Page 100 of Vicious Little Snakes

He’s wearing all black, doused in one of his signature hoodies with a beanie cap that he’s dragging off his head as he walks. Jesus H, he’s hot. Right out of bed—makes you want to crawl into his—is a look only Liam can pull off, and really fucking well.

Liam’s eyes meet mine but look away quickly as he greets Grey in one of those guy hugs before staring down at an icy Donovan for a second before gently kissing the top of her head. I don’t miss the smile on her face. She’s trying really hard to hold a grudge for him disappearing on her, but Liam makes it hard to hate him. And she’s a pushover.

“What are you doing here?” Grey asks, sitting back down and tugging Donovan back onto her throne.

Liam pulls the chair out next to mine, taking a seat as everyone looks between us, but I glare back, making Donovan and Grey smile back before looking away. This doesn’t have to be weird, even if it feels that way.

“I’m here with some guys I know,” Liam offers, pointing over at two guys I’ve never seen. “We’re heading out, actually.”

Other friends. Brooklyn friends. Interesting.Grey doesn’t seem to care, Donovan frowns, and I turn my head to meet Liam’s gaze.

“Carebear.”

His lips barely move as his eyes drag down the front of my body.

“Don’t call me that.”

The words fly from my mouth out of habit, but I don’t mean them. Doesn’t matter, though, because Liam’s grin gives away just how much he liked it. His arm drapes over the back of his chair as he stares at me, bringing his thumb to wipe across his bottom lip.

“Mmm, say please.”

If the devil had a brand, it would be Liam. And I would wait in line for it—in the rain. The tip of his tongue runs over a sliver of his side teeth that peek from behind his grin. I think I know what Little Red Riding Hood must’ve felt like—except I want to be eaten. And with that thought, I need to get out of here.

“I’m going to the ladies’ room.”

My statement is left in the middle of the room as I push from the table and walk away, picking up a tiny bit of speed once I’m out of sight. The bathroom door closes behind me as I let out a whoosh only to scrunch my nose, looking at the dirty one-room stall. So gross.

But desperate times and all.

God, I felt knocked stupid. He smiled, and my knees got weak—while I was fucking sitting down. I’m disgusting.

My head drops to look at my pussy. “Weak bitch. Get it together.”

We should’ve never fucked that night. It was quite possibly the worst way to say goodbye. Even when we do the right thing, we end up doing the wrong one. We’re doomed.

But what is he doing, being all fuck-boy attractive toward me?

My hands stay glued to my side, careful not to touch anything as I walk to the cloudy mirror, checking my lipstick and hair and allowing myself to gather the self-respect I need to go back out and slay without being slayed.

The longer I stand here, though, the more all my thoughts drift back to the bedroom and then to the feel of Liam’s hand on my waist. And to the way, he chews on those toothpicks. My eyes close as my back arches. Oooh, I bet he’s good with his tongue.

For fuck’s sake. It’s like I’m in heat.

I tear open my eyes, ripping off a rough paper towel from the dented silver machine on the wall, and turn around, walking the few steps back to the door, using the paper to cover the handle. The music instantly smacks me in the face as I open the door and step out into the dark hallway, heading back the way I came.

Without warning, I’m yanked backward, a squeal escaping my lips as I’m spun around, meeting Liam’s green hazel eyes. My hands grip his biceps as I stand scowling.

“What the fuck.”

Both of his hands are on my waist, except this time, they’re affixed to my skin. It’s sending goosebumps up over my body. Liam looks down at me, a toothpick laying on his bottom lip. I’m so fucked. He feels electric, lighting up all my senses.

Coupled with the music and the shadows, it’s as if we’re standing on the cliff’s edge.Push me over, Liam.

“I had to say goodbye, Carebear. Wouldn’t want to be rude and all.”

Jesus, he’s heavy on the asterisk right now.

“So now you remember your manners? I guess it’s better late than never.”