Page 127 of Beautiful Venom

Be there tonight.

Only if you won’t fuck me and we watch a movie or something like normal people.

We’re not normal people.

I leave him on Read.

Don’t you dare fucking leave me on Read.

Read.

Dahlia…

Read.

He’s notthe only one who can play the detached game. I don’t even like the asshole.

Not one bit.

As I’m leaving the office, the players are filtering out of the locker room.

Hunter and Gavin are clad in Vipers hoodies, with duffel bags slung across their bodies, and speaking in a hushed tone. I try to get closer to overhear what they’re talking about.

A large body blocks my path. “Look who we have here. Daisy.”

Preston smiles down at me, his eyes a bright green.

Great.

I swear he only does this for pure entertainment.

“It’s Dahlia. Seriously, how manyDnames will you say except for my actual one?”

“As many as it takes.” He stands closer, trapping me against the wall.

“As many as it takes for what?”

“Don’t you worry about that. Tell me, what did you say to Kane that provoked his teenage girl moment that ended with slamming the locker shut? While everyone was having a good time joking around? Instant mood killer. You’re such a drag. Anyone ever tell you that?”

I narrow my eyes.

Preston is really hard to read.

Sometimes, he’s threatening and calling names, and other times, he’s joking around. I’m not sure whether or not he’s diagnosed, but he gives off major ASPD vibes. He gets off on humiliating others and he often does it in a very backhanded way.

He’s the master at ruffling his opponent’s feathers and always gets out of it unscathed. Except with Marcus. Now, that bastard is definitely diagnosed.

One thing I’ve learned is that being weak or lying down and taking it—or worse, avoiding conflict—feeds their sadistic energy.

And I’m also in the mood to pick a fight.

So I grin. “Aren’tyouthe drag? You know, because your uselessness caused the Vipers to lose for the first time this season.”

His smile remains the same, but the glint slowly dims. “Is that so?”

“Uh-huh. Everyone watched as Marcus wrapped you around his pinkie finger and dragged you through the rink like deadweight.” I match his smile. “As I said,useless.”

I realize I’ve overdone it when it’s too late.

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