Page 77 of Wicked Villain

She nods, proud of herself. “It did. One of my many adventures. Of course, my dad would still lose his shit if he ever found out. So, please never tell him.”

“My lips are sealed.”

I chuckle to myself. I’m glad she’s here. She’s been fun to have around. She’s certainly provided a much-needed distraction. God knows I needed one after what happened between Lev and me.

I haven’t seen him for the last four days. Zoya said he’s been working. I don’t know if that’s true, and though I tell myself I don’t care, some part of me keeps thinking about him.

The damn man just has me on edge. My entire nervous system is unsettled.

It’s my own fault. I know that. I should have nipped my curiosity in the bud and chosen my battles better. Now I’m left with the aftermath of my mistakes and still reeling from the embarrassment and humiliation of the scandalous things he did to me.

I don’t know what grates on me more—that he got me to strip and made me come with his fingers, or the way he dismissed me after and sent me away. As though I were nothing.

I’ve been trying to get it out of my head. I can’t. Getting ready for the craft fair has been the only thing that’s stopped me from going crazy.

It’s also stopped me from thinking about the whole thing with Papa. It’s safe to say I’ve dropped my pursuit of answers. For now.

My need to know what he did hasn’t changed. I’m just being cautious and hoping someone will eventually tell me. Until then, I’m playing the game carefully and trying not to do anything else stupid.

We reach my table, and I set down the box of candles.

The manager asked me to take care of the handmade scented candles and wax melts, along with my postcards. She thought the two would complement each other, though I can’t see it. It’s okay, though. I don’t mind. Next to the table is the massive display unit showcasing my postcards. I spent time laying them out after lunch. They look amazing.

The wax melts have already been put out. I just have to do the candles, then I’ll be done for the day.

“Let me help you with the candles,” Anushka offers, sliding the box over to her. “It’s not every day I get to do things like this. And I love me some scented candles.”

“Me too.”

“Also, more hands, less work.” She giggles. “Means I can probably persuade you to go out for dinner when we’re done and have you home in good time.”

I’m already nodding. “That sounds great.”

“Cool. We’ll go to that new Chinese place.”

We start setting out the candles on the table. There’s quite a few, but we should be finished in about half an hour.

“I’m always blown away by your talent,” says a deep voice from behind me.

I look around and find Jeremy approaching. We’ve worked here every summer since I started. His mother is one of the supervisors.

He’s the same age as me, and what Gabrielle would’ve called quarterback cute, though Jeremy isn’t the football-playing type. To me, he’s more the guy-next-door type who’s cool and you’d find in your local chess club. He just happens to be handsome in a way that most girls like. Not Lev handsome or dangerous. More boyish and charming.

“Hey, Jeremy.” I smile at him.

“Hi, Jeremy,” Anushka coos from across the table.

I glance at her, and she gives me a sassy smile. Like everyone else here, she has this theory that he has a crush on me. It’s not really a theory. It’s always been obvious and hasn’t changed even though he knows I’m married.

When he found out, he barely congratulated me.

I’ve always kept my conversations with him to a minimum because of Papa. Any guy who spoke to me who wasn’t Danillo was always at risk of danger.

“Hi, girls.” He tips his head at both of us. “Your table looks good, too.”

Jeremy comes closer and scans the table.

“Thanks. I can’t wait for tomorrow.” The fair runs over three days, and I plan to be here the whole time. It’s a good escape from the house. Mama is also attending on the last day to give a speech and announce the final donations.