How To Love Your Wife – Chapter 7&8

HOW TO HATE YOUR HUSBAND 2

HOW TO LOVE YOUR WIFE

How To Love Your Wife – Chapter 7&8

[𝑩𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝑹𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒔 & 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒔 ]

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆- 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍.

☆ 𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍 𝒃𝒚 𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆. ☆

©𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

[𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐲 – 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐭𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚]

Ashton stirred awake, muscles aching deliciously from the marathon of fucking with half a dozen women the night before.

Exhaustion clung to him like a heavy fog, but sunlight filtered through the silk curtains, warming his skin.

He sat up slowly, sheets pooling at his waist, and his gaze locked on Rias emerging from the en-suite bathroom.

Steam trailed her like a lover’s whisper, her body wrapped in one of his oversized white shirts—unbuttoned just enough to tease the curve of her breasts, thighs bare and glowing.

“You’re up,” She murmured, voice soft as morning dew, eyes lighting with that smile that always undid him.

“What time did you slip in?” Ashton asked, voice gravelly with sleep, reaching out a hand.

“This morning.” She padded closer, the shirt riding up her hips with each step, her scent wrapping around him.

She perched on the bed’s edge, fingers tracing lazy circles on his thigh.

“Sorry I ditched you yesterday,” She whispered, leaning in, lips brushing his jaw.

“It’s okay, love. Not mad at all.” He cupped her face, thumb stroking her cheek, pulling her into the warmth of his chest.

Her body melted against him, soft and perfect.

“Wanna go out today? A date perhaps?” Her eyes sparkled, hopeful.

“Sure, where do you wanna go?” He grinned, nuzzling her neck, inhaling her deeply.

She pouted playfully, straddling his lap, the shirt gaping open to press her bare skin to his. “Beach or a fancy restaurant downtown?”

His hands slid up her thighs, gripping possessively, thumbs teasing higher. “Beach for sure, wanna see you in a sexy bikini. Or restaurant later on?”

She rocked gently against him, eyes sparkling, affectionate. “Beach sounds perfect.”

“Okay then.” He chuckled, nipping her earlobe.

“Wait up… I just showered,” She giggled breathlessly, as his lips trailed her throat.

“Shower again,” He murmured huskily.

Ashton captured her lips in a slow, deep kiss, their tongues tangling lazily, hands roaming her back, pulling her flush.

She sighed into him, fingers threading through his hair as she mo@ned.

__________
[𝐑𝐘𝐔𝐊𝐀𝐈]

The large mahogany table was spotless, the dim lights reflecting off the polished surface.

Romeo sat on one side, pen in hand, Hunter beside him, while Zhou leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, watching with a calculating gaze.

Lin sat at her father’s side, legs crossed, her fingers idly tracing the edge of the table.

“Once this is finalized,” Hunter began, “Your operations will have access to our piers and contacts. All shipments go through our channels. Weapons, logistics, everything. At the end of each month, the profits will be split fifty-fifty.”

Zhou raised a thick finger. “Fifty percent? I’m not giving you half. Forty percent is more than fair for us.”

Romeo didn’t lift his eyes from the papers. His signature paused, and his hand hovered above the ink.

“Forty isn’t acceptable. We handle the operations, we handle the risk. Fifty percent is fair. Take it or leave it.”

Zhou’s jaw tightened. “I suppose we have no choice if we want this alliance. Fine, fifty percent.”

Romeo nodded, putting his pen down and signing the final line with precise strokes.

Hunter signed beside him, his expression calm but deliberate. Zhou finally leaned forward, signing as well.

Lin didn’t move from her chair, but her attention hadn’t left Romeo.

Every so often, she would tilt her head, letting her hair brush past her shoulder, or shift her leg slightly, subtly crossing and uncrossing it to draw his eyes.

A playful smile lingered on her lips as she winked at him, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. It was deliberate, teasing, like she was playing a game only she knew the rules to.

