Page 51 of Vicious Little Snakes

“Wow, Arden Livingston.”

“And?” I snap.

“I didn’t know you two were friends.”

The fury behind her blue eyes matches the feeling in my chest. I pull my hair over my shoulder, looking at her for more clues.

“We aren’t friends. And why do I get the feeling that neither are you two.”

She smiles, glancing back to where Liam was standing.

“Because you’re smart.”

Well, this just got interesting. Liam and Arden make their way down the stairs, through the crowd, and straight for us.

“Care to share why, kitten?”

Donovan glances at Grey and back to me. “No. I just heard a story or two about her. Does it really matter?”

Oh, so, jealousy. Okay, same.

Laura walks back up, handing me a filled glass with champagne, and I smirk as Donovan says, “An enemy of my enemy is my friend. Right?”

Donovan plucks the champagne from my fingers, taking a sip and handing it back as I seal our truce.

“Then tonight, bitch, we’re besties.”

I finish off the champagne and walk past her to Grey and Kai. Weaving my fingers between Kai’s, I see Donovan follows my lead doing the same with Grey.

Deep breaths.

“I’m not surprised they’re together,” Grey offers to Kai, over our heads.

When the fuck did they meet? I’ve basically known Liam my whole life. How have I been ignorant of this unholy friendship? My face turns to Donovan, wondering if she knew any of this, but she looks as confused as I feel.

“He’s always had a soft spot for Arden,” Grey adds, lighting a cigarette.

Oh right. Hate me but love the girl that commits vehicular manslaughter. Technically the other person lived but tomato, tomahtoe. It’s amazing what you can found out on the internet. I did my research the moment Laura brought her up. Arden may have paved my way, but I built this goddamn universe. I’m like the Kylie to her Kim, and I’ll be damned if she shows up, looking like she’s just been blown out on a sex tape and act like she owns what’s mine.

“Come on.” Kai gives Grey a knowing look. “Can you blame him? I’ve heard the stories.”

Stories?What fucking stories? I elbow Kai, scowling, unable to control my irritation.

“Ow,” he complains.

“You deserve that,” I hiss.

He laughs because he knows it’s not him I’m internally raging over.

“Don’t worry, she’s not even in your league.”

I catalog Liam’s hand gripped to the back of Arden’s neck, and hers wrapped around his waist as they stop to talk to Ethan, looking perfect together.

Perfect. As if Liam wants Arden next to him. Wants to show her off, not hide her in a fucking closet.

The taste of blood spills into my mouth because I’ve bitten into my lip, trying to prevent the scream from escaping my mouth.

I hear Donovan ask Grey, “I didn’t know Liam knew Arden?”