You know that’s not true,he says so close to my ear that I can feel his hot breath.
But he moves so well between all his worlds.He can converse easily with the Dean or Marjorie Schultz or the hockey fans here tonight.He was politely attentive to me all evening.And later tonight, he’ll turn into my passionate lover.
Did you enjoy yourself tonight?Viktor asks on our way to our late-night meal.
Yes.Sometimes dreams come true that I didn’t even know I had.Going to a fancy party and now going out for late supper with friends.It’s so sophisticated.
Cleo smiles back at me.You’re cute, Evie.Even cuter now that I know how dangerous you are.No wonder you can keep Zee in line.
Viktor is not someone who could ever be kept in line; he would flee from any attempts to control him.But why would I need to direct someone who is already considerate and affectionate?For so long, I’ve assumed that we were going to end at any moment, despite all his positive signals.But now I realize that everything the Revenge Squad told me wouldnothappen has happened.
Our relationship has lasted more than a month.Viktor and I are publicly affectionate.If you count sex toys, he has bought me gifts.And tonight, he invited me to a special event—something that Lindsay Norman assured me he’s never done before.
Maybe it’s time I put aside my doubts and accept that this real.
I lean against Viktor’s shoulder.We relax into each other after a night of being on our best behaviour.It’s bliss.
And I wonder…is this what love feels like?
21
ANGEL OF VENGEANCE
VIKTOR
I’M WALKING THROUGH THESTUDENTUNION WITHCOTY ANDMATS AFTER FINISHING A WORKOUT,and now we’re debating the best post-workout fuel.
Water,I say.
You have to drink something enhanced with electrolytes.Mats grabs my water bottle and sprinkles in a packet of his latest fancy discovery.I shake it up and take a sip.It tastes awful, but maybe that means it’s healthy.
You’re both nuts.Coffee is the only way to go.Coty steers us to the student cafe.The barista there already has his drink ready.
Hey, Antoine.Here you go.She hands him a to-go cup, and he taps his phone to pay.
Merci, Harriet.You’re a lifesaver.He salutes her with the cup, and we continue through the lobby.
Mats points to the cup.How did you time that so perfectly?
Harriet prepares my drink as soon as she sees me coming.He takes a big sip.Ah, I can feel the energy coursing through my body.
How much coffee do you drink each day?I ask.
As if I’d tell you, Zee.You’d start nagging me to cut down.
I don’t bother anyone to change anything unless their play is going downhill.And there’s nothing wrong with Coty’s play.He’s consistently our top defender.
He cups his hand over his ear.Oh, was that a compliment that I didn’t hear?
Mats laughs, and I join in.It’s easier to be happy these days, despite all the issues around my brother and grandmother.Maybe I’m learning to compartmentalize.
Vik.I need to talk to you.
I turn to see Angelica Ford, and the smile fades from my face.She’s someone I’d rather avoid.She lied big when we dated, and I don’t trust her at all.But it’s too rude to turn her away in the middle of campus like this.
I’ll catch up with you guys,I tell Mats and Coty.
She smiles up at me.Angelica is a beautiful woman, but that beauty is truly only skin-deep.
