Page 62 of Toxic Kiss

Anita’s raptor glare turns on me as she crosses her arms. She hasn’t changed since the day my father brought her home—with Cy in tow—and told me he was marrying her. It came out of nowhere. I’d never met either of them before, and wham, insta-family.

“Oh…you’re still here.”

She looks me up and down, not bothering to hide her distaste. Anita has never liked the fact that Dad usually takes my side in any argument. At least when he was around.

“Nice to see you too, Anita,” I drawl. “What did you do with my father? You didn’t finally push him into jumping out of the plane. Not that I’d blame him.”

I swear she hisses at me.

“Always with the sarcastic jokes.”

“What can I say, it’s my thing when my bullshit meter is going off.”

She gasps and then huffs.

“I see, well, Auguste is downstairs talking to Declan about this whole embarrassing mess.” She flicks her fingers toward the door. “Why don’t you run along and see him?”

I cock an eyebrow, my inner bitch rising to the surface.

“And leave you alone with Cy, so you can tear him down, not listen to him, and then force him into whatever plan will make you look good? I don’t think so.” I cross my arms.

Cy reaches out and touches my arm. And just because I know it will annoy her, I take his hand in both of mine and hold it tight. Anita watches us, her face going red and nostrils quivering like her head is about to explode.

“Well, I’m not sure when you got your medical degree, but I don’t need your input. I know my son.”

“Obviously you don’t,” I shoot back. “I’m not sure how you can, considering you don’t see him as a son but a dollar sign.”

“How dare you?” Anita snarls. Hands on hips. Shoe tapping. Eyes murderous. “Are you really going to let this little bitch talk to me like this, Cyrus?”

“Mom, stop,” Cy says, looking between us. “Leave Haven alone.”

“Leave her alone? Did you hear what she said to me?”

“Haven’s not wrong. I told you I’m not using, and you’re not listening.”

She rolls her eyes. “Spare me. Dr. Avery said⁠—”

“I know what Dr. Avery said, and I did not OD,” Cy cuts her off, his voice gruff with anger.

Dr. Avery is the doctor who helps celebrities suffering from addiction in the industry. I know who he is without anyone having to explain. And I honestly don’t care why Cy was there before. All I care about is that he’s not judged now because of it.

Anita glares at me.

“Do you mind giving us some space? I have a few family things to discuss with my son, and that doesn’t include you.”

Unbelievable.

“Mom, that’s enough,” he growls and then coughs.

Her face softens as she sighs and looks at her perfectly manicured red nails.

“Well, she’s not. Not really. But fine.”

“I imagine my father will be interested to know that you don’t think of us as family,” I say, emphasizing us.

Anita’s jaw tightens. Her smile is flat as the corner of her mouth turns up.

“You’ve always been a problem child. I still think it was your terrible influence that sent my poor Cyrus down this path of self-destruction. So, excuse me if I’m not overjoyed that you’re back.”