Chapter 1 O N E

EVA. "How did last night go?" Aliya grins at me as she slumps on the bed and I roll my eyes, shutting the door behind me. "Bad. Honestly bad. " She sits up with wide eyes, "Are you serious? I thought you caught that blonde guy. " I shake my head and stride towards her, taking the seat next to her. "That bastard has a girlfriend– or had. ""Aw, you poor thing. " She coos, wrapping her hands around my neck and I swat her hand away, which causes her to laugh. "You shouldn't think too much into it, babe. His loss. We still have time before we head to college so plenty of time to catch fun. ""Yeah, " I breathe. "How did yours go?" When her lips spread into a wide smile, I know she had a better night at getting fucked than I did. A damn lucky bitch. "Okay, so I met this girl. She was so hot: We were talking one moment, and the next moment she's dragging me down the halls and pushed me into the bathroom. God, Evie, you have no idea how I felt when her mouth was on my cunt. She's so damn good with her tongue. " She sighs dreamily and I roll my eyes. "Explains why you were nowhere to be found for the rest of the night. ""Unfortunately, she didn't leave her contact. " She says with a pout and I chuckle, grabbing my book and leaning back against the headboard. "Since when do you care about them leaving their contacts?""I know!" She hisses and lays next to me, turning on her side. "But there was something different about this one, Evie. I felt it. ""When she had her tongue on your cunt?" I tease her and she swats at my hand. "What? I'm speaking facts. ""Not exactly that, but it's part of. She did wonders on me, babe. Her face was the first image that came to mind when I fingered myself to sleep. " I look up from my book to her and smile at the look on her face. This is the first time Aliya is truly engrossed in anyone she's messed around with and it'll be a lie to say I'm not amazed. She looks at me when she feels eyes on her. "You have no idea how that feels like. ""Getting tongue fucked by a girl? No, I'll pass. " I wave her off and she smirks before jumping on me and settling between my thighs. "I could show you—" Her hand moves to each side of my thighs and I kick her off the bed. She groans as she falls to the floor with a thud. "God, Evie! Did you have to kick that hard?" She complains and I smirk. "When you act like that. " Aliya rolls her eyes. "Yeah, right. I forgot how much you love sucking those dicks. " I laugh and shake my head as I rest back against the bed, turning my attention back to the book in hand. Aliya and I have been friends since the moment she walked up to me, and shoved me in the janitor's closet to tell me about her frustration with her project. She's loud and carefree which is one of the things I love about her. We are similar in so many ways, yet so different from each other and that includes our preferences. "Hey, isn't that your hot guy?" Her voice brings me out of my thoughts and I look out my window to see him striding inside his house with his famous signature look. I frown and look away, turning back to Aliya. "Why did you have to tell me? " Aliya chuckles and says, "I don't understand why you hate his guts so much. " I narrow my eyes at her and she holds up a hand. "Okay, fine! I do understand, but come on, girl. He's so hot. If I were you, I'd be humping him, not hating him. And the fact that you're neighbours makes that so much easier. " She winks and I glare at her. "I'm serious. " She says. "You're not. I hate the sight of the guy and you want me to sleep with him?" She shrugs. "Hate sex is always so hot. It's something else, I swear. The explosion of the—""Shut up, babe. " I groan and she chuckles before looking out the window again, mouthing, "He's fuckable though. " "Did your friend leave?" Mom asks as Mrs Holton places my plate before me and I smile at her, to which she responds with one of hers before moving away. "She did hours ago. " I reply to mom's question and she nods before taking her attention back to her food. "Hey, Princess. " Dad's voice echoes around the room and the man appears in his usual home attire of slacks and shirt with rolled sleeves. He walks to my side and presses a kiss to the side of my head before striding towards his wife to peck her. "I thought you had things to do. " Mom says as he takes the seat opposite her. "I wrapped it up to have dinner with my family. " He smiles and places his hand over mom's, before looking back at me with a frown. "Where were you last night, Eva?" Oh shit. I was hoping the man wouldn't notice, but of course, nothing I do passes his