Page 7 of Addison

When Hardy crosses his arms over his chest and widens his stance, I know that I'm not going to get what I wish for.

"That's not your decision to make."

"So what? You saying that you want to take this to court or something? You want to get the authorities involved? Because I will fight you tooth and nail. I'm a damn good mother."

Fear blossoms on Hardy's face. I've hit a nerve.

"Oh yeah, that's right. I don't need to go far to get the authorities. I'm sure there's someone at your job that handles things like this. Isn't that right, officer?"

Besides him, the officers were the worst of my johns, mostly because they knew I couldn't go to anyone if they tried to do wrong by me. I mean, who was I going to tell, another one of their police buddies?

"Addison, I'm not trying to take him away from you. Hell, I'm not even trying to tell anyone anything you don't want them to know. Right now, all I want is to know if he's my child, and if so, what I can do to help. It's my screw-up. I should be doing what I can to make it right in whatever way I can."

Screw-up? My heart sinks, and I hold Glenn tighter to my chest. "This baby isn't anyone's screw-up. He's the best thing that ever happened to me. The mere fact that you'd put him in that category lets me know all I need." I sidestep the man and try to walk away, but I see him getting ready to cut me off again.

"If you stop me from going to my car, I swear on my life I'll scream bloody murder. I'll make up such a wild story they'll have no choice but to take you in. Even if they manage to clear you of everything, I'll be long gone before you ever get a chance to see me or this little boy again." I keep my gaze locked on him and watch as defeat washes over his features. Getting the cops involved is really the only card I can play. I really hope I'm not going to have to follow through on it.

After all, what cop is really going to believe an ex-prostitute over a fellow cop?

Quickly and without looking back, I make my way to my car and strap Glenn in. My hands are shaking so hard I can barely turn the key to start the car.

Pulling out of the parking lot, I take one final glance in the rearview mirror to see Hardy standing there watching me.

This wasn't supposed to happen.

But now that it has, I don't know who I can turn to for help.

I could bring it up to the club, but that means they'd possibly have to go against the entire police force. I can't bring that kind of trouble down on them.

No, I'm going to have to handle this on my own.

Five

If Addison thinks I'm going to give up just like that, she's got another thing coming.

I let her drive out of the parking lot last night, but never once did I believe it was the last time that I'd see her again, especially now after seeing her reaction to me and after seeing the child up close.

That's my son; I've got no doubt about it.

I check in at work and let them know that I'll be working from the field today. It's not uncommon for some detectives not to step foot into the station. The privilege is supposed to be used when working on a case, but I know there are some other officers like Riggs and his crew that abuse it.

I'm not usually one of those people, but making sure I keep tabs on Addison is enough of a reason for me to risk it.

I sit at the very entrance of the small road that leads away from the clubhouse, just waiting for her to drive by. I've seen two other women leave out and one man I'm not familiar with. I'm going to have to get more information about the people who live in that house. It seems like the clubhouse is the home base for a lot of people. I'm not sure it's something I'm going to want my son around.

I push out a sharp breath before refocusing my thoughts. Right now, I have no say in what goes on with my child, especially since I can't even get his mother to admit that he's mine in the first place.

Last night was sleepless. I kept going over the short conversation Addison and I had in my head. I said a lot of the wrong things.

I always thought if I did ever get a chance to speak to her in real life that things would go smoother than that. I don't want to be a threat or put any undue stress on her or the baby. That's not what I'm here for. I just want to make sure the both of them are okay.

Now that she's seen me and has labeled me the enemy, I'm going to have to do a lot more kissing up in order to prove to her that I'm safe.

If it's possible at all.

The roar of a motorcycle snaps me out of my daydream, and I look out the side view mirror to see if I can identify who is coming out.

"What the hell is this?"

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