Page 37 of Lethal Attraction

My oldest brother looks seconds away from developing stress-induced hypertension. He takes a deep breath through his nose, kisses Addison’s fingers like she’s the only thing tethering him to sanity, and addresses the room. “Alright. Everyone is accounted for. Bailey, the floor is yours.”

She steps forward, her dirty boots scuffing the rug as her country twang fills the living room. “Alana was able to track down Brooks’ location, but he’s been using a series of burner phones to hide away. His last known point of origin is New York.”

Huh. What are the fucking odds?

Al’s eyes shift to me before returning to Bailey. “I have a series of phone calls and texts that need to be sorted, but I’m sure there’s something there.”

Theo pushes up from his spot before slinging an arm across Bailey’s shoulders. “Then let’s hear ’em.”

The South branch leader brushes him off. “Play whatever you have. I’m sure we can piece together what he’s planning.”

Connor helps his wife flip through audio and text messages, reading important information out as it comes up. Everything kind of blends together, but it’s obvious the ex-assassin is making moves to grow his funding. He took about six other professionals with him when he left the South Branch’s grounds, and he’s rallying whoever he can to make headway with his big plans.

As Alana clicks through another phone call, something pings for us. Everyone sits up, getting closer to the device as Brooks talks with some guy who owns a hospital.

“I know, but if you want more people on your side, more money, then you need to make connections! I have a doctor here, Reed Bellamy, who doesn’t believe that the syndicate is real.”

My eyes saucer as Alana slaps a hand over the pause button like she’s trying to save my life. She laughs nervously. “This one doesn’t seem too important—”

“Are you shitting me?” Atlas shifts forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “This one seems the most important. Who the fuck is Reed Bellamy and why would he have anything to do with this?”

Alana’s eyes are wide and alarmed as they shift to me. My heart? It’s in my ass as we speak.

“Maybe he’s another connection?” Loxley suggests, with a hand resting over her big belly. “It sounds like this man, Burton, is trying to convince Brooks that he’s important.”

Fuck, fuck, double fuck.

“It’s probably nothing!” I say, my voice squeaking as it becomes high-pitched.

Atlas narrows his eyes. The man has the attention span of a hazelnut, but unfortunately, he knows exactly when I’m hiding something.

“Let’s finish this audio and see what we can compile,” Bailey decides.

Everyone else in the room is in agreement as I try to slink back to the counter. I’m slowly edging my way towards my helmet as all hell breaks loose on the phone call.

“Don’t make me release—” Brooks threatens.

There’s a commotion from the other end before Burton begins speaking in a hushed, quick tone. “Please, Brooks. Those files can’t see the light of day. Yes, I know, but Reed would be an asset to have on your team. Think of the free medical care from a professional…”

Holy shit.

They’re trying to get Dr. Dreamy to offer free care? I don’t have the time to dwell on this! Not when my family is super close to finding out far more than I’m willing to divulge. That’s another problem for another day.

I’ve almost reached my helmet when Brooks’ voice sends chills down my spine.

“He could be a fucking spy for Thalia Kingsley. That woman shouldn’t be underestimated.”

That makes my stomach churn. It’s obvious they’re trying to rope Reed into something he shouldn’t be a part of, and bitter resentment stabs me. I never want this lifestyle to hurt him.

It’s why I need to cut things off. Before—

“Keep her name out of your fucking mouth.” Reed’s fierce voice projects through the speaker.

My heart slams as my lips part in disbelief. The whole room falls silent as a verbal battle is exchanged between my ex and my new man. Fling? Ugh, I don’t know!

“Pause it,” Rowan orders as he waves a hand. Loxley and Addison are already staring at me with wide grins, and I want to sink into the fucking ground.

My oldest brother glares at me from across the room. “Anything you would like to share with the class?”