Page 53 of Vicious Little Snakes

“So this is Donovan?”

She says it to Grey, not Donovan. He nods. And I swear I’m waiting for Donovan to rip Arden’s hands off of Grey’s chest. I almost can’t wait. So much so that my lips tip up.Do it, do it, do it.

“I am,” Donovan answers, but before she can pounce, Grey removes Arden’s hands. Boo, but of course, he does.

“God, You two are red hot. He’s a lucky guy, blondie. Now I know why I lost touch with my friend. Who needs little old me around when he’s got you?”

Donovan slides in front of him, letting Grey’s arms snake around her as she speaks, “I can’t imagine why he’d ever have needed you, but you’ll have to forgive me because he’s never mentioned you, either.”

Oh, come on, Donovan, do better than that. Go for the jugular and watch her bleed out.

Arden shrugs, taking her place back with Liam and leaning her head against him. “That’s okay. Some memories are meant to stay where you left them. Although there was this one night—”

Liam begins to cough, and Grey immediately laughs.

Donovan pulls from Grey’s arm from her, stepping forward, “Oh, we’re making memories now?” Her voice is raised. “I’m sure I can provide a lasting one.”

Grey’s laughing harder, pulling Donovan back into his arms to face him. He rocks her in a hug, engulfing her, and whatever he’s whispering in her ear is thawing the ice that was across her brow because she looks up with a surprised look.

What the hell is going on? I’m still icy. No thawing here.

How come nobody is pissed over how this twat is speaking to Donovan? Or that Arden is throwing out more innuendo than TMZ. I barely opened my mouth to Queen D before Grey was threatening my existence. And Arden gets a pass? What the fuck am I missing?

Arden laughs saying, “She’s spicy. I like her,” to Liam, brushing off the moment and turning her lackluster eyes on me. I can’t even tell the color because she’s so full of shit—so brown’s my best guess.

“So…” she greets me, waiting for an answer.

I offer nothing—not a smile or a polite introduction. We just stare. Sizing each other up.

Kai breaks the tension, leaning over me, shaking her hand. “Hi, I’m Kai. The handsome, smart friend.”

I’ll kill him for that later.

“Yeah, you are,” she growls. “Aren’t you delicious.”

“If you want him to fuck you, you’ll have to get in a long line.”

My teeth grind as I look behind her at Liam. I’m speaking about Kai. I think. A part of me isn’t actually sure. When Liam gives nothing away, I add, “But while you wait, I’m sure I can arrange for you to attend to me while he watches.”

For the first time, Liam glares back, cracking that façade he’s trying so hard to keep in place. Kai clears his throat, pressing his fingers into my waist, but I’m not done.

“Aimez-vous la chatte?”Do you like pussy?

She doesn’t answer, so I give a laugh, amused over her ignorance. “Who speaks French anymore, anyway? Guess it’s only me.”

Liam lifts his chin, disdain on his face. He’s not so amused anymore. Looks like someone doesn’t like me being mean to their little tramp, or maybe he’s scared I’ll actually fuck her.Wouldn’t that be funny.

Don’t worry, Liam. Euro-trash isn’t my thing, and neither is owning this bitch in an unfair fight.

Arden pulls Liam’s arm over her shoulder. “What is it with your friends Liam? They’re all so yummy. You’ve been holding out on me.”

The idea that he speaks to her. Knows her in some way makes me feel sinister—like I could commit a murder.

His face softens as he looks at her, and I die a little bit more.

“I suppose what they lack in personality they make up for in looks.”

She cackles, and I feel the group relax. Everyone is laughing along. Accepting her. Have I fallen into a coma, and this is some kind of purgatory?