grasp. "Last night?" I repeat and he nods, his eyes not leaving mine. "I was with Aliya. " I smile and he narrows his eyes at me as if he doesn't believe my words, but he says nothing as he turns back to his food. I let out a breath of relief too soon because dad turns back to me, and say, "If I find out you snuck out to a party to hump some guy like last time– you won't like it, Princess. " And there goes the warning. "I didn't. " I tell him and he nods before looking away from me. Having an overprotective father can be fucking tiring. Father refers to it as being caring, and careful but I term it as not letting me live my life. It wasn't always like this. Matt Carson wasn't always this protective. Dad had his simple rules and as long as you stick to them, you have no problem with him, but since that incident from years ago; those rules got suffocating and frustrating. Though I tend to break those rules every other day, heading to college will be my real escape from Matt and his upsetting rules. The freedom that comes with being away from here is something I look forward to. I love my father, but I love living my life more. "I'm off to my room. " I announce, leaving the two lovebirds on the couch as I take the stairs that lead to my room. Shutting the door behind me, I fish my phone out of my pants at the sound of the vibration. ALIYA: I heard tonight will be so much better! Are you coming? Maybe you'll finally find a hot blonde guy who doesn't have a girlfriend this time. I chuckle at the words across the screen and type back a reply. ME: Can't. Dad is suspicious and watching me like a hawk. She replies with a sad face and I turn the screen away from my view, throwing the phone to a side and collapsing on the bed. I raise my head at another beep and grab the phone. It's a picture of Aliya with strands of her dark blue hair sticking to her face, a bright smile on her lips with a glass in her raised hand. I scoff and drop my gaze to the text attached. ALIYA: I'll have the fun for the both of us, boo. Rolling my eyes, I toss the phone aside and grab my book, flipping to the earlier page. I rub my hands down my arms from the blowing wind before dropping the book and moving from the bed to shut the window. Halfway through, I stop when my eyes catch sight of a familiar figure and my mouth hangs open. Emerson has a girl bent over his window while he slams into her from behind. I should look away. I should close the damn curtains and stay away before he catches the sight of me, but I can't seem to move as he wraps a hand around her hair and pull back roughly; his thrusts getting rougher. Move, Eva. I clench my thighs against each other, my grip on the window getting tighter and a low moan slips through my parted lips as the girl's loud moans and screams fill my ears. Emerson lifts his head and I freeze in my stand as he smirks at me. He raises an eyebrow as his hand moves to her neck and he thrusts faster. Not taking his eyes off mine, he leans forward and presses his lips to her bareback and my body shudders at the move. Snapping out of the daze, I'm quick to shut my windows with shaky hands and fall to the ground with a racing heart. Emerson Ford just caught me watching him pound into a girl. And worse... My panties is drenched. Emerson Ford is my enemy. Emerson Ford is a guy I hate. I have hated his guts for years. He doesn't inflame any sensation from me other than resentment and irritation, so why the hell am I turned on from watching him fuck a girl? Why am I rubbing my clit to the image of him pounding into that girl from behind? Why is my body trembling as I imagine myself in that position? I try to convince myself this is because I haven't get laid in a while, yet I can't deny the fact I'm unable to get that image of him off my mind as I lay on my mattress with legs apart and finger rubbing my cunt. "Fuck, " I hiss, throwing my head back as I rub the sweet spot between my thighs, trying so hard to find that particular spot that sends me over the edge. "Think of something else, Eva. Think! Think of any guy you've fucked until now. Get your mind off Emerson Ford!" It doesn't work. I can't close that image and I move my hand from between my thighs frustratingly, laying on my side and pulling the duvet over my body. The sexual noises have died down which means they are no longer in that position. Probably has her bent over his desk this time. I groan and turn to the other side, pulling the duvet up to my neck as I stare at the wall and try to convince myself this is because I'm horny. I'd never think of sleeping with Emerson Ford. Ever.

