Page 104 of The Villain

“Of course,” I nod. Tera would never leave wounded behind.

“I taught him to start talking, and he taught me it’s ok to be mad.”

“Did I not teach you that?” I frown, trying to think back.

“You’re gentle with me. He isn’t,” she giggles. “Two different schools of learning, that’s all.”

“I’m glad his methods are more effective,” I look into the mirror again.

Andi seems sad, near tears. He smiles at her. She nods, swiping her cheeks quickly and straightening in determination. She speaks animatedly with exaggerated hand motions.

“Is Matthias a problem?” I ask Tera calmly.

Her brows furrow as she looks into the rearview mirror. “I’m not sure. That’s a question for Shade. That team of jerkwads is a problem, for sure. I don’t know why he won’t make them go away.”

“Matthias? Or Shade?”

“Either? I mean, Shade’s method of removal would be a lot more permanent. I guess I was hoping for Matthias’ intervention. So he was late to a wedding, who gets punished for a year for it?” She shakes her head in disbelief.

“That bridge is fixed. His mother is contacting him again.”

“You’re the best, Southie,” she gives me a happy grin.

“He did the work,” I tell her flatly. “Don’t take that from him.”

“I won’t,” she hunches her shoulders with a smug grin. “You feel for him.”

“I do.” It’s that easy to admit. An endless supply of feeling is in the palm of my hand. I won’t stop chasing it in more dangerous forms but I have a steady supply again. My own battery charger in the form of a man just as monstrous as I am. It’s a heady feeling.

Tera lets out a sharp squeal of excitement, focused only on the positive outcomes instead of the pitfalls.

We pull into the parking lot, and we both get out as Shade takes the spot behind Tera’s car.

“Are you going to grab your shoes?” Tera smiles as she bounces with excitement.

“They’re at the apartment.”

She lets out a disgusted sigh and glares at him.

I step away from the car and look at Shade. I can feel his intense focus on me even though he’s wearing sunglasses now. I spread my arms and do a slow turn, showing him my pajamas and socks. Then, I walk into the building as if I own it.

Tera starts giggling at one point and can’t stop. I hear a wolf whistle and turn to see Andi with her head out of the window, wearing a huge grin.

“Get it, girl!”

I will, Andi.

The signature and handoff of keys take longer than I thought it would. The fact that I’m in my pajamas doesn’t get commented on. My lack of identification is taken care of through Tera. I’m not sure if Shade has gone through the bag to find anything or not. Sadly, Tera came prepared for any scenario, knowing my bad luck with electronics. I don’t ask how she managed to have everything I might need. She has a gift for these things. Or, like she says, a superpower.

Everything gets handled without much fanfare. I slip off my socks before we leave and toss them in the trash can by the realtor’s desk.

Andi and Shade are singing at the top of their lungs when we get out. Tera laughs and stops to take a picture.

“Send it to me,” I demand without hesitation.

“Your phone can do that, too,” she says with a smile.

“It’s at the apartment.”

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