Page 50 of Killer Confections (Syndicate Killers #1)

Loxley

The next day, I wake up with puffy red eyes and a headache from hell. Atlas was with me all night, worrying and doting on me like I was going to shatter into a million pieces.

And I almost did. Addie is who held me together when I was heartbroken and distraught over losing Atlas. She helped me through the darkest time of my life, and I don’t know where I would be without her.

She’s been a constant in my life. She’s my rock and one of my closest friends. So, hearing that she’s probably somewhere in the South being held hostage definitely did a number on me.

But if I’ve learned anything, it’s that I need to stop dwelling on the what-ifs. I need to take charge and make hard decisions that could result in better outcomes. Even if that results in me being alone for a little while.

Which is why I force Atlas out of the house when Dom stops by to give a progress report. Kai is still missing, but the more eyes on movement, the quicker this can be over.

The quicker Addison can be found…

“You call me for anything, okay?” My husband stresses to me as Dom attempts to pull him past the threshold of our home.

“Baby,” I give him a patient look. “I’m fine. I promise. I’m shaken up, but I’m okay. I’ll call you if anything happens.”

He’s reluctant to leave me. We’ve been arguing all morning over him staying with me. It wasn’t until Dom stepped in and called two other assassins, Micah and Ross, to watch over me that Atlas finally relented.

“Aye, don’t worry, boss,” Micah smirks, his charming features twisting with amusement.

“We’ll take care of her.” He’s older, around thirty, but quite the looker with his buzzed hair and perfect smile.

The tattoos snaking around his neck give him an effortless bad-boy look mixed with a soldier as he stands in beige combat boots, green pants, and a white t-shirt.

It isn’t until I see the dog tags around his neck that I realize he was a soldier.

Atlas’s jaw ticks. “Protect her with your fucking life. And keep your hands to yourself or I’ll send them to your mother in a box.”

Micah laughs, throwing his head back, until he sees no mirth in Atlas’s features. He swallows. “ Right… ”

Atlas turns to the red-head beside him, giving Ross a pointed look. “You’re in charge. Keep this chuckle fuck in line.”

Ross is quiet, but in a predator stalking prey sort of way. He takes in his surroundings with narrowed eyes and caution. His bright red hair and beard are a stark contrast to his polar opposite behavior. Even his milky pale skin and bright blue eyes seem far more warm than he does.

The redhead nods.

Atlas gives me a deep kiss and I practically have to pry him off of me before he leaves with Dom.

When it’s just us, I bounce on my toes before giving them a radiant smile. “I hope you guys like puff pastries.”

Micah perks up. “Oh, like toaster strudels?”

My lips pull back in a wince. “Well, technically, yes, but I have freshly made… toaster strudels.”

“You and those fucking things.” Ross shakes his head as he moves past me and into the house.

Micah is intrigued as he takes the steps. “Do they have filling?”

I smile. “I have some leftover raspberry filling in the fridge, if you’re okay with that?”

He scoffs. “Does a bear shit in the woods?”

** *

Micah and Ross have taken over the living room as I work on new designs for Sweet Haven’s logo on Atlas’s laptop. They’re watching some football game at full volume, shouting and cursing at the TV.

I roll my eyes as I get another check-in message from my husband. It’s been every hour on the hour since he left this morning.

My stalker 3 : How’s my favorite girl? Micah being on his best behavior?

I smile absently at my phone as I type out a response.

Me : Only and favorite girl. Micah is fine. Loud, but fine.

My Stalker 3 : Damn right. Tell him to shut the fuck up. It’s what everyone on the compound does. I miss you.

My chest warms.

Me : I miss you too. Hurry back so I can defile you.

My Stalker 3 : Baby, I’m going to turn you the fuck out the moment I get back. I love you.

Heat curls in my belly, and I shift in my seat.

Me : Please and thank you. I love you too.

My Stalker 3 : My good girl. I’ll see you soon.

I go to set my phone down on the table before my ringtone startles me. Riley’s name pops up on the screen and I frown before answering.

“Hello?”

“Loxley!” She sounds like she’s on the verge of tears and I instantly sit forward. “I messed up!”

“What?” I ask, feeling my heart hammer. The last few hours have had me far more jumpy than I usually am, and the worst-case scenario filters through my head.

“I mixed up the cakes!” she sobs.

I place a hand over my heart, thankful this is all her call is. “What happened?”

“Well, Christy came in for the three-tier cake with silver trim and I accidentally gave her the two-tier with sunflowers!” She’s hyperventilating into the phone.

“Hey! Hey!” I call gently. “It’s okay! This is something that’s easily fixed.”

Riley makes a pained sound. “The woman who wanted the sunflower cake is here. In her fucking wedding dress, Lox! ”

Oh, dear god.

Okay, maybe this can’t be fixed so easily.

I worry my lip between my teeth. “Give me a few minutes and I’ll head that way. I got back from my trip last night.” I lie.

There’s a relieved sigh from the other end. “Please, hurry. I’m so scared of her.”

I give her a few calming words before hanging up and calling Atlas. He picks up on the first ring.

“Missed me?” I can hear his smirk through the phone.

I roll my eyes, my lips twitching. “Yes, but I’m calling because I need to go to Sweet Haven. There’s an angry bride about to fight Riley.”

There’s a deeply displeased sound from the other side. “Baby, I don’t think that’s a good idea. Not with everything going on.”

“I’m going to be fast, and I’ll bring Ross and Micah with me. Please. I can’t leave her there like this.”

There’s a pause before Atlas’s stern tone fills my ears. “They stay with you at all times. You call me when you get there and when you leave. You have thirty minutes.”

I celebrate silently. “Thank you! I love you so much! ”

“I love you too. Please be careful.”

“I will.” I hang up before gathering the two men from the living room. They groan about leaving in the middle of the game, but I don’t leave them any room to argue before we pile into a sports car and head into Columbus.