Page 26 of Venomous Kiss
In reality, it stings a lot.
So, I keep my distance and stalk. Although I know a part of me wants him, I also know I’m in danger if he ever catches me.
I never wanted to want this man more than any other I’ve wanted in my life. But I do. However, I know it’s not the smartest thing to contemplate.
He’s dangerous, and the more digging I do, the more I uncover.
Reon is who he said he is. A very successful businessman. A billionaire…
He is also a killer.
But he is more…
It’s whispered about in the shadows, not spoken about in normal social circles.
Though those in the higher tax brackets don’t talk, let’s just say their staff do. Despite the NDAs they are forced to sign when they’re drunk, their words spill easily.
“Where are your black shoes?” I put my purse in the locker, and then I freeze. “Cooper, where are your black shoes? It’s high standards tonight. There will be people here you would never get the chance to meet in your lifetime. So, it’s best behavior, and don’t act starstruck. And wear Lucinda’s black shoes. This is not acceptable. And don’t forget your eye mask. Discretion is what works best,” my boss says.
I nodded my head in acknowledgment of the fake name I had given him. I showed him my fake license, for which I had paid a lot of money, and he did a security check, but nothing came back.
That’s because this name was stolen, and the girl I stole it from is a girl in college who can’t afford to get a loan in her name. So I’m safe now back in the big city.
At least, that’s what I tell myself.
I’ve been working my way up. I had to gain the trust of my employer before they would move me to the bigger, more exclusive parties. I’ve done some parties with people who hold power. I served celebrities, even athletes, and each time, I change my hair color just to be safe in case someone were to recognize me. Each party requires a different NDA to be signed, and I’m signing them with a different name each time. I’m doing it to get to him. It all comes down to him.
Reon Holloway.
That night, I ran from him. I did so because, for some strange reason, I felt the night may not end as I’d hoped.
I don’t know if my feelings were right, but I wasn’t going to hang around to find out. My gut was telling me to run, and that night, I chose to listen to it.
Like any good crazy woman, I’ve had a taste of the dark side. And now I’m a fiend for it and want more, not just for Reon but for the high of that night. I haven’t done it since, though, sometimes, okay, maybe often—I carry that knife with me. In my purse, in my bag. I pretty much take it everywhere.
Would I use it again?
Hmm, I’m not sure.
Maybe, if the situation is right.
“Cooper. Mask. Move it!” Sometimes, I forget to answer to that name, but I’ve used it for six months. Lilith Davenport hasn’t done much for almost a year, apart from signing divorce papers. And this job pays in cash. No traces allowed.
I slide on my black lace mask that matches my plain black skirt and black button-up shirt and walk into the kitchen, grabbing a tray. I maneuver out of the doors and am immediately met with piano music. At most events, this is the type of music being played. It is not loud enough to interrupt people talking, but it is loud enough to drown out other conversations. This event is solely for men, which is unlike other events in the past. I don’t see a woman anywhere apart from the servers. Strange.
Walking around with some sort of fish cake on my tray, I am not allowed to talk or make eye contact with anyone. Those are the rules, and once in a while, I glance up. But I never see him.
Even though I always hope I do.
“Fish. Disgusting.” I don’t look up at the comment. Just keep weaving through the crowd without looking back.
The one thing about Reon is that I have kept his voice lodged firmly in the back of my mind. I would know it even with my eyes closed. You don’t forget a voice like that easily. It’s burned into my brain.
Some would say I’m a stalker, and maybe I agree. I’ve sat outside his office in a car before, wondering if that day would be the day I’d see him.
A hand grasps my arm and turns me around. I look up; I can’t help it. The grip is strong, not enough to hurt me, but enough for me to know this man exudes power.
“I’ve been watching you.” His words echo in my head, and a shiver runs down my spine. “You act lost, but each step you take tells me otherwise. You’re here for a reason. Tell me what it is, girl.” Eyes as black as the night sky meet mine. He’s dressed in a sharp suit, much like everyone else, but I’ve never seen him before.
