Sweet Venom (Crazy in Love #1)

by Kirsty-Anne Still

  I keep to the side of the street, weaving through people until I see where I had come from. Entering the bar, I see my brother but look for the girl who helped me. She’s at the bar, enjoying a lot of male attention. I start to take the hood of the cape off, undoing the ribbon from my neck and let it fall free of my body entirely.

  “Hey,” I call out, the redhead turns, and I toss her back the satin cape, and reach into my bra to pull out a loose fifty-dollar bill. “Thanks, Suga’,” I say to her, giving her a wink. “That was just perfect for what I needed it for.”

  “Did you win him over?” she asks, her inquisitive nature pressing on. “I mean … we all want to know. Did you win him back?”

  “Not quite,” I tell her, a hard smile presses upon my lips. “But don’t worry … it’s just a matter of time.”

  I leave them be, heading back to my brother who’s occupying the same table he had when I left him.

  “And where did you go to?” he asks as I come back to my seat and he checks his wristwatch. “Twenty minutes ago … thought you’d stood me up.”

  “Oh, nowhere,” I tell him, a bright smile on my face. “Just thought I saw someone in the crowd I knew. That’s all.”

  “Who?” he asks, crossing his arms over his chest. “And no lyin’.”

  “No one important,” I admit, giving him a tight smile. “Just some girl.”

  “And what was the cape about?”

  “Wanted to surprise her,” I say, shrugging. “That’s all.”

  “Eden,” Alex sighs, his shoulders sagging as his falls forward in defeat. “You promised there would be no trouble this evenin’.”

  “And there’s not!” I exclaim, remaining positive. “Where is there trouble?” I ask, taking the beads off. “I went and had some fun … finally! You should be damn happy I’m tryin’ to reintegrate back into New Orleans society.”

  “What did you do?” he asks. Ever my brother not to believe me. “Because I know you did somethin’.”

  “Okay,” I say, releasing a heavy exhale. “I decided to let some old friends know I was back in town.” I shrug again, reaching for his beer. “Thought we could all do with a good catch up later.”

  “Later?” he quizzes. “And where is this happenin’?”

  “O’Reilly’s, of course!” I exclaim excitedly. “Like old times … so finish up, I want to go there now! Oh, how I missed Seamus and the boys!”

  Alex gives me a look, cautiously reaching for his drink and then proceeds to listen to me and finish it off. I give him an excited smile, and I’m pleased when he starts to stand. He looks down at me, giving me an expression that tells me to move my ass and I listen quickly.

  Heading back out onto the street, the drunken hysteria is already growing wild, and I take in the nostalgia of it all – the times I was lost in the crowds, nameless and happy. I remember the last time I let myself get reckless and the feelings never waned; the years never tarnished them.

  My brother captures my hand, pulling me through the crowd, knocking the wistfulness right from my system. I don’t let him lead for long, picking up my pace, I pull ahead and start to drag him. We walk the few blocks, dodging drunks and laughing at those making mistakes they won’t remember in the morning.

  As soon as my eyes catch sight of O’Reilly’s I slow and my heart skips a few beats as memories swarm my mind. This place has seen so many good times, bad times and real ugly times, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I take off, but Alex pulls me back.

  “C’mon,” I say, taking Alex by the hand and forcing him to move. “If anyone should be nervous, it should be me!” I say, joking. “Why are you nervous?”

  “Because I know how this ends,” he deadpans, emotionless.

  “Alexander!” I shout, turning to block the pub from his sights. “This time is different,” I vow.

  “And how the hell do you know that, Eden?” he asks, scowling at me. “What could possibly make it any different?”

  “Because …” I start, thinking about the brunette who took the orchid. “Because they are.”

  “Oh wow, real optimistic,” he jokes, shaking his head at me. “What are you draggin’ me into?”

  “O’Reilly’s,” I reply quickly, giving him a smile. “You can leave already, but I’m back … I’m not prepared to be run out of town just yet.”

  “Who said you’re going to be run out of town?” he asks, shock and horror in his words.

  “We all know one person,” I mutter under my breath, seeing his reaction. “But that doesn’t matter! I just want a night to see everyone. That’s it.”

