Page 323 of Venom Sweeter than Honey
Belong.
That singular word, and the suggestion it implies, steals my breath.
When I hesitate, he glances back at me, arching a brow.
“I know this is a ridiculous question, but... what is your name?”
His brow settles, expression softening with affection. “Lazarus.”
LAZARUS
Ashaded bench beneath a wall of enormous rose bushes provides a view to a teary-eyed Violette, and a lovesick Levi. Lovesick as in... he’s actually revealing that surprisingly boyish and warm grin of his, because truly only love could make such a monster of a male turn boyish. The longing I feel at the sight of it makes me realize that I do indeed want him to look at me like that. That I want to be the person that can soften his rough exterior. Inspire him and make him feel safe and loved enough to give me such a gift.
As if the very thought has summoned him, his gaze meets mine from over Violette’s head. Something in my chest pinches tight, and my stomach gives a little leap in response. His boyish grin falters as though having been caught, and I realize I’m staring blankly at him.
Smile, you fool.
Nerves make the expression tight. Restrained.
Fuck, I’ve ruined it.
Levi straightens, saying something to Azrael and Violette. They both turn to look at me.
Oh, fuck.
Where’s the nearest cliff?
I need to fling myself off of it.
Shoving his hands in his pockets, Levi’s long, muscled legs eat up the distance between us—and with it, the air in my lungs.
I straighten in my seat, arm draped over the back of the bench, one ankle resting atop the opposite knee.Be cool.
The rhythm of my heart seems to beat out a reply that says,you-are-a-fuck-king-id-iot.
Levi stops in front of me. A beam of sunlight further illuminates the green of his hooded eyes as he looks down at me. “You alright?”
A bead of sweat trickles down the column of my spine.
Not at all, thanks.
“Of course. Why do you ask?”
Brows knitting in the brightness of the sun, Levi’s broad shoulders briefly lift. “Because I know what it’s like to be a wallflower, I guess.”
My throat dips as my nervousness increases.
Our silence grows awkward.
Say something,a voice in my mind internally growls.
I gesture limply at the open spot beside me on the bench. “Care to join me?”
Levi looks mildly relieved as he accepts.
It’s only then that I realize this bench was clearly made for humans. The side of Levi’s thigh is forced to press against mine as he leans back... and my arm is inadvertently draped behind him. Folding his arms ensures one tricep and elbow are nuzzled against my ribcage.
The silence that lingers however is slightly less uncomfortable.
