Page 247 of Toxic Kiss

Another question flashes on the screen.

“Are you scared?”

That one hits hard. I slowly nod.

“Yeah,” I say simply. “I am. Some days more than others.”

I look straight into the camera.

“But I’m more scared of wasting my life, pretending I’m invincible, than I am of living it knowing I’m not. I’ve learned to listen to and accept my body. But I’m not sure we will ever be friends again. I know that sounds strange, but it sort of was like a bad breakup for a long time. We had to negotiate with one another to get on the same page again and we still don’t always agree.”

The chat is silent for half a second.

Then, more comments pop up faster this time.

I grin.

“Damn, you guys are trying to make me emotional before I go on stage. Not fucking right,” I tease.

The door beside me creaks open.

I glance over, and there she is…Haven.

She leans in the doorway, smiling, and looking like a fucking goddess.

I turn the camera toward her.

“Hey, look who finally decided to show up to say hi.”

Haven laughs under her breath and gives a small wave.

“Sorry everyone, but it’s time,” she says.

Something in me quiets at the sound of her voice. She’s my home. No matter where we are, what hotel we’re in, I feel at peace in her arms. I turn the camera back to me.

“Alright,” I say, pushing to my feet. “That’s my cue.”

I pause, looking into the screen, and get serious again.

“Take care of yourselves, yeah? Listen to your body. Don’t let anyone tell you that what you’re feeling isn’t real.” Then, with a smirk, I tell them, “Stay a little dangerous.”

I end the live, cross the room to Haven, and press my phone into her hand.

“Hold that for me, but don’t answer it if it rings.”

She arches a brow, suspicion written all over her face. Good. I love keeping my fiancée on her toes.

“Should I be worried?”

“Always.”

I don’t give her time to argue before I pull her into me and kiss her hard. There is no hesitation, no warning, just heat, familiarity, and everything we are now.

She smiles against my mouth while pushing at my chest.

“Cy…”

“Quickie?” I murmur against her lips.