Page 165 of Sweet Venom

Where is she?

Larson

At home.

When did she get there?

A few hours ago. After dropping by Stantonville.

Larson said that Violet went to HAVEN, probably to check on Laura and her kid, because Violet doesn’t forget about people. For instance, she still visits Mario all the time and even talks to him. According to her, “You never know. He could be listening. I want to keep him company.”

One time, she said her online embroidery sales were doing well, but instead of spending that money on herself, she bought a shit ton of stuff for Laura’s daughter.

Even with Larson around, I still don’t like her going to that grimy place.

A weight slams against my back, and I grunt, losing my balance.

Preston jumps in front of me, grinning. “Drive me home.”

“I’m not your fucking chauffeur.”

“You should be whatever the fuck I want, considering you screwed us up tonight, and now we’re behind the Wolves.”

“Do I play hockey just to beat the Wolves?”

“Why else would you? They’re the most annoying motherfuckers and need to go down.” He smiles again. “Anyway, I’m coming with you.”

He walks beside me, completely ignoring my attempts to push him away.

“What a fucking shame that despite my sacrifices and my busted lip and provocations that will add more enemies to my bucket list, your lousy penalties axed us.”

“Stop being dramatic.” I shove him toward his car. “You would’ve been provocative anyway.”

“True, but I wouldn’t do this.” He taps the corner of his lip. “My precious looks are stained because of you, so you better make it up to me by telling me what the fuck got your panties in a twist, big man.”

“Just get out of my sight, Pres.”

“Nah.” He steps into my space. “You haven’t been yourself, and Vee keeps asking if you’re okay. And you’re totally avoiding her. What have you done?”

“Why do you think I did something?”

“Because she’s kind and sweet and would never hurt a fly. Can’t say the same thing about you.”

“Whose friend are you?”

“Yours, of course, which is why I call you out on your bullshit.” He grins. “Come on, tell me about it all over a drink?”

I don’t want to.

But I do need to talk to someone, though Preston is not the best choice. He’ll clown around and say ‘Called it’ aboutmy mom being off and my whole obsession with revenge being weird.

“I have a better idea!” Preston taps me on the shoulder. “We cockblock Kane and make him cook us something, and then you can at least receive the sane bullshit advice. Deal? I’m glad you agree, deal!”

I shake my head, but I slide into his car’s driver seat as he blasts some godawful loud music and starts singing off-key.

What a nuisance.

But at least maybe after I talk to the guys, I’ll be able to face Violetproperly.