Romeo’s eyes flicked to her once, then back to Zhou, expression unreadable, though a small twitch at the corner of his mouth betrayed a fraction of awareness.

With the last signatures done, Hunter extended his hand. “Then it’s official. Welcome to the alliance.”

Zhou leaned forward, a rare smile cracking his serious face. “Pleasure doing business, Mr. Dragoni.”

Romeo stood, his presence commanding, and shook Zhou’s hand firmly. Hunter followed suit, then Romeo extended a hand toward Lin.

She took it lightly, her grin mischievous. Their hands lingered just a moment longer than necessary before Romeo let go, his posture straight.

Lin’s eyes followed him as he stood back, the small wink she gave him unnoticed by everyone else in the room.

She knew the game, and she was going to enjoy every move.

—
“Hi there, Romeo.” Lin bit her plump lower lip, clutching his muscled arm, nails digging in just enough to tease.

“I’ll see you later, bro.” Hunter shot Romeo a knowing smirk and sauntered off with Zhou’s men.

Romeo eyed Lin, then her hand gripping him like she owned him—but damn if her touch didn’t spark something dangerous. She wasn’t letting go.

“What is it?” He growled, voice low and edged.

“My name’s Lin.” Her eyes locked on his, bold and hungry.

“I know.” His gaze flicked over her.

“You even know my name.” She blushed, cheeks flushing pink, but her voice turned sultry. “So I’ll get straight to the point.”

Romeo arched a brow, intrigued despite himself.

“I like you. I want you as my boyfriend.” Her words hung heavy, laced with promise.

“Not interested.” He shoved her hand off, turning for the door—but she darted in front, blocking him, body inches from his heat.

“Move aside,” he demanded, jaw tight.

“You’re not ditching me that easy. I said I like you and I want you.” Defiance sparked in her eyes.

He tucked his hands in his pockets, stance cocky. “Prove it.”

Lin’s breath hitched. Slowly, deliberately, she arched her back, hands sliding up to squeeze her full, heavy br+sts together—plunging cleavage spilling from her tight top, nipples hardening visibly under the thin fabric.

She bit her lip harder, hips swaying as she pressed them forward like an offering. “You won’t regret it, I promise.”

Romeo stepped closer, towering over her, one strong hand snaking to her waist—fingers digging into soft flesh as he yanked her flush against him.

Her gasp melted into a giggle, giddy and breathless, as he spun her gently against the wall, lips brushing her ear.

“You’re one shameless sl+t, aren’t you?” he murmured, making her squirm and laugh in delighted shivers.

She liked how he called her a slut.

She dissolved into giggles, body buzzing, as his mouth claimed hers in a deep, devouring kiss, tasting her surrender.

His free hand slid down, cupping her ass firmly, squeezing it roughly.

Lin m0aned into his mouth, a throaty, desperate sound—heat flooding her, p+sy clenching and dripping wet, soaking through her p+nties.

Her knees buckled, weak and trembling, clinging to his shoulders as waves of need crashed through her.

He broke the kiss abruptly, eyes cold now.

“I don’t like girls without ass… or ones who throw themselves at men like cheap sluts.”

She gasped, stunned, chest heaving, lips swollen and glistening.

Romeo shoved past, striding out without a backward glance.

“I will have you, Romeo,” She whispered fiercely to his retreating back, fire reignited in her veins.

________
[𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐢’𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨]

Ginger knocked on Levi’s bedroom door, waited a moment, then pushed it open.

He was stretched out on the bed with his laptop beside him, earphones in. When he noticed her, he paused the track and pulled them off.

“I’ve been knocking for a while,” she said quietly.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t hear you,” he replied.

She nodded, standing by the door for a second before walking in and closing it behind her.

“Are you still mad at me?” she asked, her voice softer now.

“I know I sounded selfish and… I’m sorry. I don’t even know what got into me.” She pouted slightly, eyes searching his face.

