Page 28 of Once A Villain

She follows behind me into the foyer. Kane’s collar jingles as he barrels down the hall, his nails scraping the floor. He skids to a stop, tail wagging as he approaches her.

“Hi, handsome boy.” She kneels, her hand smoothing over his fur. “Your dog is nice.” Her voice drops, soft, almost playful.

Nice? Kane isn’t fucking nice. He’s a killer. I’ve locked him up countless times to keep him from tearing out throats. He doesn’t even let Griff touch him.

“What’s his name?” she asks, her fingers brushing the ridge of his back.

“Kane.”

He wags his tail, leaning into her hand like a damn house pet. No growling. No teeth. No threat.

I glare at him. He’s a territorial bastard who hates everyone but me. Yet here he is, eating up her attention like a pathetic lapdog.

The house is massive;marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and antique furniture scream opulence. It’s undeniably beautiful, but it doesn’t feel like a home. There’s a cold emptiness.

I’m surprised he lives here. He doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who’d want a huge house full of fancy things. But then again, I know nothing about him.

And I have no desire to.

I follow him up the grand staircase, taking in the paintings and ornate furniture. The second floor is just as lavish, with plush carpeting and expensive antiques. He opens a set of double doors and steps inside. The room is large, with a massive four-poster bed and a fireplace.

He walks to the closet and opens it. “All your things are in here. You have two other rooms you can use, and they’re connected.” His tone is casual as if we’re discussing the weather.

I can’t take it anymore—the wedding, the move, everything.

I’m done. I’ve reached my limit.

I’m so exhausted I could scream.

“I hate you.” My voice is quiet but deadly. “I want you to know that.”

His answering chuckle makes me sick. “The feeling is mutual, princess.” He smirks, closing the closet door. Stepping toward me, the darkness in his eyes is unmistakable. He’s enjoying this, enjoying destroying my life.

“What the fuck do you want from me!” I scream, my emotions finally spilling out. “Do you have any idea what today was for me? What you took from me?”

“I couldn’t give a shit.”

“Fuck you.”

“Oh, trust me. You will. When I want you to.”

“I am never fucking you.”

A wicked smirk plays on his lips. He stands a few feet away, his gaze raking over me slowly, drinking in every detail. It’s unnerving.

I’ve had plenty of men look at me like they’re picturing me naked, but none have ever made me feel so vulnerable...

Soterrified.

When he steps closer, his nearness makes me shudder.

He towers over me, his muscles flexing beneath his suit. He’s so close I can feel his breath on my skin, and my body trembles.

“Turn around.”

I shake my head. He roughly grabs my neck, forcing me to turn around. The collar digs into my skin under his harsh grip. Shoving me forward, he bends me over the foot of the bed.

“Get off me!” I scream, trying to rip his hand from my neck.

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