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But Arrow was real. He could elicit a range of emotions in me. Today, I saw a glimpse of joy I hadn’t seen in him before. There was another side to the dark and intense man I met a while ago. Not only that, but I also witnessed the change in me.

When he held my hand, it was like a key to something I didn’t fully understand. All I knew was that something unlocked inside me.

I didn’t need a man to make me feel safe. I could defend myself. But the protection and safety Arrow offered was more like a secure home where I could pour out all my secrets and fears and not be judged.

It was time to end it with Bullseye.

Bullseye:Hi.

Tulip:Hi.

Bullseye:How was your day?

Tulip:Good. Yours?

Bullseye:Not so chatty today?

Tulip:I won’t be logging in anymore.

Bullseye:Why?

Tulip:Busy

Bullseye:You seem different tonight.

Tulip:Had an exhausting day. But I figured out a problem. (smile emoji)

Bullseye:What kind of problem?

Tulip:A guy problem.

Bullseye:Want to tell me about it?

Tulip:Nope.

Bullseye:(sad face emoji)

Tulip:Thanks for being a good friend. I’ll miss our chats.

Bullseye:Me too. Chatting with you was the highlight of my evenings. (thumbs up emoji)

Tulip:Good night.

Bullseye:Sweet dreams.

Feeling better, I hopped into bed, grabbed a pillow, and wished that Bullseye would find his dream girl because I was already taken by the man who’d kissed me today.

CHAPTERFIFTEEN

ARROW

My visitto the Boston Casino in search of James Chin turned out to be some guy who looked like him from the profile, but when I got up close and sat beside him at the poker table, I knew it wasn’t him.

Nothing would stop me from searching for him. He’d pay for the stolen goods and damages. I’d add in a hefty interest rate that would be paid with physical pain. The fucker infuriated me, but compared to other issues at play, he was a minor problem.

When I got home, I showered, slipped into my boxers, thought about the kiss, wanted more of the kiss, and browsed Heartstrings to see what details had linked me to Vivian. She had ended the chat, and an air of sadness lingered after the screen dimmed. I could see my reflection on the phone, and it showed a man completely obsessed with a woman.

She’d had an emotional day, and it showed in the conversation. What was her guy dilemma? Was she interested in someone else? I raked a hand through my hair and let out a dry laugh. I’d never allowed a woman to get me worked up like this. It clouded my judgment, and who had time for that?