Текст книги "Toxic Girl"

Автор книги: Chantal Fernando

сообщить о нарушении

Текущая страница: 7 (всего у книги 12 страниц)

Chapter Eighteen

“So where did you work before here?” Aiden innocently asks, causing me to almost choke on my drink.

“Oh, you know,” I say, trying to wave off his question.

“No, I don’t know, but now I’m certainly intrigued,” he says, brows rising.

“Maybe we should wait until I’m hired for sure,” I say, inciting a laugh from him. He may laugh, but I’m being dead serious.

“Come on, I won’t judge you on it. I swear,” he says, crossing his heart with his finger.

Backed into a corner, I either have to tell the truth or lie. As I’ve recently learnt, truth is always the best option. “I used to work at Toxic.”

His mouth drops. “The strip club?”

I roll my eyes. “Yes, the strip club.”

He eyes my body. “I guess I could see that.”

I gasp. “You pig!”

He laughs. “I’m just messing around. Well, you’re hot. No judgement though, I swear.”

I narrow my eyes on his. “We’ll see about that.”

He laughs harder. “I’m not going to ask you to give me a show or anything if that’s what you’re waiting for.”

I blink. “Are you always this annoying?”

“Yes,” he says. “Actually, I get worse than this.”

My eyes widen. “Is this why you needed to hire someone? Everyone quit after they worked with you, didn’t they?”

He shakes his head at me. “Oh, please. Everyone loves me.”

“You’re the boss. I’m sure they pretend to,” I add, smirking.

“But not you, huh?” he replies, laughing some more. A group of customers walk toward the bar.

“Time to see what you’re made of,” he says, waving his hand toward the people.

“Trust me, this is nothing,” I brag.

He follows behind me. “Let’s see then.”

I serve two customers as he serves the others. I check the drink chart for one of the drinks, the other’s simple—a vodka orange. I use the register as Aiden had shown me, and give the correct change.

“Easy peasy,” I say when the customers leave.

He nods. “You did well.”

“So? Do I have the job?” I ask eagerly.

He grins. “We will see at the end of the night.”

Challenge accepted.

* * *

"How was your first day at work?” Grayson asks as he sits on the grass next to me.

“It was good actually. It was a trial shift, to see how I did, but he told me at the end of the night I was hired,” I say, popping a grape in my mouth.

“I bet he did,” Grayson mutters.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask, my hackles rising.

“Nothing,” he says, sliding closer to me.

I put my hands up. “Say it. Don’t be a pussy,” I demand.

His mouth opens in shock at my comment. Then he bursts out laughing. “I can’t believe that just came out of your little mouth.”

“Hmmph.”

“I just meant that you’re a sexy, beautiful girl…”

“Yeah, not because I’m a hard worker or anything, right?” I say, pursing my lips.

“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.

Chapter Nineteen

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.

Chapter Twenty

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.”

I blush. I’d chosen a dress of Anaya’s, a blue chiffon dress I fell in love with the moment I saw. I go to introduce Leah and Anaya, but the two of them are already talking and introducing themselves. Oops. I throw Grayson a look, like it’s his fault I’m appearing rude. He grins wolfishly, like he knows exactly what I’m thinking.

“You don’t need to baby her,” he says into my ear, looking amused. “Do you want a drink?”

“Yes please,” I say, turning to Anaya and Leah and asking them what they want. Grayson orders for us, and then pulls me to the dance floor.

“I know you have some moves,” he whispers into my ear, pulling my ass against him. “I was so angry that night, but I was also so fucking hard.”

We start to dance, nothing too raunchy. He has his hands on my hips, and we move together in time with the music. A few songs later, we return to Leah and Anaya who are doing a shot of something green. Leah smiles when she sees me and grabs my arm, pulling me next to her.

“There are so many hot guys here tonight!” she gushes, glancing around. I follow her line of direction. I hadn’t even noticed any hot guys besides Grayson. “Do you want to dance?” she asks. I nod. The three of us head to the dance floor, leaving Grayson alone at the bar. When we return, he’s not alone.

“Shit. I had no idea she would be here,” Leah says. Grayson is inching away from Dylan, who is trying to get as close as she can to tell him something. I walk up next to him and his arm comes around me instantly.

“Forget my invite did you, Leah?” Dylan sneers, throwing a look at her friend. Leah rolls her eyes.

Grayson scoffs. “Not exactly.”

“Seriously? Just because she comes along I get thrown out of the group? Replaced?”

“That’s not what happened and you know it. Leave us alone, Dylan,” Grayson says, bringing me closer and kissing me on top of my head. Dylan storms off, re-joining the group of girls she must have arrived with.

An hour later, I walk into the ladies’ room. There are a few girls talking amongst themselves by the sinks.

“It’s not like I like going down on a guy, but it’s just common courtesy to reciprocate,” one girl is telling her friend. I hide my smile at their conversation. When I exit the bathroom, I come face to face with Dylan. Just what I need right now.

