Page 98 of Wrecked
Addison nodded. “He was killed in a car explosion.”
Melinda gasped. “Was it a terrorist bomb?”
“They don’t know. I’d like to hire a bodyguard for you while it’s being investigated.”
“Why? I have no ties to my former life. I’m still very private. No one knows my true identity, except you. I’m not worried, but I am always cautious.”
“I would feel better if you were protected. And I’d pay, so no worries about that.”
This time, Melinda’s smile touched her warm, brown eyes. “You’ve kept every promise you ever made to me.”
“You’re my friend and I care about you.”
Melinda smiled. “Thank you for caring. I’ll let you know.”
The women chatted for a few minutes more, then Addison slipped on her mask and snuck out the way she’d arrived. She kept the headlights off until she’d turned onto the main road.
Her mom had taught her and her sister that ignorance was bliss. But it was her dad who taught her that knowledge was power.
Addison believed that telling Melinda had been the right choice, but as she drove back to Lost Souls, she wondered if, in this case, ignorance might have been the better option.
14
WICKED HOT
Hawk was frustrated as hell. Addison had left the damn club. Then, Liliana had some kind of medical emergency and bolted.
He didn’t have a problem tending bar. Loved chatting it up with the customers. The majority of them were chill. They were there to kick back, have a beer, meet new people. The costumes were cool too.
What had him seeing red was his vanishing partner. If she had something to do, then do it. But, for fuck’s sake, tell him.
He hadn’t texted her, hadn’t called her either. But he wasn’t gonna do nothing while she was out there alone. When she hadn’t returned by quarter to eleven, he pulled two waitstaff off the floor and brought them behind the bar. “Serve drinks for five minutes.”
“Sure,” said one.
“I can fake it, but I don’t know some of the—”
“Help each other out. I’ll be in my office.”
He bulled his way through the thick crowd, locked himself in the office. Despite not having his ALPHA laptop with him, he logged in virtually, then located her by the chip in her neck. While this might have overstepping, he was too pissed to care how she’d react.
She was at a Northwest DC coffee shop in the heart of the GW campus.
What the hell?
He didn’t know if she was okay. Was she alone? What was she doing there when they had coffee at their own fucking club?
He slammed his fist on the table. “Dammit, Addison.” After logging out and deleting the history, he returned to the bar.
“That was fast,” said one of the servers. “This was fun.”
“You know how to sling drinks?” he asked.
“I’m okay,” she replied. “If you need help, I’ll stay.”
“Sure,” Hawk replied.
“I’m going back on the floor,” said the male employee.
