Page 479 of Dark Love

No mention of herself though. Dyce takes risks. “Backdown. And get your client to back down and disappear.”

“That’s going to be harder. Plant put her through the wringer. She’s not going to just let it go because I ask her. Maybe if I explain—”

Explain. “Not a word of this can be spoken to anyone. Especially her.”

“I know that, but it might—”

“Not a word.”

Dyce shrugs. “I’ll try, but what if she doesn’t listen? Maddox can only do so much to keep her safe on Willow Street.”

“If she doesn’t listen, call me. I’ll take care of it.”

“You won’t—”

“I suggest you don’t finish that thought.”

“Fine. Dahlia is nice.”

Like I don’t already know that.

“Too nice for you.”

Agreed.

“You should keep her.”

I plan to.

“And remind her not to let strangers in. It would have been all too easy for someone to walk right in.”

Not as easy as you think. “Now I have some dinner to enjoy. And you have to go get to know your tail.”

Dyce shakes her head. “And people wonder why I don’t like you.” Dyce saunters out like we just didn’t do battle.

Cinnamon Toast

Dahlia

“Maybe we should go back and grab the pot of soup?”

“Dahl, stop worrying. Imogene doesn’t need your food.”

I know that. I really do.

What if she doesn’t like me?

What if I flinch when I see her?

What if I can’t handle this?

Vex stops, swinging around to face me. “We don’t need to do this. There’s nothing stopping us from turning around and going back. We could spend the rest of the day in bed with the pile of books you’ve yet to read. Or we could go to a bookstore and find some new books.”

“Don’t tease me.”

“No teasing involved. I’ll get all the books you want if you turn around and leave.”

He’s afraid for me.

---