Page 219 of Barbi and the Villain

He seems on edge. Tense.

“I met your sister,” I mention, though it doesn’t seem to be the right thing to say.

He narrows his eyes at me.

“I told you not to talk to anyone.”

“She talked to me.” I shrug. “She was drunk and sad because she hates her fiancé.”

“Doesn’t surprise me. He is a fucking loser.”

“That’s what she said, too.” I giggle.

“What else did she say?” he asks, staring at me intently.

“She mentioned you, actually,” I start. He freezes, and a twitch appears in his cheek.

“Is that so?” he asks slowly.

“She said she wanted what you and Mo had. That you were so devoted to her you never looked at another woman.”

His shoulders relax.

“Barbs. We have talked about this before. Mo was in the past. You are my present.”

“Is it going to be like this every time, then? When I meet someone from your past, are they all going to mention how much you loved Mo? How good you were together?”

“Barbs…”

“It’s always Mo this, Mo that. How can I compete with a ghost, Nyk?”

“You are blowing this out of proportion. I assured you she would not come between us.”

“You did. But sometimes I can’t help but wonder. You said you will always love her, and I can accept that, but… Do you love her more than me?”

“Barbs, please.” He takes a step back.

“Please tell me,” I beg. “I want to hear it from your lips.”

He presses his lips together.

“No,” he speaks slowly. “I do not love her more than you. Does that answer your question?”

I stare at him.

Slowly, I nod.

“Good. Now come here,” he murmurs, spreading his arms open.

I run into his embrace, letting the warmth from his body soak into my own.

“No more doubts, Barbs. Promise me,” he whispers against my hair.

“No more doubts. I just… I want to be the only one you love.”

“You are the only female in my life, sweet thing,” he says gently, seeking my lips with his own.

I wrap my arms around his neck and let him lead me to the bed, slowly lowering me onto the mattress and blanketing my body with his.

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