Page 110 of Sweet Venom

Dark Daddy… I just wonder what Azariel would think of that kinky nickname.

“I’ll pass it along.”

Her expression softened just slightly, and for a breath, she looked more like my little cousin and less like the armor she wore. “Hey, Poe…”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks,” she said, voice quieter now. “For not asking. And for… you know. Being there for me.”

“Always,” I said gently.

“I do love you.” She said through gritted teeth like the words pained her.

I smiled. “I know.”

She nodded once, then ended the call before she could say anything else.

When another knock sounded, I set the iPad aside on the nearby table and stood—already wondering if it was Azariel waiting on the other side of the door.

But when I opened the door, there was nothing but a large box, resting against the wooden frame of the door with a soft thud. My heart skipped as I crouched down to examine it. The box was wrapped in sleek, dark velvet ribbon, and the glossy black surface reflected the dim light from the hall.

I glanced around, but there was no one in sight.

My curiosity piqued, I lifted the lid carefully, the soft rustling of fabric filling the air. Inside, nestled against layers of black silk, was a stunning black gown. It shimmered under the light, elegant, and breathtaking. The fabric was rich and luxurious. I couldn’t look away from it.

Beneath the gown, wrapped in soft velvet pouches, was a set of silver and blue diamond jewelry. The pieces were breathtaking—small diamond earrings, a necklace that seemed to shimmer with magic all its own and resembled the chain around Azariel’s neck, and matching shoes that glittered like diamonds too. It was all beautiful, expensive, and impossibly…him.

I traced the edges of the diamond necklace, my heart fluttering, and then I saw it—a single blue rose, resting gently atop the gown. The petals had a perfect sheen that matched the elegance of everything else in the box.

There was also a letter, tucked underneath the rose. I hesitated for only a moment before pulling it free and unfolding it carefully.

Little Fox,

Come dance under the stars with me?

I’d be honored if you did.

—Azariel.

I let the letter fall from my fingers, my mind racing. The world around me seemed to blur.

He was asking me to join him. His birthday ball.

The one he hated but endured because he loved his mom. Of course, I’d join him. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

I closed my eyes for a moment, thinking of his gaze, the way his lips had felt against mine. The memories of our time together—his small smiles and the light in his eyes— it was all pulling me toward him.

And then I saw it. Gray.

When I think of him I see gray.

My favorite color.

I took a deep breath and shook my head as I stood up.

My dark king was waiting.

I glanced at Prince, who had silently wandered into the room and was now perched lazily on the armchair. He blinked at me, as if to say,“Get gone already.”I couldn’t help but smile at him. “Alright, demon. I’m going.”

---