Page 97 of Craving Venom

But I can’t. Because if I do, I’ll have to explain.

And I don’t even know how to explain something I don’t understand.

She pulls back just enough to look at me. “Jesus, Faith, you look like shit.”

I huff out a laugh, the sound hollow. “Yeah, well, contagious flu does that to you.”

Her eyes narrow, sharp and assessing. “Mmm.”

Fuck.

She walks past me, heading straight for my bed. She settles onto the mattress, crossing her legs before pinning me with a look. “So, how are you feeling?”

I swallow, keeping my expression neutral. “Much better now that you’re here.”

Her lips purse. “Babe, you kept me at arm’s length all week.”

I sit down beside her, forcing a smirk. “Didn’t want you catching germs.”

“Right. Because that’s ever stopped me before.” She rolls her eyes, then reaches into her bag. “Whatever. I got us some wine.”

She pulls out a bottle, wiggling it in front of me. The second I see the wine bottle, my stomach clenches.

Not in fear. Notjustin fear.

I rip my gaze away. “Put it away.”

Tria stops mid-motion, her brows pulling together. “What?”

“Just put it away, okay?”

Her jaw drops. “You reallyaresick.” She leans forward, pressing the back of her hand to my forehead. “No fever, but maybe this is one of those spiritual illnesses. Faith, you’veneversaid no to wine before.”

And that’s when it hits me.

I’m giving that son of a bitch way too much power over me.

Ineversay no to wine.

Why thefuckshould I start now?

I snatch the bottle from Tria’s hands, twisting the cap off with more force than necessary. “You’re right,” I say, bringing it to my lips. “I never say no to wine.”

The first sip burns in a way it never has before, but I force myself to swallow it down, ignoring the way my stomach clenches.

Tria grins. “That’s my girl.” She grabs a glass for herself, pouring while stretching out on my bed. “So,” she says, kicking off her shoes, “have you even started that project?”

“What project?”

She levels me with a look. “Faith.”

“What?” I frown, pouring the wine into her glass.

“Criminal Behavior assignment?” she reminds me, raising a brow.

I roll my eyes. “It’s not due for another three months.”

“Yeah, well, Dr. Harrington says the board moved the submission date up. There’s nothing we can do.”

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