Page 228 of A Love Like Venom

"Then un-complicate it."

"I'm not bringing her down with me, Snake. That wouldn't be fair to her or Connor." He's adamant on the fact.

"Who said anything about bringing them down with you? Do you honestly think that would happen?"

"I'm at war with myself." He sighs heavily. "I know what happens at war. I'm not putting her near that."

"You're thinking about it entirely wrong. You're worried that you might bring her down with you, but she could be the one raising you up."

"It's not that easy."

"Nothing worth it in life ever is. Trust me on this. I didn't take a risk once in my life and it was the biggest mistake of my life. Don't let this be yours."

"Yeah, sure," he agrees but the way he says it suggests otherwise.

"Was I ever this fucking stubborn?"

A ghost of a smile finally appears on his face. "Worse."

I grin. "When I'm properly healed, I'm going to kick your fucking ass."

"Oh, I can't wait." And just like that we're back to normal. But this conversation is far from over. We both know it, but he knows I'm done pushing him for the day.

"No one is going to be kicking anyone's ass," Alice says as she enters the main area of the compound. She saunters her way in the room. Her hips swaying as she does. I don't even think she realizes that she's doing it. Of course she doesn't, that's what makes Alice,Alice.

Spellbound by her I can't look away. A serene smile graces her lips, and it lights up my fucking world.

I snap out of my stupor when she wraps her arms around my waist. Her chin rests on my chest as her head is tipped back with her eyes looking upward at me. Her blondish brown hairframes her face perfectly, soft and lush. A scent of vanilla fills my nostrils and calms my soul. The tiny freckles that splash across her nose and cheeks I'm envious of. I want to kiss each and every one of them until the feel of my lips becomes permanent on her skin.

"Hi, angel.” My voice drops in a husky tone meant for only her to hear.

Her cheeks turn red. She replies shyly with a smile meant only for me, "Hi."

I fucking love that smile.

I wrap my arms around her and place a kiss on her forehead.

"You two could always get a room," Oak offers dryly.

Ignoring him I bring my lips to hers and kiss her like no one is here but us. I devour her lips. Her mouth opens with a gasp, and I take advantage of that. I kiss her deeply, fiercely. Our tongues are in an erotic dance with me as the lead. Her hands slide their way sensually up my back sending shivers down my spine. My hands move from her lower back to cup the side of her face and the back of her neck. Her fingers dig in my shoulder blades as she presses her body closer to mine.

Before I lose complete control, I break away from our kiss but leave my lips hovering over hers. She lets out a moan of protest. Her eyes are glazed over with lust and her body is humming with desire.

"You stopped," she points out breathlessly.

I hum agreeing. "Unless you want to put on a show in front of Oak. But I have to tell you angel, I don't quite like the idea of anyone seeing you aroused but me."

Her body flushes. "Reed," she says my name in warning.

"Plus, I would have to kill him. No one else gets to see this beautiful work of art and lives. This," my hands travel down to grasp her hips, "is only for me." I press an opened mouth kiss to her lips.

"Well, I can't argue with you on that."

"Good." I press another quick kiss to her swollen lips. "Are you ready?"

Her eyes darken yet blaze with an intense heat.

I might have been cautious before. Wanting to protect her from staining her hands with blood that won't come clean.

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