Page 75 of Wrecked
“Was the hit targeted? Random?”
“As far as I know, no terror group has come forward, and the investigation could take months.”
“Hmm.”
“What?”
“I was at HQ today,” he murmured. “Coop didn’t say anything.”
She furrowed her brow. “Why would he? It doesn’t involve you.”
He stared at her in disbelief. “We’re partners. Cooper should have told me you might be in danger.”
“Sorry, my brain is scrambled.”
“You gotta be at the top of your game, Addison.”
She fisted her hand on her hip. “I’m not in danger!” she whispered, frustration tinging her tone.
Ah, shit, here we go.
“I’mnotscared and I’mnotgoing into hiding. The only reason I told you is because I’m sad. That’s it. A good man died leaving behind a broken family. I called his wife. She wants answers. I don’t know anything. My stupid words of condolence are bullshit. They have two young children. I can’t make this better for her, for her family.” Addison choked back a sob.
Hawk pulled her into his arms, slowly caressing her back. He sucked at these moments. Didn’t matter what anyone said or did. The pain of grief was real. Physical pain, mental pain, emotional turmoil. He knew that firsthand.
After a moment, she disappeared into their private bathroom, returning with a long trail of toilet paper. She blew her nose, wiped her tears.
Her phone buzzed. She pulled it off the desk. “Ugh. Tommy sent me an Invitation to Escape.” She flicked her gaze to Hawk. “He’s persistent.”
“Well, you were dancing with him.”
Daggers shot from her eyes. “Are you telling me I was leading him on? It was a dance. I thought he got the message. I told him no. Plus, that other woman joined us.”
“You danced, he saw a green light. Most guys are just looking for that next green light.”
She bit back a smile. “Are all men that simple?”
He shrugged. “I don’t like complicated, especially when it comes to women. You know that about me.” He scraped his fingers down his whiskered cheeks and she tracked their movement. “He figured if you danced with him, maybe you’d go upstairs with him. He’s into you, so he had to try.”
She tapped the app. “I declined.”
He moved her hair off her cheek, tucked it behind her ear. “I knowexactlywhat you need.”
“Ohgod,” she whispered. “What do I need Nicholas Hawk?”
He kissed her forehead. “I got you. Trust me on this.”
Hawk pulled out his phone, opened the Lost Souls app, but all the rooms were booked. He sat behind their desk, logged into the computer. After rearranging a few things, he rounded the desk, clasped her hand. “We’re going upstairs.”
“I’m not—”
“No, we’re not, but I promise you’ll like it.”
They left their office, returned to the main room. If possible, it was even more crowded. While that was great for business, Hawk didn’t give a fuck. All that mattered was helping Addison through her loss in some small way.
“I’ve gotta let Liliana know,” she said.
Tommy was parked on a barstool, chatting up the bartender. Hawk hung back while Addison went behind the bar and spoke with her. Liliana glanced over at him, then finished her conversation with Addison.
