Page 461 of Dark Love

Vex stops on the stair in front of me, blocking my path down. “You’re getting a new security system. And I’m paying for it.”

“You really aren’t good at compromising, are you?”

“Not even a little bit. Your safety is important to me. When I’m not here, I need to make sure you’re safe.” Vex brushes a finger across my cheek.

“You know that’s cheating, right?”

“I play to win.”

Irritating man. “Fine.”

Vex chuckles. The doorbell rings and his face changes. “If you lived anywhere else, you wouldn’t be answering the door.”

“Has anyone ever told you that you’re kind of sexy when you’re overprotective?”

“Dahl, we have company.”

“Next time we stay at your place.”

“Done.”

Everything is irritating, including the sexy smirk on his face. “Stay here.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He winks, and my tummy does a somersault.

It’s too early in the morning for all this. I storm down the last flight and a half.

What is Hope doing here? I swing the door open. “Hey.”

“Hi. Sorry, did I wake you up?”

“No. I was up.” Just barely.

Hope raises an eyebrow at me.

Fine, I’m still in a robe and my hair is doing its impression of a rat’s nest. “No one likes a showoff.”

She giggles.

“I’m surprised you aren’t grounded.”

“Oh, I am VERY grounded. But Dad said I could come over and check on you before my official grounding started.”

Very grounded doesn’t sound good. “I’m sorry. Do you want me to go over and talk to your dad?”

“Nah. It’s not as bad as it sounds. I have to stay home for two days with no phone or television.” She fake pouts. “And I can’t go climbing for a week.”

“Oh my, so harsh.” I grin back at her.

“Dad is a softy. But Nonno almost lost his mind, even though he understands I went to protect a friend.”

“And you shouldn’t be running around with a gun and a knife.”

She tips her head to the side. “Why not? It’s my gun. Nonno gave it to me when I was eleven.”

Eleven!!!!

“I’m a better shot than everyone, even my dad. Well, that’s not quite true, Aleksei and Sascha are better than me, but not by much. Nonno said I could be a sniper if I wanted to.”

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