Page 169 of Dark Love

When isn’t there?

“—that you are seeing someone.”

Why is this such a big deal? “I am.”

“How is that going to fit in with your work?”

It’s not. My world never touches Dahlia. “Not an issue.”

Maddox's brows wrinkle like he doesn’t believe me.

But I don’t work in a way that leaves any issues or witnesses. Excise the cancers and move on.

Dahlia won’t be an issue, but Max might be.

***

Don’t punch him in the face.

Don’t punch him in the face.

Don’t punch him in—

The door swings open to Max holding a cookie in his hand. “Vex. You want some cookies?”

Don’t kill him when you punch him in the face.

Just don’t kill him when you punch him in the face.

“They’re the best—”

“Max!” Talon steps up to the door and places a hand on Max’s shoulder.

“What, I was being friendly offering Nonna cookies to our guest.”

“You were seeing if you could get Vex to punch you at our front door.”

Max shrugs. “It’s just so easy. I can’t help myself.”

Talon shakes his head. “Ignore my son. He forgot that he has manners. Come on back to my office, and we’ll talk.”

Max falls in step with me. “Dahlia’s security system went offline this morning while she was at work. I’m going to assume that was you.”

“Why would you know that my woman’s security system went off?” Don’t kill him.

“Because I monitor every security system in the neighborhood. Did you install a new one?”

She’s not yours. Step back or I’ll make you step back. I don’t care who your family is. “Dahlia is taken care of. That’s all you need to know.” Control stinks at times like these.

“What is happening?” Talon doesn’t bother to wait past the door shutting.

“I’m here to offer a warning and ask for some tech.”

Max stops walking towards a leather chair. “What tech?”

“Yours.” I hand him the slip of paper full of meaningless letters.

“How do you know about this?” Max almost drops the paper.

---