Chapter 2 T W O

EVA. "You look stressed. " Aliya remarks as she walks through the door and I nod, looking behind her. "Did she leave?" She nods and throws herself beside me. "She said to call her later. ""But you won't do that, will you?" I lift my brows at her and she smirks, saying, "No chance. " I laugh and shake my head. "Why aren't you on the bed?" She asks and I narrow my eyes. "The bed you just had that girl doing God knows what? Nah, I'll pass. ""We didn't do much. Do you want the details?" She cocks her brows and I frown. "What? No! Fuck off, Aliya. " She chuckles and moves to the bed. A sigh leaves her parted lips as she lays back and throws her head to the side. "I'm afraid she ruined me for everyone else, Evie. Janet was so damn good, but God help me– I couldn't stop picturing that girl while she had her tongue on me. ""You need to get your mind off her, Aliya. You don't even know her name. " I tell her and she nods, turning her head towards me. "I don't and I'm so pissed I keep thinking of her. " I cackle. "You'll get over it. ""I will. Once I suck enough pussies. " She winks and I roll my eyes. "What's up with you?" She asks, sitting up. "What's wrong with me?" I repeat with lifted brows and she tilts her head to the side, "I don't know, but there's something. Is there anything you want to tell me?""No. " I say sharply and a smirk crawls over her face as she shifts closer to me. "Have I ever told you how bad you are at lying to me? ""Your first time mentioning it. " I shrug. "You're lying, babe. Spill. " She urges and I groan, throwing my hands over my face. "I don't want to talk about it, Aliya. ""Why?" She asks and I peer at her through the space between my fingers. "Because it's something I regret. ""Fine, " she huffs. "Only because I'm in a good mood. So what are you doing tonight? Does daddy's girl have a plan to sneak out this time?""Don't call me that. " I snap and she laughs. "But that's exactly what you are. ""Aliya..." I call in a warning tone, pinning her with a glare and she rolls her eyes before holding up a hand. "Fine. What's my so beautiful babe doing tonight?" I give her a soft smile. "More like it. ""Fucker. " She cusses with a grin. "Pussy. " I retort with a smirk. "I love eating them. " She winks and I roll my eyes. "Don't turn this into something else. ""You asked for it. " She says as she stretches her hand across the bed to grab her phone. "For your question; I need to go out. I need to get laid, Aliya. " Her smile spreads further into a grin and she's by my side the next second, clutching onto my arm. "What should I do, Eva? I'm afraid I'm such a bad influence on you. Your dad will end me if he knows of this. " She says with a playful terrified face. "Good thing he'll never know. " I assure her and she hums, throwing her face in my neck. "You might not be good at lying to me, but you sure are at lying to your father. ""Get off me, bitch. " I wrap my hand around her forearm and throw her off me, causing her to land on the bed; only because she allowed me to. "Nine tonight. I'll meet you at your place. " She announces and I throw her a smile, saying, "You're the best, have anyone ever told you that?" She laughs and turns her attention back to her phone. "Trust me. You aren't the first girl to tell me that. " And there she goes twisting my words into something naughty. ~ I take gentle steps towards the door and as I wrap my hand around the doorknob, and twist it slowly – mom's voice echoes around me. "Where do you think you're sneaking to, young lady?" I gasp and turn around with wide eyes, throwing my back against the knob. "Hey, mom! Didn't see you there!" I chuckle nervously and she furrows her brows as she moves forward with a glass in hand. "Where are you heading to, Eva? " I part my lips to speak, but she cut me off. "The truth please. " I sigh and move away from the door. "A night out with Aliya. " I peer at her under my lashes when she gives no response and she's staring at me with a soft smile on her face. "It's exhausting, isn't it?" She says and I arch my brows. "Having to sneak out to have fun with your friend?" Whereas Matt is super protective, mom tries to tone down the protectiveness, but it's no better, which is why it's a surprise she said those words. "It is. " I respond and she nods, saying, "I know, baby. I'm sorry you aren't as free as you want to, but you have to understand your father. His intentions are pure and he's only scared. ""I know, mom, " I smile, striding towards her and covering her hands with mine. "I know why dad is doing all these, but he also has to understand I'm nineteen and I'm capable of protecting myself. ""I always remind him of that. " She whispers and lifts her free hand to my face. "You're grown, Eva. You should get to have this freedom— " She pauses, drops her hand and sighs. "Unfortunately your father is a stubborn one, but not tonight. " My brows shoot up in anticipation and she nods in affirmation. "Go have fun. I'll cover up for you. ""You're serious? This isn't some kind of test to land me into trouble, is it?" I lift my brows and she chuckles, holding my head and pressing her lips to my forehead. Pulling back, she says, "You know me better than that. ""Thank you!" I beam excitedly, jumping into her arms and almost knocking the glass from her hand in the process. "Sorry, " I whisper as I pull back. "I got excited for a minute there. ""Just go. " She chuckles and I nod, planting a kiss to the side of her face before heading towards the door. "Eva—" Mom calls when I pull the door open and I turn back to her. "Be careful. " I respond with a smile before walking out the door, shutting it behind me. EMERSON. "Isn't that the Eva girl?" Ayden nudges me with his elbow and I look towards the direction he pointed to see Eva Carson walking in