Page 45 of Once A Villain

“No. It stays on.” His lips twist into a cruel smile. “I’m being generous letting you be a Siren at all.”

I ball my fists, struggling to stay calm. I open my mouth, but he beats me to it.

“Don’t argue, Rory. You’ll just piss me off. And you won’t like what happens if you do.”

I’ll have to figure something out later, but right now, I’m running late and need to leave.

“Where are my keys?” I demand, rifling through the counter.

He smirks, amused.

“You haven’t earned the right to them yet,” he says calmly. “If you want to leave, you need to ask.”

“Are you fucking serious? I need permission to go out?”

“Yes. Especially after last night’s stunt.” He crosses his arms, raising an eyebrow as if in challenge.

“May I please leave, oh glorious master? I’d like to avoid Bradley’s wrath and actually be on time.”

He leans in, his breath warm against my ear.

“Watch your fucking attitude. You’ve tested me enough for today.”

I hover between fighting back or shutting up. For once, I bite my tongue, swallowing the urge to push him harder. Fuck, this whole situation is so fucked.

“I’ll drive you until I decide otherwise,” he says, straightening and meeting my eyes.

“So, you’re my fucking chauffeur now?” I snap, my temper getting the best of me.

He slams his fist on the counter, making me flinch. “You have one more fucking chance,” he warns, his dark eyes burning into me. “Then you’ll regret it.”

I snap my mouth shut. The air between us crackles, my self-control hanging by a thread. I don’t have time for this. I need to focus on the auditions.

“Fine,” I grind out, spinning on my heel. “But I need to leave. Now.”

The weight of it all slams into me. If I don’t follow his rules, the consequences will be severe. But Bradley’s punishments can be cruel, too.

Great. What the hell am I supposed to do?

The drive to the Pavilion is pure torture. I grip the edge of my seat, biting back the scream clawing its way up my throat. I want to tell him he’s a fucking asshole—shout it—but I don’t. Years as a Siren, and somehowthisis what breaks me. It’s fucking humiliating.

When we pull into the parking lot, I practically leap from the car, racing to escape. I pretend not to hear him calling after me, sprinting into the studio and slamming the door behind me. A sigh of relief escapes as I blend into the crowd of Sirens.

Auditions are the worst. It is an exhausting competition to see who can be the most flexible, the sexiest, and the most daring. There is no room for weakness. The slightest flaw costs you.

I quickly walk to the auditorium where auditions are held, pushing through the crowd of familiar and new faces. Bradley stands at the front, disinterested. A chill runs down my spine when his eyes lock onto mine and he strides over. Invading my space, he grips my collar, yanking me toward him.

“What the fuck is this? This is unacceptable.” My blood runs cold, and I feel sick. “Take it off. Now. You’re a goddamn Siren. What the hell are you thinking?” He releases the collar and steps back. “I’m not letting you perform with that fucking thing on.” My cheeks burn red as others watch. “I don’t care how you do it. Get. It. Off.”

“Yes, sir.”

He storms away, and I stand there, humiliated.

I quickly rush to the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind me.

“Fuck,” I mutter, fists clenched. Tears sting my eyes, but I swallow them back, forcing a deep breath. Losing my position as a Siren isn’t an option. I need this collar off—I can deal with Axe later.

I storm out of the bathroom and spot Jess, who quickly picks the lock on my collar. As I slide it off, a wave of relief washes over me. But the thought of facing Axe makes my stomach twist.

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