Page 186 of A Love Like Venom

And if she posed as a vital threat Slater would’ve known about it. The only news he ever has for us is that she leads a normal life. Work, shopping and hanging out with friends. There’s nothing suspicious.

Do I really want him to have a sit down conversation with her? No, not really.

I just wish that I could be there with him. To show her that he is mine and not hers.

But I can’t. The risk is just too damn high.

But he can handle himself. From the stories I’ve heard about him he can handle a damn army. The man killed more than a dozen of men rescuing Rosa last year. I have no doubts that he can handle himself.

Still, it won’t stop me from worrying about him.

When you love someone it comes with the territory.

Even at a young age I saw the twinkle in his eyes when things became dangerous. There’s a part of him that enjoys it. I know this. I fell in love with him anyway.

That’s part of the darkness I’m drawn to.

“I don’t know but we will never know unless we give it a try.”

He arches a brow. “We?”

“You know what I mean. You would go and I would stay. My life wouldn’t be at risk. I’ll just be waiting for you here. Worried of course and a bit impatient.”

“Then I guess I would have to be quick. Wouldn’t want to keep you waiting.” His tone is playful.

I smile up at him. “No you wouldn’t.”

Giving me a kiss on the lips he then turns back to everyone else who has been watching us. “If this goes to shit I get to say I told you so,” he says to Haven.

She rolls her eyes but wears a grin on her face. “More like I’ll be saying I told you so.”

This time I hope Haven wins.

Snake

Jessica wants to meet at Tiny’s Grand Bistro.

The name of the place isn’t lost on me and it’s quite the conversation starter amongst new people to Stonesville. Tiny, the owner, did it on purpose to generate traffic to his bistro. It fucking worked. It also helps that the man has some of the best food in town.

With a causal atmosphere and it known to be a popular place I feel comfortable meeting her there. The place isn’t intimate and with the busy crowd I will have witnesses.

If she had picked a place that was more remote and less trafficked I would have been more concerned. Too many things could go wrong. Not saying there still isn’t the chance but it feels less so.

I don’t see her risking innocent lives. That would be too extreme. Too drastic.

Her obsession lies with me and eradicating the person who stands in her place.

That’s why for absolutely no reason will she ever meet Alice.

I can risk my life but I am not going to risk hers.

To help keep my girl’s mind at ease I’m not going alone.

Slater will be going with me. Considering he’s the one who has been on Jessica’s tail for over a week it feels right.

Plus, I actually don’t mind the kid. With Oak gone I have been forced to spend more time with my brothers. Don’t get me wrong, all of them are family and I would do anything for them but I don’t have the bond with them like I do with Oak.

But Slater really isn’t a bad guy. He’s a bit eager and his want of acceptance pours off him. There is still that little boy inside of him who was rejected all his life. And you can see it sometimes despite his efforts otherwise. It’s different than a chip on the shoulder. More like a stain on his soul. A hole in his heart that he can’t seem to fill.

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