To Die For - Davidson King Page 0,64

one he can threaten.”

It was almost sad to hear that from Ciro, and I had a million questions for him. I’d always considered him my friend, and he always had my back, but he was a secretive man too. I never asked about his life and by giving him that respect, I got little tidbits here and there.

“That just means he’ll hurt you directly,” Sparkles said and Ciro chuckled.

“I’d love to see him try.”

“Well, I wouldn’t.” Sparkles went over to Tank and petted him. I could feel the sadness pouring off him.

“Give me a few minutes with Sparkles, and then I’ll go.”

Ciro nodded and walked into the kitchen to give us some privacy. Sparkles had his eyes trained on the dog, but I knew he was aware I stood behind him.

“We’re going to figure this out.”

He turned slowly, eyes lifting to meet mine. “I thought I had last time, and do you see where that got me?”

Carefully, I brushed my thumb over his bruised cheek and smiled. “Last time you did it by yourself; this time you’re not alone.”

He leaned forward, his forehead resting on my chest. “Would you think less of me if I said I was scared?”

“No.” I caressed the nape of his neck. “It’s smart to be scared. I don’t think Dorian is afraid, and that will be why he fails. You need to feel fear in order to conquer it.”

He looked up at me, cyan eyes smiling. “You’re sort of amazing, Max Fazio.”

“And you’re completely amazing.”

He chuckled. “Always trying to one-up me every single—”

I shut him up with a kiss. I loved how he tasted, and I knew I’d miss this, even if it was temporary. When we pulled apart, there was a lingering sadness, knowing we’d have to stay away for a little while.

“Be safe,” I said.

“You too.”

I couldn’t stay any longer. I knew if I did, I’d never leave and that could get us both hurt. With one last kiss, I walked out of Sparkles’s apartment, leaving my heart behind.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Lane

It had been three days since Max walked out of my apartment. I’d avoided Joker’s Sin, knowing that seeing him would make it difficult. Ciro had been with me, or one of his guys was always in the wings. I felt safer. Even if Dorian did manage to get his hands on me, I’d have backup or they’d get help. I’d kept to the apartment or the studio and to keep my mind busy, I had just about finished packing it all up. The studio, on the other hand, was tricky. I hadn’t told Nolan and Alexandra a whole lot of what had been going on. They knew some, but I would have to inform them about the upcoming move.

When I entered the studio that morning, Alexandra approached me with a worried expression. “What’s going on?” It was all the opening I needed to tell them the rest of the story.

Nolan and Alexandra listened without interruption. I saw the moment they both had no problem with the move or doing whatever we had to do to make Dorian disappear.

“I wish you’d told us sooner,” Alexandra said as she hugged me.

“I knew some but not all that.” Nolan joined the hug, making it a threesome, and I chuckled at the thought.

“I didn’t want you two to get hurt, and if I’m being completely honest, I didn’t want you two judging me.”

“Judging you?” Alexandra pulled away. “You did what needed to be done. I’m in awe of you, Lane Ashley!”

“Same,” Nolan added, and we all hugged once more.

The rest of the morning and afternoon was teaching classes and a small lunch where the three of us sat on a blanket on the floor, eating deli sandwiches and talking about what our favorite Netflix shows were. It was the first time since Max left that I didn’t feel utterly shattered.

It was nine that evening when Ciro replaced the guy who was watching me. He said he’d stay out of the way, and I told him I didn’t mind the company.

“But we don’t want Dorian knowing you have anyone watching you.”

I knew he was right. “You’ve been thinking for almost four days, have you come up with anything?” I asked as we walked into my office. He scooped Tank up from his doggie bed and hugged him close. Tank made everyone turn to mush…except Dorian.

“I have some options. I’m thinking—” The sound of the bell indicating someone had arrived surprised me. Nolan and Alexandra had both left half