Page 530 of Dark Love

We all watch as Valen walks over to where Piper is seated. “Is that true? Would you like to have lunch with me?”

I nudge Piper, hoping to elicit some response. Or remind her that there’s a world outside of Valen’s eyes.

“Yes.”

Even Valen’s smile is beautiful, with just the right amount of perfectly straight teeth showing. He holds a hand out to her.

But she doesn’t take it. “I can’t.” Piper looks down at her bathing suit and up at his formal outfit.

“If the fact that I’m overdressed bothers you, I’d be happy to remedy that.”

Is he going to strip in front of all of us just to make Piper more comfortable?

“I have a spare dress you can wear, Piper.” Sheridan grabs her monstrous bag. She could have almost anything in there. Including the kitchen sink. “We’ll be just a moment.” Sheridan grabs Piper and pulls her back to the cabana, where there’s a private changing room.

“So, what brings you to Vegas?” Garnet twists to face Valen.

“Business.”

That’s a cagey answer.

“What do you do?” Savie sets her needles down.

And it’s official, he’s getting the third degree before lunch.

“We don’t have time for easy questions. Just ask him if he’s killed anyone?” Stella drops that little bomb.

“Well?” Savie asks.

We all turn to Valen.

“You’re all very good friends, it seems.”

“It seems like you don’t want to answer our question.” Stella raises an eyebrow, challenging him to answer.

“Criminals go to jail, and I’m not in jail.”

“Smart criminals go undetected all their lives.” Garnet has an answer for everything.

He chuckles. “I can promise you that no harm will come to your friend when she’s with me.”

That I can actually believe.

What’s with scary men showing up everywhere all of a sudden?

“Okay, she’s ready.” Sheridan opens the cabana door with a dramatic flourish.

A whole new Piper stands in front of us. All the pink in her cheeks compliments the soft floral sundress. It’s loose and flowy, highlighting Piper’s delicate features.

“Shall we?” Valen holds out a hand again, and this time Piper takes it.

When they’re out of earshot, Stella sighs. “Do you think they’ll fall in love?”

Maybe Stella should have decided to write romance.

Watching Valen and Piper becomes our new favorite show until Colin arrives back.

“Well, what did you find out?” Garnet asks before he’s fully seated.

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