Page 72 of Venomous Games

“Don’t kill him,” I tell them. The room falls silent. “Do not kill him,” I emphasize. I don’t say out loud exactly what my plan for him is, but they seem to understand what I’m not saying. He may be of use if we keep him alive.

They linger around my room for at least another hour before Maven walks back in wearing clean clothes, her hair still wet from her shower. I can’t stop the smile curving my lips as I see her damp locks and think about how I had her in the shower less than twelve hours ago.

Everyone’s attention shifts to her.

“Maven,” Arlo says, nodding at her. Soren gives her a glance in acknowledgment, and she doesn’t even look in his direction as she makes her way to me.

As she takes the seat next to my bed, I can’t help but smile at her and ask, “What heels do you have on?”

“My black ones,” she answers.

“Are you into heels now, Boston?” Arlo jokes.

“Yes, he is. He likes to wear them when I fuck him,” Maven replies, making Arlo smirk and Soren shake his head.

“To each their own. I’m not going to judge your kink.” Arlo winks. We all know about what he likes to do with those beads he has wrapped around his hand.

“So, do you think you can all leave now?” Maven asks, glancing at all of them. Arlo looks at her, surprised, but I can tell he’s impressed by her. Join the club.

“I’ll keep you updated if I find out any information on where he is,” Soren says, then turns and leaves with Maya, Arlo following behind them.

And I’m finally alone with my wife.

“So, I think we need to have a discussion about us,” Maven says, sitting back in her seat. I can’t help but stare at her. She’s wearing a little white shirt, jeans, and a pair of black heels. Her blue hair is up in a messy bun, and not a lick of makeup graces her skin.

“What about us?” I ask.

“Well, how long was this arrangement meant to last?”

“Arrangement?” I ask, confused. “We’re married. There’s no fucking arrangement.”

“Okay, good, because somehow I cared when you got shot,” she admits. “I didn’t go after him. I totally would have gone after him if I didn’t care about you.” She looks everywhere but at me.

“Dynamite,” I say, and reach for her, but she still doesn’t look at me. “Get the fuck up here with me.”

That gets her to meet my eyes. “No. You’re hurt.”

“I’ve been shot before, and I survived. Now, get up here.” She stands, kicks off her heels, and climbs in to lie next to me. Her head rests on my shoulder, and I wrap my arm around her.

“I care for you too, just so we’re on the same page,” I tell her.

I wait for her to say something, but instead, a soft snore leaves her beautiful mouth.

FORTY-ONE

MAVEN

I spend most of the week at the hospital. The nurses tell me not to share a bed with him, but as soon as I get down, he demands I come back. So that whole situation isn’t really working.

Police officers come and go, asking questions and taking statements.

I’m still at the hospital the day Carrie gets out of rehab, which makes me feel even more guilty for not being there for her. The minute I see her she throws her arms around my shoulders and squeezes me tight.

“I’ve missed you.” I whisper.

“I missed you more. Now do you want to introduce me officially to your husband?” I step back and smile at her; she looks good. Healthy, which makes me proud and sad that I didn’t get her the help she needed sooner.

She stays with me at the hospital for the rest of the day, and then visits a few times during the week. She always brings food, which is nice considering the food here is utter shit.