Page 108 of Broken
“Having dinner with Addison and her sister.”
“Where?”
“Carole Jean’s.”
“How can Addison go out in public?”
“She’s great with disguises. In college, we used to throw sorority parties or go to fraternity parties. Even back then, she was into wearing wigs and playing dress up.” She wrapped her fingers around his arm and his pulse kicked up speed. “Do not tell her dad she’s going out or he’ll—”
“Chill, woman. I won’t say a word. Plus, Nicky would never, ever let anything happen to her. He’ll be at that restaurant, packin’ heat, and making sure she’s safe.”
Jack sighed. “True love. I’m so happy for her. I adore her and not just because she’s my sorority Little.” She paused for a beat. “As her Big, I was her mentor, but she ended up being there for me, when I needed support.”
“Why’s that?” he asked.
On a shudder, she flicked her gaze to her laptop.
“I’ve been staring at all these files all week,” she continued, “and I don’t see a connection between Gloria and Bert’s murders and the attempt on Hawk and Addison.”
He wanted to know what had happened to her during college, but she’d ignored his question. Rather than push for an answer, he got busy searching for the police and autopsy reports.
At five o’clock, he broke the silence. “What time will you be done with dinner, tonight?”
“Maybe nine-thirty.”
He opened the Asylum app and made a reservation for ten. Her phone pinged with an incoming message, but she continued working.
“You got an invitation.”
After she checked her phone, he couldn’t miss the gleam in her eyes. “You’re a naughty boy, Mac.”
“It’s all for you, baby. All. For. You.”
Her whisper-soft moan sent a hit of adrenaline through him. She could bring him to his knees by simply existing. He was dying for her, but he would wait this one out. For a power-obsessed man, it was ironic that she held all of it.
The energy shifted, the desire to kiss her, take her into his bed and make her purr with delight, roared through him like a tornado.
“I’ll be waiting at the bar,” she murmured.
Delayed gratification would make the wait so fucking worth it.
* * *
Jacqueline
Jacqueline entered the busy,upscale restaurant and stopped at the maître d’ stand.
“Good evening, Miss, and welcome to Carole Jean’s.”
“I’m meeting Addison—”
“Right this way, please.”
The maître d’ escorted her to a booth in the back of the Michelin-starred restaurant where a blonde waited. “Enjoy your evening. Your attendant will be over shortly.” With a slight bow, he left.
Addison pushed out of the booth.
“I would have walked right by you,” Jacqueline murmured as she hugged her close friend.
