Chantal Fernando - Toxic Girl

“Of course you’re a hard worker. And you’re smart. I’m not denying that,” he says, giving me a crooked smile. “Just ignore me. I’m jealous as an idiot.”

“Jealous? Seriously?”

He lifts his arm and wraps it around my shoulder. I lean my head on his chest, welcoming his comfort. “I just feel off-kilter, you know? I don’t like this space we have between us now.”

I stay silent, just breathing in his scent and enjoying being back in his arms.

“Can I take you out tonight?” he asks. “Maybe you can stay over?”

I look up at him, at his hopeful expression. “Okay.”

His shoulders relax. “Good. My sister wants to spend some time with you as well.”

“Yeah, she said she would message me.”

“I think she’s planning on asking you to go out with her this weekend,” he says, pushing my hair off my neck and to the side.

“Is Dylan going to be there?” I ask, hating to admit that I would rather not see her face.

“Don’t worry about her, okay. She doesn’t have me; she never did. I’m all yours. I’ll tell Leah to make sure Dylan isn’t around.”

I sigh. “Yeah, okay.”

He chuckles. “You don’t have to go if you don’t want to.”

“I do want to. Maybe I’ll bring Anaya along with me,” I say, nodding my head.

“You do know that I’m coming, right,” he says into my ear. Goosebumps appear all over my skin.

“How can you come? I haven’t even touched you yet,” I reply, grinning at my response.

He shakes his head at me. “Me. You. Tonight.”

“I have a condition,” I say.

“Anything.”

“Listen to what I have to say first. If you’ve forgiven me for everything, then I need you to actually forgive me, and not throw it in my face every chance you get.” This is important to me. We either move on, or we don’t. I know it’s harder said than done, and selfish on my part to ask this of him, but I need to know.

He leans down and kisses me. “I forgive you. I won’t bring it up again.”

“If you want to talk about it, we can. Just please don’t make little comments, because they really hurt.”

“Fuck, I’m sorry, babe. I promise,” he says, his eyes full of worry and remorse.

“Thank you,” I say gratefully, pulling him back down by his shirt for a deeper kiss. “I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you the truth. And not just because you found out that way, but because I should have trusted you enough to be honest.”

“I’m not going to lie, I was pissed. Fucking pissed, hurt, and angry. But I can’t lose you. I won’t,” he says, pinning me with his stare. “We’re both far from perfect, but I know what we have is different. Special. And I sure as hell plan to fight for it.”

“I want you to fight for us,” I tell him, my voice weak.

“You aren’t getting away that easily, Paris,” he says, tickling me under my ribs. I laugh, pushing him away.

“Come and pick me up around six,” I say, standing and bending over to pick up my bag. I turn to look at him, and catch him staring at my ass. “Enjoying the view?”

“Always,” he says huskily.

I wink at him and then head to my next class.

I hang up the phone, and flop onto my bed, groaning into the pillow. London will be the death of me. I finally called her back to see what the heck was going on. Apparently, she wants to come and visit me. I wonder who she’s pissed off that she suddenly wants to come to Perth. A knock at the door reminds me that Grayson is coming to pick me up. I hop out of bed and practically run to the door, opening it in record time. He stands there, holding a dozen roses and a sweet smile.

“For me?” I ask, playing coy.

“Always,” he says, handing me the bouquet and kissing me on my nose.

“They are beautiful, thank you,” I tell him, smelling the roses and walking into the kitchen to find a vase. I pull one out of the back of the cupboard and fill it with some water, and then put the roses in it. Grayson stands behind me, his front pressed against my back.

“You smell good,” he rumbles into my ear. He pushes my hair off my shoulder and places a kiss on my neck. I reach my hands back and wrap them around his neck, my head falling back. He trails kisses down my neck, knowing exactly what it does to me. I feel the tug in my lower belly and squeeze my thighs together. When he moves away, I groan and turn around to face him.

