Page 333 of Hate Mates

Chapter Nine

MATTEO

“What the hell are you doing here?” Athena screeches, beating her small fists on my chest.

It doesn’t hurt, is no more than a mere irritation, but it angers me all the same.

Grabbing her by the wrists, I hold her arms down by her sides, restricting her.

“Hey man, what the fuck do you think you’re doing? Let her go?” Her date must have finally stepped out of his car, during the commotion Athena caused with her brat attack, and I somehow missed it.

He rounds the car, getting closer to us. My gaze flicks to him, cold, detached. He stumbles, scared, his palms landing on the hood of his car to steady himself as he withers under my cool gaze. Fucking pussy.

How didpiccola vampiroeven consider a man like him as a potential date?

“Leave,” I growl, my voice leaving no room for argument.

The asshole swallows, his eyes bouncing from me to Athena, silently asking her if she is okay.

Athena sighs, straightening in my hold and shooting him a soft smile. “I’m okay Henry. This is my best friend’s bodyguard, Matteo,” she lies. “He must have something important to speak with me about since he is acting like a neanderthal.” She laughs, trying to lighten the atmosphere, but I can tell it’s fake.

Shit.

Since when did I come to know Athena and her mannerisms so well?

“If-if, you’re sure?” he stutters, his voice hesitant. I can tell he doesn’t want to leave her alone with me.

Fucker doesn’t have a choice though.

Athena moves to take a step toward him, but I grip her harder, not letting her get any closer. I’m not being possessive. No way. I just know deep down she doesn’t like this guy.

“Positive. Matteo… he won’t hurt me.” I don’t miss the uncertainty in her voice.

Truth is, she isn’t sure whether that’s correct.

How could she be when I’m not even sure its true. Christ, I dislike the woman so much, ninety percent of the time my thoughts consist of wrapping my hands around her delicate neck and strangling the life from her.

“If you insist. I will call you tomorrow,” Henry says, but it’s more of a question.

“Okay.” Athena nods with a gentle, reassuring smile.

Henry glances between us one more time before slowly backing away and climbing in his car. Only when he has driven away, does Athena turn on me.

“What the hell was that, Matteo? Why are you here?” Her voice pitches to a shout, glare on her face, eyes narrowed. “I thought I made myself perfectly clear after you called me a whore,” she spits, looking at me with disdain as she takes a step back from me.

Glowering, I move into her, my hand snaking to the back of her head and gripping her neck.

My chest heaves. Athena’s breathing comes thick and fast as we study each other intently. Hate crackles between us, so tangible I can taste it.

And before I can stop myself, my lips smash to hers in a clacking of teeth and tongues. There is nothing but me andher.

I’m kissing the woman I despise most in the world.

Chapter Ten

ATHENA

What the hell is happening right now?

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