Page 5 of Carnal Heart
“Isn’t Remy obsessed with Devyn Shio?” she asks, twirling her straw in her glass. “It’s probably him.”
My stomach turns. Light. Please don’t let it be him. That small, stupid, and hopeful side of my brain prays that Devyn isn’t the one. Of all the Black Harts, it would kill me if it was him. And yet, it would make sense, considering all the information I’ve learned these past few weeks. My mind wanders back to that damn phone call I overheard.Mr. Lombardi only mentioned Devyn’s father, nothing about Devyn himself.
Am I really stupid enough to believe that Devyn isn’t corrupt like my ex or, fuck, like his own damn father?
Lana has no idea of my little infatuation. When I was a sophomore, I had no idea the guy I crushed on in my chemistry class was a Shio. Having no interest in the Black Harts, I never paid attention to what they looked like. I hated the idea of the school’s elite being above us. Just because they were born into wealth didn’t make them anything special.
But Devyn was different. Stoic and mysterious, and maybe even a little dangerous with his gorgeous crimson eyes. He had this way of blending into the background with his quiet demeanor. He reminded me of a silent assassin from the stories of old—a warrior who could melt into the shadows and slit your throat before anyone could see it coming.
While some of the other Harts thrived on attention, Devyn was the opposite. When I found out he was a Black Hart, I was shocked and, quite honestly, a little disappointed. The thought of some scholarship kid like me capturing the attention of a Black Hart was ridiculous. And yet, I couldn’t escape my dreams of being overpowered and dominated by such a dangerous man. A Shio.
After Lana and I finish our drinks, we play a round of pool, where Lana kicks my ass. Several classmates stop by to say hi, and it doesn’t take long for the news to reach our ears. Devyn has chosen Remy as his Praeda. The thought of the beautiful, dangerous Devyn hunting down my ex and having his wicked way with him makes me sick.
Fucking hell. I’m jealous.
Did I actually hope Devyn might notice me out of the thousands of students in attendance tonight? Did I want him to, considering what I know? My mind swirls with indecision. It’s been months since I last saw him. I take a swig from my third—or shit, maybe my fourth—drink of the night, letting the burn slide down my throat and the alcohol heat my veins. That stupid sensation of being watched washes over me again, and I take another swig.
Perhaps it’s all this talk about Praeda and the hunt that has stirred up old feelings for Devyn. But I still can’t forget that night I was convinced Devyn Shio was the man stalking me.
I’d been drunk that night too, but I remember him clearly. Lana and I had snuck into a club where we’d been dancing all night. I needed some air and walked out onto the patio. The sky above was dark and starless, with snow drifting to the ground.
A memory of the man with demon-red eyes emerging from the shadows comes to mind. The way he just stood there, staring, almost as if he wanted me to know it was him. And just like that night on the patio, I grow hard thinking of all the depraved things I want my stalker to do to me. I can’t shake the imaginary image of Devyn storming toward me. What if he had closed the distance between us that night?
“There’s no way it’s true,” Lana says, snapping me out of my trance.At least the damn pool table prevents her from noticing my arousal over the thought of being followed. “Why would anyof the Black Harts want an abusive groupie on their arm? Why would anyone, for that matter?”
I wince, tugging on my sleeve.
Lana’s gaze drops to my fidgeting fingers before she wraps her arms around my shoulders. “Oh, shit. I’m so sorry, Zaiah. I didn’t mean you. He tricked you and manipulated you into trusting him.”
I squeeze her back, knowing she didn’t mean anything by it.
“Just please don’t tell me he has a magical dick or something,” she jokes, trying to lighten the mood.
The room spins and I laugh, feeling the effects of the alcohol hitting my system. “Oh, hell no! He never really satisfied me in that department. Did I tell you he said the main reason he cheated on me was because I just laid there in bed?” It wasn’t true. He made me do all the work.
“No! What an asshole. A good lover will tell you what he wants. He’ll guide you and show you what he thinks feels good.”
My eyes flicker to the shadows in the corner of the room. “True. Although, I kind of like the thought of just lying there. Being dominated. Maybe handcuffed and helpless. It sounds so fucking hot.”
“You naughty thing! Zaiah, I had no idea.”
Another prickling sensation slides down my spine and I shiver.Fuck. I’m drunk; imagining shit that isn’t really there.
I tug Lana back toward the bar and ask the bartender for water. Unable to resist the strange urge, I take a sip of the cool liquid and look back at the dark corner, only to spot a figure with midnight blue hair leaving the room.
My heart slams in my chest.
What were the fucking odds that Devyn Shio was hidden in that same dark corner?
Chapter two
Devyn
‘I kind of like the thought of just lying there.’
Shock and lust reverberate through me at Zaiah’s words.
Zaiah.