with the same girl who's always beside her. She's dressed in Jean pants and a lace crop top plus a dark jacket with her ash blonde hair curled into a bun. Eva Carson. A girl I despise. The daughter of Matt Carson — my dad's business rival and my next house neighbour. "She looks hot. " Jaxon smirks beside me, and I look back to him to see his eyes focused on her before looking back at her. There's no doubt that Eva Carson is a hot piece of cake. A forbidden piece of cake that I would never get entangled with. That thought brings me back to last night: That priceless look on her face as she watched me fuck Val. I bet she's never seen a guy fuck a girl before her very eyes, which makes me wonder what the hell she's doing here; at a place filled with wild people when she should be snuggled up in her room while her daddy pets her to sleep. I've known Eva Carson for years, and if there's anything I've noticed unwilling about her– it's that she's a daddy's girl and that's one of the things I abhor about her. "Damn. Her friend is hot. " Ayden whispers, and my eyes move to the curvy girl beside her with dark blue hair. The thought to approach her just to piss Carson off crosses my mind, but that thought is fast to flush down the drain when I sight blue checking out a girl next to them. "Emerson. " The girl between my thighs calls me and I drop my gaze to her with lifted brows. "You aren't paying attention to me. " She pouts and I roll my eyes. "Yes, dude. Pay attention to your girl. " Ayden winks beside me and I sneer at him before pushing the girl from me. "Where are you going?" She whines. "I need the restroom. " It's the only thing I say before making my way to the restroom. Shutting the restroom door after finishing my business, my lips curls up in a smirk at the sight before me and I lean against the wall, folding my arms against my chest. "This is interesting, isn't it?" Carson raises her head from the guy's shoulder and meets my gaze with wide eyes. Wide, nasty eyes. "Do you know him?" The guy asks as he pulls away from her, letting her move from the wall she was previously pinned to. "Yes, Carson. Do you know me?" I arch my brows at her, but she says nothing. Just stand there. Fuming in anger, and I'm not joking about that. The girl is literally fuming. "I should go. " The guy says before walking down the hallway and Eva turns to me when he's out of sight. She spats, "What the hell is wrong with you?" I raise an innocent brow. "What is wrong with me?""Why did you do that?" She asks, taking a step closer and I push my body from the wall to move towards her. "What? So you can watch me fuck, but I can't watch you about to get banged? That's not playing fair, Carson. ""Fuck. Off. " She snarls before taking the other turn and I chuckle. "Does your daddy know you're out here about to get banged by a stranger?" She turns to me; her hands balled into fists and her eyes full of anger... Hate, disgust, resentment and every other negative emotion she always has around me. There she is. The Carson I'm looking for. The one who despises me just as much as I hate her.

Chapter 3 T H R E E

EVA. Being in the same room with Emerson Ford is never a good option. We can't stay around each other without having a clash, and this... I saw this coming the moment I walked through the door and sighted him with his friends. I haven't been in the same room with Emerson since we graduated high school. And that's right; I went to the same high school with the guy I hate so much. With the ever-flowing rage between us, being miles apart from each other is the best thing that could ever happen, but somehow someway– we always end up in the same area. The office. School... My house. This is a scenario that's occurred over too many times. Emerson staring down at me with that annoying smirk on his face, and me fuming in anger, wishing I could throw my fist in his face and restructure the sight I hate so damn much– not that I haven't tried several times. "What did you just say?" I lift my brows and Emerson rolls his eyes, "So you've turned dumb along with being daft, Carson?" I hate it. I hate the sound of my name rolling off his tongue, but even more... I hate him so much. "I do not have your time tonight. " I tell him and he hums, nodding his head. "Too busy looking for someone to fuck?""I wouldn't see how that's of your concern. ""Did you enjoy it, Carson?" He abruptly says and I lift my brows in confusion. Emerson chuckles and shuffles closer. "Did you enjoy the show from last night? I could sense you did judging by the way you stood there. " At the mention of the previous night, I take a step away and Emerson's eyes fall to the move before he meets my eyes again; a taunting smirk on his face. "Did you want me to enjoy it?" I retort. "We both know what I want is far from that, Carson. Does your daddy know? That you loved watching his rival's son fuck?""I'm starting to think you're obsessed with my father, Ford. " I fold my arms against my chest and I ignore the way his eyes not so subtle falls to my chest before he meets my gaze again. He shrugs. "We both know that's far from the truth, Carson. ""As I said; Fuck. Off. " It's the only response I give before I turn to walk again, but once again... He stops me. "What are you doing here? I bet your father would have never let you out, considering how you're a daddy's little girl—" I hate hearing those words, and Emerson knows it, which is why he uses it at every chance he gets. "Matt would never let his little pet come out to a place like this. " Turning around, I give the words that I know would hit him as twice as he just did to me. "At least my father cares about me because I'm not a huge disappointment like you are to your big man. " It's my turn to smirk as I watch his face drops, and his hands curl into a