Page 91 of Once A Villain

I’ve seen the part of her she hides—the broken, lonely, desperate part. I’ve seen it, and I won’t let go. She is mine. All of her.

“Rory.” His voice cuts through the air, and I flinch. “Get out of the car.” It’s calm, but his eyes? They’re a storm of danger. I take a deep breath and step out.

I feel his presence like a wall of heat and power.

I fight the urge to step back, but his proximity makes it a struggle. His hand cups my face. The touch is gentle, almost tender, but the way his eyes lock onto mine makes my heart race. I can’t breathe.

“Little siren,” he murmurs, “I’m not going to hurt you.”

I want to believe him, but how can I? His other hand settles on my lower back, pulling me closer. The scent of leather and musk fills my senses.

He leans in, pressing his lips to mine. The initial shock of it makes me stiffen, but then I melt into him. His kiss deepens, and a new, confusing hunger replaces my fear. I want this—his kiss, his touch, his body.

He pulls back, breath heavy, eyes burning into mine. His hand trails down to my waist, caressing the bare skin.

“Why are you doing this?”

“Doing what?”

“Not punishing me...”

“Do you want me to punish you, little siren?”

“No. I just don’t understand why you’re not.” The words barely escape me. His hand strokes my cheek, and I shiver from the contact.

“There’s nothing to understand. You’re mine. I do what I want with what’s mine.” His possessiveness is clear. He kisses me again, his lips claiming mine, and despite my defiance, I respond.

“I’m not yours,” I insist, but his smirk tells me otherwise.

“Yes, you are.” His tongue brushes mine. The reality I hate—the one I can’t escape—is that in every way that matters, I belong to him.

He pushes me inside, and the familiar surroundings give me a sliver of comfort.

Kane bounds up to me, tail wagging like a propeller.

“Hey, boy,” I say, crouching to ruffle his soft fur.

“The little spitfire has returned!” Griffen’s voice booms as he storms into the foyer, grinning ear to ear. He scoops me up in a bear hug.

“Griff,” Axe’s warning cuts through the reunion, and Griffen laughs, setting me back on the ground.

“It’s good to see you,” I say, managing a faint smile while my brain scrambles to make sense of everything.

“Kyla’s here,” Griffen adds with a grin.

“Where is she?” I blurt out.

“Upstairs.”

I glance at Axe, feeling the sting of needing his nod to go. He grants it with a curt gesture, and I dart toward the stairs. As I reach the top, she appears, her face lighting up.

“Oh my god, Rory!” she squeals, rushing into my arms. Tears well up as we cling to each other, the gravity of the past few days crashing down.

“Kyla,” I murmur, my voice trembling.

“I’m so glad you’re okay,” she says, squeezing me tight. I pull back, my tears streaking my face as she guides me down the hall to my bedroom.

“It’s so good to see you,” I say, sniffling as I pull myself together.

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