Page 48 of Poison's Promise

She nods, understanding. “I can’t imagine what you’re going through,” she says softly. “But remember, you’re not alone.”

“Sometimes it feels like I am,” I admit, running a hand through my hair.

Sydney offers a soft smile. “You have us... the band and Poison.”

I manage a weak smile, grateful for her words. “I know, Sydney, thank you. That means a lot.”

And it does.

Just then, the bus door bursts open as the rest of our group files in.

They’re loud and cheerful. Stories of their day tumble out in a flurry of animated banter and laughter that seems to fill the small space with a lightness that is very much needed.

Now, all I want to do is go get a damn drink.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Poison

The neon lights of the bar flicker, casting a glimmer across polished wood and sticky floors.

I lean against the worn wooden table, nursing a whiskey, my silver nail polish catching in the lights.

“Another round?” Dex asks, his voice cutting through the low hum of conversations and bad country music.

Sydney chats animatedly beside Gears, her laughter bright against the low murmur of conversations.

Dex taps his fingers rhythmically on the table, lost in his own thoughts.

It’s been an off night, nothing but beer that doesn’t hit the spot and dull conversations.

Gears grunts in agreement, his eyes scanning the crowd, always on alert. I think he takes this job way more intense than we do, just because Sydney’s his ol’ lady.

Asher stands across from me, eyes scanning the room.

His presence is magnetic, impossible to ignore.

He catches my eye and smirks, a cocky glint in his hazelnut eyes.

“Be right back,” he says, voice low.

He pushes off the wall and strides toward the bathroom.

My gaze follows him, tracing the lines of his athletic frame, the confidence in his steps.

“Didn’t think he’d show up tonight,” Dex mutters, snapping me back to the present.

“Yeah, well, you know Ash. Always full of surprises,” I reply, trying to sound nonchalant. But my mind drifts back to Asher, the way his touch used to make my skin tingle, the fire we could never quite extinguish.

“Hey, Poison, you okay?” Sydney’s voice breaks through, bringing me back in the moment.

She looks at me with concern, her dark eyes searching mine.

“Yeah, just thinking,” I say, forcing a smile. “It’s been a long week.”

“Tell me about it,” Gears grumbles, taking a swig of his beer. “Could use a night like this more often.”

“Absolutely,” I agree, but my thoughts are still on Asher—the way he looked at me, the promise in his gaze.

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