Page 11 of Vile Heart

He crooked a finger. “Come with me.”

The crowd parted like they were afraid to get in the way.

As they made their way to the sports wing, Camren read out loud from his multi-slate, “Galya Haerlo. Twenty years old, amediocre student on a scholarship, resides in one of the student accommodations here on campus. No criminal record—” He squeezed her hand, “Yet.”

She gasped but didn’t reply. Clever girl.

“Tell me again, do you love him?”

Galaya tried shaking her hand free, but Camren’s hold was too firm. “I’ve told you already, that’s none of your business.”

He pushed her against the wall, smiling when he caught the fear in her wide eyes. “You see, there’s the problem. That ismybusiness. Anything that involveshim, is my business.”

She tried to shove him away. “You arrogant pig. You think that I’m afraid of you?”

“You’re either very brave or very stupid.” He cocked his head as she finally relented, shoulders slumping. “That’s it, brave girl. Some people, you can’t beat. I’m one of those people. Now, since we don’t want you to get into any problems with law enforcement, just do what I say. It’s simple, short, and you can return to the party.Alone. Because you and him are over, understand?”

“If he wants to, then yeah. But I won’t let you force yourself on him.”

Ignoring her blabbering, Camren checked for the remaining background information Andry sent. “Ouch, your file might be clear, but your brother…”

“Don’t.” Galaya crumbled. Finally. Still, she tipped up her chin. “But promise me you won’t hurt him.”

“Has he ever fucked you?”

Slowly she shook her head. “It wasn’t like that between us. I wanted to, but—he’s not into me in that way. I’d like to remain friends with him though.”

Camren took her in with flared nostrils. That news had made him fucking happy. Although now he wondered if Davian wasstill a virgin. Good Light, he didn’t know what to do with a virgin. He’d probably break him in two.

Galaya shook her head, reading his expression. “He’s had some experience in bed. A little,” she chuckled. Still, a little was better than nothing.

“Alright.” Suddenly tired of the conversation, Camren dragged her toward the end of the hall. “Yes to staying friends. If you don’t fuck this one thing up…”

5

Davian still couldn’t believe it.

Camren had barged back into his life as if nothing had happened two years ago. As if their previous lives hadn’t just completely vanished, taking all those precious moments they’d lived before in its wake.

Leaving Davian struggling for himself.

He’d done that. Davian was fully aware of that. He’d thrown Cam out of his life, had been so shell-shocked when his best friend had reached out to him and had propositioned him…

What? A relationship? Davian scoffed into the silence of the corridors. A guy like Camren Ryka wouldn’t do relationships. He’d simply fuck. He was realistic enough to understand that wasn’t an offer that had been on the table back then.

But he’d wanted it. With his entire existence, he’d wanted Cam. His hero, his safe haven, his best friend.

As my best friend, you are my second self.

Those words. When Cam had sprinkled them over his infatuated self? They’d meant the world to him. But rare beauty like that didn’t exist, Davian had learned that a long time ago. And with the influential Ryka family paying his tuition fee,Davian’s entire family had looked up to him. Poor kid making it big. He couldn’t afford to screw up.

Times had been rough over the past years, their family business barely surviving. Being hungry had become second nature, much like the ice-cold temperature the Mink’s residence was blanketed in, when heating bills hadn’t been paid in time. His parents bickered a lot, and threats and shouts had left their mark on the sense of safety Davian felt at home. He felt lonely, most of the time. Even when he was surrounded by family.

And now, two years after he’d refused Cam’s romantic advances, his former best friend was back, more determined and more dangerous to him than ever. Because Davian had slipped up. Cam was right—he had called out for him. But there was a big difference between hoping that Cam would save him, and the Black Hart showing up. What’s worse was the Black Hartknowingthat Davian wanted to be saved.

During Preada.

Davian walked aimlessly around college, with absolutely no intention of going to Cam’s favorite place, the sports hall. He’d left the party behind but wasn’t sure where he was heading. He shouldn’t give in this easily, despite Cam’s threats. It would make him look desperate. Weak.

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