Hate Me! That's the Game! - Book 2 E-Book

Adams Emilia

• Herausgeber: So Romance - INT
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Serie: Hate me! That's the game!
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 240

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2026

Beschreibung

A star’s life is anything but restful, and Aileen is about to learn that the hard way…

Living with a star is no walk in the park. But living with Evan Swain means rock and roll every single day! Between concerts, boozy parties, and steamy moments, Aileen barely has time to study… and she’s not complaining!

But a series of tragedies strikes Aileen and those around her, and she constantly feels the threatening shadow of Kristen looming… Paranoia? Pure coincidence? More connected and intimate than ever, Evan and Aileen will have to face the obstacles standing in their way.

Dive right into the second and final volume of the bestselling series Hate me! That’s the game!. Emilia Adams brings you a romance full of action, suspense, emotions, and (very, very) steamy moments!

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY

Emilia drew us into her world with these two volumes. She wrote them very well, without falling into stereotypes. – PaulineG34, Babelio

A great sequel. Emilia’s writing is smooth and you turn the pages without even noticing. An excellent first saga. I will continue reading this author’s books. – lalielove, Babelio

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mother of three, Emilia Adams is a huge fan of The Strokes, especially Julian Casablancas. A dreamy young woman with a touch of madness, she loves writing and enjoying life with a good cappuccino or a pastry!

Leseprobe

Cover

Title page

Dedicated to Julian C. and his musicians.

Thank you for sharing your world with me.

Thanks to you, I was able to create this story.

I’ve always struggled to believe in myself, but I thank So Romance for giving me this chance and making my dreams a reality.

Thanks also to all my readers and your kind messages.

Like Walt Disney said, “Think, believe, dream, and dare”

Thank you.

Chapter 1

Hawaii

“Hawaii”

(The Strokes)

Aileen

A fiery desire courses through my body like a volcano about to erupt. My skin is burning. I’m on the verge of exploding. I need someone to extinguish the fire crackling inside me before I throw myself at the gorgeous guy staring at me with a triumphant smile.

Close your eyes, Aileen! Breathe in! Breathe out!

My hormones are in overdrive. My heart is racing. I clench my fists, shooting him a murderous glare. I can’t believe my eyes! He’s doing it on purpose! Seriously, he’s going to drive me completely insane! He’s slowly licking his lower lip in a maddeningly seductive way. Okay, he’s won this round, but I fully intend to get my revenge.

Tonight, you’re going to hate me, handsome!

We arrived in Hawaii late this afternoon under a sunny, clear sky. Such a contrast to this morning, when New York’s temperatures were slightly below freezing! The trees were coated in frost, and the pavement sparkled like a silver carpet. Even though I’m not a fan of winter—I hate the dampness—I loved admiring that beautiful scenery. It was truly stunning.

We left Seneca Falls yesterday after Christmas dinner. I didn’t even have time to set foot in my new home. Evan caught me off guard, once again. I never imagined I’d be spending a few days on a volcanic archipelago in the central Pacific. And let me tell you, it’s hot. Insanely hot! And whose fault is that? The man standing in front of me, mischievous, provocative, and turning my body into the ultimate distraction.

Where’s the fan?

He approaches me with two orange cocktails in hand. I take him in from head to toe. Incredibly sexy. I want to rip off his open white shirt and grab the belt of his black pants to whip him with it.

What a delightful idea crossing my mind!

I try not to smile and take the glass he offers me. He sits beside me, deliberately pressing close. I ignore him and sip my drink. I admire the ambiance of the property he rented facing the ocean. The living room is massive, adorned with exotic furniture and lit by small lights embedded in a wooden ceiling. Through the large sliding glass door, I can see the moon shimmering on the sand. This luxurious place opens onto a private beach on one side and a stunning valley on the other. It’s sublime and so romantic. Evan knows a thing or two about setting the mood. My pupils must look like sparkling champagne bubbles.

I hear him laugh. I wonder how I’m managing not to jump on him. What a challenge! It’s like having a chocolate cake right in front of you and being told not to touch it. Almost impossible to resist. He has a body that would make anyone shiver. The perfect guy, well-built and muscular in all the right ways. I never tire of looking at him.

