Twisted Hate: An Enemies with Benefits Romance

“Still hate me?” I whispered, lacing my fingers with Jules’s.
Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she squeezed my hand. “Always.”

tenants must provide sexual services to the building’s owner every month to make up for their ridiculously cheap rent

I was somehow not surprised Jules had turned the tables on her would-be mugger. If she got kidnapped, the kidnapper would probably return her within the hour due to sheer irritation.

“Still hate me?” I whispered, lacing my fingers with Jules’s.

Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she squeezed my hand. “Always.”

I smiled. “Good.”

“There’s too much of the world to see first.” I rubbed my thumb over her hand. “And I want to see it all with you.”

A blush of pleasure climbed up her neck and over her face. “Is that a promise, Chen? Because I’ll hold you to it.”

I smiled, wondering how the fuck I ever thought Jules was anything other than my perfect match.

“It’s more than a promise, Red. It’s a guarantee.”

“In case it’s not clear, I fucking love you, Jules Ambrose, even when you drive me crazy. Especially when you drive me crazy.”

“That’s because you’re a masochist.” I couldn’t contain my smile. “It’s okay. I love you anyway.”

“So, the reason we’re here together is because, uh, we came together,” Jules said.

Alex sighed and rubbed a hand over his face.

“And the reason we came together is because…” C’mon man, it’s a Band-Aid. Rip that fucker off and deal with the consequences later. “We’re dating,” I finished.

Ava stared at us with a blank expression.

“Romantically,” Jules clarified.

“Boyfriend and girlfriend,” I added.

I would take a thousand fights with Jules over a thousand easy days with anyone else.

Because I didn’t want easy. I wanted her.

“My heart. My soul. My dignity. What do you want me to do, Jules?” His voice splintered into something jagged and painful. “Do you want me to fucking beg? Say the word, and I’ll be on my knees.”

“Promise me we’re real,” I whispered.