Page 33 of Villainous Intent

Are you though?

Yes.

That was a lie.

Some of us have work in the morning. Important work. Finding stolen hammers. Catching rogue Trueborns. Not spying on people through their windows like some tech-enhanced Peeping Tom.

I prefer ‘dedicated researcher.’ And you didn’t answer my question.

Which question was that?

The one about fucking you.

You didn’t actually ask a question

Apparently I’d decided to be pedantic rather than sensible.

You made a statement about thinking about it.

Fair point. Let me rephrase: Would you like me to fuck you, Annie?

I stared at my phone screen, blinking rapidly, wondering if I was hallucinating or possibly reading too much into a text.

I blinked. Nope. The words were still there.

I took a screenshot telling myself I was saving evidence when in reality I knew I was saving it just to stare at during lonely nights when I questioned whether this whole bizarre situation had actually happened.

But as the initial shock wore off, something else bubbled up inside me. Indignation. The realization that he was definitely messing with me, and two could play at that game.

He wanted to watch what I was doing? Fine. Let him watch.

I did a quick search on my phone to double check something, then grabbed my laptop again. I navigated to HeroWorship, the Hero-centric equivalent of BadGuysDoItBetter.

The homepage loaded with its featured Heroes of the week. Right at the top was a shirtless Beacon, golden skin gleaming in what was clearly studio lighting.

I thought you had better taste than that, Annie. He looks like he asks for permission before he unhooks a bra.

I bit my lip. I shouldn’t bait him. I really shouldn’t. But the adrenaline was a drug.

Maybe I like a gentleman. Maybe I want someone who follows the rules.

Liar. You’re not wet because of his abs, Annie. You’re wet because I’m watching you look at them.

I was pissed because he was right. The image of Beacon was just pixels. The threat of Cipher was visceral.

Go ahead. Touch yourself to the hero. See if your body listens to ‘nice’.

Maybe I will

It was a desperate lie to prove I wasn’t his.

Do it. But keep the phone in your hand. I want to know the exact moment you realize you’re ruined for anyone but me.

I stared at the “perfect” Hero on my screen, and I felt nothing but impatience.

You never answered my question, by the way. You just deflected.

Do you want me to fuck you?