Page 222 of Beautiful Venom

“And you’re okay with that? Not fighting? That’s so unlike you.”

“There’s nothing to fight for.”

“Pity. I would’ve loved to see you have someone you truly wanted.”

“Won’t be happening,” I whisper and swallow a huge bite of food, nearly choking.

It’s just…not happening.

I will never forgive him.

39

DAHLIA

The following morning, Kane disappeared.

This happened after I couldn’t sleep that night.

Tossing and turning, I kept thinking about what Vi said. It didn’t help that when she brought me a glass of milk before bed, she offered to follow me to Graystone Ridge if I chose to go back.

She said that while trembling.

While looking like she was on the verge of a panic attack.

But she still insisted on facing her demons and hoped it would inspire me to face mine.

My soft, entirely innocent, and a bit of a scaredy-cat sister has been more courageous than I ever will be.

She also forgave Kane. She always took him snacks and told him good morning. She talked to him even when I tried to pull her away.

Though I’m not sure whether or not she was doing that genuinely or forcing it for my sake. There are a lot of strange things about Vi lately, and the worst part is that she barely tells me anything.

Anyway, when I woke up today with a headache and deep apprehension, I still showered, styled my hair, and put on a white knitted dress I got from the local Target. I even put on red lipstick.

Kill me.

Talk about trying too hard.

But when I walk into the kitchen and glance out the window, there’s no one.

Not the flashy sports car that the neighborhood kids begged to take pictures with, and not Kane standing in front of it.

Just nothing.

My shoulders hunch as I tilt sideways to see if he’s parked along the street. Though he never has before.

He only leaves for a few hours to shower and change clothes in a local hotel, then he comes back, often with groceries.

He also only sleeps a few hours per night in the hotel and is always there when I wake up. And for some reason, it made me feel safe to know he was out there.

But now, he isn’t.

“He left early last night.” Vi slides a coffee cup in front of me.

I clear my throat. “I don’t care.”

“You sure about that? You look like you’re going to cry.”

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