Page 8 of Distant Heart (Vicious Valentine)

There was something precious about moments like this, Illya could acknowledge that as he gently lowered Rexton’s chilly form into the full tub. His prey had drifted in and out of consciousness the whole walk here, and then some more when Illya had placed him on the sink counter to turn the bath on.

Rexton showed the first signs of alertness when he hissed at the first caress of the water, arms tightening around Illya’s neck for a second before he seemed to process what was happening and relaxed.

He moaned the second he was submerged, resting his head back against the porcelain. His eyes slipped shut once more, and he didn’t protest as Illya moved away to collect the things he’d need to bathe him.

“You must have truly exhausted yourself.” After what’d transpired between them in the woods, he’d been expecting more of a struggle.

Rexton snorted. “Pretty sure you’re the reason I’m like this, actually.”

Illya brought over a bottle of body wash and squirted some onto his hands. When his fingers touched Rex’s chest, the other man jerked, his eyes popping open. “Calm down. I’m only cleaning you off.”

It seemed like he didn’t believe him at first, but Rexton must have realized there wasn’t much he could do given his current circumstances, so he ended up surrendering. The tension left his shoulders, and he rested back, watching Illya through hooded eyes as he was hand-washed.

“That’s a good boy,” Illya teased, knowing it would annoy him. Sure enough, the other man’s scowl returned, and he chuckled. “How does the water feel?”

“It’s already getting cold.”

“Is it?” It wasn’t, but choosing to humor him, Illya reached over and adjusted the temperature before turning the faucet back on. “Give it a minute. It’ll get better. Are you hungry? Thirsty?”

Rexton stared at him quietly before asking, “What time is it?”

Illya sighed. “It’s still Praeda. You didn’t sleep the rest of it away.”

He hummed in understanding and then closed his eyes again.

“Food?” Illya insisted. “Water?”

“Neither,” he said. “You’re being awfully nice to me though. What’s your angle, Black Hart? I wasn’t aware you lot were required to care for your Praeda after forcing them to bed you.”

“We aren’t.” Illya wished they could skip ahead, get to the connection part of the program. But he understood that Rexton needed more time. Since he had him where he wanted him, giving him that much was the least he could do.

Even if it was driving him crazy.

“What’s it like,” Rexton suddenly asked, “being a Black Hart?”

“What do you think it’s like?” He finished washing his chest and arms and moved lower, his entire arm going into the tub so he could pass his hand between the other man’s closed thighs.

Rexton surprised him by spreading his legs to give him better access, his voice even when he spoke. “I bet it’s nice, always knowing your place. Always knowing exactly what to do and how to do it.”

“Is that what you believe?” Illya clicked his tongue. “You’re oversimplifying. We’re still in charge of making our own choices, baby.”

“Are you?” His nose scrunched up. “Oh.”

“You should be pleased. That freedom is what allowed me to choose you, after all.”

He looked at him again, his expression pensive. “Do you think your family would like me?” As soon as the question left his lips, he became embarrassed, glancing away. “Never mind. I’m getting ahead of myself.”

“You aren’t,” Illya said. “And yes, yes they will.”

“You say that like you meant everything you told me in the forest.”

“I did.”

He grunted, clearly not believing him. “Okay.”

“Rexton.”

“Praeda aren’t always permanent,” he replied. “I know that much.”

That was true. Since Cor Night happened every year, meaning so did Praeda, it wasn’t often that the hunt resulted in a forever coupling. But it also wasn’t unheard of.

“This year is different,” Illya ended up telling him. “A few of my friends are planning on making permanent claims. I don’t see why I can’t do the same.” When Rexton didn’t immediately reply, he glanced over at him, sighing when it was to find his xa’us already slipping back into the realm of unconsciousness. He shook his head at him. “You’re barely even here with me. I doubt you’ll remember this conversation at all.”

That definitely was his fault. He shouldn’t have fucked him outside in the cold like that, shouldn’t have pushed his body so far past his limits. It was no wonder he was shutting down in an attempt to protect himself. Clearly Rexton was drained, both physically and emotionally.

What other reason could he have had to come here tonight, knowing full well what Praeda meant for the Black Harts like his cousin?

“You’re the one who isn’t here,” Rexton murmured, voice so low Illya had to lean in closer just to make out the words. “Ill. You’re too far away.”

“I am here,” he reassured. “I’m right here, baby.”

He didn’t get a response, Rexton falling asleep on him in the blink of an eye. Illya quickly finished cleaning him off and then drained the tub. Once he had Rexton dried off, he carried him into the adjoined room. He’d already started the fire in the fireplace and laid out a soft carpet. Carefully, he placed Rex down on it, waiting for a moment to see if the change in temperature would cause him to stir. It didn’t.

He didn’t like the idea of leaving him here on his own, was worried he might wake, find Illya gone, and do something stupid like try to run again, but…Standing, he headed toward the door, determined to see his plan through.

He’d meant every word he’d said to Rexton and then some. There was no chance he was going to allow the other man to flee. Illya had never felt this way about anyone before, and he was certain he could make Rexton feel the same. Still, with the hours ticking down, he needed a failsafe, something to ensure he couldn’t lose.

Castle Black was huge, big enough that each of them had their own floor to themselves. There was a spiral stairwell that connected them all in the front, but for the most part, they used the elevator. Either option had a door in front of it, barring access from the actual level, and before he left, Illya checked to be sure that the locks to his were in place.

Even if Rexton did happen to wake, he wouldn’t be able to open the exits without the code, which there was no way of him knowing.

Feeling at least somewhat satisfied, Illya stepped into the elevator and took it down to the main level, stepping out just in time to see Ryker storming up the stairs to the right. Ares was standing in the foyer, playing on his phone, and he glanced up at Illya’s arrival.

“What’s up with him?” Illya asked, pointing toward where their friend had disappeared.

“Who knows.” Ares shrugged, then something about Illya seemed to catch his attention and he actually paused his game. “What’s up with you?”

“I was coming to find you, actually.”

“Me?” Ares grunted. “Well, then you’re lucky I’m here. It’s Praeda, dude.”

“Praeda only counts for those on campus,” Illya reminded. “After what Camren said to you earlier, we both know you’re no longer interested in hunting anyone here.”

“Touché. Well? What do you need?”

“Xion cuffs.”

Ares didn’t even bother asking what they were for. “Programmed?”

“Preferably.”

“Sure. Come to my room.” He stepped over to the elevator and hit the button.

“This has to be quick,” Illya said, only for Ares to laugh at him.

“Relax. We’ll be done before whoever you have locked upstairs has a chance to get away.”

Sometimes Illya forgot that the distracted gamer persona was only part of who Ares really was.

“There’s an implant version now you know,” Ares said as they stepped into the elevator. “Want that instead?”

He considered it but…better not.

Rexton was already going to be spitting mad when he woke up and saw what Illya had done. Best not to push things too far.

Again.

Illya thought it, but he already knew he wasn’t going to follow his own advice. Maybe he’d draw the line at forcing a tracking device into Rexton, sure.

But there was something else he was going to force into him, no matter how many times his xa’us claimed he didn’t want it.