Page 46 of The Villain

“We’re not leaving until we can speak with Shade. Privately,” Ira crosses his arms stubbornly.

My body is shifted as Shade takes a deep breath and blows it out on a sigh. He better not be giving in. I twist to see his face and scowl at his blank expression.

He’s giving in. I can see it. I’m willing him not to with everything in me.

“Wait for me,” he says darkly, oblivious to the rage he’s kindling in me. He gives them the full effect of his blank mask. “You have ten minutes.”

Unbelievable.

Melissa and the twins have smug smiles and Ira gives me a short nod to walk away.

“I’ll be right back,” he mutters angrily and joins them on the other side of the shop.

Well, what now?

He never said he didn’t want to be around them. I just assumed. Maybe I was wrong. Is this another game? For whom? Them or me?

I try not to watch them, but my phone is in the truck. I don’t have anything to distract myself. I glance at my watch and note the time so I can start my own timer. Ten minutes.

The leader has his back to me, so I can’t read his lips. They’re all paying attention to him and nodding. Shade’s eyes have slid to Melissa. He isn’t emoting so I can’t tell what he’s thinking.

Something inside me stirs awake, despite my struggle to keep it passive. I haven’t had this much trouble with it in a long time. I need to get back on track with my bans.

The barista calls Shade’s name to pick up his drinks. I glance over and find him in the middle of discussing something. For once, they’re all listening to him. It stops me in place.

They’re paying attention. Will wonders never cease. It’s everything he’s wanted playing out in front of me.

They can’t have him.

No. This is what he’s needed. If it makes him happy how can I say no?

I check the drinks and grab mine. The rest of the cups all bear Ira’s name. I’m tempted to fuck with them but Shade is relaxed right now. Everything is going fine for him.

I look back and find Melissa leaning against him.

I almost crush my cup.

He doesn’t shove her away. He’s letting it happen.

The void opens up in my chest again.

Felix starts talking to him and his lips twist into a mocking smile. They’re sucking him back into their fold.

I debate what I should do. Everything inside me is ready to spring and drag him away with force.

There are rules to follow in public. I can’t do that.

They don’t seem to be threatening him anymore. He could easily call a halt to whatever meeting this is and walk away. He could tell Melissa to walk into fucking traffic during a lunch rush. He’s not doing any of those things.

He wants them back.

I sip my drink, trying to keep my calm. I shouldn’t be upset about this. I’m supposed to want him happy. If that means with someone else makes him that way I have to let it go.

My coffee is cool. It should be hot. How long have I been standing here?

A glance at my watch surprises me.

He’s been with them for thirty minutes while I’ve struggled with myself.

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