Page 10 of Reclaiming Venom

Ridley’s eyes lit up with memory. “That’s where we’d sit in the evenings, watching the kids play. Where you taught Dawson to whittle and where I read bedtime stories to the girls on warm summer nights.”

I closed my eyes, trying to picture it all. Though specific memories eluded me, I could feel echoes of contentment and belonging wash over me. When I opened my eyes again, Ridley watched me intently.

“What is it?” I asked, suddenly self-conscious under her gaze.

She shook her head, a soft smile playing on her lips. “Just… seeing you here, in our space. It feels right, doesn’t it?”

I nodded, surprised that it did. Despite gaps in my memory and lingering uncertainty, this felt like home.

I could see the mischief in her eyes as she led me to the bench, her fingers intertwined with mine. The wood creaked softly beneath us as we sat, a familiar sound that stirred something deep within me.

“You want to hear about the time you nearly set the clubhouse on fire?” Ridley asked, her voice laced with humor.

I raised an eyebrow. “I did what now?”

She laughed, the sound rich and inviting. “Oh yeah, it was during a Christmas party. You were trying to impress me by making flaming shots.”

The way her eyes sparkled as she spoke, the way the sun gilded her hair, I couldn’t help but lean in, entranced by her every word.

“And there you were” -- Ridley chuckled, gesturing wildly -- “surrounded by your brothers, playing bartender.” A sly grin spread across her face. “Had a bit too much liquid courage yourself.”

My stomach lurched. I already knew where this story was heading. I didn’t know how I knew, but I did. “So I spilled the damn alcohol.”

She nodded, barely containing her laughter. “All over the bar. And then, in your infinite wisdom, you decided to light a match.”

“Jesus,” I groaned, burying my face in my hands. “How bad was it?”

“Let’s just say the Christmas tree went up faster than a rocket.” She snickered. “Torch nearly choked you, but the look on your face…” A wave of uncontrollable laughter erupted from her, the sound infectious. “The entire bar caught on fire. Had to be replaced shortly after.”

Against my better judgment, I found myself joining in. The mental image was so vivid, I could practically smell the singed wood and hear the shouts of alarm. It all felt so real, so tangible, yet the actual memory remained elusive.

“Then what?” I urged, wanting to hear more about this absurd incident from my past.

Her eyes softened, a gentle smile gracing her lips. “Right in the middle of all that chaos, you looked at me and said, ‘Darlin’, I’d burn down the entire world just to see you smile like that.’”

Those words, hanging heavy in the air, sent a tremor through me. My breath hitched as I looked at Ridley, really looked at her. The fading sun caught the golden flecks in her eyes, their depths pulling me in like a whirlpool.

Without even thinking, I reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. My touch sent a shiver through her, her eyes flickering with a mix of hope and something more.

“I might not remember saying that,” I admitted, my voice low and husky, “but I can see why I would have.”

The space between us was filled with unspoken desire and feelings coming to the surface. Ridley leaned in, her lips just a whisper away from mine.

“Venom,” she breathed, her voice barely a murmur against the frantic beat of my heart. “I’ve missed you so much.”

I closed the gap, claiming her lips in a kiss that was both familiar and thrilling. Her body melted against mine, arms snaking around my neck as I pulled her closer. My hands found her waist, marveling at how perfectly she fit against me.

The years seemed to melt away as we kissed, leaving nothing but the raw emotions simmering between us. It felt like coming home after a long, arduous journey, finding solace and belonging in this one perfect moment.

As I pulled away, her eyes, filled with laughter and something more profound, locked with mine.

With a soft smile, she rested her forehead against mine. “Let’s not waste even a second.”

In her eyes, in the soft curve of her lips, I saw a future brimming with possibilities, a second chance. And as I held her close, the past fading into a hazy dream, I knew I wouldn’t let it slip away.

“I think I should stay in the guest room,” I said. “There’s definitely something between us, even if I can’t remember it. But…”

“You still feel like we’re strangers,” she said softly.

---