Page 129 of Dark Endures

“They’d take a bullet for me.”

“That I could tell.” And probably use a few to protect her, too. Not that I’m any different. Waiting for confirmation that Adonis was the one who did this to her is taking far too long. It’s tempting to put him in the dungeon to wait it out.

“I want you to know. I feel the same way about you as I do about them.”

What? I almost fall down. Did she just friend-zone me? I want to shout with rage. Or ask her what she meant by that. But I can’t handle the answer she might give me.

How can she not feel the same way I do?

We’ve literally moved in together seamlessly. No fights. It’s been nothing but smooth conversations. It’s like we were made for each other.

Can’t she see that? “I like your friends.” They just need to stay away from Fea. I can’t have all the women in my life ganging up on me.

She stumbles.

I reach for her, stepping closer so she can lean against me. “Time to go back to bed.” That sounds so amazingly sexy, if it wasn’t a hospital bed, and every inch of her body wasn’t covered in bruises.

Soon.

She needs to heal.

“It doesn’t matter how much you pout. You need your rest. Plus, dinner should be here in a minute or two.” It’s hard to say no to her.

“Fine, but only because you bribed me with a good meal.” Mindy hobbles back towards the bed.

“How about a game? I thought we could try Reversi.”

“Oh, that is almost as fun as chess.” Her smile is infectious.

“You know I’m not going to let you win just because you're broken.”

“Like you let me win anytime. No excuses when I whoop you.”

I grin. “A man needs to do something to avoid having his ego bruised.”

“Yours is big enough to handle losing to a girl once in a while.”

I wouldn’t mind losing to you for the rest of our lives. “Tonight, I’m going to win.”

“We’ll see about that.”

***

“I was obviously distracted.” Mindy stares at the board.

“It’s possible.” But then I’m always distracted when you’re around.

She pops a chocolate-covered raisin in her mouth. “We’re going to have to play again.”

Not happening. You’ve yawned seven times, and you’re listing like a drunken sailor on that one elbow. “Time for bed.” That’s probably the only reason I won Reversi.

“It’s always time for bed.” She pouts.

A little kiss… I could be weak for one moment and kiss her.

Why do I do this to myself? “I’m going to go get ready for bed. Be right back.”

Trapped

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