My Beautiful Poison (Wicked Poison 1)

“Is that what you’re calling yourself these days?” I scrub my hand through my hair. “Could have fooled me.”

“August, will you shut up and listen?”

“What do you want? Money?” I ask, reaching into my pocket and pulling out a twenty-dollar bill, then throwing it on the ground at her feet. Her eyes follow it before she looks back at me. “That’s all I have. Take it and leave.”

“That girl of yours… her boyfriend. He’s been coming by to see Josh, and your name has left their lips a few times.”

I’m shocked. “Why are you telling me this?”

“You two pissed him off, and she’s pressed charges.”

I know all this, Noah’s told me, but I have no idea what her angle is right now. “And?”

“He wants payback.” She rushes the words out, but her cheeks redden, then she drops her head probably in shame. But then again, who really knows with this woman and what she’s capable of. Feelings are not something I have felt or even noticed from her.

“Of course he does, poor little rich boy,” I say with a head shake. “What’s Josh got to do with it?”

“Josh went to him. That little secret I am guessing you’re keeping from your new girl? Well, they both know now.”

I grind my teeth.

“Maybe you should tell her before he does.” She glances at the house. “Can I come inside? I haven’t seen it for so long.”

Even though I think twice about it, I step aside so she can enter. I watch as she steps in, her eyes taking in everything. She steps into the kitchen, her hand running along the counter before she turns back to me. “No one says no to Josh, and you’ve done it multiple times. I’m worried for you.”

“Now you choose to worry?” I ask her incredulously. “You’ve got to be fucking with me, right?”

“No, no, I’m not. Josh… he’s changed since you went in. He had to get stronger. Do things himself. He lost most of his men after you went inside.”

“I don’t care.”

“He wants you dead. He thinks that’ll fix his problems. They see you not working for him again and realize his hold on you wasn’t as strong as he said when you went away.”

“His hold on me was always weak. I did it purely for the money. I did it all for the money because my own mother didn’t bother to fucking feed me.”

Her hands go to her chest, and she shakes her head. “I’m going to get help. Rehab. I’m leaving straight after this. I need it.”

“You need more than rehab,” I tell her. “But that’s a start, I suppose. Maybe you can be a better mother to Paige. But me… I’ll always know who you are. And believe me, the forgiveness train has well and truly left the station.”

My mother’s once dark, vibrant hair has faded, and her eyes are sunken into her skull. She appears older than she really is, and beneath all that, I still think she’s beautiful.

“I love you, August. I had too many demons that I loved more.” Her hand drops from the counter, and she moves to touch my shoulder. “I’m sorry I was an awful mother to you. I know you don’t believe me right now, but I really am.” She leans up, kisses my cheek, and I watch as she briskly strolls out the door.

“The Harleys are having a small birthday party for me tonight, and I was hoping you would come.” Paige sits next to me, holding out a plate full of donuts, so I take one and bite into the delicious treat. “I’m sure Rylee would love to see you.” She nudges my shoulder.

“What do you want for your birthday?”

“For you to come to my party. Please. It’s nice of them to do this. Dad said you should come, too.”

“Your father is going?”

“Yes. He said to make sure I invite you.”

I’ve seen her father a few times over the last week, and I fucking hate it. Going into that police station gives me nothing but concern, but it’s over with now. Thank fuck.

Just as I am about to tell her no, I hear a knock on my door. Paige now knows not to answer, so I stand and open the door to Glenn, who’s standing there.

“You aren’t dressed?”

No, I’m not. I’m still in my work clothes. I was hoping to shower and pass the fuck out after Paige left.

Glenn checks his watch. “We have to leave in ten minutes. Did Paige not tell you?”

“I was just telling him,” she says innocently. “He’s going to head up and get ready now.” She reaches out and hugs my arm. “Aren’t you?”

“Paige, don’t pressure your brother into things he doesn’t want to do,” Glenn states.

“I’m not. He asked me what I want for my birthday, so I told him.”