Page 62 of The Villain We Tempt

A dark, dangerous viper slithers and coils around my core.

Velvet Villainess

I don’t want to play the what-if game. Just tell me where I'm supposed to meet you.

The Ghost Prince

Then no what-ifs. There's no video. There never was.

My skin prickles.

Velvet Villainess

You're lying.

The Ghost Prince

Why would I do that?

Velvet Villainess

IDK, to fuck with me? To get me to drop my guard so that you can jump out and grab me or something?

The Ghost Prince

I could do that any time I wanted, baby.

My thighs squeeze together as my breath hitches.

God, BookTok and MaskTok have done anumberon me…

Velvet Villainess

You REALLY don’t have a video of me changing into my VV outfit and filming in the library the night of the Para Bellum party?

The Ghost Prince

I do not. But you’re welcome to still pretend I do.

Heat creeps into my face.

Velvet Villainess

Why would I do that?

I think I know the answer even before I get his reply. But when it arrives, the way he’s effortlessly peeled back my layers shakes me to my core.

The Ghost Prince

You like control, Galina. You crave it. Your whole life is structured around it.

The Ghost Prince

But behind closed doors, you desperately need someone to take it away from you.

The Ghost Prince

That's why you were so eager to be on your knees letting me take control the other night. It’s why we’re still having this conversation.