Sweet Touch of Venom (Lethal Love #1)

35. Ronan

Chapter 35

Ronan

Shadow in the Woods

I slam the door, fitting myself comfortably in the driver’s seat. Shrugging off my wool coat and resting it in the back. I wait patiently, soaking in the warm air that’s filling the truck. I already turned it on remotely before getting inside. The temperature is dropping by the day, and soon snow will surround these sticks and rocks. A minute later, she swings open the door, letting in a wave of chilly air. She gets in smoothly, wearing a coat over her clothes. The smell of her invading the car and instantly making my cock hard.

Fuck.

I crunch down on my teeth, focusing forward on the cobblestone road ahead.

We drive off, heading to our destination. The goal is to make sure we know what we’re working with, how the structure is, the area, the surrounding. If it’s an easy escape, are there men lined outside? I don’t need what happened last time coming into play.

For the first thirty minutes, we drove in our own silence, while the hum of the car interlaces with the whispering of the Hollow City anthem. Fine time to play this fucking song.

Hollow City is a mere black city that makes your fears come alive?…

Occasionally, I’ll look over to catch her looking out the window. The reflection from the tempered glass drawing her face. My heart stings from the look that I’ve felt time and time again.

Hostile, discontent. The world is black smoke, and you’re standing over the ruinous catastrophe. Just watching, waiting.

I glance back at the road, and my hand tightens around the wheel. A part of me wants to make all of it go away for her and see the smiles I desperately crave on that beautiful face. She doesn’t even know she still glows bright, even over the dark inside us.

I take one last look at her as we pass a mountain top, the entire crescent moon in eye shot.

I like to look at her, it’s pleasing to the eyes. I’m not a shitty driver, so I can stay straight for long enough. She turns slightly, her eyes shining through the window; her eyes travel downward, then back up at the moon. Her hand runs the sleeve on her arm, searching in the sky for something I cannot place my finger on.

I finally look back at the road; yes, I’m an expert driver, but if I stare too long, I will eventually run into a tree.

She’ll do that to you, capture you in, and wrap her scaly tail around you until you’re sucked into her sweet warmth.

My little sweet venom.

No not, mine . I have reached a conclusion. I can’t allow her to see this other part of me, this ugly part that consumes me until I’m shrinking and weak. How can she want me when I don’t even want myself?

Hollow city is a mere black city that makes your fears come alive…? fuck off.

I resist the urge to touch the scar on my lip. She shifts in her seat, crossing her leg, and leaning further into the window.

I merge onto the highway, filled with bright yellow headlights and blaring red taillights.

The tension is so high that it’s suffocating; not even letting the window down for air would help it. We need to talk. Although intimate communication is not my forte, it’s unsettling and triggering for me, but when do you bring up the gigantic elephant in the room? I go to speak.

“Why didn't you go to the funeral?” she asks before I can get anything out. My heart drops to my belly, I’m stunned by her question, the wall I placed up now spills over with emotion, it's bubbling in my chest from the memory. The part of my life I regret the most. I lock my jaw while I try to swallow the tightening in my throat.

“I-.” Nothing comes out. I grip the steering wheel.

“If anyone should have been there. It should’ve been you,” she says it almost as a whisper, one loaded in grief that she probably never had. She clears her throat then looks at me.

“You’re right.”

“Then why?”

I was weak, that’s why. I let out a heavy sigh. “Because I was ashamed. It was my fault, and I couldn’t face your family knowing I made it out alive, but he didn’t. I couldn’t look you in the eye and…” I shake my head, now steadying my breath. “Knowing that I’m alive, and your brother isn’t. It would've been like a slap in the face, another knife stabbing you in the heart. I couldn't do that to you all.” I admit as heat blazes over my face.

There’s silence for a few seconds and I take the moment to look at her again. She gazes at me too, then looks away. “I hated you for it.”

Everything tightens again. I could say anything that would make up for it, but you can't make up to someone who feels betrayed. Not really anyway.

“I don’t blame you for that. I hated myself for it. I still do.”

She sighs. “I also understand now. One day, he was here and the next he was gone, you witnessed his death, and you couldn’t do anything about it.” She inhales slightly, running her hand down her arm again. “But think of everything you have done, in justice for Carter. Relieve yourself from that hate. I have.”

From that, neither of us speak, I only continue in silence replaying every moment, every experience Carter and I shared. A brother who wasn’t my blood but treated each like we were. He was my family. Then I think of the promise I made him. It's why I have to make things right with Anita. She can’t be away from me. Not ever.

“I think we should talk about what happened last week.”

I catch her stiffen. “I don’t think that’s necessary,” she states blandly, gazing ahead at the dark road.

“It is. We need to discuss?—”

“No need.”

I cut my focus on her. “You can ask me questions, but I can’t ask you?”

Her eyes roll, tapping her leg as her tongue plucks around her mouth, not retorting back.

“We—”

She reaches over fast and raises the volume on the radio. The anthem playing loud and clear.