Levi sighed and sat up. “I’m not mad at you. If anything, I should be the one apologizing. I shouldn’t have raised my voice.”

Her shoulders relaxed. “So we’re good now?”

He looked at her for a moment, then held out his hand. “Come here.”

She climbed onto the bed and curled into him, her arms wrapping around his waist. He hugged her back, one hand stroking her hair, pressing a small kiss to the top of her head.

“Let’s stop arguing all the time, okay?” he said quietly. “It really makes me sad.”

“Sure,” she murmured, then pulled back slightly. “So… when next are you and Sky practicing for your new song? I’d like to come and watch.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Really? I thought you didn’t like the idea.”

“Well,” she shrugged, forcing a smile, “I think I should.”

“This weekend,” he said. “We’re mostly going to start shooting the music video.”

“Okay,” she replied, leaning in to peck his lips.

As she settled back against him, her smile lingered a second longer than necessary.

An opportunity to see Sky… and maybe talk to him.

Just then, the doorbell rang, slicing through the charged air. They exchanged a heated glance, bodies still humming from earlier.

“You expecting someone?” Ginger murmured, her fingers trailing down his chest.

“No.” Levi’s voice was rough as they slid off the bed, his skin prickling with unfinished heat.

Downstairs, Levi yanked open the door and froze, pulse slamming.

“Martin?” Levi breathed, eyes widening.

“Hi,” Martin purred, voice low, ignoring Ginger completely.

His gaze raked over Levi like a predator sizing up prey.

“How’d you find me?” Levi whispered, throat tight.

“I have my ways.”Martin winked, lips curving wickedly.

“Babe, who’s this?” Ginger pouted. “Don’t remember any buddies.”

“This is Martin, a friend from the gym,” Levi lied, voice strained.

“Oh.” Ginger shrugged. “I’ll leave you two to it.” She sauntered out, hips swaying.

“Won’t you let me in?” Martin’s tone dripped invitation.

Levi scoffed but stepped aside, leading him to the cellar. The air grew cooler, thicker with shadows.

“Wine? And keep your eyes off my girlfriend,” Levi growled, heading to the cellar.

Martin shadowed him like smoke, close enough for Levi to feel the heat radiating off his body.

“Who said I’m after her?” Martin murmured, voice a dark caress against Levi’s ear. “I don’t give a f+k about her… when it’s you I want.”

Levi froze mid-reach for the bottle, heart thundering. He poured a glass with shaking hands, the liquid sloshing.

“What the hell do you mean?” Levi asked.

This is getting really creepy.

Martin closed the distance in a heartbeat, trapping Levi against the counter—hard muscle pressing into his back, hips pinning him flush.

Levi’s breath hitched, trapped in the intoxicating cage of Martin’s frame.

“I’m saying… it’s you I crave. Time to make that crystal clear.” Martin said.

Levi swallowed hard, Adam’s apple bobbing, heat flooding his veins despite himself.

“I still don’t get it.”

“You will.” Martin’s breath ghosted hot over Levi’s neck.

Then he spun him, crashing their mouths together in a brutal, devouring kiss—lips demanding, tongue thrusting deep with filthy intent.

Levi froze, shock igniting into fire as Martin’s hands gripped his hips, grinding them together, letting Levi feel every thick inch of his arousal.

“What the f+k dude!” Levi gasped, shoving him back, chest heaving, lips swollen and tingling.

“Still don’t get it?” Martin’s eyes burned, dark with hunger.

He lunged again, caging Levi tighter—mouth claiming him savagely, tongue f+king into his mouth while one hand tangled in Levi’s hair, yanking his head back to expose his throat.

The other slid down, palming Levi’s hardening cock through his jeans, squeezing with expert pressure.

Levi m+aned, low, broken, involuntary, his body betraying him as hips bucked forward, chasing the friction.

“Babe?” Ginger’s voice echoed faintly from upstairs.

