Page 182 of Dark Love

But then I’d have to live in dread of yet another Friday. “Thanks, but no. I’ll just take a few minutes to decompress and head back in.”

“Whatever you need.”

What I need is for all the creepy men in the world to disappear. But I’ll settle with texting Vex for a while.

Not that I’m going to tell him about this little incident. He doesn’t seem like the type to handle what happened rationally.

Me: Hey!

Vex: Hey, Dahl!

Don’t ask him how his day is going.

Me: Looking forward to dinner tonight.

Vex: Where are we going?

Me: A steak house around the corner from my work.

Vex: Seems like it’s about time that you tell me where you work.

Why have I kept it a secret for so long? It’s not like I’m embarrassed by this job—the other one, I don’t want anyone to know about ever. Maybe because a crime lord and a 911 operator doesn’t sound like a good match.

Me: I work at a call center answering phone calls.

Vex: Why didn’t you tell me that sooner?

Just tell him already. Pull off the bandage.

Me: I answer 911 calls.

Vex: WHAT?

Me: I help people.

Vex: Dahl!

Me: It’s an important job, and I like doing it.

Vex: We’ll talk about it later.

Oh no, he didn’t.

Me: We aren’t talking about it.

Vex: Yes, we are.

Me: If my job is up for discussion, so is yours.

Vex: You aren’t keeping a job that isn’t safe.

Me: What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.

Vex: It’s not the same thing at all.

Me: How is it different exactly?

Vex: You’re mine.

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