Page 122 of Beautiful Venom

“Shut the fuck up.”

“Why do you not like it when I touch you?”

“I said shut the fuck up, Dahlia.”

“Well, I’m sorry. I didn’t think being fuck buddies meant a lack of conversation. Give better instructions next time.”

I can’t kill her.

Grinding my teeth, I pull up my jeans and tuck myself in, then walk to the fridge that gave up on beeping and grab a water bottle, throwing it near her.

She doesn’t stir, but her droopy eyes follow my every move.

I retrieve my phone and enable the lights, then go to the guest bathroom, and draw a hot bath.

As the sound of the water fills the space, I check my phone.

I find a few unread texts in ‘The Vipers’ Den’ group chat. Obviously named by Preston.

Jude

The fuck you’ve been doing, Pres? Heard you fucked your stepmom’s friend?

Preston

Heard you picked up stalking as a side gig.

Jude

Fuck is wrong with you?

Preston

I thought we were highlighting what we’re doing lately?

Jude

Is this because you couldn’t handle Osborn yesterday?

Preston

Say that name in my presence again and I’ll stab you :)

Jude

Seriously? You missed open skate and started a small riot in the Armstrong household just because of last night? @Kane Davenport. We need to restrain the motherfucker before this escalates.

Preston

I have it under control. May rip you a new one if I see you, though, big man. Be on the lookout.

Jude

Me?

Preston

Next time, don’t start punching just because I got hit.

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