Path Of Hate || Phillip Graves x Reader ||

Chapter 21

The four of us made our way to a bar on the edge of the city that appeared lonely from the outside, but to my surprise, it was buzzing with life. The music blared, laughter and shouts filled the air, and a chaotic energy pulsed through the crowd.

"This will be a fun night," Alex grinned, his enthusiasm infectious.

"And a long one," Farah added, scanning the room with an amused expression.

Not feeling quite myself, I drifted over to the bar where a hot bartender approached with a welcoming smile.

"Can I help you, love?" he asked in a flirtatious tone.

"One dirty martini, please."

"Coming right up, gorgeous." He winked, and I felt a fleeting rush of amusement.

Just then, a hand slid around my waist, and I turned to see Phillip.

"Add a fire whiskey too. Put the drinks on my tab, ey?" His tone was authoritative, but I could see the flicker of jealousy in his eyes.

The bartender probably bristled at the interruption, but I couldn't bring myself to care. It was entertaining to watch Phillip's protective nature come out.

"Coming right up," the bartender said, trying to hide his irritation.

Phillip turned to me, his expression serious. "Doll, you know I don't like when other men look at you like they're not supposed to."

"You don't own me, Phil. Plus, I think I get to decide what's right for me," I teased, a smirk playing on my lips.

"Don't test me, Y/N."

"We'll see about that." I shot him a playful smile.

The bartender handed us our drinks, and I took a sip of my martini, letting the cool liquid ease some of my tension.

"Why aren't you up on the dance floor with Alex and Farah?" Phillip asked, leaning closer.

I turned away, unwilling to meet his gaze. "Honestly? I just want to get drunk."

Phillip laughed, a deep sound that made me feel a little lighter. "Shall we?"

I looked at him and let out a small chuckle, then sighed, the heaviness creeping back in.

"Y/N, I know it's hard, but you're a soldier. You have to suck it up."

"I am trying!" I raised my voice, frustration bubbling over.

"Try harder, soldier."

"Can you not, Graves? Quit being a dick. Not everything is easy."

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry, doll." He paused, studying my face. "Are you leaving for the Christmas break?"

His question made me hesitate. I didn't want to go back to my hometown. My family was off on vacation without me, and the thought of returning to that loneliness was suffocating. "No, I haven't thought about it yet."

"If you're not planning anything, I want you to come with me to New York," he suggested, his eyes bright with possibility.

That caught me off guard. "Aren't you from Texas?"

"I moved," he replied, as if that explained everything.

"Makes sense," I said, still processing his invitation.

"So...?"

I paused, weighing my options. Why not? It was a distraction I could use right now. "Sure, I'll come with you."

"Good to hear." He winked.

A/N- Hey yall! thank you sm for 2k reads i am honored and thank you for the support! This book will be getting more chapters duh and hopefully it will be done by this year!

Love yall!

-F