Page 95 of Not All Himbos Wear Capes
Butch grimly nodded. “Yeah, and I believe Franco was a hero named Iron Axe.”
“Iron Axe…” I sat back to ponder. “You know, I think I might remember this from when I was a kid. Not the trial, but when Iron Axe switched sides. My mother was all up in arms over his ‘defection’—ranting to anyone who would listen about what a traitor he was to other villains. Of course, she’d make it about her…”
“I didn’t even knowa supecouldswitch sides,” Butch mused, squinting at the phone as he zoomed in on a photo. “Huh. It looks like it was Sylvano’s father defending Franco on behalf of the USN. He’s passed away, but maybe I could ask Sylvano if he knows anything.”
“About the court case?” I distractedly asked, suddenly recalling how Wolfgang mentioned the USN previously being in strong support of heroes and villains being allowed to marry.
It might be time to reopen this petition.
“About switching sides.” Butch’s unexpected answer wrenched me from my thoughts.
“W-what?” I sputtered. “You can’t be serious. I am the farthest thing from hero material, and I’m not just talking about my background and bloodline. Heroesprotectpeople. I don’t care enough about anyone other than you to give a shit what happens to them.”
Butch shot me alookthat eerily mirrored the one I often gave him. “Xan, you careandyou protect—and not just me. Look at Kai! It didn’t escape my notice that you told her to bring Meowson toherplace this time instead of going to yours to feed him. You didn’t want her getting caught in the crossfire if anyone came looking for you.”
He’s on to me.
He apparently also wasn’t done listing my better qualities. “You faced off against both Vortexio andCaptain Masculineon my behalf, even when you believed you didn’t have powers. That’s a level of bravery most don’t possess. And let’s not forget all the work you’re doing to save wildlife in the Bay—not for recognition, but simply because youcare.You are one of the most protective, caring,heroicmen I’ve ever met, so stop pretending you’re not.”
A strange feeling washed over me—more profound than thehappinessI’d felt earlier. It was as if all the ancient cracks in my heart were being patched up and smoothed over with pure, unadulteratedlove.
Gross.
But I’ll allow it.
To my horror, I also felt myselfblushing,so I quickly deflected. “I appreciate the pep talk, sweetheart, but don’t get your hopes up. Not only would heroes start a riot if a Suarez tried to join their ranks, I’m not sure I have any interest in switching sides. Being a villain is much less regulated and therefore, much more fun.”
Butch bit his bottom lip as he tried and failed to hide another cheeky smile. “I know. That’s exactly why I want to become one.”
CHAPTER43
XANDER
Be still my heart.
“You… want to be a… villain?” I haltingly asked, unsure if I’d heard him correctly.
Butch excitedly nodded with that infectious golden retriever energy of his. “Sure do! Like you said, it’s less regulated and if there’s one thing I’m tired of, it’s how micromanaged my life has been. Not to mention,”—he blushed again, but held my gaze—“if the main issue with us being together is that I’m a hero and you’re a villain, then I’ll switch sides in a heartbeat.”
He’d give up everything…
Even though all I wanted was to take this hunk of man meat to the floor for another round, I forced myself to focus on our next steps. “Very well. How about you contact your friend at the USN? Find out what he knows about Franco’s court case, supe marriage laws, anything he might have access to that would be useful to us.”
I purposefully left off the suggestion that he ask Sylvano for information on switching sides. While Butch insisted he wanted that—and the idea of an eager little student of villainy made me hard as a rock—he had a history of rushing into things without thinking them through.
And I would prefer his reputation remained intact.
Although he was nodding along, Butch’s expression had turned grim as he scrolled through the countless missed calls and unread messages on his phone. I could only imagine the verbal abuse he was receiving from his father, boss, and anyone else who thought they owned a piece of him.
All because he did something for himself for a change.
“Butch,” I raised my voice, demanding his attention. “None of those fucking douchebags matter. Call Sylvano. Focus onus.”
I couldseethe tension leave his body at my command, his pretty blue eyes turning dreamy as his gaze met mine. “Yes, Daddy,” he replied, like the perfect little accidental sub he was.
Not accidental—just dormant until we met.
Like my superpowers, apparently...
