Page 474 of Dark Love

Maddox lets out a loud breath.

“But this isn’t a two-bit operation. You need to get her to back off. I can’t have her caught in the crosshairs and in my way.”

“You know how Dyce is.”

We both do all too well. “Tie her down if you need to. I don’t care.”

“Anything we can do to—”

“Just deal with her. I’ll take care of the rest.”

Maddox nods, ending our business.

I stand up to walk away.

“There’s a rumor going around The Street—”

When isn’t there?

“—that you are seeing someone.”

Why is this such a big deal? “I am.”

“How is that going to fit in with your work?”

It’s not. My world never touches Dahlia. “Not an issue.”

Maddox's brows wrinkle like he doesn’t believe me.

But I don’t work in a way that leaves any issues or witnesses. Excise the cancers and move on.

Dahlia won’t be an issue, but Max might be.

***

Don’t punch him in the face.

Don’t punch him in the face.

Don’t punch him in—

The door swings open to Max holding a cookie in his hand. “Vex. You want some cookies?”

Don’t kill him when you punch him in the face.

Just don’t kill him when you punch him in the face.

“They’re the best—”

“Max!” Talon steps up to the door and places a hand on Max’s shoulder.

“What, I was being friendly offering Nonna cookies to our guest.”

“You were seeing if you could get Vex to punch you at our front door.”

Max shrugs. “It’s just so easy. I can’t help myself.”

Talon shakes his head. “Ignore my son. He forgot that he has manners. Come on back to my office, and we’ll talk.”

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