Poison's Kiss (Deadly Beauties 2)

"Who did this?" he asks, feigning concern.

I roll my eyes at his insincere gesture, and then I cover the proof while slipping my shirt back into place.

"It doesn't matter. The point is you don't have to keep waving your veiled threats around. I know perfectly well what you're all capable of doing."

He frowns as if he's mulling over all the facts. I'm sick of the games.

"Zee!" Kane yells, his voice less than thrilled when he sees us talking and mistakes it for light conversation. He stalks toward us, and my blood boils. "One fucking simple request. I told you all to just avoid her, and yet, you and Amy have to speak to her the first time we run into each other. Un-fucking-believable."

"Kane, I-"

"Don't, Zee. Just leave the trash outside and head back in. I struck up a deal with the blond in there that I can assure you is much more appealing than the blond right here."

My stomach slaps my throat almost as hard as his tart retort slaps my heart. I walk away, refusing to look behind me as I hurry back to find Gage. Just as I reach the top of the stairs, Heath is waiting.

He looks completely healed. His body doesn't show any signs of the brutal beating he received just a few weeks ago. How is that even possible? I saw his face distorted in ways a plastic surgeon couldn't have possibly repaired so quickly.

"Well I'll be damned. You look so good tonight, and now I hear you're single."

Stupid drunks. Stupid aura. Stupid, stupid party!

"Single, but still not interested. Touch me and I'll break your face for good this time."

His laughter proves to me his memory has been wiped. He has no idea what Kane did to him that night. Reflexively, I turn around to look for the man I once considered my human hero.

I'm surprised to find him actually staring back, seeming to be seething as he stares at us. He hated Heath long before he knew me, so there's no point in assuming this has anything to do with any lingering feelings. He's too cold to feel anything but dark. He's a night stalker. A bloodthirsty, sadistic bastard.

I turn back around, trying to find Gage now.

"I thought about swinging by your place later. How about I hit you up in about an hour?" he says while glancing down at his watch.

"You know where I live?" I ask, my voice louder than I intended. "Hell no. I've got a roommate that will kick your ass if you even think-"

His lips are on mine as he forces me to the wall behind us. I squeal and fight against him, but it's pointless. After all the threats Kane has made... He's just going to watch as this guy tries to haul me out caveman style.

Before I know it, Heath is being ripped off me and tossed over the railing to land five feet below. He grunts as the wind is knocked out of him, and a f

amiliar face is awaiting my breath of relief as Thad comes into view.

"I knew I shouldn't leave you alone for too long. Too many pervy assholes around here."

I laugh as I launch myself into his arms and he holds me to him as he kisses the top of my head, making me feel so much better now that I have two people here.

"Easy, pretty girl. You'll mess up all that lovely makeup, and now that I'm here, the fun's just getting started."

I laugh again and look down to see Heath is already gone. Kane is missing as well, and I start to worry what might be going on. I banish the thought. Kane can do whatever low-level thing he wants and I can't touch him without risking my own hide with the council.

"I'm glad you showed up when you did."

He smiles as he pulls my hand in his, and I laugh as he adjusts his pants.

"Didn't realize the dirty trickster was your first," he grumbles.

My laughter instantly ceases as my face floods crimson. What the hell? Does everyone know?

"I really hate this flashing neon sign that is apparently beaming from me."

A devious smile covers his face, warning me I'm about to become more embarrassed.