God of Malice (Legacy of Gods #1) by Rina Kent

Real smooth.

That little rabbit must’ve put the pillow there so I wouldn’t feel the emptiness and wake up right away.

But that’s not the emergency here. It’s Gareth groaning while calling Glyndon’s name.

I lift my head and I have no fucking clue what to name the fucking feeling when I find them sitting around a table a few seats ahead, playing fucking Uno.

But I know it’s too similar to damn relief.

This isn’t even funny anymore. I’m constantly on the edge of murder because of this woman, and the worst part is that she’s the one who’s stopping my demons from acting out.

The screen over my seat indicates that we have about three more hours to land.

“You didn’t tell me about this rule before.” She clutches the cards close to her chest. “You can’t just invent new ones.”

“I’m not inventing.” He shows her the rules card. “It’s right here.”

“Uh, how about a no? You’re cheating!”

“Because you’re losing?”

“I could totally win if you didn’t start inventing rules left and right.”

“For the millionth time, they’re right here. Just admit defeat and move on. Where’s your sports spirit?”

“Not in the building. Sorry, I mean freaking plane. Come on, just roll with it, would you?”

He smiles, and I clench my fists, and it’s due to a lot of reasons. The first is that I thought he’d forgotten how to actually smile without faking it.

Oh, and how fucking comfortable Glyndon is in his presence.

He of all people must’ve realized that she’s my weakness now, the spot he can hit to get to me, and knowing Gareth, he will. Without mercy.

Not that I blame him, but I would impale him before he could even lay a finger on her.

Forcing my agitation down, I walk toward them with the nonchalance of a bored demon.

I sit on Glyndon’s armrest and plant a hand on her shoulder. “What are we playing?”

Gareth starts to lower his cards. “I’ll leave you guys to it.”

That’s right, big bro. Take a fucking hike.

“Oh, don’t be silly,” she tells him. “You don’t need to leave just because Killian is here. Let’s continue.”

This little—

“And you go sit on a chair and don’t spy on my cards.” She hides them against her chest, glaring up at me like a mama bear.

Hmm. Now, I’m wondering why I didn’t strap her to me earlier.

Gareth keeps his cards, and I have no choice but to take the seat next to Glyn, because I’m sure as fuck going to play and beat these two.

They end up ganging up on me, cheating and using every trick under the sun to make me lose.

But I’m the founder of the ethically black school they tried to enroll in, so I end up winning anyway. Three times in a row.

Glyndon throws her cards on the small table. “Ugh, this is no fun. Do you have to win every round?”

“How else would he be a dickhead?”

“Don’t be sore losers, doesn’t look nice.” I grin.

“Oh, screw you.” She releases a breath. “We should play a round just the two of us, Gareth.”

“Request denied,” I say.

“Well, you just keep winning. The game becomes boring that way.”

“Never mind him. Killer just doesn’t physically recognize the term holding back, especially when he’s jealous. This is him being territorial to prove a point.”

“I’m going to kill you,” I mouth, and he just smiles, a fake-ass one.

“Seriously?” Glyndon glares at me. “You’re being a complete bloody wanker for some baseless jealousy?”

“We’ll see how baseless it is when my dear big bro is floating in the air.”

“Stop threatening people’s lives just because you can, Killian. And this is your brother, so how about you treat him as such instead of like some enemy?” She points a finger at me. “Also, either you play normally or you’ll lose all privileges to ever play with us.”

I consider whether I want to kiss the fuck out of her or choke her right now. Probably both at the same time.

Gareth raises a brow. “Looks like you’ve finally met your match. Mom and Dad will love her.”

“Are you sure?” Glyndon gathers the cards, her tone awkward. “He didn’t tell me beforehand, so I couldn’t even change into appropriate clothes.”

“What’s wrong with your current clothes?” I steal a switch card, because no, I’m definitely not letting them win anytime soon.

“You don’t get opinion rights.” She makes a face, then grabs my hand, reaches under my sleeve, and snatches back the card I stole. “And no cheating. Seriously, can’t you take a chill pill?”

“I do, when I’m fucking your brains out. Wanna go to the bathroom?”

“Too much information,” Gareth says.

“You can always leave, and go back to your nerdy activities.”

“No and no, and did I mention no?” Glyndon says in a mocking voice even though her neck is red. “Now, let’s play.”

Gareth manages to win once, only because Glyndon actually searched my pants for the stolen cards.

To say she’s become bold is an understatement. And it’s definitely not because I’m taking it easy on her.