Page 169 of Barbi and the Villain

I’m jealous of all the time he spent with her.

But most of all, I’m jealous of the way he clung to her memory for seven thousand years—the way he still clings to it now, despite not wanting to admit it.

How hypocritical of me. I promised him I was fine with his past, yet all I can think of is him with her. When he touches me, I can’t help but wonder if he touched her like that too. If he…

Good Lord! I’m only going to drive myself mad if I continue on like this.

I am his mate, not her. In time, he will love me even more. I’m sure of it.

But are you?

Shut up, inner voice!

“What is the matter?” Nykander suddenly asks.

“W-what?”

“You were frowning just now, and your aura turned a bright pink.”

“Oh. I was just thinking about killing Baine for all he’s done to you,” I lie.

He cracks a smile.

“You are cute.” He chuckles, patting my head and ruffling my hair.

Like a child. Like a goddamn child.

And the sad truth is that I am a child next to him.

“We should go to sleep. We have a long journey ahead of us,” I say as I put away the leftover bones for the dogs.

His brows rise in question, but he doesn’t inquire about my sudden shift in disposition. He slowly nods, getting up to put out the fire and arrange our bed for the night. He fills one of the sheets we brought with us with our clothes and places the other on top to cover ourselves with it.

I blink in surprise.

“Only one bed?” I ask slowly.

“I recall you inviting me into your bed,” he drawls.

“Ehm. Yes, sure. Why not.” I laugh awkwardly.

The dogs are already sleeping in the comfort of their little house.

I pull on my dress nervously and lie down on the makeshift mattress. He slides next to me, the length of his body glued to mine. He covers me with the sheet and leans in to lay a kiss on my forehead.

“Relax, Barbs. I will not do anything to you,” he whispers.

“I’m relaxed. I’m very relaxed,” I mutter anxiously.

“You are anything but relaxed.” He chuckles.

“You’re mistaken,” I stammer. “I am not worried about what you will do to me. In fact, I can’t wait for it—to do it, I mean.”

“To do what?” He raises a brow.

He’s resting on his elbow and staring down at me with an amused expression.

“You know what!” I burst out, squeezing my eyes shut.

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