Page 15 of Carnal Heart
“Look up, Doll. See how badly your ex wants you? I’ll bet you anything he’s hard right now, missing the sweet heat of this tight hole.”
I shake my head. “I’m pretty sure he wants you, Hart.”
He laughs. “Doesn’t matter what that asshole wants. I’m yours… and you’re mine.”
Those words make my heart race, even though I know he doesn’t mean them.
Remy’s closer now, just watching, his eyes blazing with anger. I know it’s foolish, but somehow staring at my abusive ex, while another man fills me with pleasure, knowing he’ll never be able to touch me ever again, is the single most powerful feeling I’ve ever felt.
There’s something frightening and intoxicating about gaining the attention of a Black Hart. No. Not just any Black Hart, but the one my piece-of-shit ex is obsessed with. The same man I’ve been obsessed with. My tempting demon.
Ripping my gaze away from Remy, I reach behind me and grip Devyn’s chin in a punishing grip. Then I bring his mouth downto mine and clash our lips together. I’m claiming Devyn just as much as he’s claiming me.
***
“Remy’s gone. You two can stop.” A throat clears and I tear my lips away from Devyn’s. Slowly, he pulls his finger out of me, leaving me empty and breathless. I’m so horny, I could cry.
Fucking hell, I really hope she didn’t see what Devyn was doing to me. I readjust myself in my pants, unable to hide my state of arousal. While some people glance our way, most partygoers are engrossed in dancing and laughter, but Remy is nowhere in sight.
With an angry expression on her pretty face, Lana stands in front of us, tapping her foot.
Devyn gives Lana a once-over before chuckling softly. “I’ll go get the two of us a drink, Doll. Would you like one, Lana?”
Lana’s mouth drops open. “You know my name?”
I yank her to me, half wondering if she has some kind of death wish. She should have never interrupted a Black Hart. Not one who looked so murderous only moments before.
“I know Zaiah,” he replies, his eyes dark and possessive as they sweep up my body.
My whole body tingles, flushing with embarrassment. And then he’s gone, weaving his way through the crowd. It’s only then do I realize he didn’t ask what drink I wanted.
“What the hell was all that?” Lana waves a hand at Devyn’s retreating form.
“I’m not sure.” I tug her to the edge of the dance floor, where the music isn’t as loud.
“Are you his Praeda?”
I shake my head, about to deny it, but I’m not entirely sure I have any words. Am I?
A bark of laughter has me spinning around.
Remy is standing there with a cruel smile on his face. “Zaiah? Someone’s Praeda? What a fucking joke.” He steps closer to us. Lana tenses before maneuvering herself between my ex and me. Light, I love her. But I also noticed she didn’t act this way with Devyn. Interesting.
Lana reaches back and slips her tiny hand in mine, squeezing it, and giving me silent support.
“You’re nobody, Zaiah. You don’t have money, you don’t have any family, and your bloodline is common. Nothing about you is interesting,” Remy continues. “You might be the pathetic little toy he throws away, but the night is still young. I’m meant to be his Praeda. It’s all been negotiated beforehand.”
The darkness in his tone causes me to flinch. I’ve worked so hard these past two months to detox myself from all the self-hatred and shame this man has beaten into me. I’ve prided myself on healing quickly. And I’ve made a vow to never let a man make me feel less than ever again.
Then here comes Remy with a few careless jabs and calculated words, and suddenly, I’m afraid I’ll crumble into the shell I used to be.
Negotiated beforehand?
Coldness slithers down my spine. Is this some sick joke the two of them planned together? I heard the rumors from others, but now, with Remy here in front of me saying he’s Devyn’s chosen one, I’m left wondering exactly what my role is in their stupid game.
No. Fuck that. I don’t give a shit what Remy thinks. His games won’t affect me anymore. I’m strong and I won’t cower in front of this man. If I need to steel myself and lick my wounds in private, I will, but Remy Lombardi will not see me submit to him ever again. True submission requires trust.
I squeeze Lana’s hand back and step in front of her before looking my ex in the eye. “That’s funny. All night I’ve heard people talking about you and Devyn. That Devyn chose you. Yet, I don’t see him talking to or acknowledging you. I don’t see your daddy here negotiating on your behalf.”
