Page 32 of Venomous Kiss

His cuffs make a noise, and I quickly glance down at them before returning my gaze to his face.

“About what, Lilith?”

“About what you did.”

“Why? What help would it be to you to bring up old burdens that separated us?”

“Did you ever love me?” I ask. “I’m your child. But you were always going out and leaving me with a sitter or with Aunt Linda.”

“Yes, of course I did. I do love you. You are quite literally the only thing in this life I love. But, Lilith, some people are not born good. I’m one of them.”

I take that in and breathe deeply, looking down at my bare ring finger.

“I thought about killing Deven several times,” I admit in a quiet whisper.

“But you never acted on it,” he says, and I meet his gaze.

“No, I didn’t.”

“Good. Someone as beautiful as you should never end up in here.”

“Was he the first?” I ask.

“Why are you asking suddenly, Lilith? Not once before have you asked. Is this really what you want to talk about? Is this why you came?” His gaze darts around to ensure that no one is listening to us, because someone always is.

“Yes, it’s why I came. I want to know why I am so fucked-up. Is it because of you?”

“Fucked-up?” His brow furrows as he sits back, his hands staying on the table. “Why would you assume you’re fucked-up?” I slide my tongue over my teeth, unsure if it’s safe to say anything. “Lilith, when it’s red, how do you feel?” I smile. He’s speaking in a way that wouldn’t make sense to anyone but me.

He’s asking me about blood.

“It’s like euphoria,” I whisper, remembering that alley and the knife. And how free I finally felt for the first time.

He takes a deep breath, and I can see the disappointment in his eyes.

“I have a friend in that world. I want you to visit him and tell him I sent you.”

“What do you mean by that world?”

He taps the table. “Listen, Lilith. Don’t fully trust him. Don’t trust anyone. But he will know better than anyone how to help you.”

“Help me? Do you think I’m broken? Am I broken?” I ask in a desperate plea. He reaches out, his hand covering mine, the chains clanking as he moves. This time, I don’t pull away.

“No, sweetie, but you need help. And he is the man to assist. Go to him. Trust me. Tell Arlo I sent you. I don’t have many friends left. Some have betrayed me, but he never has, then go to your Aunt’s. She has money for you.” I nod, remembering I have heard that name before. “And thank you for visiting me. I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too, Daddy.”

He releases a relieved breath.

I wonder how it felt being an eighteen-year-old and finding out you’re a father. And on top of that, he raised me by himself until he couldn’t anymore. On some level, we grew up together and discovered things together.

And now, one of us sits behind bars while the other is more than likely heading that way.

THIRTEEN

REON

Maya walks in with her long pink dress train dragging behind her.