Page 170 of Sweet Venom
But a heavy body is on me as a few other gunshots are exchanged. I catch a glimpse of Larson running with his gun out. Dahlia’s sobbing, and a very familiar warmth is enveloping me.
Jude.
I tap his shoulder. “J-Jude… I think…I think Pres…”
He gathers me in his arms, shielding me completely, but from over his shoulder, I can see a motionless body lying on top of the blanket, blood soaking his jacket and the grass.
And he’s not moving.
Preston isnotmoving.
Dahlia’s shaking, running toward me, but I push at Jude, and I run toward Preston on unsteady feet.
Because he’s bleeding out and not moving.
“No…no…no… Pres, please…no!”
Strong arms try to pull me back, but I’m screaming so loud, I can’t hear anything else.
This is a nightmare, right?
Please tell me I’ll wake up soon.
Please.
34
VIOLET
Skeletal fingers wrap around my throat, the bones squeezing so tight, I’m wheezing.
Her amber eyes are dead, looking through me as two streaks of blood trickle down either side of her mouth.
She’s sitting on my chest again, crushing my rib cage and stabbing my heart.
“Ma…ma…” I strain, my breath leaving my lungs in short gasps.
“You know.” She adds another hand around my throat. “You’re a curse, Violet. Not only did you ruin my life, but you’re also destroying everyone else’s around you like a useless whore.”
“N-no…that’s not…”
“I told you, didn’t I?” She smiles, her canines looking like sharp fangs in the darkness. “You’ll be the downfall of anyone who cares about you.”
“No…”
“Didn’t Mario like you? Where is he now?”
“That’s…that’s…”
“How about Preston? You killed him in his prime.”
“No!”
I gasp awake,tears streaming down my cheeks and intomy mouth. The salty taste explodes on my tongue as I pant, my whole body trembling.
“Vi!”
I startle at Dahlia’s voice, then release a long breath. It…was a nightmare.
