Page 73 of Craving Venom

The House of Illusions looms ahead, its entrance is framed by a swirling fog that’s clearly just a machine pumping out artificial smoke.

We step up to the threshold, and I glance around.

“Where the hell is he?” Tria asks, digging into her pocket.

I snort, but my gaze keeps sweeping over the crowd.

Then I hear Tria scream.

My body jerks as I spin toward her, only to see her wrapped in Xaden’s arms, laughing as he lifts her off the ground and spins her in a circle.

“Jesus Christ,” I mutter, pressing a hand to my chest. “A little warning next time?”

Tria giggles, smacking Xaden’s chest. “You scared the shit out of me!”

“Good,” Xaden says smugly, setting her back down. “That’s what you get for making me track you down.”

“Oh, please,” Tria scoffs, tucking her phone back into her pocket. “We’re exactly where we said we’d be. You’re just slow.”

Xaden grins. “Maybe. Or maybe I wanted to make an entrance.”

I roll my eyes. “Are we going in, or are we just going to stand here and admire the special effects?”

Tria crosses her arms. “I mean, is it even worth it? It’s just a bunch of fake-ass illusions.”

Xaden leans in. “Scared, baby?”

She scoffs. “Of this? Please.”

He smirks. “Then let’s go.”

Tria groans but doesn’t argue.

We start toward the entrance, but before we can even take two steps, Xaden tugs Tria back to him. She doesn’t resist. In fact, she melts against him, tilting her head up just in time for his lips to crash against hers.

I turn away, trying to give them their moment, but Tria’s giggle pulls my attention back.

“Behave, Xaden,” she scolds, swatting his arm.

“Always, my love,” he smirks down at her.

I shake my head, but a smile tugs at my lips. I motion toward the door. “Shall we, then?”

Xaden doesn’t answer.

Because he’s already pulling Tria in again, this time not letting her go when she tries to break the kiss.

“Guys,” I groan. “You might want to save that for later.”

They don’t.

The kiss deepens, turning into a full-on make-out session right there on the goddamn doorstep. Xaden’s fingers sink into Tria’s hips, and she winds her arms around his neck.

Heat creeps up my neck. I love them both, but I do not need to be a witness to this.

“Try not to get too distracted,” I mutter, stepping past them and walking straight through the entrance.

The second I step inside, the door swings shut behind me with a heavy, final thud.

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