Vile Heart (Vicious Valentine)

Chapter 2

2

M aking his way down the stairs, Camren turned over his shoulder and winked at Illyas and Devyn. “Enjoy your own hunt!”

“If you need a hand, let me know,” one of them called out, but he flipped them off.

“Nah. I won’t need any help.” Camren sauntered through the foyer. Everywhere around him, red hearts waved through the air. He was going to take back what was his and no one would stop him.

Scurry scurry, little mouse…

Avoiding the searching gaze, he trailed through the busy lobby. Around him, people were dancing and having fun. Some of them he knew, but none of them were him . When he’d made his round, Camren headed for the rectangular courtyard that was enclosed between the different university buildings. Icicles had frosted against the lancet windows, and when he stepped outside, the gardens welcomed him through a layer of snow. It was surprisingly quiet out here as if the entire scenery had been stilled.

Camren took in a deep breath of fresh air, contemplating his next move when a new sound made him look around. He was still alone, yet…

The door of the adjacent library had been left ajar. Crossing the courtyard, Camren pushed open the glass door and peered inside. A group of six students sat around a table, heavily engrossed in a game.

“It’s your turn!” A girl called out.

A scoff. “No, it’s his. I’m not doing that.”

“But it’s your command.”

“But I chose a question!”

“Okay, I’ll go. What’s the command?”

One of them stood up with a theatrical sigh that turned into a surprised yelp when he saw Camren watching. Eyes darted from the black heart up to Camren’s face. “Uhm…”

“Kiss—” The girl looked up, her grin widening when she saw Camren. “Him.”

Realization washed through the guy’s shocked expression and he slowly shook his head. “No fucking way.”

Camren stared right back, a sly smile on his face. This was the part he enjoyed most. The bewilderment. He cocked his head. “What? You won’t kiss me?”

“I—”

“If you don’t fulfill the command, you’ve got to drink,” the girl said.

The guy reached back and blindly grabbed for the closest bottle, still staring at Camren. He took a large gulp from the whiskey, eyes tearing when he swallowed. He never blinked.

“Ouch.” Cameron approached the table, where all the others had now finally noticed him. “You just gave my ego a hit.” He grabbed a chair and turned it around, plopping down with his chin propped against the backrest. “So, what are we playing?”

His question was met with silence.

Camren looked around, his smile widening when he recognized the guy he’d wanted to fight ever since he’d set foot at the party.

Jaro Mink had grown since Camren had last seen him. He was still small in comparison to his own size, but it appeared the annoying, vibrant kid had turned into a geek. He’d tried to style his hair a little too much and the thick frame of his glasses took up much of his entire face. But the scowl he sent his way was deliberate.

“We’re playing questions and commands,” someone answered.

“He’s at the party,” Camren said instead, holding Jaro’s gaze, “but not here with you?”

Jaro got up. “I’m no longer playing.”

“Sit down,” Camren barked.

No one spoke. Tension rose as Jaro hesitated, his lips pressed in a stubborn pout.

“I want you to text him and tell him to get his ass here. Now .”

“He doesn’t want to see you.”

“I know.”

Jaro glowered. “You’re no longer friends.”

“I know.” Camren tipped his chin to Jaro’s multi-slate. “Now.”

“He has a girlfriend.”

So the rumours were true. Camren forced a lazy grin. Anything to quench the heat that rose in his chest. “Oh, does he now?”

Jaro faltered. He looked around, but the other students just sat, sipping from their drinks, clearly sitting this one out.

“If I have to tell you one more time to sit your ass down, this night won’t end well for you.”

Jaro threw his hands in the air, then finally sat back down. “What do you want with him anyway?”

Ohh…Camren knew exactly what he wanted. “That’s none of your business. Text him.” His cock twitched in his slacks, blood pumping south. He hoped the others wouldn’t notice. “We’re playing games here, right? I haven’t seen my old friend for way too long. Let’s find out how the hell the Mink cousins stayed in the shadows for the past few years.” He threw his gaze to the girl who’d given out the command earlier. “Why don’t you set us all up for another round?”

