Page 133 of Wrecked
“See for yourself.” Sin opened the door.
Hawk stepped into the low-lit conference room. Addison was there, wearing a blonde wig. She jumped out of the chair and rushed over. The minute he wrapped her in his arms, the darkness lifted a little.
“Thank you for doing this,” she whispered.
He broke away, stared at her. “What am I doing?”
“Let’s sit,” Sin said.
Once they had, Sin said, “Addison is in danger.”
Hawk flicked his gaze to her. Sadness shone in her eyes, but she didn’t look scared.
“The SEAL triggerman who took out Haqazzii is dead,” Sin began.
Hawk acknowledged with a nod.
“Addison’s primary asset—a woman, who’d relocated to the area—is also dead. She was murdered over the weekend.”
“Oh, no,” Hawk ground out.
“Addison isn’t safe,” Sin said.
“Gotcha,” Hawk replied.
“She needs round-the-clock protection,” Sin continued. “She’s against it, but she’s willing to be—”
“Babysat,” she blurted.
Hawk bit back a smile.
“She’s willing to work with me on this, ifyou’rethe Operative who’ll partner with her.”
Again, he slid his gaze to her. He wasn’t expecting this. They’d be together all the time. She’d just friend-zoned him. He’d want her in his bed, in his arms. How the hell was he going to manage through this?
But, he’d tell her no, especially if she was in danger. Despite the wedge she’d put between them, Barry’s death had brought them closer. They were both hurting, both reminded of the fragility of life.
She raised her eyebrows.
“Of course, I’ll do it,” he said.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
“Good,” Sin said. “Addison already asked about Stryker and Emerson’s wedding and about going to the hospital when Liv goes into labor. There’s no limitation to what she can do… as long as you’re together.” He stood. “Addison, your bags will be in Hawk’s vehicle. Let me know if you need anything.”
He left, the tapping of his dress shoes on the hard flooring faded away to silence.
Alone with Addison.
He didn’t deserve to be happy, but here he was with the best gig he never imagined having. He shifted to her. She was waiting. He laid his hands, palms up, on the table. She stared at them. He waited. After a few seconds, she placed hers in his.
“I got you, but you gotta work with me,” he said. “I know you’re private and independent, but I can’t have you sneaking out in the middle of the night. I’m having a hard-enough time with Barry’s death.” Pausing, he inhaled a deep breath. “Losing you would wreck me.”
Her eyes went soft, her lips curved at the ends. “Losing you would kill me, too. Thank you for doing this. I thought you might not, until Sin reminded me that you never say no to your friends or family.” She tilted her head. “Why is that?”
He broke eye contact. He wasn’t about to tell her the real reason. Instead, he said, “No is never an option.”
* * *
