Page 185 of A Love Like Venom

“Haven’t you heard? We are on lockdown.” There’s a bite in his tone yet she doesn’t back down.

“Gracie Mae, Connor and Oak have left despite the lockdown,” she points out.

“Apples and oranges,” he argues.

“This girl isn’t a threat, Snake. She’s obsessive and manipulative but she would never harm you. In her twisted mind she loves you. I’m just saying talk to her and get through to her crazy head.”

“And you really think telling her that in person will make any difference?” He asks dryly.

“I think her seeing that you are in love with someone else will make her cut the excessive calls. She doesn’t believe you. Shestill dreams of you and her together. You have to kill that dream, Snake before she’s too far gone.”

Kill her dream.

The same way Hollows Point does to everyone who lives there.

“I don’t even know why we are even entertaining this idea when we are on lockdown.”

Slater looks cautiously over at Snake. “You know,” he hesitantly starts, “I have been watching her and she literally does nothing. If she was a threat I would know.”

Reed rubs his hand frustratedly down his face. “Doesn’t matter. It’s still a fucking risk.”

“So you’re telling me the big bad Snake is afraid of one woman?” Haven laughs.

Uh-oh.

“I’m not afraid of her.”

“Well that’s what it sounds like. Seriously, Snake, what harm can she do? You’re trained and highly skilled. If it makes you feel better bring Slater as back up.”

“I’ll go if you want me there, man.” Slater is quick to let him know.

“I appreciate that but it won’t be necessary because I’m not fucking going.”

“Because you are afraid.”

“No!” He shouts, slamming his hand down hard on the table. Glass plates rattle from the force. “The only thing I am afraid of is losing Alice! That’s it!”

Everyone stares at him but not with alarm, with concern.

Taking his face in my hands I force him to focus solely on me. His jaw ticks as the tendons in his neck are strained.

Softly I assure him, “I’m here, Reed. I’m not going anywhere. I’m safe.” My thumb swipes back and forth along his cheekbone.With each gentle touch of my fingertips I can feel the tension leaving his body.

He closes his eyes and takes a long breath. When he opens them they’re softer, a bit lighter. “I’m not going to risk your life.”

“I know that but you wouldn’t be.”

His forehead creases. “So you want me to go?”

“I’m not going to tell you what to do. That’s your choice. I’m only saying that I am safe either way. I’m not leaving this compound. She and anyone else has no way of getting to me,” I explain to him lightly.

“Do you honestly think it will change anything?”

I give it some thought. People who are obsessive can be highly dangerous. But there’s so much to explore inside their minds that it really can be a gamble. It all comes down to the person. What they desire. What they want most. For her that’s him. And do I believe she will do anything to have him? Yes. Do I believe she would harm him? I am not hundred percent sure. I know she would harm me. I’m the person who is standing in the way. But him? It’s hard to tell.

Razor’s obsession with me is all about possession. He wants to do with me as he pleases and discard me once he’s done. There’s nothing driven by love in his actions. He’s driven by his mad desire to have ownership of me. The fact that I never let him have such control only fuels his obsession more.

Jessica’s obsession is driven by love. And honestly I don’t know which one is worse. She desires a life with him. A future with him. Killing him would defeat that purpose.

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