Page 39 of Lethal Attraction

I’m ecstatic for them, but I don’t know if I fit in that category. Everything is new, and while I find myself naturally drawn to Reed, I don’t know if I’m ready to give my heart to someone. My last serious relationship was catastrophic, building a wall inside of me as my life imploded, and Brooks is to thank for that. He destroyed any notion of my trusting another man.

I can’t deny what I feel for Reed either. We’ve only known each other for a short period, but it’s like being around him brightens my world. I’m already itching to answer the series of text messages he sent me this morning.

Connor wraps an arm around Alana’s shoulders, smirking. “We’ll keep him safe, Thal. Trust us.”

“I do,” I say, my chest warming as my heart somersaults unnaturally. “So, what’s the plan?”

Rowan posts up, wrapping his arms around Addison as he rests his chin on top of her head. “First order, make sure Reed isn’t at that gala. We don’t want him in the crossfire.”

I nod. “I can talk to him.”

“Second order,” Atlas says pointedly. “He’s going to need someone guarding him if he’s a person of interest.”

Alana grins at me. “I think Thalia has that handled, too.”

My family laughs as I roll my eyes.

“Alright,” Rowan announces as he opens his front door. “We’re ready to finish this meeting. Why don’t we get a crew out to New York to start tracking down Brooks and his team?”

I blink at the scene out on the porch. Bailey stands with her back to the threshold and her arms crossed over her chest as Dom and Theo tower over her. Their discussion is low, but the way the two men stare down at her is obviously full of something profound and hungry.

“You’re not storming the gala alone,” Theo bites.

The South branch leader cocks her hip. “Oh, yeah? And who’s going to stop me?”

“We will,” Dom says with stern finality.

Bailey throws her hands up. “I told you, this isn’t meant to draw attention. Liam has already agreed to accompany me—”

“I’m sorry, Princess,” Theo chuckles humorlessly. “But what is Leo—”

“Liam,” Bailey corrects through gritted teeth.

“Same thing,” the blonde waves a hand. “But what is he going to do if things get messy? He doesn’t even know how to use a gun.”

Their dynamic is clear as day. My family may not see it, but I do. Dominic and Theodore have some connection with Bailey, and they have since they all ran into each other for the first time a few years back. The duo seem to think Bailey’s fiancé is useless, and I can’t say I don’t blame them. From what I’ve gathered, Liam doesn’t like that Bailey is now the leader. He finds that the syndicate is below his posh and wealthy lifestyle, and it leads to quite a few fights for the couple. The fact that Liam is even offering to accompany his fiancée is a sign that he’s onto what Dom and Theo are planning.

This could get ugly quickly.

Bailey points at the ridiculous duo, her tone lethal. “Don’t you make him feel inferior. He’s already dealing with a lot—”

“Are you kidding me?!” Theo rages. “He’s dealing with a lot? Someone is trying to kill you, Bailey. If he can’t get his head out of the fucking clouds and see that his fiancée needs him more, then he’s a real tool.”

Alana winces at the jab, her lips pulling over her teeth as her eyes shift to me. My expression mimics her own, and we share an uncomfortable moment.

“Theo, Dom,” Rowan warns low.

Bailey holds up a hand to my brother. “I can handle them.” She pins the duo with a glare. “You two have no idea the strain my relationship has been through with this. Liam has a life outside of the syndicate—”

“A life he’s choosing over you,” Dom scowls.

The South Branch leader snarls. “You think you know everything!”

“We don’t,” Theo bites back. “But we know what’s best for you.”

She throws her head back as a condescending chuckle fills the air. “Oh, yeah? And what’s that?”

Theo’s eyes soften a fraction. “Not Leon.”