Levi wrenched free, stumbling out of the cellar, face flushed, lips bruised.

“Y-yeah?”

“You look tense,” She said, frowning.

“I’m fine.” His voice cracked.

“I’ll step out for a bit.” She grabbed her keys and left.

Levi whirled back to find Martin lounging against the doorframe, grinning like sin—lips wet, eyes devouring.

“Get it now?”

“Martin… I have a girlfriend. I’m not gay. Get the f+k out,” Levi snarled, but his voice wavered, body still thrumming.

Martin prowled closer, towering, voice a husky promise.

“I know you’re not gay….yet. Won’t stop me from making you beg for my cock.” His gaze dropped to Levi’s mouth, then lower.

“Besides, that m+an? F+k, it’s music. You’ll be screaming it every night when I claim you, stretch you open, make you mine.”

He leaned in one last time, breath scorching Levi’s skin, before turning and striding out.

Levi slumped against the wall, frowning, wiping his lips but his tongue darted out, tasting Martin, his c+k throbbing painfully in his jeans.

“What the hell..!!”

________
[𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐢’𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧]

A soft knock echoed through the lavish masters bedroom.

“Lady Hinata,” The maid murmured, bowing low. “Someone’s here for you downstairs.”

Hinata sighed, smoothing her silk robe before descending the grand staircase to the living room.

Her eyes narrowed at the sight of Reiko lounging defiantly on the velvet sofa. She groaned, voice ice-cold.

“Reiko, please leave my house. I won’t repeat myself.”

“Big sis…” Reiko whimpered, eyes wide with feigned innocence.

“Don’t. Don’t even start playing the victim card right now.” Hinata’s fists clenched, fury simmering beneath her poised facade.

“I’m sorry for my attitude last night. I was just angry—didn’t know how to face you after all these years.” Reiko’s voice cracked, standing slowly, hands twisting.

“You’re sorry? Reiko, you’re never sorry. You’re selfish, entitled, heartless, and wicked.” Hinata yelled.

“Since we’re talking about this, let’s go on.”Hinata began.

” You were always jealous of me! Jealous of my beauty, my accomplishments, even that guys flocked to me. You hated me—you just wanted to be me!” Hinata’s voice rose, raw pain lacing every word.

Reiko’s face crumpled, tears spilling hot down her cheeks.

“Who wouldn’t feel like that? Even though Mom and Dad hated you, you still shone brighter than anyone—perfect grades, perfect body, perfect life. It hurt so much, Hinata! You rubbed it in my face, always showing off, flaunting your wins while I got nothing. Like I was invisible next to your glow!”

“So that’s why you did it?” Hinata’s laugh was bitter, venomous.

“That’s why you sent a bunch of men to rape me? Reiko, I was only 20, and you unleashed six animals on your own sister!”

Reiko flinched, but her eyes flashed defiance.

“What if Angelo hadn’t shown up that night? What if he wasn’t nearby after his Yakuza run, and we crossed paths by accident? What if he couldn’t stop them? I would’ve died…”

“So you then paid a wanted criminal to rape me too?” Reiko shot back, voice trembling with rage.

“You should be happy Angelo actually tried to stop me—I would’ve sent a hundred..!” Hinata snarled, stepping closer, eyes blazing.

“How could you do that to your little sister? I was only 18, selfish and stupid…” Reiko sobbed, collapsing back onto the sofa.

“Please shut up!” Hinata exploded.

“And what happened after you ran crying to Mom and Dad? They took your side—f+king took your side, and still demanded I stay away from Angelo, the only person who truly cared for me!”

Reiko looked up, shattered.

“That’s why I left. I left to be with him, build my family. A family without you or Mom and Dad in it.”

Hinata straightened, voice dropping to a lethal whisper, every syllable dripping with finality.

“As long as I breathe, I’ll never consider you my sister again. You’re dead to me, Reiko—get out of my house and my life.”

