Page 214 of Dark Love

“My biggest accomplishment this year was moving back to Urbium.” There’s vulnerability in his voice.

Moving shouldn’t have been a big deal for me, but it was. Why was it as hard for him?

“Okay, now can we go to the pool?” Piper looks around at the group.

A pool day it is.

Too Perfect

Vex

Me: Stay out of trouble.

Dahlia: I’m not trouble.

Me: Love you, Dahl

Dahlia: Love you, Darling

I set down my phone and stare at the gym walls. Every instinct screams at me to go to Vegas. To be by her side, protecting her from the evils of the world. Instead, I’m going to pound on the speed bag until my arms feel like wet noodles and then work out some more.

She’s safe. Taylor’s men are some of the best in the world.

As much as I’m paying for the service, I can ask for updates whenever I want.

Me: Status update

Taylor: She’s in her suite, which is now on a locked floor with controlled access.

Taylor: There are 12 people with her. All were screened.

Dahlia’s safe.

That should calm me down, but it doesn’t. This is going to be my life for an entire week. A simple workout isn’t going to be enough to keep my mind calm.

Whatever Shock got himself into might help a little bit, but I’m going to need more than that.

A distraction.

Possibly a violent one.

I could spar with Payne.

Me: Wanna go a few rounds before our meet?

Payne: Sure.

Payne: Let me ask Imogene

Women. They change our lives so much. A month ago, Payne wouldn’t have hesitated to say yes to a round or two of sparring. Now he has to clear it with Imogene, and I wouldn’t even think of sparring if Dahlia was in my library.

Payne: Sounds good. My place or yours?

We both have well-equipped gyms.

Me: Yours.

No need to put Imogene out.

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