Page 28 of A Very Addicted Christmas

He rubs his mouth a few times, then places his strict hand back on the wheel. The unspoken things brew a greater tension.

I keep talking. “I think it’s better if I don’t bring him on the bus. He’s just a friends-with-benefits.”

It feels too personal letting Nate join the tour in some capacity. He’s not a boyfriend, and I consider the people on this bus more important.

This is their home for four months.

No matter how much I love sex or how hot and bothered I already am, I have to make do with the hotel pit stops. Just me and my lovely vibrator.

Thatcher nods. “Whatever you want to do, I’m here for you.” His voice is strict like usual, and I ache to ask,what do you want to do?

He’s not supposed to be that person in my life.

I’m not even sure why I want him to be more. He’s a terrific bodyguard who makes me feel extraordinarily safe—among other things.

I don’t want to lose him.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

He lets out a deeper breath, and then focuses on the road. After a short beat, he tells me, “Merry Christmas, Jane.”

My smile brightens. “Merry Christmas, Thatcher.”

SIX

DIRTY DANCING IN SCOTLAND

DECEMBER 2038

DURING CHAPTERS 19 AND 20 IN SINFUL LIKE US

We listened to "Baba O'Riley" by The Who, plus all the music mentioned in the bonus while writing this scene.

Character List:

Jack Highland - 27

Jane Cobalt - 23

Maximoff Hale - 23

Charlie Cobalt - 21

Beckett Cobalt - 21

Sullivan Meadows - 20

Joana Oliveira - 19

Luna Hale - 19

Bodyguards:

Oscar Oliveira - 31 Omega(Current Client: Charlie Cobalt)

Farrow Keene - 28 Omega(Current Client: Maximoff Hale)

Thatcher Moretti - 28 Omega(Current Client: Jane Cobalt)

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