Page 225 of Dark Love

“Business.”

That’s a cagey answer.

“What do you do?” Savie sets her needles down.

And it’s official, he’s getting the third degree before lunch.

“We don’t have time for easy questions. Just ask him if he’s killed anyone?” Stella drops that little bomb.

“Well?” Savie asks.

We all turn to Valen.

“You’re all very good friends, it seems.”

“It seems like you don’t want to answer our question.” Stella raises an eyebrow, challenging him to answer.

“Criminals go to jail, and I’m not in jail.”

“Smart criminals go undetected all their lives.” Garnet has an answer for everything.

He chuckles. “I can promise you that no harm will come to your friend when she’s with me.”

That I can actually believe.

What’s with scary men showing up everywhere all of a sudden?

“Okay, she’s ready.” Sheridan opens the cabana door with a dramatic flourish.

A whole new Piper stands in front of us. All the pink in her cheeks compliments the soft floral sundress. It’s loose and flowy, highlighting Piper’s delicate features.

“Shall we?” Valen holds out a hand again, and this time Piper takes it.

When they’re out of earshot, Stella sighs. “Do you think they’ll fall in love?”

Maybe Stella should have decided to write romance.

Watching Valen and Piper becomes our new favorite show until Colin arrives back.

“Well, what did you find out?” Garnet asks before he’s fully seated.

“Valen Linckester won’t hurt Piper. But he probably won’t stick around long either.” Colin reaches across the table for a sour licorice. “Where is Piper anyway?”

“He asked her to eat lunch with him.” Savie points her needles in that direction and then reaches for a jelly-filled shortbread.

Is anyone but me wondering how Colin found out so much about this guy in such a short time?

“Since she has all of you watching over her, I think I’ll go for a swim.”

“That’s not a good idea right now,” Keely warns.

“Why not?”

“Because the spicy romance authors arrived.” Savie smirks. “They’re already eyeing you up since you’re sitting with us. But if you take off that shirt of yoursand venture away from our protection, they’re going to talk you into being a cover model for them.”

Colin chuckles. “I think I’ll just stay right here for a while.”

He would have made a good cover model to be fair.

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