Page 65 of Heartless Devil

“Yet, you’re finding yourself struggling to say no right now, aren’t you?” he says, stepping closer, invading my space.

I don’t say anything. I don’t have to. He already knows he won. As much as I hate him, there’s still that part of me that’s drawn to him.

“It’s only temporary, princess,” he whispers, leaning down, his lips grazing my ear.

I’m ashamed that I’m immediately soaked just from his body being close to mine.

I turn my head away––anything to keep from looking him in the eye.

His fingers grip my chin, forcing me to look in his direction.

“Admit it. It will be fun.” He smirks, his eyes darting to my lips.

Just when I think he’s going to put me out of my misery and kiss me, his phone rings, forcing him to step away and pull it from his pocket.

Jesus Christ, Charlotte. Get yourself together.

“Hey, man. Yeah. I think I found somewhere to crash. No, I’m not telling you,” he says to whoever is on the phone, before walking out of the kitchen.

What the fuck is wrong with me? This was supposed to be my uncomplicated year. A year spent with Cam. A year spent having fun before it’s all ripped away from me.

Cole comes strutting back into the room a couple of minutes later, just like he owns the place.

“What am I supposed to tell my parents when they show up and you’re just living here?” I ask, hand on my hip.

“Please, don’t try to act like your parents are ever here. I know better,” he says.

He’s not wrong. My mom hasn’t been here in a couple weeks. She’s got everything in order for me once I graduate, so she’s done bothering me for the moment.

“Come on,” I say, sighing, leaving the kitchen.

“Where are we going?” he asks, following behind.

“I’m going to show you to your room. Surely, you didn’t think you’d be sleeping with me?” I say.

“Why not? That could be fun.”

“Fuck off, Cole,” I say, ignoring his laughter.

I pick the room upstairs furthest away from mine. I’d do anything right now to put some distance between the two of us. The last thing I need is to be sucked into the trouble that comes along with him again.

“Do you have any stuff?” I ask, leaning against the doorway.

“Yeah. I’m going to get it later. I don’t want anyone to know where I’m staying, not even Tyler. So I’m going to grab it myself,” he says, walking around the room.

“This is a bad idea,” I tell him.

“Bad ideas always end up being the most fun,” he says, smirking.

Chapter Sixteen

COLE

I’ve got myself into some shit. Thankfully, I had the brilliant idea to crash with Charlie. No one would ever suspect it. Plus, I’ll still be able to fuck with her. It’s a win-win situation.

I won’t even deny that I hadn’t been missing her. I’d never admit that out loud, but the feelings are clearly there.

I watch her shake her head before walking out of the room. I knew it would be easy to convince her to let me stay. Charlie might seem like she doesn’t give a shit about people, but she does. She’d do anything for anyone.

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