Page 181 of The Villain We Tempt

“Um…” I turn to look at Bella when Damiano sluggishly raises his fists as Adrik advances. “What wasthat?”

Bella shrugs.

“Oh…” She waves a hand dismissively. “That was nothing.”

I frown. “Are you two?—”

She snorts a laugh. “God, no.”

Out in the ring, Damiano is losing. Badly. Even the cheers of the crowd have gone quiet as he drops to his knees, barely conscious.

Adrik punches him twice more. Then he stops. There’s a scowl on his face as he turns and spits into the dirt before shaking his head.

“Call it,” he growls in the silence. “Fuck this. He’s done.”

Damiano tries to speak. Suddenly his brother is hopping the barrier into the ring, shaking his head and waving his arms. Dame is struggling to get up when the announcer vaults into the ring and makes it official.

The fight is done. Adrik is the winner.

I shiver when Damiano, still on his knees, slowly raises his swollen, purpled eyes and narrows themrighton Bella. Blood drips from his mouth, nose, ears, and various cuts over his brow.

“Such a violent sport,” Bella murmurs, her eyes shimmering when I turn to look at her.

Okay…

“I’m going to go get a drink from the bar," I say. "You want anything?”

She smiles and shakes her head. “I’m good!”

I’m halfway to the bar when I get a new DM on my phone.

The Ghost Prince:

I didn’t peg you for a fan of blood sports.

I freeze, whipping my head around and dragging my gaze over the crowd before I groan inwardly.

What, like I’m going to suddenly spot a guy in a fucking tactical mask chilling at a college party?

Right.

Velvet Villainess

Spying on me again. How out of character.

The Ghost Prince

Biting sarcasm. What a change of pace.

I giggle, blushing.

Velvet Villainess

Can I assume you’re here?

The Ghost Prince

You can.