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“Hey stud.” Rick shook hands with his friend, who rolled his eyes at Rick’s ridiculous nickname.
Clint looked back and forth between Rick and Quinn. “You here for the meeting with Mack?” he asked Rick.
“Yes. Quinn is going to hang out in here until we’re done.” He heard her huff of annoyance and ignored it. She would just have to get used to him watching out for her. Rick spotted Xavier on the far end of the room, covering his fingers and wrists with bright yellow hand wraps. “Xav!” Rick left Quinn with Clint to jog over to where Xavier was sitting.
“What’s up, Ricochet?” He didn’t stop wrapping as he spoke.
“I have a meeting with Clint and Mack about that asshole ex of Quinn’s. She’s going to sit in here or hang in the break room. Is that okay?”
Xav looked up at him. “Yeah man. My new trainee, Devin should be here soon. We’re supposed to spar.”
Rick frowned. Quinn wouldn’t want to watch the men fight but he had no choice. “Don’t mind her then. She’s been real jumpy since… you know… so don’t make any sudden movements or act weird.”
Xavier stood and punched Rick’s shoulder—hard. “Shut the fuck up, Rick. I’ve been training the girl for months. I know how to act around her.” Rick could see the
insult on Xavier’s face.
“Alright, fine. Just keep an eye out, that’s all. She doesn’t want to be here, but it makes me feel better.”
“You got it.”
Rick turned and walked back to where Clint and Quinn were discussing something about Mara, a new cocktail she invented, and the aftermath the next day. Quinn was laughing, a wide smile on her face. It took Rick’s breath away to see her happy again. After what she suffered through, he didn’t think it would happen again for a long time.
“Okay doll. Clint and I have to go meet with Mack. We’ll be in the conference room. You’re good here, right?”
“Yes. I’m fine. Go. Work. You’ve missed too much as it is.” She tried to physically push Rick towards the hall, but he was too big for her to maneuver.
Rick snickered at her attempt to manhandle him. “You’re adorable.” He bent over and stole a quick kiss. Then another. “See you in a little while.” He lingered, not wanting to leave her side after spending nearly every minute together for three straight weeks.
“Go!” Quinn said, exasperated at his stalling.
“Stay here,” he said one last time. She rolled her eyes, making him grin.
“C’mon lover boy.” Clint grabbed Rick’s arm and yanked him down the hall. “See you later Quinn!” he called out over his shoulder.
“Bye Clint!”
Rick tugged his arm out of Clint’s grasp. “I can walk, stud.”
“Uh-huh. Maybe in between making lovey-eyes with Quinn.”
Faking annoyance, Rick shoved Clint through the conference room door. Clint hit the table, nearly upending it with his massive height and weight. Taking up the challenge, he lunged for Rick, who ducked out of the way just in time.
“Are you two done?”
Both men turned towards their boss, huge grins on their faces. Rick couldn’t believe how good it felt to act normal again, laughing and joking around. Then he noticed the file on the table in front of Mack, with a photo of Travis Hardy on top, and his good mood evaporated instantly.
“Yeah chief. I’m ready.”
Rick dropped into the chair next to Mack. Clint took the seat opposite, on Mack’s other side.
“What’s the plan, Mack?” Clint took his copy of the file, opening it up and riffling through the pages.
“That’s what we’re here for,” Mack said, making eye contact with Rick, “to make a plan.”
The three men exchanged glances.
Clint spoke first. “Let’s nail this fucker.”