“Don’t tease me!”

A deep chuckle fills my ears. “Not teasing. Bedroom. Now.” He grips my ass, his large hands tightening on each round globe. Lifting me up, I wrap my legs around his narrow waist and hold on for dear life as he stalks into my room and throws me onto the bed. I bounce once, before he’s on me, kissing me with unrivalled passion.

“Missed you,” he says in between kisses.

“I missed you too,” I pant out, threading my hands in his hair and pulling him back down for more. His mouth soon leaves my lips and heads south, kissing down my neck and then to my breasts. Pulling down my top and the cups of my bra, he takes my nipple into his mouth and suckles. My mouth makes a small O, and my back arches in pleasure. His hands roam my thighs, pushing up my skirt and sliding into my panties as his mouth continues to work magic on my nipples.

“Want you.” He bites down gently with his teeth.

“Fuck, Grayson!” I moan out. His tongue peeps out, licking and soothing the pain of the bite. He pulls down my panties and then rolls over onto his back, sliding off his jeans and lifting me on top of him. Straddling him, I guide him into me and push down with one smooth thrust. We both moan simultaneously. I start to ride him with enthusiasm, pushing up and down at the perfect angle. It’s not long before I turn almost frantic, on the crest of climax. My head falls back against my neck as I scream out Grayson’s name. I all but collapse on top of him, when he rolls on top of me and takes over. Good thing because it feels like that orgasm wrung the life out of me.

“Not finished with you yet, babe,” he says in a deep rumble.

“Wouldn’t expect anything else,” I say breathily.

And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

* * *

Leah messages me the next day, asking me to go out on Friday night. I reply telling her I would love to and ask if I can bring Anaya. She says sure, so it looks like I’m going clubbing. I walk into work and smile when I see Aiden laughing with another guy. He has a shaved head, and a goatee; both look damn good on him. Behind him sits another good-looking guy. He’s covered in tattoos and is holding a little girl in his hands. I watch as he tells her something with causes her to burst out in giggles.

“Ahhh, here she is now,” Aiden says as I walk up, winking at me.

I glance at him in suspicion. “What are you up to?” I ask.

“Nothing. I just want you to meet my cousin, Tag. Tag this is Paris. The new girl I just hired,” he says, nodding his head at me.

“Nice to meet you,” I tell Tag, who gives me a once-over and a cheeky smile.

“Pleasure’s all mine,” he says in a voice that can make panties melt. “This is Xander. And the little princess is my daughter Bella.”

Xander looks up and gives me a chin lift. My eyes widen. He’s beautiful. His tattoos cover his neck and both his arms. Bella gives me a little wave—she really is too cute.

“You know, if you ever get sick of this idiot, you can come work at the bar I work at,” he says. Aiden mock punches him, and Tag grabs him in a head lock. The two of them are adorable.

“Go, Daddy!” Bella calls out, waving her arms in the air. Aiden and Tag stop their messing around and start laughing.

“Aww, Bella, you break my heart,” Aiden says, mock pouting.

“I love you too, Aiden,” she says in a serious tone. Aiden walks over to her and kisses her on the top of her head. Xander, Tag, and Bella leave a little while later, and Aiden and I get back to work.

I’m surprised an hour later when Grayson comes in. He sits at the bar in front of where I’m standing and smiles.

“What can I get you, handsome?” I ask in a husky tone.

His smile widens as he leans forward. “Are you on the menu?”

I giggle. “So cheesy. You want a beer?”

“Yes, please, I’d love one,” he says. I turn to the fridge and pull out a bottle of his favourite beer. Aiden chooses that moment to walk out of the back and right up to me.

“I’m heading out. Will you be all right? Jackie and Shannon will both be in any minute now,” he says.

“I’ll be fine,” I tell him. Grayson is the only customer we have right now. I put the beer in front of Grayson, who is now staring daggers at Aiden. Aiden notices and turns to look at me, eyebrow raised.