Hinata yelled and hurried upstairs. Immediately the door shut, She burst into tears.

“I hate you, Reiko.”

________
[𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 – 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲’𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧]

It was Rafael’s 66th Birthday.

The event hall overflowed with celebration—lots of guests and old friends filling every corner, laughter and clinking glasses echoing off gilded walls.

Hinata arrived with Angelo after a while. They went straight to Rafael with their gifts.

“Happy birthday, Dad,” they said warmly.

Hinata hugged him tight.

“Thank you. You two make me feel old,” Rafael chuckled.

“Aunt Hinata,” Rias smiled, walking towards them with Nancy.

“Hi Rias, how are you?” Hinata asked.

“I’m fine,” Rias replied.

Nancy greeted them too, and Hinata hugged her.

“Sorry we’re late,” Hunter said, walking in carrying Riri.

“Grandpa! Happy birthday,” Sasha hugged him.

“Thank you, dear,” Rafael said.

“Happy birthday, Grandpa!” Riri smiled, handing him her gift from Hunter’s arms.

“Thank you, sweetheart. You’re the cutest and most unproblematic one amongst them. I need more of you,” Rafael beamed.

“You will soon, Grandpa,” Rias teased.

“You planning on marrying Ashton?” Angelo asked.

“Of course I do. We’re just not ready yet,” Rias said.

Nancy rolled her eyes.

“Speak of the devil…” Nancy scoffed, walking away as Ashton entered the hall with Reiko.

“Happy birthday, sir,” Ashton greeted Rafael, then pulled Rias close, kissing her deeply. “Did you miss me?”

Hinata glared at Reiko and walked away too.

“You two should get married already,” Rafael told Ashton and Rias.

Ashton held Rias sweetly. “I’ll wait till she’s ready.”

Sasha looked at Rias and winked. Rias chuckled.

______

It wasn’t long before Romeo strode into the grand hall, Lin clinging possessively to his arm.

The entire Yakuza crew had scored invites thanks to the alliance—Lin was here in her dad’s stead, though she’d wasted no time latching onto Romeo the moment they both arrived.

They entered side by side and immediately spotted Ashton and Rias, hands intertwined, looking every bit the power couple.

Nearby, Hunter nursed a drink with Sasha draped casually over his shoulder. Hinata was off in the main building, babysitting little Riri and keeping her entertained.

“Hello, dear. Dear cousin,” Ashton said with a sly grin.

“Drop the act,” Romeo shot back, his voice flat.

Rias’s gaze flicked toward Lin, curious and appraising.

“Who’s she, Romeo?” Sasha asked, eyebrow arched.

“Hi there,” Lin chirped, flashing a too-bright smile. “I’m Lin, Romeo’s girlfriend.”

Romeo glared at her, shoving her arm off his body with a sharp jerk. “Will you respect yourself, Lin?”

“I guess you aren’t, then,” Sasha quipped, smirking.

Romeo’s eyes, dark and stormy, locked onto Rias. He stared—unblinking, raw hunger and annoyance etching lines across his face.

It was a look that stripped her bare, jealousy coiling like a serpent in his chest at the way Ashton held Rias, making his jaw clench and his fists tighten at his sides.

Oblivious, Ashton cleared his throat. “So, since we’re all here, Rias and I might be getting married.”

“Ashton,” Rias murmured, a warning in her tone.

“What, babe? They might wake up one day with an invite anyway. Best to get along, we’re all family now.” He squeezed her hand tighter.

Romeo didn’t break his stare. Rias glanced his way, then immediately looked away, gripping Ashton’s arm like a lifeline, her cheeks flushing.

Sasha and Hunter caught the exchange. Hunter clocked Romeo’s face, the flicker of sadness cracking through the mask, a momentary crumple of defeat before he schooled it back to stone.

Lin noticed too, her eyes narrowing. She grabbed Romeo’s hand, possessive again.

“Let’s get a drink,” she said, tugging him away toward the bar.

