Page 116 of Sweet Venom

“No, I won’t. I have school.”

“I’ll give you a ride.”

“No, thanks.”

“Hop the fuck on, Violet. Don’t make me repeat myself.”

“I won’t—” My words end on a yelp when he grabs my hips and lifts me up, then sets me on the bike as if I’m a rag doll.

Before I can say anything, he shoves the helmet on my head and then puts on his own and drives off.

The distance to campus isn’t that far since the place Kane bought for me is about a twenty-minute walk, but with the way Jude’s speeding, I feel like I’m fighting for my life.

And I have to wrap my unsteady arms around his waist, or I’ll fall.

The moment I try to loosen them, he speeds up.

We’re in front of the human sciences building at GU in three minutes flat, and judging by the annoyed breath he releases, it seems he doesn’t like the fact that we arrived in no time.

I’m ready to just disengage and disappear into school.

When I hop off on unsteady feet, I’m painfully aware of the multiple eyes flashing toward us. Whispers, stares, people stopping and looking, some getting their friends’ attention.

Gossip.

Words.

Hate.

Shit. It’s like Mama’s death all over again. Being the center of bad attention, of malicious stares and whispered words.

It’s excruciatingly painful for people who don’t know you to assume and spout rumors about you just for their entertainment. Almost as if I’m no longer human and just an object in their eyes.

My fingers shake as I try to undo the strap of the helmet.

God damn it.

I forgot that Jude is kind of worshiped at GU and in this town as the hockey god and source of violent entertainment. They idolize him and the Vipers as if they’re immortals amongst humans.

Since he showed up with a girl on his bike, it’s naturally put me and my shabby hoodie and jeans under scrutiny.

I truly dislike having my body be the center of attention. It makes me feel on edge.

My nail catches on the strap and my hand slips off, but before I can try again, bigger, stronger hands wrap around mine, unclasp the strap, and he pulls the helmet over my head.

Jude’s touch is disturbingly gentle as he removes the strands of hair that got stuck to my glasses and tucks them behind my ear.

“What are you doing?” I whisper, seeing some people pull out their phones. “They’re watching.”

“I don’t give a fuck. From today on, you’re mine to do with as I please, Violet.”

“Do I get a say in this?”

“No. It’s payback.”

I let out a sigh. “You still didn’t forget about revenge after all. Did you disappear after I woke up from the coma to give me a sense of safety before you barged back in? Am I a punching bag for your frustration and anger issues?”

“Think whatever the fuck you want. The only fact that remains is that I’m claiming you, and there will be no one else.”