Page 150 of Toxic Kiss

Everyone looks at me and then shakes their heads. But they don’t understand. Haven is in denial. I aim to make her see the truth. The inevitable if you will. That’s all.

“Oh my god, there they are,” a girl screams, and I look over as a pack of women races across the club.

“Shit,” Declan swears, standing and directing Rob into position to stop them.

“Oh my god, oh my god. We love you,” they screech happily. “Can we get a picture? Please, please, please, I’ll give you my firstborn,” the girl at the front begs.

I’ve never understood that saying. Who the hell wants a child as payment? But I smile and look at the guys.

“What do you want to do?”

“I guess a couple photos won’t hurt,” Ledger responds, the rest shrug in agreement.

This isn’t quite what I had in mind, but it works.

“Declan, let them through one at a time for a photo.”

He gives me the death glare, but for once doesn’t argue.

Haven weaves through the crowd, and I watch her over my shoulder while humming our song Demon Boy as the lyrics dance through my head.

In a den full of monsters, I’m the worst in this place

You were always my angel, let me darken that grace

Let me stain all your white, leave no trace of light

I don’t want your salvation—I just want you tonight

chapter

thirty-eight

“I don’t need a reason to hate them. Wanting you is enough.” – Haven

HAVEN

Are you kidding me?

Stepping out of the very black and pink bathroom, I’m greeted by a familiar sight. Even before the fame, Cy was magnetic. Guys wanted to be him, while the girls wanted in his pants. But what they all had in common was the desire to bask in the glow of his presence.

I stop and stare at the twisting line disrupting everything in the club. What is it about fan mentality that makes every other logical part of their brain shut down? Smart, kind, and loving people are reduced to ignorant and absurd versions of themselves. Pushing, shoving, throwing clothes, screaming about how much they love someone. They don’t do it for anyone else. They don’t start fights on the street for any other reason, but put someone famous in front of them, and it’s like their lizard brain goes squirrelly.

I don’t get it.

I mean, I do, but I don’t.

I’m not immune to Cyrus or his pull. It’s a lie to claim otherwise. But I don’t change who I am to get his attention.

Crossing my arms, my eyes roam over the horde and then glance at the door. Will Cy see me if I sneak out and around the group?

“I’m sorry, Haven, but I’ve been instructed to make sure you go back to your seat,” Brett says sheepishly, blocking my only escape route. Ugh.

“Was I that obvious?” He lifts a shoulder and lets it drop. “You do know this is borderline kidnapping? That makes you an accessory.”

“Do you plan on filing charges?”

I roll my eyes. “No.”