Page 99 of Kiss the Villain

Letting my lips curve with a grin, I say, “I think you’re the one who’s been stalling for time.”

He purses his lips and my grin widens. Why does messing with him bring me so much joy? I love his reactions around me and how he can’t really control them.

“Or maybe you already have another favorite,” Carson shoots back. “You can share with the table,Professor.”

I’d say Jones, but then I’d be putting a target on her back. I joke about it, but Carson is a little psycho—a young one, at that—so he gets impulsive, and I don’t want to be the reason behind the murder of a top student.

My gaze remains on him as I take a sip of wine. “I’m just waiting for you to do better and be my favorite.”

“Challenge accepted.” Fire ignites in the depths of his eyes, and it’s almost a crime how bright they are.

“You guys seem so close,” Mom says with the same knowing look from earlier.

“He’s just a student,” I say.

“We’re not,” Carson says at the same time, then smiles at Mom. “He’s kind of a dictator, actually. It’s hard to imagine how he never got your guys’ cool temper.”

“That’s because we didn’t really raise him.” Mom’s fingers tremble around her spoon. “Well, not all the time, anyway. He was brought up by his dad.”

Her expression sours, and Mom Jina strokes her hand gently.

“I’m sorry for bringing up something that upsets you,” Carson says. “He’s still lucky to have you.”

“We’re lucky to have him.” Mom side-hugs me. “Don’t worry us again. I know accidents happen, but be careful.”

“I will.”

“It was an accident?” Carson narrows his eyes. “I thought you were sick.”

“Oh, it was this bad accident. Thank God the car took the hit and he only suffered from bruises and stuff, but it was scary as hell and we rushed here immediately.” Mom, the resident oversharer, ladies and gentlemen. And this is after I practicallybeggedher not to say anything.

“That must’ve been a shock.” He shows my mom his most sympathetic look, but then he glares at me for a fraction of a second. “We were alsosoworried.”

If I went by his tone alone, I would believe him, but then again, why would I want to believe him?

“I didn’t know Professor Lockwood drives,” he veers the conversation again. “He usually walks to campus.”

“Just because you don’t see me drive doesn’t mean I don’t sometimes,” I say before my moms share any unnecessary details.

Like I’ve been in the States, not in Switzerland like I told him. Partly to be Julian’s lab rat and to take care of the Grant problem, even temporarily.

Carson gives me a mysterious look, but then he tactfully changes the subject. He talks about his family and his mom and how close he is to his dad and grandfather. He puts all his qualities at the forefront, shamelessly using his golden boy persona to charm his audience.

I’m immune to that, but I can’t help listening to him talk. His cool voice and delivery are top notch, and he’d make an excellent attorney—but he won’t hear that from me.

Mom is definitely under his spell while Mom Jina tries and fails not to like him. She even starts putting food in his bowl, which is a clear indicator of her feelings.

If she feeds you, she cares about you.

Once Carson senses they’ve warmed up to him, he switches tactics and starts asking about me.

“I’ve been curious, actually.” He takes a sip of water. “When did Professor Lockwood’s love for law start?”

“College years, wasn’t it?” Mom says.

Carson tops off her glass of wine. “I can picture him being the best in his class.”

“Of course he was,” Mom Jina says proudly. “No one could beat my boy.”

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