Page 214 of The Villain We Tempt

Lucia laughs. “I was going to say silly bitches, but dummies works, too.”

Hi, yes, it’s me.

Dummies.

Silly bitches.

That’s me.

My phone buzzes in my hand.

Lochlan

Just come outside and I’ll explain everything. Please.

Me

I’m good, thanks.

Lochlan

I’m counting to five, then I’m coming in there and we can do this with an audience.

My pulse jolts. He’s crazy enough to do that.

Me

I wouldn’t, if I were you. Arianna keeps a gun in her room.

Lochlan

I sincerely doubt that.

Me

For real. Her parents gave it to her after the second murder in town.

Lochlan

Zero percent chance that’s true. Anyway, you’re not going to shoot me.

Me

Famous last words.

Lochlan

I like my odds.

I clear my throat. “Luce, you still carry that pepper spray around?”

She nods. “Always.” She grins as she nods her chin at her bag hanging off the chair in front of Arianna’s desk. “Why?”

I shrug as I stand. “No reason.” I walk over toward the desk. “Ari, can I use your phone charger?”

“Duh?”

My phone hasplentyof battery. But I plug it in anyway for show before I covertly open the top of Lucia’s bag and snap a picture of the bottle clearly marked “Pepper Spray” inside.