Page 31 of Lovely Venom

Sienna returns with our drinks, and the conversation drifts easily from one topic to the next. We never have difficulty finding things to talk about, and over the next hour, we cover a variety of subjects. Val fills us in on the last wedding she planned for a couple who never actually made it down the aisle, because the bride found the groom kissing one of her friends. The girls get caught up in the horror of it, but it leaves a sour taste in my mouth, because nothing surprises me anymore. The bar is so low it’s in hell.

I’m three glasses deep in my bottle of champagne when Abella leans back, fanning her face.

“Everything okay?”

“Is it hot in here?” she asks.

“A little. Do you need to get some air?”

“Yeah, I think so. I keep overheating and getting lightheaded. The joys of pregnancy.”

I grab the flyer for this evening’s party from the table, taking a quick peek at the festivities. It looks like there are different experiences throughout the club, each of them divided into one of seven sins. I skip over the gambling den, banquet room, and dance floor until I find what I’m looking for. The rooftop promises fire and ice displays, an infinity pool, and a view of the city.

“You want to head up to the roof?”

Abella nods, and I help her up, looping my arm through hers. The girls join us as we make our way through the club with the guards in tow. It takes us a minute to get an elevator, and it feels a little like we’re in a fishbowl being entirely enclosed in glass. But as we pass by the second level, I catch sight of something I rather wish I hadn’t.

It’s just a brief glimpse of him in profile, but I’m almost certain that was Marco on the second level. I shudder at the thought of running into him, and when we exit the elevator, Val nudges me to get my attention.

“Chantel?”

“Hmm?”

“You good?”

“Yeah. I just need another drink. I’ll catch up with you.”

She nods, and they venture across the rooftop to an open table as I head for the bar.

“What can I get you, sweetheart?” The bartender glances up at me.

I look over the menu and order the strongest thing I can find. “I’ll have a Fishbowl and a water, please.”

She arches a brow at me. “I hope you have someone to share that with.”

“Oh, I do.”

I know better than to mix liquor, but right now, I don’t really care. The bartender returns with the Fishbowl and a bottle of water, and I make my way over to the girls.

“Um, what’s up with that?” Lucia eyes the drink in my hand.

“I was thirsty.” I smirk, taking a large sip from one of the straws.

“Apparently.”

“Try it.” I offer it to her.

She takes a sip, and I hand the bottle of water to Abella. “Feeling any better?”

“Not really.” She frowns. “Would you be terribly upset if I bail early and go lie down?”

“Of course not. Do you want me to get Angelo?”

“No.” She shakes her head. “I’ll have the guards take me to the penthouse, and he can just meet me there when he’s done.”

I glance at Val, and she shrugs. “I offered to go with her. She won’t let me.”

“I want you all to stay and have fun. I’m just going to pass out the minute my head hits the pillow.”