Page 58 of Tempted By Poison

I arrive at the front of the academy, my tires drifting, practically doing a donut over the G statue, dirt blowing up into the air. I swing open the door and hop out, ready to get on Mal—until her door opens and out rushes Anita.

My brows furrow, the slight frustration I had dies and drifts away like the dirt caused from the tires. Now I’m confused; where the hell did she go?

Her hands fly up past her waist already in an attempt to explain herself. “I know. I made it back as fast as I could. I’ll get the gear ready for us to go.” Her words tumbled out at her own accord. I’m still lost as to where she went off to, so I wrap my hand under her waist before she brushes past me. I bring her back into my view.

“Red and the men already set it up. You would know that if you were here.”

It doesn’t bother me if she leaves randomly or skips out of town for a bit, I’m not the type of idiot who becomes insecure about his girl's whereabouts.

What I don’t appreciate is not having a heads-up. I give her that respect, and I expect it back. I don’t give a fuck if I’m only down the hall brushing my teeth, I’m letting you know.Thisworld we live in— not the other one where the majority of humanity's eyes are shut from the cruelty that possesses the streets—the one whereweare the ones snuffing out the dirtiest and grimiest people; it comes with shit baggage, and a kidnapping could happen even to us.

I have no doubt she can stand on her own, but sometimes you never know. Call me crazy, but I would put a tracker on her if she didn’t sniff it out. To keep her safe and in my arms, I’ll do it anytime.

Promise me.

I circle her face, her eyes big and pinched, like she's irritated, but also gleaming from my grip around her waist.

“My Serpent Sisters, Eve and Kyra, stopped into town to check on me. They were at the bookstore,” she says calmly, her eyes looking into mine to present honesty.

I don’t have trust issues, I never would, and I won’t start now. But what she says doesn’t add up.

I look down at her shoulder as I skim my hand down the puffy material.

“Isn’t the bookstore closed at this time?” My eyes skate back to her looking for answers, waiting for something.

She only smirks with a casual shrug. “They broke in.”

Those questions and accusations disappear. That makes sense, knowing who she was associated with.Serpents, are they?

She tilts her head, her dark eyes twinkle and dance like shimmers on glass under the moonlight. I trust her answer full-heartedly, even if she gave me a bullshit lie, I’ll never know. I’m not very sure if I would care, either.

Her eyes drift downward, taking away the sparkle that shone a second ago, practically peeling me from her like she doesn't want me to touch her.

I notice the shift, but I still step back, even when I want to do the opposite. “Either way, are you okay?”

“Of course.” She brushes down her curls, peering her gaze to the academy, avoiding my stare. Or maybe it's just me thinking too much about it.

I eye her a second longer.

“If we can get this show on the road, that’ll be great. You know kids' lives are at stake!” Mal's loud voice snaps me out of my trance as she approaches with the rest of my men. I gathered enough of us because Victor won’t be getting away.

At least four trucks round the corner of the academy, including a mini-bus, and park in the front, their revving engines loud and echoing around us. The tires and dust from their arrival, the bright lights, and men packing duffle bags into the vehicles shoot a spark of thrill and chaotic rage into my blood.

“I’m aware of the stake, Mal,” I reply as they walk past us. “And shouldn't you be laying somewhere,” I say, stepping in her way as the men continue on. She bumps into me and groans with frustration.

“Ro, I am fine. Stop treating me like I’m some weak, nimble person.”

“I’m treating you like how I should; you're hurt, this may cause more damage to your body.”

“It won't. Dr. Rio already stitched me up. I am okay.”

My lips pinch as my heart caves in a bit. “You lost a lot of blood.”

“He was also kind enough to give me blood transfusions like I was some fucking vampire.” Before I can say anything else, she pats my shoulder and strolls away with her head held high. I let out an exasperated breath, shaking my head before facing Anita.

She walks around me. “I’m going to change really fast, then I’ll be down. How much time do we have left?”

I lift my arm, pulling down the cuff to look at my watch then the clock on my phone. “Two hours exactly. Grab your clothes and change in the car.”

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