Page 219 of Wrecked
He caressed her back. “Work?”
She nodded.
“Talk to me, baby.”
“I’m good.”
“Our vacation was incredible, but life with you is even better,” he said. “Being with you makes me happy. Are you happy?”
“You’ll do.” Then, a sweet smile lit up her face. “Very, very happy. I love you, love the life we’re building together.”
They drove to Carole Jean’s and breezed inside. The main dining room was filling up with the first seating of the evening, but he and Addison were headed to a party in the salon. Hand-in-hand, they followed the maître d’ through the popular Tysons restaurant.
The employee opened the door to the private dining room. “Enjoy your evening.”
With a nod, Hawk waited for Addison to walk in before he entered. Once inside, he swept his gaze around the room until he found his target sitting at a table with Jericho and Liv, her back to everyone. Addison had absolutely no idea what he’d planned for her. He bit back a smile as Stryker made his way over.
“Hey, you two,” Stryker said. “Still on your vacation high?”
“Yeah, baby,” Hawk replied.
“Reality is sneaking back in,” Addison said.
Everyone was sipping cocktails and talking in small groups. An attendant appeared with a tray of flutes.
“Babe, champagne?” Hawk asked.
“Thank you.” She took the glass from him as Emerson joined them.
“You still look so relaxed,” Emerson said. “I told Stryker I’m booking our honeymoon. We’re always so busy, but we’re going.”
“Did you take my recommendation?” Addison asked.
“Bali, baby!” Stryker said, and they all clinked glasses.
“The resort is amazing,” Hawk said. “You won’t want to come back.”
Servers, dressed in crisp black uniforms, let the group know it was time to be seated for dinner. Stryker and Emerson led the way to their four-top.
After everyone had gotten comfortable in their chairs, Hawk whispered, “You ready to do this, babe?”
“Absolutely.” Addison pushed out of her chair as Hawk stood.
“Hey, team,” Hawk called out, “can I get your attention?”
Most quieted, but a few on the other side of the salon continued chatting.
“Yo, team,” Jericho boomed. “Hawk and Addison have somethin’ to say.”
A stillness fell over the room.
“Thanks, babe,” Hawk said to Jericho.
Pausing, Hawk swept his gaze over the familiar faces of ALPHA employees. This career path wasn’t an easy one. Missions were intense and dangerous. Work hours were irregular. There was no honor in being an assassin. It was a job that he, and everyone else in that room, had signed up for, regardless of the risks.
Most missions ended well. They were well trained and highly skilled. On occasion, things went sideways. For the first time in his career, one of his missions had gone horribly wrong. And he had to do something to balance the scales.
“Addison and I want to take a moment and remember teammate Barry Kase,” Hawk began. “Losing one of our own is rough, but the toll on the family is much worse. Addison and I have started a scholarship in Barry’s honor for families in our organization who experience the devastating loss of a loved one. We’re want to ensure Barry’s memory lives on.”
