Page 104 of Sweet Venom
He’s not there—no longer stalking or tormenting or threatening me. And Mario, whom I’ve been visiting regularly, is still in a coma.
Jude probably got bored, as I expected he would, and moved on to his other targets. Like Kane said, he won’t hurt me.
I haven’t even seen him on campus, and I’m thankful that my social studies building is far away from where he studies business.
And yet…I can’t help but feel ill at ease.
Why, I don’t know.
Theoretically, my life couldn’t get any better than this. I live in a spacious penthouse, my studies are paid for in full, and I work fewer hours than before.
I have more free time that I use to embroider, mostly while visiting Mario. Dahlia told me she used to talk to him as well, so he wouldn’t feel lonely, so now that I’m back, I go to the hospital on the regular, mostly to keep him company. But also because I don’t like being alone. I talk to him sometimes, just to fill the silence.
Due to all that, I’ve ended up with too many handkerchiefs and patches, so I opened a little online shop to sellthem, and I’m hoping that if sales are good, I might be able to volunteer at the charity and let someone else have the paid position.
Things have been better than I could ever dream.
Now, if my brain could catch up to those facts, that would be great.
“Hold up, it’s you!”
I come to a halt, or more like I’m forced to stop walking, as a large man stops in front of me. He’s surrounded by two leggy brunettes whose eyes throw daggers in my direction as if I wronged them in a past life.
The tall, muscular guy has styled blond hair, a square jaw, and disturbingly beautiful Caribbean-green eyes. He’s prince-like in his beauty, but also so broad and tall and…a Viper.
He’s wearing the team’s jacket, and I definitely recognize him. Number 13, Armstrong.
Now, I refuse to think that I recognize him because Jude always got into a fight whenever anyone came near Number 13.
I search my surroundings, thinking he’s talking to someone else, but he comes closer, grinning, and, wow, he has deep dimples in his cheeks. They’re adorable.
Though, that’s an oxymoron because I don’t think this guy is anywhere near adorable. He’s dangerous just like all of them, but he somehow seems more approachable.
“Viola, right?” He stops in front of me, and the two girls follow suit, their smiles looking forced at best.
“Violet,” I say. “Do I know you?”
“You haven’t had the pleasure, but I’m Preston! Call me handsome for short.” He shakes my hand even though I didn’t offer it. “Dakota must’ve told you so much about me. I’m kind of a big deal.”
“Who’s Dakota?”
“Uh, your sister?”
“Her name is Dahlia, and she never mentioned you, actually.”
He pauses, almost as if I slapped him, and one of the girls wraps an arm around his. “Come on, Pres. Why are you talking to a nerd?”
He places his index finger on her shoulder and pushes her away, then wipes his finger on her coat. “I told you not to touch me. Leave, now.”
They both freeze, but when he gives them a poker-faced look, they hurry away, gulping, and one of them glares at me.
What did I do?
Preston grins as if he didn’t look downright murderous not two seconds ago. “She must’ve spoken about me, but you forgot.”
“I don’t think so…?”
“I’m Kane’s bestie. Of course she did. Anyway, you really have great skin. What’s the skincare routine secret?”
