Page 128 of Dark Love

How do women win any battles when they walk out to a sight like this? “You… um… didn’t have to sleep on top of the quilt. You have pajamas on.”

“Dahl, come eat your ice cream.”

“But Vex—”

“Dahl, I only have so much willpower.”

What does—Oh. I scamper into the bed and take the bowl he holds out to me. “Vex?”

“Yeah, Dahl.”

“Can I hug you?” There. That was certainly brazen.

His big arm wraps around my shoulders, and he pulls me in close.

The same warm, safe sensation runs through me like it does every time I’m in his arms.

This is right.

Everything about this moment is perfect.

“Vex?”

“Yeah, Dahl.”

“Do you think I’ll be ready for you to kiss me soon?”

“You’ll be ready when you’re ready.”

It better be soon. I snuggle into Vex’s shoulder.

Sleepy Head

Vex

If the dark circles around Dahlia’s eyes were anything to go by, she needed all this sleep. It’s been more than twelve hours since she fell asleep on my chest. Her untouched melted ice cream sits by the nightstand on my side of the bed next to my empty one.

I should read a book. Or turn on the television. Do anything but stare down at the locks of amber gold and chestnut hair splashed across me. The light has been shimmering on it since sunrise. Dahlia needs automatic blackout shades.

And a bigger library, if I’m going to keep a few books here.

Couples usually fight for closet space… are we a couple?

Dahlia is mine. Nothing else matters.

She starts to stir. Gently, I rub circles across her back to help her settle. It’s worked several times through the morning, even though it’s pure torture.

Instead of settling back into sleep, she lets out a small noise that’s a cross between a mew and a whine.

After years of practice, I’m able to stay in one spot without moving for hours on end, but this is the first time I’ve ever enjoyed being stuck in one spot.

Though what sane man wouldn’t kill to be right where I am, drinking in the perfume of Dahlia’s silky hair? The light coconut and berry scent reminds me of a tropical drink.

Does she want to go on an island vacation?

Dahlia in a bikini… I’d rent a private island to spend a week with her in a bikini. Rented islands come with staff. I’d buy the island. We could stay there all alone for weeks, doing nothing but—

“What time is it?” Dahlia whispers into my chest.

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