Page 27 of Lethal Attraction

Oh, fuck.

Atlas slaps a big hand on my shoulder. “Good luck. We’ll all connect tomorrow morning on the Bailey situation. Can’t wait to rearrange Brooks’s facial structure on your behalf.”

My brothers never liked my little fling from when I was eighteen. That much hasn’t changed.

“Not if I kill him first,” I laugh as I tell Atlas goodnight and slow my pace towards Rowan’s house. I’m procrastinating as I leisurely stroll, but I know that one hell of a bitching is waiting for me.

It’s only because they care about me.

Growing up in the lifestyle we were forced into was cold and unforgiving, but my brothers always made sure I had a shoulder to cry on. From playing dress up, to using my first rifle, they were always there. Along the way, I started seeing Rowan as more of a father figure than an older brother. He kept Atlas and me in line, but he cared more deeply than either of our parents could have bothered.

Sure, I give him a hard time about his strict, uptight nature. But the truth is, I don’t know where I would be without Rowan. He’s always had this unshakable power about him—like he was immovable and fierce. He always knew just what to say to cheer us up or change our moods in a flash. He’s been there for every major achievement I’ve ever had, and he supports me through every endeavor.

Which is what makes walking up the steps of his porch so hard.

Is he disappointed in me?

Has he lost sleep over where I’ve been?

How loud is he going to scream—

“You’re back.”

My head whips to the side, and I squint at the large figure sitting in the rocking chair on the wraparound porch. Rowan is dressed in his jeans and a white t-shirt as he stares at me with an impassive expression.

“Hey,” I say meekly as I step towards him.

He sighs deeply, rubbing a hand over his eyes. The soft light from the kitchen window is dull, but it washes over his shoulders, outlining his frame. “Do you have any idea how worried I’ve been, Thalia?”

I roll my lips in as I nod.

“Are you okay?”

My eyes flicker to him. “Yeah. I’m fine.”

He visibly relaxes. “Thank god. I almost came looking for you.”

“What stopped you?” I ask as I bounce up and sit on top of the railing.

“Addison,” he says softly. “She knew you could handle yourself and told me I needed to trust that you would make it back on your own.”

“Smart girl,” I smirk.

He sits forward, placing his elbows on his knees as he pins me with his eyes. “Just because she was right doesn’t mean I wasn’t sick over you. You’re positive it was Brooks who shot you?”

“Perfect identity match, and he verified who he was on the roof. We talked…”

My brother’s eyes narrow. “Oh?”

“Yeah, he asked me to help him get rid of Bailey.”

He shakes his head as he chuckles bitterly. “Sorry, son of a bitch. I’m going to do to him what I should have fucking done six years ago.”

That makes me smile. “Looks like we’re all on the fuck-Brooks-in-the-ass train.”

My brother’s face twists in disgust. “Yeah, get me off of that one.”

The screen door opens and Addison pokes her head out before a breathtaking smile tugs at her lips. “You’re back! And in one piece! Good for you.”