Page 119 of Addiction

I’d known he was slippery the second he walked into Hot Tuna and ordered a whiskey. Wade leaving home and moving away as soon as he had makes sense now.

“So, I’m guessing you don’t refer to yourself as a Rodriguez because of your dad?”

“I legally changed my name the second I could. I wanted no part in anything he did, and no connection with the man who’d abandoned me because of who I am. Jonny’s full name is Johnson, so I used that.” He looks at me, eyes full of anger and truth. “I am nothing like my father, Asher. Nothing.”

“I know.” And it’s true. Having spent the last thirty minutes with Rodriguez, I can tell that Wade is worlds apart from his father. He’s not ignorant or self-centered. Nor does Wade brag about his capital.

“If you’ve had no contact with him, how did he know you’re in Chesapeake?”

His eyes dart between mine and he swallows. “My guess, the opening day of Resilience.”

I’m confused as to why it would be because of that. Then I remember. “The news reporters.”

“It can only be that.”

“Jesus, Wade.” I sigh. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“I’m part of your team.”

“That doesn’t mean you had to put yourself in the firing line.” I can’t believe he’s jeopardized everything because of me. “You could have just said no.”

“I didn’t want to.”

“Why?”

“Because you mean more to me than he does.”

My breath halts, but he continues.

“Besides, I didn’t want my issues ruining it all. That day was yours, Asher. I was there for you. I wanted to be there for you. I knew what I was doing when I saw those reporters. I knew we’d be all over social media in no time. Did I think my father would find me? Maybe. Did I think he’d act on it? No. But what’s done is done. He’s here now. The question is why?”

“There’s only one way to find out I guess.”

He studies me, his voice full of concern. “I understand if you’re angry with me but—”

“Why would I be angry?” I’m confused. I’ve nothing to be mad at him for.

“Because I kept it from you. We said no more secrets, and I said nothing knowing I had one. It’s not that I didn’t want to tell you: it’s just I didn’t know how. I understand if this changes things, but please tell me it doesn’t.”

There’s panic in his tone, and I hate seeing him so worked up. That man standing in Hot Tuna has a lot to fucking answer for.

I can understand why he would question this because I know more than most the effects secrets can have. But this changes nothing for me. If anything, it makes me want him more. Not only has he lost Jonny, but he was abandoned by the very people who were meant to love him. My feelings for Wade haven’t changed because of what I now know and seeing him so upset has only made me want to protect him more. I once had so much dread inside about admitting who I am. That doesn't even compare to the fear I have of losing Wade. He is my deepest redemption, my greatest saviour, and my new addiction.

I cup his jaw. “You are Wade-fucking-Johnson and always have been in my eyes. You are the brightest light in my life and my goddamn kryptonite.” Bringing him closer, I whisper against his lips. “It changes nothing.”

I kiss him with passion and promise—a tenderness that whispers nothing but gratitude and devotion. I will give anything for this man. I will fight for him with every breath because I’m falling in love with him.

“My father is ruthless, Asher. He will try and destroy us.”

I rest my forehead on his. “But he won’t succeed. I won’t let him.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

Wade

The fact that my dad is downstairs laughing and joking with Mark like everything is good in the world sickens me. I watch him from the window of Asher’s office. If only Mark knew what an asshole he is.

I’ve not seen nor heard from him since I saw him at the bar two nights ago, and I’d hoped he’d left Virginia for good. But I know my dad, and it’s not in his nature to walk away without a word. In true form, he’d walked into Resilience about thirty minutes ago like I’d given him an invitation. The man is toxic, leaving his poison wherever he goes.