Apprentice to the Villain (Assistant to the Villain, #2)

by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

She was afraid, but she knew now: fear usually meant you were standing on the edge of something new, something self-altering, something potentially good. Fear was not something she would shy away from ever again.

“I would never make the mistake of underestimating a woman like you. It would be a fatal one.”

Don’t be an arsonist, Evie!

It gave her the courage to say, “There is nothing written in any text, gods-created or not, that says we cannot be more than one thing. You’ve been told for a very long time that you are made for destruction, but there is nothing that says you cannot be more. You can be capable of bad and do good. You can do good things and still be bad. Nothing is set in stone, and if it helps, I’ll stand by you no matter who you choose to be.”

There was no emotion in his voice when he said, “Does your mind live in the gutter?” She shook her head, tapping a finger against her lips. “No, but it rents there on occasion.”

Don’t make the boss jealous, Evie! Even if it’s really fun!

I’ve always taken care of myself with a false smile and brittle strength.

There are lots of people here who look after me. Why, it’s like a little family!”

“Sometimes family isn’t a thing we are born into but a choice we make.

Sometimes”—Evie smiled—“the people who love you most in your life are the ones who choose you.”

Don’t think about the boss in bed, Evie!