Page 156 of Ruthless Kings of Havoc

Why am I even thinking about all of this? Is it even important? My purpose is to protect her…

As Warren, that’s my role.

As Aries… I’m supposed to love her.

Love or ruin her…

I know how the rules work, how things tick at this university. This is only the beginning of the havoc this environment will instill in them.

Can I dare be a part of that madness all over again?

Just the thought makes my hand tremble, while the shooting pain in my shoulder reminds me of Theo’s firm grip.

Everyone thinks I can’t protect V because of all the enemies I have, but I can show them. Prove them all wrong. I’ve always had to fight to get what I want.

To keep hold of what I deem valuable in my life.

This is no different…

But it is. I know it is.

I can only remember that woman who captured my attention. Those haunting blue eyes from across the room. Who stared at me with purpose.

“Do you love me, Aries?” her voice echoes in my mind. The daunting question back then is something I wish to hear from her now.

Hear her voice one more time.

Would I still respond the same way?

Look into her heartbroken eyes filled with tears, noticing how flushed those wet cheeks are and how swollen her red lips are after I kissed them until they were a bite away from leaving them cloaked in dark crimson.

I’ve met her plenty of times in these classroom walls, watching and hating. Despising every breath she takes, but those eyes of hatred… God.

They were dangerous.

Merciless when provoked and threatened.

Is that what I see in V? Am I searching for something that’s missing or acknowledging yearning for someone who I can never obtain?

“Blooming Desire,” I whisper under my breath, lost at the memories I wish for just once would be my current reality.

Not this life.

The need to fulfill a promised duty. The desire to fill my bank with endless amounts of money I’ll have no one to spend it on. The burning desire to redeem the Empire I watched shatter, only to be stuck building another’s triumph.

What the fuck am I doing?

I swallow the lump in my throat as I acknowledge how fucked up my mind is right now. Constantly dancing between the past and the present, yet doing everything in my power to erase what I previously never cherished.

My thumb runs along V’s bottom lip, parting it slowly, expecting her to bite it.

For her teeth to try to catch my nail buds like before. Always bites her lips when she sleeps.

“Iris…” I whisper the name in longing, unsure why I dare say her name.Dare to mix her traits with the woman sleeping peacefully.“Why the fuck did I come back here?” I question as if I don’t know the answer.

Like the purpose for all this internal suffering isn’t right before me.

Yet, my brain doesn’t want to accept it.

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