Page 33 of Sexploitation

The cold airstings my cheeks as I run down the street, my pulse racing as the neon bar sign hanging outside the White Rabbit comes into view. An hour ago, I was sitting on my couch in a pair of pajamas, eating day-old pizza and watchingRockin’ New Year’s Eveall alone.

Josie invited me to come to her house and bring in the New Year with them, but we both knew she’d be passed out by eight. And even if she did manage to make it to midnight, I had no interest in being a third wheel all night.

I thought about trying to find a date. Or going out to some club or bar to pick someone up for the night. But the promise of mediocre sex with some drunk asshole wasn’t enough to get me out of my apartment.

That’s when I realized, Josie was right. I’m depressed.

Then I got angry. Really fucking angry. Irrationally angry.

And that’s how I ended up here, standing outside Elias’s bar, dressed to kill.

This is all his fault. The cocky, arrogant bastard.

I hate him for making me feel this way, and I came here to tell him exactly that.

My hands are shaky as I pull open the door and walk inside, my steps slow and unsure. The place is packed even more than usual, but I fight my way through the crowd to get to the bar. A wicked grin spreads across Krista’s face when I step up to the bar, her head jerking toward the other end of the bar. My gaze moves in that direction, my heart fluttering as it lands on Elias.

God bless. He looks good. The black turtleneck sweater he’s wearing hugs his sculpted frame in the best way, the sleeves pushed up just enough to reveal his tatted arms.

The woman he’s talking to places her hand on his arm, leaning in to get closer while she laughs at something he said. Jealousy coils in my gut as I make my way over to them, my fists balling at my sides. It’s only minutes until midnight. She’s probably hoping to kiss him, but I’ll be damned. Her paws are still touching him when I get across the room, neither of them seeming to notice me until I tap her roughly on the shoulder.

She swings her head in my direction, eyes narrowed and lip snarled. “Can I help you?”

“Yeah, you can go find some other man to sink your claws into. This one is taken.”

“Excuse me?” she scoffs.

I step closer, invading her space. “Get. Lost.”

She rolls her eyes and walks away, feigning pride with the lift of her chin. Nervous energy courses through me once she’s gone, the air in my lungs still as I face him.

“Peach?” His eyes roam down my body, the corners of his lips slightly curving as his gaze locks on mine again. “What are you doing here?”

I take a deep breath, placing a hand on my hip. “I came here because there’s something I need to say.”

“All right, let’s hear it.”

My stare roams around the crowded bar before settling on him again, butterflies flapping around in my stomach. “I...” I clear my throat, trying desperately to hold onto the anger that drove me to come here. “I came to tell you that I... I hate you, Elias Jackson.”

His brow furrows as he scratches his beard. “You came here, on New Year’s Eve, to tell me you hate me?”

I give him a curt nod. “Yes. I hate everything about you.” I point at him as he bites back a smile. “I hate your stupid, handsome face and the way that dimple on your right cheek pops out whenever you’re trying to hide your smile.”

He barks out a laugh. “I can see why that would be an issue for you.”

“It’s the worst,” I confirm. “And I hate that you seem to know how to fix everything and the way you’re always trying to take care of me.”

“Yeah, I sound like a real asshole.”

“Exactly,” I chirp. “And I hate that you always offer me your shirt when I’m cold, and the way your earthy scent lingers around my apartment for hours after you’ve left.” His head tilts, the softness in his eyes causing a thump in my throat. “I hate how safe you make me feel and the way I miss you when you’re gone.” There’s no fire behind my words now, my voice quavering. “But mostly, I hate you for being so perfect and making it impossible to hate you.”

“So... let me see if I got this right...” My head spins as he inches closer, every part of me desperate for his touch. “What you’re saying is...” His hands land on my hips, heating every inch of my body as they tug me closer. “You don’t actually hate me at all.” He leans in, bringing his mouth dangerously close to mine. “What you’re saying is...” Goosebumps break out on my skin as his words brush across my lips, my eyelids falling. “You love me.”

My eyes fly open, my heart beating angrily against my chest. “Oh, fuck.”

He’s right. I’m stupid, crazy in love with this man. But I’m done running from it.

“Yes...” I breathe as everyone in the bar starts the countdown to midnight. “I love you, Elias Jackson.”

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