Page 183 of Venom Sweeter than Honey
“Try drinking this. I’m not sure how effective it’ll be, but at the very least it might have a temporary effect.”
Azrael arches a brow. “What is it?”
“Ever since you mentioned being disconnected from your magic after…” Violette seems to struggle to find gentle enough words. Words that don’t even have to be spoken to flood me with guilt.
“It’s what I giveminorito enhance their magic,” she finishes.
Azrael’s thoughtful expression provides me with no context clues.
“What areminori?”
Violette gives me a soft grin. “You, essentially. Those who possess little to no magic.”
My brows peak with curiosity. “What would happen if I were to drink it? Would I be able to... do magic?”
Azrael holds his head in place as he uncorks the bottle with his thumb and downs it.
Violette’s grin widens. “Indeed, you would. Though it only lasts for a couple weeks, at most.”
Something inside me flutters with excitement and childlike wonder. “Would it be possible to try one?”
“You won’t need to once we exchange blood.”
She clears her throat, catching herself. “I mean,ifwe exchange blood. Which could potentially be in a matter of days.”
Her cheeks flush prettily as she musters nonchalance. As if she didn’t all but confirm her decision to be with me—with or without Azrael.
“In the meantime, I think we should save them for Azrael, if they work even a little. I don’t have very many of these left, and they are terribly time-consuming to create. It takes several days for me to craft it, and several more for it to ferment.” She flashes Azrael a reassuring look. “Regardless of what happens, I can make a bunch more as soon as we get back from our little adventure.”
Though Violette seemedcertain it wasn’t a permanent solution, her elixir proved successful in keeping Azrael’s head attached to his body. At which point, we left him to bathe in peace.
The cabin I rented is large enough that we each have our own bedrooms and bathrooms to retreat to, but I’m hoping Violette will want to share a bed with me. Whether it’s mine or hers, I couldn’t care less, so long as she’s in it.
When we reach her door, we both hover in front of it. “I’m gonna take a bath too…”
My heart skips on a prayer that she’ll invite me to join her.
A few fleeting moments pass. She doesn’t ask. Just lifts onto her toes and presses a soft, lingering kiss to my lips. My hands are instantly drawn to her hips to drag her more firmly against me.
When I attempt to deepen it, she pulls back slightly, mouth grazing mine.
“Goodnight, Levi.”
My grip on her tightens as I fail to restrain the need in my voice. “Stay with me, Vi.”
Violette’s gaze searches mine, hesitating. “I just... would feel bad. With Azrael feeling so down and all.”
Jesus.
I mean... she has a point. But I fucking hate it.
“Plus, I’m a little drained from everything at the bar. The crowd and... the altercation.”
I force myself to nod.
“Yeah... I can imagine. You’re right. Well, I’ll be in my room if you need me.”
I am literally a hairsbreadth away from begging you to reconsider.
