Page 65 of The Revenge Agenda

He snorts. “He’ll probably wander in at three, thinking it’s nine.”

“I’m sure he knows how to tell the time,” I say tensely.

Gates just smiles and answers the next call. Autumn ends hers next.

“Know where Carey is?”

Her wide eyes immediately fly to his empty desk. “Ah, doctor’s appointment!”

“Really?”

“Yeah, he mentioned it yesterday. Inflamed, uh, lar…ynx?”

“You’re a terrible liar.”

“No, I swear.”

I chuckle so she knows I’m not mad. “You’re also very loyal. I’m just worried that he’s not here yet.”

She slumps, and her lips pinch. “I don’t think he’s ever been later than this before. I take it he hasn’t called in sick?”

“He hasn’t in a long time, so it’s about time that he did,” Eloise says, adding to the conversation. “That man has always been too worried about losing his job to look after himself. He deserves the occasional day off.” The way she looks at me is like she’s daring me to argue.

“Couldn’t agree more.”

But talking to them has only made me more worried. Rush has never had a sick day? He’s too worried about losing his job? Yeah, that kills me.

Instead of returning to my office, I beeline for Ted’s. Thankfully, he’s in and isn’t a dick when I do something I’d never dream about doing during my trial period. “I’m so sorry to do this to you, but do you mind if I head off early today? I don’t feel great.”

“Yeah, of course. Everything okay?”

“I’ll be fine. Just a stomach flu.”

“Okay, rest up, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Will do.” And I say that with total confidence because I’m a fucking liar. A terrible boss, too, if you think about it. I’m letting my personal shit get in the way of work. How the hell did I score this promotion?

I say goodbye to my team and let them know they can catch me on email if they need anything, and then I head out. Instead of driving home, I go in the opposite direction to Rush’s house.

It occurs to me once I’m almost there that I hadn’t wanted to overstep and call him, but here I am, showing up at his place uninvited. For all I know, he’s not there. Maybe he has company. Maybe Ian told him a bunch of horrible things about me and got in his head.

I have no clue what I’m about to show up to, but by the time I’ve pulled up out the front, I’ve convinced myself this is the right move.

I’m not as intimidated as the last time I walked down the long path, but my breath still catches right before I knock on the front door. I’m expecting Xander again, but the man who answers is much more imposing. Seven. Well over six feet, solid build, heavily tattooed and pierced, with red hair and an expression that always makes him look suspicious.

“The Hunter.”

“Just Hunter.”

“What do you want?” He leans with one hand casually gripping the door. I try not to let it bother me that he didn’t immediately invite me in.

“I came to see Rush.”

“Does he know you’re coming?”

“Nope.” I leave it at that. Just stare at him, and he stares at me, like we’re both waiting for the other to break.

“Hey, Seven, who’s—” A cute brown-haired man ducks under his arm, and it takes me a moment to remember his name is Molly. “Hunter!”

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