Page 132 of The Villain We Tempt

I’m scared.

I’m scared about what happens if this becomes real. Right now, as a fantasy, there are norealstakes or emotions at play. No real consequences. But if I take off the mask, and I make what we have somethingreal?

Reality can be ugly.

Reality involves flaws. It involves communication beyond spicy DMs. Reality involves problem solving, and sometimes having fights, and figuring out how to move forward from them.

But most of all, making thisrealcould make it something she doesn't want.

Maybe all she wants is a masked fantasy that sweeps her off her feet and then utterly disappears when she needs to go back to her real life.

And if that’s the way things shake out, I’m not sure I’m willing to accept it.

I sigh, glancing at my sister. “Honestly, just needed to clear my head.”

Demi’s brows furrow. “What’s it currently fogged up with?”

I shake my head. “Nothing. Don’t worry about?—”

“Wait-wait-wait.”

There’s a gleam in her eye as Demi leans in close, peering up into my face.

“Is…” Her eyes widen. “Is it agirl, Lochie? Or?—”

“Don’t call me Lochie.”

“Don’t interrupt,Lochie.”

I roll my eyes. “Have I ever mentioned how glad I am that I’ll have graduated before you get to Knightsblood?”

She rolls her eyes. “Fuck off. You’ll miss me. Plus, stop trying to change the subject.” She arches her brows. “Isthere a girl?”

“No.”

“Liar.” She peers at me again closely. “I know I’m right. There’s somethingdifferentabout you.” She grins impishly. “Plus, you don’t smell like skank.”

“Yeah,” I grunt, rolling my eyes. “I think we’re done here.”

“How long are you staying?”

I shrug. “Maybe the night? At least through dinner.”

Demi grins. “Then trust me, we aredefinitelynot done here.”

“Kids!” Dad’s voice booms from the kitchen. He sticks his head out the door and grins. “Bold move, leaving your mother and I alone in the kitchen after so rudely interrupting our grownup time. But anyway, lunch is ready.”

“Pleasetake me with you when you go,” Demi groans.

22

GALINA

“Wow.”

Zane’s the first to say something. But it’s not like the rest of us weren’t thinking it as our waitress saunters away.

“That was…forward.”