Page 16 of Vile Heart

Davian sighed. The constant internal battle was tiring. Even Andry knew what his game was. Clearly, he’d been more obvious than he’d thought. He thought of the dark judo room he’d fled just now. Of how his body had come alive, of how his mind had filled with flutters of hope and love and—he bit his lower lip at the memory—arousal. Good Light, he’d never been that hard before. “How much do you know?”

Andry shrugged. “Like I said, he’s never let you go. Though he wouldn’t come near you. That honor was all mine.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Your fall-out? It hurt him deeply. But that boy is tough as nails. Wanted me to follow your tracks and report back.”

“You’ve beenfollowingme?” The thought was terrifying. The idea that someone had witnessed from up close what he’d done, how he could have let those things happen to his family. And all that, because he’d?—

Davian’s shoulders slumped. He’d been a fucking fool.

“Yes. Though I didn’t tell him everything,” Andry said. “There was something about you that made me think of my younger self. Like you, I once had ambitions. Unlike you, mine were shattered even before I could graduate. You will be fine, Davian. Camren is—” Andry straightened his jacket and propped himself back up against the bar, increasing the distance betweenthem as his gaze morphed into his usual professional stern. “Remember, he’ll come hunting you down. He won’t let you go.”

Davian didn’t have to be told twice. He pushed himself away and toward the dance floor. He had no idea where to go. Despite the size of the academy, many places were locked up tonight. Around him, people were dancing and drinking, ready to party until sunrise. They didn’t notice him staggering around, limbs rigid and mind caught in the memory that had haunted him for the past two years.

What are you doing?

As my best friend, you are my second half.

Cam…

Just relax, Davian, I want to make you feel good.

Cam…

Does that feel good, baby?

The DJ gave him a surprised glance when he staggered toward the mixing table. He hadn’t meant to end up there. “Songs can be requested via your multi-slate.”

“I—yes, thank you.” Davian jerked away and turned over his shoulders but couldn’t see Camren.

Does that feel good, baby?

“Go away,” he growled to the recollection.

Because yes. Yes, it had felt good. Sinfully good. It had felt so good that right there, on Cam’s king-size bed, surrounded by his games and snacks, entangled in those strong, warm arms, Davian would have happily lived for the rest of his life.

But that would have meant becoming fully dependent on the Ryka family. Becoming a slut for their money and for their son, while his own family suffered.

The utility shop had gone bankrupt. He had let that happen. After years of hard work, devotion, keeping ends met, of helping each other, he had made the utility shop go bankrupt. He was anawful person. He’d hurt the two people who’d always provided for him.

His multi-slate dinged with a message.

“Meet me at the bar.”

The hunt continued. ThisPraeda.

Davian’s chest clenched, and his teeth chattered when he slowly stepped back to where he’d stood with Andry just before. Giving in to desire was so hard. Davian’s mind ordered him to grab Jaro and go the fuck home. But that would be the cowardly decision, the decision he always took. This time…

This is what he’d hoped for, it was stupid to pretend. He’d hoped to attract Camren.

He’d wanted to be saved.

But this…accepting to become Cam’s willing prey was terrifying. He’d make him pay, of that Davian was sure. Just like he’d done before. Tying him up and feasting on Davian’s dick…the chill of anticipation that ran through his veins was a traitor.

However, when he got to the bar, there was no sign of Camren. The bouncer had left as well.

“There you go,” the barman slid two shots his way.

Davian frowned. “What’s that?”

“It’s jagx.”

---