Page 39 of My Perfect Villain

Holy hell, I need a drink, a fan, and a bag of ice.

I copy the passage and put it into an email, then hit send.

Boy, am I grateful Rae showed me how to send emails.

Now, all I can do is wait.

My phone alerts me of a new email, and I check it right away. There are only two people who have my email—Rae and Felix. My heart flutters when I see it’s from Felix. I didn’t think he’d get back to me so quickly. That must mean he liked my story.

Hi Zia,

Thank you for your email and for being a new fan of The Nerd Word. I read your narrative, and truthfully, I am at a loss for words.

I’m sorry, but I can’t read this out loud to fans… or to anyone, if I’m being honest.

It’s too… risque. That isn’t what my show is about.

I appreciate your interest, though, and I hope you will continue to listen.

-Felix

I huff out an annoyed sound as I stare at my phone screen.

Is this a joke?

I re-read it, thinking maybe I read the entire thing wrong.

I didn’t. Still the same crap.

“Well, that’s fucking disappointing. What a prude!”

I groan as I re-read the emailagain. I’m not taking no for an answer. I will get this man to speak dirty words to me. Iwill. I have to. I need to hear them. It’s like a damn compulsion now. I’ve listened to every episode he has up, and it isn’t enough. I need more. I need new things… directed right at me. I need his words to beforme.

Felix,

I was thrilled when I saw you responded, but I’ll admit, I’m disappointed with what you had to say. What’s wrong with what I wrote? If you’d like to change a few words to make it sound smarter, feel free. But make sure you leave cock in there. I really enjoy that word, and I think it would sound divine leaving your sensual lips. I guess I can see why you wouldn’t want to read a story directly to me. Other listeners may get jealous. Maybe change it toDear Listenersinstead ofDear Zia? I’ll know you’re still talking to me, so I won’t mind.

Love, Zia

I hit play on his podcast to start them all over again, and I’m thrilled when I get a response almost immediately.

Zia,

I mustn’t have been clear in my last email. I apologize for that.

My issue isn’t that it doesn’t sound smart. It was well written. My issue lies with what is written. Especially cock. (It took me a whole minute just to type the word, never mind speaking it out loud)

I appreciate your interest, but if there are any words that aren’t sexual in nature that you’d like me to speak about, I will certainly do that.

Hope you understand.

-Felix

So he really is a prude then. Sexy voice man can’t even say the word cock out loud?

Well, I’m still not taking no for an answer.

Felix,

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