Page 125 of Beautiful Venom

He also always gets mad and shuts down, so I’ve stopped doing it.

I hate the lack of connection, but it’s better than having him snap or completely withdraw behind his high walls.

At least when I pretend to be fine with the relationship as it is, he drives me back to his place and offers me baths. He even cooks me food and sends me so many clothes that Megan is getting suspicious.

So I had to tell her it’s a sex-only relationship and that the rich love flaunting their money.

But this thing with Kane is highly dysfunctional outside of the sex. My imaginary therapist would point out that even the sex is dysfunctional as fuck, but we both enjoy that, so it doesn’t count.

I tried being gradual in forming a connection. But he shuts me out so fast, it’s a struggle to talk to him.

If I so much as ask about his life, try to get closer, or touch him softly, he completely abandons me.

The way he switches from cordial to an absolute asshole is starting to mess with my head.

I know I’m losing myself to this toxic cycle, but I’m actually scared of seeing his back.

Ihatehis back.

I hate how easily he could turn around and walk away as if I don’t exist.

But then again, we’re not in a relationship, and he made it clear that what we have revolves around sex only, and I agreed, so I shouldn’t feel this way.

Besides, Megan was right. I shouldn’t hope for anything more from a Davenport. He’s using me? Well, I’m also using him to have access to the secret world he comes from.

If he’s not much help, it doesn’t matter. Because his mom invited me for tea three days ago when she dropped some pastries off at his apartment—that he refused to accept—so I’ll make sure to go.

My fingers pause on a handwritten log that was kept by a previous medical assistant who used to watch the players’ diets.

It’s not because of the notes per se, but the date. September 20.

That’s when Violet was attacked.

I read the notes, but they’re normal, about the players’ diets, the injuries, and the prescribed supplements.

Then my eyes widen when I find a small note at the bottom of the page.

Note: Hunter Maddox, Gavin Drayton, and Ryder Price missed practice for unknown injuries.

Unknown injuries.

My mind races as I flip to the following days. The three players aren’t mentioned again until September 23 when they resume practice. No injuries are logged, and they get back to it with no rehabilitation programs or dietary changes.

This isn’t a coincidence, right?

Gavin’s and Ryder’s DNA came out as a negative match. Hunter’s is the only one I haven’t had the opportunity to gather. Probably because he’s a neat freak and always wipes all his equipment down before and after use. He also tucks all his belongings in his locker and is particular about who touches his things.

Gavin is the goalie. Ryder and Hunter are defensemen. They usually hang out together, and their parents are influential in the town.

My mind pieces together the details from the event at Preston’s house. The three masked Vencor members I listened to that night were Gavin and Ryder. The third was definitely Hunter.

Maybe I’m onto something.

My skin tingles with anticipation. Finally, a breakthrough.

Though it’s not as good as finding the mastermind behind my sister’s attack, this is a start.

My priority is to try accessing the team doctor’s files from September 20.

---