Page 12 of The Revenge Agenda

“I’m so happy to be here. We’ll have to organize some one-on-one time so I can get to know you all properly,” he says in a ridiculously deep timbre. Of course he looks like Hercules and sounds like Zeus and smells like a goddamn cloud.

Probably fucks like whoever the god of sex is too.

“If no one has plans tonight though, I’d love to take you all out for after-work drinks.”

Nope, nope, nope. I stifle my huff and struggle my phone from my pocket, trying to make sure I don’t octopus all over the place and make a sound.

I open the Bertha Boys chat and type:

SOS. The Hunter is here!

Responses come through immediately.

Molly:

Where?

Seven:

Need backup?

Xander:

You’re being HUNTED?!

I didn’t doubt for one single second that they’d be there for me.

I did, however, forget that my phone is not on silent.

With every message comes an obnoxiously loud beep.

“Ah!” I hurry to switch the sound off, drop my phone as it goes off again, and when I finally get a good grip, I power the whole thing down.

I’m panting, holding it to my chest as my eyes fall closed, and I try to get my heart rate back under control. I work a menial job because I don’t need any more excitement in my life and?—

A harsh throat clearing makes my eyes fly open again.

To the sight of Hunter, leaning down and peering under my desk. He looks like I’ve slapped him, and I can’t imagine my expression looks much better.

“Rush?”

“Umm … hello.” I crawl out and pull myself up with all the dignity of a two-year-old learning to walk. Ted is standing behind Hunter, looking torn between asking what the hell I’m doing and laughing. Honestly, that’s basically my default for dealing with life.

“So good to see you again,” I manage weakly. But all I can see is a cold night and his darkened features and the feeling of absolute dread sweeping through me. The messages from Ian since then burn in my pocket.

They broke up.

He still wants me.

It was only ever me.

Yet Hunter looks at me like I’m the bad guy.

“Do you know each other?” Ted asks.

I go to say yes, but Hunter gets there first.

“Barely.” His expression has slipped back into a tense mask.

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