Jane pushed off the wall and followed the men down the hall. When the door locked in place, Inez stood at the counter pouring vodka in a glass.
It wasn’t her place to ask and none of Addison’s business. But from the vague conversation between Inez and Jane compounded with her obvious fear from the man at the clubhouse, a picture was formulating in Addison’s mind. And it wasn’t pretty.
She scooted to the edge of the chair. “Did someone hurt Jane?”
Inez stilled with the glass at her lips. “A lot of people hurt her.”
“The man at the party?”
Inez scowled and flattened her lips.
Addison held up her hand. “I’m not trying to pry. But I got a decent look at him so,” She drew in a breath. “If you need me to identify him, I’d be happy to help. For Jane.”
Inez circled around the counter, heading straight for her with a glass in her hand. Inez pulled the wooden chair out, placed it in front of Addison, and took a seat. They were only two feet apart.
“Her crazy ass takes you hostage, by gunpoint and you’re willing to help her?”
Addison didn’t hesitate. “Yes.”
Inez laughed, shaking her head. “Another bat shit crazy girl in my life. That’s exactly what I fucking need.”
She lifted her drink, and her gaze drifted to Addison’s chest over the rim of her glass.
“Got my boy’s heart in there, huh?”
There was a softness in her tone. Almost motherly. Addison didn’t know her connection to Knox, but it was clear there was a strong one.
“Yes.”
“He was a good one.”
Inez drew in a breath and settled in her seat, raising her glass. Instinctively, Addison did the same and clanked the glasses together. It was an unspoken toast.To Knox.
*
Ten minutes later, the door flew open without any warning, and a crowd of bikers flooded the tiny apartment. Cross was leading the pack and scanned the room until his gaze locked on her. He rushed over, bending down in front of her and cupping her jaw.
“You okay?”
She drew in a breath. “Yeah, but I’m still waiting on that normal you promised me.”
His heavy breath sounded like a soft laugh. But his expression wasn’t giving the same read. He strummed his thumb over her jaw. It was silent for a few seconds. But only a few.
Cross stood to face Inez, who was standing at the breakfast bar. “Where the fuck is Jane?”
His tone was venomous. Addison dropped her glass on the side table and stood, grabbing his hand. Inez had called it. While this was Jane’s fault, Addison had a better understanding of whyshe’d done it. A man from her dark past had come back. Jane was scared and felt threatened. She did the only thing she could think of to keep herself safe.
“Cross, I…” He tightened his hold on her hand but ignored her, aiming his glare at Inez. “Where the fuck is she?”
“Hidden far away from you, baby.” Inez’s voice didn’t match the tension in the room.
Ace stepped up to Inez. She wasn’t sure of the dynamic of the club to Inez, but they were universally and united in their anger.
“We took her in” —he pointed to Inez— “on your fucking request, and this happened.”
Inez sighed. “She had her reasons.”
“Then fucking enlighten us, Inez.” Ace turned to Cross. “Take her outside.”
