Chapter Three
Rowan
“There he is!” Noah, one of the twins, announces when I step into Dale’s. He’s about the same height as me, but ridiculous when it comes to his hair and looks. Long brown hair that falls to his shoulders is neatly styled and swept back from his pretty-boy face. He’s the lankier of the two, but just as strong as his twin in every way.
They’re a lethal duo.
Which is why I'm surprised when I don't see the quiet and curt twin, Simon, lingering around.
“He’s out on a job,” Noah smiles brightly before attempting to wrap his arms around me. I stand still as he pats my back affectionately. “Boss man! Good to see you again!”
“Simon didn't communicate that he was taking a hit.” I’m not thinking about Addison.I’m not.
Noah only smirks. “Because he took a job with a construction company. Believe it or not, but my brother is in love. Since your rule change, he found himself a girlfriend in New York.”
Fuck.
“Who?” The question comes out quick and defensive before I can stop myself.
The assassin blinks. “Uh, her name is Mavie. She’s a real sweetheart. I'm sure he’ll send in the paperwork to move her onto the compound if he decides to come back.”
I release the breath I was holding and try to banish the thoughts of brown hair and sun-kissed skin. This isn't the place for that. I have a lot to catch up on, and already, Addison has taken over the forefront of my mind in every way. “I’msorry. I need a fucking drink.”
Noah’s eyes crease, “We have just the thing for you.”
He leads me over to the table where Connor sits with his arm wrapped around Alana’s shoulders. He’s already two beers deep and peers intently at his significant other as if he can't get enough of her. Alana has to feel his stare boring into the side of her face, but doesn't comment on it as she talks to Thalia.
I do a double-take, once again surprised when I see my sister sitting on the other side of the table. Her eyes, a few shades lighter than mine, shift to me, and she lifts a brow. “What?”
“You’re back?” I take the seat next to her.
She intertwines her fingers and rests her elbows on the table, giving me a scheming smirk. “Losing your memory, Old Man? Or are you justdistracted?”
“I’m not old.”
“Thirty is old. If you’re anything like Dad, that's middle-aged.” Thalia shrugs.
I try not to flinch at the mention of our father. All these years, and I still can't shake the trauma response that comes with hearing mention of him. “You didn't turn in your report—”
“I did first thing this morning, Row.” My sister rolls her eyes. “Can you not be a stickler, for once? Let me tell you how I killed this guy.”
She did? How do I not remember this?
Right. Addison.
“Thalia,” I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose before rubbing a hand over my face, “this is a job. I’ll see it in your report.”
“Come on, Thal,” Noah plops down on the other seat beside her. “He’s supposed to be unwinding. Something’s up his ass.” The assassin raises a hand, catching Dale’s attention. “Rounds until someone has to drag us out of here!”
The elder bartender scowls at him. “I know what Rowan is like when he’s drunk. That’s a hard no.”
I rub a hand across my eyes. “I can't get drunk. I have work to do—”
“Hey,” Alana taps the table, getting my attention. “We invited you out to get your mind away from work.” The whole time she speaks, Connor brushes her curls away from her face, safely tucking them behind her ear before kissing her neck in a sickly sweet gesture.
“You’re so fucking beautiful,” he murmurs.
Her lips tug upward as she scolds me, and her boyfriend continues his affection. “Loosen up. Drink a few beers. You don't have to get drunk, but youneeda break.”
