Vicious (Villains, #1)

by V.E. Schwab

“You have such a complex,” she snapped. “You always have to be in control.” Eli gave a low, mocking laugh. “Says the siren.”

THAT IS SO FUNNY

Serena’s temper got the best of her and she had to bite her tongue to stop herself from making him put the weapon to his own temple.

He turned to face her, wrapped his hands, now empty, around her back, and pulled her close, his lips brushing her ear.

“One of these days, Serena,” he whispered, “you’re going to forget to say that.” She tensed in his grip, and knew that he could feel it, but when she answered, her voice was even, light. “Not today.”

“You’re going to come back, right?” she asked when they reached the door. Victor looked over his shoulder. “Of course I will,” he said. “That’s my favorite lighter.”

When her voice mail kicked in, he hung up, eager to click End before her slow, melodic words could issue any instructions.

“I’m not a monster,” growled Eli as he dug one of the bullets out of his shoulder, and dropped the bloodied metal to the floor. “I am God’s—” But Victor was already there, burying a switchblade in Eli’s chest. He punctured a lung, he could tell by the gasp. Victor’s mouth twitched, face patient but knuckles white around the blade’s grip.

“Enough,” said Victor. Behind his eyes, the dial turned up. Eli screamed. “You aren’t some avenging angel, Eli,” he said. “You’re not blessed, or divine, or burdened. You’re a science experiment.”

“You don’t understand,” gasped Eli. “No one understands.” “When no one understands, that’s usually a good sign that you’re wrong.”