Page 48 of Lovely Venom

Abella blinks, probably wondering why I’ve never shared that before. “Okay, well that’s like four extra classes right there. Plus you could branch out, like dance workout classes. Or an app. Those are really popular, and I bet Romeo could help us set it up.”

I smile at her enthusiasm, but I don’t have the heart to tell her that’s dreaming too big for me. Because whatever I do, I have to stay under the radar. Local dance classes are one thing, but putting myself out there for the world to see is another.

“Take some time to think about it,” Mariella suggests. “When you’re ready, we’ll help you come up with a plan.”

I thank her, and as the men finish their work, we wrap up our conversation.

When Angelo and Abella leave, Mariella and I take a seat on the front porch stairs for a quiet moment. She seems hesitant to go, and I can’t help but love her for it. Among her many other positive attributes, she’s the best friend I could ever ask for.

“I could come stay with you if you want,” she offers. “Or we could both stay at the penthouse.”

“I don’t think your brothers would approve of you being here. And besides, they’ve already gone to all the trouble of making my house safe.”

“Well, you may not be thrilled about it, but it makes me feel better,” she says. “At least now your creepy stalker can’t get anywhere near you without us knowing about it.”

“Creepy stalker?”

The question startles both of us, and when we turn around and find Cristian in the doorway, Mariella curses under her breath.

“I’m sorry.” She winces. “I didn’t realize he was there.”

Cristian ignores her, his gaze focused on me as he waits for an answer. He’s already done too much, and I really didn’t need him to know about this, but I can’t change it now. My only option is to downplay it.

“It’s not a big deal. Just an overly attentive customer from the club.”

“What’s his name?” he counters.

Well, crap. He has me there. When I swallow, he knows it too.

“He’s just a customer.”

Cristian stares at me with that quietly dominant energy, waiting for me to explain further. He has this way of making me feel like if I don’t answer him, I’ll be in trouble, and not the bad kind.

I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but these thoughts seem to be catching fire. Then I remember his rejection last night, and that sobers me up real quick.

I turn to Mariella, and she seems to understand I need an exit strategy.

“You should probably get some rest,” she says. “I have to head out too.”

We stand, and she gives me a quick hug as we say our goodbyes. As her guard escorts her to the car, she gives me one last little wave.

“Call me if you need me.”

I nod and turn around, breezing right past Cristian as I make a beeline for my bedroom.

Shutting the door behind me, I toss the throw blanket aside and pad to the bathroom. After turning on the shower, I reach for the hem of my tank, ready to strip down. But in the process, I catch sight of Cristian in the doorway, and I choke on a startled squeak.

He’s pure menace as he backs me against the wall, bracing his palm above my head and lifting my gaze to his with his other fingers. He looks like he wants to throttle my ass, and the image of that scenario burns itself in my mind, sending a rush of heat down my spine.

“Give me a name.” His voice is calm, but absolute.

I swallow, and he tracks the movement with his eyes, all the way down to my rapidly beating pulse. His gaze lingers there for a moment before dipping lower, to my hardened nipples scraping against the thin fabric of my tank.

Darkness pools in his eyes as my breath grows shallow, and I know I’m not imagining the electricity between us now.

I drink in the sight of him, and it’s impossible to miss the rigid set of his muscles or the brutal hardness straining beneath his trousers.

It’s wildly inconvenient, considering I swore I wouldn’t indulge this thought again.