Page 68 of Sweet Poison

She bites her lip, a nervous habit I’ve started to become obsessed with. I watch the flush from her cheeks spread down her neck to her chest.

More silence settles between us, and for a split second, I swear I can hear both of our hearts pounding in sync.

Then, with the faintest tap of her fingers, Willow taps her chest three times—something she’s done since she was a little girl. It’s her way of trying to calm her heart that beats wildly but at times she also did it to lessen the pain in her heart. I don’t think she’s in pain. No. She’s feeling the same rush of emotions running through her as I am.

I look down into her eyes, those deep, soulful pools of emotion that make everything else fade away for me—the lights, the laughter, even the stars above. All I can see is her, and I lose every ounce of control I’ve been holding onto.

Because all I want— all I crave is to lose myself in her— this sweet, wild, enchanting woman with a heart that calls out to mine.

Without thinking, I lean in. My lips brush hers, soft and tentative, hesitant to push her too far too soon. But she responds, her lips seeking my own with an urgency that takes my breath away. The kiss deepens, slow and gentle at first, but then it grows— igniting something wild and beautiful like her between us.

And just like that, with just one kiss under a thousand twinkling stars, the girl with a wild heart stole what was left of mine.

Chapter

Twenty-One

SUGARPLUM

Madden

Past

“It was always him.” – W

The setting sun spills golden light over the garden as I sit on the stone path, kicking at the dirty rocks scattered around my feet. They skitter away with little clinks, but I don’t care.

Willow spins around in her mint green fairy dress, the fabric catching the ocean breeze and glittering like sunlight on leaves. Her long curly brown hair bounces with each twirl as she arranges white daisies and dandelions into crowns. I try really hard not to watch, but I can’t help it. She looks so happy, and it’s hard to ignore.

She glances over at me with her big blue eyes, and for a second, I forget to look away. I quickly shift my gaze to a large and old rock, pretending to be interested, even though it’s just a stupid and ugly rock. I hear her soft footsteps as she walkscloser, and I can’t help but steal a glance. “Do you want to play fairies?” she asks, without saying a word. Her hands ask the question, and I think I know what she means.

Fairies?

I shake my head, trying to keep my expression grumpy. “No,” I say, but my voice comes out softer than I intended.

Her lovely smile starts to fade, and she lowers her head, slowly turning away. My stomach tightens, like I've swallowed something sour, and my chest aches. The sad look on her face stings.

I didn’t mean to hurt her. I don’t ever want to make her sad. Not her. “Wait!” I call out loud so she can hear me. “I’ll play fairies with you.”

She stops right away, her eyes lighting up like I’ve just agreed to help her save the damn world. I can feel my face turning pink, but I cross my arms and try to act uninterested, like it’s no big deal. But really, it is a big fucking deal. I can’t stand the idea of her being disappointed in me or think I’m like everyone else who doesn't get her.

Because whether I want to or not… I do. I get her.

“Really?” she signs, her hands moving quickly, and I nod, even though my stupid heart feels a little lighter.

In a heartbeat, she’s by my side, picking wildflowers from her mother’s garden like she’s on a mission. Before I can protest, she’s tucking a few behind my ears, her laugh ringing out in the quiet evening.

Willow taps my shoulder making me look up. “You look handsome.” she signs, her eyes sparkling.

Thud.

Thud.

Thud.

I don’t remember a time when I’ve been called anything but useless, a mistake and more ugly shit but here with these peopleI’m treated differently. I get called things I don’t know how to react to.

I roll my eyes, trying to act like I’m not affected by her, but I can’t stop the smile tugging at my lips. “I bet I look ridiculous,” I grumble.

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