Page 127 of Venomous Desires

A hundred thousand.

Judas.

He’d sent the money and lied convincingly enough that even my mother believed it. Why? To keep her from asking questions? To make sure she never came looking for me? Or was this just another reminder that, even from miles away, he could reachinto every corner of my life?

“Are you still there, Sera?”

My mother’s voice pulled me back.

“I... yeah, Mama.” My throat tightened. “I’m here.”

“Sera, you’re scaring me. What’s wrong?”

“I’m fine.” The lie scraped against my throat. “Just tired.”

I should tell her. She deserved the truth.

But what truth? That I’d become collateral in a war I didn’t understand? That every lie I told was to keep her alive?

Tears stung my eyes. I blinked them away, biting the inside of my cheek until I tasted blood.

“I love you, Mama,” I whispered.

“I love you too. Come home soon, okay?”

“I will.”

Another lie.

We talked for another half an hour about how thriving her business was nowadays, and Mikhail was getting enrolled in a scholarship programmed in Manchester University. My heart ached telling her more lies: that I was doing well, that the people were kind here, and that I even had a boyfriend.

I lied and lied until tears gathered in my eyes, and I had to lie again to cut the call.

I stared at the dark screen, unable to move. The phone slipped from my numb fingers, hitting the floor with a dull thud.

All I could see was the darkness ahead, the choices I’d have to make, and the price I’d have to pay. Judas’s pale eyes loomed over me, and I knew—whatever came next, it would demand more of me than I had to give.

I paced the apartment like a caged animal.

The air felt too heavy. I circled the coffee table again, fingertips brushing its edge as though it could steady me. It couldn’t.

Not when he wasn’t here. My injured foot throbbed, butsitting still was impossible.

I glanced at the clock. Another minute.Where is he?

I dragged a hand through my hair, trying to quiet the unease clawing beneath my skin.

Every muscle in my body locked when I heard footsteps.

The doorknob turned, and the door opened.

There he was.

The devil of my cage stepped into the suite with his presence like a sharp contrast to the chaos in my mind. He looked as dashing, as composed as he had that morning—immaculate as ever. Those pale blue eyes found mine instantly, and a hint of amusement curled at the corner of his lips, as if he could sense the storm raging inside me.

His aura was as dangerous as ever, something dark and alluring that pulled at me, even when I wanted nothing more than to push him away.

I hated him with my guts.