Page 51 of Kiss the Villain

I wonder why he learned that or if it came naturally to him. But then again, I’m not supposed towonderabout toys. That would make him human, and he’s anything but.

Carson pulls on the bow string, then pauses, his arm tight with tension.

Recognition, even.

So he can recognize me, but hecan’tkeep his body to himself.

As if hearing my thoughts, he steps back, forcing Blondie to release him, her claws falling unceremoniously from around him.

When he speaks, his voice is deeper for some reason. “You should go, Cherry. Others might find us.”

Cherry.

Of course her name is fuckingCherry.

“All right.” She grins and puts her mask on again. “Which way are we going?”

“You go ahead first so I don’t draw attention.” He points to his right, speaking in a revolting soft, mellowed-out tone. “That way is safe. I’ll stop anyone from following.”

“Gosh. You’re so awesome.” She runs her red nails down his chest, but he’s not paying attention as he steals a glance in my direction.

If he thinks I’ll hide so his bimbo doesn’t see me, that won’t be happening.

In fact, I wish she’d do that so I could eliminate her.

Unfortunately, she blows him a kiss and hurries in the direction of where he pointed.

As she disappears behind the bushes, I remove my mask and let it fall on the ground.

I can’t see his expression behind his mask, but I make out the twitching of his gloved hand around the bow. The way his entire body vibrates, humming to life.

“How the fuck did you manage to get in here?” he asks with a bite to his words and no hint of the softness he faked so well not a minute ago.

That’s it.

The tension. The crumbling.

The way he’s unable to control his reaction.

I want itall.

And more.

I want to shatter him so thoroughly, no one will be able to pick up the pieces.

Not Cherry.

Notanyoneelse.

“I’m disappointed, little monster.” I walk toward him, adopting a bored tone. “Why is your type the female version of you?”

He lifts his bow and points it at me. “Don’t come any closer.”

“Why? Scared I’ll touch you?” I let my lips pull in a smile. “Correction. You’re scared of how much you’ll like how I touch you, aren’t you, baby?”

“I’m not your goddamn baby!”

“I disagree.”

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