Page 132 of Darling Venom
Not when we moved away.
Since the fire, I made it a point to never invade Leah’s space again.
Well, not this time.
My hand hit the doorknob. I twisted it, heart ratcheting in my chest like a jackhammer. I could’ve died then of a heart attack. But I took a step inside.
Stunned silence met me.
In fact, I think we were both shocked silent. I didn’t even remember what I’d wanted to say anymore.
“You’re in my room,” Leah whispered.
I closed my eyes, inhaling the familiar scent of citronella oil and laundry. It smelled like her room nine years ago.
Different place.
Same person.
She’s still in there.
She’s worth fighting for.
“I love you, Leah.” My eyes shot open, zeroing in on her. Perched on the edge of her bed as if she wanted to make her existence as small as humanly possible. “And because I love you, you can say all the mean shit you want, and I will always be here for you. Always.”
Was this what it was like between Tate and Kellan?
Good intentions and poor delivery.
Tragedy and heartbreak.
Love and hate.
A tear slipped past my cheek. I let it fall to the carpet before I wiped away its trail.
“Butt out of my life, Charlotte.”
But the words didn’t hold heat.
They were just tired. So damn tired of it all.
I sighed, turning to leave, when my eyes caught sight of it. Grand loops and tight lines. The familiar swirls of Kellan’s cursive. Inked on an envelope tucked between the end of Leah’s bookshelf and a beauty manual on covering scars.
I dove forward.
Snatched up the letter.
Bit my tongue at the sight of a surviving piece of Kellan, swallowing the bitter blood.
“Where did you get this?”
Leah shifted on her bed, almost falling. “It’s old.”
“Leah, where the hell did you get this?”
“Some kid stopped by with it a long time ago. On Valentine’s Day, your senior year.” She lifted a shoulder. “He wanted me to give it to you. I figured it was just a birthday card.”
I strode to the bed, shaking her shoulders. “Tell me exactly what happened.”