ball. The taunts in his eyes have germinates from seed and grown to a goddamn tree of rage and fury, and I feed on it like a hungry woman. This is what we do to each other. We use our troubles against each other till the anger that surges between them turns into something neither of us can handle. The wickedness that neither of us has any control over and the strong urge of wanting to hurt the other person. "Stay out of my business, Emerson. " It's the last thing I tell him before finally moving down the hallway, and leaving a damaged Ford behind. "Wow, girl! What happened? You looked pissed. " Aliya shouts over the loud music as I take my seat next to her, and empty the content in my glass. "Emerson happened. " I seethe and she sighs, "Did you guys have a run in again?""He showed up while I was in the middle of getting fucked. I swear, that guy pisses me off so much. " Aliya chuckles and places a hand on my shoulder. "I know, babe. You tell me that every time, but that's not the only thing he did, is it?" I meet her eyes and soften my gaze. "He called me a daddy's girl. You know how much I hate being called that. " I hiss and Aliya nods, giving small pats to my shoulder. "Well... Judging by the way he's glaring at you; I can tell you aren't the only one who left pissed. " She says, looking behind me and I turn back to meet Emerson's eyes. He has a cup in hand, a girl between his thighs and his eyes on me. "I can feel the tension, Evie. Calm the fuck down. " Aliya whispers and I nod, breaking the contact with him. With a deep breath, I move off my feet and Aliya's eyes follow me. "Where are you going?""To make sure Emerson Ford doesn't get the chance to ruin my night. Not this time. " She grins widely, "That's the spirit, girl! Go off! Damn, I'm so proud of you. " I roll my eyes and make my way to the dancing floor. That asshole has ruined enough of my night. Aliya gives me a thumb up from her seat, and I look back to Emerson again. His eyes don't leave me as I turn my body along with the sound. Mine doesn't leave his as he grabs the girl's hair and yanks her down. His doesn't leave mine as unfamiliar arms wrap around my waist and I move along with the beat. My eyes don't leave Emerson's as the girl begins to give him a lap dance, and his doesn't leave mine as the stranger yanks me forward and claim my mouth. All the while; the visibility of how much we hate the other person reflects in those eyes. ~ I place gentle knocks against the door and twist the doorknob at the sound of Matt. I shut the door behind me and walk towards my father, placing the bag before him. "Mom said you needed this. " I tell him and he looks up from his computer to smile at me. "Yes, Princess. Thank you for bringing this to me. ""You're welcome. " I respond. "Will you be coming late tonight?" Dad raises his head and gives me a tiny nod. "You'll have to take dinner without me, but I'll be back before you know it, yeah?" I nod with a smile. "I should be on my way. ""Be careful. " He says and I hum in response before walking out of his office. I take the hallway that leads to the elevator, and stop in front of Mason Ford's office. The office seems open which makes me wonder if they are competing again. It would be a surprise to know my father and his rival who hates each other so much happens to work in the same company with my dad owning a higher percent and Mason doing everything in his power to send him out. I flinch at the loud sound that comes from his office and makes my way towards the elevator. I fish my phone out of my pocket at the vibration of the device and shake my head as I read my best friend's text. ALIYA: Red or Green, bitch? I type back a reply as the elevator doors open and a figure slides in. ME: You're not changing your hair again, Aliya! I sigh and keep my phone away, jumping back at the sight of Emerson Ford beside me. An angry-looking Emerson Ford. His jaw is clenched and he's staring straight ahead. The fact that he hasn't said a word to me speaks volumes, knowing that Emerson Ford would miss a chance to piss me off and I shouldn't irritate him any further than he already seems, but I live to torture the guy. "You're unusually quiet. " I raise my brows and he stares down at me before lifting his head again. "Daddy issues, isn't it?" I smirk, crossing my arms against my chest. "Trust me, Carson. You do not want to anger me right now. " His voice is cold and his tone drips of anger. I should stop, but we both know I never stop when it comes to Emerson Ford. "Or what will you do?" I challenge him. "Don't piss me off, Carson!" He snaps, now turning his body to me and I pout. "That's funny. I thought you love it when I piss you off?" He parts his lips to speak, but shuts it and turns to the other side. "Being a coward, aren't we?" I push. "Shut your mouth, Carson. " He says and I chuckle. "Your comebacks are getting drier, Ford. Daddy issues getting to your head, or something?""I swear to God, Carson. If you don't close that wild mouth of yours; I'll pin you against this elevator, and teach you how to shut it. " His voice turns dark. They are words I wasn't expecting. Words that evaporates every insult I had planned for Emerson Ford and words that keep me in silence with heat I'd rather ignore in my lower belly. "You won't dare. " I breathe with my heart racing and Emerson chuckles, closing the space between us now and I can feel each of his ragged breath. I know better than to challenge Emerson Ford when I'm stuck in an elevator with him, but I'm too high to care about what he'll do. "That was a wrong thing to say, Carson, " he whispers. "Because I love myself a good dare. " He turns back and presses the emergency stop button. And it happens so fast I didn't have a chance to take another breath before his lips crush against mine.

