Page 83 of Redeeming the Villain
Professor Von London looks over at Malik, and his gaze falls to his arms, decorated in countless black-and-white tattoos. He grimaces slightly, so insignificant that I’m not sure Malik even notices.
When he glances back at me, his smile resumes. “I am proud to officially extend an invitation to HEAU’s annual showcase.” Striding over to the back of the piano, he hands me a wax-sealed envelope.
Jumping to my feet far too fast, I take a deep breath and accept the invite. “Thank you so much. I am so honored to have been chosen.”
He beams at me. “I look forward to hearing your performance.” He pauses, looking Malik’s way with an indiscernible look in his eyes. “I’ll leave you two to it.”
Turning around, he strolls out of the room.
Looking down at Malik, I find him staring at the door with a snarl on his lips.
“I don’t like that guy.”
I roll my eyes. “You don’t like any guy who talks to me.”
That earns his attention, and he shifts back to me. His hands fly to my waist, and he pulls me down onto his lap.
Planting a kiss on my temple, he shrugs. “I don’t like people thinking they can take you from me.”
“Afraid I won’t stop them myself?” I ask cautiously, wanting to gauge his trust.
He studies my face. “It’s not that, Bug. I just protect what’s mine. I won’t survive losing another person close to me.”
My heart aches. “And I’m one of those people?”
“The top of the fucking list.”
Darius called me this morning, letting me know that he and Alicia will be visiting soon to watch a couple of my games. I know they’re just being nice, but I can’t help but feel happily overwhelmed by the gesture.
He could have forgotten about me the day I moved out, and I still would have been forever grateful for all they had done for me. I certainly wouldn’t be here without them.
I don’t know what it’s like to have parents, let alone ones who care about me unconditionally. But they’re the closest I’ve ever gotten to begin to understand.
Maybe Alora would like to meet them.
What the fuck? That thought came out of nowhere, taking me by complete surprise.
That’s not happening, especially not yet. Not when we just started … whatever the hell this is. But at the same time, in a way … she feels permanent.
I’m still confused about everything that’s transpired recently. But I can’t go back, and I don’t want to. I meant every word I said to her, even if it scares the absolute hell out of me.
The more I get to know her and sneak beneath the masks she wears, I think the likelihood of her being anything like her father is slim to none.
Even that thought feels like a betrayal to Micah and to myself. Because if it’s true, then the years of pain I caused her were only out of pure cruelty and not out of justified vengeance.
If she’s truly innocent, then I really am the villain. Maybe I have been all along, but I was too blinded by grief and rage to ever see clearly.
The other side of the coin is that she is the epitome of who I thought she was and I am but a pawn to her. But to be honest, as long as I get to have her, I’ll play whatever game she wants for the rest of my life.
Getting home from morning skate, I find Blair and Mrs. Potts in the kitchen. Griffin and I walk in together and join them.
“Hello, dears,” Mrs. Potts greets us with a smile.
“Mmm, that smells delicious,” Griffin praises, walking over to Blair and stealing a quick kiss.
Chip races into the room and runs straight to Griffin, squeezing him as tightly as he can. Their dog is right behind him.
“Hey, buddy!” Griffin hugs him back, bending down to embrace him.
