Page 59 of The Hellkeeper

"Who's that for?"

"Margaret."

I gape at him. "You like Margaret?"

He shrugs and hands the florist his card. "She took my girl in."

His girl.

"Margaret is going to think you have a crush on her," I tease.

"Anything to get me extra points with you."

This man is perfect, if you overlook the fact that he’s a stalker and a hitman.

Back in the car, I hug the bouquet closer to my chest.

"You're going to be the death of me," he murmurs, almost to himself.

I snort. What did I do? Appreciate his gift? Is that so bad?

The rest of the drive is silent. But when he parks in front of the restaurant, nerves have me ready to babble; anything to stall going inside.

But I’m involved with an absolute bulldozer of a man, and he just grabs my wrist and drags me in.

I’ve never been this nervous to see Margaret before, but now the dark shadow that used to haunt me walks beside me, no longer hidden. He’s here, in the light, for everyone to see.

Margaret stands behind the counter. Her brows lift when she sees Damien. Her gaze slides to me, curiosity blooming in her expression.

“Amelia,” she says, “and...?”

“Margaret, this is Damien,” I mumble.

Damien steps forward and offers her the bouquet. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Amelia speaks highly of you.”

“Well, aren’t you charming?” She takes the bouquet. “I didn’t know Amelia had a boyfriend.”

“She’s full of surprises.”

I try to change the subject. “I’m sorry I’m late.”

“It’s fine. Everything’s handled,” Margaret reassures me.

She leans in, whisper-yelling. “And, my dear, where have you been all night?”

Kill. Me. Now.

“Busy,” Damien says, not even bothering to hide that he was eavesdropping. “With me.”

Margaret giggles like a schoolgirl. “Oh, I like you. You make her blush.”

"I should get to work," I blurt out.

"Of course, sweetheart," Margaret says, still grinning. "But Damien, you're welcome here anytime."

In a split second, everything changes. I think it’s a reminder that people like us don’t get happily ever afters.

Glass explodes. Screams rise.

---