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Her lips pressed together. Addie was kind and good, but he knew she had an inner strength when things were important to her. She could dig her heels in.
“Bram?” His boss Killian’s voice sounded behind him.
“I think she needs some time, Bram. You both do.” That voice belonged to Devyn, Killian’s new, badass wife. For some reason, the stubborn CIA agent had claimed Bram as a friend.
He turned his head and met her gaze. The redhead nodded at him.
Bram hadn’t known Devyn long, but he knew she’d have his back. They’d saved each other’s lives on a recent mission. He released a breath and looked back at Addie, who was staring at Devyn.
“Addie?” he said.
Her head jerked back to him, a strange look on her face.
He frowned. “Sunshine?”
Her mouth opened, but then her legs collapsed, and she started to fall.
Bram had never moved so fast in his life. He lunged across the room to catch her.
* * *
Addie blinked open her eyes,fighting the grogginess in her head.
Strong arms held her, and a part of her just wanted to snuggle into them. It felt nice to be held. It was nice to lean on someone else.
She’d been alone a long time. Ever since she’d left that tiny house belonging to her parents in Hickory Ridge, Georgia. She loved her parents, even when they could be distant and unsupportive. They were always too worn down and tired, and had been her entire life. They’d both worked and had six kids to feed. Her father worked at a factory, and drank too much. Her mom worked two jobs and was always exhausted.
Addie had learned that her mother had wanted to be a singer when she’d been younger. Once, Addie had caught her mom singing as she’d folded laundry. She had a beautiful voice, and Addie had told her. But her mom had clammed up and snapped at her.
When your father put you in my belly, my life, my dream, was over. Never trust a man, Adaline. Only trust yourself.
Shirley Harris had given up her dream.
Addie had wanted more than that. More than a rundown house, threadbare clothes, and constant tiredness.
She’d wanted to make something of herself. She hadn’t been the most amazing student at school, but she’d been good at computers and dancing. She’d decided to make it as a dancer.
And secretly, she’d always wanted a man who’d love her.
Not a perfect prince. She wanted a solid, trustworthy man, who looked at her like she was the most precious thing in the world.
Her mother had told her that she was an idiot with her head in the clouds, and bound for disappointment.
Addie wasnevergoing to believe that.
She snuggled against a hard chest. Averyhard chest.
Memories stabbed at her.
Of a powerfully strong body, a rugged face, sexy red hair, and big hands touching her with desperate need.
Bram.
She could even smell him now. Leather and spice.
No. Bram had left her. Bram didn’t want her.
Pain cut at her. She’d already cried too many tears for the quiet Irishman who’d broken her heart. Bram was gone.
