Page 43 of Dark Soul

He felt her hand relax infinitesimally.

“But they’re going to think—“

“They’re going to think I like you, Alexia. Okay?”

A small smile crossed her face. “Do you?”

Dark nodded.

I like you, and I’ll burn in hell for it.

“I do. I haven’t taken you back yet, and already all I can think of is when I’ll get to see you again.”

He held on to Alexia’s hand as they made their way down the stairs. He could feel she needed that support.

In the living area, Slate and Rogue sprawled in front of the TV, watching the news. Ash was in the kitchen, slicing something. Griffin sat in the armchair by the window, a book in his hands.

At least he’s holding it the right way up.

Dark knew they were all pretending not to know Alexia was there.

Alexia cleared her throat.

“Hi,” she said, uncertainly.

“Everyone, this is Alexia,” Dark said. “Alexia, that’s Slate and Rogue by the TV, Griffin, by the window, and Ash, in the kitchen.”

Those who were sitting down stood up politely and said hello, but didn’t make a move to get any closer. It was clear that they could read the discomfort in Alexia’s expression just as easily as Dark could.

“I …” Something flickered in her eyes as she looked from one man to the next. “You’re all … writers?” she asked. She looked confused. Dark sighed. The men’s casual clothes did little to hide their muscular bodies, or the intensity in their expressions.

Surprisingly, it was Ash who stepped forward, offering Alexia his hand.

She looked at the scar down his eye, then at the thick, gnarled hand he offered, hesitating for an instant. Ash waited patiently until she made up her mind and shook it. He was careful, gentle even, held her hand only for an instant before letting go again.

Standing behind Alexia, Dark glared at the man.

“You know Criminal Minds?” Ash said easily.

Alexia nodded. “Of course. I used to love that show. Procedural crime drama at its best.”

Ash literally puffed up. “We wrote a lot of that.”

Alexia’s expression cleared up, her mind clearly on the show now. “Wow. Okay. I guess I should be asking for autographs or something.”

“Hardly,” Ash said.

“We’re working on a new script now,” Rogue said, coming to stand beside Ash. “Writing a part for Hugh Jackman.”

Dark just about slapped his forehead with his hand.

Hugh Jackman?

“That’s …” Alexia laughed. “I’m sorry. I don’t know anything about television scripts, but I know who he is, of course. That sounds huge.”

“It is,” Rogue agreed, letting his Australian accent come through.

“You hadn’t said anything,” Alexia said, turning to Dark.