Page 33 of Sweet Touch of Venom

“Please note, you must never give out our location. Failure to do so will lead to your death. Failure to accept this invitation will also lead to death.”

I scoff in disbelief. “What? That’s absolutely absurd.”

“Welcome to GenCre. We will see you soon. Goodbye now.”

Chapter 12

Ronan

Snake, snake come and play?…

If it’s one thing I know for certain is that I’ve never been so sure about something in my life. Besides seeking revenge. But asking Anita to join my team never felt righter. It’s why I continue to slip the academy location device on her.

I’m betting my life that she is considering it because if not, she will constantly invade my missions, and I can’t allow that. You work with me, or you die. It’s that simple.

Alright, I take that back.

My stomach twists with the thought of killing Anita. It doesn’t put me at ease as it should, only a sour taste filling my mouth.

Instead of murdering her now, I have this strong sense to protect her with my life. I can’t deny the fact, even though I should.

I don’t want to look after her. Ineedto. For my own sake and redemption.

I squeeze the trigger of the metal that’s clasped in my hand. I aim it to the target, rounding it off until the clip is desolate.

Seeing the face behind the Venom really fucking shocked me more than imaginable. After the night she left, we ran a face recognition on her and the results of her past came up full force. You can change the name, but you can’t change the face.

I might have stared at the screen for hours, and even more after our little issue at Henley’s. I stared as her brown eyes seared deep into my severed soul until my eyes went blurry and stung.

Speaking of that clusterfuck from yesterday. Seeing her at the site storming to me like a wildfire shocked me. Ready to burn me alive. It’s fun getting her that way, even though she wants to kill me. Or claims she does, she could’ve pulled that trigger, even when I grabbed it and tested that theory. Stupid maybe, but I’m not afraid of death, I stopped fearing him a long time ago. But it also helped my decision to bring her here.

I grab the clip on the tray, putting it into position with a forceful slam. Memories of her as a teenager, happy and full of innocent life that I have always admired. Only for it to be turned into a life of chaos and death.

For both of us

And I couldn’t protect her from that; the guilt doesn’t have any rectitude. I didn’t see it coming, just like I couldn’t see my mother’s death coming. Or my best friend. The image of my mom’s wrist slit and bleeding out on the marble floor makes way into my brain, causing my stomach to twist and my hand to twitch against the grip of the gun. Carter’s lifeless body laid out at my feet. Vehemence of rage combs my chest.

“I’m getting us out of here, Ronan. But if I don’t make it out.” He pauses, breathing heavy. “I need you to take care of her.”

My head shakes, the air tightening and the ache of my hands burning.

He releases a ragged breath.“Do you promise?”

I shiver from the blood dripping down my chest. Everything stings. It hurts so much. “You’re making it out of here to your sister.” My voice trembles.

“Promise me!” He nearly shouts, causing me to wince.

My chest heaves. I can’t do that, I can’t even survive, I’m weak. And still, I give in.

“I promise.”

I purse my lips, shooting until the ache comes. Take care of her? I failed that, and now there’s nothing to protect. She’s far gone, a woman who has her own back.

You failed.

Don’t think about it.I push the thought far back, keeping it tucked and hidden from the light.

I shoot fast, making my finger ache from the rhythm. Only maybe I could’ve dug deeper, looked harder until my eyes fell out. I could’ve found what was right in front of me all along.

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