Page 340 of Dark Love

“Popcorn without butter is a sin. It should be criminal to make it this way.”

“It’s healthier for you.”

Healthier!?! This man is worried about healthy food—to be fair, he clearly works out and takes care of himself—but I’ve just been drugged, who cares about being healthy? “I need comfort food. And popcorn that tastes like Styrofoam isn’t comforting at all.”

“Do you want me to order you some popcorn with butter?”

Absolutely. “No. This is fine. But really, you should try some of the good stuff. It’s worth it, hardened arteries and all. Don’t tell me that all you eat are protein shakes, chicken breast, and vegetables. Fine, you’re smoking hot and all, but is it really worth not eating hamburgers and steaks? I think not.”

“Are you always this passionate about food?”

I shrug. “Mostly.” I eat some more Styrofoam... popcorn. It’s certainly not the worst thing I’ve had.

We both turn back to the game. Even though I really want to watch, my eyes get heavier and heavier…

You’ve Been There How Long?

Dahlia

Why can’t I hear the fan? I always need it on in order to sleep…

My eyes pop open. “It wasn’t a dream.”

“No Dahlia. It wasn’t a dream.” Vex is still sitting in the chair next to the bed, only instead of a baseball game, there’s football on.

“How long have you been sitting there?” The bowl of popcorn is empty and so is his glass.

“A couple of hours.”

Hours. I fell asleep for hours! And he’s been there the entire time, watching over me.

“Are you ready to eat a little something?”

Am I? My mind feels a bit more stable than before, even if last night is still missing. The nausea has abated, but there’s a vast crater in my stomach. “I think so.” But an urgent need makes itself known.

What am I going to do? Will my legs even hold me up as I walk over there? The blanket has thwarted me every time I’ve tried to move it.

What am I going to do? Ask for help. Every part of my body blushes. There’s no way I’m asking the sexiest and scariest man I’ve ever met to help me to the bathroom. Nope. I’ll die first.

That sentiment doesn’t have quite the same effect now that it almost happened to me.

What am I going to do?

“Are you feeling worse? Your face is all flushed.”

You could say that, but it’s not what you think.

“I should check your temperature, but Barb didn’t leave a thermometer.”

He’s going to make me say it. Seriously. Out loud.

Vex reaches into his pocket.

“No.”

He freezes.

“Ijustneedtogotothebathroom,” I mutter as quietly as humanly possible.

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