Page 71 of Vicious Little Snakes

“I came to tell you that I think we should just be friends.”

Pussy.

She huffs a laugh, bringing her hair over her shoulder as if she’s poised to go in for the kill.

“We’re ‘not friends,’ remember? So let’s stay that way. Forever.”

She’s throwing my words back at me, but that’s not how I meant them. She’s using something pure as her weapon, and before I can stop myself, I say something meant to hurt.

“I was only being polite, Caroline, but honestly, I’d say I dodged a bullet.”

She turns to walk away, but I grab her hand, instantly regretful. I don’t know this version of us, and I don’t like it.

“I’m sorry I said that.”

Her bright, violet-blue eyes land on me from over her shoulder. “Well then, let that be your lesson, Liam. Always say what you mean.”

Her hand slips from mine, and I watch her go, only glancing back once before Kai wraps his arms around her, and they walk away.

Liam

The music is blaring but it’s my pulse I hear in my ears. Godammit. I see Grey stand and point in her direction. He’s just noticed. So I hold up a hand, like I got it, moving into the crowd.

“Move,” I bark, barreling through people.

The dude with Caroline leans in to kiss her, but she pulls away, leaving him to land his sloppy fucking mouth against her neck. My fist hurts from the pressure I’m squeezing into it.

Caroline’s laughing, obviously high, as that asshole keeps pulling her closer to him and touching her with his soon to be broken hands.

“Hey,” I yell, immediately getting the dude’s attention. “No.”

He releases her instantly but doesn’t leave as I stand behind Caroline. Taking her arm, I spin her around. I’m mad, so fucking angry, that I’m not thinking about anything that’s gone down between Caroline and me.

All I see is this prick with his hands all over her. In this fucking room, mixed with all my memories and all I think is,“He looks like a good enough punching bag.”

“Time to go back to the table, Caroline.”

She laughs, reaching for my face, trying to squeeze my cheeks. “Grrr. So serious. Go away. I don’t want you. I’m busy.”

The asshole reaches for her waist, and I look at him like he should know better, shaking my head. “Don’t do that. Don’t make me break that hand.”

He doesn’t even feign bravery or press for her attention, walking away. Smart guy. My lips find her ear, trying to keep our conversation private because I can already tell she’s ready for a fight—preparing to scratch my eyes out.

“You’re fucked up, Carebear, and you wandered away from Kai. Time to listen to me, or you’re calling it a night.”

She glares at me, ice in her veins, pushing a finger into my chest.

“You don’t tell me what to do. You aren’t my boyfriend. Remember?”Boyfriend—yeah, whatever that means.“Go hang out with your trollop, Liam Brooks.”

Damn, she’s good at giving tiny little jabs meant to compound until I break. I’m already teetering on edge, so it won’t take much to tip me over.

I shake my head, trying not to let her words stick. “You’re right, I’m not your boyfriend. He’d happily share you… Just shut your mouth and move your ass.”

Frustrated, I hold my hand out in the direction she should start walking, but she doesn’t move. People are beginning to pay attention, clearing out space around us and staring, so I step in closer, placing a hand on her waist.

“Caroline. Don’t make a scene. I’m trying to be a decent friend.”

She laughs, but it’s filled with anger. Shoving my hand away, she steps back. Caroline looks around at our audience before stealing the drink from the person next to her.