I examined his words and nodded. “Life wasn’t simpler, exactly, just more familiar.”
I didn’t have to add that the bullying was part of what had made it more complicated.
“Everyone is worried about how you are reacting to all of this, even if they don’t say it,” he breathed out. “We’re worried you’re going to get some time and space to think about everything you’ve been told today and—”
“Freak out?” I grabbed his hands as he put the photo down.
“We aren’t good men, Dahlia.” Lincoln grit out the words like he felt obligated to say them but didn’t want to. “You know we will always be good to you, but we have changed a lot over the years, and exposing you to that darkness is probably the only thing that has scared me in a very long time.”
“It doesn’t scare me,” I admitted softly.
“It should.”
“You don’t scare me, Lincoln.” I grasped his face between my hands. “I should be more bothered by it, I know I should. But I’m not. You guys are more important to me than the mortality associated with your actions. If that makes me crazy… well then I am.” I shrugged. “Plus, honestly, it does the opposite of freak me out. That video? Especially with a jerk like Greg? Yeah, opposite of freak me out.”
Lincoln’s eyes flashed dark. “And what’s the opposite for you, Dahlia?”
I ducked my head as he let out a low rumble and stepped into my space. I went to answer, but he silenced me with a kiss.
“I lied, don’t tell me right now,” he decided. “If you tell me you’re turned on by violence, I’ll have you bent over that bed and screaming my name in seconds.”
“Linc!” I squeaked as he tugged my hand towards the door, flashing a devious smile at my reaction.
“Plus, you’re probably still sore from earlier,” he rationalized.
“Lincoln Gates!” I exclaimed at him calling me out, as he laughed at my use of his full name.
“Come on, Dahlia, we have an FBI agent to talk to.” He scooped me up and I scowled, not actually mad. Although I was starting to think this conversation would have been better than the upcoming meeting.
Too late to get out of it? Considering the dark SUV I could see pulling up in my driveway, I had a feeling so.