Page 193 of The Villain We Tempt

Mr.Villainess

I think you forgot to reply to my last message, but it’s okay. I know you’re busy, my beautiful bookworm.

Lochlan’s eyes are narrowed as his gaze slides from the phone back to my face. “Thisis harmless?”

I groan and make a face. Then I tell him about how I used to have a wishlist posted to my profile. Not because I needed or evenwantedmy fans to buy me things, but peoplelovewhen their favorite content creators have them.

“I got rid of it because it made me feel weird, and it felt like it was feeding the parasocial attachment stuff? Some of my long-time fans still have the link, though, so I occasionally add stuff to it just because they’re always asking for it.” I shrug. “I donate everything they buy off of it.”

Lochlan frowns. “And this guy…”

I roll my eyes. “Alsohas the link andreallylikes buying things off of it.” I sigh. “Okay, he’s…a little extra.”

“Youthink?” Lochlan grunts. “Did he seriously buy your entire wish list?”

“Wouldn’t be the first time,” I sigh.

Another message dings on my phone. I quickly flip the phone back to read it and instantly cringe.

Mr.Villainess

I re-watched your video last night where you review that book about the commoner girl in an arranged marriage with the king, where she has to give him heirs. I think I watched it ten times. You’re going to make such a good mother to our children, my treasure.

Lochlan scowls as he turns the phone around to read it himself.

“Fuck no,” he growls, his brow furrowing. “Galina, that’s a fucking serial killer.”

I wince. “He’s…gotten worse, I’ll admit. He didn’t used to bethiscreepy?—”

“Didn’t he?” Lochlan mutters, turning the phone back toward me. He's scrolled up to a DM from Mr.Villainess from a few months ago:

Mr.Villainess: It bothers me when other men comment on your videos. They're beneath you, my beautiful angel. They could never worship you like I will.

My shoulders deflate. “I know, I know. Like I said, he’s...extra.”

“He’s a psychopath who probably fucks his anime pillow while watching your videos,” Lochlan grunts.

“Eww!” I blanch, making a face. “Gross!”

“Does he ever make you uncomfortable?”

I raise my shoulders. “I mean…notusually?But…sometimes. I mean, that’s why I wear the mask and the wig, right?”

He frowns, his eyes sliding to me again. “Would I be a littleextraif I expressed how much Ireallydon’t like this fucking creep talking to you?”

A grin slowly tugs at my lips. “I don’t know,” I sigh dramatically. “It might seriously damage your cool-guy image.”

He smirks. “Cool guys can’t be protective of their girlfriends?”

My heart jumps.

“Did you just…?” I trail off.

“Call you my girlfriend?” He shrugs. “Yes, I did. Which is why I just asked you out on a date, a question which you’ve artfully dodged answering.”

“Adate, hmm?” I grin, my face heating when he touches his forehead to mine.

“Yes,” he murmurs against my lips. “You, me, dinner out, like a real couple.”