Chapter 4 F O U R

EVA. I freeze in my stand and my eyes are wide as I watch Emerson's lip move against mine. This isn't something I expected, but there is a small fraction that anticipated this: The anger that was burning between us to be fueled into something else. Something unexplainable. Something delirious. I had set the trap, but I didn't think Emerson would take the bait. Emerson forces my mouth open and slides his tongue through my parted lips, pushing me hard against the elevator wall as his mouth ravages mine and his hand moves to the back of my head, pulling at my ponytail and tilting my head to the back; giving him more opening to plunder my mouth. Disbelief dances through my veins as Emerson Ford kisses me rough and hard in a way that reflects how it's always been between us. The warmth in my lower belly explodes into an unbearable sensation that leaves an aching need in the sweet spot between my thighs and a thundering heart in my chest. I fist my hands in his jacket and instead of pushing his body from mine; I find myself pulling him tight against mine as I shut my eyes. Our chests are pressed to each other and every sense seems to have flown out as we both fight for dominance. The kiss is like it's always been between us– one of us fighting for the upper hand and in this position, Emerson Ford seems to have the upper hand as he presses his hip against mine for me to feel the hardness in his pants. "You seem to be enjoying my lips on yours, Carson, " he pulls back, a taunting smile on his face as he keeps me caged against the wall, his large body encompassing mine and I part and close my mouth like a goldfish as I try to think of a comeback. "You wish. " My voice is small. Almost inaudible and I want to smack myself in the face for it. "I do not think there's any need to make a wish when I feel the urgency of your needy lips against mine, Carson. I bet I'll find you a poor mess if I push my hand between those thick thighs of yours. " He smirks and his words are something that shouldn't sound so hot. They are teasing and aimed at insulting me, yet I find myself wishing he do exactly what he said. I tell myself it's the stance we're in. Nothing more than that. "Fuck you, Ford. " I cuss and he shakes his head. "You're asking for too much, Carson, but I won't mind bending daddy's little girl over my desk if you agree to be a good girl and beg for it. ""That's something that will only happen in those ridiculous scenarios you make up in your head. I bet you've got tons of that up there, don't you?" I chuckle but that doesn't last long when he moves his face closer. "Are you daring me again, Carson?" His voice is almost a whisper and his hot breath fans against my face. "I am. " I lift my chin. "If you think you have the odds to stick that thing..." I nod to his pants. "Anywhere near me, then you must be insane, Ford. A thing that got hard with one touch from me by the way. " Emerson laughs and moves back. "Trust me, Carson. This isn't because of you. You're not a sight to get hard for, especially not with me. " He doesn't give me a chance to speak before he presses the button again. The elevator slides open and he gives me one last glance before walking away and I slip on my feet, my breathing heavy as the import of what happened whack me hard. I shared a kiss with Emerson fucking Ford. I shared a kiss with Emerson fucking Ford where we could be caught by men who hate each other as much as we do. What the hell was I thinking? ~ "I'm home. " I shut the door behind me and I don't wait for a response before heading straight to my room with my heart in my throat. I sigh as I lean against the door and fish my phone out. There are a few texts and two missed calls from Aliya. I didn't even notice the poor thing ring because I was too caught up in something I shouldn't be caught up in. Kicking my boots off my feet, I stride to my bed and drop on it as I contact Aliya. "Bitch, where the—""Hey, sorry I missed your call. " I cut her off. "What's wrong?" Aliya asks with raised brows, zooming her face closer and I shake my head, gnawing at my lips. She frowns. "We don't keep secrets, Evie. " I sigh and dig my fingers into my thighs. She would probably call me stupid if she heard of the incredibly mindless thing I did. "It's just—" I shake my head and Aliya hums for me to continue. Taking a deep breath, I say, "I might have, or might have not kissed him. ""Who?" She asks. "Emerson. " My voice is so tiny that she might have not heard. It could as well pass as blowing wind, but when I look back at the phone to see Aliya's eyes widened with a grin on her face, I know she heard. "Oh, you naughty girl. Finally taking on my advice, huh?""This isn't something to be proud of, Aliya. " I hiss, laying back against the headboard and she lifts her brows. "Why not? Was he a bad kisser? Considering his looks, you would think—""No, that's not it. " He's not a bad kisser. God, he's so far from that term. That ten seconds kiss is probably one of the hottest kisses I've ever had, and I hate that I love it. I hate that even after promising not to think of it, I still think of how it felt and the tingles on my lips for something I should hate. I hate that my body reacted so fast to him and I hate that I let Emerson Ford have his way with me– and would have probably let him have more if he didn't pull back. Fuck. Me. "So what's it then? Were you expecting more? " She questions and I roll my eyes. "I think you're getting the whole idea of hate wrong. You don't kiss someone you hate, Aliya. You want to smack them in the face, not want your mouth on them. " She grins sheepishly. "So you want your mouth on Emerson? Which part? Is it the pretty orgasm maker in his—""Aliya, " I groan and she laughs. "It isn't funny. ""I know! I know, " she says through her laugh. "And it's just a kiss, babe. Nothing too serious. Who initiated it?""Him. " Though I had indirectly goaded him into it. I shouldn't have uttered a word, knowing where I was. Especially after his words, but that's just it. There's that part of me that will never keep it down when it comes to Emerson Ford, and then there's the other part... The part that blatantly came out of nowhere and was anticipating his every next move. I don't anticipate with Emerson; I do the opposite. "And you followed through. Maybe you both just need to fuck each other to get that hatred out of your systems. Might turn out better than being at each other throats. ""You aren't helping, dimwit. " I tell her and she chuckles. "I'm just saying. ""Yeah, thanks for the advice, smart pants. I'm heading to bed. ""You'll figure it out. ""Fuck off. " It's the only response I give as the echoes of Aliya's laugh fills my room before I hang up and throw the phone to the other side. I sigh and stare up at the ceiling with my hands on my stomach. As I shut my eyes to get to sleep, I convince myself this is Emerson's new fucked up way of messing with me and I'll be damned if I let it get to me.

