Page 66 of When Sinners Fall

Dante hasn’t said anything, and the knot in my stomach that he might not appreciate the call for help grows. And grows. “Are you going to say anything?” I burst.

He stands and looks at me.

Keeps looking at me.

“A little bit fucking upset?” he snarls.

That's not good.

“Yes, but Dante, it’smethat needs help. This is important, and it’ll be a disaster if the flowers aren’t there and-” Another half snarl stops my mouth. “Please?”

“You had me worry because of fucking flowers?”

I nod. I mean, what else is there?

His head shakes, but a smile does start emerging on his face.“Okay. What do you need me to do?”

“Oh great,” I sigh. “Right. We need to load up. Open up the van. Miss?” I look to the florist.

“Abi.”

“Great, Abi, start loading. We need to get this show on the road.”

She scuttles into action, and my eyes flick up to Dante, who still hasn’t moved. Another wave of dread hits, but he just gives a little shake of his head again and goes to open up the van.

Several back and forths later, all of the individual flowers for decoration and centrepieces are loaded into the back of the van in their transport vases.

“What’s next?” Dante comes back in, and his shirt sleeves are rolled up, exposing the tattoo I love so much, and also a bandage.

“Just these. Careful with them.” I hand him the bride and bridesmaid bouquets, draping him in flowers.

I turn with the box of buttonholes and come to an abrupt stop.

Dante Cortez is standing in the middle of a florist, with his arms full of beautiful wedding flowers. It’s an ironic sight on so many levels, but one that brings a smile to my face. I even feel like laughing. How can I not? After all, he did come to help me, and he’s not complainedtoomuch.

And right now, he looks sexier than ever.

That little question from Abel about love pops into my head.

“What?” Dante asks straight-faced.

“Nothing. Just, thank you.” I lean over, careful of the flowers and kiss him.

“Motherfucker!” He pulls away.

“What?” I step back in alarm.

“Thorns.”

I look down and see a trail of blood running down his forearm. “I told you to be careful.”

CHAPTER TWENTY - THREE

DRAGON

Fifteen minutes into an early morning workout and Wren enters the room with a towel wrapped around her. She leans on the wall and watches me lift weights. Just stands there like she’s got something to say but isn’t about to say it. I’m not making that any easier for her. She’ll need to keep it zipped or get it out and suffer the potential consequences. Especially after yesterday. Helping her with flowers for a wedding?

Not my scene.