Page 43 of Venomous Desires

“Step out,” Judas commanded. I hesitated, opened the door, and stepped out onto the pavement. Kyle circled the car and handed the cane to Judas. I almost scoffed. Vulnerability didn’t suit him. Not when he looked like he was a walking-talking ticking time bomb.

A pervert at that.

Kyle helped Judas beside me.

A lazy smirk played on his lips, making me almost forget how to breathe as he extended his hand to me. “I pay you for your work, little bird,” he said. The breeze slowly ruffled his perfectly styled hair, as if afraid to disturb his perfection.

“I know my place; you have made it clear,” I grumbled, taking his hand in mine.

The moment our skin touched, a surge of current roared through my veins, electrifying every damn neuron.

His hand dwarfed mine completely.

I swallowed at the overwhelming size difference between us.

He towered over me in every sense. If he stumbled, what exactly was I supposed to do? Catch him? I nearly laughed. I’d hit the floor long before he did.

I refused to look at him and gave his hand a small tug.

A quiet chuckle rumbled from his chest. Before I could react, he turned my hand over, slid his fingers between mine, and laced them together.

I looked at him in shock.

“Keep giving me that attitude,” he murmured as he leaned closer, “and I might have to do something about it.”

His shades prevented me from seeing if his eyes were glinting again.

But I could feel his attention on me.

I was starting to think something was wrong with him. We’d spent almost an hour together, and he hadn’t threatened me once.

I was this close to checking if he had a fever. Apparently, everything was fine. And he has episodes now and then.

Threatening me was simply part of his daily routine. Making my life miserable.

I supposed making women’s lives miserable was a hobby most men took seriously.

“Everyone is waiting,” Kyle mumbled, and Judas said something in response.

The moment we stepped into the lobby, I was reminded just how extravagant the hotel was. Kyle led the way at a brisk pace and then to the elevator.

I ignored how most women turned to look at him. Only if they knew how shameless he was.

“Right this way,” Kyle said.

The demon leaned heavily on me. “Don’t even think about trying anything,” he warned in a low hush.

Was threatening women a competitive sport? If so, he’d definitely make the finals.

I ignored the warmth radiating from him and tried to slip under his arm. Bad idea. He shoved me into the elevator with enough force to make me stumble. I barely caught myself before I hit the floor.

An arm wrapped around my waist, hauling me upright before my knees could give out.

“Clumsy,” he muttered.

Heat rushed to my cheeks. “You pushed me.”

“Still.”