Page 79 of Once A Villain

I would rather die than confess to Spencer, or anyone for that matter, that the best sex of my life was with Axe. The man who branded me and violated me. Second to a masked stranger who fucked me with a knife.

“I’m not having this conversation with you.”

“We’re leaving,” he demands.

“I can’t. Axe is picking me up.”

“You’re not leaving with him. You’re coming with me. Now,” he snaps, no room for debate. My heart skips at the thought of defying Axe.

“No.”

“Rory, I’m not letting you go home with him,” he growls.

“I’m not going with you, Spence.”

“You can’t be around him; it’s too dangerous. I’m taking you to the vacation home in the Hamptons.” He grabs my arm, trying to lead me toward the door. I wrench my arm and yank free.

“What the hell are you talking about?!” I demand. “Axe has always been dangerous. Why do you suddenly care? What’s going on, Spence? And where is Dad?”

“He’s busy. Grab your shit. We’re leaving.”

“I’m not going anywhere, you asshole.” I stomp past him and plop onto the couch with a huff.

“You are coming with me. I’m not fucking around, Rory.”

I cross my arms and stare him down, refusing to budge.

“No. You’re going to tell me what the hell is going on. Then maybe I’ll consider going with you.”

He sighs, irritated. “Fine.” He pauses, picking his words carefully. “Axe took out a target in a powerful Italian mafia. They’re pissed and out for revenge. The last thing we need is for you to be caught in the middle of a war.”

“What?” I blink at him, confusion and a twist of panic tightening my chest. “Does Axe know that people are after him?”

“He’s always ready, but I don’t think he knows how bad it is.”

“Oh my god,” I whisper, voice trembling. “I have to warn him.” I grab my phone, but Spencer’s faster, snatching it from my hand.

“No. Calm down, Rory. He’ll be fine. He’s the fuckingReaper. The man’s practically immortal.”

“No. I have to warn him.” My voice wavers, desperation creeping in. “Please, Spence.” Even with everything I hate about Axe, I don’t want him dead.

“You’re not warning him.” His tone hardens. “And you’re not going near him.”

“Fuck off, Spencer. He’s my husband.”

No. No. No.

I can’t believe I just called Axemy husband.

“I’m sorry, Rory.” Before I can say anything, he grabs my arm and injects something. My vision blurs, and I go limp.

“It’s for your own good,” he murmurs as everything goes dark.

As the minutes tick by, frustration gnaws at me. I’ve been sitting in this empty lot for over forty-five minutes, and there’s still no sign of her. Her rehearsal ended an hour ago. The city hums in the distance, crickets chirp, and I tap the steering wheel, impatience coursing through me.

Finally, I step out of the car, the cold night air biting at my skin. Striding toward the building, all I can think about is how I’d rather be spending my time—burying myself balls deep inside Rory, making her scream for release.

I rip open the heavy door, stepping into the dim hallway.

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