Page 147 of Venom Sweeter than Honey
“The feeling is mutual. Would you honor me the same?”
Levi leans forward, lips grazing my brow before pressing a kiss there. My core clenches. “I would deny you nothing, My Queen.”
Despite having read those words, in one form or another, in countless novels, they have never resonated with more fervor or sincerity than they do now. My reply is but a whisper as I attempt to keep my voice from cracking beneath the weight of my emotion for this male—gratitude beyond measure, and an affection that I am too terrified to name.
“Careful, My King... I may yet ask for your heart.”
Levi draws back, gaze falling to mine as mirth curls one corner of his lips.
“It is already yours.”
LEVI
Hope is a song taking flight in my fluttering heart. After our shower together, and thus the sharing of our pasts, the change in Violette’s receptivity towards me is night and day. The harsh words and lethal gazes I had earned have been replaced with something precious and new—like a newly sprouted seed.
And I’ve never been fucking happier.
One might even say there’s a pep in my step. Though in reality they wouldn’t because I’m entirely too self-restrained and stoic, butinternally, I haveallthe pep as I do a quick sweep of my house while Violette gets dressed. Even if I am fully expecting to find Azrael making himself at home.
To my surprise, my house remains Azrael-free.
I grin in anticipation of Violette telling him to get fucked so we can go on our road trip. My intuition tells me it won’t be so simple, but I promptly shove that thought away. When I return to my bedroom, Violette smooths her hands over a far simpler black, form-fitting but modest dress. Another relief. As undeniably stunning as she looked in Azrael’s dress, I don’t want her wearing anything he gives her.
Violette gives me a reserved smile. “Ready?”
I take a moment to study her and the resurrected wall I’m detecting, but nod.Soon enough, Vi. You’ll see that you can trust me.
“For you? Always.”
Her brow relaxes slightly, and I have to fight the urge to pull her against me; I sense that overwhelming her or forcing myself upon her would be unwise. So instead, I nod.
The moment Violette’s delicate hand glides over my shoulder, her magic washes over me, making the hairs on my arms and neck rise.
The world around us folds in on itself, and for all of a blink, everything goes black before it unfolds, and we’re standing in Winnow and Gideon’s living room.
The sensation is dizzying, but I’ve jumped out of so many planes and helicopters that it only gives me a mild and fleeting nausea. As it passes, I scan the room, only to find Azrael’s shadow sitting with one ankle resting over a knee, arms spread over the back of the couch like he owns the fucking place.
The sound of laughter reaches us from Gideon’s kitchen, and we turn to find Azrael, wearing what I can only assume is Winnow’s frilly pink and white apron over his finely tailored suit and two equally frilly oven mitts.
Gideon and Winnow are seated in the high stools at his countertop, giggling.
Since when does Gideon giggle?
Already facing us, Azrael spots us first, and a grin lights up his face.
“What fortuitous timing! I was just about to take the roast out of the oven.”
What is this fucker so happy about?
Gideon and Winnow turn in their seats to follow his gaze. Both of them give us knowing looks—as if it’s obvious we’ve been fucking.
Even though we haven’t.Yet.
Violette lets out a sigh of relief. “Oh, praise Akash!You were able to fix his head!”
Winnow winces. “Not quite... It’s glued on.”
Violette’s face slackens with disbelief. “Beg your pardon?”
