Page 51 of Redeeming the Villain

Malik’s lips part as if he’s going to say something. I wait, eagerly anticipating what’s to come.

At the very least, I wish he’d address that I’m even here and acknowledge me. Or give me some clarity on what the hell happened that night. Like why, one second, he wanted to kiss me, and the next, he tells me he hates me. Then spends days avoiding me.

What is his deal? It was easier when he just despised me. It would be less confusing.

His mouth closes, and for a split second, it’s almost like a veil dropped in front of his eyes and revealed a glimpse of vulnerability But I blink, and it’s gone.

“Where are you headed, looking like a pretty, preppy princess?” Malik’s lips tip up into a smirk, and I know he’s teasing me.

But it feels more flirty than harmful.

“I’m heading to meet up with my dad.” I glance away from them, my voice slightly shaky.

Dean nods. “Oh, that sounds?—”

Malik cuts him off, striding forward and plowing through me, knocking my shoulder as he passes.

I stumble back a step but catch myself.

Asher’s jaw is unhinged as he watches in awe as Malik storms down the hallway.

Malik’s voice travels back to us as he calls out for the brothers, “Are you two going to hurry the fuck up or what?”

He doesn’t look at me or acknowledge me at all before he disappears around the corner.

“We’ll catch you later,” Dean chimes in as they both politely brush past me and walk down the hallway toward their room.

I don’t say anything, too dumbstruck to form a word as I step forward and press the level-one button, watching the doors close in front of me.

My phone vibrates repeatedly, and I pull it out of my purse, finding my dad calling me.Shit.

I glance at the time in the top corner as I answer the call. I’m late.

My father’s voice is even harsher than I remember as he angrily whispers at me, the quietest of his words echoing in my ears, “Where thehellare you? Are you trying to make us look bad?”

“I-I’m in the elevator. I’m sorry. It took a while for it to get up to my floor.” The apology rushes past my lips.

“Don’t make excuses. Hurry up.”

He forces a laugh at someone, his voice shifting to that fake tone he uses as he addresses them. “Hi, Kenneth. No, she’ll be here in just a minute. Don’t worry.”

A moment of silence passes before he snaps into the phone, “You have three minutes to be at my assistant, Jess’ side.”

The call ends at the same time I reach the first floor. The doors open, thankfully without someone I know on the other side.

I can only go so fast. My heart rate needs to stay manageable, and I need to stay cooled off enough that I don’t overheat. Maybe he should have thought of that before shoving me in this damn thick dress.

As quickly as I can, I head outside and begin the short trek to Hans Hall. Whether he likes it or not, it’s going to take me longer than three minutes.

Which, of course, it does because it’s a half a mile from my dorm. Which might take other people three minutes to complete, but not me.

Crossing the smooth cobblestone walkway, I stop at the bottom of the stairs of Hans Hall to catch my breath.

My heart rate’s a bit higher than I’d like.

Giving myself a moment of peace, I take some deep breaths, even though right now, it barely feels like I’m getting anything in my lungs.

The door swings open, and a woman in a black pencil skirt and white blouse steps outside, her eyes dropping directly to me with recognition in them. “Alora, there you are. Come on. We gotta go.”

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