Heartless (An Enemies To Lovers Novel Book 1) Read online

  I didn’t see it earlier, but the brand of shirt he’s wearing is of the expensive kind. He reeks of money. That explains it all.

  “You should use some of that money and buy yourself some morals,” I snap.

  To my surprise he laughs, shaking his head at me. His eyes drop to my legs and it’s only then I remember that I’m only wearing a shirt.

  ***

  CARTER

  White cotton panties. Fuck. She yanks the shirt down and scowls at me.

  “Careful, babe. Looking at me like that will get you in trouble,” I taunt her just because it’s so fucking easy to get her all riled up.

  Earlier at the diner, I actually thought she was hot. I admired her for standing up to the guys. I don’t have to like her to admit that she’s got killer legs, and don’t even get me started on her mouth. I’d love to see her on her knees with her lips wrapped around my cock. Then I’ll live up to the what she thinks of me as I add her name to the screwed list. She’s just another judgemental bitch. I regret standing up for her to my friends, telling them to back off and to drop the bet. I’m going to win that bet just so I can see the look on her face when she realizes that she’s nothing but a four hundred dollar fuck.

  I watch as her scowl turns to a death glare, but I don’t miss the blush creeping over her cheeks. What do you know? Little Miss high and mighty may hate me, but those blushing cheeks are a clear sign that she’s attracted to me. That will work perfectly to my advantage.

  I grin at her and whisper, “Game on.”

  She takes another step closer to me and I get a whiff of her scent. She smells edible, like chrushed apples.

  There’s a slight frown on her forehead when she says, “I have no idea what you’re talking about, and I’m not one of your friends.” She wiggles a finger between us. “Whatever you think is going on here, it’s not. Get out of our apartment before I call the cops. “

  “You’re quick to judge others, aren’t you?” I say as I start to plan all the different ways I’m going to have fun with her. “You’re one of those who loves to sit on your high fucking pedestal, while passing judgment on anyone who’s different from you. Quite fucked up if you ask me.”

  “I didn’t ask you,” she snaps, her blue eyes sparking with anger. It makes them look electric.

  “No, you didn’t,” I whisper. “A word of advice, next time make sure of your facts before you jump to conclusions. It will save you from having to crawl back to me with your tail between your legs to apologize. Then again, I’d love to see you on your knees.”

  I see the moment doubt washes over her face. She’s finally second-guessing her actions. That makes me smirk as I lean into her. I watch her eyes widen and the blush deepens on her cheeks.

  “Just remember I didn’t start this little game, you did.” I lean in more until our cheeks brush, and whisper in her ear, “But I’m sure as hell going to finish it, babe.”

  She pulls away, her breaths coming fast. “I didn’t start anything, and I’m not playing some pathetic game.”

  She still doesn’t understand what she did. “Sweetheart, you were so fucking quick to label me as just some asshole who has too much money and not a lick of decency. Who am I to disappoint you? I’ll just have to live up to the image you have of me. I wouldn’t want to let a clever little thing like you down.”

  She glances back at Evie who’s been watching us with huge eyes. Before Della can look back at me I turn around and leave. I’m not going to make it easy for her to apologize. She’s going to learn the hard way that I don’t let people fuck with me and get away with it.

  I’m not sure whether I’m pissed off at her for accusing me being some fucked up rich kid who would hit Evie, or whether I’m turned-on by her killer body. I’ve never felt so confused over a woman before. Why the fuck do I even care what she thinks? It’s clear she doesn’t think much of me.

  I was helping Evie. She and Rhett got into an argument when that psycho blonde that was hanging around Rhett attacked her. I told Rhett to fucking man up and admit that he cares about Evie. I also told him to get rid of the trash. I swear he’s fucking everything in sight so he doesn’t have to face the fact that he’s fallen for Evie. He keeps denying it but loses his shit whenever another guy just looks at her.

  I don’t understand why they don’t just get together. A blind man can see that they have the hots for each other.

