Page 97 of Wrecked
“The question you should be asking is, doyoucare that you had sex with them?”
“No, I don’t,” he replied.
“Then, why should I?” She gave his triceps a squeeze before launching into the crowded room.
In that moment, he knew.He told himself that he’dneverfeel this way again. But he did. Addison had claimed his heart and there was nothing he could do about it. Love makes everything better, except for Hawk, it made everything worse. Much, much worse.
Damn that woman. Damn her.
* * *
Just after ten that evening, Addison grabbed her handbag from the office and hurried down the hallway. Leaving out the club’s back exit would trigger the alarm, so she was forced to use the front door.
She spotted Hawk talking to a few people at the picture-taking stand, so she kept her head down as she powered around the members and their guests. Once outside, she found Tony.
“I’ll be back soon,” she told him.
“No worries,” her bouncer replied.
She hurried around back where she’d parked her ALPHA SUV. All vehicles in the fleet were equipped with bullet-proof glass, but it wouldn’t stop her from blowing sky high if someone had attached an explosive to the underside. Yes, she was taking her chances, but she’d never been one to run from danger.
She drove over the bridge into DC, then headed for her alma mater, George Washington University. Rather than park in front of the closed coffee shop, she drove around the block, pulled down the alley and parked by Melinda’s back door.
There was one other car parked nearby.
She slipped on the black eye mask, pulled her Glock from her bag, and got out. After closing the door quietly, she made her way to the back door.
Knock-knock-knock.
A second later, Melinda pushed it open, and jumped. “Oh, my goodness.”
“It’s Addison,” she whispered.
Addison entered, pulled the door closed behind her. The room was dark, save for a small table lamp set on low.
After removing her mask, Addison hugged her. “It’s good to see you.”
“You, too. Let’s sit.”
They got comfortable at the small table where Melinda had set out a few sweet treats and a pot of tea and two mugs. “Please, help yourself.” Melinda poured tea into both mugs.
Normally energetic, Melinda had bags under her eyes and she hadn’t smiled once.
“How are you doing?” Addison began.
“The coffee shop keeps me busy. I’ve been missing my family more than usual. I know my parents are getting older and I wish I could see them again.”
“I’m sorry.”
Melinda smiled. “It’s okay. I love my little business, love being around the college students, too.”
“Are you still working long hours?” Addison asked.
“Most days,” Melinda replied. “I stay open late a few nights, so the students can grab coffee or meet up with friends. How have you been?”
“Good, busy.” Addison leaned forward and clasped Melinda’s hand. “I wanted you to know something… something important. Do you remember the military man who took out Haqazzii?”
“Jenning, the one who wrote the book.”
