Page 83 of Lovely Venom

Regardless, I set down my bag and familiarize myself with the space, which is the same as I remember. Suites are assigned based on what’s requested. The options are endless, but Bran and I have always kept it simple. This one has a bed, a club chair, a bench, and an ensuite bathroom and shower.

The walls are painted a deep merlot color, and the low crimson lighting bathes the room in anonymity, softening everything at the edges. An oversized round bed dominates the center of the room, the black-tufted headboard curving upward in scalloped arches.

On the bar cart, there’s a selection of fruit and chocolate, chilled champagne, and the mini fridge is well-stocked with a variety of beverages. But there’s something else that captures my attention on the small table in that same corner of the room.

It’s a matte black gift box with metallic silver writing across the top. As I get closer, I can see the word “dea” imprinted there.

Curious, I open it to find a pair of stacked silicone bracelets connected by a stainless steel chain. Together, they can be worn on one wrist to look like jewelry. But when attached to each wrist, they function as cuffs.

I recognize them because I’ve had them on my wish list for a while. The idea of everyday jewelry that can be used in a pinch has always appealed to me. But I never trusted Marco to utilize restraints, whereas Bran knows from my preference form that he has my explicit consent.

It sends a tiny thrill through me, but beneath that, something else lurks in the back of my mind.

How did he know I wanted these?

Of all the restraints he could have chosen, the chances he’d buy the exact style and color I saved seems like a stretch too far.

It’s something I could overanalyze, but right now…I just don’t want to. So I stack the bracelets on one wrist and secure them, filing the question under problems for later.

Once that’s done, I dim the lighting and choose a playlist on the tablet.

Since I arrived early, I have time to settle my nerves, so I pop the champagne and pour myself a glass. After stripping off my dress and heels, I slip on the silky black robe and pace around the room while I wait.

I’m trying not to think about the other man who takes up too much real estate inside my head. But there’s no denying that’s exactly where this restless energy is coming from.

As I’m in the middle of that thought, the door opens with a soft click, and the breath rushes from my lungs.

I stand there, frozen, my heart racing as I squeeze my eyes shut. I’m so nervous, I can’t even turn to face him.

Silence hangs heavy in the air as he closes the door, sealing us in the room together.

He doesn’t seem to move, but I can feel his gaze on me as he waits me out.

Eventually, the tension becomes too much to bear.

“I’m sorry.” The words tumble out. “I’m a little nervous.”

“Talk to me,” he says.

His voice is too low to be distinguishable, but my body responds all the same.

I consider how honest I want to be. But then I remember that, in the beginning, Bran told me I should always be honest, even if I didn’t think he would like it.

“I still want to do this,” I tell him. “I’m just having a hard time getting someone out of my head.”

I realize how ridiculous it sounds as I say it. Cristian doesn’t care that I’m here, so it shouldn’t feel like I’m doing something wrong. I just hate that he’s gotten under my skin.

This isn’t me. I’m immune to catching feelings, and I prefer it that way. I like my life without complications, and I swore I’d never let a man twist me up inside. But somehow, he has.

“Is it couch guy?” Bran asks.

I wring my hands together as I try to recall what I told Bran about Cristian. I briefly remember referencing him during our video call, and I’m pretty sure I used the words ‘hot and virile’ to describe him.

“He’s invaded my whole life,” I complain. “And if that wasn’t bad enough, now he’s in my head too.”

An unsteady exhalation falls from Bran’s lips. “He’s on your mind now?”

“Yes,” I answer reluctantly. “I’m sorry. I just need a minute, and then I’ll be ready.”