“Grayson, this is my boss, Aiden. Aiden, this is my boyfriend, Grayson,” I say, turning from one to the other.

“Really. I had no idea you had a boyfriend,” Aiden says, smirking. I narrow my eyes on him. I hadn’t told him, but only because it’s none of his business and it never came up. I look at Grayson to see his lips tightening into a thin line.

“Well, she does,” he replies, hand gripping the bottle of beer tightly.

“I can see that. See you tomorrow, Paris,” Aiden says, whistling as he walks out.

I turn to Grayson, looking apologetic. “Sorry about that.”

“He’s your boss?” he asks, running one hand through his hair.

“Yes,” I reply, drawing out the word.

“So he’s who you’re here with until late at night. Alone?”

“Grayson, seriously,” I snap, losing my patience.

“You have no idea who he is, do you?” he asks, taking a huge gulp of beer. He puts down the bottle and stares at me.

“What the hell are you talking about?” I ask, completely lost.

“Aiden Rivers. He used to be lead singer for that band, Ageless Devastation. They used to be really popular in Perth before they broke up about two years back.”

I’m sure my eyebrows are hitting my hairline. “Aiden used to a lead singer for a well-known band?” Goofy, annoying, but sweet and funny Aiden? I start to laugh. I can’t help it.

“What’s so funny?” he asks, dark eyes narrowed to slits.

I shrug. “Aiden’s a little… goofy. I just don’t see it.”

His eyes soften. “You’re not attracted to him?” he asks, staring at me intently, waiting for my response.

“No. I mean he is good-looking,” he starts to scowl, “but he’s not my type. Besides it wouldn’t matter either way, I’m a one-man woman.”

“Lucky man,” he says, the air in the room lightening.

“You better believe it,” I reply. Two girls walk in. One is Jackie, whom I’ve met before. The other must be Shannon.

“Hey, Paris,” Jackie calls out. Shannon gives me a small wave.

“Hey, Jackie,” I reply, turning back to Grayson. Jackie comes to stand next to me. I can see where this is going already. Grayson is extremely good-looking, and unfortunately, I’m not the only one who notices it.

“Can I get you another drink?” she asks him, practically purring.

“No thanks,” Grayson replies politely, his eyes on me the entire time. Jackie notices and pouts.

“He yours?” she asks.

“Yes,” I reply. All mine. And I’m not sharing—ever.

“Lucky bitch,” she mutters, giving me a wink before walking off.

“Call me if you ever have to be here alone,” he says, gaining my attention. “I’ll come and wait with you. I don’t like the idea of you being here by yourself.”

“Gray--”

“It’s not safe, Paris.”

“Yeah, okay,” I give in.

“Good,” he says, lip twitching. “I have to head into work for a bit. I’ll come pick you up when you’re finished. Ten o’clock, right?”

“Yeah ten,” I say, leaning over the bar and putting my lips close to his. “I’ll see you then.”

He moves the rest of the way, closing the slight space between us and kisses me. The kiss is possessive and loving and leaves me wanting more.

“Be careful. Call me if you need anything, I’m not too far away from here,” he says against my lips.

“Okay.”

“I’ll bring you something to eat,” he says, eyes smiling.

“Sounds good,” I say, brushing my lips against his one last time. I pull back and wave bye as he gets up and leaves.

I walk into the club, Anaya by my side, the both of us dressed to kill. Friday night came around quickly, and I told Grayson I would meet him here. Of course, he didn’t like that; he wanted to pick me up, but I told him Anaya was driving so there was no point. He grumbled, but surprisingly gave in. I spot him instantly at the bar with his sister. Anaya links her hand in mine as we walk toward them. I know the second Grayson sees me, because he turns his head and stills. I hide my smile as I stop before him. Before I can speak, he cradles my face in his hands and kisses me. He then puts his lips at my ear and says, “You look breathtaking.”