Page 34 of Once A Villain

When we finally roll up to the venue, I spot Spencer immediately. The dance academy’s foyer is crowded with parents and kids weaving through the space.

“Auntie Rory!” A shrill, high-pitched squeal slices through the noise.

My nieces come charging toward me, their pink tutus bouncing with every step. They throw themselves into my arms, and I hug them tightly, pressing my face into their soft hair.

“Oh, girls,” I murmur, squeezing them as if they’re the only thing keeping me sane. “My little ballerinas.”

“You came!” they exclaim in unison, their excitement bubbling over.

“I promised, didn’t I?”

Spencer walks over, his eyes drilling into Axe with barely contained hostility. He pulls me into a hug, his dark blue eyes clouded with concern.

“Are you okay?” he whispers in my ear.

“I’m fine,” I lie, forcing a smile. His knowing look says he doesn’t buy it. How do you explain that your new husband locked you in a basement on your wedding night?

“Sweetheart,” Dad says, walking over and pulling me into his arms. “I’m so glad you’re here.” His hug is so tight, it’s like he’s afraid I might disappear if he lets go.

Conrad shoots me a death glare, gripping Rory by the shoulders like he can protect her from what’s coming. Alicia stands behind him, a smug smile plastered on her face.

Seeing her with him twists something dark in me. She’s barely older than Rory, and the shit between us runs deep—layers of hate built on years of bad blood.

Rory’s nieces pull at her hands, dragging her away. Conrad’s all business, his stiff suit and tie making him look like he’s suffocating in his own self-importance. He storms toward me, arms crossed.

“Hawthorne,” he bites out, barely holding it together. “You’re the last person I expected to see here. What the hell are you doing?”

“Family bonding.” I shrug. His jaw tightens.

“You’re not welcome,” he growls, voice low, shaking with barely contained anger. I step closer, towering over him. His ego must hate how small he looks next to me.

“You should ask Rory about our wedding night.” My voice drops, dark and threatening. His eyes widen, the blood draining from his face. I want him to know every fucked-up detail, want him to feel the satisfaction I get from hurting his precious daughter.

Furious, he steps closer, fists clenched at his sides. “Fuck you, Hawthorne.”

“Careful. I can make Rory’s life a lot worse than it already is. You don’t want that, do you?”

His fists tighten, jaw grinding, but he knows I’m not bluffing.

“Her time in the basement? That was just a taste. I can do much worse.”

“You son of a bitch,” he snarls. “If you hurt her?—”

“She’s mine,” I cut him off. “I’ll do whatever the fuck I want with her. And every bit of pain I cause her? You earned it.” His body tenses, hatred burning in his eyes, but all I see is a man who knows he’s helpless.

And I fucking enjoy it.

Conrad and Spencer storm off. The satisfaction lingers as I turn my gaze back to Rory, surrounded by the crowd. Her nieces cling to her, tugging her toward the photo backdrop, their laughter cutting through the noise.

She crouches between them, smiling for the camera. My eyes rake over her—her slim waist, the curve of her ass, the bare skin teasing beneath her top. Every memory from earlier crashes back, the way she knew exactly how to put on a show, reminding me why she’s a Siren.

She’s a master of seduction, able to make any man bend to her will, doing whatever the fuck she asks. I’ll admit; she caught me off guard. Had me hard, aching, and ready to bury myself inside her without a second thought.

But I’m not some pathetic, desperate, horny bastard that has to pay for pussy. I’m a Sovereign.

I’ll make her submit. I’ll have her, but on my terms. She won’t manipulate me with that pretty face and perfect body.

“Surprised to see you at something like this, Axe.” Alicia’s voice cuts through my thoughts. She stands beside me, hand on her hip. Her black dress clings like a second skin, her breasts pushed up, her ass barely covered. “Not really your scene, is it?”

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