He runs his hand through my hair and buries his face in my neck. I close my eyes, replaying what just happened on this couch. I was on the brink of ecstasy, but knowing my body so well, he pulled his fingers away from my most intimate spot just in time to drive me crazy.

I set my glass down on the wooden table adorned with floating candles and stand up. I adopt a mischievous look. Without hesitation, I take off my T-shirt and toss it onto his head. He catches it and throws it to the ground with a smile.

Yeah, but don’t get your hopes up; it’s not what you think!

“Go ahead, sweetheart, give me a striptease.”

He wiggles his eyebrows and savors his cocktail. His sparkling eyes scan me. I burst out laughing and continue my little act. I unbutton my pants and let them slide slowly down my legs.

“Delicious! You’re an absolute bombshell!”

I giggle and pull at the laces of my red bra, exposing my chest to him. It lands next to my T-shirt. Without breaking eye contact, he stands and sets his glass on the coffee table. My predator is just inches away, and I know I need to summon all my courage not to give in. Don’t touch him. Don’t kiss him. It’s possible! I step back so he can’t reach me. My heart pounds wildly.

“I’m going to devour you,” he says in a completely sexy voice.

“In your dreams! Catch me if you can!”

I burst out laughing and run to the sliding glass door. I venture outside, walking quickly on the fine sand. The foam of the waves laps at my feet. It’s almost night. A gentle breeze stirs my hair, but I don’t find it unpleasant. On the contrary, I needed to cool my body down.

I wade into the water, crossing my arms over my chest. I stop where the gentle waves brush against my back. Evan is behind me; I can feel his presence, the scent of his luxury cologne filling my nostrils. His fingers trail up and down my spine. I shiver as his mouth grazes my neck and his hands settle on my hips. Guaranteed chills. Just from that, my body heats up again. Damn it! I have to admit, I no longer want to run, but that doesn’t mean he’s won this round.

Alright, just one little kiss, and that’s it.

I turn around slowly to face him. A broad smile spreads across his face, and I can’t help but mirror it. He’s so handsome. I wrap my arms around his neck and press my chest against his. Just one! Then I’ll get my revenge. But right now, I need to feel his mouth on mine. It’s stronger than me; I crave it desperately.

My lips gently cover his. I slide my tongue into his mouth, closing my eyes. Our orange-flavored saliva mingles, and tiny butterflies tickle my lower belly from this exquisite kiss. Uh-oh! This might get complicated.

“I love you,” he whispers.

The way he says it, in such a sensual voice, is just another ploy to win me over. No, no, no! Get a grip, Aileen! But suddenly, he grabs me by the waist and lifts me. Our eyes lock. In that moment, I want to capture the expression on his face. He looks so happy. And I’m melting completely… I’m doomed!

“Four days… just you and me, no stress, no interruptions. Far from everything. We needed this, didn’t we?”

I nod, murmuring a yes. Being alone with the man of my dreams gives me a sense of peace. I admit I haven’t felt at ease since my horrible ordeal with Kristen and Axel. No matter how hard I try to hide my anxiety, I’m always on edge. But I’m lucky to have Evan in my life, distracting me from thoughts of those two awful people.

We kiss again. It feels like my mouth is glued to his. He gently sets me back in the water. I run my fingers over his chest, slowly trailing them down to the waistband of his boxers. It’s on! Time for payback. I can’t wait another second, or he’ll claim victory again.

Without hesitation, I slip my hand under his boxers. I’m not surprised that he’s fully aroused. How does he control himself so easily without taking things further? When he leaves me burning up, he acts like nothing happened. And I’m left struggling to stay calm, trying not to lose it.

He moistens his lower lip and whispers in my ear, “Let me be inside you. I want to feel you.”

I smile and ignore his words, keeping my hand where it is. He tilts his head back slightly as I move in slow, deliberate strokes. I continue for a while, watching his face filled with desire. He’s so captivating to look at. My nipples harden, and a wild sensation stirs in my core. I try to stay composed. I pick up the pace, more erratic now, and when I hear him moan, I stop. I feel like doing a victory dance, but I think I’m going to pay for this. He furrows his brows. He doesn’t look happy at all. His eyes burn with an intense fire. I’m ready to burst out laughing, but suddenly he picks me up and heads toward the villa.

