Page 79 of Killer Confections
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 openand 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.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Atlas
I check my phone for the hundredth time, ignoring the rush of cars passing on the nearby highway. We’re only a few minutes away from Columbus, standing on the shoulder in the pitch dark as we wait for the South syndicate messenger. The forest that surrounds us is eerily quiet and I can’t shake the sinking feeling that something is wrong.
“Harold may be older, but he knows what he’s doing,” Dominic attempts to reassure me from where he leans against his car’s door. His hands are shoved in his pockets as he watches the road.
I grunt. “Yeah, well, he’s only one guy. I know my gut, Dom.”
He peers over at me. “Want to head back?”
“Yeah,” I decide, throwing the passenger side door open before headlights shine on us and a white truck pulls behind. Dom and I exchange a look as a tall, thin brunette jumps down from the driver’s side and flags us down.
“You Atlas?” She asks in a thick southern drawl as she stomps through the overgrown grass with her brown hiking boots.
“Yes,” I answer. “Let’s make this quick.”
She chuckles, shaking her head. “What’s the rush, boys? It ain’t every day our branches get to see each other.” At our passive expressions, she shakes her head and checks the watch on her wrist. “I need five minutes, tops.”
The move is eye-catching. Why would she need to timeherself?
My eyes narrow. “What for? We’re ready to make a deal for a ceasefire. Thalia will pay the fine as soon as she’s back.”
The woman shifts slightly, her eyes straying to her wrist again before she shrugs. “Maybe we need a little more—”
“Quit looking at your fucking watch,” Dom bites, causing her back to go ramrod straight.
I scoff. “You couldn’t be any more obvious, you know? You’re fucking timing something.”
Her eyes are wide as she stares at us before a laugh bubbles up her throat. She bends over, resting her hands on her knees as she attempts to catch her breath. “Holy shit! They were right! You fellas took that bait mighty quick. Nevermind the waiting. I’m sure my guys have already disposed of your security.” My blood runs cold as I hear my heart hammer in my ears. The edges of my vision blacken as the messenger stands, giving us a conniving smile. “Tell me, do you think they’ll grab me a cupcake? I heard your old lady makes them fresh every day. Would be a shame to come all the way out here and not get one before they kill the bitch.”
