I rip the folder off my desk and shove it at his chest. “Assignement. I need this back ASAP.”
“Why? Got a hot date?” Alana turns her head, the corners of her lips lifting.
“I sign your paycheck,” I retort pointedly.
The couple glances at each other before they burst into laughter.
“Whew! You must be serious about this woman. I don't think I’ve ever seen you so worked up about anyone.” Connor wipes a tear.
“Did you see how defensive he was?” The intel expert nudges her boyfriend before mocking me. “I sign your paycheck.” She deepens her voice and leans side to side in a teasing manner before they both crack up again.
I deadpan. “Just get back to me when it’s finished.”
“Right, right,” Connor waves a hand. “You need all the extra time to—”
“Out.” I grit.
He pushes off my desk and takes his girlfriend’s hand. “Alright. We’ll see you around,Boss.”
Before the door can close, Alana shoots a smirk over her shoulder. “Can we get some details later?”
I sigh, hanging my head slightly. They're good friends, and they're only curious about what's going on with me. I’ve been far too aloof with everyone lately. “Sure.”
She smiles. “Take your time. When you're ready, we’re here. Try to get some more sun or something, Row. You stay inside too much.”
If that isn't the truth. I've been cooped up in this office for the past month, only going out for work. And Addison, of course.
“I’ll get out more,” I agree.
“Oh! We’re going to Dale’s later. Want to come?” She asks hopefully.
“Yeah, man,” Connor adds. “The twins will be there. They have some information about Theo.”
My brows lift. “Theodore? Dom’s Theo?”
Alana snorts. “He’s the only Theo we know. Is he still giving Dominic the cold shoulder?”
Theodore Reese, another assassin who grew up with us, has been traveling for the last year. Since he and his childhoodfriend, Dominic, had a falling-out over a woman, they haven't spoken. Theo chose to keep himself busy while Dom took over higher duties within the syndicate. As far as I know, the estranged assassin is off in Connecticut. At least that's where I wired his last paycheck to.
“As far as I know,” I shuffle some papers, cleaning up my space.
Connor rolls his eyes. “They need to just fucking kiss and make up. Things aren't the same without Theo.”
“He’ll come around when he’s ready,” Alana pats her boyfriend’s back before her eyes shift to me. “Coming with us?”
I stop what I'm doing, my gaze trailing to the photos messily crammed under my monitor.
“She’ll still be here when you get back,” Connor smarts.
“Fuck you,” I growl before grabbing my wallet and shoving it into my back pocket.
Space.
I need space. Going out and sitting with others should help me separate from this alternate reality I've created.
No matter how hard it is to just leave herthe fuckalone. I force myself out the door, resisting the urge to tuck one of the photos safely into my pocket.
This is for the best.