“Put me down!” I grumble, trying to wriggle free.

I kick my legs furiously and pound on his back. He laughs.

“You’re mine. Stop hitting me.”

He lays me down on his discarded shirt and pants on the sand.

“You shouldn’t have teased me like that, Aileen.”

“It’s your fault! You shouldn’t have left me hanging on the couch.”

“We’ll make up for it,” he replies in a deeply sexy tone.

My heart races. His hands claim my breasts. He kneads, massages, and licks my nipples. My blood ignites. I close my eyes, savoring this sensual act. His eager mouth explores my body. It feels so good! Oh, my God! Waves of pleasure wash over me. Okay, I don’t want to play anymore. I want to lose myself in my pink ocean. To drift, to soar, to dream.

Very quickly, I find myself naked. He enters me slowly, never breaking eye contact. I surrender to this sensual, erotic dance, my eyes filled with stars. There’s no more game. Our bodies call out to each other. A journey to paradise awaits us for a long, long time.

*

I wish I could live here forever. It’s so peaceful and soothing. The scenery is breathtaking, and most of all, I feel so good in my crush’s arms. Over four days, we explored this heavenly archipelago. An extraordinary trip that dazzled my eyes.

On the first day, we flew over Kauai in a hot air balloon, marveling at the emerald green valleys, jagged mountain peaks, and steep cliffs. It was magical. I felt like I was dreaming. The majestic waterfalls and tropical forests captivated me throughout the excursion. We dined at a restaurant, savoring delicious sushi. That evening, completely exhausted, I quickly fell asleep in my lover’s arms.

On the second day, we enjoyed the private beach at our rental. I lost count of how many times we got carried away under the sheets in that lovely, vibrant romantic bedroom, but I’ll always remember it as a day filled with love. We set our little game aside. Sometimes, we just need tenderness.

In the following days, we boarded a catamaran to discover the hidden treasures of Oahu’s blue waters. It was incredible to see dolphins leaping above the surface. I took countless photos of the landscapes, of Evan, and of us together. I was in awe. My best vacation ever. Without a doubt, this destination will remain one of my fondest memories. But all good things come to an end, and today we have to return to New York.

I zip up my suitcase and leave the romantic bedroom, blowing it a kiss goodbye. I smile at my little gesture and join Evan in the living room. He’s on the phone. Hawaii’s sun has given his skin a golden glow, but right now, he looks pale. He turns his head toward the sliding glass door. A strange feeling washes over me. Something’s wrong. My heart starts racing. I don’t like this at all.

He checks his silver watch before speaking:

“We’re taking off in three hours. We’ll be there by evening.”

He hangs up and gives me a faint smile. I frown. I want to understand, but he walks past me, puts on his jacket, and all he says is:

“Let’s go!”

I instinctively shake my head. I step in front of him and ask:

“Who was that?”

It takes him at least ten seconds to answer:

“Logan.”

His eyes show worry, and he says nothing more.

He pulls a pack of cigarettes from his leather jacket pocket and slides one between his lips. I glare at him, furious. There’s no way I’m leaving here without knowing what Logan told him.

Hands on my hips, I snap:

“You’re the one who said we should always be honest with each other and never hide anything. Now, you’re going to explain!”

He takes the cigarette out of his mouth and gestures for me to come closer with his finger.

As if I’m going to obey! Dream on!

I turn my back on him. I hear him sigh and approach me. He turns me around. My heart won’t calm down. I feel like he’s about to tell me something I won’t like at all.

“You’re right. Our love is built on honesty, not lies.”

He pauses, then says in a low, calm voice:

“It’s Adam. He’s in the hospital right now.”

I let out a cry, covering my mouth with my hand.

He continues:

“Apparently, he was attacked.”

I start hitting his arm like crazy, yelling:

“And why didn’t you tell me? What happened? Is he okay?”

Rage is taking over me. Why hide something like this? I’m beside myself. I hit him again, but he grabs my wrist to stop me. I glare at him.

“That’s enough, Aileen! I didn’t want to worry you, I…”

I cut him off, raising my voice louder than his:

“Tell me how he’s doing!”

