost his life saving mine.”
It wasn’t a sight many got to see from the cold, hardened leader. But Inez did have her soft spots reserved for those she respected, loved, and owed.
She grabbed her glass, chugging the remainder of her vodka, slamming the glass on the counter. She looked over, staring back at him.
“Lost your dad and Knox.” She slowly nodded. “Not gonna let that happen again.”
Cross had been with Inez long enough to know what she was saying. But he wanted the words anyway.
“Taking her on as one of yours?”
She lowered her chin. “Guaranteeing her safety.”
Addison scoffed. “Nothing in life is a guarantee.”
The corner of his mouth hiked.This is!
“Yeah for most people, but baby girl” —Inez narrowed her gaze— “I’m not most people.” Inez walked around the counter, stopping in front of him. Affection was never part of their relationship. Or anyone’s with her, for that matter. She rested her hand on his cheek and slightly patted him. “Now, take your girl and get the fuck outta my place. I got a whole new crop of bullshit I gotta handle with my newest problem child.”
Jane Doe.
Speaking of problems. He and the club could handle protecting Addison, and Cross didn’t think the incident would lead to anything further. But just in case…
“One more thing, Inez.”
She sighed and grasped her hips. “Oh, for Christ sake, what?”
He gestured to Addison. “She pissed off Rogue.”
Inez snorted. “Everyone pisses off Rogue.”
“Yeah, but not everyone handles him the way she did.”
Inez jerked her head to Addison, and she held up her hands. “He started it.”
Inez laughed, shaking her head. “I have no doubt he did. Arrogant little fucker since the day I met him.” She turned to Cross. “I’ll call Sal. Consider it handled. Now go!”
Addison rushed to his side and clasped his hand as they walked out.
It was finally over.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Addison was waiting on her front steps when Cross picked her up. She’d renewed the rental house for another month.Well, I renewed, and someone else had paid.Cross claimed knowing the owner gave him a discount.
They’d talked about her staying at the clubhouse, but she wanted her space, and after a few nights sharing a wall with Gent and his women, she was done. She was far from prudish, but Gent had some interesting and obscene fetishes.
Addison tightened her arms around his waist and locked her thighs against him. She was getting a little more comfortable on the motorcycle but at a snail’s pace. Cross had gotten her a full-face helmet, which helped ease her fear.A little.
Cross pulled into the driveway, but instead of parking at the clubhouse, he drove past onto a dirt path, about a car’s width. She angled her head to see past him. She’d never ventured beyond the yard of the clubhouse and didn’t know there was anything back there except the woods.
As they rode farther, it opened up to what could only be described as a hidden neighborhood. The land was cleared, and there were stakes marking out property lines. At the entrance were three houses, and Cross pulled up in front of the second one.
