Villain Ch 1923. What Rules?
Vivian hummed low in her throat. "What rules?"
Alice added, deadpan, "We had rules?"
Zoe smirked. "You think I follow rules?"
Shea was already pouring more wine into Allen's glass like this was all just foreplay for chaos. "Let's just admit he likes being surrounded. Fed. Pampered. Worshipped."
"Yeah, but he earned it," Bella said, nudging Allen's knee with hers under the table. "He keeps our monsters quiet."
Allen rolled his neck, the weight of all their gazes sinking into his skin. He could feel Azura's eyes flicking between the others, shy but very much present. That quiet longing in her made his chest twist.
"Maybe I just got lucky," he murmured.
"No, baby," Jane said with a wry smile, swirling her glass. "You just survived longer than the others."
And then—
Ping.
A sharp, distinct tone broke through the hum of low laughter and the sound of crackling fire.
Everyone froze.
Jane's hand twitched.