  I watch his jaw clench, and it takes a few seconds for him to peer around me, looking at a place we practically grew up visiting over the years.

  “Fine,” he relinquishes. “Fine.”

  “Yay!” I yell, grabbing his hand and heading for the doors.

  The bartender looks up and drops the glass. I approach, now feeling the nerves getting the better of me. Alex is quick to my side, sensing the shift in me and pushes me the rest of the way.

  “Well, sweet baby Jesus!” Seamus O’Reilly exclaims as his eyes lay on me. “Isn’t that a sight for sore eyes.”

  “Or a ghost from the past,” Charlie utters, unhappily.

  “Eden Roberts,” he breathes my name, his Irish accent catching every syllable. “Still beautiful as always,” he compliments, and I smile before he looks away. “Alex,” he says, putting his hand out for my brother to shake. “What brings you both back into town?”

  “Business,” I state, slipping onto the bar stool. “Family, too.”

  “I see,” he replies, his eyes becoming sad suddenly. “I was sorry to hear about your father,” Seamus mentions, his condolences mean very little to me. “He was one of the greatest men I knew.”

  “Thanks, Seamus,” Alex chimes, stepping in at the right time. “He’s been greatly missed over the last year or so.”

  “Quite understandably so,” he mentions, giving us both the same sympathetic look. “How about one of his favorites on the house … something to commemorate him.”

  “That’d be amazing,” Alex says, appreciating the gesture.

  “Perfect,” I say, swallowing around the non-existent lump in my throat.

  I observe him, noticing his hand going straight to a bottle on the top shelf. He pulls down a bottle of Dalmore whiskey, and my heart pangs a little. I remember only ever seeing my father drink that whiskey, claiming it to be the nectar of the world.

  “I keep a bottle up there for him,” Seamus admits, grabbing three glasses. “He was the only man I knew to drink it religiously. Bet he was glad one of you took after him,” he jests lightly, giving me a small but cheeky grin.

  “He had good taste,” I merely remark. “Expensively good taste.”

  He opens the bottle, pouring the brown liquid and sets it down beside them. Pushing two away, one at me, one to Alex, we all take the glasses. We cheer and drink, and as the liquor warms in my chest, I feel the tension burn away from my system.

  Dutch courage, I muse, thinking about the way this evening could go.

  “I didn’t get to see you at the funeral,” Seamus comments, focusing on me all of a sudden, breaking me free of my trance. “Where have you been hiding yourself?”

  “Around,” I reply, keeping my answer short and sweet. “I heard it was a tremendous turnout.”

  “Truly incredible,” Seamus muses, becoming teary-eyed. “He impacted a lot of lives did that father of yours … he deserved that send-off.”

  “He did,” I say, choked at the thought. “I’ll be back in a moment. I need to use the little girl’s room.”

  I politely remove myself from the moment, hearing Alex talking to Seamus like no time has lapsed. Alex stayed away as much as I did, for entirely different reasons than I did. I disappear into the toilet, taking the end stall. I shut the door behind me, locking it and lean against the coldness. Delving into my bag, I tear it apart until I can pull out the orange pill po
t. I fight the lid free and toss two white pills into my hand, I throw them into my mouth and throw my head back, swallowing them dry. I close my eyes, hold the pill pot close my heart as I remind myself that some days we all need the help.

  Sometimes, some girls just need a little additive to their day.

  Hiding the pot away, I take a calming breath and clip my bag closed. Leaving the cubicle, I take a look in the mirror and head for the door. My mood’s different now. I no longer await what will come through the doors, but want to chase my emotions away by reaching the bottom of a bottle.

  I knew the adrenaline would die a horrible death; I just thought I would be a bit closer to midnight when it happened.

  Seamus discussing my father’s death brought the morale down, but I knew I couldn’t outrun it in this city.

  “Hey,” Alex says, looking away from Seamus. “What’s the matter?”

  I ignore him, looking at Seamus. “We’ll take the bottle.” I slam my bank card down, not caring about the cost. I see Seamus give me a look, knowing I’ve not changed at all. “What?”

