Love To Hate Me

"Faster baby, faster!"

It's not every day I walk into my boyfriend's apartment, excited to celebrate our one-year anniversary, only to find his pale ass in the air as he pumps himself into a strange lady underneath him.

The thought of smashing my violin on his head is tempting, but I have a solo performance in an hour. What if his dense skull breaks it?

No.. I don't care.

I drop the gift bag, my hands shaking as I remove my violin from its case. I raise it, ready to strike the back of his head. But just as I'm about to swing, the girl beneath him screams like a banshee.

Nate's eyes widen, his face pale and horrified, as he turns to stare at me. "Jas!"

A pained, deranged smile curls onto my lips. "Hello, babe,"

"It's... It's not what you think!" Nate pulls out of the lady, scrambling to his feet and hastily putting on his pants. He points at the terrified-looking girl on the cushion. "I don't even know her!"

The typical denial.

The girl's face twists in anger as she glares at Nate. "We've been dating for a year! Today's our one year anniversary, Nathaniel!"

My heart constricts painfully. "Ouch!" I step back, placing my violin in its case.

"No... she's lying!" Nate claims, but I know better.

He rushes to me, grasping my arm. "Jas... Babe,"

His touch ignites rage within me. I land a punch on his cheek, sending him crashing to the floor.

"Are you kidding me?!" I yell, clutching my violin case tightly to my chest as helpless fury overwhelms me.

Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! I hate this feeling!

"You are dating someone else, and today's your anniversary with her?" A bitter, pain-filled laugh escapes my throat as I see rage in Nathaniel's eyes. He's mad about the punch, not remorseful for cheating on me.

The girl's voice trembles. "Wha.. What is he talking about, Nathaniel? Are you really dating someone else while dating me?" Her eyes flashes with hurt and anger, mirroring my own.

Nate looks between us, frowning deeply. "What are you going to do? Leave me?"

I nod, my heart still aching. "What do I expect? You're an asshole who gets off on hurting me. It was only a matter of time before you'd make this kind of mistake."

My phone buzzes in my pocket, but I ignore it. I glance at the girl, now dressed, and offer a sympathetic shrug. She smiles painfully, and I turn to walk away, heading for the door.

One year. One whole year wasted. Now I'm consumed by regrets. I shouldn't have left home after high school two years ago. If I hadn't, I wouldn't have met Nathaniel, and I wouldn't be feeling this crippling hurt and rage.

My stepfather, Finn, will have a field day if he finds out. He always said I was a spineless, depressed, antisocial freak who couldn't survive in this messed-up society, especially since I'm gay. I know he'll relish the opportunity to beat me down, just like he always has since he married my mom.

"But I don't want it to be over!" Nate's angry voice erupts behind me as I clutch the door handle.

Here it comes.

Nate rushes towards me and lands a vicious blow to my stomach, sending me crashing to the ground. I struggle to breathe, pain radiating from the impact.

His girlfriend screams, "What are you doing?!"

"Think you can just walk away?" Nate sneers, kicking me in the stomach again. I double over, coughing as pain tightens in that exact spot.

"You think you can leave me?" He kicks me once more, bursting into laughter.

I grab his ankle, glaring up at him with murderous intent. "Fuck you!" I yell, yanking his leg harshly. Nate crashes to the floor, groaning in pain, his green eyes flashing with resentment.

I struggle to my feet, clutching my stomach, and send a furious glare to his girlfriend. She stares at me with tear-filled eyes. "Leave him while you still can. If he can cheat on me, he'll do the same to you."

I snatch the half-smoked joint from the table and walk out of the apartment without looking back. Damn it, I'm so pitiful.

Arriving at the parking lot, I hop onto my bike and pull out my phone. The earlier buzz was a message from Kiara, my older sister.

{Nagging Demoness: Hey bro, are you busy? I wanted to send this message to you since this morning, but I've been busy all day. I'm getting married, and we're having dinner and an introduction with his family at the house. I'd like you to attend. It's at 9:00 pm.}

I glance at the time. 8:00 pm. It's a one-hour drive to the house. "Guess I'll have to miss my solo performance." I shove my phone into my pocket and put on my helmet. Better not disappoint my sister, especially after disappointing myself today.

~

Parking my bike in front of the garage, my eyes wander to the sleek black cars parked outside. Is my sister marrying billionaires? Can't wait to meet my in-laws.

As I place my helmet on the bike, the hairs on my body stand up. I feel a prickling sensation on my back. I'm being watched.

Stiffly, I turn to face the yard, my eyes locking onto a tall silhouette standing motionless. He must be around 6'3. I swallow hard. Is this Kiara's fiancé?

"Um... Hello?" I wave awkwardly, trying to break the silence.

But instead of a warm greeting, a familiar voice slices through the air, dripping with spite. "I didn't know you were so rich, loser."

A type of rage, long dormant, erupts within me. I clench my teeth and fists, my heart racing. "What the fuck are you doing here, Rhys Volkov?"

The silhouette steps into the light, revealing two familiar dark gray eyes that are burning with contempt. "Your sister's engaged to my cousin," he explains, his tone dripping with superiority. "I only came because he showed me her picture... and there you were, brooding beside her, the same old loser."

Huh?

For some reason, I can't speak.

My high school bully, the one person I'd hoped to never see again, is standing in my home, his presence sending my anxiety soaring.

Rhys looks... different. More handsome. His angular face is more defined, and his auburn hair is enticingly ruffled, as if he's been running his fingers through it often.

What am I doing?! I mentally slap myself.

"I don't want you in my house," I grumble, attempting to walk past him.

But Rhys snatches my arm, drags me back, and slams my back against the garage door. He cages me between his arms and his commanding body. Unlike with Nate, I don't feel helpless.

Rhys's presence stirs something else.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" My voice is a low growl. Almost embarrassing.

Rhys's voice is deeper, rougher, and heavy with danger. Fuck! "It's been two years since we last saw each other, loser. I'm here to make you kneel before me."

"Kneel?" My mind blanks for a moment. But clears up quickly.

"Keep dreaming, asshole." I pat his arm gently, rolling my eyes. "Keep dreaming."

Rhys frowns deeply, leaning his face close to mine. My guard drops, and my heart rate spikes.

Still, I find myself asking, "Why... Why do you always look at me like I ruined your life?"

Rhys's crimson lips part, mere inches from mine. "You..."

Just as suddenly, Kiara's voice interrupts, "Rhys? Is that Jasper's bike? Tell him to come inside! Dinner is ready!"

Those soft looking lips curl into a mischievous grin, sending a shiver down my spine. "Okay, Kiara!" Then, his eyes narrow, glinting with challenge. "Will you kneel?"

I frown, unease creeping in. "No."

"Good." His grin widens.

I'm doomed.