Venom's Alliance: Loyalty's Fracture

Chapter 04

Easton POV

Cold water cascaded down my bare body, like a summer rain, trying to calm my reaction. I've struggled to sleep ever since I saw her again; her sweet floral fragrance lingers in the air, a constant reminder that follows me everywhere. It stops me from closing my eyes without seeing her face—her scent, her smile, her velvety olive skin, those captivating dark brown eyes framed by long lashes, and her enticing plump pink lips. I miss her so much, and now that I have her back, I can't wait to share my bed with her.

But as the scenes from last night replayed incessantly, each frame focused on her smiling at another man. The rage was so intense that it almost made me stop the race. And of all people, Oscar was the last person I wanted to see her with. I can't let history repeat itself; I needed to take care of Oscar.

The wall caught the brunt of my frustration. I guess it's better than losing my cool in front of her. I mean, I can't have my angel thinking I'm some kind of psycho.

I shut off the shower, wrapped a towel securely around my waist, and walked into my bedroom. There, I found Jake, casually sprawled out on my bed, his irritating grin in full display. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his audacity.

"Seriously, man? Get off my bed. The maid just changed the sheets."

He shot me a mischievous glance, clearly unfazed by my irritation. "I can see myself sleeping here with you."

I retorted with a hint of sarcasm, "Only if I get to shoot you while you're asleep."

"That just seems like a lot more cleaning," he added with a sigh, annoying me further.

I replied with a touch of exasperation, "You, my friend, are worth the hassle."

Undeterred, he continued to playfully sprawl on the bed, his hands skimming over the sheets. "You know, I think I might just move in with you."

I couldn't resist the opportunity to tease him. "Feel free to do so. I might have a certain woman move in as well."

My grin took on a devilish edge, knowing that the subject would likely irritate him.

"Touché," he chuckled as he finally got off the bed, meticulously adjusting his clothes in the process.

I headed to the closet to select my work attire—a beige suit paired with a crisp white shirt, a classic and straightforward choice.

"Get out. I need to change," I instructed firmly, my patience waning.

He merely smirked and waved me off. "Go ahead, I've seen you naked before. I need to tell you something important."

My expression shifted from annoyance to intrigue, and I shot him a piercing look with narrowed eyes. "What?"

"You don't remember when you were 16? And asked me to come with you..." he began, his tone trailing off.

"Not about that. What news have you got?" I interrupted, frustration evident in my tone as I slapped my palm against my forehead, exasperation creeping in at the memory of us sharing a girl.

"You remember Rick, right? Well, he mentioned that he knows Kalia," Jake began and I arched an eyebrow, urging him to continue with a subtle nod.

"He said he's seen her before," Jake added, his words trailing off.

Leaning in, my curiosity piqued, "That's it?"

Jake shifted uncomfortably, his gaze flickering over the Rolex collection on my dresser. Sensing my impatience, he finally spoke, "He mentioned something about seeing her at his dad's hotel."