Kiss The Villain Chapter 17: Gareth – Summary and Analysis
Spoiler Notice
This summary contains major details from chapter 17 of Kiss The Villain. If you have not read the chapter, proceed with caution.
Summary
The chapter opens with Gareth at a pool party hosted by his brother Killian. He deflects Niko’s attempts to drag him in and converses with Glyn, Killian’s girlfriend. Gareth envies the calming effect Glyn has on Killian and feels a growing internal fire. Two weeks have passed since the initiation night with Kayden; Kayden has been absent, and Gareth is furious at himself for wanting his attention. He visits Kayden’s apartment three times during the absence. To cope, Gareth posts on a Reddit NSFW advice forum, confessing his confusion about his attraction to his male superior. One user, “QuietRage,” suggests he might be on the asexual spectrum. After a confrontation with Niko in the pool, Gareth receives a text from Kayden, who claims he was sick in Switzerland. The exchange turns explicit. Spotting a red silk scarf in a photo from Kayden’s bedroom, Gareth decides to investigate. He breaks into the apartment and meets two women: Jina, who points a gun at him, and Rachel. He learns they are Kayden’s mothers—Rachel is his biological mother, Jina is her wife. Kayden appears ill. Gareth charms the mothers and resolves to figure Kayden out.
Key Events
- Gareth sidesteps Niko’s pool attack and talks with Glyn, observing how Killian calms down around her.
- Gareth reflects on Kayden’s two-week disappearance and his own conflicting feelings.
- Gareth reads through comments on his Reddit post, including a direct message from “QuietRage” about asexuality.
- Niko dunks Gareth in the pool; Jeremy pulls him out.
- Gareth exits the pool, goes upstairs, and receives a text from Kayden (saved as “Devil”).
- Kayden sends explicit photos and a sexual proposal; Gareth notices a feminine red silk scarf in the background.
- Gareth enters Kayden’s apartment using the code. Jina points a gun at him.
- Rachel and Jina introduce themselves as Kayden’s mothers. Kayden appears pale and unwell.
- Gareth charms both mothers, offers to help with dinner, and tells Kayden he will “figure him out.”
Character Development
Gareth is caught in a spiral of denial and desire. He vents on Reddit, seeking validation that his feelings are abnormal, yet he acts on his jealousy by breaking into Kayden’s home. His internal monologue reveals a deep vulnerability beneath the arrogant facade. The interaction with Kayden’s mothers shows Gareth’s adaptability—he instantly shifts to a charming “golden boy” persona to gain their trust.
Kayden is physically vulnerable for the first time in the story, leaning on his mother. His texts show both possessiveness and a hint of genuine longing. The revelation that he has two mothers humanizes him and adds complexity to his character.
Niko and Jeremy serve as foils: Niko’s rough playfulness contrasts with Jeremy’s quiet concern. Glyn provides a mirror for Gareth’s envy—she receives the calming attention that Gareth craves but cannot obtain.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Fire and Water: Gareth describes his emotions as a “raging volcano” and later as a “fire building inside me.” The pool drowning scene literalizes his inner turmoil—he briefly surrenders to the water, then fights back.
- Power and Submission: The Reddit post and Kayden’s texts emphasize the power imbalance. Gareth resists being dominated but also freezes when given the chance to dominate.
- Sexuality and Identity: The chapter directly explores asexuality as a spectrum, with the user “QuietRage” introducing demi and gray labels. Gareth’s disgust at watching porn and his lack of attraction to other men or women suggest he may fall somewhere on this spectrum.
- Family as Revelation: The appearance of Kayden’s mothers—a same-sex couple—shatters Gareth’s preconceptions. The red silk scarf becomes a symbol of the unknown aspects of Kayden’s life.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 17 is a turning point for both the romance and Gareth’s self-discovery. It forces Gareth to confront his sexual confusion head-on, moving the narrative from external conflict (sparring with Kayden) to internal conflict (questioning his identity). The introduction of Kayden’s family provides depth to a previously opaque character and creates new avenues for emotional stakes. The Reddit subplot is a clever device to externalize Gareth’s thoughts and to introduce themes of the asexual spectrum, a rarely covered topic in the genre.
Study Questions and Answers
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Why does Gareth post on Reddit, and what does the response reveal about his state of mind?
Gareth posts because he cannot talk to anyone in his real life about his feelings for Kayden. The comments force him to consider that his attraction might not be just about power dynamics but could indicate a broader sexuality crisis. The message from “QuietRage” introduces the possibility of being on the asexual spectrum, which unsettles him further. -
How does the discovery of Kayden’s mothers change Gareth’s perception of him?
Gareth had assumed Kayden was a cold, mysterious predator. Seeing him with Rachel and Jina—especially how Kayden softens around them—humanizes Kayden. The detail that Kayden is half-Asian also adds a layer of identity that Gareth had not anticipated, making his earlier snooping feel superficial. -
What does the red silk scarf symbolize in this chapter?
The scarf initially fuels Gareth’s jealousy—he imagines a rival. Later, it is revealed to belong to Rachel, Kayden’s mother. Thus, the scarf symbolizes Gareth’s tendency to jump to possessive conclusions and his ignorance of Kayden’s family life. It also represents the hidden aspects of Kayden’s world that Gareth is only now beginning to uncover.