Page 45 of Venomous Kiss

Dear Diary,

I’m rich.

Fuck you.

xox

I have money—a lot of it.

“This is a three-bedroom and overlooks the park,” the realtor informs me. I step up to the windows to see the view. “It isn’t a penthouse, but the view is amazing all the same.”

This is the third apartment I’ve seen. None of them have been in the city, at my request, of course. I would rather not live close to my ex-husband if I can help it.

I’ve had two appointments with Arlo since our first meeting, and despite how cold he is, I actually think he’s good at what he does. Today’s session is being held out of the office.

“You can afford this?” Arlo says, walking in.

The realtor smiles at him before she excuses herself.

“I can. It seems my father left me money,” I tell him, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Blood money is always the sweetest,” he comments, side-eyeing me.

“You smell nice. Got a hot date later?”

“As a matter of fact, I have a meeting after this.” He walks to the window and looks out. “Shouldn’t you say I look nice, not smell nice?”

“I think you know you look nice, Arlo. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have spent thousands on a suit. So, I’m telling you, you smell nice.” I smile at him.

“I’ll take that compliment, then.”

“Good.”

Going back to the previous topic, he asks, “How much did he leave you?”

“I lost count, to be honest. I think it’s over one million.”

“This place would cost all of that.” He waves a hand around. “Think a little more rationally.”

“I have a job,” I point out, because I left the parties and got a new one.

I’ve been working at a car dealership, answering the phones. It’s not much, but it helps pay the bills.

“Yes, a shit-paying job. How will you explain this place?”

“Umm…”

“Look for something smaller, Lilith. Use your brain,” he says with an eye roll.

“You know, for someone who is supposed to help people, you’re a real ass,” I grumble.

“I’m helping you heal from trauma, Lilith. Trauma that causes you to feel euphoria from blood. It all stems from your childhood and your father. Now, not all children will end up the same. Many may just have father issues. They change their names and hide who they are. Others might embrace it and tell people in order to get sympathy. And then there are ones like you who happen to fall in love with it. Your father was the same… He loved the chase. Did you know the Hunt was his idea?”

“Tell me about the Hunt.”

“There are a lot of things you already know that you shouldn’t. If you want to know about the Hunt, ask your father.”

“I asked you,” I challenge.