Page 92 of Killer Confections

I try to step back, but he holds me tightly. His fingers nearly dig into my skin and I wince.

“No,” he says softly, but his voice is edged with something sinister. “It’s all my fault, ma’am. I just wanted to get a good look at you.” His southern drawl causes my shoulders to tense and those alarm bells become wailing sirens.

“Let me go,” I command, my voice wavering with my fear.

His eyes narrow slightly before he complies and takes a step back. He nods his head in a gentlemanly manner that feels anything but cordial. “You have a good night, Ms. Bennett—”

“It’s Mrs. Kingsley,” I correct, not sure where my sudden confidence comes from. I don’t know if Atlas changed my last name, but maybe it will change this man’s mind against hurting me if I use it. I’m also thoroughly rattled that heknowsmy name.

The hair on the back of my neck stands on end as he smirks devilishly. “Be careful, Mrs. Kingsley. There’s a lot of bad people out there who would love to hurt your husband.”

“Noted,” I seethe before he turns and waltzes away. He whistles loudly, the sound chipper as I watch his retreating form.

I turn on my heel, my bathroom trip forgotten as I practically sprint back to the table.

Thalia stands when she sees my expression, her brow creasing. “What’s wrong—”

“We have to go,” I hiss, pulling my phone out and clicking on Atlas’s saved number.

Alana stands, gathering her things as she slaps a few bills on the table. “No time to waste. Thalia, cover her front and I’ll get her back.”

The assassin nods as they usher me from the restaurant. The phone only rings once before Atlas’s voice fills the speaker.

“What’s going on, Short Stack?”

“Some guy.” I try not to breathe harshly, but my heart is racing and I can hear the blood rushing in my ears. “He stopped me at the restaurant and told me there’s people that want to hurt you.”

Atlas curses. “I’ve got your location, baby. Hate me later, but Dom and I are close. Get on the road and we’ll intercept you.”

For once, I thank the heavens for my husband’s stalker tendencies. He’s close. Everything is going to be fine.

“Stay on the phone with me,” he commands. “I’m coming for you, baby.”

“Okay,” I breathe as I fall into the driver’s seat. I don’t even realize the mistake I’ve made in choosing to drive until four sets of fluorescent headlights blind us from behind.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Loxley

“Drive!” Thalia shouts, slamming the gear shift into drive and pushing my leg to send us forward.

I snap out of it, my hands white-knuckling the steering wheel as we peel out of the parking lot at breakneck speed. Car horns blare as people swerve to avoid hitting me on the highway. I quickly straighten out the car, ignoring the sounds of lifted truck exhausts following closely behind.

“Take the next exit,” Alana commands as she pushes to position herself next to me. Her phone is out, and the screen looks totally different. It’s one massive map, different markers and pointers illuminating to life as we pass them. Her eyes flick across the screen as she reads the directions with an expert eye.

“Get on the freeway,” she instructs, pointing in the direction I need to go.

I follow her directions closely, laser focused on what’s in front of me and only flinching when I notice one of the vehicles behind us getting uncomfortably close.

I completely forget Atlas is on the phone with me until he speaks loud enough for his voice to fill the cab. “Alana! Call Connor and get him to turn off the tolls. We don’t want any evidence.”

“On it,” she chirps before pressing a button on the dashboard and a call log illuminates to life. She presses Connor’s name, and it rings briefly before a deep tone cracks in the silence.

“Hello, beautiful—”

“Not enough time. Turn off the tolls on the freeway. I’m sending our location now.” Alana barks.

There’s typing from the other side of the line before Connor’s worried voice breaks through again. “What’s going on, babe? Talk to me. Are you hurt? Have you called someone?”