Chapter 1
Tip one; Don't settle for less than what you deserve.
Ivy
The potent smell of sex still clings to my skin as the door of his bathroom shuts with a resounding click.
My thighs are slick with sweat, and instantly my mind fills with despair.
That was it? That was sex? It sucked.
A soft groan leaves my lips as I relax onto the crumpled sheets, looking towards the bathroom door from the corner of my eyes before staring back at the roof of this too stuffy room.
He left, as soon as he'd made that weird face - like it meant nothing. LikeImeant nothing, what a stupid waste of two months.
He didn't even last longer than sixty seconds.
Sixty seconds. I counted.
And I didn't even get off. Isn't that the point of this whole thing...pleasure?
I must be lost in my thoughts for longer than I think because the door opens and Dain re-enters, stopping at the sight of me.
"What are you still doing here?" His voice has that tone to it that has my stomach dropping and shame riding my heels.
For a moment I'm shocked silent, just blinking back at him. "What?"
He rolls his dark eyes, like this whole thing is above him and all at once he's unattractive, completely and utterly ugly. His blonde hair is wet, and there's a towel slung low on his hips like he just had a shower. "In case you didn't know, this is usually when a girl like you leaves."
My muscles tense and I grab the blanket beside me, tugging it up to cover my chest, fingers white knuckling the soft fabric. My voice sounds tight and quiet even to my own ears. "A girl like me?"
He looks at me like I'm stupid, and maybe I am because I have no idea what he's talking about. We've been going on dates for two months and I thought- I mean. He seemed perfect. My shoulders drop as the truth of everything slams into me and for the slightest second I think maybe I'm overreacting. Maybe this is a joke-
I sit up in his bed, still clutching his sheets like that can somehow shield me from his harsh eyes.
"Dain- but I thought-"
He looks bored, blinking at me like this is a waste of his time.
"Thought what? Surely you knew this had an expiration date, Ivy?" He doesn't let me say anything before he walks for his dresser, pulling out a shirt. "You didn't honestly believe I wanted anything more from you?" He doesn't even look at me as he delivers each blow. "You're just some chick chasing sticks, would've thought Leon's sister had more dignity." He chokes out a laugh, head falling back like this is the funniest thing to happen to him. "I fucked his little sister." Dain looks to me as glee fills his eyes. "How do you think he'll react to that when I tell him on the ice? High and mighty Leon won't be so above the fist fighting then." He shakes his head. "I'm sure the scouts won't want him once they see his rage on the ice."
For a second, one long second, I'm frozen - my mind catching up with his words, heart beating erratically. I swallow the painful lump in my throat as everything becomes clearer.
"Is that why you approached me?" The words are meant to come out strong, but they creak past my lips, high and sharp. "To get to my brother?" That pain in my throat is sharp, and I wish I was strong right now. Wish I could spit hurtful words back at him, but I'm scared that if I try I'll just start crying. And I don't want him to see me cry.
Dain looks over his shoulder, raising a brow over eyes I used to think were warm and charming, the smile curling his lips no longer producing butterflies but dread.
"C'mon Ivy, don't play dumb. You knew what you were getting into. I mean, look at me. I'm the captain of a hockey team and you're-" he looks me up and down. "- you, Leons sister. I have to get under the almighty Leon Collin's skin somehow; I just found a way in." He shrugs like he can't be blamed for his actions. "It'sall fun anyway, Ivy. You got what you wanted from me; I got what I wanted from you. No need to get butt hurt."
He waves a hand, "go get your points and your 15 minutes. Shut the door when you leave." He moves back for the bathroom, then stops, looking to me with a confused face before it lightens. "Oh, you actually thought-" He runs a hand through his hair, awkwardness filling the air like a thick sludge. "Look, you're a pretty girl but-"
"You don't have to finish that sentence." I interrupt, cringing and reaching for my discarded clothes, pulling them on so quickly I'm pretty sure my shirt is backwards and inside out.
"It was just sex, Ivy. It's not a big deal."
Not a big deal? I just gave you my virginity, you overgrown tumour and you led me along like some puppet all for a stupid game - to get under my brother's skin.
He continues on while I get changed, avoiding his eyes.
