Page 18 of Renascence

“There’s no promotion, is there?” I ask, voice accusatory.

“Promotion?”

“When I tried to sign up, Kurt said there was some kind of promotion going on for a free month of membership.”

“That’s what he told you?” Venom chuckles, not at all bothered by my now defensive mood.

“Yes. What was this, some other ploy to get me in your bed?” I hop to my feet, no longer able to sit quietly.

His jaw clenches. “I don’t need ploys to fuck a woman, darlin’,” he spits out, his voice quite… well, venomous.

I reach into my bag, snagging my credit card and slapping it on the counter. He’s clenching his teeth so hard, I can practically hear them gnashing against each other.

“I don’t want your money.”

“Fine.” I pick up my bag and my card, leaving him sitting at the juice bar. “I’ll just have Kurt charge it tomorrow.”

I’m fuming all the way to the truck, cursing myself under my breath. Since when have I had the luck to get anything for free? When the fuck did I become so gullible? Shit. I toss my bag in the front seat, but before I can climb in, someone grabs me from behind. I’m pulled against a hard body, my startled scream muffled when a hand clamps over my mouth.

Fuck.

CHAPTER 4

***Venom***

“It’s me, Emily,” I assure her as she struggles against me. “I’m going to move my hand, just calm down.”

It’s a good thing Kurt had already shut everything down; I wouldn’t have caught up to her if I had to do more than lock the front doors. The moment I release her, she spins to face me, fists flying everywhere.

“You asshole! You scared the shit out of me!” she screams.

I grab her hands, forcing her against the truck and stilling her movements with my body. She freezes. Her ragged breathing no longer indicates anger but something else entirely.

This woman is killing me.

Why did she think I could ever be friends with her? There’s nothing friendly about the thoughts that run through my mind whenever I see her. Whenever Idon’tsee her. Being around her every day doesn’t make it any better. I swear I have the worst case of blue balls since I left high school. I’ve even avoided the Hounds because I know I can’t substitute one woman for another. I need the one whose body is crushed to mine right now.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“Well, you did.”

“Look.” I ease off, giving us both some room. “I promise you, it was no ploy. If it was, I would’ve told you it was my gym, made you feel obligated, or impressed, or whatever you think it was supposed to do. Think about it.”

She chews on her lip and I can see it on her face that she knows I’m right. She just won’t admit it so easily.

“You were having a shitty day. I wanted to do something nice for you.”

“You paid for my lunch that day, too. Why?”

“Same reason. I wasn’t expecting you to fuck me because I paid for your salad, Emily.” I take a deep breath, running my fingers through my hair.

“Venom.” She expels a breath through her mouth, shaking her head. “I’m sorry. I just… I told you. I told you to stay away from me.”

“I don’t know how, darlin’. I want you too much.” She lets out another breath, a shiver running through her. I step closer, taking her chin and tilting her face up toward mine. “Stop fighting, Emily.”

“I can’t. It’s the only thing I know,” she whispers, tears shimmering in her eyes.

Fuck.