Page 109 of The Villain

If he likes it he won’t be leaving again without my permission.

“Nice spacing,” he comments absently, taking in the built-in bookshelf that takes up an entire wall. “High ceiling.”

“Shit on heating but worth it,” I shrug. “The fans are where my mind was at.”

He gives me a smirk. “You’re accent is coming out, baby.”

I glance back at him. “You like this place?”

“Yes,” his smile widens.

My chest clenches as my smile turns feral.

Gotcha.

“Sit on the couch,” I urge him and bend to grab my phone.

“I was starting to wonder if you really had one,” he teases with a gesture to the phone.

He drops his duffle near the bookshelf and settles in the middle of the couch with his arms spread across the back.

“How’s this?” He taunts.

“You’re always perfect,” I hold the phone up and take his picture. His expression of soft pleasure at the praise is now frozen in time for me to look at whenever I want.

“Why the picture?” He rallies his snark quickly.

“It’s our first day,” I explain and tuck the phone into my pocket. “I want to remember the look on your face. I want the proof that you’re happy living here when I start to question it. You weren’t a part of the decision so I want to know what you’d like to change. I can start setting aside for it once you have a list.”

His lips part in surprise. I should have kept the phone out.

“You,” he clears his throat and leans forward to brace his elbows on his knees. His stare is a mixture of intense longing, hope, and caution.

“Baby. You’re seriously ok with me just… moving in?”

“Of course,” I raise an eyebrow back. “You’re saving me a lot of time and effort. I want you to know I appreciate it. You’re offering and I’m accepting. No duct tape or rope necessary. It’s a surprisingly pleasant twist.”

He laughs helplessly, joy eclipsing all the other emotions, and jumps off the couch to lift me off the floor in a hug. He gives me a breathless kiss that turns addicting quickly. His hands slide down to cup my ass and pull me fully against him.

“Oh my gosh!”

Tera’s squeal makes Shade draw away with a curse. It makes me laugh.

“Nice, Southie!” Max bursts through the door with a wide grin. He takes in Shade and his grin gets mischievous as his brows wiggle.

“Oh my gosh!” Tera shrieks as she comes through the open doorway. Asher and Trevor follow behind her, watching her with doting smiles.

I tilt my head in confusion. I wasn’t planning on any more people joining us. Plans need to be adjusted. I should have backup plans in place now that she has boyfriends.

“We need a list,” Tera says breathlessly as she spins to take in the living room.

I nod and pull my phone back out to open a notepad. We separate to check things out in our own ways. A replay from when we would move into a new place. She sees things in a way that I don’t, turning livable into a warm space. I wonder what differences Shade will see so I can compare.

“You need a fuzzy blanket for this amazing couch,” she says thoughtfully.

“Extra light bulbs,” I flick the switch to make sure each one comes on.

“A lamp for all your figurines,” she points at the corner by the bookshelf.

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