Page 50 of The Bitterness of Venom

Cracking my neck, I relent. “Fine, but I will have you.”

I would court her and show her how much she means to me. This isn’t how our story ends.

I do leave her alone.Or, at least, to her knowledge. I watch her from the cameras in the penthouse. Often send Destiny over there to make sure she’s not lonely. I even sent that fucker Jasper over to put in a good word for me. What I don’t do is show up for practice. I begin tumbling out of control. Which is why I sit on the bench during one of the biggest games of the season. But fuck, who cares? She’s not here in my jersey cheering me on. Hell, she’s not even responding to my texts.

I can feel the beast inside of me slowly losing his grip.

And nothing good ever comes from that.

Just when Ithink things can’t possibly get any worse, I’m summoned to lunch with my parents at one of the fancy restaurants in my childhood town. After my last visit during Thanksgiving break, I’m not too keen to see them. Fuck, I’m not keen on anything besides being with Blaise.

This visit makes me nervous. Because we are notthatfamily. They don’t come to my games or show up on the weekends for random family dinners. And they sure as fuck don’t care about what I’m doing. Unless it’s something that doesn’t fit with their perfect image or plans.

I sit, ordering a water as I stare across the table at my parents. Leaning back, I cross my arms over my chest. “To what do I owe the pleasure?” We never make it a habit to see each other so soon after a visit.

“Let’s order some appetizers.” My mom smiles, holding open the menu.

“I don’t plan on being here that long.” I wave my hand. “Go ahead, why are you here? The suspense is killing me.”

My mother frowns and my dad uses this as an opportunity to threaten me. “Watch it or I’ll handle you.”

“You won’t, actually. I’ve decided there will be no morehandling.I allowed you to have the upper hand all this time. But now, you think your old ass could actually take me?” I laugh, watching his face turn red and his knuckles whiten around the glass he’s holding. “No. I’m older and stronger. And you won’t hit me again.” I turn to my mom. “Go ahead. Speak.”

“Blaise is…”

“None of your business,” I cut her off.

My father’s hand smacks the table, making my eyebrows rise. “She is my business. I paid good money to get rid of her and I wanted her to stay gone. Krystal is who you are to be with, not trash like Blaise Sheffield. I will not stand for this.”

I rise, my hands planted on the table. “First off, don’t speak about her like that. Second, Krystal and I are nevergoing to happen. Third, you better hope Blaise finds it in her heart to forgive you for splitting us up because I sure as fuck never will. She’s my future wife, and she’s going to be the mother of my children and your grandchildren. As far as I’m concerned, I want nothing to do with either of you. Take this as my final goodbye.”

I walk out of the restaurant feeling lighter than I have in all my life. Funny how getting rid of baggage will do that to you.

THIRTY-FOUR

Everything hurts.

My head.

My stupid heart.

Vases of flowers are on every available surface of the penthouse.

He’s relentless.

I love Desmond but I know love isn’t supposed to hurt this much. What we had was toxic and I’ve had enough of that in my life to realize I don’t want that anymore. Iwant my era of freedom and peace. Unfortunately, I don’t think he can be a part of that.

My hand trails over the pink box on the couch. I pull the black ribbon, gasping as a pair of black boots with pink laces the color of my hair come into view. I pick up the card, biting on my lip to contain the emotion.

Made me think of you.

-Yours

The boots are swoon-worthy, but I know a gift won’t change my mind.

The elevator dings and Destiny walks in, whistling low. “Girl, he has it bad. You sure you don’t want to take him back?”

No. But I can’t. So instead of answering her, I say, “Thank you for driving me to work tonight.”

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