Page 35 of Sweet Venom

“You’re so full of it. Admit it.”

The damn voice in my head is relentless, like it has nothing better to do than roast me. I swear, at times I think it’s my asshole cat. I shake my head, trying to get out of my head and ignore the bitchy voice.

“I’m still here, and you’re still full of shit.”

I sighed and took a deep breath through my nose.

“I’m not full of it. I can’t stand the man. He’s a cold, arrogant, walking tattooed glacier with a penchant for making people feel like garbage.”

“So, you like the tattoos? Can’t blame you. And yeah, sure. Keep telling yourself that. But deep down? We both know you’re absolutely whipped, and you know it. It’s kind of pathetic.”

Oh, wow. My thoughts woke up today and chose violence.

“I am not whipped.” I gritted my teeth. “I can’t stand him.” This time, I said it aloud like a mad woman.

“LIAR.”

“Ugh, fuck off.”

I took another deep breath, focusing on the lobby and trying to ignore the voice in my head. The last thing I need is someone walking in and thinking I’m one step away from a straitjacket and an all-inclusive stay at the nearest mental institution.

Deep down, I knew it was true, but I refused to admit it. I won’t admit that I get a sense of comfort in the darkness that coats this lobby, how the gothic vibe feels like something I pulled out of my own twisted dreams. I won’t admit that I admire Azariel and everything he’s built on his own without anyone else’s help or money. But most of all, I won’t admit that in a world obsessed with hearts and flowers, his world will always stand apart. Take this lobby, for example. It’s a reminder—like I need one—that there’s beauty in the shadows. It reminds me that love isn’t always soft whispers and sweet gestures. Sometimes it’s fire and ice. And Azariel? He’s the embodiment of that.

Huh…

That thought feels like a breakthrough. Because I’ve never really believed in the kind of love you see in books or movies. But maybe the kind that grows in darkness… maybe that one lasts.

With a final glance at the decorations, I headed toward the elevator, completely ignoring the rude receptionist from last time, and took it up to Azariel’s floor, the boxes of donuts in hand.

Once there, I couldn’t resist. As I walked down the hallway to Azariel’s office, I passed by the small clusters of employees working in the open-planned spaces, each absorbed in their daily tasks. Without a second thought, I approached the nearestdesk, where a gorgeous woman with dark, curly hair was typing furiously on her computer.

This was the perfect opportunity to mess with my new boss a little. I mean, what’s better than injecting a little sweetness into his cold, sterile work environment? It’s basically a guaranteed way to annoy the life out of Azariel, and honestly, I’m here for everything that cracks that cold facade a little.

“Hi,” I said with a grin, holding up the box of donuts. “Valentine’s Day treat. From the boss himself.”

Her eyes flickered up in surprise, then narrowed suspiciously. “Those,” she points at the donuts, “are from the boss? Our… boss? The one with the permanent scowl?”

I nodded, keeping the grin plastered on my face. “Yup.”

She stared at me for a moment, as if waiting for me to burst into laughter or reveal it’s all a joke. But when I don’t, her skepticism melts, replaced by something close to awe. “That’s… so sweet of him. Wow.”

“Oh, yes. He’s a gem.” I moved the box toward her, silently daring her not to take one. “Go ahead, help yourself with his kindness.”

She reached for one like it’s a gift from God himself, her fingers hovering over the assortment like she’s trying to pick the perfect one. Finally, she grabbed a heart-shaped chocolate donut with crumbled Oreos on top, inspecting it like she can’t believe it’s actually from her boss. “I can’t believe this is from him,” she mutters, looking like she’s about to faint in disbelief.

“Yeah,” I said, my face straight as an arrow. “He’s a real sweetheart underneath all that grumpy, world-destroying exterior.”

Then, I leaned in closer, lowering my voice just enough for her to feel like we’re sharing the world’s juiciest secret. She leaned in, her curiosity piqued—perfect. “Between you and me?He’sobsessedwith holidays. Loves getting gifts. You know,especiallyon Valentine’s Day.”

Her eyes widened, like she’s about to dash out the door and buy him the most obnoxious card she can find. “He does?”

“Oh, yeah,” I practically purred, enjoying this way too much. “The man thrives on it. But don’t tell him I told you. He’ll deny it and then make you feel like you’re the one who just ate a whole cake without permission.”

“Yes. So, remember that for the next holiday.” I winked and she laughed. “Enjoy your treat. Make sure to thank him later.”

“Oh, I will.” she replied chirpier than before. I winked at her before moving down the hall to the next desk.

The donuts go quickly, and by the time I reach the last office, I couldn’t help but grin. The atmosphere here seemed so sterile and professional, and now has softened just a little, the smiles exchanged over sugary treats almost enough to break through the walls everyone keeps so carefully in place. It’s working. By the time the day ends, Azariel’s work environment will change from sterile and cold to well… happy and pleasant.

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