Page 191 of Toxic Kiss

“Fucking try, because it’s not funny. My bare ass is everywhere. I’m a fucking meme in multiple languages. I thought Patrick’s birthday was the worst thing you could ever do to me, but I was wrong. You have no idea what this feels like.”

She stomps back and forth in front of the fireplace, casting her angry shadow against the wall. Speaking won’t help the situation, so I keep quiet for now.

“The laughs, the jeers, the comments from people about being a slut. Someone left a note on the tour bus calling me disgusting for sleeping with my brother and that I’m going to burn in hell. We aren’t even related!”

Haven wheels on me, pointing.

“I was featured on the Night Show. The fucking Night Show. That is not how I ever wanted to end up on national television. I’m a laughingstock, Cy. No one says a fucking bad word about you. No, never you. Instead, all your comments are flattering. He got her good. Look at him go. No wonder she has that look on her face. Typical Cyrus Vale, gotta love him. He’s so hot. Fuck you!”

She is breaking, and I can’t stay away. I walk over and tilt her chin up. She is so stubborn. Even with unshed tears glimmering in her eyes, she refuses to show weakness.

“Is the recording how you bribed the officer at the jail?”

“What?”

“Did you use my ultimate humiliation to prove that you can do whatever the fuck you want to me?”

“Are you serious?” Anger simmers under the surface of my skin, and I take a step back. “Do you really fucking think I’d do that?”

She lifts her hands in the air, obviously exasperated.

“Honestly…yes, it’s crossed my mind. It’s the same shit you used to pull on me.”

“Haven, for fuck’s sake. I’m not that guy anymore.”

Hands on her hips, her eyes bore into me like she is trying to burn a hole through my soul.

“Don’t you dare act offended, Cy. Apologizing for being a dick your whole life and then fucking me in a cell beside an old man while officers watch like it’s their own private porn show doesn’t exactly fill me with confidence that you’ve changed.”

I grab her by the arms and force her back. She bumps up against the wall with a little thud.

“Haven, that is the very reason why you shouldn’t ask me.”

Her brows pull together in confusion.

“Don’t you get it? I couldn’t give two fucks who is around when I claim you as mine, but...” I drop my forehead to hers. “No, I wouldn’t offer a sex tape of us as payment. That’s shady as fuck.”

She sighs loudly in the silence that follows, and I can tell that she wants to believe me.

“Then what did you give him? I need to know.”

“Front row seats and backstage passes for him and his wife for any concert of their choosing.” My voice drops. “I’m sorry that all of this is happening. But I can’t deny the happiness I feel that everyone knows you’re mine.”

Haven’s shoulders slump, and she closes her eyes. Her pouty lips are far too inviting, and I can’t resist. She doesn’t kiss me back right away, so I nip at her until she opens. Fuck she tastes good.

“It kills me that you feel you had to ask that question.”

I pull back, and her gaze searches my face.

“I’ll find out who leaked it and bury them alive. That’s a promise,” I growl.

“A portable lie detector would be so convenient right now.”

“Haven, you’ve always seen me. Better than anyone else…do I look like I’m lying to you?”

She shakes her head.

“No, but I’m not exactly a great judge of anything anymore. I thought I was, but…my life is a giant dumpster fire at the moment.”