I drew in a breath, watching her line up to bowl her ball.
I’d never wanted someone’s heart before. But I wanted hers. This woman—this small, fierce woman—was mine. The missing piece of me.
With Lark, I was myself. She knew my history, everything I’d done. I had nothing to hide from her.
And I knew she had the strength to stand with me, and stand up to me.
I’d never pictured realizing I was completely in love with a woman, and I’d definitely not pictured it while standing in the middle of a bowling alley.
She swung back, took a step, and tossed the ball. It rolled at top speed down the lane and knocked down all the pins except one.
“Yes!” She threw her arms up and did a victory dance.
This. I wanted this. The quiet moments where I could make her happy. Life didn’t always have to be life and death.
“It’s not over yet.” I took my ball.
We bowled, we laughed. She celebrated her strike, and pouted at mine.
I won the game, but only by a few points.
“You only won because of that lucky strike at the end,” she complained.
“Skill, not luck.” I slid an arm around her shoulders and led her out of the bowling alley. My plan was to feed her before she lost herself again trying to find the Red Ribbon Killer.
“I’ll get you next time,” she promised.
We walked onto the casino floor. I figured we’d grab something to eat from some of the casual dining options out by the casino shops.
It was busy this evening. All the tables were packed, and there weren’t any empty seats at the slot machines.
“Looks like you’re making lots of money tonight,” she said.
“It does.”
“Then you can give most of it away.”
“I don’t need it all. Have you been digging?”
“Yes. I know everything about you, Sebastian Thorne. You hide it well, but I found out about all your charitable causes.” She leaned her head against my shoulder. “Who knew the Reaper was such a nice guy.”
“I’m not a nice guy,” I said, offended.
She grinned. “Yes, you are.”
“The donations are tax deductible.
She made a scoffing sound. “You’re just a big softy.”
I hauled her closer. “Take that back.”
“No.”
“I think you need another spanking.”
She shivered. The blood in my body went south to my cock.Damn. I needed to get her back to the penthouse.
Then she stiffened, looking past me.
