Love Game With The Rebel Billionaire

I backed away, making me dizzy from the quick movement. I was about to fall when I felt his hands gripping my arm tightly.

"Let me go," I told Ash firmly, but he didn't listen.

He slowly pulled me toward a couch. He sat in front of me, grabbed the drink from the glass, and downed it.

"Why the fuck are you here?" I asked him.

"This place doesn't belong to you," he answered before downing another drink.

He looked pissed... yet hot.

I shook my head at the thought. This must be because of the alcohol. If I had known it was him, I wouldn't have done something so embarrassing. "Rest and call a cab. Go home," Ash commanded.

"Why would I?" I raised an eyebrow. "I'm not done enjoying myself here."

"Because you're looking for someone to fuck?"

His jaw clenched as he stared at me, his gaze darkening.

"What happened to you, Sapphire?" he asked incredulously. "Is this what you've been doing since you left?"

"Guess who's talking, Ash."

He was turning the tables. Instead of feeling the lust, I felt my blood boil because of him.

"You know what? I can't wait to kill you and your whole clan." I leaned back on the chair and closed my eyes... only to open them again as I felt someone's lips crashing into mine.

I tried pushing him away, but he quickly grabbed both my hands and pinned them to my sides. I knew I could use my legs... but his kisses were so gentle yet aggressive at the same time.

I felt him biting my lower lip, and I groaned. He used the opportunity to explore inside my mouth.

My heart was beating so fast. It was crazy. I felt like I was losing my breath, especially when he angled my head to kiss me the way he wanted.

We were both panting when he let go of me. I managed to kick his stomach as soon as I got the strength, but it seemed like nothing to him.

He smirked at me as he wiped his lips with his thumb.

"The feeling is mutual..." he murmured as he gave me another kiss for the night. "Fucking mutual, Sapphire."

"And why would it be mutual?" I raised a brow, my lips brushing onto his.

Seconds later, I stepped away from him. Grabbing a glass of wine from the table beside me, I continued.

"I didn't do anything to you, Ash. It was your family who ruined me. You and your father tried to destroy me."

They were the ones responsible for our pain.

I clenched my fists and placed them on the table, holding back my anger. I couldn't figure him out. It seemed like he wanted to love me and hate me at the same time. Or is it just me?

"That's just your perception, Sapphire," Ash said, staring at me intently.

His gaze pierced my soul, full of unspoken words I couldn't understand. I didn't know where his hatred and loneliness came from.

Shouldn't I be the only one feeling that way?

"Think outside the box..." he said coldly but gently. "Unlearn and rethink everything. That's the only way you'll see the missing piece."

He took a step toward me, but then he glanced around the room, bit his lip, and stepped back before walking away.

It felt like a dagger pierced my heart. After taking care of me, kissing me, and making me feel like he still cared despite our tragic past, here he was, acting like a jerk and talking about wanting to destroy the entire Parker clan.

"Fuck."

That's all I could say as I ordered another drink. I was wasted, but I still wanted more. I wouldn't stop until I drowned out everything... especially this feeling. Pain.

The unending pain I kept trying to bury deep inside, but it only grew stronger, consuming me whole.

I was about to take another shot when someone snatched the glass from my hand.

"Share some with me, will you? You've been drinking non-stop," Finnick said, downing the alcohol in one gulp before sitting across from me.

I raised an eyebrow, wondering why he was here, but then I remembered I'd called him earlier. He was the one cleaning up my mess today... like almost every day. "Fin-" I stopped.

I was about to tell him to leave me alone, but I realized I might need someone to get me home. Otherwise, I might end up sleeping at the bar.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

"Nothing." I shook my head and massaged my temples.

I could smell the alcohol on his clothes. It seemed he'd been drinking before he came over. His expression was neutral, as always. I'd only seen him panic once or twice.

"I thought you needed some help." He moved the drink and glass out of my reach.

I wasn't in the mood to argue, so I let him.

"I don't need anyone's help," I said firmly, my eyes narrowing.

He smiled sadly. "You do."

I glared at him, hoping to intimidate him, but he held my gaze. His eyes grew darker with every second.

"I've never seen you like this. Wasted... helpless," he said, grabbing my clenched hand. "Let me help you."

"Didn't you hear me earlier, Finnick?" I yanked my hand away. He looked irritated but said nothing. "Help is for the weak. I don't need it."

His actions reminded me of Ash, and that infuriated me.

"Finnick, make yourself valuable until the day you die," I told him. "That's how you stay alive."

Just like what I did-Especially when I have the SD card everyone's after.

To be safe, I brought it here with me. I didn't know what might happen next. For now, I'm secure as long as no one finds out I have it. But I know I can't hide it forever. This tiny object is my greatest weapon-and my greatest curse.

Finnick listened intently, leaning on the table with his elbows, resting his chin on his palm.

"I like you," he said suddenly, catching me off guard.

"What the fuck?"

It wasn't the right response, I know, but I couldn't help it. He laughed at my reaction, but I stayed serious.

"If that's a joke, I'll kill you," I threatened.

His smirk widened. "I know there's someone else in your heart, and I don't plan to make you fall for me... but don't dismiss my feelings like that, Sapphire."

His tone was stern, his gaze unwavering. For the first time, I saw vulnerability in him.

"And you shouldn't dismiss your own feelings either."

His words hit me harder than I expected. Memories I'd been trying to suppress flooded back, overwhelming me.

"You can stop now, Sapphire..." Finnick said softly as he pulled me into a hug. "If it's too much, you can step back and rest."

And before I knew it, I dozed myself to sleep.