Hatred With Benefits
S E V E N

EVA.

"You have everything packed?" Mom asks again and a small smile tugs on my lips as I nod before she pulls me into a hug. "Oh, sweetheart. I will miss you so much.

"Mom, "I call her, a laugh slipping through my parted lips. "I'm not moving out of the state, mom. I'm only miles away."

She pulls back with a wide smile resting on her lips. "Does that mean I can come to visit whenever I want?"

My smile turns into a frown and I shake my head in protest. "No fucking way. I told you both. I'll come home if I feel like it. You can't come to college.

"

"I was just teasing you," she lifts her hand to my cheeks and pinches the skin lightly before dropping it to my side, a sigh leaving her mouth. "I know how much this means to you, and I respect that." "Thank you," I mouth and she smiles, her hands resting on either side of my face as she yanks me towards her. She presses her lips to my forehead before pulling back, "Be careful out there, Eva. Call me if you need anything.

"I have everything I need. "I assure her before gripping the edge of my suitcase, and rolling it along with me.

Mom follows behind me and stands at the porch as I roll my bag into the backseat of the car before climbing in beside my father.

"I told you I could handle this. You should be in the office. "I tell dad as I fasten my seatbelt and he shakes his head in response. "I'm not missing the last chance to say goodbye to my daughter in a very long time. "

I chuckle and rest back against the car seat, before staring ahead to see mom waving at me. I return with a small wave of mine as dad pulls out of our driveway and the sight of his house just before dad pulls back sends a shiver down my spine.

I swallow the bitter lump in my throat as I sink back against the seat and turn my gaze to the sight of dad with the steering wheel in hand. The sight brings about an image in my head and I clutch my legs together at my body leaning against the steering wheel with my hair sticking to my face in all directions and Emerson's grunts behind me.

We didn't say a word to each other that night and I've never seen him ever since that night.

It's almost like the graveness of what we did suddenly crashes down on us, and we're trying our absolute best to forget about it. Not seeing each other is the best way to prevent a clash and a clash is the best way to prevent bringing up that occurrence, though my mind seems to disagree about that every night.

I can't stop thinking about that night. It was a mistake. A mistake that I should have never committed, but there's no denying the fact that it was one of my best mistakes. My hate for Emerson Ford doesn't stop me from admitting that he fucks hard, and his makes my body burns hot at the thought of it, no matter how much I hate it.

The sex wasn't sexual, sweet, gentle, emotional or passionate. No, God, it was far from any of those words. It was rawer, more mind-blowing, more mind-melting than any sex I've ever had in my life. It sank deep into my soul and dug open a side of me I never knew existed. A part of me that's filled with want for Emerson Ford.

There shouldn't be that part, and college is the best escape from it. Along with living my life, the night I had with Emerson Ford will become nothing but fragments of an old memory.

"Why did you want one with a roommate?" Dad's words bring me out of my imagination and slip me back into reality.

I pass him a smile as I extend my hand to tune up the volume of Camilla Cabello blaring through the radio before resting back against the seat with arms crossed against my chest. "I think it's more fun that way. Having a roommate wouldn't make it feel so lonely.

He nods. "You're right about that."

"I know," I grin and he chuckles with a shake of his head. "I know how you feel, Eva.'

I twist my head to the view of him and raise my brows. "What do you mean?"

"All these years, I've curbed you from living the life you truly want. "A sigh leaves his lips and he rests one hand against the window, his fingers covering his mouth. "I know it has been exhausting for you, Eva, but you should know I do this in your best interests. I do not want what happened last-"

"I thought we agreed to never bring that up. "My voice is small as I lower my head and the air in the small space suddenly feels exhausted as dark thoughts creep into my mind. Thoughts I've fought so hard for and thoughts that come back to haunt me no matter how hard I fight.

"Right. I just want you to be careful, Princess. That's all. " He whispers and I hum, the rest of the drive spent in silence. No doubt the memories haunt him just as they haunt me.

The apartment is in a white attractive colour and looks well furnished from the outside.

"This place?" Dad asks from his seat as he stops the car and I nod before climbing out of the car, moving to the backseat to collect my things.

"Are you sure this place is comfortable for you, Eva?" Dad asks as he moves out of the car to my side.

"Yes, dad. You don't have to worry about me. It looks very much better on the inside and it's pretty close to the campus. " I tell him with a smile and he nods, still staring at the house. "As long as you love it. Do you want me to come in with you?"

"No!" My response is sharp and dad draws a suspicious brow.

I let out an awkward laugh. "I just mean there's no need, dad. I'm fine. You can head back to the office. "

He sighs and looks at the house before dropping his gaze to my face. He spreads his arms and I move into him, accepting his tight hug before moving out of his embrace.

"I'll be fine. I promise."

"Let me know if anything happens. "He narrows his eyes and I nod, giving him the assurance I know he needs to get his mind settled.

"Take care, Princess. " He gives me a tight smile and presses his lips to my forehead before pushing inside the car and I watch as he drives off, the car moving out of sight.

I turn to the house with a wide smile crossing my lips as I roll my suitcase along, the wind blowing my hair against my face.

I grumble as I stand in front of the door without a key in hand. Rolling my bag off my back, I stop my movement when I hear the creak of the door.

Furrowing my brows, I kick my bag to the back and grip the doorknob. The door opens with a twist, which means there's someone in there.

That's strange. That woman told me my roommate won't be here until next week. Waving the thought off my mind, I grab my suitcase and slide through the door, shutting it behind me with a smile on my face. "Hey, I'm-" My words catch up in my throat and my mouth hangs open at the sight before me.

You've got to be fucking kidding me.

Emerson fucking Ford?