Page 25 of Always A Villain
I don’t want this. It feels wrong, like betraying a primal part of myself. But if it keeps Rory alive, I’ll do it. I’ll let her go.
I draw my knife, slice my palm without flinching, blood pooling fast. The sting is nothing compared to the ache in my chest. I press my hand to the paper, sealing the deal with something I never thought I’d have to give.
The vow I made—born from hate—is broken. All for her.
Pulling my hand away, the blood-smear glaring back at me, I feel it: a pain I didn’t know existed. I never believed I had a heart…until now. Feeling it fucking shatter.
She hates me. Always will.
But I love her—more than she’ll ever know.
Iheard Axe return home last night. The first time since the attack. I stayed up, waiting, listening for the sound of his heavy boots thudding down the hall. But he never came to my room. The hours dragged on, and when I couldn't fight it anymore, sleep claimed me. Alone. Again.
Tonight’s my father’s birthday party. Another grand celebration of his ego, where the ballroom will be full of people eager to feed his narcissism with empty compliments and rehearsed smiles. It’s all so predictable, so hollow. I’ve mastered the art of playing the Sovereign Commander’s obedient daughter. I’ll smile, bat my lashes, and charm the hell out of everyone. I'll play my part, like I always do. It’s exhausting, but necessary. At least I’ll see my nieces. They’re the only bright spots in these gatherings.
Griffen will be there, but Axe never responded to myinvite when I texted him. Not that I’m surprised—he’s got his own shit to deal with. Still, I wish he’d come. It’s stupid, I know. But that small, reckless part of me can't help it.
I miss him. And that terrifies me.
The gowns, the glamour, the opulence, it’s all so suffocating. I’ve lived in this world my whole life, surrounded by privilege and excess, yet tonight it feels like I’m watching it from the outside. None of it matters anymore. Not the diamonds, not the money, not the power. The only thing I want ishim.
I exhale sharply, shaking off the thoughts as I finish applying my makeup. Once I’ve curled my hair into soft waves, I slip into the gown—a black ball gown with a plunging neckline and back. The fabric hugs every curve before it flows out dramatically at the skirt.
Bright red lipstick, a few spritzes of perfume, and I’m done. I take one last glance in the mirror, tilting my head, studying the reflection.
“Rory! Let’s go!” Griffen’s shout echoes up the stairs.
I make my way down, heels clicking against the marble. Griffen waits at the bottom, looking annoyingly perfect in his tailored tux, hair styled, face freshly shaved.
“Wow, Rory, you look?—”
“Stunning.” The word rumbles through the air, low and commanding. Axe. His voice sends a jolt straight through me, and I stop mid-step, turning toward the sound.
He’s standing at the top of the stairs, dressed in a black tux that fits him like it was made by the devil himself. Dark hair perfectly tousled, sharp jawline on display, and those eyes—locked on me, intense and unblinking. My heart tripsover itself, and for a moment, I can’t move. Can’t breathe.
He starts down the stairs, his gaze never straying.
The heat of it burns into my skin, every nerve sparking under his scrutiny. By the time he reaches me, I'm frozen, unable to form a coherent thought.
“You look beautiful,” he says.
I blink, my mind scrambling. “You, uh...look great too,” I stammer, hating how my voice falters and my cheeks burn.
He stops on the same step, towering over me, his presence suffocating in the best way. I swallow hard, trying to keep my cool.
“Shall we?” He smirks, and my stomach flips. He knows exactly what he’s doing. And he knows exactly how good he looks.
Bastard.
By the time we reach the venue, I’m wound tight with nerves. A valet opens my door, and I smooth my dress, pretending I’m not a mess inside. Griffen leads the way, Axe close behind. The two are like night and day, one a picture of casual, carefree masculinity, the other radiating danger and intensity.
Axe offers his arm, and I take it, ignoring the spark that flicker from where we connect. He looks devastatingly handsome—not that I’d ever admit it.
“I haven’t seen you in days,” I mutter as we move through the lavish entrance, crystal chandeliers overhead.
“I know.” He pulls me closer than he needs to, lips brushing my ear. “Did you miss me, little siren?” I can feel his grin without even looking.
“No.”
