Page 123 of Vicious Little Snakes

Caroline

The sun feels warm through the window even though it’s freezing outside. I love this island. The Hamptons is a city dwellers destination, but St. Simeon is different. It’s not touristy or overindulgent—it’s all gorgeously landscaped beach homes, set on the water, banked in wealth and privilege, without some bullshit celebrity throwing an all-white party making the place low rent.

My phone rings, Kai’s face showing up on the screen.

“Hey. I thought you were on a plane to L.A.?”

Chatter in the background grows quieter leaving me to assume he’s walked away from the crowd that is his mother’s entourage.

“My mother left her Critic’s Choice dress at home—we’re waiting for the courier. How’s the house? Everything you remembered?”

Faint laughter in Kai’s background makes me smile. It sounds like his mom—a woman just as beautiful as she is badass. I want to feel more like that today.

I drag my hand over the all-white kitchen island, nestling onto a stool as he speaks. Turning my head, the white froth from the waves comes into view through the French paned doors.

“Yes, actually. More, even. I think this is exactly what I need.”

“I don’t like you all alone. Are you sure about staying the week because you could be bi-coastal? I’ll let you ride on my jet.”

I grin at his dirty joke, trying to muster the energy for this banter, but all I come up with is, “I’ll leave the bi life to you. And yes, I am completely sure. Plus—who’s lonely? I’m my own best company.”

Kai chuckles. “Little witch. Hey, have you heard from Liam? Grey said he never texted back last night. Same for me. I can’t believe he didn’t show. Donovan was mad, I think.”

My shoulders tense. I didn’t tell anyone Liam was supposed to be my date. The whole night, I sat waiting, dying inside but smiling and rolling my eyes as if him ghosting was so annoying instead of devastating. Only Donovan seemed to eye me suspiciously. I’m growing awfully tired of her being so good at reading me—and me secretly feeling comforted by it.

I’m shaking my head, mindlessly rubbing my finger over an imperfection in the marble as I answer.

“No. I haven’t spoken to him. I’m sure Liam found someone warm to fall into for the night. Not my concern, remember? Anyway, have fun, and tell your mother I said congratulations once she wins.”

“And if she doesn’t?”

I can picture the devious smirk on Kai’s face. Such a shit.

“Then tell her I said the other actresses clearly fucked their way to the top and that we’ll find out who for next year.”

He laughs loudly, making me grin and spin on the stool to stand.

“Call me when you land?”

“Of course, gorgeous,” he levels with that deep voice of his.

I wish I could lose myself in it, but all I feel is empty. Depleted of fucks and tears. A knock at the door grabs my attention.

“Hey, my breakfast is here. Safe flight.”

I hear him smack a kiss as I hang up. Sweeping my hair over my shoulder, I only make it three steps before the door swings open, and a set of goddamn hazel eyes stare back at me.

Oh my God.

“Sorry I’m late, Carebear.”

Liam’s holding flowers, peonies, actually. My favorite. He leans sideways, setting his bag on the ground, before holding out the flowers toward me.

I glare at the dusty-rose-hued blooms and then back to Liam’s face as he grins that puppy dog sweetness.

“They’re peonies. Your favorite, Carebear.”

My entire body short-circuits as every bit of anger I felt explodes to the top.