Perfect Villain (Dark Lies Duet 1)

That safety net she’s built around herself crumbled the moment we breathed the same rancid, smoke-filled air.

“Christian,” she mutters after a beat while I claim my drink from the counter.

I turn to see her gathering her bags from the floor. She drops her chin to her chest and tucks a strand of hair behind her ear.

Stepping close to her, I smirk. “So, I do have an effect on you. You know, remembering my name is the first sign that we’re on the right track.” I tighten my hold on the cappuccino and wet my lips, unable to keep my playful grin at bay.

Siân follows the path of my tongue, her breaths turning into short, shallow bursts of air. A smile teeters on her lips, but she wills it away and pulls her bottom lip between her teeth. I have half a mind to reach out and run the pad of my thumb over her plump lips.

I don’t, though. It’s a long game, and I’m already having too much fun. When I claim her, and I mean claim every single inch, she’ll be begging for it.

“Really,” she says after a beat. “And what track is that?”

I inch closer so she has no choice but to peer up at me. God, she looks so fucking sexy from this angle. She’s petite, probably standing just a few inches above five feet—not quite average, but not so short that kissing her will be a problem.

Her light and natural makeup is perfect against her olive complexion. And her bright green eyes and very kissable lips are the highlight of her features. It would have been a shame had she covered them with loads of makeup.

“The one that puts us together,” I tease and reach out to swipe her hair behind her ear, and like the other night, she blushes.

Siân nods and glances away before staring up at me again. It’s a feeble attempt to disguise her reaction to me.

“Right. Fate, how could I have forgotten?” she adds sarcastically.

“Exactly.” I pause for a beat, letting my gaze run along her frame, logging every inch of her to memory. “Let me buy you another coffee. I caused you to spill yours, and based on how frazzled you seem, I’d say you need it. Plus, it looks like I ruined your shirt, too.”

“Frazzled? What’s that supposed to mean?”

There, there, girl. She’s easily tempered. Good to know.

“Just what it sounds like.”

Siân rolls her eyes, then takes in the large stain along the hem of her blouse. Her shoulders slump, and a soft gasp slips past her lips. My cock twitches at the sound of her low, near moan.

“Dammit. I didn’t even notice it at first. But—” She sighs. “It’ll be fine. It’s just a shirt.”

“Oh, come on. Let me replace the drink and buy you a new shirt. There has to be a boutique around here, right?”

“No,” she huffs out. “It’s okay. I’m already late for class.”

“Well then, here.” I hold my cappuccino out to her. “Take mine. And I’ll accept a rain check on treating you to another, or—something better.”

Siân stares at the cup in my hand and shakes her head, despite obviously wanting to accept it. “I can’t take your drink.”

“I insist,” I urge by grabbing her hand and forcing her to wrap her fingers around the cup.

A shock of electricity spreads from my fingers all the way up my arm, and the hairs in its path stand at attention. The rest of my body seems to come to life as well—my heart skips a beat, my breathing catches for a moment, and my manhood twitches, settling down the instant she pulls away. For years, I’ve wondered what it would feel like to touch her skin, and it’s everything I imagined it to be. Supple, and way too delicate for me.

“Then what will you have?” I say after blinking to clear my thoughts.

“It’s fine, really. I don’t even like the stuff.”

Her brows knit together, confusion building on her face. “Then why did you buy it?”

I shrug. “I guess I just felt like taking a risk.”

She catches the reference to our conversation the other night and lets out a low laugh. “That’s right, Mr. Risk Taker.”

“And have you taken any lately?”

Siân doesn’t answer, but her eyes and body language give it all away.

“Still holding on to those life vests, huh? You can let go, love. I won’t let you drown.”

“I-I take risks.”

“Yeah?”

“Yes. I do,” she states boldly, but the tremor in her voice tells another story.

“Name one.” When she doesn’t offer a response, I continue, “I’ll wait.” Crossing my arms over my chest, I lean in a little closer.

Her breathing changes again, but she doesn’t shy away as I expect her to. “You’re arrogant. You know that?”

“I actually do. It’s one of my best traits, don’t you think? And I’m still waiting to hear about these risks you’ve been taking. Tell me all about your daring side.”