Page 265 of Dark Love

“You’re throwing a party?”

The surprise in Hope’s voice makes me want to laugh.

“Of course we are. Look at all this food.” Mom swings her arm out across the island which is full of food we’re prepping and the table which is covered in cooling pies.

“My nonna makes this amount all the time. We have a big family that likes to eat.”

Mom’s jaw falls open.

“Hope, would you like to invite your family and everyone in the neighborhood?” I jump in even though it was fun watching Mom’s shock and confusion.

“Sure. I’ll go do that now.” Hope rushes off with my book in her hand.

As soon as she’s gone, Mom stops putting the chicken in and stares at me. “That’s Max’s daughter, isn’t it? Don’t even try denying it.”

Like I can lie to you. “That’s Max’s daughter.”

Mom walks over to the sink and washes her hands.

What does her silence mean?

“Would you finish the chicken and put it in the fridge? I need to go talk to your father in the library.” She walks away without waiting for an answer.

Imogene whistles. “You’re in so much trouble.”

The cookies can wait, but the chicken can’t. “And it’s only going to get worse.”

“Why don’t you tell your parents about him? You two are in love and all that.”

If only it was that simple. “What am I going to tell them? Hey, this is Vex, my vigilante boyfriend who kills people to keep the world safe, but every time he does it, he risks going to jail. But don’t worry, we’ll be happy together even if he ends up in jail for the rest of his life.”

Imogene stares at me for a long moment, then goes back to chopping the peppers badly. Cooking must be a new hobby for her.

My life is so messed up.

Someone Is Missing

Dahlia

“Go up and change for the party. I’ll finish down here.” Mom takes the spoon from my hand.

That’s it. I’m out of excuses and time to procrastinate. “It’s a little chilly out. I think I’ll switch dresses.”

“Dahlia Prudence Fleur, you are not wearing some sack that hides your body to this party. You’ve made so much progress. Why stop now?”

“Mom—”

“Were you about to give me some excuse?” Mom puts her hand on her hip and challenges me to talk back.

“What if they make fun of me?”

“Dahlia.” She wraps me up in her arms. “Adults aren’t like children. But if someone does, your father will throw them out after he gives them a black eye.” She leans back to look into my eyes. “You can’t let fear rule your life. Fleur women are made of sterner stuff than that. If they say something mean to us, what do we do?”

“Give ‘em attitude right back.”

“Exactly. Now go take one step forward.” She nudges me towards the stairs.

“Mom.”

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