Page 192 of Making Choices

I swallow his unspoken promises.

Breathe in his adoration when he finally allows me to draw oxygen.

My eyes fly open when he rasps, “Tell me you love me most?”

I shake my head.

“You shouldn’t lie to your husband.”

“Carter, please…”

His gaze scans my face. I wilt under his scrutiny. He exhales and shakes his head. “You’re gonna be the death of me… us.”

“No,” I vow. “You and Zeke will be fine. I’ll make sure of it.”

“Now who’s makin’ promises they can’t keep?”

Before I can respond, my husband reignites our kiss. As I battle to keep him from devouring me alive, I realise that I like thinking of Slash as my husband. It powers me on. Helps me shake off the knowledge that I’m betraying Zeke right now.

I suck the piercing that decorates the tip of his tongue.

Rake my teeth over his snake bites.

Lick the blood that wells when I accidentally break his skin.

For a few minutes, all the reasons why this is wrong elude me.

I allow Slash to grow roots in my heart.

Right next to Venom.

Then, the hooting and hollering of the club breaches the tranquillity and reality comes crashing back in. I pull away from him. He gazes at me with wide eyes full of love. I swallow down the lump that wedges in my throat as shame invades me.

Zeke.

I can’t forget about him.

I can’t allow my feelings for Slash to destroy their bond.

“Don’t beat yourself up, duchess. I’m not the good guy here.”

His statement makes no sense to me.

“Carter,” I whisper. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have—”

“He’s pleadin’ guilty, Cherub.”

“What?”

Slash slides me down his body as he sets me back on my feet. His erection presses into my stomach when he steps close and uses both hands to smooth my tousled hair away from my face. I peer up at him, confused and disorientated, until he smiles sadly and drives the final nail in any hope we had of surviving this marriage with our hearts unbroken.

“Venom’s pleadin’ guilty to killin’ Alex.”

My bottom lip trembles as I whimper, “No.”

“He cut a deal this afternoon.”

“God.”

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