ASHLEY.
"Ashley, wait!"
I turn around just in time before opening the door to see Lucy, the closest girl I've ever been to, running towards me with her books in hand. Her brown curly hair bouncing off her shoulders as she tries to hold her glasses from falling off.
She grabs hold of my arm when she's close enough as she tries to catch on her breath while I swipe my palm down my face to get rid of any evidence that I had been crying.
"Damn, I have been calling you. What- what the hell is going on? Where are you heading to?"
She raises her brows as her hazel eyes move over my shoulder and I give her a small smile, pulling on the straps of my bag tighter.
"I'm heading home. I don't think I'm feeling too well. "
My heart hurts.
"That's weird. You were fine moments ago until you had to go to the bathroom. You should go then, I would walk you home but I have maths as my next period and you know how I feel about that subject. "
She groans, readjusting her glasses, and I let out a soft chuckle, raising my hand to ruffle her hair to which she responds with a glare–just like she always does. Now, there's no special back story about how Lucy and I became friends. She didn't save me from bullies and I didn't spend my childhood with her like all those fictional characters. Our friendship is no special one; We met here and realized we both had some common interest in things, then we clicked off.
"Hey! Don't mess up my hair!"
She warns, smoothing her hands down her hair and readjusting her glasses once more before her gaze falls back on mine and for some weird reason, she tilts her head to the side; almost as if she's examining me or something.
"Have you been crying, Ashley?"
Fuck. Is it that obvious?
"What? No! Of course not! Why- why would I be crying?"
I laugh, swiping my hands all over my face to smooth the slightly damped skin. "I'm not. It's just your imagination. "
She raises her brows at me before shaking her head. "You look like you've been crying though, there are wet trails over your cheeks; that isn't lying. This isn't just about you being sick, is it? Something happened?"
"You should go get ready for your next period, Lucy. Nothing happened, really. I told you, I'm just not feeling well. "
I shrug and she stays silent, her eyes studying my face before she nods. "You're probably right. I will leave, but please phone me once you get home safe. Don't make me sick worried about you. "
I nod.
"By the way, have you spoken to Dave? I saw him earlier and, “
"I really need to get going, Lucy. I'll let you know once I'm home! Bye!"
I dash out the door before she could say anything else. I'll rather not listen to anything that has to do with him.
That mother-fucking two faced cheating bastard.
The two faced cheating bastard I fell blindly in love with.
~
When I said I was going to head home. I had two plans.
One. Get a large bowl of ice cream and drown me in the shitty world of heart aches and heart breaks.
Two. Try to figure out what the fuck went wrong with me. Why I wasn't enough for him. Why I'm never enough for anyone.
What I didn't expect is the first thing I'll see to be the flawless face of my fucking brother.
"What are you doing here?"
The words leaves my parted lips before I could stop to think about what I was about to say and Vince raises his brows at me.
"What do you mean, what am I doing here? I live here, baby sister, or am I not allowed to come here any longer?"
He smirks, opening the door wide open for me to come in, which is exactly what I do with my eyes still following his movements.
Why did he have to be here out of all days? I'm very sure he would make a big deal out of me coming home earlier than I should.
"Aren't you supposed to be at school or something?"
"You're the one to talk. "
He crosses his arms against his chest, a scowl set upon his beautiful face that I would like to at least throw a punch at one day. Maybe that will stop everyone from making me feel so less of myself because of my perfect brother.
It's really unhealthy to have these thoughts when the said brother does nothing but cares deeply about you, even though he's being a jerk sometimes. I know Vince truly cares about me, but that isn't always enough, and I sometimes blame him for all this.
Even if he tries his possibly best to protect me from it, people will always view me as the little sister that lives in the shadow of her perfect handsome brother which I used to not care about, until it got to a point where they started toying with my feelings or where the girls he had fucked and dumped took their anger out on me.
Being the little sister to the biggest playboy at Westwood high doesn't always come easy when you're nothing like your brother and Dave is just the height of it all.
"Are you just going to stand there and stare at me all day or you're going to answer my fucking questions? Why the hell are you home so early? Did something happen at school and why the hell have you been crying?"
And when your brother knows nothing about everything that's been going on because of him, you just let yourself drown in your misfortunes.
"I'm not feeling well and I haven't been crying. "
My eyes move across the room and I visibly relax when there's no sign of mother around. It would be a totally different case if that woman was here.
"Ashley, you would never leave school, even if you're on the brink of death. That's how much of a nerd you are. "
He rolls his eyes, and I let out a scoff. "I'm not a nerd, stop calling me that and I seriously don't have it in me to talk to you right now so can you just.. stay away or something?"
I walk away but of course, being the perfect brother that he is, he just had to stop me.
