Page 123 of Adversary to the Villain

“I just saw her,” Lyssa said, wandering over to one of the bookshelves to see the selection.

Keeley turned toward Lyssa dangerously slowly. “Lyssa…where did you see Fate?”

“Moira,” Lyssa corrected, not paying any mind to Keeley’s tone. A rubber ball, that one. “And she was in the kitchens with Edwin.”

Gideon turned toward Keeley, and she gaped at him, her mouth falling open. The look on her face was both comedic and alarming. “Captain? Are you unwell?”

“You wear reading glasses?” Keeley asked, pointing at the lenses like they were weapons of mass destruction.

Finally.

Apleasantdiscovery. “I do. Why? Do you think I look handsome?” Gideon grinned.

“Oh, Gideon.” Lyssa shook her head in disappointment.

“No,” Keeley bit out.

Absolutely yes. Gideon was never taking them off.

“E.” Lyssa gasped.

Gideon’s attention on the captain broke. “E…”

Lyssa was troubled when she motioned for the door. “Edwin.”

Gideon was correct. The answer was…wow.

But also?

Fuck.

Chapter 62

Evie

Evie Sage was about to sit across a table…from her father.

“What sort of torture cruise is this?” Evie hissed to Trystan as the long table was placed on the deck and everyone milled about, looking for their seat.

“Would you like to switch?” Trystan murmured.

“Who’s sitting next to you?”

“My mother.”

She shivered. “Never mind. I’ll hide behind the centerpiece.”

There were delightful dinner parties.

And then there was whatever horror this was.

The crew started putting out place settings, pouring wine, even offering little pats of butter as the group settled in. Like a happy little deranged family.

As pleasant as monthly inventory. Or a tooth being drilled.

“This wine is divine, Captain. Your taste is impeccable,” Benedict commended jovially as he refilled his own glass, like they were all dear acquaintances sharing a meal, rather than bitter enemies doing their very best not to commit murder over the appetizers. Raising his goblet toward Evie and Trystan, he added, “You both must try.”

Evie lifted her glass, downed the liquid in one gulp, then extended the cup with a smug smile she knew Benedict and her father would hate. Her lips pulled wider at the thought, commanding the king of Rennedawn, “Refill me.”