A DEAL FOR A LIFETIME

chapter 22

I felt something on my chest and quickly opened my eyes. Rico was lying beside me, trying to gain access to my breast. Is he serious right now? I slapped his hand, making him groan in pain before opening his eyes.

"What was that for?" he asked, looking angry.

"I was protecting myself," I said, standing up from the bed, my heart pounding with a mix of anger and betrayal.

"What did I do?" he asked again, his tone more incredulous than remorseful.

"You almost touched my breast."

"It's not like this is the first day I'm touching it," he said, turning to the other side of the bed nonchalantly.

"Unbelievable," I exclaimed, feeling a wave of shame and regret. To him, it was just lust. To me, it meant so much more.

"What the f—" he started, then looked at me with narrowed eyes.

"Lust to me and not you," he repeated. Did I just say that out loud?

"Do you think I like you, Bethel?" he asked and laughed, a cold, hollow sound.

"Yes, it was lust. I don't like you, Bethel. I stopped liking girls six years ago. I was foolish then," he said, his words cutting deep.

"But Rico—"

"Seriously, you like me?" he asked, cutting me off. His eyes bore into mine, mocking.

"I thought it was just a fling. What do I really want from you? You are not my type, and I'm not that shocked because girls fall for me," he said, his voice dripping with arrogance. Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision. He looked at me, seemingly unfazed.

"You are crying?" he asked, his tone almost amused. "Don't tell me I just broke your heart."

"You know what?" I asked, my voice trembling with rage and hurt.

"What?"

"Fuck you, and I hate you so much," I spat, grabbing my phone and running into the bathroom. As soon as the door closed behind me, I collapsed in tears. How dare he? He was a jerk. He said it right to my face that he doesn't like me. What is wrong with me? Why did I even fall for his charms?

I dialed Cole's number, and he picked up almost immediately.

"Bethel," he called, his voice soothing.

"Co-Cole," I murmured, trying to hold back my sobs.

"Calm down, Bethel, and tell me what's wrong," he said.

"I need to see you," I whispered, my voice breaking.

"Just text me the address, and I will be there."

"No, no, at our normal spot," I said, my voice barely a whisper.

"Okay." I ended the call and quickly brushed my teeth before taking a shower. I wore black jeans and a sweater, packed my hair into a ponytail, and put my phone into my pocket. By the time I was out of the bathroom, Rico was gone. I walked out of the room and rushed downstairs. The family was in the dining room having breakfast. I didn't feel like eating right now.

"Bethel," I heard my name. I turned around to look at the person. It was Rico's grandfather calling me.

"Good morning," I greeted, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Aren't you joining us for breakfast?" he asked, his tone falsely warm.

"Yeah, sure," I said, then sat beside Rico because that was the only empty seat.

"Good morning, everyone," I said, forcing a smile. It was quiet, except for Rico's uncles, aunts, and parents who answered. I picked at the bacon and eggs on my plate, feeling a lump in my throat.