Page 70 of Fighting the Darkness

While I might not know who exactly it’s from, I know it must be from one of my men. “I have an idea.”

“Well, whoever it was, they have good taste.” She passes me the dress, and I already know I’ll be wearing it tonight.

It’s a darker shade of blue, but it has a smoky quality to it. I have no idea what color this is, but I’m in love with it. I quickly shuck the clothes I’m wearing, uncaring that my mom is standing there, though I do pause when I hear her gasp.

Glancing over at her, I see she’s staring at the bruise on my side. It’s ugly and a sickly shade of yellow. It’s from a hit I took from one of my sparring matches at the gym, and it’s mostly healed. It’s just at its ugliest stage.

“What happened?”

I wave off her concern. “You know I’ve been doing ballet. I lost my balance and fell into the barre.”

Mom stares at me for a moment, as if she doesn’t believe me, before nodding. “You should be more careful, dear.”

I just nod as I pull the silky material of the dress over my head. The cap sleeves of the dress highlight the muscle definition in my arms. It’s cut low in the front without being indecent, and the entire top of the dress hugs my body to my hips, where it flares out. I spin in a circle to watch the dress fly up, happy that it doesn’t flash my panties. It hits mid-thigh, so I was slightly concerned that might be an issue.

I love the way the skirt swishes against my thighs. I can’t wait to thank my guys for choosing the perfect dress for me.

“It looks like it was made for you,” my mom admits.

“I think I’ll wear it tonight.” I nod, still looking in the mirror so I’m able to see the confusion on my mom’s face.

“Are you going out again tonight?”

Turning to face her, I nod. “I have a date tonight.”

Her face lights up. “Anyone we know?”

“I’d rather not talk about it. It’s still new.” I hate lying to my mom, but I have no idea how to tell her I’m going out on a date with three men—one of whom shedoesknow.

“Okay, honey. I’m glad that you’re getting back out there again. Have a good time, but be careful. If you need anything, let me know.” With that, she’s gone.

As much as I loath to do so, I pull the dress off so I can get ready for my date. An hour later, I’m all dolled up and ready to go.

I grab the keys to my Land Rover and head for the door. The guys wanted to pick me up for our date, but I nipped that idea in the bud. The last thing I need is for my mom to realize I’m going out with three men, one of them being Wilder—which is why I didn’t tell her when she asked if she knew them. The guys hadn’t been happy, but they’d finally agreed that I could meet them at Griffin’s place.

It’s a fairly short drive, as he only lives about fifteen minutes from my parents’ place. His house isn’t nearly as obscene as my parents’ house, but it’s clear that he has money. Or at least had enough money to buy it at some point in time. I haven’t really mentioned it even though I’m really curious. I just feel like this thing between us is still so new. Or maybe it’s just that I don’t want to rock the boat.

The guys are waiting outside for me when I pull into the driveway. Each of them is holding a red rose, and they look delicious in their button-down shirts and jeans. I can’t help but wonder if they decided what to wear together, or if they just ended up in similar outfits. Maybe I’ll ask about it later.

Griffin moves to my SUV, opening the door and helping me out like the gentleman that he is.

“Wow, Freya, you look amazing,” Griffin breathes, his eyes perusing over me. I practically preen under his praise.

“Are you the one I have to thank for the dress?” I ask. He frowns, his confusion obvious. “It was delivered to me with a note. I figure it has to be from one of you.”

Griffin shakes his head. “I didn’t send it. Though I wish I had.”

“Is that for me?” I nod to the rose he’s still holding.

Griffin startles, holding it out to me. “Yeah, right. Sorry. I completely forgot about it when you stole the breath from my lungs.”

I flush as I pluck the rose from his hand, ducking my head. “Thank you.”

He grins, taking my hand and leading me to the others.

“Sunshine, you look beautiful,” Soren says, eyes wide as he hands me the rose he’s holding.

Wilder practically shoves his rose at me. “Breathtaking, cupcake. Absolutely breathtaking.”

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