Page 22 of The Villain

“Ok. I will if you stop looking like you want to decapitate me.” He’s kind of smiling as he says it and I blink as I take it in.

My temper is amusing him? He should be walking away by now.

“Not you.” The saddest words ever spoken. It hits home that this man could walk over me in cleats and I would let him as long as he smiled while he did it.

“Tera’s orders?”

I can’t answer that so I drink again. I’ve skipped over several bans for him. I don’t think Tera enters into this territory of bans. It’s his.

“Why do you listen to her?” He interrupts my internal dread of what new bans I’m going to be following to keep him happy.

“She cares about me,” I give him a flat look, reminded of why I’m pissed at him. “She cares about you too but you act like a dick.”

He doesn’t answer but a blush starts on his cheeks. He actually feels bad about it? Good.

“You owe. Fix it,” I insist.

“How do I do that?” His non-frown comes back.

“Apologize.”

He scoffs, “No.”

I raise a brow and sip again. His absolute refusal came quickly and sounds like bullshit.

“I won’t,” he grits through his teeth.

“Why not?” I know he feels bad, I can see it. What does he think he’s giving up by apologizing?

He doesn’t have an answer and his frown grows until it’s real.

Maybe all he needs is a little push. Like the messages on the cups. It’s difficult to tell because this Shade and the one who broke down in a parking lot seem like two different people.

“I fuck up all the time and I owe. I pay up. Get the stick out of your ass and get it done.”

His eyes widen in surprise and he lets out a disbelieving laugh. The sound of it makes my heart start beating harder. His expression becomes lighter, more relaxed.

That’s what I want. To see him relaxed and pleased. What did I say to get that reaction?

“She said I had to be on good behavior with you.”

“I promised the same.”

“This is good behavior?” He mocks. He leans over the table, bringing our faces closer together as he grins. I want that look to stay on his face forever.

“Yes.” I could be worse but I don’t think I could be better.

His grin widens.

My lack of tact makes him happy?

“What would you say to me if you weren’t being good?” He licks his lower lip as if the idea intrigues him.

“I’d tell you to choke on a dick because you’re upsetting Tera and refusing to apologize. I’ll be there to make sure I see your eyes start tearing up. You can swallow willingly at the end or be stuck holding it until you do. How long can you hold your breath?”

He freezes as if he can’t believe I would say that in my emotionless tone. I get that a lot. Maybe I’m pushing too hard.

“Call her,” he suggests with a smirk.

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