Dark Lonely Lies (The Denton Family Legacy 6)

“I don’t know if it’s safe there for him. I have my own little life and believe me, my little flat will not keep him safe.”

“I’m sorry,” Jade said.

“Will you be allowed a mobile, I mean, a cell phone?”

“It’s so cute hearing all of your British terms,” Jade said, laughing.

“Yeah, so cute.”

“I’m sure we can keep in touch. Landon will find a way for us. He’s that kind of guy. Resourceful. Useful.”

“You’re not angry with him anymore?” Tulip asked.

“Not completely. I’m not going to let him get away with it, but at least this is a compromise. He always said nice things about his brothers. Gabriel isn’t really his brother, but I’m hopeful, you know. He’s old, but not too much of a stranger to me, and it means Landon can keep an eye on me. I’m rambling now.”

“You’re nervous.”

“Totally nervous. Now, enough about me, what about you? Are you in love with Landon?”

Tulip opened her mouth, closed it, opened it again, and frowned. “I … I don’t know. I’m new at all of this.”

“Does it scare you?”

“Yeah, it does.” She shook her head. “Let’s focus on you and how good your life is now.”

Jade burst out laughing. “Please, my life is nowhere near perfect. There are a lot of faults.”

They both stopped as Landon came out, followed by Rick. From the looks on their faces, it wasn’t good.

Tulip got to her feet, as did Jade.

“What is it?” Tulip asked.

“We’ve got to go,” Landon said. “It’s not safe here and I’ve already put a lot of people in danger. I came to say goodbye.”

He wasn’t looking at Jade.

“Wait a minute. No, you’re not saying goodbye to me, are you?”

“I’ve got to leave.”

She shook her head. “No, you’re not leaving me behind.”

“Tulip, it’s safer for you here.”

“No. I wasn’t dragged across the world because of who I am for you to leave my ass here. Not going to happen. If you want to even think of trying that, I’m going to kick your ass.”

Landon grabbed her arms and pulled her to one side. She didn’t care who heard their conversation.

“I can’t risk you.”

“I don’t care. Look, I get it, you want to protect me but … leaving me behind isn’t protecting me, Landon. I’m coming with you.”

“It’s not safe.”

She grabbed his face and went on her tiptoes to kiss him. He didn’t push her away or fight her. He kissed her back. His fingers sank into her hair as she took what she wanted from him.

“You’re not going to argue with me, Landon. I’m coming with you whether you like it or not. You’re going to have to deal with having me at your side. If I belong to you, then this isn’t a hard decis