Page 70 of Beautiful Venom
Before I can probe some more, he stands up and walks out.
Some of the girls notice him and follow after him like moths to flames. I mean, I know Marcus is strikingly handsome with his wholeje ne sais quoiattitude, but there should be some sense of loyalty to our college. Marcus is like our team’s archnemesis.
I mean the Vipers’.
It’s notourteam.
After sticking around for some time until the arena empties, I’m asked to leave by security.
On my way out, I check my texts, and my mood sours when I find nothing from Kane.
I should’ve spent my precious time by Violet’s side instead of catering to his stupid whims.
My steps are lethargic as I head to the parking lot where I left my bike. It’s empty now except for a couple of cars. The light is dimmer here, and the silence lingers like a layer of smog.
I quicken my pace toward the bike parking area and pause.
The bike isn’t there.
Someone stole it?
It’s not even that great. I kick the pole, then groan in pain.
Goddamn it. My bike is my only mode of transportation. I don’t have the money to buy another one.
A car stops beside me and I look up, my brow furrowing.
A golden Rolls-Royce’s back window rolls down to reveal Isabella Drayton.
Her hair is gathered in a ponytail and she looks down on me as if I’m the dirt beneath her car’s tires. “What’s up, Charity? Can’t find a ride home?”
“My name is Dahlia and my business is none of yours.”
“I was going to offer you a ride. As charity, Charity.”
“No, thanks.” I search my surroundings just in case the bike was moved.
“You don’t get to refuse me. When I order, you only comply, bitch.”
I swing around toward her, about to give her a piece of my mind, but a shadow appears from behind me.
Before I can figure out who it is, something pricks my arm.
I reach for the scalpel I always keep in my tote bag, but it falls to the ground.
“You—” My tongue stops moving and my vision blurs.
The last thing I see is Isabella’s vicious smile as the world goes black.
14
DAHLIA
Hush now, my darling, the moon’s in the sky,
The waves on the shore sing a soft lullaby.
The stars in the heavens will watch while you sleep,
