Sweetest Venom (Virtue #2)(69)

I bury my hands in the front pockets of my slacks as I stare at a photograph hanging on the wall, willing myself to feel some sort of excitement or enthusiasm, but it’s of no use. There’s nothing inside me. She took it all with her, leaving the ghost of a man behind.

Sometimes I see her in the curves of a naked woman lying on my bed or in the color of bluebells in the spring. Even after all this time, the smell of rain still reminds me of her. She’s everywhere and nowhere. Between heaven and hell. Her memory raises me high just so reality can slam me down—she’s gone. Every day and every night the chains inside my soul rattle with her name, calling out for her to set me free.

She told me to forget her, to move on, to love again. But I wish she could have told me how to do those things. How can I live a life without her in it when she’s as much a part of me as I am her?

“What’s wrong, Ronan?” Jackie asks quietly.

“Nothing’s wrong. Let it go.” The words sound empty in my ears.

“I think you’re lying to me. You aren’t happy, Ronan. I can’t remember the last time I saw you smile.”

“What’s there to smile about, Jackie?”

Her brown eyes, the same color as mine, spark with light. “Your success!” She spreads her arms, signaling my spacious SoHo flat. “Your life. Everything that you have accomplished on your own. I mean, take a look at this place. It’s ridiculous.”

Yes, I’ve achieved success beyond my wildest imagination and without the help of anyone, but it means nothing to me. Nothing has for a very long time. Soon after Blaire left, I threw my body and soul into my work. I created to fill the gaping hole inside me. It didn’t work. However, it took my mind off of the f*cking pain that was threatening to break me in two each and every day without her.

I was selling my photographs in the subway one day when a man stopped and asked me if I had taken them. Turns out he was the curator of a very famous New York museum. The rest is history.

“I better get back to my guests,” I say smoothly.

She grips my arm and stops me from taking another step. “It’s because of her, isn’t it?”

I slant a wry look at her, raising an eyebrow. “I don’t understand what you mean.”

“I thought that I was doing the right thing by keeping her away from you—”

“What do you mean, Jackie?” The small hairs on my arms stand on end. My heart begins to pump hard. “Who did you keep away from me?”

“Blaire.” She hangs her head as her shoulders crumple in shame. “I went to see her the day you came to say good-bye to Ollie. I only had your best interest at heart …”

Barely keeping my control in check, I turn to face my sister, holding her by the arms. My hands are trembling. “What did you do, Jackie?” I whisper harshly. “What the f*ck are you talking about?”

“Oh, Ronan … I …” She looks up at me. “There’s so much that I have to explain.”



Blaire

“Au revoir,” I say as I watch the couple leave the gallery. Their bank account took a hit, but their home is going to look fabulous. It’s been a couple of months since I moved to Paris and things couldn’t be better. Jacob and Joanna have been a pleasure to live with and work for, and I’m in love with the city. The architecture, the culture, the fashion, the food (oh my God, the food!), the art and the people are all breathtaking. Every day I fall a little bit more in love with it all.

I sigh, giving my head a tiny shake, and go back to my desk and get back to work. I’m going over some paperwork when I hear the glass doors open and close behind me. Smiling, I turn around to greet the new customer.

As my eyes land on him, my smile freezes and I feel the air knocked out of me. Blinking repeatedly, I absorb his achingly beautiful features, but it’s his eyes that hold me captive and their slave.

“Hello, Mrs. Klein,” he says huskily, his voice full of tenderness.

“What—” I grip the desk, feeling like I’m about to faint. “What are you doing here?”

“Elly told me where to find you.” He closes the space between us, detaches my fingers from the desk, and takes me in his arms. My knees give out, too weak to hold me straight, but he holds me tight in his embrace as he caresses my wet cheek.

“I came to get what’s mine. Besides, you forgot something.” He takes my hand in his and places the paper ring on my finger, right where it belongs. Then he smiles into my eyes and the world suddenly makes sense once again.

“Always and forever and over a thousand eternities, mine.”





I WANT TO THANK MY HUSBAND and my family for loving me and supporting me through it all. I love you more than words can ever describe.

Next I would like to thank each and every single person that helped me in creating Sweetest Venom—my very special and kick-ass group of beta readers. Without your help and feedback this book would have never been completed. Your unfailing dedication to these characters and your wisdom were my guiding light. Luna, Jx, Priscilla, Rosalinda, Kathy, Rachel, Megan, Melissa, Mint, Milasy, Tennille, Deana, Kelley—SV wouldn’t be what it is without you! You guys are not only my team, but you are my friends. I love you, girls.

Luna and Jx, thank you SO much for your friendship, support, and help. You kept me on track when I wanted to give up. And you were there for me when I was racing toward the end. I don’t know how I would’ve done it all without you. You guys rock my world. I love you!