CHAPTER NINETY-THREE: VENOM

Simon’s POV

I gripped the steering wheel, straining my knuckles as I watched Adolpho, her supposed ex, leave the bookstore. The way they talked, the closeness, the way she looked so relaxed twisted something inside me. I banged my hand hard on the wheel, frustration and anger boiling over, seeing them together was a punch to the gut. I wished, more than anything, that I still had her trust. That I could be the one who stood beside her.

I waited until Adolpho drove off, then saw her slip back inside the store. My heart pounded as I climbed out of the car and headed toward the entrance. I had to talk to her. I needed to explain, to make her understand, even though the restraining order was a cold barrier between us.

The bell above the door jingled as I stepped in. She looked up, her eyes widening in shock before narrowing into a glare. Her voice was sharp, cutting through the silence. “What are you doing here Simon?”

I took a deep breath, fighting the wave of panic rising inside me. I