Page 112 of Please Hate Me

Her midnight-colored hair fell to the side as she cocked her head. My pulse quickened, and the gross feelings that bubbled up at the mere thought of Sebastian had all but vanished. What I told her was true; I liked to get to know someone before I laid with them. After my first encounter with Mason, I’d asked myself countless times why she’d been the exception to that rule.

“Exactly how am I different?” she inquired.

Howwasn’tshe different? Mason had this uncanny way of disarming people; to say her smile lit up the room would be an injustice. Entire solar systems could form around the brilliance of her genuine smile. A lump formed in my throat as I fought to come up with a rational response.

Finding none, I was forced to tell her the truth:

“I think fate wants you in my life.”

She put her hand on my cheek, her smile shrinking but not dimming in the slightest, and I wondered if she felt the same.

The way Mason looked at me made me feel seen. Like she wasn’t just lookingatme; she was lookingforme. And part of me was afraid of what she’d find if she searched for too long.

She inched closer, and I thought she’d kiss me again. Every part of me ached for her in ways that barely made sense. My eyes shut, and I leaned in, prepared to accept anything she was willing to offer.

It was more than a little shocking when her lips barely graced the tip of my nose.

My eyes shot open just in time to see her pull away. I wanted to grab her by the waist and demand she kiss me the right way, but there was something so damn sweet about what she’d done, I couldn’t bring myself to be stern with her.

“I’m going to go get Sebastian. I’ll be back,” she promised.

I didn’t want to sit on the bed with Sebastian; that’d be like rubbing elbows with the devil.

But, as I watched the two of them from the comfort of my rocking chair, I noticed he wasn’t acting like the man I’d been butting heads with. His posture was more relaxed, less menacing, and the way he looked at Mason almost made him seem... human.

In spite of his relaxed demeanor, he seemed uncomfortable. He kept fixing his hair and fiddling with his glasses to keep from making eye contact with me. When his gaze did meet mine, his face would flush, and he’d have to look away. Mason rested a hand on his thigh, and he instantly grabbed it before pressing her knuckles to his lips.

Of all things, why didthathave to make me jealous?

“So… Mason says you have something to tell me.” I tried to keep the disgust from creeping into my tone.

Sebastian nodded, barely looking up.

“Sorry, this is really embarrassing.” His apologyalmostsounded genuine enough for me to believe it.

He continued, “Princess, would you be able to give us time? Just Cameron and I? I think it’ll be easier that way.”

Mason’s eyes widened just a hair before she nodded. “Of course. If you need anything, text me.”

She used his knee to steady herself as she stood, then gave him a kiss that lasted slightly too long for my liking. My heart lurched, and I wanted to demand a kiss of my own. She owed me one from earlier anyway. Instead, I only got a small wave as she walked out, shutting the door behind her.

The second Mason vanished, the man before me began transforming into the Sebastian I knew and hated. His gaze darkened, and his posture straightened. Sebastian wasn’t a small man in any sense of the word, but the sudden confidence in his stance made it feel like he’d doubled in size. His sheepish expression morphed into a sinister one, and a chill ran down my spine.

“You’ve piqued my interest, Cameron Cole.”

My stomach flipped, and an unexpected rage burned in me.

“Being bisexual ain’t a joke,” I warned. “Whatever it is you’re trying to pull, kindly leave my sexuality out of it.”

Sebastian gasped before laughing. “You think I’m joking?”

My jaw clenched, and I nodded. Of course, I’d have sympathy foranyonewho was forcibly outed in mixed company, but the timing was suspicious. Everyone was watching; it was like he’d orchestrated a spectacle to make us all feel bad for him. Maybe the rest of the house believed this ridiculous farce, but I didn’t trust Sebastian.

My mattress creaked as Sebastian stood. The ancient wood floor protested every step he took as he stalked toward me. I dug my nails into the wooden handles of my chair with enough force to turn my knuckles white. Suddenly, he gripped my hands, bringing his face level with mine. He was so close I could smell his cologne: citrus, with a hint of something bitter.

“I can assure you; my sister’s lack of tact is out of my control. Unfortunately, this whole ordeal was just as surprising to me as it was to you.”

I shook my head. “Why should I believe a damn thing you say?”

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