Hate That I Love You

Chapter 13: Unraveling

Chapter 13: Unraveling

Kael Veyra’s POV

The library was nearly empty by the time Draven and I finished our project session. The sun had already set, casting long, dark shadows across the rows of bookshelves, and the quiet hum of the overhead lights made everything feel more intimate—too intimate.

We were packing up in silence, the tension between us still thick after everything that had happened earlier. Draven had been quieter than usual, his cocky mask slipping just enough for me to catch glimpses of something deeper underneath.

As I shoved my notebook into my bag, I felt him watching me. When I glanced up, our eyes met, and for a moment, neither of us said anything. The air between us felt electric, like we were teetering on the edge of something dangerous.

“Kael,” he said quietly, his voice rough.

“What?” I whispered, my heart pounding.

He hesitated, like he was trying to decide whether or not to say whatever was on his mind. Then, before I could process what was happening, he reached out and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. His fingers brushed against my skin, sending a shiver down my spine.

“You’re something else, you know that?” he murmured, his eyes dark and intense.

I opened my mouth to respond, but the words caught in my throat. Because what was I supposed to say to that? How was I supposed to react when Draven Ashford—the guy who’d spent weeks driving me insane—was suddenly looking at me like I was the only person in the world?

Before I could figure it out, the sound of footsteps shattered the moment. Draven pulled back just as Sera Langford appeared at the end of the aisle, her icy blue eyes narrowing when she saw us.

“Well, isn’t this pathetic,” she said, her voice dripping with venom. “Didn’t take you long to throw yourself at him, did it, Veyra?”

I took a step back, putting some distance between me and Draven, but it was too late. Sera had already seen enough, and the fury in her eyes was unmistakable.

“Sera,” Draven said, his tone cool and detached.

“Don’t,” she snapped, her gaze shifting to me. “I warned you, didn’t I? I told you to stay away from him.”

I raised my chin, refusing to back down. “I’m not throwing myself at anyone, Sera. Unlike you, I don’t need to.”

“Really? Because it sure looks like you’re doing something.”

Draven stepped forward, placing himself between me and Sera. “Back off, Sera.”

Her eyes widened, and for a moment, she looked genuinely shocked. “You’re defending her?”

“Yeah,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “I am.”

Sera’s lips curled into a cold smile. “Aw, look at that. The bad boy playing knight in shining armor. Didn’t think you had it in you, Draven. Guess you’ve gone soft.”

“Enough,” Draven said, his tone sharp. “This isn’t about you, Sera. It never was.”

Her smile faltered, and for a split second, I saw something vulnerable flash across her face. But it was gone as quickly as it had appeared, replaced by anger.

“You’ll regret this, Kael,” she hissed, her eyes narrowing into icy slits.

“Maybe, but at least I won’t waste my life obsessing over someone who’s already moved on,” I shot back, my voice steady and sharp. “When he gets bored of you—and he will—don’t be surprised if you’re left standing in the wreckage, all alone, wondering what the hell happened.” “Both of you.”

With that, she turned on her heel and stalked out of the library, leaving a tense, heavy silence in her wake.

I let out a breath, steadying myself. My heart was racing, but I wasn’t about to let Sera’s words get under my skin. “Well, that went well.”

Draven turned to face me, his expression unreadable. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” I said, even though I wasn’t entirely sure that was true.

He nodded, then reached out and gently squeezed my hand. The gesture was so unexpected, so un-Draven-like, that it left me momentarily stunned.

“I meant what I said earlier,” he said quietly. “You don’t have to deal with her alone. I’ve got your back.”

I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly tight. “Thanks.”

For a moment, we just stood there, our hands still intertwined, and I wondered if maybe—just maybe—there was more to Draven Ashford than I’d realized.

But then he let go, his usual cocky grin slipping back into place. “Come on, Veyra. Let’s get out of here before she comes back with reinforcements.”

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t help smiling as we walked out of the library together. And for the first time in weeks, I felt like maybe, just maybe, I wasn’t fighting this battle alone.