Page 148 of Kiss the Villain

“I’m not as gullible as I look. She’s dropped plenty of hints and even implied it once.”

“So you’re also aware she has a crush on you? And you still led her on?”

Her eyes widen, snapping to mine. “How do you— Doesn’t matter. I didn’t lead her on.”

I grab her arm, tightening my grip just enough to make her freeze.

“But you did. Because you’re a goddamn parasite. Zara is ten times smarter than you and way out of your league, really, but you like how she puts you on a pedestal. She covers for you, helps with your homework, and you repay her by throwing out mixed signals andinnocentlittle kisses, keeping her hooked on you.” My voice drops low as I shake her. “Either make it clear you’re using her so she can move the fuck on, or I will. And trust me, Morgan, it won’t be pretty if I do it.”

I release her, ignoring the tears welling in her eyes, and stand up.

Fuck this.

Why am I so worked up on Zara’s behalf? I have no clue.

Maybe because Ihatethe manipulations and the fucking lies.

Figures.

25

GARETH

Istand outside Kayden’s office, the buzz of students and distant chatter from down the hall a dull hum beneath the pounding in my own head. That white silent room I love so much is smudged with swishes of gray, and I want them to come off.

My fingers twitch at my side, reluctant to knock. I can’t shake the thought that I’m about to walk into something I won’t be able to control.

That’s what I’ve always liked and disliked about Kayden. The idea that he can strip my control and give me something is what I like.

But now, it’s going to the side I dislike—where in this case, he might use the power he has over me to hurt me.

The hallway is full of movement, but it feels like I’m the only one here, stuck in this moment, torn between turning away or stepping forward into whatever mess this will become.

Finally, I knock.

“Come in.” His voice, although muffled, is still deep and piercing, and my skin prickles.

When we first started this unorthodox relationship, I was hoping I’d stop being so attuned to him, but it’s kind of getting worse, not better.

I slide the door open and walk inside, feigning nonchalance. “You wanted to see me, Professor?”

Kayden’s office feels colder than it should, the stark, minimalist decor giving it a sharp, impersonal edge. His desk is neat—too neat—papers lined up just so, a sleek pen resting perfectly at the edge. The soft glow of the desk lamp casts long shadows on Kayden’s face. He seems to fill the space with his presence, every inch of the room an extension of his control.

“Close the door,” he says without looking up from a paper he’s highlighting.

“You’re not supposed to do that, Professor.”

“Close the door and lock it, Carson.”

I hate the fucking last name. He only calls me that when he’s being a major prick.

“I’ll be accusing you of sexual harassment,” I say just to annoy him.

He lifts his brow, finally looking at me. “You think I give a fuck?”

Of course he doesn’t. With a sigh, I click the door shut and press the lock, turning the outside noises into mumbles.

He stands up and taps his desk. “Come here.”

---