Page 3 of Renascence

“Jeff and I already worked it out. Call him if you don’t believe me.”

“I will.”

She closes the book, pulling her phone from her back pocket. As she dials and places it at her ear, it’s my turn to take her in. I watch her breasts rise and fall with her breathing. I’m a breast man, so I’m thinking they have to be at least a D cup. I certainly wouldn’t mind getting a mouthful of those. My gaze travels down her waist and to the flare of her hips. I imagine digging my fingers into them, sucking on her nipples as she rides me. Fuck. The woman has a body made for fucking. Lots of places to grab… to slap. That ass? Goddamn. I wouldn’t mind smacking that just to watch it jiggle.

“Did you hear me?”

Snapping out of the vision, I give her my attention. “What was that?”

“You can go. Uncle Jeff said you’re good.”

“Okay, Em.”

“Emily,” she corrects me.

“Come on, Em. I thought we were friends, sharing dick jokes and all.”

“I prefer Emily…Venom.”

With a smirk, I grab my box and head for the door. I definitely haven’t seen the last of pretty Emily.

Before I exit, I turn to find her watching me.

“By the way, tell Jeff you need some more training before he leaves you in charge again.”

***Emily***

Asshole. Just what I need, another one in my life.

Venom. Such an odd name. Well, obviously, I know that’s not the name his momma gave him. Still, I can’t deny it fits him.There’s something about him that seems slick… smooth like the way that pet snake of his slithers along a surface. With the name, the belt buckle of the coiled snake—mouth open, tongue out, fangs bared—and the actual snake, the man must have some twisted obsession with the reptile. He walked in here with his shoulder-length black hair, storm cloud-gray eyes, and an “I run the world” attitude.

I was too absorbed in the text I received earlier and didn’t hear him come in. I saw him ride away on his motorcycle, though. That thing looked powerful… a little like him. It’s black, sleek, and loud as hell. I’m surprised I didn’t hear him pull up. He’ssonot my type, but I have to admit it was hot the way he rushed in to try and “save” me. He certainly seemed capable of doing it if I really was in trouble. Too bad he can’t save me from the shit show that is my life.

When he’d leaned in, I caught a whiff of his cologne, and the smell of grapefruit and sandalwood almost made me swoon. Add in the gleam in his eye and the sexy smirk he gave me, and I lost all sense of myself for a brief moment. He may not be up my alley, but I can definitely see him there—up my alley, that is. I mean, I can see the appeal in him. I can also tell he doesn’t have any problems getting women. They probably fall all over him… at his feet… in his bed. He’s good-looking and has that bad boy biker image some women can’t get enough of.

The dude’s practically a giant next to me—way over six feet—with bulging arms covered in tattoos. His gray T-shirt stretched tight against developed pecs. I bet he has a six-pack. Maybe even an eight. I can’t lie—even with clothes on, his body looked perfectly sculpted, something forged by the gods themselves. I’ve heard all the whispered stories from women about beards, and while I wouldn’t normally go for one, his is neatly trimmed and works for him. It only adds to his handsome features. If I’m honest, I’d go a round or two with him. That surprises me because it’s been a long time since I’ve had thoughts like that. Since I’ve even had any kind of interest in a man.

One of the patches on his vest said “Treasurer.”Ooh, lawd, he certainlyisa treasure!However, guys like him aren’t interested in girls like me. They want hot and easy, and those I am not. The fact that he called me pretty and did some minor flirting doesn’t mean anything. He was only amused by the hysterical woman screaming at the box full of rats.

Mice.

Whatever.

A shiver runs up my spine at the thought of all those beady little eyes staring up at me from the box. Venom must have one hell of a snake back home.

I chuckle and snort at the thought. I can’t believe I brought up the whole “penis joke” thing. At least I was able to make him laugh after being a bit… surly. James always told me I didn’t have a sense of humor.

Jackass.

I push him out of my mind and start feeding the animals in the store. Uncle Jeff is doing me a favor by letting me stay with him for a while, so the least I can do is help out around here. He’s my mom’s brother, and reminds me so much of her. It’s comforting. I miss her already. Daddy, too. They’re the ones who suggested I come to Stony View to get my mind straight, and I’m going to try.

“Hey, baby girl,” Uncle Jeff greets me when he walks in some time later.

“Hey.” I kiss his cheek. “Need some help?”

I motion to the bags he’s bringing in and he shakes his head.

“I’m good. How’d it go?”