Page 508 of Dark Love

“You read D. P Flowers' mystery novels.”

“Yeah? Payne got me one as a gag gift.”

Gag gift. My books are a joke to him.

Vex shrugs. “Turns out Flowers writes a great mystery. He’s become one of my favorite authors, if you can’t tell.”

That was a roller coaster of emotions in a single long moment. You can do this. You can tell him. “None of your books are signed.”

“Flowers doesn’t sign his books either. Reclusive mystery authors seem to be a thing. Why?”

It’s now or never. “I thought you might like one.” I hold the book out to him with trembling hands.

“Dahl, I have all—” He grabs the book out of my hands. “—Where did you get this one? Flowers isn’t releasing this for two months.”

Two months and three days, to be exact, but who’s counting? “That’s an Advanced Reader Copy. Authors give them to friends, influencers, and loyal readers.”

“I know what an Advanced Reader Copy is. How did you get this?”

Why is he making this so hard? “Just read the inscription.”

Vex flips the book open. His wrinkled brows sharpen into harsh lines. “Is this your way of telling me about another man?” He stalks away from me.

Man? Vex thinks… He thinks… Uncontrolled laughter bubbles out of me. “You do know that women can write mystery novels. I’ll have you know that most cozy mysteries are written by women.”

“Women… Flowers… D.P. Flowers… is Dahlia Prudence Fleur.”

And I thought my man was sharp. Jealousy really does block all rational thought in men.

“You wrote these books.”

“Sure did.”

“Is DuPress your last boyfriend? Is that how you got all of his books signed?”

“Dylan? You think Dylan was my boyfriend?”

“Well, was he?” Vex practically growls as he walks towards me.

“Don’t you get all grumpy and growly with me. Even if it’s totally sexy.”

“Don’t play games with me, Dahl.”

“I tell you one of my biggest secrets and you think I’m playing games with you? That’s rich. Whatever this jealous streak is, you better learn to get over it, and quickly. I’m not living my life with you constantly jumping up and threatening violence any time a man so much as looks at me.” No matter how amazing it sounds on paper. “I love you. You’re the only man I have ever said those words to. And you’re the only man I ever will say those words to. Now shut down the outrageous jealousy once and for all.”

“The only man.” He takes a step closer. “Say it again.”

“I am certainly not saying it again on demand.” Irritating man. Two can play at this game. I square my shoulders and take a step forward. “You say it again.”

“Dahl.” Vex stops moving.

“How many women have you told that you love them?” I take another step forward.

“Dahl.” Vex takes a step back.

“Well?”

He steps back one more step until the backs of his legs bump into the couch we were laying on a short time ago. “No one. I’ve never told another woman I love them, because I’ve never loved another woman but you.”

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