Page 66 of Dark Love

There’s no other ending to this story but to walk away quietly. I grab my own purse, leaving the half-dozen stunning purses that showed up in the devious man’s closet.

Though it was tempting to take one as a beautiful memory of the man who cared for me.

But that wouldn’t make it right.

Phone in hand, I walk out of the bedroom door, ready for whatever the day has in store for me.

“Morning.”

I practically jump out of my skin. “Vex!”

“So, it takes you a while to wake up. Breakfast will help.”

Breakfast. I can’t eat breakfast. A meal negates the slinking out. How am I going to say thank you?

How am I going to say goodbye?

I can’t do this.

I can’t do this. It’s all pretend.

Goodbyes are real.

I can’t do this. But I have to.

The man I turn to find standing in the kitchen is devastatingly handsome. “I don’t eat breakfast.”

“So, you’ve said. But I don’t think anyone should go to work without eating a little something.”

Glaring at him would be wrong. Very wrong!

“What if I sweeten the deal?”

There’s nothing that makes breakfast better. “Oh?”

“You get this—” He lifts a steaming to-go cup. “—if you eat this.” And the other hand holds a plate with something green on it.

“Are you trying to con me into eating healthy food while I’m still mostly asleep?”

“More like bribe you. Is it working?” Vex moves closer. “The healthy food is avocado toast with pastrami, blueberries, and granola.”

“That sounds weird.” Very, very weird.

“It’s strangely delicious. I don’t cook very often, so you need to take advantage of one of the meals I do make.”

“Avocado toast doesn’t involve cooking. It’s more like preparing.” Interesting food tempts me more than it should.

“Don’t nitpick. Now, do you need to smell the cocoa, or are you going to be a good girl and eat your breakfast?”

“I hate breakfast. Does it really taste good?”

“Forest Explorer’s honor.”

There’s no way Vex was a Forrest Explorer. I giggle. “I still hate breakfast. And I’m really late for work. How about I just take the cup and leave you the green stuff?”

“No deal.” Vex moves the cocoa away. “One bite for one sip.”

My nose wrinkles. “I’m going to be late.” But I don’t want to leave either.

---