Page 88 of Killer Confections

I don’t even have to ask to know.

“It’s so good to finally meet you!” Alana calls out. “I’ve heard so much!”

I groan into Thalia’s shoulder. She’s still holding me so tight I can barely wiggleaway from her.

“I hope all good things.” I mumble before the assassin finally releases me, holding me at arm’s length as she rakes her eyes over my clothes.

“What the fuck are you wearing?” Thalia asks.

I deadpan. “Whatever your brother put me in. I passed out at the bakery.”

The two women share a knowing look before my sister-in-law turns back to me. “Of course he did. Let’s get you something better than hoochie shorts and an oversized T-shirt.”

I release a breath before stepping over the threshold. “Please and thank you.”

***

An hour later, Alana has me in side-splitting hysterics as she tells us the story of her longtime boyfriend, Connor, starting his journey to learn code and hacking. Alana taught him everything he knows, but she claims he still isn’t the greatest.

“One time, I asked Connor to reroute a camera on my phone instead of the monitor. Do you know this man sent the feed to my dad’s TV? Dad couldn’t figure out why instead of the football game, he was watching the cats run around my living room.”

I laugh as I pull an oversized pull over on and slide into a pair of Thalia’s leggings. She’s a little taller than me, but her clothes fit just right. Before too long, I’m cuddled up on the sofa with my new friends, a wineglass in one hand as Thalia puffs on a vape and Alana supplies the stories.

With everything that’s happened, it feels like ages since I had a girl’s night. Addie is moving here and I know once she’s settled, she’s going to want to join. She would fit in perfectly with the group and I can’t wait for her to be here.

“Are you really mad at Atlas?” Alana asks. “The guys are all really close friends. I can get Connor to shun him.”

I snort at the request, biting my thumbnail as I truly think about how I’m feeling. “Maybe?” I sigh, squeezing the bridge of my nose. “Really, I’m still furious, but I know I won’t be for much longer. I mean, how can I hate him? I’ve loved him for years…”

Thalia gags, but Alana awes at me, crossing her hands over her heart. “You guys are really cute together. The size difference?” She winks before giving me a thumbs up.

“Can we please not discuss my brother in a sexual way?” Thalia begs. “I think I might vomit.”

“Stop being so dramatic,” Alana scolds playfully.

Thalia rolls her eyes before they light up and her spine goes ramrod straight. She turns to me, excitement making her bounce in place. “Oh! I know how you can make him repent!”

My brows lift. “How?”

“I know we’re all loaded—”

I laugh at my sister-in-law, lifting my glass to my lips. “You all may be, but I’m not.” Alana and Thalia share a look before their eyes flicker to me. “What?”

“He didn’t tell her,” Alana hisses.

Thalia nods. “He really is an idiot. This is something that could have put him back in good graces.”

“What?” I ask impatiently, gaining both their attention.

Alana smiles. “You’re also loaded. Atlas took out a checking account in your name years ago. I haven’t looked at the finances recently, but the last time I checked, I think you were up to fifteen million. Give or take a few million.”

My eyes widen as my jaw drops. Both women laugh at my expression, but I’m bewildered. “H-how? What?”

“You know how,” Thalia smirks. “Dude was pussy whipped the moment he met you.”

This all seems so unreal. I feel like I’m in a fucking fever dream and it just keeps getting crazier…

“But that’s besides the point!” Thalia waves a hand. “I say you take his Amex card and one of his ridiculous fancy cars and we go out for a shopping trip on him. Make him pay.”