Page 197 of Sweet Venom

I’m starting to doubt my decision to cater an after-practice party to boost the Vipers’ morale.

Ever since Preston passed away, everyone has been down. They lost two consecutive games, and team spirit has been so low, Dahlia has been worrying nonstop.

But more importantly, Jude doesn’t seem like he wants to touch a stick anymore.

It’s not good.

Hockey isn’t only his venting outlet, but it’s also the one thing he picked for himself outside of his familial obligations.

He’s never been in his element more than when he’s on the ice, crushing the opposing team’s defense. But during the last game, he kept looking around as if searching for Preston’s ghost.

Yes, he smiled upon seeing me in the stands, even released a heavy breath. But my presence and Preston’s aren’t interchangeable.

The wound he left behind is still agape, and it hurts when I see all the team players in their Vipers jackets and he’s notamongst them, throwing out a random joke, bickering with Jude, or annoying Kane just because he can.

I think Jude and Kane feel it, too, because even Dahlia thinks they have to force themselves to be on a team that’s full of Preston’s memories but without him there.

“Do you think I’m making it worse?” I whisper to Dahlia as she swallows the mouthful of roast chicken.

We’re standing by the buffet table set up in the campus’s conference hall with the words ‘Go Vipers!’ embroidered on a banner I personally made.

The space is big, but it’s crowded with large hockey players who make it feel small.

The managing team is gathered in the corner, eating and chatting, while a few volunteering GU students—who helped Dahlia and me organize all this—mingle nearby. But most of the help came from Jude’s men.

The bodyguards are also surrounding the arena. They’re everywhere now—both from Jude’s father and my biological father. Despite my making it clear that I have no plans to change my life or fit into the Armstrong family.

Winston and Lawrence didn’t like that, but as Jude promised, they’re leaving me alone.

At least, for now.

I truly don’t like the family that didn’t really mourn Preston and moved on with their lives as if he never existed.

But he did.

Sometimes, I can see his ghost amongst us, and it squeezes my chest.

Even though I only knew Preston briefly, I don’t think I’ll ever forget him.

I can only imagine how it feels for Jude and Kane, who knew him their entire lives.

“No, it’s really good.” Dahlia grins. “They needed this after the game two days ago.”

I take a sip of water. “I don’t think Jude and Kane look any better.”

“I don’t think they will for a long time. Preston was like their brother, you know.” She rubs my shoulders. “But at least they have us, right?”

I nod.

She places the plate on the table and squeezes me in an aggressive hug. “Ugh! I’m so glad you’re back!”

“Me, too.” I pat her shoulder, smiling.

A strong arm wraps around my waist, pulling me away, and my heart does that squeezing thing that happens whenever Jude is near.

I used to think this sensation was an anomaly that would eventually fizzle out, but I’m becoming more obsessed with this man, more attuned to him, and addicted to the way he worships me with every touch.

Every word.