Rival Lovers

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"Are you serious? Kians back?!" Tilly screamed over the loud music, her drink spilling slightly as she bolted upright

"Shh!" I hissed, reaching over to steady her cup before it spilled all over the couch. "Can you not announce it to the entire party?"

Tilly's wide eyes locked onto mine, her face a mix of shock and outrage. "How am I supposed to keep quiet when that assholes back?"

I leaned back, taking a long sip from my drink and pretending like the whole thing wasn't making my skin crawl. "Trust me, I'm just as thrilled as you are," I muttered sarcastically.

"Why is he back? What does he want?" Tilly pressed, practically vibrating with energy.

"Hell if I know," I said, glancing around the packed living room. The bass thumped in my chest, and the smell of beer and cheap cologne was almost overwhelming.

"He hasn't exactly been forthcoming about his master plan. Probably just here to ruin my life again for good."

Tilly grabbed my arm suddenly, her nails digging into my skin. "Wait, wait, wait. Is that him?" she whispered, pointing not-so-subtly toward the kitchen.

I followed her gaze and felt my stomach drop. Sure enough, there he was, leaning casually against the counter like he owned the place. His sharp jawline and stupidly perfect hair caught the dim light, and his trademark smirk was firmly in place as he chatted with some random girl who was clearly eating up every word.

"Yup. That's him," I said, turning away before he could spot me.

"Oh my God, Zaara. He's even hotter than I remember," Tilly said, her tone both horrified and impressed.

"Don't start," I warned, narrowing my eyes at her.

"I'm just saying!" she protested, raising her hands defensively. "If he wasn't, y'know, him, I'd be drooling right now."

"Well, he is him, so keep it in your pants," I shot back, crossing my arms.

Tilly's grin turned mischievous. "What if I just went over there and accidentally spilled my drink on him? You know, as a little revenge."

I rolled my eyes. "Tempting, but no. The last thing I need is to give him an excuse to talk to me tonight."

"Fine, fine," she relented, taking another sip of her drink. But her gaze kept flicking toward the kitchen like she couldn't help herself.

I sighed, feeling a headache forming. "Let's just find another room to hang out in. Preferably one where he isn't lurking."

"Agreed," Tilly said, hopping up from the couch. "But if he tries anything, I'm throwing hands."

"Noted," I replied, grabbing my drink and leading the way through the sea of people.

We'd barely made it out of the living room when a voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Well, if it isn't my favorite ex."

I froze, my grip tightening on my cup. Slowly, I turned around to find Kian standing there, looking annoyingly smug as usual.

"What do you want?" I asked, my voice flat.

He tilted his head, feigning innocence. "What, no warm welcome? I thought we were past all the hostility."

"Maybe in your dreams," I shot back, crossing my arms.

Fuck, maybe I should spill my drink on him.

Tilly stepped up beside me, glaring daggers at him. "Don't you have someone else to bother? Preferably someone who doesn't know what a nightmare you are?"