Page 11 of Consequences

Blinking, he stares into her dark eyes. “You live…”

“In Griffin’s Beach.”

Stunned. It’s the only word to describe everything he’s feeling right now. “But… Why?”

“I told you at the funeral that I’m not giving up. You’re worth fighting for, and I wish I’d realized that before, but I know it now.”

Sighing, he shakes his head. “I’m with someone.”

“And she looks like a good time. A short period of time type of good time. I can wait.”

Is she serious? Marnie’s the reason he left Summerville and came to Griffin’s Beach. Seeing her after she agreed with her father that he’s nothing but dirt became unbearable. Suffocating. The conversation replays in his mind nightly, and it hurts more than he can ever put into words.

Venom loves her and hates her all at the same time. As painful as being away from her has been, being this close is worse. He wants to kiss her while pushing her out the damn door.

“Marnie—”

“I’m here, Venom. I can wait as long as I have to. Hopefully, it won’t be too long, but I want this. I want you. And I can’t blame you for not believing me and resisting the risk, but I’m going to prove to you that I’m not going anywhere.”

“You don’t get it,” Venom sighs and leans on the countertop. “I don’t want you here.”

Brows furrowed, Marnie tilts her head. “In this bar?”

“In this town. Go home.”

“Why?”

“Because.”

She looks amused, and it makes him want to shake her but also make love to her right here on this floor. Damn, if he isn’t a cluster of contradictions right now. “Because why?”

“It’s too hard trying to fall out of love with you if you’re here.”

“Until you can say you don’t love me anymore, I have a chance. I let you go once, and I’m not going to risk it again. Not if I can help it.”

Damn her. Pulling out his phone, he shows her a picture of Shannon. “Have you seen her in here with an older, rich guy?”

Shaking her head, she frowns. “No, I don’t think so. I haven’t been here that long, though. Took a little while to get things figured out when I came here. Who is she?”

“A girl who was hurt by the guy I’m trying to find. Her name’s Shannon, and the guy goes by the name Kiefer. If you happen to hear anything, let the club know. And stay away from him if you come across him.”

She nods. “Okay.”

Venom turns to leave but stops. “You’re safe, right?”

“Safe?”

“Wherever you live, you’re safe? A secure building and all that.”

A smile spreads across her face. “You’re worried about me?”

“I don’t want to see you hurt. It’s the last thing I ever want, and I just need to know that much. You’re safe?”

“I’m safe. Promise.”

He scans the restaurant before leaving and heading straight to Lex and Colt’s house. If he wasn’t sure about how he felt before, he’s nothing but a jumble of emotions now.

Venom steps inside as Lucas answers the door, purposely blocking the car in the driveway. It’s Lucas’s sister’s car, and it currently has Hailey and Gavin Short fogging up the windows.

---