Page 104 of Bonds of Obsession

“Don’t.” He cuts me off with another kiss. “Don’t you dare finish that sentence.”

I pull back from Atlas just enough to dig the burner phone from my pocket. His hands stay on my waist as I dial, and I’m thankful for that small comfort. I’m going to need it.

Malcolm picks up on the second ring. “This had better be important.”

“I need to use another votum.” My voice comes out stronger than I feel.

Silence stretches across the line. Then he says, “You’re certainly burning through them quickly.”

“Can you call the meeting or not?”

“You’re eager to test everyone’s patience, aren’t you?” His tone carries an edge of warning.

Atlas’s fingers dig into my hip. A reminder he’s there. That I’m not alone.

“My house is gone.” I keep my voice level. “My business is burning. I need somewhere secure.”

“Ah.” Malcolm’s voice shifts, taking on that smooth, dangerous quality I’m learning to hate. “And you think the Syndicate should clean up your mess?”

“I think the Syndicate should honor its vows.” I meet Atlas’s eyes as I speak. “Unless your word means nothing.”

Nico and Killian move closer, flanking Atlas.

“Watch yourself.” Malcolm’s words come out soft but deadly. “You’re new to our ranks. You haven’t earned the right to question my honor.”

“Then prove it. Call the meeting.”

Another long pause. I can almost hear him weighing his options and deciding whether to make this difficult for me.

Finally, he says, “One hour. The usual place.”

He hangs up before I can respond.

“Fuck.” The word comes out in a breath as I exhale and let my forehead fall against Atlas’s chest.

“We’ll be right there with you.” His words rumble through me.

“The whole time,” Killian adds.

Nico’s hand finds the back of my neck. “No matter what they try to pull.”

I nod against Atlas’s chest, drawing strength from the three of them.

We stand like that for a moment, the four of us connected. Then I lift my head.

“Let’s go.” I shove the phone back in my pocket. “We’ve got an hour to figure out how not to piss off a room full of killers.”

Atlas’s mouth quirks. “Again.”

In spite of everything, I feel my lips twitch. “Again.”

It doesn’t take long to make it back to Noctura. I’m pretty sure we’ve all memorized the route by now.

The basement feels colder than last time. Or maybe it’s just the way everyone stares as we enter, their eyes full of barely concealed annoyance.

“And we’re back again.” Cassandra’s lip curls, and she shares a look with Imogen before adding, “This should be interesting.”

I ignore her and take my seat. My men position themselves behind me as always, my wall of muscle in the viper pit.

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