Page 326 of Hate Mates

“Well what, Matteo? As much as I’d like to, I can’t exactly tell Athena to fuck off. She is my sister’s best friend. Plus, we do business with her father.”

Groaning, I think back to a couple years ago, when it was Nico Athena had set her sights on. He shut it down pretty quickly, though thepiccola vampirowasn’t deterred. Up until a couple months ago, and even with a wife, she was still making remarks toward him.

Nico didn’t take too kindly to that. Not because it offended him, but he will not tolerate anyone disrespecting his wife. And that’s exactly how he took it. Athena disrespecting Ocean.

Safe to say, she no longer baits Nico.

No.

Instead, she turned her attention on me. Not that it got her very far.

Currently, neither of us can stand the sight of each other.

Dante clears his throat, his amusement fading. “As annoying as Athena is, she makes my wife happy. And I will do anything to keep my wife happy. For that reason alone, Athena is not going anywhere.” His tone leaves no room for argument. “Just ignore her,” he continues. “I mean, if the way she is glowering at you right now is any indication, she feels the same way about you, so it shouldn’t be too hard.”

Curiosity gets the better of me.

Without thinking twice, I follow Dante’s line of sight to where Athena reaches up, fingers grasping the marble edge of the pool, and pulls herself out, her gaze hard on me. Without taking her eyes off me, she strides to the lounger and snatches up her towel. On their own volition my eyes drop down her body, taking in what I can see of her toned stomach, round tits, and sun kissed skin.

Despite hating her, I would be lying if I said Athena Johnson isn’t attractive. She is. So fucking hot, I know without a doubt in my mind she would burn me if I touched her. I shake my head, ridding myself of the thoughts. What the fuck? I don’t think of her that way.

I hate her.

My gaze snaps to her face, jaw clenching when I see the challenging smirk gracing her lips. Thepiccola vampirocaught me checking her out. Well, good for her. I hope she enjoyed it.

It will be the last fucking time.

As if she can read my thoughts, her eyes turn hard, the glare I have become accustomed to back in place. My eyes narrow.

And because I feel like being an asshole, I curl my lip in disgust and throw a menacing scowl in her direction before turning my back on her, essentially dismissing the annoyance and getting back to business.

Chapter Two

ATHENA

That fucking asshole Matteo.

Who the hell does he think he is, looking at me like I’m no more than dirt on his expensive black Italian loafers.

Doesn’t he think the humiliation he bestowed upon me last month was enough? Now he has to glare or screw up his face like he is chewing on a lemon every time he sees me. It’s bullshit. I did nothing wrong to him.

Yes, I may have had a… little crush on him at one point. With his dark hair, a face that could easily top every most handsome male list, and over six-foot in height, who could blame me? Despite his less than friendly demeanor, he is every woman’s wet dream.

His obvious distaste for me might also be down to the fact I made my attraction to him clear, may have even thrown myself at him a time or two, but come on. None of that warrants his vile behavior toward me.

“What has you looking like that?” my best friend Allegra’s voice drags me out of my thoughts.

Glancing over at her, I force a smile. Though I act unapologetic and aloof, I would be lying if I said Matteo’s attitude toward me doesn’t hurt.

“Matteo. He was glaring at me like I am every bad thing that ever happened in his life.” I chuckle, despite the upset roiling inside me.

A frown covers Allegra’s stunning face as she looks over to where her brother, husband and my pain in the ass sit, deep in conversation. “I don’t get it. I have never seen Matteo show any… hateful behavior toward anyone. To be honest, he is usually so indifferent to people, never displays any sort of emotion. It’s weird, him acting this way with you.” She turns to look at me, her features serious, but her eyes hold sympathy. “Do you want me to talk to him?”

Chewing my lip in thought, I debate her offer for a second. It might help, Allegra speaking to him… But something tells me it’s pointless. I may not know him very well, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out Matteo is stubborn. He is the type of guy that once his mind is made up, it’s a done deal.

It’s a shame. I really believe we could have been explosive together. The tension between us is fraught, electric. That may be the hate manifesting, or even me being a little delusional. But it is what I believe all the same.

“Nah. Don’t worry about it.” I smile at her.

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