Page 87 of Toxic Kiss

“And lastly…I know you’re not as squeaky clean as you let on. So, understand this—Haven is mine. I don’t care about this Charles guy, and very soon Haven is going to see we’re meant to be together. Come between us, and I’ll bury your body so deep in a dark hole that no one will ever find you. You’re not the only one who has friends in high places.”

He looks like he wants to jump up and punch me, but manages to remain seated. Turning, I march away, heading for the washroom. I trust my mother about as much as I do Auguste.

This is not how I envisioned this night going.

The hallway is long, and I pass the men’s room before rounding the corner and spotting the women’s. I push open the door a crack, and my mother’s voice comes through loud and clear.

“You want so badly to be the exception in my son’s life, don’t you?”

My mother is standing with her back to me, arms crossed.

“This is my job, Anita. My father placed me here. I didn’t ask for this.”

“Maybe. Maybe not. But now that you are back in Cyrus’s life, you have that stupid doe-eyed look. I know you’re still hopelessly and pathetically in love with him, but here’s the truth. You’re not the exception. You’re not special. You’re nothing more than a placeholder. A soft shoulder he can lean on until the novelty of your return wears off.”

Mother looks Haven up and down, and I can feel the judgmental stare, without seeing her face.

“He will find someone worthy of him. Someone who brings as much to the table as he does. A model or actress, perhaps. She will be more talented and far prettier than you can ever hope to be. And when he does? He’ll leave you bleeding. Just like before.”

I’ve heard enough.

The door bangs hard against the wall, and both my mother and Haven jump. Anger, from my conversation with Auguste and now hearing my mother tear down Haven, is flowing through me like high octane fuel just waiting for the match to burn it all down.

I step inside and glare at my mother.

“Cyrus…what are you doing, son?”

“Don’t son me. I heard every disgusting word you just said to Haven.” My mother’s face pales. “I told you to leave her alone, but apparently you didn’t understand, so let me put it another way.” I step close enough that she has to look up at me. “You’re no longer welcome anywhere near this tour or me. I don’t want to see you again until it is all over. Don’t call me, don’t come to my rehearsals, recordings, or concerts. Don’t call Declan or anyone in my band. And if you so much as breathe in Haven’s direction again…then I’ll cut you off completely forever.”

“Cyrus…you can’t do that,” Mom gasps, a hand going to her chest as if I’ve shot her. Too bad.

“Yes, I can. As soon as I get back, all security will be notified that you’re not allowed on premises, and don’t push me, mother. I have no problem with your ass sitting in jail. It will give you time to think about your actions, and orange really is your color. Now get out,” I growl.

She doesn’t move.

“Now.”

Mother jumps and scurries toward the door. I follow her, and as soon as the door is closed, I flick the lock and turn to face Haven.

“Cyrus, what are you⁠—”

“When she followed you, I knew she was up to something.”

I close the distance between us, and Haven stiffens. I hate that.

“I can handle your mother. I’m used to our verbal sparring.”

My hand slips around her waist to the small of her back, and I pull her against me. She arches away, but the pulse jumping in the side of her neck and the desire in her eyes is fucking candy. I want to suck on every inch of her body.

“You shouldn’t have to. I’m sorry that I never stepped in to help you before.”

“I’m not your problem, Cyrus. Never was.”

Haven tries to step back, but I don’t let her go.

“That’s where you are wrong. You’ve always been my problem.”

I draw her in until our bodies are touching. I fucking need her. The pull is stronger than any addiction.