That I'm not going to destroy everything, eventually.
Because that's what I do. It's who I am.
Even on my birthday, especially on my birthday, that doesn't change.
I reach up to grab wine from the cupboard, when Asher’s reflection catches my attention in the window. My heart stutters, and I turn slow, noticing the small box in his hand.
“What's this?” I eye it as he hands it to me.
He traces my face as if afraid he’s going to forget one day. “It's called a gift, Venom. People tend to get them on birthdays.”
“You already got the cake.” I protest weakly, but my fingers are already tightening around the box. “That was more than enough.”
He shakes his head, plucking the bottle of wine from my other hand. “Open it.”
I hesitate, sensing the weight of it. It's heavier than I expected for such a small package. With careful fingers, I peel back the wrapping paper, revealing a black velvet box underneath. My pulse quickens as I lift the lid.
Nestled inside on a bed of silk is a delicate choker chain of flowers, each blossom linked to the next in white gold. Each petal twisted together by detailed barbwire.
It's beautiful.
I can't tear my eyes away. “This is… it's too much.”
He takes the box from my hands. “Chill, you always overthink shit. Turn around.”
I obey without thinking as he steps in closer.
His heat presses against my back and my eyes drift closed for a moment.Pull your shit together.
“The Hellébore has quite the rep in French folklore,” Asher murmurs as he drapes the necklace around my throat. His fingers brush against my skin, sending shivers down my spine. “It was believed to ward off evil spirits and protect against dark magic.”
Metal settles against my collarbone as he works the clasp.
“Sounds suspicious.” I manage to breathe out with a chuckle.
“It was also known as the 'Winter Rose' because it flourishes in cold temperatures, where other flowers wither and die.”
I don't miss the double meaning. My breath catches as his knuckles graze the back of my neck, lingering far longer than necessary.
“Also?”
I turn to face him, acutely aware of how close we're standing. His eyes linger on my throat, as shadows form beneath his features, making me hesitate.
His mouth slowly curves up in a wicked smirk. “It doesn't come off.”
I pause.
“What?” My fingers skim the cold edges, digging for a clasp that isn't there.“What do you mean it doesn’t come off?”
He shrugs, lazy. Like he didn't just shackle me to him. “Soz, Venom, you're stuck with me forever—” His eyes flash with that goddamn mischief. “And that choker.”
“That's quite a commitment.” I force lightness into my voice, but it cracks. Shows too much.Shit.
My pulse hammers against his palm when he leans heavier on me. “Do I come off as the type of man who would dip out?”
His thumb keeps circling that hollow where my throat meets my chest. Slow. Deliberate. I don't breathe. Don't fucking move.
“Hey, are you two planning on rejoining the party anytime soon?” Lucinda's voice cuts through the tension.