"I'm serious now, Ashley. Who made you cry? Give me a name. "
You, Vince. You made me cry.
"And what will you do if I give you a name?"
"Let the fucking bastard that did this know no one makes my little sister cries except me. "
"And how are you so sure it's a boy?"
He smirks at that, shrugging. "I've handled too many girls and I've become too familiar with their problems. I know it's a boy, Ashley, so tell me. Who broke my little Ashley's heart?"
"Vincent Greene. "
I mutter blankly, and he looks confused for a moment before glaring at me.
"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?"
That you've always caused my problems.
"It means you. I thought you were familiar with girl's problems?"
I mimic his voice and he laughs, lost in thoughts before that smirk I hate too much covers his face.
"Ashley, you understand I'm your brother, right? Like your biological brother?"
Where the hell is this dumbass driving at?
"Which means I can't give you what you're asking for, little sister. I know I'm attractive and all, but you really shouldn't be having wet dreams about your brother. "
"Fuck off!"
I scowl before turning around to walk up to my room, his loud laugh booming through the entire house.
It was stupid to think he would understand.
"It was stupid to have ever thought you would love me. I was the stupid one, but I never regretted it, Bash. "I roll my eyes as I take a large spoon of the ice cream, staring at my screen which I'm getting irritated at.Plan one. Eat a large bowl of ice cream and drown myself in the shitty world of heart aches and heart breaks which is why I'm currently in my pajamas, tissues at my side, a large bowl of ice cream in hand as I scowl at the third heartbreaking movie I have watched on Netflix.I dip my spoon back into the bowl and bring out nothing, bringing me to the realization that I finished the large bowl of ice cream under five hours.I groan before kicking the bowl off my bed, pausing the movie and sliding off the duvet to get another bowl. I should have just brought two altogether earlier.I walk down the stairs with my eyes moving across the room out of habit and I walk towards the kitchen, opening the freezer and pul
I let out a deep breath before clicking on the play button and the video plays.Hell, I never thought I could be the type of girl that would skip school, only to lock herself in her room and watch porn. Never in my entire life had I imagined that my Tuesday night could ever go this way, and yet, here I am.The woman lays next to a man who looks like he's currently sleeping. The blonde woman moves her hand all over her body, biting down rather harshly on her lips. And I gulp down, as I find myself rather intensely immersed in it. I watch as she swipes her legs against each other before dropping her hand down her stomach and disappearing into her pants. She throws back her head against the pillow, her feet thrashing against each other as her hand moves in her pant and I bite down on my lips, my whole body suddenly feeling hot.She moans as she buries her head deeper in the pillow, her pants now moving down her legs along with her panties, so she'
ASHLEY. "Are you nut, Little Greene?!" Sinclair pulls away from me so fast—as if a bolt of lightening had just struck him and I shrink into the bed at the expression that covers his features. He looks so damn disgusted, like the mere thought of what I suggested irritates him so fucking much. Way to fucking go, Ashley! Once again, the universe proves to you-you are not enough for anyone. You will never be enough for anyone. "I'm—I'm sorry. Forget I ever suggested that. I don't know what came over me. It must be—must be what I was watching earlier. I—please just forget I mentioned that. " I stammer stupidly, looking everywhere but at him because I don't think I can bare to see that look on him again. What the hell is wrong with me?! Why the hell would I suggest it to him? How can I expect my brother's best friend to help me explore my sexual desires? In which fucking world does that happen? And even if it does; wh
My heart doesn't stop drumming fast against my chest as I drink in the shadow that allures before me, green eyes fixed on nothing else, but me. The books I'm holding tightly to my chest seems to be losing their stance as my lips quiver in an attempt to let out a call of his name, "Sinclair?" I call, more like a question, and he lets go of my shoulders before stepping back fully into the light, his eyes moving across my stance before he settles that intense gaze back on me. "What was that shit that just happened there?" He heard that. He heard everything. Heard my pathetic little existence being mocked. Just when I thought I couldn't get more embarrassed before this man. "N—nothing. What are you doing here?" I try to divert his attention, and he seems to catch up on what I'm trying to do because he narrows his eyes at me. And I don't think I can be any more thankful when he chooses to let it go instead.
