She frowns. “And you let him?”
“I’m honestly okay.” I try to soothe her anxiety as I take her hands in mine. “I’ve always been a little reckless. Maybe this is something I don’t mind being reckless about?”
Her expression gentles as she sighs. “It’s all moving so fast…”
“Coming from the woman with a forged marriage certificate and a massive rock on her finger,” I smirk.
She gives me a withering look. “Atlas and I are different. We knew each other growing up—”
“You knew each other for a year when you were teenagers, Lox. People change. Atlas could have been a totally different person. Which he is, but you didn’t let that stand in your way. Maybe I want a chance at my happily ever after, too?” I shrug.
Her shoulders fall as her features soften. “Oh, Addie, I wasn’t meaning anything by that. I just want you to be safe. If Rowan makes you happy, then I’m overjoyed for you. You know I’m just looking out for you.”
“I know,” I smile before wrapping my arms around her in a tight hug. “Thank you for being here for me.”
She rubs a hand over my back. “Of course. And if this doesn’t work out, you always have a room at my house.”
I pull my lower lip between my teeth, still embracing my friend as my voice comes out in a soft whisper. “That’s what I’m afraid of. I think I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”
Loxley goes still before pulling me back and holding me at arm’s length. “Where you’re supposed to be?”
I nod.
She blinks. “Are you in love with him?”
Oh, that’s the million-dollar question. I still think it’s too early to call this love, but I know that’s where I’m headed. My heart skips a beat at the sound of his voice, and I feel like I’m floating. Maybe I am crazy with how quickly I’m hurtling, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing.
“Maybe,” a fond expression tugs at my face. “It’s still early, but I’ve never had a relationship flow so…easily.”
Lox lifts a brow as she pulls away and places her hands on her hips. “Drugging you, kidnapping you, and locking you away is your idea ofeasy?”
I wince, my lips pulling over my teeth exaggeratedly. “Okay, our start was rocky, but I’ve never met anyone who gets me. I feel like Rowan understands me more than any of my past relationships have. It’s different with him…”
She softens, sighing as if a weight's been lifted. “As long as you’re happy, I’m happy.”
I wrap an arm around her shoulders as we walk back into the kitchen. “You really are the best friend a girl could ever ask for.”
She winks at me before her stupid, big husband scoops her up. Atlas is all smiles as he crushes Lox to his chest.
“It’s good to have you here, Addison.” He says genuinely. “It’ll be nice to have you as a part of our fucked up little family.”
“Thanks, dick head,” I smirk, remembering the talk I promised myself I wanted to have with this fool. “Don’t hurt my girl. I was here before you.”
He chuckles as he holds a hand up in surrender. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
Thalia rolls her eyes as she pops a hip against the kitchen’s island. “Is anyone going to help me mix these mimosas?”
“Come on,” I grab her shoulders before steering her to the table. We make a pitcher of the mixture, and I have to refrain from throttling the assassin as she attempts to pour the whole bottle of champagne into it.
The smell of breakfast fills the house, and nostalgia touches me for the first time in a long time. A life I once cherished resurfaced, and I feel my dad in this home as my new friends and I all gather around the table.
Connor and Rowan set out plates of bacon, French Toast, and a savory casserole dish to top it all off.
“This looks amazing,” Alana praises as she eyes the food hungrily. “You’ve done it again, Row Row.”
My boyfriend gives her a warning look as he takes his seat at the head of the table. “That nickname is reserved for one person.” His eyes find mine before he pats the chair beside him, and I walk around the table to take my designated seat. As I ease onto the chair, he pulls it closer to him, and our knees bump.
“Dig in,” Rowan waves at the others, but his eyes never leave mine as chatter fills the dining room. Everyone around us is busy eating and conversing, but Rowan and I are stuck in our own world.