  “You’re not paying for it,” Seamus tells me. “Your father bought that bottle for you years ago, Eden. It was only to be opened once he passed.”

  I feel like the winds been completely knocked out of me.

  “He wanted you to have a drink for him,” he admits, giving me a small, sincere smile. “Everyone’s been waiting for the day you come back so we can toast to him.”

  I ignore him, blinded by raging emotions and I grab the bottle, dragging it from the bar top and head for one of the back corners of the pub, passing the pool tables as I go. I’m only stopped when Alex flies passed me, stopping me from going any more forward.

  “Hey, hey, stop,” he says, placing his hands gently on my arms. “What happened?”

  “I came back,” I remark, knowing he was right. “So, I just want a dark corner to blow this evenin’ into oblivion,” I admit, narrowing a gaze on Alex. “Is that too much to ask for?”

  “I’ll allow it,” he says, but I can hear the cautionary tone he uses. “But only because, stupidly, I think it’ll do you good.” I go to move, but he stops me. “What really brought you back, Eden? Because one moment you didn’t care about this city and the people in it and then you were on my doorstep.”

  “I had unfinished business,” I merely state, glancing at my drink before my brother. “That’s all.”

  “And I bet I could name it.”

  I laugh. “Oh, Alex, you wouldn’t even know where to start guessin’ with this one,” I say, giving him only enough to appease him. “It’s pretty unbelievable.”

  “Try me,” he says with a daring nature.

  “And ruin all of the fun?” I ask, plastering on a smile. “Look … you’ll learn soon, but I just didn’t expect this,” I say, holding the bottle up and waving it up at my brother.

  “You had to know comin’ here, of all places, would get that sort of response,” he points out, trying to understand but failing. “You had to, Eden.”

  “No, I hadn’t,” I admit and meet his gaze. “It’s been over a year … people should’ve moved on.”

  “Like you have?” he asks, raising a brow.

  “That’s why I have this?” I tell him, again waving the bottle. “Now, come and sit with me while we wait.”

  I choose a table in the far corner, taking the seat allowing me a direct view of the door. Seamus comes over, giving us glasses without meeting our gazes and we sink into an easy silence. Taking a deep breath, I settle and remind myself why I’m home, tell myself there’s a purpose now, a reason to stepping foot back into dangerous territory.

  “You’ve got that look on your face,” Alex breaks the silence.

  “What look?”

  “Like you’re just waitin’ for all the pieces to fit back together,” he muses, showing how well he knows me. “He’ll be here … he’s a stickler for tradition.”

  I smile at the thought. “Mardi Gras lock in at O’Reilly’s.”

  “Those were the days,” Alex quips, chuckling at the thought. “Seems like a lifetime ago.”

  “That’s because it practically was,” I admit, agreeing with him. “Never thought I’d feel like a stranger in this place.” I stop Alex before he makes another comment. “I know that’s my fault … but it’s time I rectify that issue … because I’m home now.” I lean forward, grabbing Alex’s hand. “I’m finally here to stay.”

  And that’s when I see them – him and her and them – all coming into O’Reilly’s a flustered mess.

  And that’s when the smile returns to my lips.

  You’re home now, Eden Roberts.

  “You’re all scaring me.”

  And so we should, I think dryly as I head over to the bar.

  “How are you doing, Lawson?” Seamus asks, his voice holding back. “Having a good Mardi Gras?”

  “Yeah,” I say, absentmindedly. “Can I just get the normal please.”

  “You okay?” he asks, not acknowledging me properly. “You seem a little distracted.”

  Distracted. That’s one word for how I feel right now – among copious others.

  “No, yeah, I’m fine,” I say, stuttering over my words. “The evenin’ took an unexpected turn that’s all.”

  “Nothing too bad I hope,” he queries, clearly trying for more information.

  “Depends on who you ask,” I quip and decide to shake it off until I know more. “Can we open that round on a tab, please, Seamus?”

  “Sure,” he replies. “I’ll have one of the guys bring it over. What about for the girls?”

  “Anythin’ strong,” I jest and leave the bar. “Oh,” I say going back. “Not heard anythin’ else on the contract, have you?”

