Page 50 of Submission

“I realize that you’ve been through some tough shit in your life, Megan, but you don’t have to pretend for me.”

“I knew the risks when I took this job," I try saying casually. "The Blue Whiskey has a reputation for a reason.”

“This wasn’t about the club. This was about way more than that.”

I don’t respond to that because there’s nothing I can really say. I realize that Hunter and I still have a lot to learn about each other and that we have very different struggles to contend with. His are way bigger than mine could ever be.

“I didn’t mean to make you cry.” Hunter turns back to me, looking uncomfortable.

“I wasn’t crying,” I say, knowing that I sound completely ridiculous. Of course, I’m crying. That was some scary shit that just happened.

"I gave you security for a reason."

"And I apologize for that. I didn't understand the seriousness of the situation."

Hunter shakes his head at me before taking the seat next to me. “He got away,” he finally says, reaching into his pocket and taking out a pack of cigarettes. He tucks one in between his teeth but doesn’t light it.

“What about that bitch?” Diana was unconscious during most of the melee. There’s no way she could have made it out of there. "Is she still out there on the ground?"

“They had smoke bombs and a getaway car prepared. They managed to get Diana out as well.”

"What?"

"Those fuckers came prepared."

I listen to Hunter, watching him chew the end of the cigarette, his eyes tight.

“Maybe we should call the police, Hunter?” I ask, thinking that at this point, he may be in over his head. Smoke bombs sound like some next-level stuff, like they’re ex-military or something.

“The police?” He scoffs. “What the hell are they going to do that five of my best security guys couldn’t get done?”

“Are Lars and Parker in trouble?” I suddenly think of my new work friends, and I hope they're not in trouble because of my part in this.

“Don’t worry about them.”

"They had no idea I was going to shake the security team."

"Obviously."

"And what was all of that with Lacy?"

"All of what?"

"You read me the riot act, but when she gives you some attitude, your tone completely softens."

Hunter sighs, then hands me a manilla envelope off his desk. “Read this.”

I open the contents and blink. A blood test reveals that Jane Doe shares 50% DNA with one Hunter Middleton.

“I’m sorry, but is this a DNA test?”

“Yes.”

“Do you have a love child you’re trying to tell me about?”

“No, Megan,” he says as if I’m exasperating him.

“Then what is this?” I say, shaking the envelope in front of his face.

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