Chapter 5 F I V E

EVA. "Last night here. I'm gonna miss this place. " Aliya sighs as she stares around the club. "Why did you choose here though? I thought we were heading to the recently opened one downtown?" I ask her as I take a sip of my vodka and Aliya tries to avoid my gaze as she speaks, redness coating her flushed cheekbones. "No reason. I just thought—""Thought you would see that nameless fuck of yours?" A mocking smile rests on my lips as I raise my brows at her and she rolls her eyes. "It was a instinct, okay?" I hum with a shrug. "Explains why you aren't out of your seat in search of someone to fuck. ""Shut up, Evie. " She groans and I laugh, taking another sip of my vodka. "You're on your seat, " she drops her gaze to my lap and I nod. "I think that's pretty obvious, Aliya. ""Why are you on your seat? I thought you were going to make the best out of your last day to party? You probably will go back to stuffing the books in your face once we're at college. " She sighs before she shifts her seat closer to mine and place a hand on my shoulder. "I will miss your wild era, my love. " I slap her hand off my shoulder and Aliya laughs. "Stop messing around. You should go back to looking for your girl. Do you even remember what she looks like? ""How can I forget the face I masturbate to every single night?""I honestly didn't need that detail. " I scrunch my nose and she swats at my arm. "Or you might swing the other way tonight. " I tell her and she frowns. "What do you mean by that?" I nod my head behind her and she turns around to follow my gaze. "The guy in the black shirt. He's been staring at you since we came in. " Aliya observes the guy for some seconds before hissing and turning back to meet my eyes. "He's fine, and that's all. Nothing fuckable about him. ""Looks doesn't justify how well a man performs in bed, you know. " I say and a tiny smirk crosses her lips as she says, "That's your fucked up way of thinking. If the face ain't hot then there's no way the pussy would be pretty. ""That's just dumb. " Aliya shrugs in response and I laugh as I watch the poor guy get out of his seat and walk towards us. "You've got something coming your way irrespective of how you think, though. " She parts her lips, but before she can speak; the guy beats her to it and I bend my hand and lean my face against my knuckles as I watch the drama unfold. "Hey, I've been watching you for some minutes. " The worst words to start with, dude. "So I've been told. " Aliya responds and the guy looks at me before looking back to her. "I'm Terry. ""And I sincerely do not give a shit. Sorry, buddy but it's a no. " She sounds pissed and I take another shot of the vodka as I wait for the poor guy to scramble off but he surprises me by lingering by with eyes on Aliya. "The fuck you looking at?" She hisses and he laughs softly. "I kind of expected that attitude. ""You dumb or something? I don't swing your way, man. Scramble off. " She snaps and the guy looks taken aback for a second. He looks at me and I nod, motioning for him to just leave. With another glance at her, he walks away and I swing a hand over Aliya's shoulder. "That was harsh. " I tell her and she nods. "I know, but he couldn't take a hint. ""I think you are stressed Aliya. You aren't yourself. ""Yes, Evie, I'm not. " She hisses. "I'm heading to college in two days, and I haven't found the best sex of my life. ""I know you want to look for the girl, but you need to forget about her. You don't know her name and you have no way of contacting her. For all you know, she's probably beneath or on top of someone else right now. You need to move on. " Aliya seems to process my words for a minute before nodding and raising her glass, clicking it against mine. "To the last night. ""To the last night. " I repeat before pouring the alcohol down my throat. After another shot of the alcohol, we are in high spirits and we move to the dance floor. We throw our hands in the air, mess with our hairs and move our hips along to the beat of Chase Atlantic booming around the room and somehow, I go from dancing with my best friend to dancing with a guy who seems weirdly familiar with Aliya nowhere to be found. "Hey, you!" He shouts over the loud music, moving closer to me and I let him wrap his arm around my waist and push me against his chest. "Remember me?" My dance steps turn slower as I furrow my brows and stare at his face before it hit me. It's the guy from that night. The same guy I played around with in front of Emerson and the same guy I told to fuck off when he tried to stick his thing in me. "The fuck?" I hiss, trying to push away from him but his grip tightens around me