NOW THAT I HATE YOU LESS

CHAPTER 6: ONE MORE CHANCE.

I felt better than I had in weeks, maybe even months. Twisting and turning on the bed, I felt a strong grip on my waist, caressing my hips smoothly. My eyes tore open open, scanning for the intruder behind those wonderful touches.

It was Alaric; my hero.

Just then, memories from the past night began flooding in, making my cheeks turn red. Ric had shown up at my apartment yesterday to check up on me, and right then, he seemed like the boy from my childhood days, the one who'd go through extra lengths just for me. I leaned in and inhaled his scent when I realized that I couldn't escape from him. He smelled like pineapples and everything sweet in the world, making me wonder why I let myself believe that he had changed.

"Looks like someone had a great night," his breath hot against my neck as he spoke. And in the next moment, he was trailing my neck with kisses, making me turn red.

"How long have you been awake?" I said, rolling away from him. Unfortunately, the bed wasn't big enough, so I fell butt flat on the hard floor, causing him to bark out laughter. I huffed with pride, slapping his helping hands away. I leaned against the stool beside me, trying to get a hold of myself.

The aftermath of last night dawned on me as I could barely walk. Ric looked at me tenderly, placing me on top of the bed again. His golden brown hair fell across his face as he leaned in to kiss me.

"I missed this." He said, his hands sliding under the new shirt I didn't remember putting on. I softly pushed him away with a pout. I already had enough from last night, and all I wanted to do was to sleep some more and more.

Ric left the room soon after and returned with a cup of coffee and pancakes. How he figured out my apartment remained a mystery, and I chose not to bother myself with it. I was endlessly scrolling on my social media handles as I ate slowly.

People really were wolves!

In less than twenty-four hours, I had gone from the world's most hated w***e, to their unfortunate princess.

Apology letters, encouraging texts and praises kept popping in. I dropped my phone with a sigh and looked over at Ric, who was engrossed in his laptop.

"M-mm,” I cleared my throat, seeking attention. “I think I'm ready to go to work now," I said, dropping my cleared plate. Ric glanced at me and shook his head, like he was looking at some 4 year old.

"What is it?" I asked, ready to snap at him if I got even the slightest sarcastic comment. "You're still weak. You look thin and pale," he said bluntly, his eyes still fixed on his laptop.

It was then that I had the chance to take a very good look at him. His muscles flexed from the compressor shirt he had worn, which looked like it was glued to his body. He looked attractive, but I shook off the silly thoughts that crowded my head.

"But what about the clients?” I asked, running my hands through my hair.

He was mute, a sharp smirk playing on his face.

"Not fair, the boss would get mad," I said under my breath, my tone laced with concern.

"He won't!” He turned towards me, looking really assured. “Plus, he even gave you an early summer leave," he concluded, his grin playing in full.

"Why are you smiling ?" I asked, having a bad feeling about the whole thing.

"Spend summer with me?" He asked, not an order this time, but a request.

I was surprised. No, I was confused instead. What if all these were one of his silly tricks, and I've been a clown all along?

The Alaric I knew was stubborn and arrogant. I found it hard to believe that he'd be this sweet without having some tricks up his sleeve.

Although he was working in my company as my co-worker, Ric was quite rich, which made me even more annoyed during our feud at the office. He never tried to show it, but his aura and aloof nature exposed him most of the time, and it made others afraid to approach him, except Steve, of course. But Steve was like a honey badger. He was chill with everything and everyone; content with being unnoticed, never involved in any of the workplace drama that usually went on.

"Why?" I mouthed subconsciously, but immediately regretted it as he stared at me with hurt in his eyes. I knew I couldn't take it back. I had loved Ric very much in high school; years had passed, and things were different now. Though he stood up for me against Michael and made sure I was safe, I wondered if he still felt the same for me, truly, or if he was just living in the moment.

However, his voice rang in my ears again, waking me up from my daydream.

"I want us to reconnect."

God knew all the thoughts that crossed my mind as I stared at his beautiful face. A face that no one could say no to.

"No," I said coldly as I struggled to stand up. He looked confused for a second, like he was sure I was going to say yes just then.

The air fell silent.

"Why?" He asked, his voice low and cold.

I avoided his gaze, knowing my eyes would let me down.

"Ric last night was fun, and I'm really hoping we could be close after that. But, I think I need some time to sort out my life first.”

I paused, collecting my words carefully before continuing so as not to cause more damage.

“The scandal, Michael, my reputation… I have a lot going on right now. " I said, brushing past him. I wrapped my arms around his, offering as much comfort as I could.

He sneered. "I don't get it, Nancy, do you not like me?"