I quickly lower it. Irritation setting in. “Don’t fuck with me.”

“I like the song. More than this conversation you want to have,” she spits out, going to reach again.

I catch it, blocking the volume knob and flinging her wrist. “Do you really want to test me?” I warn, hoping she does.

She doesn’t.

Her arms cross with a flare to her nose. She’s dead fucking pissed. I don’t care.

I face the road again, clenching my jaw and begin, “We kissed.”

She shrugs. “Yes. For a deal. It meant nothing; you won, end of story.”

Damn. My thumb taps on the wheel, my ego flicking like a bad match. “Then why’d you leave the Academy?”

She releases an exaggerated sigh. “I realize I don’t need to stay there. I can meet when missions are set,” she says, releasing an exaggerated sigh.

A surge of panic hits me in my stomach. “That’s not going to work.”

From the corner of my eyes, her head cocks slowly to me. “Not going to work?” she repeats.

“Yes. In order to be here, you must be within the quarters in the mile radius of the tracker. For safety purposes. By going back and forth, I don’t know who your enemies are; they may follow you and find the school.” There’s a reason only a certain number of people know of GenCre.

And the parents that know signed enough NDA’s, you’d have a heart attack. No one knows unless you’re told. Also, it’s the best reason I can come up with.

“Then I’ll find a hotel nearby.”

“There are none.” Of course there are.

“I’ll sleep in my car, tucked into your creepy forest.”

Think of something else quick. “I wouldn’t suggest that. Wild animals out there. Deadly predators. I’ve seen it firsthand,” I add, to fuel the lie. It’s the best I have.

She huffs, shaking her head and tossing up her hand. “That’s ridiculous.”

I tap the wheel, shrugging. “Alright, give it your best chance. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” I keep my face stern and serious, adding to the fib. Damn, I could be a fucking actor. “You don’t have to stay with me.” My throat tightens like I have a lemon is stuck in it.

She pauses, looking at me. “What?”

I don’t suck in the tight breath I badly need. I roll my lips, preparing for my pride to be burnt to ashes. “I’ll find you your own room.” There’s a few left. I hate the idea of her not being in my home, but I fucking despise the idea of her not being where she belongs.

A hotel? Her car? I’ll set them on fire if it means keeping her exactly where she’s meant to be.

With me.

No, at GenCre?… It's what Carter would want that.

I do too. But mainly for Carter. That’s right.

She flicks over her thumb, fingering at the knuckle. “You would do that? Despite the bet. The agreement.”

My nail digs into the steering wheel, glaring at the sign that says: ‘Leaving Hollow City.’

No, I wouldn’t do that.

I would tie you to the fucking bed if that meant you’ll stay in my place. But nothing good will come from that.

Well, come to think of it…

“Yes,” I strain out. “Your comfort is a priority. So, I understand one hundred percent.”

She shifts her legs, glancing at me, then back at the window. I know she’s pondering on it, which makes me wonder why? It’s what she wanted.

“While I appreciate it. I think I’ll stay.” She lets out a small sigh. “A deal is a deal. Fair and square. Plus, the bed in the room is pretty comfortable.” Her fingers find her hair, brushing it behind her ear.

I don’t resist the smile rising on my lips. I bought a bed for that room and it’s extra therapeutic. At least, that’s what the person said when I asked for the best mattress they have similar to mine. One that’ll leave you waking up with no aches, like you slept on a damn cloud. I may or may not have threatened the owner, saying he might end up on a spike if bad results came back to me from using the bed.

“Good to know the bed fulfills your expectations.”

Her brow raises with a cute pucker to her lips. “It does.”

I switch positions, resting my elbow on the door frame, and running my fingers over the hilt of my scar. The smirk lingering.

“Also, I find it hard to believe you would be in an area full of wild predators if you have students on the premises, Headman.” She speaks in fluent Portuguese.

Shit.

I snap my head at her with pinched brows. The twist in my belly creates swirls and knots.

She folds in her lips, containing the grin on her cheeks.

I chuckle lightly in disbelief. “When were you going to tell me you understand my language?”

“You know now.”

I face forward. She amazes the fuck out of me. That means she knew exactly what I was saying about the fruit. I bite down on my lip.

Interesting .

Now I must learn French.

A comfortable silence stretches between us for almost the rest of the ride. When we finally arrive, the sky is pitch black, stinging with enough stars to outshine the moon.

Instead of parking directly in front of the building, I park further away, ducked in the trees, since it happens to be stuffed in the woods. I get out of the car, the pricking air bitch-slapping me straight in the face. I hate the cold; it makes my balls tight and my fingers numb. I purse my lips, jamming my fist into the opening of my pockets.

I meet Anita on the other side of the car, her shoulders near her jawline, and her hands stuffed in her black bubble coat; it’s not thick enough to withstand the chills.

Her foot goes to walk further, but I put out my hand. “Wait.”

