Page 36 of The Villain

I frown at the request. He wants me to walk with him instead of following him. A new game? Or a reason to keep me close.

His tongue flicks out to wet his lower lip and my eyes track the movement. He’s oblivious as he keeps talking. “You threw down a gauntlet in there. They’re going to be all over me with questions. Demands. I always get a drink on Fridays.”

“You always get a drink every weekday,” I point out with a raised brow.

He blinks at me, his eyes narrowing. “What do I do on the weekends then?”

“Stay home. The blinds are closed so I have no idea what you do. Sleep late hopefully. Watch TV and relax.”

“I’m surprised you haven’t broken in at this point,” he mutters.

“Banned. Unless I thought you were in trouble.”

He gives me a flat look and returns to his point.

“They know my old routines and if I switch they’ll find me. Fast.”

His phone rings, interrupting him. When he pulls it from his pocket it gets tossed onto the table. The caller ID is the middle finger emoji.

“That’s one of them now.”

I reach for the phone and he snatches it back quickly.

“No way. Rest your voice,” he glares.

Then why did he say something? My exasperated look makes him smile. It isn’t a smirk, it’s a natural widening of his lips that’s a little mischievous.

The phone stops ringing and starts again.

I don’t see the ID this time, but when Shade does he winces.

“What?” He answers with a bite to his tone.

His face closes down. His mask reappearing in a blink as he listens to whoever is on the other line. His jaw clenches and his eyes drop to the table.

“Fine.” He hangs up.

I gesture to the phone with a jerk of my chin.

“It’s complicated,” he says flatly.

Okay, then.

Silence lengthens between us as I stare at him. His hand starts fiddling with his glass again. I finish the cocoa and start on the water, at ease with the quiet. Shade doesn’t seem to be at peace, though.

“Has Tera told you anything about me?” He asks suddenly. His eyes are intent on my face. He acts like I should know all of his secrets already. Tera is a confessional. What gets told to her doesn’t get repeated. Especially if it’s a secret.

“You’re her big bro,” I shrug. Then I look at the empty cup of cocoa. My voice may not be back entirely, but the warmth really did help me gain some volume back. Huh. It never has before.

“Anything else?” Shade gives me a small laugh.

I shake my head.

“That’s surprising.”

“It isn’t. Tera is a vault for secrets,” I disagree with a scowl.

His eyes narrow on me after the comment. “No shit. She still won’t give me your number or tell me where you’re staying.”

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