Page 55 of Dark Love

Vex blinks twice.

“People don’t often say no to you, do they?”

He raises an eyebrow like that’s a stupid question.

“I don’t like people telling me what to do. My mother says I’m a bit stubborn like that.”

He doesn’t move a muscle. The sandwich stays right there between us, hovering like a challenge.

Do I eat it or do I explain to him the thoughts running through my head? I take the sandwich.

Vex nods.

“But don’t think you’ll always get your way.” Between the buttery pastry and the gooey cheese, I can almost pretend it isn’t semi-healthy. I hold it out to him. “Thank you.”

“Take another bite.”

“You’re awfully bossy.” To be stubborn, I take the smallest bite… more like a nibble. “There.” I hold it out to him.

“We’ll have an early lunch.” He takes the sandwich back and tucks my hand into the crook of his arm.

We’re walking again, it seems.

Picking a store shouldn’t be this hard, but we walk half a city block before I find one that will suit me. “Can we go in that one?” I point across the street to the first moderately priced store that has modest clothing.

“No,” he says simply and keeps walking.

“Why not?” It’s perfect.

“Because those clothes aren’t for you.”

That tells me absolutely nothing. “I can assure you, I’ll find something in that store to wear.”

“We aren’t going in that store. End of discussion.”

He calls that a discussion? Men.

“We’re going in there.” His eyes move to the building that takes up almost a whole city block across from us.

One of the fanciest stores in the world. I’ve been in there once or twice… to buy a purse, but never to buy an entire outfit. Designers around the world vie to have their clothing stocked in there. “Um, Vex—”

“That’s where we’re going. I promise you’ll find something you’ll like.”

That isn’t in question. I like practically everything in there—except some of the more off-the-wall styles—but those price tags are going to hurt.

Stop stressing. You can afford to buy an outfit regardless of the price. It’ll sting a little, but when are you ever going to get to go shopping in a place like this with a man like Vex by your side ever again?

Never. That’s when.

Enjoy the moment. It’ll be an odd memory that you can share with the little old ladies in the retirement home. “I know I will.”

Devious Man

Dahlia

Vex chucks the wrapper into the bin right as two men open the doors for us. It’s grand, ostentatious, and perfect for this place.

A woman right around my age rushes up. “Good morning, Vex.” She smiles like she knows him.

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