Page 168 of Secret Weapon

“And now you’re happy.”

Again, I wasn’t going to commit.“That’s possible.”

“You realise that staying at my place is an option, yes?You don’t have to rent an apartment.”Now it was Alex’s turn to look unsure.“Unless you want to.”

“It would be a big step.”

Alex nodded.“So I’ll ask a question.When I come to Baldwin’s Shore, do you want me to stay in a hotel?”

“No.”

“That’s how I feel about you renting an apartment in Richmond.”He brushed hair away from my face.“The nights when we’re three thousand miles apart will be hard enough.”

“So it looks as if we’re moving in together.What’s next?Matching slippers?His ’n’ hers bathrobes?”

“You act as if Bradley isn’t out buying all that crap already.”

“Did I mention that I’m also proficient in arson?”

Alex plucked me off my feet and carried me toward the beautiful staircase.I didn’t even fight him, probably because we still had one hundred and forty-three condoms left and only two years to use them.Although with me spending half my time in Richmond, they’d only last… Never mind.We could just buy more.

“I love you, Dashenka.”

Fuck it.

“I love you too.”

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