Page 12 of Sweet Touch of Venom
We stroll out of the suite side-by-side with heads held high. Eve swirls her knives in her hand with a resting bitch snarl on her face. She really doesn’t give a shit who sees her, huh?
We are not that group in high school that’s popular and mean but don’t pack a punch.
No. We are the girls who deliver punches and cracked bones. So, a word of advice, you really don’t want to fuck with us.
We enter the black limo that awaits us. Each sitting in our spots. I can’t help but notice the pace in my heart and the jitter in my leg. Ever since I got into this job, any mission I’m a part of, I always get a sense of shattering nerves rocking my bones. Even though I’m superb at what I do, I’m always never sure if this will be my last night alive.
And that satisfies a part of me.No, you’re not. Let’s live and be free. Live to flame the earth.Not until I’ve completed my true mission. My one and only true goal.
“Remember,” Scarlette’s voice hums out, “WHEAB.” I know it’s intended for me. She gives me a soft smile that I would suspect is similar to what an older sister would give, even if she’s one year older than me. But I look away. I don’t need it, but unfortunately, my legs stop shaking, and I glance at her again. Another reassuring smile on her face. Anytime any of us are feeling the nerves rattling us, Scarlette says the simple words.
WHEAB. We have each other’s back.
It always calms me. Though, I never admit it out loud. I don’t like to show that part of me, but I’m only human. I can’t stop a damn knee shake.
I nod without smiling and look out the window. Noticing the tall bright building and the way the night sky brightens from themoon. Like it’s feeding off its energy. I’ve always admired the moon; it shines in the darkness, and I wonder if it can ever be so bright that it can cast away all of mine.
The limo stops, and my back hit the seat from the halt. The door opens, and we get out onto the path of a red carpet. It has a flowy rug lining the path down to a well-carved white door. And to that door is a three-story house that can be a museum with how large it is.
People post around white and blue flashes around everyone, almost blind worthy.
I hate pictures. Normally, I wear my mask to shield myself from discovery, but unfortunately tonight I had to go without it. But for times like this I do my best to stay out of the shutter and clicks of cameras. I would rather be in the dark, and Ineedit to be that way.
Other guests walk about to the large dome, women hand in hand with their husband; I think. Smiles plastered on their porcelain faces with no care in the world. Others stroll down the carpet with flashy suits and sparkly jewelry.
We’ll see how many jewels you have when your boss is dead.
Scarlette and I walk in front, while Eve and Kyra follow behind. The eyes of those in the room pry toward us; some men’s eyes are a little too lustful, and the women wrapped in their arms sneer our way or stare at us with shame.
Trust me, ma’am, I don’t want your filthy husband. I’d rather fuck a mule.
But I wink at a couple just to be funny, and the lady’s face nearly explodes from how red it turned.
Once inside, we scatter about, already aware of the mission.
“Get to the point, snatch the trees,” Eve’s voice fills my ear. Code for: find the man and get the documents.
I nod lightly, rubbing my hands down the side of my curly hair, sure to make sure my earpiece is covered. It always is, but you can never be too sure.
Brushing past the people in this hellhole, I head to the bar where not many are standing, so I press my hip to the counter, my head turning and seeking him out.
“Anything for the beautiful lady?” I whip back to a man with curly brown hair, brown eyes, and a charming smile. But it does nothing for my insides. I stiffen a smile back, leaning my elbow on the parts that are not wet on the bar top.
“Yes, I’ll have.” I look back around and my stomach tingles. There goes that feeling.
Found you.I shift to the bartender. “Can I have two martinis on the rocks,S’il-vous-plaît?”I lower my smile, but it still curves my lips. I purposefully hood my gaze at him, and I can see a sweat come onto his forehead.
A sparkle to his eyes, he grins. “Coming right up.”
I tap my fingers on the bar, scheming the area and what’s really going on in this place. Apparently, it’s a fundraiser by the one and only Fernando Degrazi—who openly degrades women to satisfy his puny ego—but who really believes that. I’m sure it’s something sick going on at places like this. People in the dungeon having sex orgies or something like that.
My eyes catch a couple sitting at the edge of the counter; he’s completely entranced by her as he swirls his finger in her hair. She smiles softly at him, and nausea rides up in my belly. The lovey-dovey act is disgusting.
I hate it, yet I can't rip my gaze away, and I stare for a bit too long. Something else uncharted flutters in my belly, invading it for a second before my throat tightens.
Uncomfortable with myself, I shift my attention elsewhere. Like the man with my drinks. He must’ve read my mind because here he comes with two in his hand.
“Thank you,” I say softly before taking them and walking off to the area with beige shawls falling around it. My hands smoothly go into the pocket of my dress, taking out powder and gracefully dropping into the liquor. I saunter to where he still sits in his ivory suit and legs spread wide, with four girls surrounding him. Nearly toppling over each other only to be next to him.
