and held it warm against him. “I’m confident in my status, so no, I’m not jealous. Still, show a little respect, brother,” Killian demanded on a grumpy growl, and Atticus’s smile dropped as he proceeded to shove his hands into his pockets.
“Yo, no disrespect, Addison. It’s just you’re, Addison Michaels. I had no idea Fitz was dating a supermodel known around the world.”
I grinned. “Yep. I get that a lot. It’s perfectly fine and thank you for the compliment.”
Atticus rubbed the back of his neck. “Guess I oughta get out of your hair…”
“No, no way! Killian just spent the day with me and my family. I’d love to get to know his best friend and I promised to cook tonight.”
“Well, I did get a four pack of chicken…” Atticus added.
“Perfect, then you’ll stay. Right, Killian?” I hedged.
My guy rubbed my shoulder then up my neck to the back of my head where he worked out a knot I’d been prodding all day. “Whatever you want,” he said and then kissed my temple. “You want to go get settled in the kitchen? I’m gonna have a chat with my friend here on the roof.”
“Uh oh, that means I’m in trouble.” Atticus snickered.
I smacked Killian’s bicep. “Don’t be causing any trouble, especially after your friend helped with Brutus today.”
“Yeah! I helped with Brutus and I picked up enough groceries to last a week. That’s gotta earn some points in my favor.”
Killian went over to his brother in arms and clapped him on the back smiling. “It’s all good. Brutus, let’s go, buddy.” He snapped his fingers and the dog followed him and Atticus toward the stairs in the far corner. I watched them ascend the first floor, go into the area that was filled with plants, and take the next set before disappearing from view.
I set about washing my hands from playing with Brutus and pulling together the ingredients to make my famous breaded chicken, alfredo noodles, and sautéed fresh green beans complete with a half a loaf of garlic bread.
By the time the guys made it back down from the roof the chicken was baking, the noodles boiling, and the veggies sizzling. I’d set three place settings after I located where all the items were.
“Beer, wine, or something else?” I called out as the guys approached.
“Smells amazing, Addy,” Atticus stated as he took a seat in front of one of the place settings.
“Thank you.”
Killian came around and crowded me from behind, wrapping his arm around my waist and planting a kiss to my bare neck where I’d pulled my hair up and out of the way while I cooked. A little tremor of arousal slid down my spine.
“I’ll get it. What do you want?” Killian said.
“Do you have white wine? It would go really well with the chicken.”
He nodded and went to the wine fridge I’d spied earlier but hadn’t catalogued yet. He grabbed a sauvignon blanc and opened it, pouring a glass for me alone. The guys both went for beers.
I finished up and plated the meals, then set one in front of each man before leaving the last one for myself.
“Gorgeous and can cook? Brother, you won the lottery with this one,” Atticus said then quickly shut his mouth and hummed in pleasure around a bite of chicken.
“I put the other two halves on both your plates, but you don’t have to finish them both.” I came around the counter and took my seat next to Killian at the ninety-degree edge, so I’d be able to see both Killian and Atticus at the same time. He really needed to get a huge dining table. There was plenty of room for it and if we ever had my family over, we’d need at least a twelve-seater.
Realizing where my thoughts had run, I quickly sipped my wine, washing away the permanence of that imaginary scene in my head and focused on Atticus.
“All right, Atticus, tell me all the embarrassing things you know about Killian.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Heat.
An unbearable heat surrounded my entire body. Sweat dripped down my hairline and along my spine. My legs were twisted, held down, pinned. I couldn’t breathe. Duct tape prevented my screams. I pushed against the sticky surface with my tongue, the texture shredding my tastebuds.
Air.
I couldn’t get enough air.
White-hot fire burned against the tender flesh of my arms and I screamed out in agony, only no one would hear it in that dark place.
I thrashed against the blaze, each one feeling like a sizzling red fire brand