Artemis Ascends

ARTEMIS POV

“I told you this party is going to be lit,” Alice, my best friend, nudged me.

The party was boozing with a lot of people. This was our college party, but I could barely recognize everyone.

The music vibrated through my chest as we got closer.

I could hear laughter,and the he clicking of glass echoing throughout the night.

“Put a smile on your face dear. I know you don't like parties, but just let go tonight.”

I nodded, not feeling anything except the loud music threatening to burst my ears.

My stomach was tied up from the inside.

I ran my palm over my arm as I tried to brush the uneasiness stirring up within me.

At this moment, I was not sure if it was the party or the fear of running into him.

The only reason I came here was because Alice forced me. I didn't want to face him. I couldn't face him now when I was yet to heal. A part of me believed that maybe I wouldn’t see Jarvis tonight.

Jarvis, my ex-boyfriend.

I caught him cheating on me with the college bimbo. The sight of walking in on them while they were at it still haunted me.

I thought I was not going to face him anytime soon.

Unfortunately, I was wrong.

As soon as we stepped inside, I saw him. And her.

Jarvis stood by the makeshift bar, his arm slung around Bella’s shoulders, laughing as if nothing had changed.

He looked completely fine and even though I was unwilling to admit it, he looked so much happier.

The way he acted made it seem like the three years we spent together were nothing.

My throat went dry as I looked upon them with so much envy. I was supposed to be the one with Jarvis.

The betrayal was worse than I had imagined. Seeing him with her like that was a punch to the gut I hadn’t expected.

I blinked, forcing the lump in my throat down.

“Are you okay?” Alice’s voice was soft, filled with concern.

“I’m fine.”

But deep down, I was not fine.

A part of me wanted to march over to them and wipe that grin off their faces.

"I need a drink," I said quickly.

I turned away, not wanting to look at them.

I grabbed the first drink I could find from a passing tray.

The alcohol burned against my throat, leaving me with a lingering form of sadness.

"Let’s dance," I said to Alice, more for myself than for her.

She nodded and followed me onto the crowded dance floor.

The music flowed through my body.

The alcohol was already running through my veins, and it made me feel funny.

I moved my hips freely to the beat.

Even though it was all crowded, it felt like I was the only one in the world.

As my body moved to the rhythm of the music, I was distracted for a moment.

But as time went on my eyes kept wandering back to Jarvis and Bella.

Every laugh, every touch between them was like a dagger twisting deeper. How could my first love just abandon me, after all the promises?

"Shit," I muttered.

I averted my eyes when Jarvis caught me staring at him.

I didn't want him to see me pine over him.

The breakup happened a week ago, and I was still in my healing process.

In haste, I let my eyes scan the room. I was trying to find something to take my mind off my ex-boyfriend.

Then my eyes landed on him.

His body was leaning against the wall.

He was watching the scene unfold with a detached coolness.

A coldness that sent a sensation down my spine.

His gaze intensified with each moment.

With the way his eyes were fixed on me, he had been watching me for some time.

He was tall.

His hair was dark with a touch of messy curls that fell past his brow.

He had this presence that was commanding, like he owned the room without even trying.

Our eyes met, and the world faded around us. My heart skipped a bit.

It wasn’t just an attraction because of his striking figure. It was something darker, something dangerous.

My feet reacted on their own and I found myself walking toward him.

What was I even doing?

"Hey," I said, after mustering the courage to speak to the handsome devil who looked way out of my league.

"Hey yourself." His voice was smooth and firm.

“Wanna dance?”

His head tilted back, and a small smirk played on his lips.

“Are you asking me for a dance?” he asked.

"Maybe," I shrugged.

He moved himself from the wall then he towered over me.

He stuffed his hands in his pockets, pushing his chest forward.

God, he looked so sexy, and he was not ashamed to flaunt it.

I quickly took my eyes off his chest as my cheeks burned.

"It's okay to stare pookie. I know I look gorgeous." He arched his brow as he smirked.

My chin nearly dropped to the floor, but I kept myself together.

As we moved onto the dance floor, I could feel Jarvis’s angry gaze burning into my back.

My face shone with pride. He should regret all he wants.

I'm not the broken mess he left behind.

I pressed the stranger as we moved in sync with the rhythm of the music.

This was the perfect plan to make Jarvis jealous.

I was going to show him I was totally over him.

"You must be doing this to make him jealous," the guy said

His lips brushed past my ears, and I snapped back to reality.

My body stiffened for a moment.

I pulled back to look him in the eye.

"What makes you think so?"

He chuckled.

"I saw that he's staring at me. And from analysis,he's probably the shitty ex." He said, his voice oozing with confidence which caused me to roll my eyes.

"What's your name?" I asked, trying to change the subject.

"Jamie." His eyes darkened as he leaned in closer, his hand sliding down my back. "And you?"

“Artemis.”

"It is an interesting name." His lips brushed against my neck.

His warm breath sent a jolt of heat through me.

"How about we give your ex something to be jealous of, Artemis?"

Before I could process what he said, Jamie pulled me in closer.

His mouth captured mine in a kiss that was anything but gentle.

It was rough, demanding, and full of the anger, pain, and desire I had been trying to bury all night.

I kissed him hard, running my hands over his hair as I deepened the kiss.

I let my tongue slide freely, savoring every taste I could find.

When we finally pulled apart, trying to catch our breath.

I glanced past Jamie's shoulder and saw Jarvis staring at us.

His jaw was tight and his eyes dark with something that almost looked like regret.

If it was indeed regret, then it was good.

Jamie’s large hands brushed my hair past my shoulder and sucked on my neck, his tongue rolling over my skin, but his eyes were fixed on Jarvis, who looked like he was about to explode.

Then Jamie’s hand slid to my waist, pulling me even closer.

“Feel better?”

I smiled, though it was dry. “Maybe."

Jamie seemed to notice the hint of sadness in my eyes, and then he lifted my chin, forcing me to stare into his eyes.

"How about I make you feel even better tonight?" He said with a playful smirk on his face.

My heart leaped in my chest. Did he just ask me to spend the night with him?