Page 45 of Poison Touch

Josh stills as he looks away and takes a drink. There’s something else happening between them, but I can’t put my finger on it. But then again, maybe I’m reading too much into their weird interaction.

I scoff. “Yeah, I think you’re the one I need to be careful of.”

Gunner’s playful side disappears behind an unsettling veil. His brow dips, and my suspicions only grow. “Maybe,” he says, “but if things go south, don’t say I didn’t warn you.” His response leaves me to question what the fuck I’ve gotten myself into.

And at that, having no idea what the fuck any of his coded warnings mean, I turn to walk away from them. “I’m going to see what’s going on inside. Josh, you want to show me around?”

Honestly, I don’t want to be with Josh either, but he’s the one who invited me, and it's clear he wants to be as far from Gunneras he can get. And at the moment, I want to be as far away from Venom as I can.

“Yeah… sure.”

“See ya, Gunner,” I say and take off in the opposite direction with Josh.

“Later, Ninja.”

I want to go inside because I don’t trust myself to confront a shirtless Edge again. If his tattoo is the same as Python’s, I’m not sure what I’ll do. I can’t make a scene in front of most of the school. Besides, I need to be smart when I bring Venom to their knees. I can’t allow the sliver of lust for Edge to get in the way. But that small sliver hopes it’s not Edge. I hate the hesitation weeding its way through my emotions.

Why do I even feel anything for him?Because he’s hot?

Or because of something else, the way he makes me feel like I never have before? I hate to admit that I like the stirring he produces deep within my core. I like the challenge in his gaze, the absolute control he exerts, and the intensity of him as a whole.

I shake my head to dislodge the madness that has taken over. Because if he is the one, I vow to take him down with everything I have. That was and still is the plan.

I hear my name over the music. Thank fuck, it’s Eden and Bryce coming toward me. They each have a cup in their hand.

“I wasn’t sure if you’d make it,” Bryce says.

I point in the direction of the beach. “I only live a few blocks away, so no big deal.”

The party isn’t as loud inside, but we still need to raise our voices to be heard over the music. People are spread out on the large sectional. Like around the bonfire, loungers are lying beside each other, passed out or making out.

Eden reaches up and tugs on the end of one of her short blue ponytails. “Want to play pool? Everyone’s outside soaking up the last of the daylight before it starts raining.”

Just beyond the blue sky, dark clouds hover over the sea. “Sure, a quick one.” I want to get home before the storm hits.

We make our way through the house. Just like Eden said, fewer people are in here. The game room is off the main living area. Some people are standing around talking, but the pool table is free.

I set down my cup and pick up a pool stick. “I’m not that good at this game.”

“Me neither,” Bryce says. “So, what about guys versus girls? You and Eden against me and Josh.”

“Sounds good,” I agree.

“Besides, if you say you suck, you’ll want to have the pool shark on your side.” Bryce winks at Eden.

“Eden

“What, I don’t look like I can kick ass at pool?”

“To be honest, I’m not sure what that kind of person looks like, but if I had to guess, then no.”

Bryce laughs as he racks the balls. Eden prepares to make the break.

“What do we have going on in here?” The deep voice resonates in my bones.

I refrain from being hooked by Edge’s gray eyes. Eden tenses beside me. Bryce looks away, and Josh mumbles, “Hey,” or something and rubs chalk on the tip of his stick. So, I’m the only one left to answer Edge.

“I’m pretty sure it looks like we’re getting ready to play pool.” I steal a glance at him. Fuck the vanity gods and their talent when they created Ledger Hunt. He looks like he just walked off the set of a photo shoot for the sexiest man alive.