Hunter and Sasha slipped off into the crowd as well.

“Why’d you do that?” Rias hissed once they were alone.

“Do what?” Ashton blinked innocently.

“You were being insecure. Ashton, I’m your girlfriend, not some trophy you won. You don’t have to parade me like a prize whenever you see Romeo.”

“Sorry,” He murmured, pulling her close and kissing her softly.

_________

Tiago and Danzo nursed their second bottles of whiskey each, the amber liquid burning smooth as they lounged at the dimly lit round table in the back of the smoky bar.

Empty glasses cluttered the surface, laughter from earlier rounds fading into hazy tension.

Martin scrolled obsessively on his phone, eyes glued to videos of Levi—clips of him sweating at the gym, lips parted, body glistening under fluorescent lights in the dance practice, him shirtless.

Tiago snatched the phone mid-play, smirking. “Who’s that fine piece?”

“Give it back,” Martin growled, lunging half-heartedly, buzz making him sloppy.

Tiago tossed it to Danzo instead. Danzo’s brows shot up, pausing the video on Levi’s smirking face.

“Wait—it’s that idol guy, isn’t it? You really like him, Martin?”

“What? Why do I feel left out?” Tiago leaned in, incredulous. “You like guys now, Martin?”

“Anything wrong with that?” Martin shot back, voice edged with fire, snatching his phone but not denying it.

“Since when?” Tiago pressed, eyes narrowing.

“Since I laid eyes on him. Wanted to play it cool, just friends… but fuck that. I want more.” Martin’s confession hung heavy, gaze distant, hungry.

Tiago stared in shock, bottle frozen halfway to his lips.

“His lips taste fucking good too,” Martin added, licking his own with a wicked grin.

Tiago and Danzo’s eyes widened like saucers, jaws slack.

“So, you already kissed him? Dude, you’re fast.” Danzo barked a laugh, impressed and stunned.

Martin leaned back, swirling his drink. “Only one problem, gotta get rid of his girlfriend. They need to break up, that’ll be a clean slate for me.”

Tiago choked on his whiskey, coughing. “You’re plotting a breakup? Savage.”

Danzo grinned wolfishly. “Need backup? We got ways to nudge her out.”

“Nah. I think I’ll make him fall in love with me, while he breaks up with her himself.” Martin smirked.

__________
[An Hour Later – Rooftop]

Romeo strode up to the rooftop of the event hall, the cool night air wrapping around him as he pulled out a cigarette.

He was about to light it when he spotted Rias sitting on the rooftop platform, her face lit by the glow of her phone.

He flicked the cigarette away and walked over.
“Rias.”

“Hey,” she said, glancing up.

He stopped beside her and she rose, both of them leaning against the railing, the city lights stretching out below.

“Is it true? That you and Ashton are getting married?” He asked, voice low.

“Does it bother you?” she smirked, turning to face him.

“And if I say it does?” He stepped an inch closer, closing the space between them.

“Hmm. So are you going to stop my wedding perhaps?” she teased, but her eyes flickered with something softer.

“I can do that,” He said quietly, reaching up to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “You’re in no way getting married to Ashton.”

“I won’t watch you marry another guy,” He added, voice rough.

She swallowed as his fingers gently cupped her chin, tilting her face toward his.

“Do you know how jealous I felt when he said that?” He murmured.

“You? Jealous?” She asked, disbelief threading through her tone.

“Of course I was,” He said, letting his hand drop. “Did you think I was joking when I said I was into you? I really meant it, Rias.”

The air between them crackled, the rooftop suddenly feeling smaller, charged with everything left unsaid.

Right now, she felt only one thing for him. Disgust. He’s doing it, the exact same thing she did before.

He was also gonna get married to Bianca too, if she didn’t die, he wouldn’t be here rattling all this nonsense.

And how sure is she that he really meant it. After thinking of everything that happened between them, she just couldn’t see herself being with Romeo, no matter how her body wants him, her sould and mind will always object.

