Chapter 3Venom & Vows

Every cell in my body screamed run.

But I couldn't afford to offend Julian Thorne.

I gritted my teeth and reached out. The snake stretched its neck, its icy scales brushing against my palm.

Cold. Slimy.

Mommy, help.

I kept the smile plastered on my face and lied through my teeth. "Wow... the texture... it's really nice."

Suddenly, the snake unhinged its jaw, lunging as if to bite.

I shrieked and scrambled back three steps, my composure shattering.

My lie was busted. I expected him to mock me. Instead, he looked me up and down with an amused glint in his eyes.

"What's your name?"

"Harper. Harper Lee."

"Want to come with me?"

"Huh?"

By the time I processed what was happening, my dad and Julian had struck a deal.

I was to stay with Julian for three years. In exchange, he’d wipe out $5 million of my father’s debt.

It was a terrible deal for Julian.

But he nodded, looking bored. "Sure. Done."