“Sure.” She got up and inspected the bottles of liquor.

“We’ve got whiskey and rum…”

“Rum’s fine, yeah?”

The others mumbled their agreement.

“He’ll be right here,” Jaro grumbled as he looked up from his multi-slate. “He’ll hate me for this.”

“Don’t worry about that.” Camren grabbed one of the cups and tilted it to his lips. “It’ll be a good reunion. So much catching up to do. Now, start the game. I’ll begin.” Leaning forward, his eyes flashed with sudden fury. “Where the fuck were you if it wasn’t on campus?”

Jaro was a good sport, Camren could appreciate that. Lifting his chin defiantly in the air, the other guy glared right at him. “We did most of our classes online. We were needed elsewhere.”

Why? Camren wanted to ask. But no, he’d wait. He was a patient man after all. He knew where they’d been. Andry had been dutifully reporting over the past years. He just didn’t know why. The real fucking why. The kind of why that came from the heart, and not from actions. “Hmm, interesting.”

“Anything else?” Jaro growled.

Camren folded his hands in front of his chest and leaned back. “No, that will do for now. I’ll let you guys play while I wait.”

Jaro scrunched his gaze, genuine surprise when Camren didn’t push him.

“Okay, who’s next?”

The rest of the game was boring. Camren had hoped for some juicy questions or obnoxious commands, but since he sat right in their middle with his feet planted on the table, the group visibly softened their level of spice. The only reason why his dick still stirred and the flutters in his stomach were persistent, was because of the anticipation of what was to come.

When they finished their first round, he made a show of glancing at his multi-slate, lifting an eyebrow. “Where does he need to come from, Jaro? From home?”

“No,” Jaro pressed his lips in a fine line and pushed the words out, “he’ll be right here.”

“You know what I think?” Camren swung his legs off the table and got up from his chair, kicking it against the wall. “I think you’re lying.” He yanked a taser out of the pocket of his pants, a small yet powerful instrument he always kept with him. Everyone gasped in shock. “What do you think guys?”

“I think I want out of here,” the girl muttered.

Camren smirked. “That too. Don’t worry, I’ll soon ask you to get the hell out. But what do you think? Is he—” He pointed the weapon back at Jaro and tilted his head. “Lying?”

“Yes,” someone mumbled.

The others carefully nodded, gazes darting between Camren and Jaro, who sat whimpering on his chair.

“Don’t piss yourself, Jarosh ,” Camren taunted. “Isn’t that what he used to call you?”

“Not anymore,” Jaro sneered. “We’ve grown up.”

Those words ached more than they should. Ignoring the way his chest tightened, Camren pointed the tip of his gun toward the others. “You. Get the fuck out of here.”

They didn’t need to be told twice. Chairs clanked to the floor as the group rushed out, leaving a clattering echo that was followed by silence. “And you—” Camren tipped Jaro’s chair backward until it nearly toppled over, making the other man squirm in his seat. “You’ve got one last chance. Ruin it, and your life will be over. He’s got five minutes. And remember, I want our reunion to be a warm welcome for him.”

Jaro ticked away on his multi-slate while Camren repositioned the chairs back at the table, throwing cups in the bin. “We still have some drinks left.” Putting the bottles in the middle, he made sure everything was tidy.

“He’s nearly here,” Jaro uttered.

“Good.” Camren crooked a finger. “Come and sit at the table. Let’s play another round.”

Light footsteps left the snow and then the door to the library opened. “Jarosh?” Blond hair swept out his face, showing sharp facial features and curvy, dark eyebrows. Cheeks were flushed from his haste to get here in time. Eyes, large and innocent, darted over the table, surprise painting his expression. A tongue peeked out between full, plush lips. “Cousin?”

And then their gazes clashed.

“Davian, it’s been such a long time since I saw you,” Camren purred, sliding out of the shadows. “Come and sit with us. We’re playing Questions and Commands, aren’t we, Jarosh ?” He raised the taser and swept it over Jaro’s head, making the other man blow out a string of pleas. “ Now. ”