Page 15 of Killer Confections (Syndicate Killers #1)

Atlas

This shouldn’t bring me sheer delight, but it does.

Loxley is scared, just as any woman with an unknown stalker would be, but she’s also inquisitive.

Her quick wit is giving me a rush, provoking me to test her further.

I want to see just how deep it all can go—to teeter her on the edge of fear and pleasure.

Chance Miller, an unannounced player in our cat-and-mouse game, left a short time ago. He spoke with Loxley, looking smitten with my girl.

I knew jealousy would come with the territory. The object of my obsession is gorgeous with her red-blonde locks and easy smile. I’ve kept it contained for years, reeling in that nasty green monster, but there’s only so much one man can take.

Now that she’s mine, I have no intentions of letting anyone else get close. I’ve been far too lenient with her when I should have let my purpose be known from the beginning.

Chance is a dead man walking.

My phone buzzes again, and I smirk at the screen.

Short Stack 3 : Highly doubt that. You’ve done nothing desirable except clean my kitchen, but don’t think that’s going to save you. I’m filing a report at the police station as soon as I get off, and I’m using this number as evidence.

It’s adorable that she thinks the police will do anything. I’ve paid off most of Columbus’s lawmakers and sheriffs. The syndicate has a wrap sheet miles long, but it’ll never see the light of day.

Any charges were expunged as they were reported, leaving everyone in the organization with clean records despite the blood on their hands.

Thalia shoves a cake in front of my face, the white icing coating her fingers.

I’m not good with baking, but I remembered the names of most baked goods for my girl.

The little cake my sister holds out to me expectantly is something called a Petit Four.

I ordered them once when I was looking to boost Loxley’s business.

I had no idea what it was, but when a prepackaged box of heaven arrived at my door, I made it my job to remember what the fuck it was called.

I ordered dozens more over the years, giving them out to the syndicate members and always harboring a box for myself. They taste like mini moist wedding cakes and my mouth waters as I stare at the square.

I take it from my sister, popping it into my mouth as I type out a few messages.

Me : Ouch. Not even a thank you for the flowers? And my palm will be ready. I don’t make empty threats. You’ll learn that soon enough.

Me : Chance Miller, huh? Guess we can start with him. You even think of using the number he gave you, and I’ll fucking hunt him for sport.

I stare down at my screen, waiting for the text bubble to pop up. The seconds tick by, and there’s still nothing.

“You’re such a creep,” Thalia says, popping another cake into her mouth.

“I still don’t condone this,” Rowan grumbles, standing beside the bench we’re seated on. His arms are crossed over his chest as he surveys the crowd like another assassin is going to jump out at any moment. “And I’m ready to go. You both got what you wanted. ”

I roll my eyes before peering down at my phone again. There’s still no response, so I type out another message, not caring if I seem desperate for her attention—because I am.

Me : Hello? Don’t ignore me, sweetheart. I’ll go in there and bruise your ass right now.

The threat about Chance is sugar-coated. I fully plan to fuck the guy up, but Loxley doesn’t need to know that.

Thalia pulls another cake from the box, offering it to our stiff brother. Rowan sighs before taking the treat from her.

“Two big, tatted guys eating Petit Fours?” A grating voice muses to my right.

Addison has wandered over, her phone out as she holds it up in our direction.

There’s a flash of light and Rowan stills, the cake halfway to his mouth.

“That’s going on the Sweet Haven website.

” The brunette announces proudly, her smile wide as she observes the photo.

“Absolutely not,” my brother growls, ripping the device from her hands.

“Hey!” Addison reaches for it, but Rowan holds it high above his head, far away from the golden hands that fight to get it back.

“Row,” Thalia warns. “Give her the phone back. She’s Loxley’s friend.”

Rowan presses a hand to the brunette’s forehead, pushing her back as his lip curls. “I don’t care who she is. I’m deleting this.”

“You can’t!” Addison shouts. “It’s a great picture!”

“We can delete that one, and Thalia and I will pose for you,” I suggest, grabbing a cake from the box.

The brunette huffs, considering my proposal. “I guess a picture with willing participants would boast well for business.”

Rowan nods, deleting the photo before handing the phone back to its owner.

Addison eyes him pointedly, snatching the device away from him. “Asshole.”

His nostrils flare as he rubs a hand across his mouth and places a hand on his side, like he’s trying to hold back from saying something he may regret.

Thalia smirks, wiggling her brows at me. “You may not be the only one in love by the day’s end.”

I push her shoulder with a snort before she gets in place, taking one of the cakes out of the box.

“So,” Addison turns the phone on us, her brow raised. “How do you guys know Loxley?”

Thalia bites her lip to contain her laughter, and I shrug.

“We went to the same high school when she lived in Columbus,” I answer truthfully, holding my cake up as I give a lopsided smile for the camera.

“Oh,” the brunette perks up, snapping a few pictures. “Well, she’s inside if you want to say hi.”

I smirk, my smile’s meaning double ended. “I think I’ve said plenty.”

“Okay…” the brunette trails, giving me a strange look.

“Excuse me,” an older woman with graying hair places a shoulder on Addison’s shoulder, startling the photographer. “Are you the one who keeps posting to the Sweet Haven social pages?”

“I am!” Addison chirps. “What can I help you with?”

The woman seems relieved as she smiles. “I’ve been trying to get in touch with the shop all day, but it seems rather busy. I needed to place an order for a wedding cake, but I have no idea how big of a cake I’m trying to get.”

The brunette’s eyes sparkle, “I can help. How many people will be in attendance?”

“Eighty-five,” the older woman breathes exasperatedly. “Can you believe that? I don’t even think I know eighty-five people.”

Addison thinks, her eyes narrowing as she uses a finger to work out the details.

“Well, most of the time, a three tier cake works well for bigger venues. The bottom tier could be twelve inches with four layers. That feeds about fifty people on its own. The middle tier could be ten inches, which is going to feed about forty people. The top tier is usually saved for the bride and groom to try on their first anniversary if they’re sticking to tradition. ”

The older woman gives the brunette a lost look, her mouth gaping. Rowan is right behind her, his brows drawn as he stares at Addison with a newfound interest.

“Would you come with me to place the order?” The woman gives a breathy laugh. “There’s no way I can remember that…”

“Of course! Follow me,” Addison links their arms, pushing through the crowd as she guides the elder to the bakery.

“Close your mouth, Row,” Thalia says smugly. “You’re gonna catch flies.”

My brother grunts, “I’m going home. Are you two coming with me?”

Thalia slaps the box closed, standing from the bench and raising a brow at me.

I check my phone, chuckling when I see there are still no messages from my girl. “Nah, I think I’ll hang around for a little longer.”