Page 99 of Reckless Hate

“Who?”

Rishi grinned. “Avantika Patel and Abhiram Simha.”

Samantha hadn’t heard about it. She and Ved still didn’t discuss anything personal. She somehow managed to evade or change the topic each time he tried to say something personal.

Rishi continued to whisper. “I bet a hundred bucks to say those two will get engaged right after they graduate,” said Rishi.

Samantha raised an eyebrow. She had seen Abhiram Simha and Avantika on the campus. Anyone with eyes could see the two of them were crazy about each other.

Rishi grinned. “And I bet a thousand you and Ved Simha will end up together!”

Samantha’s heart jerked. “You’ll lose that bet. It’s only a hookup, and he’s known as the king of hookups.”

Rishi smirked. “I haven’t heard about him hooking up with any girl more than once. And he surely can’t keep his eyes off you. He’s practically eating you with his eyes right now.”

Her cheeks heated again recalling the text from before. Cursing her enemy once again, she continued to maintain a blank look on her face.

“Let’s talk about the patents,” she said. “I researched a few similar to ours.”

Rishi looked amused, knowing she was deliberately changing the subject. For the rest of their meal, they discussed patenting their fabric. Although she was the one talking, she was quite aware of her enemy’s gaze on her. And her phone continued to buzz with her enemy’s dirty texts.

The lunch session came to an end, and Rishi got up and left for his next class. Clearing up her plate, she was about to head to her next class when she heard a familiar girl’s voice.

She turned to see Avantika Patel.

“Hi, Samantha,” she said with a hesitant smile. “I’m not sure if you remember me. I’m Avantika Patel. We met at the commencement event and a few Eagles programs.”

Samantha nodded. “Yes, I remember.”

Avantika Patel bit her lip. “I know it’s none of my business and it’s a private matter, but Ved isn’t a bad person. He comes off as cocky and arrogant, but he’s actually avery sweet and considerate guy if you get to know him.”

Samantha’s felt her face heating. She recalled the previous night when the cocky and arrogant jerk made her beg and scream to get her off while he deliberately tortured her and kept her on the edge. Her enemy had been far from sweet or considerate.

“I know you both got off on the wrong foot… and he did some things to annoy you, but please give Ved a chance for friendship.”

Samantha knew the other girl was being genuinely nice and trying to be helpful. She nodded. “Fine.”

Avantika smiled again. And this time, it lit up her face. There was even a strange excitement in her eyes. “That’s awesome! I’m so happy!”

Samantha was about to leave when Avantika called her again.

“Uh… Samantha. Do… you mind if we catch up sometime for lunch or dinner?”

Samantha paused. She liked Avantika Patel and thought of her as sweet and friendly, but she wasn’t sure if she wanted to forge any more friendships.

“Sure,” she replied.

Once again, Avantika Patel smiled with excitement. “Great! I’ll plan something soon.”

Letting out a small sigh, Samantha headed to her next class.

Soon, she might have yet another friend. Her enemy was definitely a bad influence on her. He was making her break her self-imposed rules of no friendship or attachments.

CHAPTER 44

“Let’s go to the beach house.”

Samantha had to wait a while to catch her breath before she could reply. “No.”

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