Page 33 of Venomous Kiss

There is no denying she is beautiful.

Everyone in the room is aware of that.

Walking straight up to me, she clasps my hand and leans on my shoulder.

“Maya, it’s been too long. How are you?” Earl says, and I smile down at her as she beams at him.

Earl knows about most aspects of my life, but the reason Maya is on my arm is not something he’s privy to. No one really knows unless they’re part of that other world, the Society. To Earl, I met her, and we started dating. Nothing more. He likes her and says she’s a smart choice—perfect for my image.

“I’m good. This event is insane. I mean, my brother can throw parties, but Earl, you outdid yourself,” Maya says, beaming up at him and holding on for dear life. She felt dizzy before we left, so I let her grip me.

“Yes, well, your brother is well known for being good at everything.” Earl laughs. Everyone knows who Maya’s brother is; you would have to be living under a rock not to know who Soren Nixon is. “And thank you, Maya. I’m just glad the boss also decided to come,” Earl adds, glancing at me. “Clients enjoy it when they can put a face to the name.”

“Well, just let me know, and I’ll be sure to wrangle him anytime he’s home.” She squeezes my arm.

“Oh, you live together now?” Earl asks.

Maya taps my shoulder. “Not yet, but we’re discussing it. We’ve been together a few months, and it’s the next step.”

I say nothing as her fingers cling to my shirt. Earl watches, and I know he realizes I’m not all in.

“Well, best of luck. Maya, would you mind if I stole Reon to talk business with some clients?”

She waves a delicate hand at him. “Of course. I’m going to go to the ladies’ room, anyway, then grab myself a drink.” She smiles before she walks off, and we both watch her leave.

“How are you not interested? She is stunning,” he says.

“Whatever gives you the idea I’m not interested?” I ask, raising a brow.

“How many times have you slept with her, Reon?”

I grind my teeth as I glare at him. “Is that any of your concern?”

“No, I guess it’s not. Just an observation.” He nods to a man in a suit. “Mike wants shares, and Conrad wants more shares. Do you want me to handle it?”

“Yes, Earl. You know this,” I say with disapproval evident in my tone.

“And I take it the answer is no.”

“If I were to sell shares to anyone else, it would be you. So, go, do your job.” I hate these events. “I’ll be leaving once Maya is back. I’ve made my appearance, posed for photos, and now I’m done,” I declare, ending the discussion.

“They whisper about you, you know.”

“Do you think I care?”

“They wonder how you, someone who struggles so much with social gatherings, could have acquired so much and secured so many clearances when they know some of these things take help from powerful people.”

I lean closer and say, “While they gossip, I’ll make the money. That’s the difference between a millionaire and a billionaire, Earl.”

He nods and walks off.

I earn a lot of money because I found a love for planes and made the business dirty. Sure, I could be rich off the clean stuff, the normal cargo. But what makes me filthy fucking rich is the stuff no one knows about. The guns I’ll move, the drugs I’ll carry. It’s surprising how much some people will pay to hide what others want.

I head to the bar and lean against it while I wait for Maya. I spot her as she exits the hallway leading to the restrooms, her dress in hand so it doesn’t drag. She spots me, and a small smile plays on her lips as she approaches.

Maybe I haven’t tried hard enough with her.

Perhaps I should try a bit harder.