Page 134 of Deadly Bonds

Theo scoops her up in a tight hug, lifting her off the ground as he spins her around. She looks shocked as a blush paints over her tan cheeks. Dom joins them, staring at the woman like she's a missing puzzle piece rather than just a friend.

It isn't until there’s a throat cleared from behind them that Theo finally drops her back onto her feet. A tall, thin man is scowling at the duo as he fixes his tie. He’s dressed in a graysuit and looksveryuncomfortable with the scene in front of him.

“Um, y’all remember my fiancé,” Bailey says as he wraps an arm around her shoulders and gives the duo a tight,go fuck yourselvessmile.

“Can’t say I do,” Dom mumbles with a bite to his tone.

Theo snaps his fingers before pointing at the newcomer. “Larry! That's your name!”

“Liam,” Bailey’s fiancé deadpans.

“Yeah, close enough,” Theo smirks, and I see the challenge brewing in his eyes as he stares down with a predator-like gleam at the man.

The hostility between all three is so thick you could cut it with a fucking knife. Bailey shifts uncomfortably, and I step forward to save her.

I take the gift from her hands with a small smile. “I’m Addison, Loxley’s friend and the godmother.”

“Bailey,” she returns with a silentthank youin her eyes. I lead her into the house that’s utter chaos. There are people everywhere, as my friends rush to keep the food and drinks table restocked. I catch glimpses of Loxley’s parents as they mingle unknowingly with assassins, talking animatedly about howsustainableit is to live on a compound rather than in the suburbs, and I can't help the chuckle that falls from me.

I spot my best friend at the food table, picking at the sandwiches that Alana and I stayed up all night putting together for her. She’s been having serious chicken salad cravings, and while it grossed the intel expert and me out, Loxley has been single-handedly destroying them.

She turns as I amble over to her, and the large baby bump she's sporting nearly knocks into me.

“Watch where you swing that thing,” I giggle as I pick up a cookie from a tray and place Bailey’s gift with the others.

Lox rests a hand over her stomach, smoothing her pretty pink maternity dress out as she pegs me with a stare. “I’m never having this man’s freakishly large babies ever again.”

“Mhmm,” I hum as I take a bite of my treat. “I think he's already plotting to get you pregnant again once little miss arrives.”

Atlas is having the time of his fucking life. I’ve never seen a man so excited to be a dad. He’s gone above and beyond for his family, and he’s Loxley’s number one supporter. If she's too tired to go into the bakery, he goes in on her behalf. If she's had a long day, he’s rubbing her feet and babying her with soft touches that make her eyes go hazy. Have you ever seen a man freak out over what bottles to use to prevent colic? Atlas does.

On top of buying everything one could possibly need for a baby, he’s been doting and attentive to my best friend. Her pregnancy hasn't been easy, from the long spells of morning sickness that seemed to last all day, to the mood swings and body changes, he’s been an unshakable force that held her hand every step of the way.

Which is why I know she would have another baby in a heartbeat. They want three, and I can't wait to share the love this found family has brought me.

Atlas comes up behind her, then places his hands under her belly and lifts. Loxley’s head rolls back onto his chest as her eyes close in bliss.

“I thought you could use a break, Short Stack.” He smiles down at her.

“I could kiss you right now,” Loxley mumbles.

Her husband growls low in his throat before stealing a passionate, fiery kiss that I feel like I'm intruding on.

Rowan is at my back, trailing a hand over my waist as his phone rings. He sighs before giving me a peck on the cheek. “I’ve got to answer this. Save me some cake?”

I smirk up at him before winking. “I’ll let you lick frosting off of them later.”

His eyes light up. “Savelotsof cake. Be right back, Sunshine. Don't go too far.”

“I won’t,” I say ditzily like a love-drunk fool. Because Iam. Obsession is a wild thing, and I'm fully enthralled by theman who has stolen my heart. As he stalks towards the front door to answer his incoming call, my eyes are drawn to the bedazzled ass of his jeans that heinsistson wearing. We went shopping last weekend, and he bought a few new pairs before grabbing more tacky, large sequins for me to vandalize those, too.

He’s whipped.

And, quite frankly, so am I.

Alana and Connor wander over, and I notice that the intel expert is peering over the crowd as she looks for someone.

“Has anyone seen Thalia?” She asks as she joins us.

“She was supposed to be wrapping up her hit. She said she would be here.” Atlas frowns.

Alana rubs a hand over her arm, and I see that she's unsettled by the fact that her friend is missing. “It isn't like her not to text me back. I’m starting to get worried.”

I glance around, trying to find that familiar head of black hair, but come up short. “Let me see if I can find her.” I maneuver through people, excusing myself as I check every inch of my friend’s home. I end up back out on the porch and tilt my head when I spot Rowan's figure. He’s standing near the steps as he holds his phone to his ear. Tension lines his shoulders before his hand falls to his side, and an unsettling silence fills the space.

“Rowan?” My voice sounds tremulous between us—like I already know something is wrong deep in my gut.

He turns to me, cementing my suspicion when I see the agony in his eyes. “Thalia was just shot.”