Page 96 of Kiss the Villain

Well, this is interesting. Finally, someone—two someones—who might shed some light on him.

“You can leave now,” he says in his usual firm tone, brooking no argument.

Too bad for him, I have other plans. I flash my most charming, golden-boy smile and address his moms.

“I’m so sorry for barging in. I was just really worried about Professor Lockwood. He’s kind of a star on campus, and his absence has been felt.”

His eyes narrow, but I ignore him.

“Oh my,” Rachel says. “Don’t worry about it… I didn’t catch your name.”

“Gareth,” I say, sidestepping Kayden and shaking her hand. “Old-fashioned, I know. I was named after my grandfather because my mom missed him so much.”

“That’s so sweet. I wish I had a story like that. I’m Rachel, and this is my wife, Jina. She can be overprotective over Kay, so don’t take it personally.”

Kayden’s mom calls him "Kay." Hmm.

“I understand completely. My apologies again, ma’am.” I offer my hand to Jina, who shakes it with more force than necessary.

“Don’t do that again, or you might actually get shot,” she warns.

“Jina!” Rachel says, exasperated, while Kayden smirks smugly.

“Promise.” I keep smiling and nod toward the oven. “I think something’s burning.”

Jina mutters what sounds like curses—Korean, maybe, judging by the dramas my cousin Maya forces us to watch—and runs off.

“What a shame.” Rachel sighs. “I was hoping to invite Gareth to dinner.”

“There’s no need, Mom,” Kayden says firmly.

“Nonsense. No one comes here and doesn’t eat. Give the kid a break, Kay.”

I smile at her. “I’m no chef, but I’m an excellent sous-chef—according to my mom, though that might not be the best endorsement.”

“Aw, bless you. But you really don’t have to.”

“It’s the least I can do after intruding.” I step toward the kitchen, but Kayden blocks my path, his pale face taut, jaw ticking.

“What are you doing, Carson?” he whispers, low and close enough that I can feel his minty breath on my lips.

“Figuring you out.” I jab a finger at his chest. “Brace yourself to see me in my full glory tonight, Kayde.”

15

KAYDEN

The last thing I wanted was for my moms to meet Carson.

That was literally the last thing I’d ever wish for.

But then again, I never thought he’d actually show up, especially after playing hard to get. But he thrives on the push-and-pull nonsense, so I should've seen it coming.

My second miscalculation was not changing the code as soon as my moms showed up. They’re not supposed to know where I live right now, but, of course, the bastard Jethro gave them the address.

“What? They were worried sick, and Jina threatened to kill me,” was all he said in his defense.

So now, I have three dangerous variables in my house. My moms aren’t dangerous, not by a long shot, but the real danger lies in their encounter with Carson.

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