Page 37 of Rawest Venom

Yes, there is danger in every mission. But this is mylife’smission. One they put me into for the last fourteen years. Even if I confess what is happening, no one will believe me. “I have feelings for him, and I don’t want to hurt him that way. I don’twanthim to love me and then find out things about me he doesn’t like.” Dropping my voice, I whisper, “Besides, I’m a nobody, and he could never reallybewith someone like me.”

Clucking her tongue, Dot rolls her eyes. “We’re not talking aboutmarriage and familieshere. Didn’t you just meet him? Havefun…Spend the nightandget to knowhim first. Then, proceed with what needs to happen. Or else.”

Not even bothering with a goodbye, I stand and head back to my car. All the way home, the words echo in my mind. “Or else…”

If I could just get him alone without anything between us. With no one watching us. I could tell him the full truth and then maybe he’d know how I felt. Maybe there’s a chance.

Tears flood my cheeks. Dot would hit me if she saw me doing something so human as crying, but there it is. No stopping it. Genuine saltwater splashing out of my eyeballs.Or else.That’s it for me. It’s over for my plan. My dreams, hopes, and goals dashed. Maybe I was just born to die.

I can’t tell him, but I want to, desperately. If he’d only believe me, but…

Nothing true survives.

Fifteen

CALUM

She’s jumpy. Jane’s never boring and the games we play together hold my interest. Inspiring fear within her is a victory I never knew I needed until it happened. Now, it’s addictive. Lavender is gone, replaced by her true scent: one of fresh herbs or something new and hopeful. She smells like spring.

“Cal! I-I didn’t hear you come in.” Backing away from me slightly, she pretends to busy herself with the list of orders her pen is scratching out on a notepad.

Stopping a few feet away from her, my palms flex at my side. “Jane, I am so sorry.” I’m not, but let’s go with it. “I behaved abominably.” Dropping my head, I allow a slight tear to enter my eye. “Will you let me make it up to you?”

Green eyes widen as she swallows and breathes out, “There’s nothing to make up for.”

Quickly, I take two steps forward and snatch her hand within my two. Her instinct causes her to pull back, but she stops herself. “Yes, there is. I’m a brute.Callous and cruel. Please, please let me show you a good date with me. Arealone.”

Staring at our hands, she nods slowly. “Okay, Cal.”

My face brightens. Ah, puppet. How I enjoy pulling your strings. It’s quite fun for me. “Tonight? Are you free for me tonight?”

“Yes.” Her voice holds no inflection, as if she’s a bad actor in a poorly written play. “What time?”

Brushing the hair back from her shoulder, I rub a thumb over her cheek, her eyes closing as I do. If I look hard enough, I believe I can see some of her neck hairs stand erect. Perhaps she’s blocking out her fear or reveling in it; it’s impossible to tell. “How about you take off now and enjoy the day? I’ll stay here and pick you up at three. Would you like that?”

Without a second’s hesitation, she gathers her purse and heads toward the glass door in a hurry. Before the chime calls out, I say, “Be watching for a package delivery for you. It’ll arrive around noon. I’ll see you soon.”

Calling up my right-hand, Nick, I have him set up the deliveries and events for our date. Closing the West Tech store on main early for the day, I prepare myself at home with a hot shower and even call my barber in for a fresh cut. My valet helps me with a new tuxedo purchased for the occasion, while the tailor waits on hand to make any necessary adjustments.

When I get to the airport a few hours later, the car I sent for Jane arrives a few moments after I do. The brilliant blue satin evening gown I had made for her hugs every curve she has like a warm embrace as she stepsout of the black car. One shoulder is covered by the rich material while the other remains bare. The flare of the skirt edges out around her bare knees. Small diamond crusted droplets dazzle me as they dangle from her earlobes. The hairdresser I had arranged did a lovely job on the ringlets of red adorning Jane’s head.

I hate that the sight of her takes my breath away.

Even worse is when she spots me. Thelookshe gives me causes that feeling, that Unnamed, to return and a smile breaks free across my face without any restraint. As I approach the goddess slowly, she stands firm, but her expression matches my own. Astonishment. She holds up her delicate arms for the large tulip bouquet as I lay it across her forearms.

Grasping her hand with one of mine, I drag my free fingers along her jaw, gazing into her emerald eyes. “I’ve seen a lot of things. Most of them not real. Some I can’t even place into words with how awe-inspiring they were. You’re more beautiful than my hallucinations.”

“Thank you, Cal. This dress, the jewels, the stylist, theflowers… Thank you for everything.”

Leaning in to press my lips to her cheek, my nose is met with the lavender scent again. And just like that, the pleasant Unnamed is gone.

We alight the airstairs, and I lead her down the long, narrow hall, past the row of staterooms to the back of the private plane. The first living area holds a U-shaped leather sofa, television, bar area, and gaming systems. Continuing the journey, I take us into the smaller, private lounge with reclining seats set around large tables.

“Who all is joining us?” She waves her unoccupied arm around the room, then places her flowers on a table.

“Just us.”

The skirt of her gown catches the light as she spins to meet me with a mauve-painted grin. “Cal? Are you showing off for me?”

---