Page 99 of Once A Villain

When I’m satisfied, I pull away, rising from between her legs.

Her eyes are glazed, breathing erratic.

“You’re sick and that hurt,” she murmurs, voice distant.

“Yeah, I know. I can’t help it.” I say, bending down to kiss her thigh. “Your taste is my favorite.”

She groans, her body going limp, eyelids fluttering.

I adjust my pants and rake a hand through my hair, savoring the lingering taste of her blood and cum on my lips.

“Axe. Get the hell out.” The usual venom is missing, and I smirk, relishing her disheveled state.

“Try not to miss me too much,” I taunt, turning to leave. “I’m sure your cunt will.”

“Get out,” she snaps, more forceful now, propping herself on her elbows. Her flushed cheeks, glossy eyes, and ragged breaths paint a picture of her aftermath.

I pause in the doorway, glancing back with a hard stare.

“Rory, take Kane on your run,” I command. “And remember, if you break any rules, the punishment will be severe.”

The morning air is cool as I pound out the last few miles of my run. The burn in my muscles and the rush of adrenaline are exactly what I need right now. Kane’s keeping stride with me. Damn, I needed this—getting out of the haze of alcohol-fueled sleep and pounding out some anger.

But my brain refuses to shut up about last night. Can’t believe he tried to drown me…while fingering me. It’s beyond messed up, and I should be completely mortified. But instead, I’m weirdly unsettled.

Something shifted between us. After he practically drowned me, he held me in the shower. It was almost…intimate.

The thought makes me want to hurl. Axel Hawthorne and intimacy? Please. He’s about as capable of affection as a brick wall. And yet, something shifted. Tiny, almost nonexistent, but it was there.

I slow as we near the house and spot the Range Rover parked outside. Sweat’s dripping down my back and face, and my hair’s a complete mess.

Seriously, why does he want me to drive this? It’s just a black SUV—basic and boring.

“Come on, boy,” I call to Kane as we head inside. His big paws thump softly behind me, and the cool air greets us.

I snag a water bottle from the fridge and chug half of it. Kane nudges my hand, and I glance down, giving him a grateful smile. I might be stuck with Axe, but at least Kane’s a win.

“If I’d known I’d be babysitting you, I would’ve asked for hazard pay.” Griffen’s voice cuts through my thoughts. I whirl around to find him lounging against the kitchen island, arms crossed. “He left strict instructions.”

“Of course he did,” I mutter, rolling my eyes. “Why the hell do I need to use that SUV?”

“It’s armored,” Griffen deadpans.

“Armored? As in bulletproof?”

“Yeah. Blast-proof, too. It’s got a panic room built in—locks down, keeps you safe. Comes with weapon storage, run flats, and a few other goodies. It’s not quite a tank, but it’ll handle most threats.”

“Most?” I echo.

“Not much can stop a well-placed missile,” he adds, as if it’s just a casual observation. I give him a skeptical look, wondering if he’s joking. “Axe’s enemies aren’t exactly the types to care about collateral damage.”

“Right,” I say slowly. “So, if someone decides to launch a missile at the car, I’m toast?”

“Exactly,” he replies.

“Well, let’s hope that doesn’t happen.”

“That’s the spirit,” Griffen says with a wink.

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