  After the psycho blonde slapped Evie, I brought her home to make sure she was okay. I did it because she’s a decent person and didn’t deserve what happened. I also did it because Rhett is one of my best friends and I know he’s going to feel like shit about what happened.

  But mostly I did it in the hopes of seeing Della again. Earlier at the diner, there was tension between us and I was curious to see if it was real. When I’d first walked into the apartment, the tension was there in full force, until she saw Evie’s face.

  I had every intention of making sure the guys forgot about the damn bet until she got on her judgmental high horse. I’ve been judged wrongly before and it never bothered me. Marcus and Rhett are the ones with the screw lists. They’re the manwhores responsible for our nickname, Screw Crew. I’m no saint but I have nothing on those two. As for the twins, Jaxson and Logan, they’re not huge on dating. Jaxson keeps busy between college and being a personal trainer, where Logan is the quiet one in the group.

  As for me, all my focus is on finishing my degree. Once I’ve graduated, I’ll start working at Indie Ink Publishers. Dad said I have to start at the bottom. I understand why. That’s the best way for me to learn everything about the company and the people working there. When I take over from Dad, I want it to be because I deserve it.

  On the drive back to the house I share with the guys, my mind goes back to the little spitfire. Even dressed in just a shirt and panties, she handled me like a boss. I have to admire her for standing up for Evie. But fuck, I’ll never hurt a woman.

  I’m sure as hell going to have some fun with Della.

  CHAPTER 2

  DELLA

  “You’ve got it all wrong,” Evie says. “Carter only brought me home. He’s not the one that hit me. Carter will never hurt me.”

  Oh shit!

  What the hell have I done?

  I swing back to the door, and when I see that Carter has already left, an awful feeling settles in the pit of my stomach.

  “That blonde bitch slapped me because I got into to a fight with Rhett,” she explains. “I really don’t understand why he likes those types of girls.”

  I close the door and walk to the kitchen. I open the fridge and look for something cold. There’s not much so I grab a bottle of water. I wrap a dishcloth around it as I walk back to the living room.

  I press it lightly to Evie’s cheek. “Just hold it there. It will help with the swelling.”

  I sit down next to her and sigh. I drop my head back and let out another miserable sigh.

  “I accused Carter of hitting you,” I whisper. “Dammit, I’m going to have to apologize.”

  Evie gives my hand a squeeze. “Thank you for looking out for me.”

  I worry my bottom lip with my teeth. When I make eye contact with Evie, there’s only pity.

  “Damn, I’ve screwed up badly, haven’t I?”

  She nods, dropping the water bottle to her lap.

  “Carter’s not the kind of guy you insult and get away with it. He’s the heartless one in the group.”

  “Heartless?” I ask. “He made sure you got home safe.”

  “Only because I have this love-hate thing going with Rhett. Those four guys are Carter’s family. He’ll do anything for them. I’ve known him for three years and he still keeps me at a safe distance.”

  “So you’re telling me not to apologize? I’m not afraid of admitting when I’m wrong.”

  Evie turns her body towards mine and looks me right in the eye.

  “You’re only going to waste your time and make things worse. There was this girl who
cheated on Jaxson. Carter got her to strip down to her underwear, thinking they were going to have sex. He made her do the walk of shame out of their house in her underwear. Carter doesn’t forgive he gets even. It would be better if you just ignore it all. It’s not like you see him a lot anyway.”

  I take the bottle of water from her and open it. I take a few sips, thinking about what she just said. I didn’t take him for the cruel kind. Maybe Evie’s right? It’s not like I see him often. Besides, it’s only a few more months before I have my degree. We’re from different worlds. Once we leave here, I’ll never see Carter again.

  Curiosity gets the better of me, and I ask, “Why do you hang out with them? They look like trouble.”