I struggle. To no avail. He pushes me back against the wall.

“We came here to unwind, to clear our heads, to escape our daily lives for a bit. I didn’t want to lie to you; I was going to tell you everything once we got back to New York. From what Logan said, Adam has a broken shoulder and some bruises, but he’s okay.”

Tears well up in my eyes. Who did this to him? And why? Evan pulls me into a hug, seeing me in this state.

“I’m sorry,” he murmurs, his lips resting on the top of my head. “I didn’t want to ruin the end of our vacation.”

I lift my head and meet his gaze. My anger begins to fade. I know he didn’t mean any harm. Since my attack, he’s done everything to protect me. I can only be grateful.

A year ago, my life was pretty peaceful. I loved having fun with my friends. We had the wildest nights of our lives. Will fame change all that? Do we always have to be cautious? Unfortunately, I knew what I was getting into. Nothing will ever be the same again, but that doesn’t mean I want to change my life. Because I know my life is with him.

He presses his lips to my head before pulling away and grabbing his suitcase.

“Let’s go,” he says, placing his hand on the door handle. “We’ve got a long way to go before we see Adam.”

I nod and slip on my red faux leather jacket. The journey will be long. I know I won’t be able to sit still, but Evan will be there to distract me. At least, I hope so.

Chapter 2

Obstinate

“Obstinate”

(The Strokes)

Evan

It snowed in New York. It’s freezing cold. I’m completely numb.

The icy air burns my face as I step out of the car. Aileen insisted on seeing Adam as soon as we arrived. She didn’t sleep a wink on the flight. She was terribly stressed. I tried to comfort her, but it wasn’t enough. I could tell her mind was elsewhere. She’s convinced Kristen and Axel had something to do with it, but to me, the attack was probably just a coincidence. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time. It could’ve happened to anyone. Unfortunately, it happened to him.

My thoughts wander. Sometimes I wish I could read her mind. I hope I’m not letting her down, but I know the life of a celebrity is rarely easy. Ever since our relationship was exposed to the media, we’ve been constantly pestered by journalists snapping photos of us every time we leave our apartment. The social media articles aren’t always kind, but she’s learned to take the good and leave the bad behind. Even though I know there are times she broods and doesn’t want to talk about it. That’s my life, and sadly, there’s not much I can do to change it.

I wrap my arm around her shoulders and kiss her temple. Her lips are slightly blue. I pull her closer as we walk toward the hospital. I can feel her shivering. She gives me a timid smile, but there’s a glimmer of sadness in her eyes. I hate it!

I push open the entrance door. Aileen slips out of my embrace and hurries to the reception desk. I take a moment to admire the enormous Christmas tree decorated in gold hues and the many garlands brightening up this otherwise dreary place.

“Room 228,” she says, grabbing my hand.

We take the elevator to the second floor. She scans the numbers on the doors, searching for Adam’s room.

“Here it is,” she declares, pointing to a door with her finger.

She knocks and enters. I follow her, catching sight of my drummer lying on a bed, his arm in a cast and his face battered. Damn it! Shit! He’s in bad shape. Aileen lets out a small gasp, covering her mouth with her hand, and rushes to his side.

I recognize Adam’s mother sitting beside him, a charming, elegant woman in her forties with auburn hair. She’s dressed in a navy-blue designer suit. She reminds me of Bree Van de Kamp from Desperate Housewives. Her hair is so perfectly styled it looks like she emptied an entire can of hairspray on it, and her forced smile barely hides her anxiety.

I approach them, kiss Adam’s mother on the cheek, and place my hand on Aileen’s back. Adam winces as he tries to sit up.

“This damn cast is way too bulky. I don’t know how I’m going to deal with it for three weeks.”

My face falls. Damn it! Three weeks! My first thought was for his health, not our upcoming concerts. We’ve got two scheduled in early January in New York. There’s no way we can perform without a drummer.

I try not to show my anxiety, forcing a small smile. His attackers really didn’t hold back. His right eye is swollen shut, there are scratches all over his cheeks, and his lower lip is split.

“What happened?” Aileen asks, her voice trembling.

I gently rub her back to calm her.

