Page 52 of The Revenge Agenda

Instead of cursing him out like I expect Hunter to, he clears his throat and asks, “You okay?”

“Umm … yeah. Just … I wasn’t expecting that.”

“Me either. And we both know he’s wrong. He clearly doesn’t think that when he’s been messaging you nonstop.”

“Right. Yeah.” Still not sure that makes me feel any better. The problem is, Ian isn’t the first guy to treat me like shit, and I get the gut-sinking feeling he won’t be the last. I want love. I want a boyfriend who’s as crazy about me as I am about them. Who doesn’t try to make me into someone I’m not or love me despite my “quirks.” I don’t have quirks. I’m just myself. Will it ever be enough?

“Carey.”

I jerk up to meet his eyes.

His smile is soft as he reaches for the pot and pulls it toward him. “Our baby doesn’t like seeing you upset.”

Something lights up behind my rib cage. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be. The only one who should be sorry, as usual, is Ian.”

“Yeah, that was …” I puff out a breath. “Are you okay? It kinda sounds like?—”

“He’s put the word out not to rent me a place? Yeah. At least now I know why I was having the worst luck.”

“What are you going to do?”

He crosses his arms over his desk, and for a moment, he looks invincible. “Not fail. That asshole lit a fire under my ass. I’m not leaving Seattle. I don’t care how long it takes me.”

Chapter 15

Hunter

“Are you sure you want to do this?” I ask, leaning over Rush’s phone with him. I’d told myself I wouldn’t leave work with him, told myself we’d have some distance, but here we are, at Urban Dive, with the text message thread with Ian between us.

“It’s probably worth a try. For me and you. I have nothing to lose at this point.” Rush has the sweetest furrow over his brow as he punches out a message.

I read from beside him. “Sorry I haven’t texted back. I’ve needed time.”

“Think that’s enough?” he asks.

“Yeah, you don’t want to come on too strong.”

Rush sighs and drops his phone on the table before reaching for his beer. “I hate this.”

“You don’t have to do it. Stringing him along won’t be fun.”

“I need him to admit what he did. Then, once I have the evidence, we show his boss, and he can suck eggs for once.”

I grin his way. “You’re a real little supervillain, aren’t you?”

“I think Rush sounds like more of a superhero name.”

“What would your superpower be? Speed?”

“Are you kidding?” Rush flexes a mouthwateringly round bicep. “Strength. I could bench-press a building and still be looking for more.”

I pat his hand, trying not to seem condescending about it. “Sure you could.” Apparently, my tone didn’t get the message.

He gasps, feigning offense. “Arm wrestle. Now.”

I eye him, wondering if he’s serious. “I didn’t realize this was going to turn into a pissing contest.”

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