Page 212 of Kiss the Villain

I’m under more of a threat on foreign soil, right?

“It should be,” Kill retorts. “As should making sure Kayden doesn’t get off easily.”

“Seriously, why do you care?”

“He’s thegirl”—he air quotes—“you were humming about, right? Except he’s not a girl.”

My jaw tightens. “And what if he is? Are you about to drop some god-awful gay joke?”

“Nah, I’m all about fluidity. Though I am a little bummed you’re a bottom.”

“Who the fuck says I am?”

“So youare?” He sighs dramatically. “RIP, my ego. Dad and Grandpa would have a stroke.”

“Killian, I swear to fuck I’m going to cut you?—"

“My point is.” He grips my shoulder. “If you want him, keep him. And if something stands in the way, simply eliminate it.”

He walks ahead of me to the car and I stare for two beats. My phone vibrates and I pull it out.

Simone

Declan is taken care of. You’re safe, Gareth.

What does this mean? That they’ll stop being here?

Allof them?

I press Call and put the phone to my ear, then speak as soon as she picks up. “You could’ve at least said goodbye.”

“I apologize. I left in a rush.”

My fingers twitch. Her voice sounds off.

My teeth graze my lips. “What’s wrong, Simone?”

“Nothing.”

“Don’t lie to me.” I breathe harshly. “Something is wrong. Tell me. Now.”

“It’s that… Screw this. When we captured Declan and tortured him, he managed to have one of his men send a video to a Senior member of the organization. And although Kayden killed Declan, he couldn’t stop the footage from spreading.”

“What footage?”

“From your dashcam. It captured the two of you…kissing. Among other things.”

My fingers tighten around the phone. “Is he… Did they…”

“He’s fine. We managed to send him into hiding, but we’re not sure how long we can be on the run. I’m looking into options to get him off US soil for now.” She pauses. “Fortunately, your face wasn’t visible, so you’re safe, Gareth. Kayden forbade me from telling you anything. He wants you to go back to school and live your life normally.”

My chest expands in painful breaths.

Fuck what he wants.

Fuckhim.

As Simone keeps talking, her words blur together. All I can hear is the truth staring me in the face.

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