Page 15 of Always A Villain

I watch in frozen horror as Axe, standing tall, lifts the severed jaw above his head for the crowd to see. And they roar for him—cheering like savages while pieces of teeth and bone scatter at his feet. It’s like a gladiator arena, only we’re not in ancient Rome. We’re in the Sovereign's world and Axe is their main event.

“Holy fuck,” Kyla breathes beside me, her wide eyes glued to the gruesome scene.

“Yeah,” I manage to say, though the words feel weak. My stomach churns at the sight. “That image is gonna be seared into my brain for a while.” The next round appears to bedelayed as multiple paramedics and cleanup crew rush into the arena.

“This is the bloodiest I've ever seen!” Griffen yells, barely audible over the roar of the crowd. “He’s a fucking beast!”

“You can say that again!” Arsen calls back, his eyes locked on the carnage, totally unfazed.

“We're gonna grab food,” Kyla says suddenly, yanking my arm as she stands. How she can eventhinkof eating right now is beyond me. The smell of blood hangs in the air, thick and metallic, and I feel like I’m about to hurl.

“Yeah, you do that,” I mumble. My eyes stay locked on the giant screen as it replays the scene—teeth and bone fragments flying across the ring in slow motion. Maybe I’ll get hungry when I’m not staring at someone’s jaw being paraded around like a trophy.

Kyla tugs me away, and the moment we step outside the stadium, it's like crashing into a festival. Booze flows, weed wafts through the air, and food stands beckon with aromas that drown out bloodbath thoughts, making my stomach growl louder than the crowd inside. Tents are set up everywhere, the chaos buzzing with laughter and music.

She darts off to grab us some food, and I sink onto a nearby bench.

“Hell of a performance today,” a deep, unfamiliar voice cuts through the noise. I glance up to see a tall, muscular guy looming over me. His bright blue eyes are like spotlights, and he’s clean-shaven, wearing a gray Henley and jeans that cling to his fit body.

“Thanks.” I force a smile. I don't know him, but if he’s here, he’s definitely Sovereign.

“Creed,” he says, a smirk tugging at his lips. “I’m friends with Spencer.” Plopping down next to me, he radiates that kind of confidence that could easily morph into arrogance.

“I'm Rory.”

“I know.” He chuckles. “I’m a fan of your Siren performances.” His eyes slide down my body, blatantly stopping at my boobs—typical Sovereign.

“Then how come we’ve never met?” I shoot back, ignoring his stare.

“I’m currently stationed with the North section.”

“Right.” My suspicion grows. There’s something about him that rubs me the wrong way—too cocky for my taste, even if he is Spencer’s friend.

“I’m surprised Axe let you out of his sight.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” My irritation flares at the implication that Axe keeps me on a leash.

“Easy, tiger.” Holding up his hands in mock surrender, another obnoxious chuckle leaves him. “Just messing with you. Axe can be a real asshole.” He leans back, draping his arm across the back of the bench, fingers almost brushing my shoulder. I shift away, no way am I letting this guy think he can invade my space.

“I'll be sure to tell him you said that.”

He bursts into laughter. “Please do. I’m sure he’d love to hear I’m chatting up his Bond payment.”

I roll my eyes, and his grin only grows wider.

“Is there a reason you’re talking to me?” I ask as I cross my arms.

“Why? Am I making youuncomfortable?” He leans in, his lips brushing dangerously close to my ear. “Or maybe you’reinto that sort of thing.” His voice drops to a low murmur.

“Not even a little,” I scoff, deliberately shifting away from him.

“I’m just fucking with you, gorgeous.” He laughs, clearly enjoying himself. “I’ve known Axe for years, and this is the first time he’s shown interest in anything besides death.”

“You know what they say, every man needs a hobby.”

He throws his head back, laughter spilling from him like he’s just heard the world’s best joke.

“Well played, Bond payment.” He grins, and my lips twitch. Maybe he’s not such a jerk after all.