Page 260 of Vile Boys

Now he’s really ruined my good mood.

“It’s a katana, you seventh-century swine,” I retort.

Caleb narrows his eyes at me. “Oink, oink, motherfucker.” And he sticks up his middle finger.

What the—

“If you don’t stop, I’ll have you both fucking each other’s assholes tonight,” Ares growls.

“Fine, fine, although … I wouldn’t be opposed to that,” I say, winking. “I was just saying, I’m happy she’s content. This is what I wanted.”

“Whatyouwanted?” she parrots like she can’t believe it.

“Of course, darling.” I grab her hand and kiss the top as I always do, instilling my love for her with my lips. She’s like a precious jewel I want to cherish. “I never thought you’d actually fall for these violent boys, but I am glad it led you straight into my arms.”

Crystal

We head outsideto the fountain, where Nathan, Kai, Milo, and Lana all sit on the stone edge, smoking.

“Wait here,” I tell my boys.

“Are you sure?” Caleb says, narrowing his eyes at Nathan like he’s got a beef.

“Yeah, I’m safe with them. Don’t worry,” I reply.

“We’ll keep an eye on you to make sure,” Ares says.

“Good luck, my little diamond in the rough,” Blaine says, squeezing my cheek like I’m some kind of chipmunk before I walk toward the fountain.

But every step I take feels more and more unreal.

“Lana?” I mutter when I see her throw her black hair over her shoulder.

Her body freezes at the sound of my voice. Her eyes are as wide as can be when they finally find mine.

“Crystal?” she mutters in disbelief.

She jumps off the fountain, runs across the pebbles, and throws her arms around me. “I can’t believe you’re here and that you’re safe. How did you even get out?”

“Long story, but … the guys from the Tartarus House got me out of that hellhole,” I say, sighing because I really don’t want to think about my time there. “Ares, Caleb, and Blaine were there to save me,” I say. “Anyway, I just wanted to say I’m sorry. It’s my fault those pictures—”

“I don’t want to hear it.” She interjects. “I’m not mad at you. I’ve made peace with it. I don’t blame you, and I don’t want you to feel guilty. In fact, I’m the one who should feel guilty for leaving you all alone in that Bonesmen den.” She hugs me even tighter. “I’m sorry. They were after me and then took you too as collateral damage.”

My eyes tear up, but I swallow them away. “Thank you.” I lean away. “But why were they after you in the first place?”

She takes one glance over her shoulders at the three boys standing there, watching us, and Kai’s penetrative stare makes me gulp.

“Them?” I whisper.

She nods and smiles.

“So … those fuckers actually managed to find you?” Nathan chucks his smoke into the fountain. “I’m impressed.”

I unfurl myself from Lana’s embrace and run to him, hugging him tight.

“I’m glad you’re safe, Crystal,” he says. “I just wish I got there in time to save you too when we got Lana out.” He leans away and grabs my shoulders to take a good look at me. “Did they hurt you?”

I shake my head. “One of them hit me, but—”

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