Page 160 of Dark Love

“Dahl, I’ll be there.”

“You didn’t even ask what time it is.”

“Doesn’t matter. You want me there, then I’ll be there.”

Oh.

Oh. That’s a relief.

Sort of.

What if Max is right and Vex beats up Adonis?

Pillow And Bookshelves

Dahlia

“You know there aren’t enough bookshelves for all of these books.” Vex slides a book into the bottom shelf, filling it to capacity.

The never-ending piles in the middle of the room have made this abundantly clear. “I know.” What am I going to do? “When I first bought this place, I thought it would be big enough. Then my parents started bringing the boxes over from their attic. Now I don’t know what to do.”

“We could put up more shelves.”

Just like that. He says it like putting up shelves is as easy as going to the store and buying a table lamp. “Absolutely not. I cannot handle the hassle of contractors.”

“And if contractors aren’t an issue?”

How could they not be an issue? “Um. Where would they go? The walls are full.”

“We could put one row down the center or if you think you’ll be getting significantly more books, we could make several aisles.”

Hmm. “Wait. We? Have I mentioned I’m clumsy and not mechanically inclined? I tried to nail in a picture frame and managed to bruise my thumb and put a hole in the wall.” The soft smile Vex gives me would make me agree to almost anything… except manual labor.

“Shelves aren’t hard. How about I put them up and you supervise and bring me snacks?”

That sounds fair. “Is this going to be another one of those things you try to pay for to irritate me while being incredibly sweet?”

“Definitely.”

“Vexing.” It’s so tempting to stick a tongue out at him like I’m still five. “Where did your name come from?” I’ve heard some interesting names in my life but his doesn’t feel like a real one.

“Dahl.”

Oh, that’s not a good Dahl. That’s a back away we’ve hit a serious topic. But isn’t that what this weekend is about? “I know you live a scary life. And I’m not asking you to share it all with me. Just why are you called Vex?” That shouldn’t be a big ask. It’s not like I asked his body count… either body count. Neither of which do I ever want to know.

“You really don’t want to know.”

Probably not. “Tell me anyway.”

“It’s not a pretty story.”

Vex needs something silly to break up the stress and worry. “Hold on one second.” I jump up and run out of the room.

Everything I need is right up in my bedroom and the kitchen. I dash back into the library, dropping a half dozen pillows on the floor.

“Dahl?”

“Be right back.” On my second trip, I pile an armload of quilts on top of the pillows. The last group of stuff I shove into a bag and dash back up the stairs.

---