Page 176 of A Love Like Venom

Buttermilk blueberry pancakes doused with syrup, the sugary sweetness overboard that I enjoy, scrambled eggs, sausage and bacon. Then it’s paired with coffee. Mine black. I devoured my meal in seconds. What Alice didn’t finish off her plate I finished for her.

She only laughed in response before giving me a quick peck on the lips. That innocent peck turned deviant when I tasted the leftover syrup on her lips.

I’ll never shy away from showing public affection to my girl. It’s hard enough as it is keeping my hands to myself. I’m constantly touching her. Having my arm wrapped around her waist. Stroking her hair. Holding her hand. Her touch soothes me. Silences the demons inside and clears the darkness.

She can’t keep her hands off me either. We are like two teenagers who have discovered love and sex for the first time. And in a way it’s true. What I have with her I have never experienced with anyone else. She’s my lover, my best friend and my soul mate. No one else could ever fucking compare.

“No,” Oak answers Dex. “I can handle it on my own. I can protect the both of them.”

Today Gracie Mae and Connor go back to Hollows Point. As promised they could only stay here for a week and they’ve done that. In the meantime, until this war is won, Oak will be watching over them back in Hollows Point.

There is no one else better suited for the job.

Plus, Connor has taken a real liking to Oak. And I know for certain that Oak has his feelings involved with Gracie Mae. Even if we suggested someone else in the club to watch over them he wouldn’t allow it.

“Alright. You know what’s best. If you need one of us don’t hesitate,” Dex tells him and Oak nods his head in reply. We may be losing our best man today but there is no one who I trust more in protecting Gracie Mae and Connor’s lives.

Oak then takes his plate to the sink and begins washing it. Gracie Mae taps him on the shoulder and he pauses to look down at her. Seeing there height difference is shocking as it is comical. With Oak nearly being seven foot and Gracie Mae being just above five seeing them two stand next to each other is startling. Oak has always been a big guy; it’s how he got his name for fucking sake but you don’t really see it until he’s besides her.

“I can clean that for you. I’m about to clean Connor’s and mine anyways,” she offers.

Glancing down at the two plates in her hands he takes the both of them from her and sets them in the sink.

Placing a hand on her hip she asks, “What are you doing?”

He gives her a ghost of a smile. Amusement lighting up in his eyes. “Washing the dishes.”

She narrows hers at him. “I know but I offered to do them for you.”

Done cleaning his plate he begins on hers. “And as you see I declined.”

“Why?” I swear the girl likes to argue for the sake of arguing. But it seems to amuse Oak and anything that keeps him drifting to that dark place is a good thing. Even if I find it annoying after awhile.

Her constant questions and rebuttals keeps him on his toes. She always has him thinking and with a man whose mind drifts to his traumatic past staying in the present is important.

“You helped cook. I clean,” he tells her simply.

“Yeah but you’re going to be looking after Connor and I for god knows how long. The least I can do is clean your plate in thanks.”

After he’s finished her plate, setting it on the drying rack he takes Connor’s. He cuts her a glance as he replies, “Not how my mom raised me.”

She quirks a brow, that hand still on her hip. “And how did she raise you?”

With Connor’s plate clean he turns to her after wiping his hands on the towel. Folding his arms her eyes take notice of his biceps. Based on the way she’s staring anyone in this room can tell she’s pleased. Doesn’t help that her cheeks are turning pink.

Watching them feels like I am intruding on an intimate moment. Seeing Oak this way is rare. And as weird as it sounds I’m happy to see the guy living selfishly for once.

Leaning down, more like craning with how far he has to go, he then says right next to her ear, “With manners.” With a smirk on his face he steps away from her while her mouth hangs slightly agape. Alice chuckles softly next to me and the soundsnaps Gracie Mae out of a daze. She pins Alice with a playful glare before mouthing,Oh my God,to her.

When Oak turns back around she composes herself and appears nonchalant. “And Gracie Mae?”

“Yes?” She asks in a bored tone.

“I’m not always a saint.” He winks at her before leaving the room.

When he’s gone she leans against the counter and fans herself. After her self cool down, her cheeks still red she pulls Alice aside. They aren’t far so I can hear the entire conversation. Even though it’s hushed.

“Oh my god Alice. Remember when I said he was eye candy?”

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