and he shakes his head. "Not so fast, sweetheart. I'm here to finish what you started. " He smirks coldly at me and it turns the adrenaline rush of excitement that pumps through me to a scary one as panic sets in. I've had my fair share of men and I make sure it's nothing other than sex. There is no personal information disclosed and no question asked– you hit it once and leave, and on some occasions, paths cross again but I've never had a man stalk me like this fucker right here. "Get your hands off me!" I hiss, wrapping my hands around his to push him off, but he doesn't even budge. "I told you I'll be seeing you again, didn't I? Did you think you could tease me and get away with it? I don't think so. " He pushes me tight against his chest as he moves his face closer. My eyes are wide and my heart is beating fast in my chest as I stare around the room in search of Aliya but all I see around me are bodies sliding against each other and people too drunk to care about what's happening with me. I freeze when his lips melt against my neck. My body goes stiff as the pain comes rushing back with full force. "No. " My voice is small and it sounds so fucking weak to my ears. I'm not weak. I haven't been weak in years and no way am I letting anyone take that away from me. "Let me go, you fucker!" I lift my free hand and hit him by the side. His face twists into one of pain as he pulls back before it turns into a look of anger and he's coming towards me again. I prepare to knee him in the groin, but someone else beat me to it. "She said to let go. " It's a voice I'll recognize anywhere and anytime because I've heard so much of the annoying sound. Emerson grabs his hand and stands before me, looking so tall and mighty. "When a girl says to let go, you let go. " He says calmly and I watch as he twists his arm. The guy cries in pain and a few heads turn our way before Emerson let him go, shoving him to the side. He turns to me and without a word, he grabs my hand and pulls me towards the exit. "Are you okay?" He asks when we arrive outside and I jerk my hand from his hold. "I didn't need your help. " I hiss and he laughs. "You sure as hell didn't. ""I had it under control. ""Tell that to that scared part of you. " He retorts and I glare at him. "Fuck off. ""You know, Carson, " His gaze falls to my chest before he brings it up to my face again. "I just saved your ass, and even for someone with a rotten character like yours, I expected you to thank me for it. " My lips turn up in a half-smirk and I fold my arms against my chest. "I'll never thank you for anything, Ford. Never. ""You shouldn't mess around with men like that, Carson. " He responds instead. "Then who should I mess around with? You? I'll pass, jerk face. I don't think that small thing in your pants is capable of satisfying me. " Hatred can be good. With hatred, there's anger and with anger, you can hide your real issues. With anger, you can easily put up on an act. Hating Emerson Ford doesn't only please me; it gives me confidence because the words of an insult thrown at each other and the refusal to never back down make me feel strong and strength is the one thing I crave. It's the one thing I've always chased. "I'll bend you over my leg and make you swallow those words back. I'll show you just exactly how what you refer to will wreck that pussy of yours, and I'll have you begging for more by the end of it. " All previous thoughts evaporate into the thin air at those words and I know I should walk away right there. Touching myself to an image of Emerson in my head is one thing, sharing a kiss with him is another thing, but goading him into touching me again is a different thing and I blame it on the three glasses of vodka I had earlier with the sudden agonizing ache between my thighs because that's exactly what I do. "I. Dare. You. " I seethe, his words bringing about images that shouldn't be there. Not here. Not with Emerson. Ford. "Desperation is a bad thing, Carson. It turns a blind eye to the worst of things and I can see how desperate you are to get fucked by your worst enemy. " A taunting smirk crosses his lips and when he steps closer to me, he brings with him fire that burns through my veins and has my lips shivering. Begging for another feel of his on mine. Craving... Desperate. "Go to hell, " I breathe and he chuckles. "I'll be dragging you right there with me, Carson. Because we both know you can't stay long without me. " I don't have time to process his words and think of a comeback before his lips crash against mine and my anger funnels into an intolerable want. A want between my thighs and every single inch of me. A want for Emerson Ford.