Page 27 of A Love Like Venom

Oak is built like a brawler.

Snake is built like a lethal street fighter.

Before they leave Snake leans against the bar counter one last time. It’s the closest he’s allowed himself to be to me all night. His face is just a few inches away from mine. I hold my breath and steel my spine, too afraid to make a sudden move.

Then, he twirls the loose strand of my hair. He wraps it around his finger like one would a curling iron. Tugging on the strand he brings us closer. I still hold my breath. I feel as if I am being examined. His eyes are too intense on mine. I’m his butterfly and he’s tearing apart my wings. “You’re scared but not because of me. Who has you scared, Alice?”

I bite my tongue, unsure of how to respond. What would he do anyways? The man before me hates me. He’s not the young man who once protected me.

“You’re not going to tell me, are you? Only more secrets. What you’ve always been fucking best at.” And although he spits the words I can hear the hurt in his tone.

With a gentleness I don’t expect he untwines my hair and tucks the loose strand behind my ear. His touch lingers as his finger traces the outline of my jaw. “I’m going to give you a piece of advice for old times sake,” he says but I know his intentions aren’t good.

And I’m correct when his fingers come to pinch my chin. “Don’t be afraid of anyone who isn’t me. Until next time, Alice.”

Then, releasing me he turns swiftly on his heel and barrels pass the throng of people. Only when I see him disappear through the dimmed lit hallway do I finally take a breath.

Laying both hands on the counter for support I drop my head and try to gather myself.

My whole entire world feels as if it’s been tilted of its axis.

Seeing Reed,Snake, after all these years is not how I thought it would be.

I never thought in a million years that he would become like everyone else. That he could wound me so easily. Treat me as if I’mnothing.

The love I’ve always held on to deep in my heart is wavering. There’s a part of me that is missing. Every memory I now have of him is tainted. A light that he had brought to my childhood now shrouded by a dark threatening cloud.

Everything that felt right about Reed Carter suddenly feels wrong.

And that’s all thanks to Snake.

A man I wish I never met.

A man who ruined my beautiful memories.

Snake

“What the fuck was that last night?” Oak snaps while I’m taking a bite out of my cereal. The once sweet sugary goodness now tasting bitter.

I knew he was going to ask me about what transpired between Alice and me. The fucker was too quiet after we left Hell’s Gates.

Wish he would just let it be, but I know he won’t.

Oak saw me without the charming aloof mask last night. One I have been wearing so perfectly, too. But seeing Alice after all these years . . .

Seeing her brought back everything.

The old festering wound now fresh and painful.

And I shouldn’t be the only one fucking feeling this way.

Deflecting, I joke with a mouthful, “Who pissed in you Cheerios?”

He ignores my joke and carries on. “You said her name was Alice Hall. Hall as in Caitlin’s sister?”

When I scoop up for another bite of cereal it’s harsher than the last. Through gritted teeth and a forced smile, I answer, “The one and only.”

As I chew the cereal it does nothing to my tastebuds. Dropping the silver spoon it makes a clinking sound against the glass bowl. Disappointed I say, “Now you ruined my cereal.”

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