Page 477 of Dark Love

“You trust him that much?”

“With the lives of my family.”

That’s high praise from a Vincenti. They trust no one with family and kill if you even look at their family in the wrong direction. I half expected retributions for wailing on Max, but Talon seems to think we’re funny. “Fine. But everyone reports to me. And no one makes a move without my say-so.”

Max snorts. “No one tells Kamenev what to do.”

“That’s the deal. I walk away now if you can’t work with it.” They both know I will. If I say I’m going to something, it’s as good as done.

“Agreed. I’ll arrange a meet with Kamenev as soon as he’s back in the country.”

I nod.

“Where should I meet your hacker?”

There’s a gleam in Max’s eyes. He’s going to try to steal Shock from me. “Wednesday at three my office.” Shock rarely gets up before noon.

Max nods.

“Tell me what you know,” Talon demands.

***

Fifteen minutes. Dyce has been in Dahlia’s house for fifteen minutes, doubtlessly filling her head with all sorts of truths that I wanted to avoid.

The short walk from the Vincenti’s house to Dahlia’s feels endless.

What has she told Dahlia?

No one knows my whole story, but there’s enough out there for Dahlia to never see me the same again.

This is what helping people gets you… a heap of trouble. I shoot a message over to Maddox.

Me: I told you to keep an eye on her.

Maddox: Tail is in place. She’s in Vincenti Territory. She’s safe.

Me: I know. She is at my woman’s place.

Maddox: Told you she doesn’t listen.

Me: Now I’m going to have to take care of her.

Maddox: That’s my cousin.

Me: I gave you ample warning.

Maddox: Don’t cross the line.

There is no line when it comes to protecting Dahlia.

Me: Noted.

There will be repercussions. Hopefully, Dyce gets smart quickly.

Normally, I would play the game of knocking on the door and asking to come in, but who knows what Dyce has already said. I let myself in, which is far too easy since Dahlia didn’t put on the deadbolt. That’s another conversation we need to have.

Laughing voices echo over from the kitchen.

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