Page 88 of Kiss the Villain

“Join us!”

I sidestep Niko’s hand as he tries to drag me into the pool.

“What a killjoy.” He narrows his eyes as he floats on his back, kicking Jeremy, who’s chilling in the water by the edge, hyperfocused on his phone. He doesn’t even pay attention to Niko’s attempts to start a fight.

Jeremy’s been more wound up than usual, which I would’ve paid better attention to if I weren’t stuck in my own head.

I walk to Glyn’s side and offer her a glass of her favorite pink grapefruit soda that my brother stocks in the mansion for her.

She beams up at me, her features softening.

Glyn is Killian’s new obsession. His only obsession, really. I’ve never seen anyone have such a deep effect on him—until her.

She’s pretty, I guess. Delicate, round face, long chestnut hair with blonde strands, and those inquisitive eyes.

But that’s not special, not for Kill, anyway. He’s had countless people, of all genders, throwing themselves at him, and he never gave a single one the time of day—especially Cherry.

But Glyn? She’s like a spoiled British princess, minus the pretentiousness, and there’s this innocence about her that someone like Killian would love to break.

I don’t understand it. I prefer being with my match instead.

At the thought of that asshole, I scoff on the inside and sit down, trying not to think about what happened two weeks ago. The pleasurable punishment and mind-blowing sex.

The type of sex that I can’t stop thinking about.

After which he disappeared.

For two weeks.

Sick leave, apparently.

Hope he dies.

“Thanks,” Glyn says with a smile. “You’re so kind.”

“It’s nothing.” I check my watch. “Kill has a late shift, I believe. He might not be here for a while.”

“I know. I just like talking to you.” She grins. “I feel comfortable around you and kind of feel camaraderie because we both have to deal with Kill.”

Right. So she’sthatnaïve.

I guess I did paint the image that I was struggling to deal with Kill my entire life, but I also tried to kiss her about a week ago just to mess with him, and he nearly killed me.

In my defense, it was right after the initiation night, and I was suicidal.

“But you’ve been dealing with him for longer, so it must’ve been hard.” She gives me a look of pure sympathy.

The girl who’s kind of trapped in a relationship with my brother actually has the capacity to worry about me.

I guess that’s…normal? This is how people who don’t have the constant thoughts of inflicting violence or just chasing after more pain feel.

But I think Glyn’s just that pure, in a way.

“Worry about yourself,” I say with no maliciousness whatsoever, staring at Niko splashing water at Jeremy.

She takes a sip of her soda. “Guess I’m used to it.”

“Used to it or used to the thrill?”

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