  “You know you’d be the first person I’d call,” he tells me with a reassuring smile. “Go sit, and we’ll get this party started.”

  I step away from the bar but not without taking a second glance at Seamus. Something’s bothering him, but I can’t work out what. He’s talking to Sean and Charlie, and I can’t bring myself to interrupt, but rather force myself with Ashley who’s still freaking out.

  “You need a drink,” I say, practically flopping into the chair beside Liam, facing straight across at Ashley and my sister. “We all need a fuckin’ drink.”

  “Who is she?” Ashley asks, slamming her hands onto the table. “Because you all clearly know who.”

  How do I start to tell this story? I’ve never had to because I’ve never been this close to someone who’s been given the warning card of an orchid. I look at the flower, it’s almost pristine and I can’t stop thinking about how close I was to feeling her again.

  “Lawson,” Ashley growls in total frustration. “You all look like you’ve seen a ghost and I want to know who it is.”

  “Eden Roberts,” I say, barely audible, not withholding anything. “Her name is Eden Roberts.” I force myself to look at Ashley, unashamed to show how serious this is. “And no one can save you from her.”

  “You have to,” Ashley says, her eyes watering.

  “I’ll try,” I reply, holding no real promise. “But I know her … I’ve seen her work. No one has ever stopped her.”

  “No one ever will,” Liam admonishes in agreement. He’s staring at the flower too. “Eden-fuckin’-Roberts.”

  I huff on a laugh, unable to comprehend that she’s back.

  “So, what do we do?” Ashley asks, trying to hold back her fear.

  “Nothin’,” I tell her. “You wait until she finds you.”

  Unable to settle, Ashley shifts in her seat trying to remain strong in the face of men who have fought tough battles, seen more fall than they should at their ages, and still live to tell the tale with a smile on their faces.

  “You’ve got to be kidding me,” Ashley says, sitting up straight.

  “What?” Everyone gawps.

  “That’s her!” Ashley accuses, pointing passed me. “The bitch who gave me this is sitting in
this pub ... I’m not letting her get away with this.”

  My blood runs cold, colder than I have ever felt it. All the hairs stick up on the back of my neck, and I tell myself to move. The voice in my head tries to make me move, but I remain cemented on the chair. My heart pulsates with rapid gallops, and I’m sure they can all notice the sheer panic currently crippling me.

  Ashley is first to react. She’s up, orchid in hand, marching across the room.

  Now, I move – not quite quick enough to stop her. I fly from my seat when I miss grabbing her and follow her, and that’s when I see her – the one that got away.

  Eden is everything I remember her to be. Blond, beautiful, and full of attitude. It’s that last attribute of hers that worries me most. Ashley has a bite, but Eden is ruthless.

  “Here’s your flower back,” Ashley remarks, tossing the flower onto the table.

  I already regret not stopping Ashley from doing that. Foolish as she is, Ashley has a new fight in her, one she hasn’t exhibited around me, and that stops me from flying in and being her hero.

  “Oh no, Suga’,” Eden’s voice permeates the air, soft and sweet. “That was for you.” She leans across the table, turning the paper on the ribbon over. “See … Ashley Johnson … that is you, right?” she asks, playing innocent. “I mean … it’d be awfully embarrassing if it isn’t.”

  “Eden,” Alex starts, a look of horror in his eyes as he watches his baby sister. “What did you do?”

  “The usual,” Eden replies, relaxing into her chair. “Nothin’ new,” she adds, a nonchalant little shrug on the end. “Why?” she asks, looking around until her eyes meet mine and she speaks again, “Is there an issue?”

  “You know full well there is,” I start, trying in vain to remain the man she made me become. “What the fuck is this about, Eden?”

  “Hello to you too, Lawson,” she replies, sarcastically offering me a sweet smile. “I’m just lettin’ this girl know I’m here.”

  “You know her name, so use it,” I grumble, not letting the likes of Eden objectify Ashley.

  “Sorry,” she says, sitting up a little before she gets comfortable again. “I’m just lettin’ Ashley know I’m here.”