She then asked.

“Do you love me?” Rias asked, her voice soft like honey, eyes locked on his.

“Love is a strong word, don’t you think?” Romeo replied.

She tilted her head, playing innocent. “So, after all these years, you still don’t have feelings for me?”

“Hey… that’s not what I’m trying to say.” He reached for her hand, but she pulled back just enough to make him chase.

“I don’t think I should waste my time on you if all you’re looking for is a mere replacement for Bianca.”

The words slipped out of her mouth, and she watched him freeze, his face draining pale. Got you, she thought, a thrill twisting in her gut. Bianca is still a ghost he still probably couldn’t shake off.

“Shouldn’t have mentioned her,” Rias added, feigning regret, her lips curving into a pout. “She must still have an effect on you.”

“No, it’s fine. It’s been four years already and it doesn’t bother me anymore.” He forced a smile, but she saw the crack.

“So, why should I give us a chance… if you’re not sure of your feelings for me?” She stepped closer, voice dripping concern.

“I mean, you’re not trying to woo me just to get in between my legs, are you?”

“I have feelings for you… but the thing is, I don’t know what to label it. Definitely not lust? Desire? Admiration?… Love? You know I promised myself I wouldn’t commit to any other woman after she died.”

“What made you change your mind?” Rias pressed, her eyes wide, pulling him in like a trap.

“You.” His voice warmed.

“I got so excited to see you when I heard you were coming back to Tokyo. I thought you probably hated me because I didn’t love you back then… I just… I’m out of things to say. I know I shouldn’t be doing this considering we were divorced once…” He ruffled his hair.

Rias locked eyes with him, holding his gaze steady.

Why does he think he can waltz back into her life like that?

Hate boiled under her skin, hate for how he’d chosen Bianca, left her aching and discarded. Now he wanted easy forgiveness?

No.

“Sure,” She purred, voice velvet over steel. “We can definitely have something going on between us… but you must know I have some rules.”

“What is it?” He leaned in, eager.

“Can you do it?”

“What do you want, Rias? Name it.”

“You stay away from other women, ’cause you’re mine.” She paused, smirking. “Including Lin.”

“Lin is a tough one. You realize that, right? Not saying anything will happen between us, but she’s really gonna cling for a long time.”

“Okay, but you’re gonna have to stay away from f+king bi+ches.” She let the vulgarity hang, testing him.

He grabbed her waist, yanking her close, his breath hot.

“Does that mean you’ll let me f+k you?” His tongue flicked her earlobe.

She shivered, her body betraying her, heat pooling low but her mind stayed blank. Pathetic. He thinks this is winning.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself.” She shook her head.

“Is that all?” His hands tightened.

She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him flush, their foreheads pressing.

“I can have you whenever I want, and you’re gonna do what I say. That’s all the rules I have.”She said.

“I think I can do that.” Their lips brushed, breaths ragged.

Both of them trying to delay not kissing each other.

“You still gonna delay this?” He growled.

“Just for tonight. It—”

Her words died as he crushed his mouth to hers, a hot, desperate kiss, tongues clashing.

It was cut short cause they broke apart, gasping.

“F+k… I want more…” He buried his face in her neck, kissing hard.

She smirked, stroking his hair slow, possessive.

Now it’s your turn, Romeo. I’ll make you fall so deeply in love with me, crave me, obsess over me, lose your goddamn mind until you shatter.

And just like you didn’t reciprocate my love back then, I won’t reciprocate your love either.

You must be such a egoistic bastard to think you can actually have me back just because you’re lonely now. You actually think that because you’re an insanely hot guy girls fantasize over, you think I’ll do the same for you? A second time?

I can’t wait to crush that pride you have.

And yeah, just like you had someone you love back then, I already have someone I love. I love my boyfriend now, Romeo.

You’ll only be my toy, nothing more.

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