Page 21 of The Bitterness of Venom

"Because it can get you killed." I don't know why I even care if he dies. But that's a lie. He cared for me once. He was my safe space.

"What the fuck have you gotten yourself into, Freckles?" he whispers.

"Nothing that you can save me from."

The rest of the ride is silent and he doesn't stop me as I head for the psychology building. I take my usual seat in the back of Professor Adam’s class before pulling up today’s lesson in the portal.

We’re analyzing a patient today. Seeing if we can figure out the diagnosis. It's a complex case of bipolar one. I submitmy answer before class starts and retrieve my phone, leaning down in my seat and pulling my hood up to hide my bruised face.

Clint: I'm sorry about last night, little one. Let me make it up to you.

I ignore the message, going to the next one.

Master: Once upon a time, my doll came to my scrimmage and sat right behind my goal.

I see someone stole my phone and changed their name.

I change it to his full name.Desmond Rickman.Nothing special and no effort.

Blaise: Once upon a time, the hockey player fucked off and allowed me peace for one day.

Desmond Rickman: There is no peace as long as I'm alive, baby.

I pocket my phone, ignoring the waybabymakes me feel. It shouldn't cause the moths in my stomach to take flight. Because, let's be honest, nothing as beautiful as butterflies could ever live inside me. The door opens, and a murmur spreads through the class that causes me to look up. I see Desmond and sink farther into my seat, hiding my face with my hoodie. But I should have known better. Known he would find me no matter what. He takes the seat next to me, pushing my hood down so I look up at him.

"You're giving stalker vibes, Rickman."

He hums, pulling his laptop out and setting it in front of him. I peek over to see he has the class portal pulled up. I frown. Has he always been in this class? Surely not. I would have noticed him, wouldn't I have? He quickly typesbipolar onebefore submitting his answer.

He grins over at me, and I snap my eyes to the front. "Why are you doing this?" I sigh.

He leans over, tugging on a loose strand of my hair. "Because I finally have my doll back, and I'm not letting you out of my sight ever again."

The moths soar at hearing this, but something else accompanies it. Something twisting in my stomach, feeling a lot like barbed wire. Cutting me from the inside out.

Destiny meetsme at the hockey rink. Showing me which goal is ours and taking a seat beside me. I did put my armor on for this, my makeup and contacts. "Shouldn't you sit near the team?" I ask over the music playing through the speakers.

She makes a face at the girls behind the box, then shakes her head. "Nope."

It's crazy how many people are here for just a scrimmage. You'd think it was important and counted for something. Everyone, including Destiny, is decked out in royal blue. Not me. I opted for… wait for it, black. I know, shocker. But it's colder, so at least I had that foresight. I have a big sweater on that hangs off one shoulder, my boyfriend jeans and my boots paired with it. I braided my pink hair into two space buns. And I was able to cover up my bruise.

Destiny bobs her head to the music. SomethingJasper would appreciate. In fact, the team heads on to the ice. I read the names on the back of the jerseys as they do warmup drills. Elisha is number 27. Jasper is 10. And of course, Desmond is 13. I should have known that.

They do some weird stretches that have me thinking inappropriate thoughts. And then I spend the rest of the game confused.

FOURTEEN

Guys who saythey can see their significant others in a crowded arena are liars. That's why I put her behind my goal. So, I would know where she is without being distractedwonderingwhere she is. The rest of the team has already taken quick showers and left the locker room. Excited to celebrate the win. But not me and Jasper. We haven't even undressed from the game yet.

Looking over to him, an idea comes to me. I pull out my phone, sending off a quick message before strippingdown, tying a towel around my waist and leaning against the lockers as I wait.

A few minutes later, the door opens slowly. Blaise peeks in, looking around and only finding me. Instead of giving her time to think it over, I grab her hand, pulling her into the shower room with me. I push her into the shower across from Jasper’s. He pauses, looking over his shoulder, and I grin, stepping in after her, leaving the curtain open so he can watch. Fucking learn. Understand she ismytoy. Not his or anyone else's.

Blaise stares up at me with wide expressive eyes and my cock stiffens. She's fully clothed but that doesn't stop me from pulling my towel, hanging it up outside the stall. "Pants. Off," I say.

But she's not listening. Her eyes are too busy drinking me in. The way her tongue peeks out and wets her bottom lip snaps my resolve. I grip her pants myself, undoing the button and zipper, pulling them down her devious, thick thighs. Fuck, she's so hot. I want to sink my teeth into the flesh and leave my mark all over them.

She gasps when I turn the water on us, her sweater sticking to her skin as I turn her around, facing Jasper who watches with a mixture of jealousy and want. Good. That's what I want. Him to be jealous he can’t touch what's mine but still wanting to. Knowing he'll never have a chance.

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