Page 217 of Dark Love

Why is there a tattooed arm next to her?

A man’s tattooed arm based on the muscle definition. A woman would need to be a bodybuilder to get those lines.

Taylor better be doing his job!

Me: Status update

Taylor: She’s by the pool with her friends.

Me: Why is there a man harassing her?

Taylor: What? My guys saw no harassment.

But he didn’t say there wasn’t a guy sitting next to her. I’m going to kill someone. Tear them apart with my bare hands. Make them regret even thinking about approaching my woman.

Taylor: Did Dahlia say she was being harassed?

Me: No.

But that doesn’t mean she isn’t being harassed.

Me: Who is sitting next to her? I want him gone.

Taylor: Can’t do that. He’s not bothering your woman. She’s safe.

There’s a man next to her. She isn’t safe.

Me: Get rid of him.

Taylor: Can’t do that. She’s safe.

My hands flex into fists, almost cracking my phone. If Taylor was here, I’d have put my fists into his face.

This is getting me nowhere. Maybe Dahlia will have some answers for me.

Me: Having fun?

Say no.

That’s selfish. I want her to be having fun, even though I want to keep all her laughter and smiles for myself to cherish them like the treasures they are.

Dahlia: Yeah. Most of us hit the pool. But a few of us are gossiping and getting words.

Me: Oh? Who’s there with you?

That didn’t even sound close to me wanting to get to know her friends.

Dahlia: Dylan, Harper, Fiona, and Daria are all allergic to the water like me.

How many men are in this little group of hers?

Dahlia: Oh… One of the other girls brought a guy. I’m not sure if they’re in a relationship, but they should be. He writes poetry and seems sweet.

Poetry?

I hate this guy already.

Me: You think it’s romantic for a guy to write poetry?

---