Page 64 of The Villain We Tempt

I start to lean forward to get a better look at the drawing, but Arianna quickly snaps the pad shut before glancing at me.

“Huh?” She smiles. “Oh, just…you know. Always trying to get in some practice.”

I suck my teeth, looking at the pad and then turning my gaze back to Adrik and Bella, down on the field.

“I don’t think they’re a couple, you know,” I say quietly.

Arianna’s brow knits. “Who?”

I give her a sly look. “Your muse and Bella. I can ask her, but I'm pretty sure they’re not. I mean, she's in The Reckless, but?—”

“Galina, I really don’t care.”

I love my friend. But sometimes she’sreallyhard to read. Most of the time, you’d think she’s asexual, or possibly gay but hiding it. She’s pretty, but she really doesn’t seem to give a single shit about male attention, dresses quite plainly most of the time, and sometimes wears the male version of the school uniform to class because she’s not a huge fan of skirts.

For the record, sheisstraight. I mean, she’s my best friend: we’ve had this conversation. It’s just that she truly does not care about sex.

…Except when she clearlydoesand is trying to hide it.

Like right now.

But I opt not to push. It’s not for me to pry unless she wants to share.

“Got it,” I say with a nod.

She sighs, rolling her eyes. “Gal, seriously. He’s just…” She shrugs. “He’s a good subject for me to draw.”

I snort. “Funny how hot guys tend to be like that.”

That gets a giggle out of her. I turn, still laughing, and my eyes land on my dickhead TA, who is still fucking around with Achilles and Drago and showing them something on his phone.

Still shirtless.

Stilloutrageouslyhot.

God fucking dammit.

It’sdark out later when I’m back in my room at The Atheneum, sitting on the edge of my bed after a shower.

My lip catches between my teeth and my cheeks flush with heat as I re-read my DM exchange with The Ghost Prince from earlier.

The Ghost Prince

I'll be your masked stranger, little villain. Your fantasy. We’ll agree on some basic rules, but beyond that, you won’t know when I’ll be there. And when I do find you, and take away that control, you’ll give it willingly.

The Ghost Prince

I know you get tired holding onto all that control, baby. I can take it from you. For you.

The Ghost Prince

That, Galina, is my proposal.

My throat bobs as my thumbs hover over my phone.

I’m officially insane for evenconsideringthis. Whoever this fucking guy is, this is real life, not one of my horny books.

Velvet Villainess