Becca rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at her lips. "You're a nut."
I watched the two of them, warmth blooming in my chest. Becca had clawed her way back, inch by inch, and Jacob had been there for everything. All of it. Like I told her—he would wait, and he did. I was a little worried at first, worried she wasn't ready, and that he might push; but watching them now, I knew she was exactly where she needed to be.
The only one missing was Layla. She couldn't make it because of midterms, but she'd called earlier, bubbling with excitement about her classes. The prerequisites were already consuming her, making time for fun almost impossible, but it would all be worth it when she finished. She was over the moon about making new friends and was giddy on the phone. Hearing her so alive made my heart soar.
I glanced toward the house, catching sight of Atlas's phone where he'd left it on the fold-out table. Yara's name had been on a message earlier. She was no longer part of his team. She was transferred to Brazil. Good riddance. Even though she helped Atlas get some of the girls home, I still didn't trust her. I hated the way she always looked at him.
He never denied that she had a crush. Not once. I was just happy to be done with her. Out of sight, out of mind. Call me a jealous bitch, but he was mine. Completely. There was no room in our lives for a hot-up femme fatale. Besides, if she continued to pursue him, I was no match for her skills. She'd kick my ass in a second.
Brazil can have her!
"Kitten." Atlas's voice dragged me from my thoughts. He carried a plate stacked high with burgers and ribs, setting it down at the center of the table. His hand brushed mine deliberately before he parked his ass, a silent claim—a promise.
The conversation turned easy as everyone joined us at the table to eat. Zach cracked jokes about Joey's disastrous dating life. His last relationship hit the shitter rightafter Becca and I were snatched. Joey retaliated with stories about Zach'smarriageto his computer. Jacob made Becca laugh so hard she almost spit out her drink. Even Atlas managed a smile before he swallowed down a shot of whiskey.
The backyard had never felt so alive. Laughter instead of screams. Smoke instead of blood. We were having a great time. Just what we all needed to feel normal again. Atlas stood from his seat and brought over another platter stacked high with more burgers, ribs and a few grilled chicken breasts.
He looked at his brother, a smirk curling along his lips.
"I know you have an issue with my cooking, but don't say I never feed you," he said, sliding the platter onto the table.
Joey reached for a rib immediately, dripping sauce down his shirt. He laughed at his brother.
"You'd be a decent chef if you weren't such a control freak about every little detail."
Atlas raised his brow. "You've been here for less than an hour and already ruined your fucking shirt. Don't talk to me about control."
Zach snorted. "He's right, Joey. If you'd been as controlling as him, you would have put a bib over your shirt, tucking it in around the edges before digging into the ribs like an animal. You know how he is about shit like that."
Joey grinned, licking sauce off his fingers.
"Relax, Zach. I'll get it dry-cleaned. Problem solved." He snorted, still working on his fingers. "Does that make everyone happy?"
"Next time, Iwillfeed you raw food," Atlas said flatly, though the corner of his mouth lifted in a small smile.
Becca was giggling, enjoying the back and forth between the three of them. She started choking on her iced-tea, spitting some of the cool liquid from her mouth. Jacob reached over, patting her back. "Careful, babe. Don't die on me now."
She shot him a look, eyes still sparkling.
"Babe? That's new."
Jacob smirked. "What? Too soon?"
Her cheeks flushed, but she said nothing.
I leaned across the table, grinning. "See? I told you he's hopeless. He's falling bad, Beck. Protective and possessive."
She slapped my hand lightly. "I believe you're in the same boat. Atlas practically growls every time another man looks at you."
Atlas's eyes cut to me instantly, dark and dangerous. "She's not wrong. I've killed for you, and I'd do it again and again."
It's a good thing everyone sitting at the table knew what Atlas and Jacob did for a living, or people would have left scared shitless. He was right. A lot of men died because of me, thanks to my lover. I smiled to myself. Every single one of them deserved death for what they did. I slept like a baby these days, feeling nothing for any of the losers he ended.
Joey raised his beer. "To freedom, food, and our killer brother. We love you, Atlas. Exactly the way you are."
We all toasted, the sound of glass ringing out under the fading sun. I looked around me, taking everyone in. Atlas, Becca, Jacob, Zach and Joey. Just about a year ago, I couldn't bring myself to accept what Atlas did for a living. Now? The thought never crosses my mind. I pinned my gaze on him. My lover, kidnapper and protector. He always told me I was his kryptonite.
Now he's mine.
