Perfect Villain (Dark Lies Duet 1)

“What’s it like to live so far above the world?” Stepping up to the window, I gaze down at the buildings below. It’s a little trippy, and I have to inch away from the glass after only peering down for a few seconds. “It’s making me a little dizzy. I didn’t think I had a problem with heights until now.”

Christian chuckles, sliding up behind me. I shouldn’t let him have this easy familiarity. Wouldn’t it be better if I at least set some boundaries? I don’t want to encourage him to believe my staying here gives him free rein to do whatever he wants with me.

I want to do the right thing. I can’t go making the same mistakes I did with Taj.

But I can’t deny how comforting it is, having him so close. How right it feels. Like two puzzle pieces fitting together.

“Don’t worry.” His breath stirs the hair on the back of my neck, causing a delicious shiver to run down my spine. “I’m always here for you to lean on. I won’t let you fall.”

“Thanks for that.” I giggle softly while slipping away from him, heading for the enormous kitchen. “Please, tell me you use this for more than a place to store plates and silverware.”

He rubs the back of his neck, wearing a rueful grin. “The culinary arts have never been my area of expertise.” A nice way of saying he doesn’t cook.

I run my hand over the marble counter, admiring the shining appliances. “It seems like a waste.”

“You’re right.” He looks very serious when he joins me at the counter topping the wide island. “It is a shame for something beautiful to go unused. Then again, it’s downright tragic when that beautiful thing is mishandled, too.” Something in his voice makes me think he’s talking about more than kitchen appliances, but a quick look in his direction reveals a blank face. I can’t read him sometimes, no matter how much I want to.

“Come on.” His eyes light up before he takes me by the hand. “Let me show you the rest of the place.” I follow him through to the bathroom, my eyes glazing over at the sight of the enormous shower.

“You can design any kind of experience you want,” he explains, showing me the controls. “There are six jets, plus the overhead fixture. Be careful. If you turn the jets up to full power, it’s a lot like getting sandblasted.”

“You sound like you’re speaking from experience.”

“Let’s just say I’ve never felt cleaner.” He winks, making me giggle, and I can’t help but think this was an excellent idea. Life had gotten too tense with Kyla, anyway. It’s no fun going home when you know the other person living there resents you. Feeling like you have to tiptoe around for fear of upsetting someone.

I think I could be happy here, or at least secure for a little while.

You looked so good on your knees with my cock in your mouth.

Christian notices the way I shudder when those ugly words flash across my consciousness. Of course he would. He always seems to pick up on the slightest change in me.

“What’s the matter? Are you unhappy? What can we do about it?”

“No, I’m not unhappy. Just, you know...” I shake out my hands, grimacing. “A little weirded out.”

“Because of the note?”

“And everything that goes along with it, yes.”

He eliminates the space between us, standing toe-to-toe with me before running a hand over my hair. “Remember what I told you. I would kill anyone who tried to hurt you. You’ve never been as safe in your life as you are at this moment, here with me. There’s a reason I chose this as my home. It’s a safe place, well-kept and secure. And now that you’re here, I know why I chose it. Somehow, I knew you would come into my life. I knew you would need somewhere you could feel protected and secure.”

It all feels too good to be true, but I so desperately want it to be. I want to believe him. “Maybe I’m a little jaded,” I suggest. “Every time I’ve ever felt safe, he’s proved otherwise.”

“That was before me, remember?” He places a soft kiss against my lips, and for one moment, I allow myself to melt into him. He’s so strong, so sure of himself. I wish I had just a fraction of that confidence.

The next stop is the bedroom. I can’t help but feel nervous when I take in the great big bed with its almost obscene number of pillows and what looks like soft, expensive silk bedding.

“I have to be honest,” I admit with a faint giggle. “I didn’t think men lived like this. I mean, when they live alone. Without a woman’s touch or however you want to put it.”

“The truth?” He hugs me from behind, chuckling against my ear. “I had some help with the decorating. From someone with a much better eye than mine.”