Page 1 of All Your Hate

PROLOGUE

WYNTER

Iwatch the clock shift to nine pm as I sip my coffee. I’d give anything to be tucked up in bed right now, but like usual I have to work.

ClubOnyxisn’t exactly where I saw myself working full-time. I should have graduated and found a job halfway across the world by now. Instead, I’m twenty-six years old and working behind the bar at a strip club.

Life goals achieved:zero.

It may pay well, but the hours are awful, meaning I can’t be here at night for my little sister, Summer.

With my third coffee of the night in hand, I head to the bathroom to finish getting ready for my shift. After taking a long sip, I brush my hair out and lament how my blue highlights have almost completely washed out, leaving just plain black behind. I can’t afford to get them redone anytime soon.

I fix it up into a high ponytail, then touch up my makeup. Heavy black eyeliner and bright red lips. I wish I could tone it down just once, but it’s expected of all the employees to put on a pretty face for the customers.

Makeup used to be a hobby of mine, but now it’s become a part of the uniform along with the tiny black shorts and tank top I have to wear no matter the season.

Tomorrow is my day off and I plan on wearing my pajamas all day with zero makeup while my sister and I have a girl’s day.

If I earn enough tips tonight we can get pizza as a treat and play video games on the couch.

Once I’m ready and my coffee mug is washed up, I poke my head into Summer’s room.

There’s a large glowing mound in the middle of her bed where she thinks she’s being sneaky hiding under the sheets as she plays on her handheld console.

Tiptoeing inside her room, I whip the blanket away. “What did I say about gaming this late?” I raise an eyebrow as I stare down at Summer with false disapproval.

It’s hard to stay mad at her. Especially when her smile shows off that cute little gap in her front teeth.

“But, Wynnie, I’m so close to finishing it!” She bats her lashes at me.

“That's a great big fib! I know there’s no actual end to that game. It's hours and hours of fishing and collecting bugs,” I tease her as I put my hands on my hips.

“There’s more to it than that.” She rolls her eyes at me and I give her the stern big sister look that I’ve managed to perfect over the years.

“Hand it over.”

“Ugh, fine.” She gives in, passing it over and flopping back down onto the bed. I set it down on her desk, then pull the covers up to her chin and perch next to her. As usual, I’m reluctant to leave. My shift starts in twenty minutes but Charlie, my best friend, is running late to babysit.

The restaurant she works at is on the other side of the city and we’re always cutting it close like this, but we somehow manage to make it work.

Her apartment is just across the hall from ours and we became friends when we helped her move in three years ago. Summer took to her straight away and didn’t give Charlie much of a choice in becoming part of the family.

Unfortunately, our shifts don’t always line up and I sometimes have to leave Summer by herself for a bit. She’s almost ten and likes to assure me she can look after herself, but I still feel guilty anytime I have to leave her.

“Charlie will be here soon and you better be asleep when she is. You know she’ll tell me if you’re still up and you know the rules.”

“I know. No video games past bedtime. I’m just not tired.” She pulls the covers up higher to hide her yawn.

“Sure, neither am I.” Stretching my arms above my head, I pretend to yawn and it turns into a real one. If only there was enough time to grab another coffee before leaving.

Quickly, I bring my arms down, taking Summer by surprise and making her squeal as I tickle her.

“Promise me you’ll at least try to sleep?”

“I promise,” she giggles.

“Pinky promise?” I hold my little finger out and she hooks hers around mine. Leaning in, I kiss her on the top of her head. Her soft brown hair smells like strawberries after her bath earlier and it brings a smile to my face. It reminds me of the good days with Mom and Dad before everything changed. “Is there something keeping you awake? Other than the video games?”

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