“It all happened too fast for me to understand,” Adam replies, rolling his eyes. “I stepped out of the pub and got jumped while I was having a smoke.”

Aileen continues her questioning:

“Did you see who did this to you?”

“I wish I had. Damn it, this is so messed up!”

He angrily throws off the white sheet covering his legs and sits on the edge of the bed. His eyes darken.

“Three weeks in a cast and two weeks of rehab. I’m going to lose my mind!”

Another blow! In a month, we have a concert scheduled in Los Angeles. Anger bubbles up inside me. I can’t cancel it. If I don’t find a solution, I risk disappointing my fans. I hold back my frustration, intertwining my fingers with Aileen’s. She looks at me, frowning. I must’ve squeezed her hand too hard.

“Don’t worry, Evan. This thing isn’t going to stop me from playing.”

“I’m not so sure. Playing with one hand sounds a bit tricky,” I comment, eyeing his cast.

“I’ll manage. No matter how, I’ll figure it out!”

His expression grows stormy.

“I don’t want you playing in this condition. If you push yourself, you’ll need even more than a month of rehab.”

He shakes his head.

“Then tell me what we’re supposed to do.”

“I don’t know. But I forbid you from going on stage like this.”

I realize I’m getting worked up. My voice has risen sharply, leaving an awkward silence in the room.

Adam’s mother clears her throat and says, “He’s right. You need to heal first and foremost. Evan will figure something out.”

Adam mutters a few curses under his breath. His frustration is palpable. I get it; he’s on edge. So am I. He’s stubborn, but it’s a losing battle.

“If I could find those bastards who did this to me… believe me, they wouldn’t get away with it.”

There’s a knock at the door. Emma walks in, all dolled up, looking like a porcelain doll. She’s radiant. She’s wearing a long red coat left open, reaching mid-thigh. Her black dress hugs her slim waist, and her silver heels complete her elegant outfit. She beams when she sees Aileen, opening her arms to hug her and kissing her cheek.

“I’m so happy you’re here! I missed you so much.”

“I wasn’t gone that long, Emma.”

“Five whole days! I was bored without you!”

“Nice!” Adam says, standing up. “And what about me? Did you forget me? I thought I was entertaining enough. Three times a day on average wasn’t enough?”

He seems less angry now. Miracle cure: Emma!

“Adam!” she scolds through gritted teeth. “Shut up for once! Your mother’s here.”

“So what? She knows how it is! She’s been there before you. Starting tonight, you’re the one who’ll have to take care of me,” he says softly, but loud enough for everyone to hear.

He wiggles his eyebrows and playfully smacks her on the butt. She jumps.

Adam’s mother clears her throat again. She puts on her gray coat and grabs a shiny clutch from a round table. Emma glares at Adam, her cheeks bright red.

“I’ll leave you all now,” says Mrs. Bree. “I’m hosting friends in an hour, and nothing’s ready.”

She kisses each of us on the cheek.

“Take care of yourself, my son. Be careful, okay?”

“Don’t worry, I won’t be alone tonight.”

She sighs and kisses his forehead before leaving the room. A man in a white coat enters next. He smiles when he sees me.

“Evan Swain! What a surprise!” he says, walking toward me. “I never thought I’d see you here. Can I get a photo with you? Would you mind? I’m a huge fan of your band.”

I grit my teeth. A photo! I’m not in the mood, but I finally say, “Of course. Go ahead.”

He pulls a phone from his coat and holds it up in front of our faces. Click… Second click… Damn it! Is he going to stop? Third… I must look miserable in all these pictures.

“Thank you. I can’t wait to see you at one of your concerts. You guys are amazing!”

I force a smile.

“Give me some good news,” Adam interjects. “Can I leave?”

“Your bloodwork looks great. Don’t worry, you won’t be spending New Year’s Eve with us. But I’m a little disappointed I won’t get to keep you. I was hoping for a private concert,” the doctor jokes.

Adam laughs and shakes his hand.

“Thanks, doc. You know, even if you’d told me to stay, I would’ve snuck out. Spending New Year’s in a hospital isn’t my thing.”

“I don’t think it’s anyone’s thing. Get out of here before I change my mind.”

