Page 42 of Vile Boys

The look on his face tells me exactly what I’m up against …

Pretty boys who hide unfathomable demons, waiting to strike.

And I’ve become their next target.

CRYSTAL

Weeks later

“Oh my God,these cookies are amazing,” I mutter as I stuff another into my mouth.

I’m not often at my mom’s place now that I’m studying, but she always bakes these amazing cookies and cakes for me when I am.

“Don’t eat all of them!” mom yells from the kitchen. “Save some for our guests.”

I frown. “Guests? Who?”

“You’ll see,” she says, chuckling.

Now I’m even more confused as I grab my glass of Coke and take a sip.

RING!

The doorbell almost makes me choke on my drink.

I hear a bunch of clattering sounds coming from the kitchen. “Shit!”

“You okay in there?” I ask. “Need some help?”

“No, no, I can clean it up. Can you open the door for me, please?” she asks.

I get up from the couch and put down my Coke before I open the door. But I don’t know what to say when I see the same chiseled blond man I saw at Fi’s Cups and Cakes standing in front of me with a bunch of flowers in his hands.

“Hi. I’m here for Abigail—your mother. She must’ve told you we were coming, right?” He sticks out his hand. “Jonathan. I met her last week at Fi’s Cups and Cakes. She was getting paper towels for you.”

“Right …” I mutter. “I remember that.” My eyes narrow. “Wait … did you just saywe?”

“Jonathan!” My mother’s squeal from the kitchen makes me step aside as she forces her way through to hug him tightly.

Wow.

That was quick.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” she says.

“You look beautiful today, Abigail,” he says, making her blush.

My mom hasn’t blushed since my dad last called her pretty.

“Are these for me?” my mother asks as he hands her the flowers, and she takes a whiff. “Thank you.” She pecks him on the cheek while she ushers him inside.

But my eyes don’t just widen at the sudden affection they’re showing to each other after having only known each other for a single week.

It’s the fact that Jonathan didn’t come alone.

And when the second guy’s eyes settle on mine, there is nothing but fire raging behind them.

“Crystal, this is Jonathan and his son, Caleb.”

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