Page 102 of Dark Love

“What do you want to watch?” I hold up the remote to establish dominance.

Her brow wrinkles as she stares at it hard. “Normally when I’m sick, I watch Anne of Green Gables or Pride and Prejudice, but I doubt you would enjoy either of those.”

“Pride and Prejudice sounds good.” We aren’t to the point that I will admit to enjoying Jane Austen’s books, but I can let her think I’m being kind. But this is actually a test.

The version of Pride and Prejudice she picks says a lot about her.

“Are you sure you don’t mind? It’s just that I know every word, so if I fall asleep, I won’t feel lost when I wake up.”

“Not at all.” But if you fall asleep, you’re waking up in my arms regardless of where you start out. I’m not enduring this much torment without that small reward.

“I prefer the longer version. It’s listed on my favorites.”

In no time, the movie is playing. I’ve strategically placed the candy and popcorn on my legs so that she needs to move closer to me. Dahlia almost immediately scoots over until she’s close enough for me to wrap an arm around her.

That will come later, though.

“This popcorn is amazing.” Dahlia grabs a handful.

“That’s because there’s real butter on it. Not the chemicals that you’re used to.”

“Heath nut.” She grins as she shoves them in her mouth.

I’m not quite that militant. This is my chance. “You have some good taste in beer.” I tip the bottle to my lips and contemplate ways to kill the man she bought it for.

“It’s my dad’s favorite.”

Her dad’s… The hate burning in my throat fades away. “He has good taste.”

“That’s what everyone says. I order it from a small brewery near where they live.” She yawns.

Now’s the time to make my move. I stretch my arms out and feign a yawn. My left arm settles down lightly on her shoulder instead of by my side.

One…

Two…

She cuddles in close without my assistance.

The only thing stopping today from being perfect is the pain that keeps her from fully relaxing against me.

Sugar Crash

Dahlia

The muted tones and sharp wit wake me up from the sweetest dream. Vex was cuddling puppies while watching children toddle around.

I’ve been spending too much time with the Vincentis.

A cramp twists my pelvis. A groan escapes as I move my hand towards my abdomen. Only my hand isn’t on my bed or even on top of my covers. It’s resting on an impressive set of abs.

“You okay?” Vex’s voice rumbles through his body into mine.

No. No. I’m not okay. I’m a mixture of sheer bliss and abject humiliation. Mixed together, they come nowhere close to okay.

I just pictured the man I fell asleep on caring for our babies. And we haven’t even been on a real date.

Not to mention he’s a murderer.

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