“Shit!
Cross had her pinned against the wall and didn’t let go, but whipped his head down the hallway to find a bouncer in the opening. He held up his hands.
“Sorry, man. Ava wanted me to check on her.” He gestured to Addison, who hadn’t uttered a word. “But I see you got this.” He quickly disappeared out of sight.
Her fingers dug into his waist, and he lowered his mouth to her cheek, grazing his scruff against her skin and licking theoutline of her ear. She grasped a fistful of his shirt, and the corner of his mouth curled.
“I’ll see you tomorrow at the clubhouse. Yeah?”
“Yes,” she whispered and glanced up. He slid his hand down her neck, over her breasts, and watched her tremble slightly before straightening. He stepped back and turned, walking down the hall. When he got to the end, he glanced over his shoulder. Addison hadn’t moved, but she was watching him.
He smirked and walked out the back exit of the strip club, heading toward his bike.
It was going to be a long fucking twenty-four hours until he saw her again.
Chapter Ten
What the hell am I doing here?
It was a fair question to ask herself. She hadn’t exactly felt a welcoming vibe from the depth of her soul from anyone other than Cleo the last time she’d visited the clubhouse. The only reason she was awkwardly standing in the far corner of the room, looking as if this was the last place she belonged, was because Cross invited her.Okay, invited was a stretch.Demanded?
Addison was still on edge after their encounter yesterday. How did she go from his mortal enemy to making out with him in a strip club? It was too convoluted to make sense. The man was hot and cold with her. She actually considered not coming for that simple fact. But Cleo had called, inviting her this morning. She promised it would be different this time.It doesn’t feel different right now.She panned the room with no luck in finding Cleo. She’d texted her the minute she’d arrived. Once from the car, and again when she’d drummed up enough courage to walk inside. That had been a total of ten minutes ago.
This was silly. Cleo and Cross both invited her. She’d recognized a few members as she was walking in, and they hadn’t kicked her out. She was allowing her nerves to get the best of her. She sucked in a deep breath, inching toward the bar. She wasn’t a huge drinker, but she was in desperate need of a little liquid courage if she had any hope of surviving this party. Addison needed to loosen up.
This wasn’t her first party. Hell, she’d been a bartender for years, which was basically a nightly party every shift.I got this.
Addison hiked up on her toes. Even at five foot, nine inches, which was considerably tall for a woman, she couldn’t see much of the bar. By her count, she was two rows deep in the waiting line.Great!She must’ve been standing for about five minutes when she felt a body slide up behind her. She inched up a step, careful not to bump the guy in front of her. But the person stepped closer, and before she could turn, a hand landed on her back. She stiffened. There wasn’t much room to move, and her nerves intensified when the hand slowly lowered, advancing in the direction of her ass.
What the fuck? She whipped her head around, scowling up at a man she’d never seen. A small wave of panic flashed. There was literally no escape. But suddenly there was a good Samaritan in the form of a tiny waif who pushed through the crowd and grabbed Addison’s arm, bulldozing her way through until she reached the opening by the end of the bar.
What the hell just happened? And more importantly, who was this little hero?
“Thanks.”
The girl nodded, scanned her face, then dropped her gaze down her body. The silent inspection went on for a few seconds before she looked up.
She smiled. “I’m Addison.”
She expected an introduction, but the blonde stared back in silence.
“I guess I should’ve stayed near the wall. Especially here.” Her intent was a joke, but the girl didn’t seem amused.
“Everywhere.”
Addison furrowed her brows, “I’m sorry?”
“You should have your back to the wall everywhere you go. Evil usually lurks where you can’t see it.”
The phrase was cryptic. And creepy.But true.Addison pressed her lips together, forcing an awkward smile. The girlcontinued to stare and made no move to leave. Maybe she sensed Addison didn’t belong here.Because I don’t.
“Have you seen Cleo?”
“Why?” she snapped, and her brows dipped into a severe scowl.
Addison flinched from the harsh tone. “Um, I’m looking for her.”
The girl eyed her again. “Are you friends?”
