Page 64 of A Villain's Kiss

I laugh at her and turn to face my mother. “I’ve been having the best sex of my life with someone who isn’t my husband,” I tell her. It’s amazing how liberal you become with your mother when there is no filter to stop you from talking.

She lies there for a moment before she finally says, “That’s nice, dear.”

“It is. It really is. Pity he’s a killer.”

“A what, dear?”

“And he owns seggs clubs.”

“Aka, sex clubs for those who don’t say bad words,” Simone yells.

“I know what she meant,” my mother yells back to her, and Simone starts laughing again. “Do you like him?” she asks me.

“That’s all you have to say?” I’m shocked that she isn’t more concerned.

“Well, you were in an unhappy relationship, and I want you to be happy now. No matter what. But preferably with no more drugs, please.”

“I don’t do drugs.” Then I wince when I realize she is talking about the brownie. “That was Simone…” I smile. “She’s a bad influence on me. Plus, she’s sleeping with Harvey, so you may get grandkids after all.”

“Like hell,” Simone yells.

To which my mother says, “In the next two years, please, while I can still help babysit and before I start traveling.”

“I am not having kids,” Simone replies.

“Sure, you aren’t.” I smile as another knock comes on the door.

“Gosh, does that door ever shut up?” Simone grumbles, getting off the couch to answer the incessant noise.

As she pulls it open, I look up.

Jake is standing there.

And his eyes are on mine.

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