Page 56 of Dark Love

“Hello, Crystal. How are you today?” He gives her a friendly nod. His lips tip up slightly but don’t quite make it to a smile.

“Wonderful.” Hers gets even wider. “Nic loves the beer you sent over. I can’t believe you were able to get it. We haven’t been able to find it anywhere in Urbium.”

“Glad tohear that.”

Vex got a present for this woman and—based on the two rings on her finger—her husband.

“I have a room all set up for you and your friend.” Her eyes move to me for the first time. They’re assessing. She doesn’t miss the fact that I’m wearing Vex’s clothes or that my hair doesn’t have a speck of product in it. “I’m Crystal. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Prudence, but please call me Prue.”

“Vex said this trip is all about you. What are you looking for today?”

To run home and hide. I certainly don’t want to explain what I want to her. “We can just wander around and browse.”

Her face falls like I broke her heart.

“What Dahlia means is we’d love your help to look for several outfits for her. Dahlia is just a bit shy.”

Crystal perks up.

Several? “Just one. All I need is something to wear today.”

“Oh?” Crystal’s gaze moves back to my outfit.

“All my clothing was ruined, and Vex kindly lent me something to wear.”

Crystal leans forward and conspiratorially whispers, “Vex is one of the kindest men I’ve ever met. Don’t let his scary exterior trick you.”

“He does seem like a nice man.” I smile over at him. “But I haven’t known him very long.”

“Shall we walk and talk?” Crystal motions to me.

I let go of Vex’s arm and move to her side. “So how long have you known Vex?”

“Since I was a child.”

It’s interesting that she didn’t mention Vex being one, too. “Oh really? Then you’re the one to ask for all the dirt on him.”

She freezes. “No. I’m not. But I can tell you some good things about him that others don’t know.”

“Crystal,” Vex all but snaps.

“Don’t worry. His bark is worse than his bite… mostly.” She winks.

Vex takes my hand and squeezes it as the three of us step into an old manually operated elevator. Every piece shines like it’s brand new, even though it’s got to be a hundred years old.

We step off onto a floor labeled women’s wear, and Crystal takes the lead.

“So why didn’t you want Crystal to tell me good things about you?” I whisper so that only Vex can hear me.

“Because I’m not a good man, and I don’t want you to ever say I tricked you into thinking I was.”

What a peculiar answer. Most men want their good points shouted to the rooftops. They don’t lead with their flaws.

She stops just in front of the first section of clothing. “Now, I know you mentioned wanting to wander, but if you give me a clue as to your style and sizes, I can expedite the process.”

“Think sexy librarian,” Vex answers before I can.

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