ASHLEY. "Ashley!" I jolt back in shock at the shout of my name, and Lucy shakes her head at me as our gaze meets—reminding me that there's someone present before me, and have probably been saying some things I've failed to listen to, judging by the expression that covers her face. "Sorry, what were you saying?" I clear my throat, shifting in my seat, my gaze moving to my untouched food. "I've been yelling your name for minutes now, and you're sitting right before me, Ash. What are you thinking about so much?" Sinclair. Pressing my lips into a thin line, I shake my head, "Nothing, sorry I spaced out. " A look of concern crosses over her feature at my words, and I let out a soft sign, knowing she'll start being worried over absolutely nothing again. "Whatever it is that's going on with you, please just talk to me. You know I hate it when you hide things away from me. " I'm not
ASHLEY. I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding, my palm rubbing against each other as I try to shake off the anxiety that runs through my veins. Raising my hand to the wooden door, I find myself bringing it back down; sweats covering my forehead with the echoes of my heart pounding fast, and loud against my chest si sound in my ears. What the fuck is wrong with you, Ashley? It's just Sinclair! It's just fucking Sinclair, and it's not like he's going to murder you or anything! Get your ass together, and knock on that fucking door. Shutting my eyes, I take in a deep breath to calm down the racing of my heart before settling a smile on my face, and raising my hand to the door again; ready to click it against the wooden material, only for it to be opened from the inside. I flinch slightly as Sinclair's face appears through the door, and he lifts his brows at me with a smile etched on his gorgeous face. 
ASHLEY. Sinclair has this look on his face that makes me want to drop everything, and beg for him to do something to me. Anything! As long as it's coming from him; I'm willing to take it. But knowing those are only perverted thoughts of a teenager who's over the moon for having her childhood crush speak to her; I push those thoughts back, and dig my fingers into the flesh of my thighs to control myself. "Little Greene, " Sinclair's voice pulls me out of my thoughts, and I lift my brows with a hum. He chuckles with a shake of his head before saying, "I think I'm going to need you to answer that. Do you still want us to talk about it?" He questions, his voice going lower. You bet your fucking ass I want to! I don't tell him that though. "Yes, I'll like to speak about it. " I respond, and he nods; his gaze moving to where my hands rest against my la
ASHLEY. "Where the fuck have you been all day?" Vincent questions the moment I walk through the door, and I shut the frame behind me, dragging the straps of my bag. Vincent is sprawled on the couch, watching a basketball game it seems, and I shrug. "The library. " Trying not to fuck your best friend. My stomach churns in excitement at the memories of what went down at Sinclair's house I swear to God; it took everything in me to not pull that man towards me, and have him fuck my brains out. "Talk about being a nerd, " he mutters under his breath before turning back to the television, and I roll my eyes with the middle finger. "Where's mom?" I question, my eyes moving across the room in search of my mother. "You know. The usual. She's out. " Vincent says with a wave of his hand; not seeming to be paying much atten
RALPH. "You're here. " I smile, moving from my seat to give Ashley a hug before she slides into the seat across from me, while I settle back on mine. "Hey, Ralph. How are you?" She smiles, removing her glasses and leaning forward. "I haven't heard from you in a while. A surprise you called. " "Yeah. We've all been busy, haven't we?" I say and she nods, keeping that gentle smile on her face. "Do you want to order anything before—" I start and she shakes her head. "No. I'm good. Are you?" "Sure, I am. " I respond and she hums, narrowing her eyes at me when I say no other word. "You wanted to meet?" "Yes. " I nod, linking my fingers and dropping them in front of me. "I want to talk to you about something important, and I don't know if you've heard it from Lucy or—" "What's it?" She asks and I take a breath before I continue, "You know she's pregnant, don't you?" Her eyes widen. "She is?" I push my head back. "You don't? I thought she'd tell you about that. " "No, she didn't.
Hey, Sweethearts! While wait for Lucy and Ralph's chapter that I'll be releasing this evening, which will be the last bonus chapter that'll close SIN entirely; I just want to let you know that Arabella's story is out!! I know some of you wanted to see her development, and now you have it. Her book is out, and it's titled CRAVE. You can go under my author's icon to see it or simply search for it. CRAVE is a new journey, so it'll be needing all of your support. There are only three chapters available now, so do add to your library, spare some votes for the new one and do leave a review on your thoughts of her story. They'll all be well appreciated. Once again, I'll thank you guys for sticking with SIN to the end. I hope you'll give Arabella the same support you give her brother:-) Thank you, and see you soon again.
