Page 56 of The Rogue and His Flower

“Don’t you think you should?”

“Yes, and we will. Don’t worry, Drix. We’ve had several conversations about boundaries already,” I say, trying to reassure him.

He nods, then falls silent for a moment. “Have you told him?”

“Told him about what?”

“What happened to you as a kid? Your fear of the dark.”

I shake my head. “He doesn’t need to know. Besides, I have a bedside lamp. I use it.”

Drix stares at me, his eyes searching mine. “What about the nightmares?”

“I haven’t had any in months, and if it hadn’t escaped your notice Highwood Manor is huge. I doubt anyone will hear anything even if I do have one.”

Drix’s expression softens, his fingers still intertwined with mine. “I just worry about you, Daisy. You’ve been through so much, and I won’t be there should anything happen,” he says, his voice filled with concern.

“You’ve always looked out for me, but I’m okay, honestly,” I say, squeezing his hand reassuringly.

“I know you’re strong, but you don’t always have to be. Call me, any time day or night, and I will come. You know I will,” he says, reaching for me and pulling me into a tight hug.

“I know that, and I love you for it,” I reply, hugging him back.

“Love you too, Daise.”

“Now, you go home, go back to that beautiful family of yours,” I say, untangling myself from his arms.

“Okay. See you at Bandits Bar this weekend?”

“Definitely,” I reply, plastering on a smile as I step out of the car. Before slamming the door, I lean down and ask, “So, what’s the deal with Ben and Harlow?”

He frowns. “Ben and Harlow? Nothing.”

“I got the impression something was going on between them. Sterling looked pretty taken aback about the fact Harlow is singing at Ben’s bar.”

Drix blows out a long breath. “Yeah, he was.”

“So?” I press, my curiosity piqued.

“So you’re barking up the wrong tree,” he replies cagily.

My brows furrow in confusion. “But…wait, are you suggesting…?” He gives me a pointed look that confirms my suspicions. “There’s something going on between Sterling and hisstepsister?”

Drix pulls a face. “I’ve said too much already.”

“Wow, and here’s me thinking my situation couldn’t get any more complicated.”

“My thoughts exactly.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

DALTON

“Are you ready, Daisy?” I ask, knocking on her bedroom door and pushing it open without waiting for an answer.

It’s Saturday night and we’re about to head out to Bandits Bar to watch Harlow sing. Christ knows that I could use a drink, it’s been exactly one week since our engagement party and the first time we’ve been out together as an officially engaged ‘couple’ since I let the whole town know what I think of them. At least tonight we’ll be surrounded by friends. For the most part, anyway.

“Dalton!” Daisy exclaims, covering her bra-covered chest as I stand on the threshold of her room. It takes me about five seconds too long to look away, and I have to smother a smile at the heat flooding her chest and neck, pretty sure the shade matches her bra.

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