He winks before leaving the room. Emma flashes a bright smile.

“It’s time for us to go too,” I say, wrapping my arm around Aileen’s waist. “We’ll meet at the studio as planned?”

“Yeah, of course. This won’t stop me from drinking. My jaw’s still in good shape.”

He grabs his jacket. Emma helps him slip it on over his cast. We wave goodbye and leave the room.

Aileen seems more relaxed now. She’s regained some color. I’m still on edge, but I’ll keep it to myself. I do have a solution. I could fill in for Adam for a while, but the thought pisses me off. For now, I’d rather not dwell on it. It’s New Year’s Eve. I plan to have fun… especially with the delightful creature walking beside me.

Chapter 3

No One There

“No One There”

(Exhibition/Julian Casablancas)

Aileen

He’s barely spoken to me since we got back. He’s frustrated and lost in thought. He doesn’t want to believe me when I tell him that Kristen and Axel are probably behind this, but I have a strange feeling. Adam doesn’t have enemies, and I can’t understand why he was attacked like that. Strangely enough, it happened just a week before the concerts were set to resume. It’s suspicious. A revenge plot, I’m sure of it.

Since my own misadventure, I haven’t seen Kristen or Axel. I know that blonde witch got fired from her modeling agency. Last I heard, they were vacationing in the Bahamas, but maybe they hired someone to punish us. Too many doubts are swirling in my head. Maybe I’m imagining things. I really hope we find the idiots who did this to my friend.

I set my suitcase down in my room. A shiver runs through me as I think about how Evan’s apartment is now also mine. For over a month, I’ve been coming here every day, but I didn’t expect him to give me a key and ask me to live with him. The decor is almost nonexistent. The walls are white, and only the bare essentials furnish the rooms. When we boarded the plane to Hawaii, he told me I could add a personal touch to make it feel like home.

I hope he won’t mind. I have ideas.

“I want you to wear this tonight.”

I jump. I hadn’t heard Evan come in. He approaches me with a sly smile. In one hand, he’s holding my floral blouse. The blouse from the day we met. My cheeks flush. I remember that day as if it were yesterday. I really thought I’d blown that interview. Somehow, I managed to convince him without even realizing it. Back then, he was trying to give things another shot with Kristen. I turned his life upside down, and oh, how it pleases me! Now, I can officially say I’m his girlfriend.

Take that, Kristen!

In a teasing tone, he continues, “With two buttons undone.”

He places his free hand on my waist and captures my lips. His kiss makes me lose my footing.

“And don’t forget your perfume, because tonight… I’m going to make real what I imagined when you were in my office. And I know you had the same desires.”

He wiggles his eyebrows. My heart ignites.

“So, do you prefer I wear a skirt or pants?”

I flutter my lashes. I already know the answer. I just want to see that delicious smile spread across his face. He makes me melt. And there it is. My heart skips a beat. What a sexy man!

He chuckles, brushing his finger against my lips. Another shiver.

“That’s not even a question. A skirt. No panties.”

He laughs and pushes me back. I tumble onto the bed. I sway as he lies on top of me and kisses my neck sensually. I desperately want him to make love to me right now. But we don’t have time. We have to meet all our friends at the studio for a party. Thankfully, Emma took care of having the food delivered by a caterer.

I try to push him away, placing my hands on his chest.

“I need to shower, Evan.”

“Perfect timing. So do I. Let’s start by taking this off.”

He unbuttons my cardigan. And just like that, I let him. What a charmer! But an idea crosses my mind. I think back to how he used to tease me by counting down, driving me crazy. I want to do the same.

“You’ve got fifteen minutes. Not a second more.”

He smiles.

“Fine. I can make you come in that short time,” he says, raising his eyebrows repeatedly. “Or not. I’m not sure if I should behave.”

“Don’t dream, Evan! No games! You’re going to make me come now!”

His eyes gleam with mischievous desire. He lifts me up in his arms. Quickly, he strides toward the bathroom. He carries me into the shower, turns on the water, and presses me against the wall. He devours me as if he’s starving. I shiver. Let him make love to me now—I can’t take it anymore!

“Ten minutes,” I tease.

“To hell with time! I’ll give you all the pleasure you want.”

I smile.