Kiss the Villain

Gareth wakes up to Kayden preparing breakfast for him and is disconcerted by how accepting he is of the previous night’s events. He remains averse to Kayden’s nickname for him—“baby”—as he is still uncomfortable with his sexuality. As they discuss the matter, however, Gareth realizes he has never found anyone attractive until Kayden. They discuss their upbringing and Gareth’s hatred of learning French, but the conversation comes to an abrupt end when Gareth mentions his appreciation for being born into the wealthy Carson family. Under the guise of needing to walk to work, Kayden leaves, despite Gareth’s offer to drive him.

For days, Gareth continues to meet Kayden at his apartment and have sex with him. Gareth worries he is becoming obsessed with Kayden—something he’s worked never to become again. 

Niko attempts to rally Gareth and their other friends to attack the Serpents, but they all decline. Gareth is bitter over Killian’s mending relationship with their father. When Niko insists, Gareth provokes their friend Vaughn, the fifth member of the Heathens, by sending him a picture of Yulian with Kayden. Though Gareth is unsure about the nature of Vaughn’s relationship with Yulian, his provocation works.