All Chapters of Love To Hate Me: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

"Are you just going to keep staring at him? Go to him, asshole." Luciano says, snatching the cigarette from my lips. I quickly retrieve it, my eyes narrowing warily."I'm... I'm going to do that, but not now," I say, trying to sound nonchalant.Luciano's face falls, his expression a picture of disappointment. "Not while everyone is looking."I'm not sure what comes over me, but I feel a sudden urge to laugh. It's a manic, unhinged sound, and it startles even me. But I quickly compose myself, take a long drag on my cigarette, and blow a stream of smoke directly into Luciano's face, my expression stern."I'm not ashamed or anything like that. I'm just... shy, I think," I admit, trying to downplay my feelings.Luciano's eyes widen in surprise. "You like him!" he exclaims, his voice a bit too loud for comfort.My body's immediate response is panic, and I find myself glancing over at Jasper, who's still engrossed in conversation with Keon. They're both staring at Jasper's phone, probably d

Damon takes a drag of his cigarette, his eyes fixed on the bloodied mace clutched in my hand. "Makar had a run-in with the Ravens last night," he mutters. "Seems they've gone to the Italians for help."I gaze at my bloodied hand, a grim smile spreading across my face as my bloodlust begins to subside. "Smart move, crawling under the Italians' feet," I say. "Father's been trying to avoid an all-out war between us."Damon's calculated eyes narrow, studying me intently. I can sense his unspoken questions, his attempts to unravel the complexities of my thoughts and emotions.I sit in the chair, the lifeless body of the Ravens' leader beside me, a gruesome note to the brutality I've unleashed. The Ravens think they can hide behind the Italians. "The war is inevitable now," I growl, my voice low and menacing. "I'm wiping out the Ravens completely. I don't care if they're in hiding. They tried to hurt my family."The words feel like fire in my throat, and I realize, with a sense of unease,

It's Asael's birthday today, and the party is tonight. But I'm not really concerned about the preparations because Asael made it clear he wants to handle everything himself.Right now, I'm at the company, signing documents my dad told me to take care of. I'm exhausted and grumpy, dreading the fact that this will be my life soon.Makar is lounging on the couch, his eyes sealed on his phone. He looks more conflicted than usual. "What's wrong?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.He looks up at me, his eyes wide with surprise, like he didn't expect me to ask. "Well, erm... My father wants me to do something that will prevent a war between us and the Italians.""What?" My phone buzzes, and I glance at the screen to see a message from Dad. [Arrange marriage.]"Well, that's unexpected." I look up at Makar, who forces a weak smile."I'm guessing you know what I'm supposed to do," He rises from the couch, storms out of my office, and slams the door behind him, screaming, "I'm getting married to a fu

"N..No. I can't do this." I break away from the kiss, tearing myself away from him. "Goddammit!"My heart is racing so fast I have to press my hand to it. "You have to stop messing with me, Rhys. If you want me, tell me and I'll stay with you. If you don't want me, I'll leave."Rhys yanks me forward, pressing my body against his as he wraps his arms around my waist, gripping my sweater tightly. I can feel his intensity, his desire to rip it off."Rhys." My body trembles, and I can feel his heart pounding against his chest, like it's trying to break free.I look up at him, his hair obscuring his eyes, but I can see them darkening in the dim light."Rhys," I whisper, my breath catching in my throat. "What do you want from me?"He leans in, his face inches from mine, our lips almost touching. Our breath mingles, and I can feel his heart beating in time with mine."Rhys." Tears prick at the corners of my eyes. Bloody hell! I just want to hear him say the words I desperately need to hear.

"Look at those wiggling fingers. Ya think he's awake?" Comes a distant voice, muffled by the darkness that surrounds me."Hey! You awake?" Another voice comes, echoing with laughter.I try to respond, but my lungs feel like they're on fire. I inhale deeply, the air burning my throat, and exhale sharply.The sensation is agonizing, but it's enough to spark my senses back to life."Bloody hell.." I try to move, but the familiar sensation of being tied to a chair stops me cold.Panic sets in, and I scream at the top of my lungs. "You fuckers don't know how to tie a rope tight?!"I thrash about, the tight ropes binding my hands to the armrests cutting into my skin. "Fuck!""We have a sharp mouth here, Brody," A gruff voice with a thick Irish accent growls in displeasure."He was screaming earlier. He's such a pretty face. Why don't we take more fun in this before we cut him open?" Another voice chimes in, sending a raw chill down my spine.Oh shit! What have I gotten myself into? I rememb