Page 103 of Renascence
“No, Venom. I can’t be a party to that. If that’s what you and your club do, then I can’t be involved with you.”
“What are you saying?” I step back, noting that she can’t look me in the eyes.
“I’m saying… maybe it’s time to move on.”
CHAPTER 17
***Emily***
His face is a blank mask.
I told him I’m ending our arrangement, and he hasn’t reacted. There’s no surprise, no disappointment. Nothing. If this was a couple weeks ago, I’d think it’s because he doesn’t care, but I know he does. What he’s willing to do for me proves it. A part of me loves that he’d protect me so fiercely, but I can’t condone murder.
I also don’t think I can be with a man who thinks so little of ending another human being’s life.
“Maybe? You either want to or you don’t. Which is it, Emily?”
“I don’twantto. I’ve never been happier than I’ve been with you. I just can’t….” I shake my head, searching for words.
“Can’t what?”
“I don’t know this side of you. I want the man whose bed I’ve been sleeping in every night, not this… this….”
“Monster? Killer?”
“This version of you,” I offer instead.
“This is me. No two sides about it, Emily. This is who I’ve been for a long fucking time. If you can’t accept me for who I am, you’re better off without me in your life.”
“What are you saying?” I ask, heart racing a mile a minute. I don’t know why I’m petrified at the thought of losing him when I’m the one who suggested “breaking up” a few minutes ago. Maybe I expected him to protest, to try and convince me to stay, but I should have known better.
“Me? You’re the one who wants to leave.”
“So that’s it? This, you and me… we’re done?”
“I’m not going to beg you to stay if that’s what you expect,” he sneers, inciting my anger.
“No, ’cause why would I expect any kind of emotion from you?”
“That wasn’t the deal.”
“The deal. It’s always about the fucking deal! Grow the hell up, Venom.”
“Fuck, Emily!” He runs his fingers through his hair in frustration. “Look, your emotions are running high right now. Just try to get some sleep and we’ll talk tomorrow.”
“Fine. I’ll go back to Uncle Jeff’s.”
“You’re not leaving the fucking clubhouse,” he growls. “It’s safer here.”
“So I’ve heard. Bulletproof walls and all.”
I grab my bag from the floor, taking it with me to the bathroom and slamming the door behind me. He better know he’s not coming anywhere near me tonight.
Shit. I only hope I can resist him if he does.
The only thing in the bag that can be used for sleepwear is one of Venom’s T-shirts. Go figure. However, it does cover more of my body than what he likes me to wear to bed, so I’m thankful. I’m not feeling particularly sexy right now. In fact, I’ll see if he has some sweatpants I can borrow. Returning to the room, I find him already in bed, hands behind his head, staring up at the ceiling. He’s naked under the sheet; I can see the outline of his dick on his thigh.
“What are you doing?” I ask.
