Reminisce With Me

Chapter 27: He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not

Collin Durante. 

The person who welcomed me to Black Onyx and showed nothing but kindness stood before us with a wicked grin and no remorse in those eyes that were once warm. He attentively watched Aiden and his stare terrified me. 

Collin's eyes suddenly flashed to mine and I sucked in a handful of air. "Ms. Van Alen," he said and I dropped my gaze to the ground.

I could feel Aiden's eyes linger on me, but his attention was back on Collin within seconds. "Collin, what are you doing here?" Aiden asked and when I gradually brought my gaze back up, I could see how broken he was. 

"My job." Collin laughed, leaning against his car. "I am doing what I am told to do."

Aiden pursed his lips, shaking his head. "You've changed, Durante. The minute you decided to go with Ryder, you've become a different person."

Collin narrow his eyes at Aiden. "Different isn't always a bad thing. Black Onyx did always encourage growth."

Aiden scoffed and I swear his eyes were glossy. "Look at yourself. This isn't a good change. You've become so hateful. This isn't you."

Anger flashed across Collin's face. "Is Aiden Vanquel really telling me how much of a horrible person I am? I think you forgot that you were recognized for being the top assassins in our group. And should I remind you of Caroline's death? She died because of you, Aiden. Death follows you."

The last line was ruthless and Collin was well aware. Whoever Caroline was broke Aiden and I couldn't believe Collin, out of all people, would intentionally hurt his best friend.

Former best friend, my mind corrected. 

Aiden clenched his jaw, regaining his composure. "You don't know what happened that night."

Collin fixed his hair, looking at his reflection in the car window. "Aiden, we were friends. We told each other a lot growing up. Trust me, I know."

Collin was towing with Aiden's emotions and I wanted to smear that conceited grin from his face. "You've turned into a monster," I found myself saying and Collin was taken aback.

"And it speaks," he laughed. "All Black Onyx members are monsters, love."

I shook my head. "I don't know you, but I do remember you being a sweet, caring person. You were even kind to me when you never knew me. It's a shame, Collin. For you to betray your friends, to betray Aiden, like this."

I could tell that he had a brief moment where he reminisced on the past version of himself. But, it disappeared as quickly as it came. "Well, the person you remember is no longer here," was all Collin said. 

"That's very unfortunate," I mumbled under my breath.

"You know, Aubrey. I rarely remember you from my dream. I think I liked you then, but I don't feel that way right now. So, I'm going to have to ask you to come with me." 

Collin brought his gun up and pointed it towards me.

"She's not coming with you," Aiden finally said and the determination in his tone took me by surprise. 

"You're still in love with her, I see."

I looked over at Aiden, who didn't seem bothered. "I don't even know her."

Ouch, my heart cried.  

"Then why stand in our way?" 

I didn't understand why Aiden was so adamant on helping me – the girl he didn't even know. Aiden repeated himself again. "She is not coming."