Cross wrapped his arm over her shoulder, pulling her against his chest. Wraith had brought Cleo out, but she was carted off to his bike. The others followed shortly after. They were headed toward their bikes, and she felt the need to apologize. Not to Rogue. He deserved it, but it had put everyone in an unsavory and dangerous position.
“I’m sorry.”
Ace stopped mid-step, scowling.
“I shouldn’t have said anything.”
Ace smirked and pointed to the building. “Learned a long time ago if you don’t want someone to come for you, don’t be a fucking asshole. Rogue hasn’t learned that yet.”
“Well” —she sighed— “I certainly didn’t help matters up there.”
A flash of softness passed through his eyes. But it was fleeting. He squared his jaw. “That’s what Rogue does. He wants a reaction.”
“And I gave him one.”
Ace glanced up at Cross, grinning. It seemed like an odd response for the situation. “Not the one he was expecting.”
Gent sidled up next to Ace. “I, for one, was thoroughly entertained and would like to invite you to all future meetings with Rogue.”
While she didn’t have much of an affection for Gent, his timing for comic relief was impeccable.
Addison scoffed. “That’d be a hard no.”
Cross snickered, and she glanced up. Rogue’s words had to have hit him hard.
“What he said about the trade…”
Cross shook his head and grabbed the handle of her door. “You okay to drive?”
He didn’t want to have this conversation now. And she’d respect that.
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
“I’ll follow you. We’re staying at your place.” He gave her a quick kiss and walked toward his bike.
Addison gave one final look at The Bowery.
Get me outta here.
****
They’d settled in for the night. Cross would’ve preferred to stay at the club, but he knew she’d be more comfortable at the rental. It had been a chaotic fucking mess with Rogue taking center stage.
He’d expected Cleo to be rocked by Rogue but couldn’t have predicted Addison’s reaction. Even hours later, she was still tense though she hadn’t brought it up again since the parking lot.
He was sitting on the back porch steps smoking a cigarette when she walked out. He scooted over to make room for her, but she walked down the stairs, staring off into the yard. It was fenced in with no neighbors backing up to it. She was looking at a sea of trees and clearly, deep in thought.
He took a drag of his cigarette, waiting on her. Today had been more than he would’ve wanted her to see. Cleo was different being with the club for so long. She didn’t knoweverything, and Wraith tried to shield her. But some things were unavoidable. He hadn’t considered all of that with keeping Addison long term. Cross wasn’t going to let her go now. But this was new territory for him. For them. He’d be walking a fine line with what he could share and things that were off limits.
Cross took another drag before stomping out the cigarette under his boot. He rested his elbows on his knees and clasped his hands.
“I don’t think I’m an even trade.” Her somber tone struck him to his core.
Rogue had done what he did best. He got inside her head. She slowly turned and her expression was riddled with sadness.Fucking Rogue.
“Baby, it’s not about a trade.” When she glanced down at the ground, he called her name. “Addison, look at me.”
She hesitated but eventually, met his stare.
