Page 130 of Vile Boys

Hmm …

Well, that much is true.

Still, I feel like he’s not telling me the full truth. But I can’t make him tell me either. Blaine only talks when he wants to. Thanks to hisimpeccable training, no amount of torture could ever compel him.

“Fine. I guess you two have been busy,” I say, folding my arms too. “All the more reason to let off some steam. There’s a girl out there who knows what we do and could spill details at any moment. The only hold we have over her is her mother. It’s time to crush her last remaining resistance. Why don’t you join us this time, Blaine?”

He swallows, and it takes him some time to respond. “Well, I mean … if it’s necessary.”

“Of course, it is.” I grimace at his apprehension. “Since when do you not like fucking around?”

“You know what? I feel like it’s time we threw another party,” Caleb suddenly says.

“Fabulous idea, Caleb!” Blaine says with flair. “I could use the distraction. And a real freakish party has been long overdue.” He throws his arm around me. “C’mon, what do you say, Ares? We could even invite that girl, Crystal.”

“Hmm …”

I do admit I love the kinky parties we throw here at Tartarus.

Everyone on campus and beyond knows us as the place to experience the best kind of high.

“What kind of hedonists would we be if we didn’t indulge ourselves every once in a while?” Blaine muses.

“Hedonists?” Caleb mutters.

“Darling … Tartarus?” Blaine snaps his fingers. “Gates of hell, through which every sinner enters the glorious lands of devils incarnate. They don’t call it the seven sins for nothing.” He licks his lips. “Lust is one of them.”

“Yeah, yeah, we all know you got plenty of that, reading your filthy little books,” Caleb retorts.

“Hey, who are you calling filthy, pig?” Blaine spits back.

“Stop,” I say, silencing them both. “Fine. We’ll have our party. And you two will make sure she attends.”

Their eyes light up.

“But once she steps foot inside these halls, you won’t touch her until I give my permission. Is that understood?”

They both nod.

“Good.” A devilish smile forms on my face. “Let’s plan the greatest party this campus has ever seen.”

Crystal

After finishing an exam,I make my way out of the main building, texting.

Me: Finally done with the exam. Coming!

Penelope: Hurry up. Kayla is about to devour your cake.

Kayla: Lies.

Me: You can have a bite.

Grinning, I grab my bike at my sorority, then race off. It’s been so long since I last drove this thing. It’s a bit unsteady, but I manage. I head down the hills and into Crescent Vale City below, where Kayla and Penelope wait for me at Fi’s Cups and Cakes.

“I’m here!” I shout, announcing my arrival like an idiot when I step into the shop.

Everyone’s looking at me like I’ve lost my mind, but I don’t care.

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