Page 75 of Shattered Hate

“You’ve had three.”

Daxton sits up sharply, twisting and staring down at me. “What?”

“The first guy who broke my heart,” I murmur, gazing up at him as the memories flood my mind. “That night at the hotel—that was the very first time I ever made love to someone,” I confess, “and you were the first boy I ever loved.” Daxton stares at me, a tear slipping free. It’s like he doesn’t know whether to cry or smile at the confession. A small smile breaks free on his lips, and I grab his chin, pulling him closer. “Ten.”

“What?”

“I make a mental list every morning when I wake up of things I want to complete during the day. Ever since the morning at the hotel, my list has been consumed of you. Today it was to make you smile ten times.” Another tear slips free again. “I don’t want to hurt you anymore, Dax. I just want to make you smile. I fell in love with your smile at the age of eleven. It’s something I don’t want to go a day without seeing again.”

Chapter thirty-eight

Daxton

When Trayton left my dorm room earlier today, I really believed it would be the final time I ever saw him. I thought it marked the end of it all, and even though that realization shattered me into unthinkable pieces, I also felt relieved to finally set down the burden I’d been carrying. Confessing to Trayton—even if it sounds strange—that I was the one who fell in love with him first brought a freedom I hadn’t expected. I had hidden everything behind a mask of hatred because admitting I cared and loved him hurt too much when I knew it would always be one-sided. That moment made me understand that love and hate are just two sides of the same coin, and until now, I never truly knew which side I was on.

I love Trayton King completely and unconditionally. I’m not sure where we stand now, but I know I’ll accept whatever he gives me, and it doesn’t matter how long it takes him to come to terms with it; I’m willing to wait. After all, I’ve already waited nearly ten years—what’s a few more? As I walk downthe corridor, I bite my cheek to hide my awkwardness as people stare at me, only to realize that I’m grinning like a loon. I try to hide my smile, but the butterflies won’t stop fluttering inside me. I have finally admitted it to myself. I have finally told him. God, I feel free.

While jogging down the stairs and out the front door, I start heading back to my dorm when my phone rings. Glancing at the screen, I see Trayton’s name, and despite trying, my smile just keeps growing. I answer shyly with a soft hi.

“Hey.” His reply is deep and husky, making goose bumps ripple down my back with its sleepy tone. “Do you want to grab something to eat in an hour?” I burst out laughing but swallow it quickly, not believing how giddy I feel.

“Yeah,” I reply, clearing my throat. “That would be nice.”

“Great,” he says, followed by a moment of silence. Then he adds, laughing, “Is it odd to say that I kind of miss you already?” He quickly corrects himself. “Forget that—I actually cringed after saying it.”

“I miss you, too… a lot.”

“Yeah?” he says happily.

“Yeah, Tray.”

“You could have taken a shower here—with me—it would’ve saved time.” His murmur is gravelly.

“Don’t tempt me,” I quip, knowing I’d be back in a flash, though it likely wouldn’t end with dinner—and I’m pretty hungry. A deep, chuckling grunt ripples through the phone, and I swear it sends a jolt straight to my cock.

“Quickly, get ready and be back within an hour,” he instructs before hanging up. I reach to put the phone away, but it rings again.

“If you keep chatting, it’ll take me longer—”

“Daxton,” Marley’s voice commands, sending a chill down my spine as it fills the line. In a burst of panic, I hang upimmediately and stare at the screen. A private number calls once more; I let it ring out as I carry on. Then a text pings.

Unknown number:

Look up.

My body stiffens, and I freeze where I stand, snapping my head upward. Scanning the area, my eyes catch him through the gate—he’s there, leaning against his car. Another text from the unknown number arrives:

Don’t leave me waiting. I will walk through that gate and come get you myself.

I know the threat isn’t empty. Marley would actually do it; he’s always acted above the law, convinced of his own untouchability and unconcerned with the damage he leaves in his wake. My entire body trembles as I take the first step toward him, knowing that this could very well be the biggest mistake I make.

Perhaps all he wants is to talk.

I glance around cautiously, making sure no familiar faces are about. The last thing I need is Trayton catching wind of this and thinking I’m back in bed with that life—he’d assume I’m dealing for them again. I’ve just got him, and I can’t risk losing him now.

You’ve been ignoring his calls—the very thing he told you never to do.

I square my shoulders and lift my head as I walk to Marley. I need to get this over with, absorb any blow he dishes out, and then figure out the excuse I’ll give Trayton. I only have to get this done, head back to my dorm to get ready, and then go on my first date with Trayton. Just the thought of that date sends a flurry of butterflies fluttering in my stomach. I can do this. Whatever Marley does, I’ll take it and walk away—just like I’ve done before.

---