Page 198 of Sweet Venom

Even right now, I love how his usually harsh eyes soften upon seeing me as his thumb draws circles on my hip.

God, he’s beautiful and—this might come as a surprise—charming.

Yes, he’s rough around the edges and will never bethatsoft, but I love the peaceful look on his handsome face when he’s with me.

I love that he releases a sigh of relief upon seeing me.

And I melt inside upon seeing him. Seems I’m truly head over heels for my former stalker.

The other day, I talked in therapy about how I seem to crave love from my abusers—my mom, mostly—and the doctor asked me if I think that’s the case with Jude.

I smiled as I shook my head. Jude might have stalked me, and we may have started off on the wrong foot, but he never abused me, neither emotionally nor physically. If anything, he empowers me and offers me a safe space to be both vulnerable and myself.

He plays an important role in my healing journey, and I don’t crave his love because he’s my abuser.

I crave his love because he makes me a better person, and I like to think I bring out the best in him, too.

“Why the hell are you taking my Vi?” Dahlia protests.

“She’s my Vi. Go to Kane.”

My sister scoffs and then mouths to me, “What do you even see in this brute?”

“The same thing you see in Kane,” he replies, obviously having heard her.

“Dahlia,” I whisper-yell.

“Fine.” She kisses me on the cheek and waggles her brows at Jude before she dashes in Kane’s direction.

I smile up at him. “Don’t mind her. She can be a bit petty.”

He lowers his head and kisses me on the same cheek, lingering there longer than needed.

Heat creeps up my neck, and I swallow, his hot lips sending tingles up my spine.

“There. Much better.”

I clear my throat because he kind of ignited my whole body with just a kiss on the cheek. “Wow. You’re as petty as Dahlia.”

“Damn straight.” He strokes my cheek. “Thank you for putting all of this together. You didn’t have to.”

“I wanted to. Besides, your men did most of the work anyway.”

“What did I say about not taking credit for what you do,sweetheart? You’re the one who came up with the idea and even cooked some dishes.”

“I only did that to make you feel better, but I don’t think it’s working.”

“It is.” He pulls me into a tight embrace, his muscular arms wrapping around me like a protective cocoon. “I don’t know what I would’ve done if you weren’t by my side.”

I sink my nails into his jacket. “I’ll always be here, Jude. You won’t get rid of me that easily.”

“Joke’s on you.”

We remain like that for a few moments.

We often do this now—just hugging to recharge. To feel the other’s breath and know we have each other no matter what.

It makes me feel safe.