Page 52 of Beautiful Venom
I’ve just never been good with people belittling me. It’s often gotten me into more shit than I can afford, but I refuse to be trifled with.
Kane peers down at me, a mocking glint appearing in his eyes. “Or what? You’ll offer your services to someone else?”
I raise my hand and slap him.
My palm stings and I immediately know I fucked up.
So when he lifts his hand, I close my eyes, waiting for the slap. I almost forgot he said that if I hurt him, he’ll hurt me as well. Without holding back.
I brace myself for the hit, but what comes is the soft drop of his fingers on my chin. I slowly blink my eyes open and my lips part.
Kane’s clutching my jaw like he did in the forest. His thumb and index finger are stretching across the skin, squeezing just enough to keep me immobile.
He’s studying my face with utter fascination, as if he’s never seen me before.
As if I’m a foreign being he’s attempting to figure out.
“Why did you slap me?” he asks, his fingers stroking my cheek in what seems like a doting gesture, but is actually locking my muscles.
“Because you disrespected me,” I whisper, holding on to my silly pride.
“Do you slap everyone who insults you?”
“If I can reach them, yes.”
“You didn’t slap Gavin and Isabella when they called you a bitch.”
“I didn’t get the chance since you kicked them out.”
“Would you slap them if I called them in again?”
I purse my lips.
“You wouldn’t,” he announces as if it’s a given. “Do you know why?”
“Because Gavin is stronger than me and can kill me?”
“I can kill you, too, but that didn’t stop you. Want to know what I think is the true reason behind your actions?”
“No.”
“I’ll tell you anyway. Their words didn’t get under your skin. Mine do.” He swipes his thumb over my bottom lip, back and forth, back and forth like a curse. “Interesting.”
“That’s not true.” His thumb grazes my lips and teeth, and he watches the motion.
I’m more taken aback by how my words sound like a lie to my own ears.
Kane’s eyes remain on my mouth, watching with intense attention, as if he’s in the midst of solving a math problem.
My lips tremble despite my attempts to remain calm.
“Don’t.” His voice deepens, forcing goosebumps to erupt on my skin.
“Don’t what?”
“Don’t tempt me.”
“I’m not doing anything.”
