Empire of Hate (Empire, #3)

by Rina Kent

“When we grow up, will you marry me?” His eyes widen, but he looks away. My heart shrivels and breaks in my chest. Once again, it was all for nothing.

I keep missing him. Every chance. Every encounter. Every damn day.

“I prefer you leave me alone.” “I can’t.”

I toss Jayden the Minions jacket that he oohs and aahs over and even hugs me. The blasphemy. I pat his back anyway, because spawn or not, children kind of need all that affection shit.

“Why them and not me?” Hit. “Why is it never me?” Hit. “No matter what I do, you don’t look at me.” Hit. “I’m right in front of you, why can’t you see me?”

Nicole is beautiful under normal circumstances, but when she smiles, her entire face brightens and the universe pauses. At least mine does.

Her voice is like my favorite symphony and most distorted nightmare.

I wish I could tell him, you’re a loser meant you’re the only person who rattles me. Piss off meant come closer. I hate you meant I like you, I miss you, I love you.

It’s hard to hate you and even harder to forget you, but loving you was the easiest thing that I’ve ever done. It was natural, inevitable, and fucking infinite.”

I loved you then, I’m in love with you now.”