  She looks deep in thought when she says, “They’re not trouble, Della. They’re my family. Few people know this, but I had nothing. I was one meal away from starving and living on the street when Rhett found me.” She looks around the apartment. “All of this is because of them. They are paying for my studies, for everything I need.”

  Shock ripples through me. Never in a million years would I have guessed that Evie once lived on the streets.

  “What do they want in return?” I ask. No one does anything unless they stand to gain something in return.

  She shakes her head. “Nothing. At first, I thought there was a catch. I mean, people just aren’t that good, you know? But they have never asked for anything, Della. That’s why I love them. They are far from perfect, but they’re mine.”

  I take another sip of water, absorbing everything Evie has told me.

  “Who came up with their name, Screw Crew?”

  Evie chuckles as she relaxes back against the couch. This is the most we’ve ever talked. I have to admit it’s nice.

  “That’s Marcus. He was the first to start with it. If you’ve slept with one of the guys then you’re a Screw Crew babe.”

  “Are you?” I drop my eyes from hers. “Sorry, that’s a personal question.”

  She gives me a sad smile and shakes her head. “No, I’m not. They have this rule that sisters are off limits.”

  I frown, not following. “But you’re not related to any of them.”

  “They see me as one, so I’m off limits. It’s a stupid rule if you ask me. There’s only me and Mia, Rhett’s sister. Rhett made the rule when Mia turned eighteen. I think Logan is in love with her. If Rhett just looks in my direction then Logan reminds him of the rule. I think he’s trying to force Rhett to break it, so he can have a relationship with Mia.”

  “Logan is the nice one that was on his phone?”

  She nods. “He’s always on his phone. He thinks no one knows that he’s constantly texting with Mia, but I’ve had a glimpse at the screen.”

  “Why doesn’t Rhett break the rule?”

  A sad look shadows Evie’s green eyes. “Mia is his world. He’ll give up everything to protect her and no one is worthy of dating his little sister.”

  “She’s going to date with or without his permission,” I state the obvious. “He can’t expect her not to date while he screws everything in sight.” There’s a flicker of pain on her face, and it makes me regret my words. “Sorry, Evie.”

  “You’re right,” she says, shrugging away the pain. “Where Carter is heartless, Rhett is shameless. At first, I used to think that he slept with so many girls to avoid committing to one. With time, I realized that’s just a lie I’m telling myself to lessen the pain. He takes care of me and Mia. He’s committed to us. I’m just a little sister to him.”

  “Men are idiots,” I grumble.

  ***

  CARTER

  There’s a game on TV, not that I’d be able to tell you who’s winning.

  I’ve been sitting here thinking about Della. Normally, I’d think of a suitable punishment to teach her a lesson. The problem is that every scenario I come up with ends with her naked in my bed and screaming my name.

  I don’t even know her. The two times I’ve seen her, she looked pretty high maintenance to me. I don’t have time for that shit.

  I know what people say about me behind my back. I’ve heard the rumors. I’m heartless. I’m a jerk. Fuck with me and I’ll destroy you.

  They‘re not really rumors if they’re true.

  I don’t care a flying fuck about what people think of me. Whether people like me or not doesn’t matter at all. Everyone is replaceable in life.

  I have my four brothers, Logan, Jaxson, Marcus, and Rhett. I trust them and only them. Evie and Mia are the only females I tolerate. The rest is just a warm place for me to bury my cock.

  I have to remember that’s all Della is, just another warm body.

  Rhett walks into the living room and sits down beside me. A few minutes pass where we just stare at the screen, before he says, “I’m heading to Rameses for something to eat before we go check on Mia.”

  I give him a look that says I’m not falling for his bullshit act. “Back off from the fucking bet,” I growl.

  Rhett gets up again and shrugs as he says, “I’m hungry. They serve great food. I’ve heard the pussy, fuck, I mean the pie is orgasmic.”

  I get up and grab my keys.

  “Where are you going?” Rhett asks as we walk out of the house.

  “To grab something to eat,” I growl.

