Page 103 of Sweet Venom

Also, for Dahlia’s sake, Kane somehow pulled strings to have me admitted to GU in the second semester and paid for it in full.

As if that weren’t already too much, Kane bought us ahuge penthouse that I live in alone because, in reality, Dahlia lives with him now.

He also told me not to worry about Julian and that he has the situation ‘under control.’

Kane wanted to pay for my expenses as well, but I drew a line at that. However, something tells me he’s arranged for my acceptance into a well-paying part-time job at a youth charity, even though I have zero experience.

I’m deeply uncomfortable with him giving me things, even if it’s for Dahlia. My sister, who’s become even more overprotective since I woke up, told me to just take it.

“I know it’s tough, and I also thought I shouldn’t accept his money in the beginning, but, really, should we be so pressed about it? It’s the first time we’ve had a chance to live a better life. After being in survival mode all these years, I think we deserve to stop struggling and just be happy.”

I don’t know about that, but what I know for certain is that Kane worships the ground she walks on. I’ve seen the way he looks at her when she’s not paying attention and the constant smile he wears when she’s talking nonstop.

He loves her deeply, and she’s head over heels for him, which I never expected Dahlia to ever be.

She used to treat relationships like an afterthought, and she has worse trust issues than me. So seeing her this happy and in her element lately has warmed my heart—which is probably the only good result of my coma.

I still hate third-wheeling them, though, and I feel guilty when she comes to spend the night instead of being with her boyfriend because she’s worried about me.

Or right now, because she ditched him and is walking with me from campus because it’s our ‘movie night.’

She’s grinning at her phone, typing with super speed,her cheeks slightly flushed, her lower lip trapped beneath her teeth.

God. She’s glowing. Her light-green top and pale-beige jacket contrast against the tones of her olive skin, and she has the most beautiful complexion, especially lately since she’s not stressing out.

“Oh,” I say, pretending to scroll through my phone. “I have a mock test tomorrow.”

Dahlia looks up and then narrows her eyes. “Don’t you dare cancel our movie night.”

“I’m sorry.” I side-hug her. “You know I’ve been trying to catch up, especially with the new school and everything.”

She pouts. “Are you sure you’re not doing this because you don’t want to spend time with me or something? You can tell me if I’m annoying, Vi.”

“Never. You’re my only friend and family, remember?” I smile and rub her arm. “Go have fun with Kane.”

“Fiiine. Want to go watch the Vipers play this weekend? I have premium tickets. Perks of interning as a medical assistant and being the captain’s girlfriend.”

My chest constricts at the reminder of the one player I think of when that team is mentioned. I try to breathe normally, but my ribs ache even as I force a smile.

“You know I’m not a hockey fan.”

“I wasn’t either, but it’s so much fun! Besides, Kane is a badass and an actual hockey god. The entire team is amazing, actually. If a skeptic like me can be converted, so can you.”

“I’m good, thanks.”

“All right. I’ll take Megan, then. She’ll be over the moon.” She types into her phone, probably telling her friend and previous roommate about the tickets. “I’ll call you later.”

I nod and hug her as we separate.

I smile as I watch her walking in the opposite direction. At least one of us got her life together.

As a habit I can’t get rid of, I check my surroundings, expecting to see a large man wearing a helmet and gloves and leaning against a bike.

Watching me with disapproving dark-brown eyes.

Eyes that visit me in my sleep on the regular now. In my dreams, they’re harsh and unforgiving, always making me wake up in a cold sweat.

I have no idea why he won’t leave my subconscious.