Page 28 of Venomous Kiss

“Get back to it, Florence. Now,” Andy orders, ignoring Florence’s suggestion. She nods and hurries off. Then Andy’s gaze falls on me. “What was she saying?”

“What she told you.”

His lips purse together, and then he says, “How come I don’t believe you?”

“I’m sorry, sir.”

He goes to speak again when a hand lands on his shoulder. “Andy, one of your servers spilled champagne all down the front of Arlo’s suit, and we all know how Arlo can be. I’d suggest you go and fix the issue. It is what you are paid for,” the man says.

Automatically, I look down and start to turn away.

It’s him.

“Hello, Caterpillar. I’ve missed you. Did you miss me?”

ELEVEN

REON

She thought she could get away with me not knowing that it was her.

I knew.

I’ve always known.

Even if she uses a fake name and has changed her hair color.

How could one forget a goddess so easily?

I know I couldn’t.

Those chocolate-colored eyes with no life behind them don’t meet mine. Her hands tremble as she holds the tray, and I catch every movement her body makes, even the way her chest rises and falls as she breathes.

“I heard you’ve been looking for me,” I say, stepping closer to her. “I always knew you were resourceful, Caterpillar. Did you think I would leave you all to yourself?” When she faces me, her eyes are wild, and I smile at her. “Best you get back to work. Wouldn’t want the men here finding out exactly why you’re here because not even I could save you then.” Without another word, I go to find Soren, who’s always watching. He nods for me to join him, and I notice his gaze tracking behind me.

“Seems it’s not just you who has an interest in her.”

I clench my jaw and ask with an air of insouciance, “In who?”

He smirks and shakes his head. “Reon, let’s not play games here.”

“Yes, Lord.” I incline my head to him, and he looks back to where I left Lilith.

“Will she be an issue? You’re with Maya now, and it’s a good match.”

Of course, he thinks it’s a good match.

“Yes, I am aware.”

“Good, then stay away from the help.” Soren turns and walks off, and my jaw clenches while my fists tighten at my sides, nails digging into my palms as frustration courses through me.

In the outside world, I may be considered more powerful than Soren. But in this world, he is our Lord and holds all the power in the Forsaken Society. Everyone in this room bows to him. He is, after all, a legacy. This whole thing started with his great-grandfather, and then leadership passed to someone not blood-related somewhere along the way. However, that all changed when it came back to Soren, who rightfully holds the power now.

Influential men who have money can do anything they want.

Especially when the Forsaken Society has the backing of the most powerful people in the world.

To be honest, I’m here for one reason and one reason only. And when the day comes that I get caught—because that day will eventually come—I’ll be wishing it hadn’t. I thought I would have had that day a year ago when some little redhead ran off with a murder weapon. But to my complete and utter shock, she never reported me or caused any issues. Neither did the other guy, who ran off. No, instead, she went into hiding.