Chapter One
Haven
“Shit. I’m a fucking cliché.” I drop my suitcase and lean against the doorframe, staring at my boyfriend's ass as he pounds into my friend. “Really? My best friend?” Brian pulls out of her, landing in the middle of the bed, his eyes wide. Okay. She’s not really my best friend. She’s more of a friend of a friend. But still.
“Haven, what are you doing here?” Brian asks, scooting across the mattress.
“That's your response?” I hiss, crossing my arms. Jenny or Jenica or Jamie…whatever… struggles to sit up.
“I thought you were going out of town,” he mumbles, almost falling off the bed as he reaches for his pants.
“That was the plan,” I sigh. Brian isn’t the love of my life. Recently, I wasn’t sure if I even liked him. This incident puts himsolidly in the dislike category. “I thought I would say goodbye in person. My mistake.” I glare at him as he hops into his pants, secretly hoping he will zip his cock in them. Brian has bright blonde hair, blue eyes, and a strong jaw. He’s attractive, fit, and pulled my chair out on our first date. We’ve been seeing each other for a little over two months. I’m super glad I haven’t slept with him yet. Something was holding me back. Apparently, I need to trust my gut more often.
“Listen, she just—”
“Please.” I hold up my hand. “Just stop if you're going to use any of the following excuses.” I lift one finger. “You were drunk.” Another finger. “She came on to you.” Another finger. “I don’t put out, so what was a man to do?” I raise my middle finger. “She conveniently fell on your dick, and you were trying to shake her off.” He stares at me, his mouth opening slowly. He thinks better of it and doesn’t speak. “Jenny, would you cover your breasts, please. It’s creeping me out. I feel like they are staring at me, judging.”
“It’s Jenica,” she whispers, but yanks the sheet over her.
“Does it matter?” I ask, and she lifts a bare shoulder.
“Haven, can we talk calmly?” Brian says, taking a step forward.
“Considering the circumstances, I think I’ve been fairly calm, Brian,” I grit out. “Obviously, we are officially breaking up. I can go, and you can continue to bang my friend.”
“We’ve met twice,” Jenica mumbles, and I roll my eyes.
“Girl, it doesn’t matter. Did you know I was dating him?” I ask, and she lowers her eyes. “Exactly. If he did this to me, what makes you so special that he won’t move on to bigger and better next week?” She presses her lips together and studies the blanket. I should have known something was off with her when she sent a friend request to all my socials and spammed my accounts. I’m glad I don’t put anything personal on my page. I'll be blocking her account today.
“You don’t need to lecture her,” Brian says, and I grind my teeth.
“You know what? I don’t.” I straighten, pointing at him. “Have at her. I don’t care. I can walk away knowing I dodged a bullet. Have a great life. You aren’t worth it.” I pivot and grab the handle of my bag.
“Your dad was wrong. He thought you would be grateful for my attention.” I freeze. “Two months. Two months and all I get is a few kisses and a handjob. You aren’t worth it.”
“Excuse me?” I whisper, turning to face him. “You know my father?” Brian comes toward me, a sneer on his pretty face.
“He had to bribe me to go out with you. The promotion wasn’t worth the trouble.” He stops in front of me with a smug smile.
I take a deep breath.
“You work for him.” I don’t need his nod of confirmation. I'm not on the best of terms with my entitled, rich, abusive, judgmental asshole of a father. I had no idea that Brian was another way he could attempt to control my life. I wish I could be there when he finds out he failed. “Pretty proud of yourself, huh?” I tilt my head.
“You're the one who fell for it,” he snorts.
“You’re right. I did. I thought you were just a regular guy who couldn’t turn me on enough to want to fuck you.” His face reddens. I smile, and his eyes flare. “I should just let this go. But I can’t.” I ball up my fist, surge up on my toes, and let it fly. Pain radiates up my arm as my knuckles connect to his nose. Blood flows steadily while I drop back, trying not to cringe. Brian whimpers, covering his nose.
“You fucking bitch,” he cries, and Jenica shrieks.
“Tell my father to fuck off. Have fun with him.” I ignore my stiff fingers and wave at her, wiggling them. She narrows her eyes, and instead of humility filling her features, anger lines her face. I turn on my heel, swiping my bag with my uninjured hand,and storm out. Slamming the door behind me, I move quickly out of the building.
Prick. Stupid men. I’m swearing them off. No more.
I make it to my car and shove my bag into the back seat. Dropping into the driver's seat, I reach for my phone while blowing on my swollen fingers as if it'll help. I thought there was something wrong with me. My plan was to surprise him by putting off my trip by a day, spend the night with him, and try to feel something. How did I not see what an ass he is? I call my brother, fuming.
“Haven,” he answers.
“Did you know?” I ask harshly.
