Page 103 of The Villain

“Are we going?”

Her muted, breathy tone never fails to affect me, and I pause to take it in. I want it. Forever. I’ll play dirty to get it if I have to.

“Yeah. I figured I’d drive Andi, and you and Tera can catch up.”

An eyebrow rises at my easy tone. “Really.”

“Oh, that sounds perfect,” Tera nods like I’m a genius.

“It really does,” Andi says angrily. “That way, I can yell at you without witnesses. Dad has been nonstop since five this morning about you paying Felix’s medical expenses.”

“Andi,” Tera scolds her with a frown.

“It’s fine. I have a few things to catch her up on.” My eyes flick down to her phone as it starts to ring. “I wouldn’t answer that yet.”

“It’s dad again,” she says with an eye roll.

“I know. We need to talk first.”

Her expression falls into a frown. She doesn’t hesitate to slide the ringer to silent and put it away. The fact that she doesn’t question it or doubt me makes me smile.

“Is it good news or bad news?” Andi picks up her purse and heads to the door.

“That depends on your point of view,” I shrug.

“My clothes?” Evie reminds me with a tilted smile.

“Get them from me,” I taunt her with a grin.

Her smile becomes vaguely threatening. “A game?”

“A game,” I confirm as I walk out.

22. Be Careful

South

Tera is over the moon with joy as she drives me to the realtor’s. I keep an eye on the side view mirror as Shade follows us. He looks relaxed behind the wheel, but Andi seems distraught.

He had a bag. Not just mine. One of his own. Is he planning to walk into my new home and never leave? Willingly? That’s a surprising twist. One that I like. It doesn’t mean I can’t still tie him up, though.

“How do you think he’s handling everything? I’m worried about that fight last night,” Tera says with a quick glance in my direction. When she sees my pajamas, she begins to frown. “He could have at least let you wear shoes.”

I smirk. “That would mean I could run.”

“You aren’t a runner,” she giggles.

“He’ll learn.”

“Will he?” Her eyes dart to me in surprise. “You’re going to let him?”

“Yeah. I like his games.” I shake my head at the decision. “He’s my kind and hiding it.”

She chews her lip and says softly, “I know.”

“I didn’t even know I was playing a game with you. You won. I’m proud of you for keeping him safe,” I tell her.

Her cheeks redden with pleasure at the simple praise. “Thanks. I listened to him and thought of you. What if you came to me with your problems instead of the other way around? What would I do with the roles reversed? I couldn’t leave him.”

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