Page 30 of Dark Love

Dahlia

My head throbs as I try to blink my eyes open. Blinding light pierces my eyes, sending shooting pains through to the back of my head.

Never have I hurt like this before.

“You’re safe Dahlia. You’re safe.”

Safe from what? Why wouldn’t I be safe?

My eyes fully open, and I try to focus on the room around me and not on the painful light. “Why does it hurt so much?”

A warm hand engulfs mine.

“That’s the drug wearing off.”

“Drug? What drug? Was I in an accident on the way home?” Nothing feels broken.

“No Dahlia, you were drugged in my club?”

Drugs?

Myclub?

Vex?

Colors and shapes take form as my fuzzy brain starts to process my surroundings. “Vex?”

“I’m right here. You’re safe.” He squeezes my hand.

Safe… “You make me feel safe. This is a really weird dream.”

“It’s not a dream, Dahlia.”

“But it has to be. You’re sitting next to my bed. Vex doesn’t like me. He wouldn’t be in my bedroom.” Why does everything hurt so much?

“Dahlia, you’re not in your own bed. But you’re safe. I promise you, you’re safe.”

Why does he keep saying that? Why wouldn’t I be safe? “Dream Vex doesn’t make sense. My head hurts.”

“That’s the drugs. It’ll get better in a few hours. Here, have some water.”

A cool glass touches my lips. Water runs over my parched lips, relieving my dry mouth. It’s pure bliss.

The glass lifts away.

“Thank you.” The fog of sleep moves over me.

***

Mmmm. Something smells intoxicating. Earthy and warm with a hint of spice and… Why does my bed smell like a man? I push up into a sitting position and the world spins as my throbbing head protests.

“Take it easy. Nice and slow movement.”

That’s a man’s voice. In my bedroom. My eyes pop open. “VEX?”

“It’s okay. You’re safe.”

Safe? “What is going on? Why are you talking about me being safe? And why are you in my bedroom?” That last question came out more as a screech.

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