Calculated Risk (Triumph Over Adversity #1) - Lynn Shannon Page 0,11

them sounded like Addison. Jason mentally berated himself for leaving her alone even for a moment. He picked up his pace, Connor by his side. They rounded the corner to find a man yelling at Addison.

Michael McCormick.

Jason recognized him from the photograph on his company website. Gone was the smooth professional with the polished suit and slicked-back hair. Now Michael’s face was mottled with rage and his fists were clenched. His muscular frame towered over Addison, who was leaning against a small table. Her expression was hard and determined, but her complexion was pale. She was terrified.

A white-hot rage burst through Jason’s veins. “Get away from her.”

Connor growled, as if to punctuate his master’s order. The German shepherd stayed by Jason’s side, but the hair on the back of his neck rose.

Michael glanced over his shoulder and his bloodshot eyes widened. He immediately took several steps away from Addison and raised his hands in the classic sign of surrender. “Hold on. It’s not what it looks like.”

“It looks like you’re threatening her.” Jason placed his body between Michael and Addison. Without taking his eyes off the man in front of him, he asked, “Addison, are you okay?”

“She’s fine,” Michael snapped. “I didn’t do anything to her.”

Connor bared his teeth. The dog was too well trained to attack without an order, but that wouldn’t prevent him from making his presence known. Jason took half a heartbeat to spare a glance behind him. One of Addison’s hands clutched a lamp from the table. Faint trembles shook her shoulders.

Fury at Michael’s behavior mingled with the desire to pull Addison into his arms. Jason kept both emotions in check. “Addy, you okay?”

She nodded and released the lamp. “He didn’t touch me.”

He’d scared her though. Jason’s gaze swung back to Michael and his fingers twitched with the desire to give the bully a taste of his own medicine. He resisted. Not for Michael’s sake. For Addison’s. She had a history of interactions with violent men—first her husband and then some of her client’s exes. Jason would never do anything to frighten her.

Michael tugged on his shirt and puffed out his chest. “I told you, I didn’t do anything to her. I’m here to clear up a misunderstanding.”

Jason bit back the retort hot on his tongue, but Connor had no compunction about making his feelings known. He growled low in his throat.

The smirk fled Michael’s face, and he took another step back. “Keep your dog under control. I’ve got something to say.”

Addison shifted until she was at Jason’s side. “What do you want, Michael?”

“You accused me of being the one who attacked you last night.” Michael pointed a finger at her. “You and my wife are busy spreading rumors and lies about me. I won’t stand for it.”

“I didn’t accuse you. The police are questioning several individuals.”

He snorted. “Yeah, right. I’m no dummy. My wife is looking for a big payout in the divorce. If I’m arrested for assault, it makes Chloe’s case more convincing to the judge.”

Addison frowned. “I’m sure your attorney has advised you that Texas is a common-law state. You don’t have a prenup with Chloe. Everything you acquired after you got married will be split between you.”

“Yes, but the judge doesn’t have to divide it equally. I built my business from nothing. If you think I’m going to give Chloe one red cent—”

“Enough.” Addison bent and picked up a dress from the ground. “We shouldn’t be having this conversation. Call your attorney, Michael, and talk to him about it.”

“I already have. He believes we can keep Chloe from getting anything. That’s why you cooked up this ridiculous accusation about me. Like I said, if I’m arrested for assault, Chloe’s accusation that I beat her looks legitimate. The judge will side with my wife.”

Addison lifted her chin. “I don’t need to make up false allegations about you. The photographs of Chloe’s injuries are proof enough of what you did to her.”

“She did that to herself. Fake injuries to go along with her fake claims. I never laid a hand on Chloe, and I didn’t attack you either.” His lip curled with disdain. “This scheme won’t work. I have an alibi for last night.”

Jason arched a brow. “Where were you?”

“It’s none of your business. You aren’t the police.” Michael’s glare shifted to Addison. “Stop conspiring with my wife against me or else.”

Jason crossed his arms over his chest. “If you’re attempting to prove your innocence, threatening Addison isn’t the best way to do it.”

A