Page 211 of Venom Sweeter than Honey
My heart clenches.
It’s all temporary for him.
One day, Violette and I will die together, hopefully in the exact same moment, but he will have to continue without us. And there’s nothing I can do or say to change that.
Head still turned towards me, tears carve a river through the crusted blood on his cheeks, the bridge of his nose, and down his temple.
“I love what you both have. So very much. It’s all I’ve ever wanted. Being near you makes me feel like I’m part of it, even if only for a fleeting, delusional moment. The fact that you both are so incredibly easy to fall in love with only makes it all the harder to resist.”
The corners of his lips tug downwards. “I never intended to hurt you or Violette.”
The stinging in my eyes returns, and I’m forced to look away. “But you knew that you would. How could you not?”
Azrael remains silent for several moments. The sound of his throat working around a wet knot of emotion is loud even when muffled by the wind.
“I never thought either of you would develop any feelings for me.”
I can’t help but give a derisive scoff. “Yeah. Okay.”
“Why would you? I didn’t sever the bond. I was just a thorn in your side, and the competition that would inspire you to work that much harder for her. To cherish her... But how could I possibly compete with what you two have? Even if she did inspire me to try my damndest…”
The fist closing around my heart squeezes tighter, pushing more emotion, more tears to the surface.
Does he really think so little of himself?
Lying only a foot away, my hand wanders towards him. My fingers graze the back of his. A gentle warning before my hand steals his. Azrael’s grip is quick to firm around mine. He releases a shuddering breath, voice wobbling.
“Do you think she’ll ever forgive me?”
“Yes... But I can’t promise you’ll be forgivenandunscathed.”
Azrael chuckles. “She’s so perfect.”
A grin tilts my lips. “She really is.”
My grin fades, dimmed by the reality of our situation.
“She will want to convince you to stay.”
I want to convince you to stay.
His head turns back towards mine. “She’s already alluded to as much when I experienced a moment of loose-lipped weakness... She’s impossible to deny. I don’t have the strength to stop her from trying. ”
A bittersweet emotion that seems to say,I won’t stopyoufrom trying,alights his features.
I squeeze his hand in affirmation as the tiniest flicker of hope flares to life.
Our gazes return to the sky. For long, quiet moments, we lie there watching the clouds drift and transform before dissipating, only to cluster together again and re-form.
So very much like the nature of life, death, and reincarnation.
VIOLETTE
My sweet boys.I can’t help but heave a lovesick sigh as I watch them lie in the grass holding hands. Sitting in a cushy armchair with a blanket over my legs, I eat the breakfast Azrael so lovingly prepared for me; my glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice hovers in the air beside me.
He and Levi have proven to be a riveting source of entertainment.
Now all I need them to do is roll over and kiss.