Her brows scrunch together, looking at my hand. I open the trunk of the truck. Pushing aside a hammer, an ax, and a few guns, I grab a thick coat with thick fur stitched inside and a hood attached. Something I’ve kept in my car for purposes when the weather kicks my ass, but it’ll come in handy for her instead. I shift to her. “Take that off.”

Her mouth parts and her face scrunches further with a quizzical look. “Excuse me?”

“Unless you want to die from hypothermia, take it off. It won’t keep you warm.” I rotate my fingers over her jacket, shaking my head.

She clutches the zippers of her coat. “It does the job,” she defends as her shoulders quivers a little.

I raise a brow, watching her. “Off.”

She huffs, crossing her arm, her foot tapping on the pieces of tree bark. “Have you heard of ‘can you and please?’”

I roll my eyes up, my teeth gripping together. Stubborn as shit. Unfortunately, I like it. I let out a deep huff, looking back at her. I inch closer, her body rigid from the cold air. Normally. She’ll step back when I am near her. I’m guessing it’s because she never knows what I’ll do. Her guard is forever up, ready to deliver her venom. However, I never want her to be afraid of me.

Never . Her fire ignites my flame, burning my mess and leaving beautiful ashes in its path. If anything, she terrifies me .

“Can you,” my body is now towering over her, “put on the damn jacket before I force it on myself. Please.”

Her lips part in utter disbelief. “You are so insufferable.”

I shrug with a bored stare and continue holding the coat up. Her eyes roll, and a frustrated groan comes out, seeing that I’m not going to change my mind on it. She glances at the coat in my hand—that seems to take an appeal to her by the way she shifts on her feet. Her stubbornness relents.

“Okay fine!” She backs away and quickly takes off her little coat, so the unfriendly air doesn’t mutilate her bones. Her teeth scrape over her plump bottom lip. I take the coat from her, tossing it over my forearm, instead of her taking it directly out of my hands. I step behind her, placing the thick jacket over her frame. Securing it tightly before swooping my hands through her nape and the hoodie to pull her hair out. My stomach flips; I finally get to touch her hair again. My guilty pleasure. I lean in without her noticing and sniff softly. My body tingles from her vanilla scent filling my nose. A week too long for me. I quickly part my lips and bite her hair, letting my spit from my tongue to soak it a little. I don’t pull. I only give that much before I pull away like I’ve done nothing.

It’s nothing more than a small touch.

I stroll around, facing her innocently, before reaching down to the zipper. My eyes gazing down at her, and she looked up at me whilst zipping the jacket up. The tall trees cover up the crescent moonlight. It helps with giving light to the night, but there’s nothing stopping me from still etching out her entire face.

Memories of her legs wrapped around my waist, grinding on me, and moaning in my mouth plasters like a billboard; her begging me please to make her cum. She submits wonderfully behind the Venom.

We don’t move, nor do our eyes waver. I want to kiss her.

Another jerk in my pants snaps me out of it. Four blinding lights flash on the side of us; we both look in the direction, making Anita step back, and my hand to fall down, irritation settling in me from the bright ass lights and the interruption.

I can’t be angry. I want this.

The car shuts off and a door slam; boots and rocks being kicked from under their feet sound out in the night air.

“Fucking balls, it’s cold,” Mal says, walking toward us with her hoodie jacket duo and black gloves on.

Boone walks behind her; the large coat he is wearing appears small on him.

I turn, tossing Anita’s coat in the trunk before grabbing two guns and slamming the trunk back.

Without looking, I pass Anita the gun. “We see what we can handle. Scope out the area. See how many men, routes, ins, and outs there are.”

She takes the gun from my grip, her fingers grazing across my knuckles sending an electric wave down my cold back.

Ignore it.

“Any questions?” I place the gun in the holster, waiting for any concerns or ideas. I’ve never been the guy to leave his team voiceless and unheard. I’m open to suggestions, as long as it doesn’t get us killed, and, of course, if it’s not stupid. My gaze lands on each of them. Anita’s the longest because I can’t help it.

“Nope, let’s do this.” Mal’s voice is eager and ready. She might as well jump around on her toes like Boone does when he’s boxing.

Mal looks at Anita, her eyes landing on my coat tight around her. She stares for a brief moment before pointing. “Why do you look like you’re getting ready to wrestle a sumo wrestler?”

Boone walks around me, but I could’ve sworn I heard him snicker. Anita gives a tight smile, her middle finger raising slowly. “At least I’ll be warm.” Her finger is still up, aiming at Mal, while she walks in Boone’s direction.

I crack a grin, strolling to the doors of the truck.

Mal doesn’t look the least bit displeased. A small smile lands on her lips before she shrugs, walking off too.

I make sure everything is locked before strolling off into the darkness of the forest. Rustling leaves and tree crickets make music tonight as we scrunch on the dry and falling petals. The gap finally opens to a large warehouse. Something is off—we cease movement. The building looks like someone blew it up and then put back together. My senses ring off as we all step forward, vigilantly. Not worried about anyone coming out because we all get the gist.

No one is here anymore.