Heartless (Enemies to Lovers 1)

Carter’s eyes never leave mine as he takes a step closer to me. I hold my ground, determined to not show him how intimidated I really feel by him. He leans in really close and for one blinding moment I actually think that he’s going to kiss me. My heart starts to slam wildly against my ribs, and my stomach is engulfed by a wave of nervous excitement.

Instead of kissing me, he sniffs at me. I suck in a shaky breath as he pulls back.

“Smells like shit to me.” His words are cruel and each one stabs at my sense of worth. I can’t believe he just said that to me. Now I understand wh

at Evie meant when she said Carter is heartless. He’s not just cruel but an asshole as well. I know I shouldn’t let him get to me, but damn, it’s hard.

I drop my eyes from him and turn back to Rhett. Yeah, I’d rather face Rhett and all his flirting than the hatred I just saw on Carter’s face.

“What can I get you, Rhett?” I ask as I fight to keep control of my emotions.

I shouldn’t let Carter upset me. Hell, I’m not even sure why his words hurt so much. I’ve never cared before what people think of me. Besides, it’s not like he actually means anything to me.

“Yeah, babe,” Rhett says, and this time there’s no playful tone. He actually sounds sorry for me. “Let me have a burger and fries.”

“And to drink?” I keep my eyes on my notepad as I write the order down, thankful that I have a reason to not look at them.

“Just water.”

I walk away, fighting the urge to glance one last time at Carter. I need a moment to catch my breath.

***

It’s been a long day. Everything went wrong. My truck wouldn’t start this morning, then there was the thing with Carter. At least, Rhett didn’t give me any trouble when I brought his order to him. I even spilled a shake on a customer. Like I said, it’s been a long day.

Even though it’s past midnight, it’s humid which makes the walk home torturously long.

I’m halfway home when I hear music coming from a nearby house. As I get closer to the house where it’s coming from, I notice a bunch of cars parked in the driveway and on the pavement. It looks like someone’s having a party. It’s a wonder no one has complained to the cops, yet.

Most of the houses and apartments in this area are occupied by students.

I’m busy walking by the house when I hear some guy say, “Check it out.”

I don’t glance back but instead walk a little faster, not sure if they’re talking about me or something else.

I become hyper-aware of the footsteps behind me. Dammit, this is the last thing I need.

Someone grabs hold of my arm, swinging me around. My eyes dart over two guys as my breathing speeds up.

“What’s the hurry? Come hang with us,” the one holding my arm slurs.

Just great! Drunk jerks.

Panic starts to swirl in my chest when I realize how serious my situation is right now. I’m practically alone in the dark with two guys who have clearly had too much to drink.

I try to pull my arm free, not wanting to piss the guy off. When he tightens his hold on my arms, I calmly say, “I’m heading home. Just two houses away. I have people waiting for me.” I hope they fall for the lie.

The guy chuckles darkly, then looks at his friend. “You hear that? She has people waiting for her. How stupid do you think we are?”

“The jump from your ego to your IQ would be suicidal,” I snap, yanking my arm free.

The guy makes a grab for my arm again, and I just react. I bring my knee up and it connects hard with his groin. The force is enough to make him stagger back with a cry of pain.

I dart around and make a run for it while the one guy is clutching his crushed balls. At least, I hope I crushed them.

“Get the bitch!” The guy yells.

When I hear their footsteps slamming against the road as they come after me, fear explodes in my chest. I push my legs as hard as I possibly can, but their thundering steps keep getting closer.