“No, I’ll drive.” He wanted to get back to Addie. Although there was also a part of him that didn’t want to go back to her like this. With the grime of what he’d just done clinging to him. Another black mark on his soul.
She didn’t need that in her life. Addie was such an innocent. And he couldn’t pull her into his world.
And he couldn’t live in hers.
Cash hadn’t had a chance to replace his phone yet, they’d been too busy. But he probably could have contacted her through Ralen.
He just hadn’t been in the right headspace to talk to or message her.
“You’re eager to get back to her.”
“I shouldn’t be. She . . . she can’t be a part of my life.”
“Life is short, man. And if you want something badly enough, you’ll find a way to make it happen.”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Want me to message her? Let her know you’ve lost your phone?” Ralen asked.
He shook his head. “We’ll be there soon.”
When they reached the safe house several hours later, it was dark.
Too dark. There was something off about it.
“Does it feel like no one is there?” Cash asked.
Ralen grabbed his phone.
“Fuck, it’s dead. I should have charged it.” He plugged it in so it would charge.
“I’m going for a look around,” Cash said, leaving his truck running.
Five minutes later, he returned to find Ralen frowning at his phone. “Vextar’s body was found. Monroe had to go and fucking identify it. They’re gone, man. They left today.”
Cash fought his temper. The urge to explode. He wasn’t sure what he was really angry about. That she’d left without seeing him? He’d left her first. And they weren’t in a relationship.
She wasn’t his.
And it was better that way.
48
Addie had thought she’d feel better at home, surrounded by her things in a familiar space. But she’d been here a couple of days now, and nothing felt right.
It was like there was an itch under her skin that she couldn’t get to, as though she’d started a puzzle and hadn’t finished it.
It was just frustration, and it was making her grouchy.
Picking up her phone, she checked it again for the umpteenth time. She’d messaged Cash when they were at the airport. She hadn’t been able to help herself, and it had felt rude to leave without at least saying thank you.
Why wasn’t he replying?
Scrolling back, she looked at the message she’d sent.
Addie:We’re at the airport, Cash. I just wanted to say thank you for everything. You and Ralen saved me. You looked after me when other people would have just ignored me. And you taught me that I can be safe in someone’s arms. That I can be myself without fear of being ridiculed. So thank you. Maybe one day we’ll meet again.
Should she have sent it?Was it too much? Had it been ridiculous? Why hadn’t he replied?