DAVE. ✓THREE MONTHS AGO. ASHLEY'S WEDDING. ~ "Hey, I thought Ashley said you weren't in town. " I turn to see Lucy approaching me and I smile at her as she stands in front of me. "I wasn't, but I am now. " "Just for the wedding?" She teases and I laugh, "I couldn't afford to miss it now, could I?" "Definitely not. " She agrees and we both laugh before I open my arms and she gives me a tight hug before she pulls away. "It's nice to see you again, Dave. " "You too, Lucinda. You have..." I trail off, my eyes moving down her body before I meet her gaze again. "You're looking more beautiful. " "When have I ever not?" She replies cockily and I shake my head before I turn my head from her, taking a sip of the drink. "I'll talk to you later, yeah? I need to be on my way. " "See you later. " I say with a raise of the glass and she smiles before she starts to walk away. A sigh leaves my lips as I look around the room filled with people who are here to celebrate the big day of Sincl
VINCENT. My chest falls as I stride inside the house, and shut the door behind me. "And why do you have a frown on your face?" I flinch a bit at the sudden sound and relax when I look to my side to see Heather leaning against the wall with her hands crossed to her chest and a tiny smile on her face. Her blonde hair is pulled in a messy bun, and she's in one of those transparent lace with her bra and her lace panties peeking out from beneath. "Hey, angel. " I smile at her, and she strolls to my front, locking her hands around my neck while I use my free hand around her waist. She kisses the side of my face before she pulls back and whispers, "Hey. ""How long have you been waiting there?" I ask her, referring to her little hide and seek, and she says, "Since I heard the sound of your car. What's wrong? Why did you have a frown on?""Just a stressful day at work. Things didn't exactly go as we thought they would. " I tell her and she looks down at her other hand. She grabs my suitcas
ASHLEY. "Are you nervous?" Heather chuckles as she places a hand on my shoulder and I shake my head despite my trembling hands fisted in my gown. "You do look nervous, " she says playfully. "More happy than nervous?"Lillian turns to me this time with her six-year-old daughter placed on her hip. She's dressed in a simple gown that stays fitted to her body and brings out her perfect features. The woman is still looking as beautiful as ever. "I can remember your words from years ago, Ashley. You promised you'll be more happy than nervous when your big day comes. " I did say that. I said that because I wasn't the one dressed in a heavy gown with a groom waiting to finally lay the final claim on his bride. But now that I am, it'll be a lie to say I'm not nervous. I'm fucking nervous, but that also equals happiness. This is really happening: I'm getting married to that man. After years full of ups and downs, fights and amends, learning and understanding each other better – we're gettin
SIX YEARS AND A FEW MONTHS LATER. √WASHINGTON. DC. ASHLEY. "So you're back and the first person you thought to meet is your man?" Lucy's loud whining voice echoes through my ears, and a chuckle leaves my mouth as I move the phone away a bit before glueing it back to my ear. "I remember you doing the same thing months ago, backstabber. " I remind her of her playful betrayal as I walk inside the company. A company that's managed by Vincent, Sinclair along with one other friend of theirs. It's been three years since they graduated college, and decided to pursue the world of business and exchange side by side, and I'm so fucking proud of how far those men have come, and how fast they continue to grow. When Sinclair first told me about the idea, I was shocked because I wasn't expecting him to go along that line. I would have never imagined Sinclair to go with business despi
SINCLAIR. "What are you getting her?" I ask Vincent as he looks through the set of chocolates on the top rows. He looks back at me and furrows his brows, "Isn't that obvious?" "Just chocolates?" I raise my brows and he sighs, dropping the chocolate box with other things he bought before turning back to me. "Okay, what's it? Don't fucking tell me it's nothing because I know it's fucking something. You've been acting this way since we came in. " "I don't know, man, " I tell him and sigh when he narrows his eyes at me. "I just don't know what to get Little Greene. " "I told you not to call her that name around me. " He frowns and I chuckle. "You should have gotten used to it by now. She's the little one, isn't she?" He rolls his eyes and moves to the other end, and I follow behind him closely, my eyes moving across the set of gifts on the rows but nothing comes close
ASHLEY. A smile remains on my face as I stare at mine and Sinclair's last message. ME: I'm not sure I'll be able to make it. Lectures are hard on me these days. I'm so sorry, babe, you know how much I wish I could be there truly. SINCLAIR: I understand, Little Greene. My first wish was from you so that's alright. At the end of his message is a smiley face. Though I know he can put up with me not showing up on his day because of school, I also know he isn't okay like he claims to be. It's been two months since we last saw each other. Two months since we left Washington. Two months since that heartening night in the snow that's come to become one of my favourite moments with the man I love. Two months since I got an advance proposal from Sinclair Leovough, as weird as that sounds. "You honestly are a tease, " Lucy
Hello Sweethearts:-)I'm back from the short break! Hatred with Benefits went live on the app. You can go to the author's icon on the home page of SIN. Click on 'About The Author ' and there you can find my available books, amongst which Hatred With Benefits is. There are eight chapters available and more coming in:-) Please be sure to add to your libraries, vote with gems and drop some reviews if you might. It's a new book and needs all the support you can give!And on the bonus chapters. I want you to know I read each of your reviews, even if I'm not able to respond to all and I'm happy to see them. I'm more than glad to write the bonus chapters! I'm doing daily updates for Hatred With Benefits, so I won't be able to do daily for the bonus chapters. The updates will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It should be less than ten chapters or that exact amount so do anticipate!:-)That will be all! See you at Hatred With Benefits until Friday for SIN.