Page 64 of Barbi and the Villain

“A lapse of judgment on my part.” I push my chin up. “I have since seen the error of my ways.”

An amused glint enters his eyes.

“Is it because you found out who I am?”

“As if,” I huff aloud. “It’s because of your abysmal behavior. It seems there has been a misunderstanding between us.” I clear my throat. “I was merely being grateful for your help. There will not be anything inappropriate going on between us. In fact, we can each go our separate ways now.”

“Is that so?”

He doesn’t sound convinced.

“Yes. We clearly do not suit. And regarding my previous claims,” I swallow hard, embarrassment once more filling me to the brim. “Please disregard all I have said about the Dark One. It was merely a defense mechanism, you know. I am, after all, a defenseless girl in a foreign world. My innocent lies were only meant to deter bad guys from doing bad things.”

His lips tip up in an amused smile—one that makes my insides flutter.

No! I cannot let myself be lured by his handsomeness. Get your hormones under control, Barbi!

“Innocent lies? One could say those were devastating lies,” he drawls.

“W-what?” I blink.

He takes a step closer. His shoes meet my bare feet.

I tip my head up to look at him as I nibble on my bottom lip.

“I have a reputation to maintain. What would people say if they found out I have a heart?”

My lashes flutter. A flush spreads up my neck.

“Well.” I lick my lips. “You should take that up with psycho Damien,” I stammer. “He’s the one who told everyone I was the Dark One’s lover. I merely capitalized on it.”

He laughs.

“I think I might allow you to entertain me, Barbi.” He nods to himself.

My eyes widen.

“The hell I will,” I burst out. “You…” I jab my finger in his chest. “You…”

“Yes?”

“You are a bad guy, and I don’t entertain bad guys,” I add with a huff. “Now tell me where my dogs are and we can part ways.”

Once I get my babies back, I can put this entire thing behind me. No more embarrassment and no more making a clown of myself. It doesn’t matter how handsome or how attractive this villain might be, he is clearly not for me. And I will not beg for scraps, nor will I swallow my dignity for one moment of attention.

“They are at the cabin,” he slowly answers, his icy eyes half-melted by a hint of warmth.

“Good. Take me to them and tell me how to get to the portal. I will make my way home.”

I move past him in the direction of the mountain where the cabin is. It takes me only a few steps to realize he hasn’t moved from his place, his gaze clouded and conflicted.

“I am afraid that is no longer possible,” he speaks slowly.

“What do you mean?” I ask, scandalized.

His lips morph into a thin line.

“You fell from a mountain, Barbi. Are you not curious why you are still in one piece?” he inquires lazily.

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