Page 115 of Killer Confections

“Figure out who it is and dispatch several other units,” I command, not sparing my brother a glance. When it comes to Loxley’s safety, I don’t give a flying fuck about our hierarchy. But the strangest part is that Rowan doesn’t even stop me. He stays silent, his arms crossed over his chest as I bark orders. “I want a team of two on Loxley at all times. Send the twins on Addison’s trail. Have them backtrack to the rest stop and start the investigation from there.”

Rowan tenses. “I already told you I have a team—”

“I don’t fucking trust your judgment right now.” I snap. “You lied to my wife. You’re dead to me.”

He shakes his head, mood sour. “You’re so fucking dramatic.”

“Tell me what you did.” I press.

When he looks away, jaw ticking, I know he won’t say a word. Something is up, but he’s locked up tight.

Dale looks between us, his eyes ping-ponging with the argument. “You boys plan on fighting it out in the front yard for old time’s sake?”

Rowan’s eye twitches and my fists clench. “No,” we both grit.

If Dale weren’t such a crucial part of the Syndicate, I would break his jaw for dredging up the trauma of our pasts like it isn’t something Rowan almost drank himself into oblivion over and the very reason I lost myself for such a long time.

Anytime Rowan and I got into a disagreement, dad would force us to fight it out in the front yard. We couldn’t walk away until someone was knocked out. We didn’t want to hurt each other, but it was fight until one of us lost consciousness or get thrown into the cellar with whatever kill of the week was decaying away while strapped to a chair.

Rowan got his fair share of wins, and so did I. The image of my older brother on top of me, teeth clenched and fists flying as he hisses at me to give up so he could stop, still rattles me awake sometimes.

It isn’t a fond memory, and Dale must realize that as he clears his throat. “I’ll…leave you two to it. If you need anything, you know how to reach me.”

“Progress reports,” I remind him.

He waves over his shoulder at me. “Got it.”

When it’s just Rowan and me, he opens his mouth to speak, but I beat him to the punch.

“Get the fuck out of my house,” I dismiss as I walk to the bedroom.

“Prick,” he mutters before he turns in the opposite direction and storms from the property. The front door slams behind him and I shake my head.

I soften my features before pushing the door open and am greeted by darkness. Loxley shifts on the bed and I hear a quiet sniffle in the dark that makes my chest clench.

I pad over to her, leaning down and finding her face before swiping my thumbs over her cheeks. “No more crying, Short Stack. It’s going to be okay.”

She nods against my hands. “Can you hold me?” Her voice sounds small—meek—in the open space.

I shush her as I shuffle out of my clothes before sliding inbehind her. I wrap an arm around her waist before tucking her into me. “We’re gonna find her. I promise.”

She remains quiet, her shoulders shaking with her tears. I hold her tightly until her breath finally evens out and drifts off to sleep.

Chapter Forty-One

Loxley

The next day, I wake up with puffy red eyes and a headache from hell. Atlas was with me all night, worrying and doting on me like I was going to shatter into a million pieces.

And I almost did. Addie is who held me together when I was heartbroken and distraught over losing Atlas. She helped me through the darkest time of my life, and I don’t know where I would be without her.

She’s been a constant in my life. She’s my rock and one of my closest friends. So, hearing that she’s probably somewhere in the South being held hostage definitely did a number on me.

But if I’ve learned anything, it’s that I need to stop dwelling on the what-ifs. I need to take charge and make hard decisions that could result in better outcomes. Even if that results in me being alone for a little while.

Which is why I force Atlas out of the house when Dom stops by to give a progress report. Kai is still missing, but the more eyes on movement, the quicker this can be over.

The quicker Addison can be found…