Chapter 61. A Villain in Your Story

BELLADONNA 

His jaw clenched, and I saw his hands flexing in his pockets. He opened his mouth to speak but then closed it, inhaling deeply before trying again. “You’re seeing me now.”

I didn't realize I was holding my breath until he said those words. I was bracing myself to hear harsh or crushing words from those lips. 

But that still didn't make me relax. I took a hesitant step closer. “Not like this.”

He tilted his head, his eyes narrowed. “Then like what, exactly?”

“Like before,” I whispered. 

Something flickered in his eyes, there and gone the next, too fast for me to catch what it was, but I could tell he was really struggling to maintain his blank mask. His struggling meant he still felt something for me, else the coldness would just come easily like it did in the start. 

That filled me with bitter hope. Maybe I haven't completely ruined everything. 

“Before,” he repeated, his voice soft, but still harsh