Page 33 of Killer Confections (Syndicate Killers #1)

Loxley

I spend most of my day in my own world, humming as I prepare treats to restore the display. Janette keeps side-eyeing me, but it’s Riley who finally asks the burning question.

“Are you getting laid or something?” She cocks her hip, giving me an expectant brow lift. “You’ve been really chipper.”

I am being super obvious, aren’t I? I haven’t made a big deal over the store, calling every hour like I usually do on my off days. I’ve been pretty chill and my employees are noticing.

I shrug. “So what if I am?”

A chorus of oohs reaches me as I pull a fresh rack of cupcakes out of the industrial oven. I roll my eyes as Janette shoves her piping bag and icing bowl aside before hefting herself up onto the alloy table and facing me.

“Spill! We know it isn’t Chance!” She gushes.

Riley’s shoulders stiffen slightly before she too turns and leans back against the counter. “Have you heard anything about that, Jan?”

I look between them. “About what?”

Janette becomes slightly somber, rubbing a hand across her neck. “Chance Miller is missing. He left a note and packed up a lot of his belongings, but his dad said he would never just abandon the bakery. No one’s heard from him over the last week…”

My stomach sinks and I feel unease grip me tightly.

You’re never gonna see that fucker again after tonight, sweetheart .

N o…

There’s no way he was being serious about that. Atlas may be a little intense with the stalking and video surveillance, but I don’t think he would kill someone for dating me…

Would he?

For some reason, I don’t think I believe myself. Atlas has always been different, and I know convincing myself he’s anything but is deceiving.

But why kill Chance?

It’s not like we got far on our date. Atlas made sure of that.

I’m sure he has a good reason then—

Oh, my god. I’m insane! I’m trying to reason him killing my date into being normal!

“Lox?” Riley asks. “You okay? You look like you’re losing it…”

I quickly recover, plastering on a smile. “Just fine! I’m sure Chance has his own reasons for…leaving…”

Stop being obvious, Loxley!

Janette waves a hand, clearly not onto me, as she kicks her feet. “Oh, yeah. I’m not worried about him. He seemed kind of like a player anyway. He probably needed a break, but didn’t want to tell anyone.”

I agree with her, but Riley purses her lips. She catches my eyes and I quickly look away, knowing I’ll crack if she puts pressure on me.

“So, who is it?” Janette asks, serving as the distraction as she rocks back and forth impatiently. “Who is making our boss all loopy and ditsy?”

I find myself grinning hard, my cheeks hurting as I think of Atlas. “He’s a guy from high school—”

“Oh!” Riley gasps. “High school sweethearts? That’s sweet.”

I tell them about Atlas, steering clear of the stalking and cameras I keep finding around my damn apartment.

Instead, I tell them about our late night talks and the dinners we have together after a long day.

I tell them about the back massages and the soothing baths he draws for me.

I get so lost in rambling that I stop when I notice Janette’s soft smile.

“I haven’t seen you this happy since you announced Sweet Haven’s launch, you know?”

I roll my lips in, stopping my tangent before I can embarrass myself further. Riley is staring at me with a smirk as she rolls out pastry dough.

“The dick is that good, huh?” She quips.

I roll my eyes. “It’s more than that…”

“You’re young and in love,” Janette gushes. “I remember when I first met my husband in college. We were so full of life and horny.”

Riley gags and I slap a hand over my mouth to stifle my laughter.

But her words give me pause. “I’m not in love…”

Both women stare at me before the elder lifts a brow. “Sounds like you are. Could have fooled us.”

Oh, shit.

Am I in love with Atlas?

There’s no way…

Realistically, we’ve only been reunited for a few weeks, but I can’t deny the insane chemistry we feel for each other. Our connection is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced with other partners. It helps that we get along seamlessly and our time together is spent laughing or reminiscing.

I think it’s safe to say I’m falling. Maybe I do love Atlas, but isn’t it a little crazy to say that so soon? We’ve known of each other for years, but there’s a sizable gap where neither of us were present for the other. I can’t be in love with someone after only a few weeks. Right?

I spend the rest of my afternoon in my head, running through the reality of me loving Atlas far too soon to be deemed sane. My mind is such a whirlwind that I barely register as my employees close for the night .

“We’re heading out!” Riley announces from the swing door’s threshold. “Don’t stay too long, Loxley!”

“Yup!” I call back, looking around at the empty kitchen. There really isn’t much to do, but the quiet is good. I need some more time before I see Atlas tonight, so I meander around, rearranging and prepping things for tomorrow.

The whole time, my mind is a battlefield combating my fast-growing feelings and the unease of knowing Atlas did something to Chance. I refuse to admit what I think that something is, but I’m not an idiot.

When the backdoor rattles and I hear heavy boots on the steps, I sigh before dropping the metal mixing bowls into the dishwasher and slamming it shut.

I’m so busy centering my mind I don’t realize that there’s two sets of boots taking the little cement stairs to the back of my bakery until it’s too late.

Alarm bells sound in my head as I quickly whip around and come face-to-face with two towering men I’ve never seen before.

They’re dressed in dark jeans and rugged brown boots.

One has slightly longer brown hair that falls over into his eyes, while the other wears a tan Stetson hat that shields the top half of his face.

“Hello, there, darlin’,” the one without a hat drawls as he smirks maliciously. He smacks his gum, motioning to the kitchen with a freshly bloodied hand that drips onto my floor. “Really didn’t think it would be this easy. Atlas only had one man watching you. Did you know that, little lamb?”

Watching me?

I swallow, the blood draining from my face as my spine prickles. I have no idea what No Hat is talking about, but I know this isn’t meant to be a friendly meeting. I quickly route my escape, knowing I only have seconds to make a break for it. I won’t be able to fight them, but I can outrun them.

No Hat’s head turns as he tuts at me. “Now, we don’t want to go gettin’ any bright ideas, do we? Being brave can lead to a world of hurt, sweetheart.”

As I think to bolt, the swing door behind me slams open and my heart pounds as another man stalks into my kitchen, blocking my only exit. I look between all three, knowing I’m trapped.

“Awe, don’t look at us like that,” No Hat coos. “It’s nothing against you. Your boyfriend just pissed off the wrong people.”