Page 38 of Killer Confections (Syndicate Killers #1)

Loxley

He’s insane!

He’s literally certifiable!

He married us without my permission, killed no telling how many people, and has kidnapped me away to this compound that I can’t fucking leave because I’m being hunted by assassins.

And after all of that, I still want the fucker.

My god , do I want him. Being mad while he stood there in that slutty little muscle shirt, showing off his tattoos and thick arms was kryptonite.

How am I supposed to be mad when his words, even though he sounded deranged, were still sweet and the type of crazy I always wanted from a partner and he could have taken his shirt off at any moment and I would have climbed him like a fucking tree?

You’re weak, Loxley!

So very weak!

And horny.

Too horny.

After everything, my feelings for him didn’t change. Am I freaking out because I’m legally married and will have to tell my parents eventually? Definitely. Am I still reeling from learning that this whole compound is full of assassins and my— dear god —husband is one, too? One-hundred percent.

It’s an unbelievable amount of information to process in just mere hours, yet, here I am. Glad Atlas killed his piece of shit father and missing the morally grey man I left back at the cottage more and more with every step I take towards Thalia’s house.

Ugh! I need to get some distance. I need to clear my head and think straight for a while.

As I take the stone steps two at a time, I don’t stop until I’m in front of the black door and banging a fist into the painted wood. It only takes a few seconds before it’s yanked open and I’m face-to-face with Thalia, blinking in awe at her beauty.

I thought she was pretty back at the bakery, but with the afternoon light hitting her pale eyes, her dark hair curled into beach waves, and her pouty lips glossed, she looks like one of those models you would find on social media.

Her eyes widen with surprise before an over joyous smile spreads to her ears. “Sis-in-law! About time you left my brother to come have some fun!” She looks a little unhinged as she pulls me into a tight hug, resting her chin on my shoulder and squeezing me like she’s known me for a lifetime.

I get a look into the standard living room, decked out with a black gothic rug and a matching black couch as a woman I’ve never met, watches the two of us with amusement.

She leans against the couch’s armrest, her arms crossed and a slight smile tugging at her full brown lips.

Her hair is almost black with curls that reach just past her shoulders.

Her eyes are an alluring shade of brown that leans slightly toward Hazel.

I can nearly see the specs of green in her irises.

She’s gorgeous! Is everyone around here supermodel status?

The way she holds herself is so utterly confident, like she’s spent a lifetime understanding herself. She has a warmth and kindness that radiates from her as she chuckles at us.

Alana .

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 wiggle away 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. ”

Alana frowns at her. “You just don’t want to use your own money.”

Thalia turns her nose up. “I’m trying to help my new sister get her revenge. Spending my brother’s money and burning rubber in one of his precious cars would really show him.”

But the intel expert doesn’t seem to take the bait. She only rolls her eyes before looking at me. “You don’t have to listen to her. She’s literally a menace to society.”

I think for a moment. “Well, he did say I couldn’t leave the compound without someone accompanying me.” My eyes flicker to Thalia, who looks slightly feral as she nods vigorously. “And I honestly would love a night out. Getting away from here may be just what I need.”

My sister-in-law claps her hands. “So, it’s settled then? Let’s grab our bags and go manipulate my brother.”

I laugh as I stand from the couch and dispose of the rest of my wine in the sink. My anger has been dissipating slowly as time has ticked by, but going out and letting loose is what I need. At least that’s what I keep trying to convince myself.