  He pats me playfully on the back as he starts to laugh. “Yeah, are you in the mood for some pussy, too?”

  I stop and stare him down, fighting the urge to punch him. There’s a huge smile on his face that makes it hard to stay angry with him.

  “Don’t fuck with her,” I warn. Fuck knows why I’m standing up for the chick. I should hang her out to dry.

  Rhett wags his eyebrows. “Then you better win the bet.”

  CHAPTER 3

  DELLA

  When I turn around and see Rhett and Carter taking a seat in my section, I just know that the rest of my day is going to be bad.

  For a second I contemplate asking Maggie to help them, but then I suck it up and walk over to them. If I don’t face them now, then they’ll just keep coming back.

  I feel awful for the way I behaved last night. My eyes take in everything about Carter as I weave through the tables, to where they are seated in the corner.

  I feel the same twinge of disappointment I felt the night before. This time it’s because I treated him unfairly. I’m not that kind of person. I’d like to think that I’m not judgmental, but after my behavior, I need to take a good look at myself.

  When I reach the table, Carter doesn’t bother to look up from the menu.

  “Can I get you something to drink?” I ask.

  Rhett grins and leans on the table with his elbows while wagging his eyebrows at me. “I’d like a tall glass of you.”

  I ignore him and glance at Carter. When he still doesn’t look up, I just go for it. “I’m sorry about last night.”

  He drops the menu to the table, leans back in the chair, and gives me a harsh glare. I start to doodle on my notepad, feeling uncomfortable under his intense stare.

  “On second thought,” he says as he slides out of the booth. I have to look up to keep eye contact. “I’ve just lost my appetite.”

  The look on his face is one of disgust, and it actually hurts knowing it’s because of me.

  “You’re just going to give up on the bet?” Rhett asks. His tone is light and playful, and in total contrast to the tension between Carter and me.

  Carter’s eyes never leave mine as he takes a step closer to me. I hold my ground, determined to not show him how intimidated I really feel by him. He leans in really close and for one blinding moment I actually think that he’s going to kiss me. My heart starts to slam wildly against my ribs, and my stomach is engulfed by a wave of nervous excitement.

  Instead of kissing me, he sniffs at me. I suck in a shaky breath as he pulls back.

  “Smells like shit to me.” His words are cruel and each one stabs at my sense of worth. I can’t believe he just said that to me. Now I understand wh
at Evie meant when she said Carter is heartless. He’s not just cruel but an asshole as well. I know I shouldn’t let him get to me, but damn, it’s hard.

  I drop my eyes from him and turn back to Rhett. Yeah, I’d rather face Rhett and all his flirting than the hatred I just saw on Carter’s face.

  “What can I get you, Rhett?” I ask as I fight to keep control of my emotions.

  I shouldn’t let Carter upset me. Hell, I’m not even sure why his words hurt so much. I’ve never cared before what people think of me. Besides, it’s not like he actually means anything to me.

  “Yeah, babe,” Rhett says, and this time there’s no playful tone. He actually sounds sorry for me. “Let me have a burger and fries.”

  “And to drink?” I keep my eyes on my notepad as I write the order down, thankful that I have a reason to not look at them.

  “Just water.”

  I walk away, fighting the urge to glance one last time at Carter. I need a moment to catch my breath.

  ***

  It’s been a long day. Everything went wrong. My truck wouldn’t start this morning, then there was the thing with Carter. At least, Rhett didn’t give me any trouble when I brought his order to him. I even spilled a shake on a customer. Like I said, it’s been a long day.

  Even though it’s past midnight, it’s humid which makes the walk home torturously long.

  I’m halfway home when I hear music coming from a nearby house. As I get closer to the house where it’s coming from, I notice a bunch of cars parked in the driveway and on the pavement. It looks like someone’s having a party. It’s a wonder no one has complained to the cops, yet.

  Most of the houses and apartments in this area are occupied by students.