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.”

It was a town of walking resumes and career climbers, and I wasn’t ashamed to say I was one of them. A good career meant good money, and good money meant security, shelter, and food on the table. If someone wanted to shame me for wanting those things, they could fuck right off.

wondered what secrets Jules was hiding beneath that party girl exterior.

And, more importantly, I wondered why I cared.

It was impossible for an actual human being to have hair that red, eyes that fierce, and curves that lush. Supernatural hijinks were the only thing that made sense.

“No, man. Those are succulents.” I lowered my voice. “A succubus is a demon that appears in the form of a beautiful woman to seduce men and suck the life force out of them. They’re supposed to be mythical, but…” I gestured in Jules’s direction. “She’s a real-life succubus. Don’t fall for her trap. There’s a vicious demon lurking beneath that pretty face.”

“I’m not in a relationship.” And I had zero interest in entering one anytime soon. Sex was just that, sex. Not a prelude to dating or matching couples’ outfits or whatever people were into. I made sure every woman I slept with knew the deal, because I didn’t believe in leading people on or giving them false hope.

For all his faults and fuckups, Alex really did love my sister. I wanted her to be safe and happy, and if she was safe and happy with him, then I could suck it up and act civil.

I stepped around Alex before he could respond and went straight to the bar, my throat and chest tight. He didn’t follow me, and I didn’t expect him to. He didn’t chase after anyone except Ava. It was the only reason I hadn’t put up more of a fight when they got back together.

I’d invited Alex into my home. Treated him like a brother. Shared secrets and advice and things I’d never told my own family. And all that time, he’d been lying to me. Using me.

Once, Alex and I had been best friends.

Now, we were strangers with only one commonality tying us together.

If it weren’t for Ava, I would happily never see or speak to Alex again.

At least, that was what I told myself.