“Shit happens,” Brit said. “If I were gonna make a guess, I’d say there were crazies involved.”
Rebel nodded. “Too many to count, darlin’.”
Beyond his handsome face and hard-muscled body, she knew absolutely nothing about him. But that wouldn’t stop her from finding out everything she could about Joaquin Dillinger.
No dare needed.
2
ASYLUM
Joaquin
The next day, Rebel woke early, went for an easy run, followed by an intense workout with weights. Dripping in sweat, he rode his private elevator upstairs to his condo.
After a quick shower, he dressed in a white button-down shirt, black pants, and a black sport coat.
Today, Rebel was celebrating Thanksgiving with his own family. Schedules and conflicts meant they had to shift the celebration one day to ensure they could all be together. Made no diff to Rebel, as long as he got to see them.
Family meant everything to him. Always had, always would.
Before he headed out, he needed to make a quick call. As the phone was ringing, he opened the slider, stepped onto his spacious balcony.
He hadn’t lived in the luxury DC condo more than a few months, but it already felt like home. The building—located in the wharf section—overlooked the Potomac River. Nearby stood a yacht pier and, in the distance, Arlington high-rises stoodagainst a backdrop of gray sky. He loved the views, loved that he had the entire tenth floor to himself.
Seemed surreal that the place was his. But it was. The only thing missing was someone to share it with. He hadn’t been ready to do that, but meeting Britain had tripped a switch he’d slammed down months ago.
“Yo,” Hawk answered. “How you doin’, baby?”
“Gettin’ ready for my second Thanksgiving. Are you alone?”
“I can be. One sec. Babe, it’s Rebel.” After a beat, Hawk said, “What’s goin’ on?”
“Tell me about Britain.”
“This is good,” Hawk said. “You’re interested in a woman.”
Rebel chuffed out a laugh. “What’s her story?”
“She’s been living in Colorado. She and Addison are super close. It’s just them and Z.”
“Before moving to Denver, where’d she live?”
“Addison would know.”
“What about boyfriends?”
“Nothing since dumping some guy a while back.”
“How’s her mental health?”
“Seriously?”
Silence.
“Sorry, okay, you’re being for real,” Hawk replied. “Addison would know, but from what I can tell, she’s solid. I’ll check with Addison. Lemme see where they are. Hold on.”
While waiting, Rebel scraped his fingers through his windblown hair before walking back inside. A gust of wind whipped around him as he pulled the slider shut.
