Page 113 of The Villain

“So you know you’re always in my thoughts. The touching is just a bonus.”

His expression drops into a look of surprise and his arms fall to yank me into his chest. “Do you mean that?”

I raise a brow in disappointment. “Of course I do. I don’t fake shit. You’re a slow learner, aren’t you.”

He cuts me off, kissing me viciously and backing me into the washer.

“I want you,” he groans, lifting me onto the machine to press me against him as hard as he can.

“You have me,” I return his drugging kisses, wrapping my legs around his waist to keep him close.

Someone clears their throat loudly and Shade’s head drops down as he curses viciously.

Max grins at me and says, “Pizza’s here.”

“Thanks. Now get lost so he can get himself together.”

Shade’s head rises to give me a scowl.

I sigh at the look, “Tell everyone I need to change my panties, too. It’ll make him feel better for everyone to know he affects me the same way.”

Max barks out a laugh as Shade’s eyes widen in shock.

“I’m not saying that. I’m just going to unwrap those paper plates you have and tell everyone to eat it all before you get there.”

“Sounds good,” I focus on Shade as Max walks away and stroke my fingers over his cheek. “Now we’re even, statue. I may not express it but I do feel it.”

I take his hand in mine and press his palm against my core so he can feel how wet I’ve gotten. I’m sure it’s enough to see through my sweats. I pull it away before he can start anything.

“I know it’s different but never doubt that you’re mine,” I tell him seriously as his eyes shift between mine, taking in the blank stare I can’t help. I’ve always been told my eyes are dead inside. I know what he sees. “I’ll do whatever I need to, to prove it. Whatever helps you understand.”

“I know you feel in there, Evie,” he whispers as if he can force it to be true.

“I do,” I agree easily. “About very few things. And you’re on that list.”

“Am I next to Deckhand Luna?” He grins and presses a hard kiss on my lips, pulling away to help me down.

“No. You have your own shelf, statue,” I huff a laugh and take his hand to drag him into the dining room. He quickly adjusts his shirt before we get there.

They’re seated around the table comfortably leaving two chairs open side by side. I thought the large table would never get used. It’s odd to have so many people in a place where I sleep.

“Don’t say a word,” Tera says with a scowl. “I don’t want to know.”

She’s amazing when she’s angry.

I grab a plastic fork and knife to settle in and cut up my slice.

Shade watches me with a frown.

“Don’t stare-”

He cuts off Tera’s tirade with, “Baby, I can cut that. I unpacked and cleaned the real knives.”

Everyone pauses their eating to stare at him.

I offer him the plate. He doesn’t hesitate to get up and cut it at the counter.

Tera cringes as she leans forward to whisper, “I hate myself for saying this but, can you keep him this happy forever? He’s being the nice dictator and I want that to stay.”

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