“He’ll come back to me, you know. He always does,” she says, pouting her red lips.

I shrug. “If he does go back to you, then I wouldn’t want him anyway,” I say, walking away before she can talk more shit. Walking back to our spot, I laugh when I see Grayson dancing with his sister, playing around and doing some silly dance moves. Leah is slapping his arm, possibly telling him to stop embarrassing her going by the redness of her face. Anaya is on her phone; I’m guessing texting Paul. She wanted him to come out tonight, but he had to work. I smile at Grayson—who is waving me over. I walk onto the dance floor and save Leah from him.

“I love you,” he says to me.

“I love you too.”

When I get home that night, I see my sister has left me a text message.

I’ll be there next week. What’s your address?

Shit.

* * *

I run home, panting, my bag swinging on my arm. London is coming today, and I forgot. I forgot. I received a message saying that she has landed and is catching a cab to my apartment while I was in class. So she might already be there, if not, could be arriving at any second. Grayson is there, probably still asleep in my bed since he didn’t have an early class. I run up the steps, pull out my key and unlock the door.

“Grayson?” I call out, throwing my bag on the floor and walking straight into the kitchen. I stop as I see him, bare-chested, wearing nothing but a pair of worn jeans, low on his hips, button undone.

“Hey, babe, how was class?” he asks, stalking over to me and dipping me backwards with a welcoming kiss.  When he lifts me back up, I forget what I was going to say. Oh, right. My sister.

“London is coming today! Like now! Any second now,” I ramble.

His brows lower. “That’s today?” Looks like I’m not the only one who forgot.

“Apparently so.”

“Okay, so don’t stress. You know I could have picked her up from the airport, right?” he says, not for the first time.

“Don’t worry. She can manage.”

“I can pick up something for dinner,” he offers.

“That would be great,” I say, tying my hair on top of my head in a messy bun. I don’t know how I feel having London visit. She’s a troublemaker and an opportunist. I don’t mean to be rude, but I really don’t want her staying here. I told her she can stay for a couple days until she figures out whatever she wants to do. There’s a knock at the door and dread fills me.

“Paris?” she yells, opening the door. I didn’t even lock it in my haste. I walk to the door, stopping when I see her. She looks the same. Blond hair, a few shades darker than mine, the same blue eyes, and pale skin. I give her a hug.

“Hey,” I say.

“You look the same,” she says, grinning.

“So do you.”

“How was your flight?” I ask, helping her with her suitcase.

“Babe, let me grab that,” Grayson says.

“Grayson, this is London. London, this is Grayson,” I say. Grayson shakes her hand, touching it for only a second before stepping back, as if her touch burned. London tilts her head and looks at him, deep in thought as he takes her suitcase and drags it into the lounge room.

“He’s your boyfriend?” she asks.

“Yes, why?”

“No reason. Cute place you have here,” she says, looking around.

“Thanks. Can I get you something to drink?” I ask her as we walk into the kitchen.

“Yeah. Do you have any juice?” she asks, plopping down in one of the chairs. I nod and pour her some orange juice. Grayson doesn’t come back out so I go to my bedroom and find him sitting there, head in his hands. He looks up as soon as he hears me.

“Are you okay?” I ask him.

“Fine, just have a headache,” he says, forcing a smile.

“I’ll get you some pain killers,” I say, kissing him on the top of his head before heading into the kitchen to find some paracetamol.

“Everything okay?” she asks, sipping on her juice.

“Yep. You can sleep in my roommate’s bedroom. She said she will stay at her boyfriend’s for a few days.”

“That’s nice of her,” she says absently.

“Are you going to tell me why you’re here?” I ask, cutting to the chase.

She pouts. “Can’t a girl visit her big sister?”

I sigh. “Cut the shit, London. What do you want?”

She purses her lips. “My boyfriend broke up with me and kicked me out of his house. I have nowhere else to go, and no money. I messaged you when I first sensed something was going on. He met someone else,” she says, looking down, her hair covering her face like a curtain.

“Weren’t you working?” I ask her.

“No. He was supporting me. He was completely rich. All I have left is the jewellery he bought me when we were together.”

I look up and see Grayson standing there, leaning on the doorframe listening. His body is tense, his face drawn.

“Sorry, Gray. Here,” I say, handing him two pills and a bottle of water.

“Thanks, babe,” he says, taking them from me. “Can we talk for a second?”

“Sure,” I say, walking into my room. He closes the door behind us.

“We said we would be honest and truthful with one another,” he starts.

“We did,” I say, nodding for him to continue.

“When we met,” he says, looking broken. His voice is raw when he continues, “You looked so familiar.”

“What do you mean?” I ask, frowning.

“Once, when I went to Melbourne on business with my dad, I met a girl in a club. I brought her back to my hotel room, and then the next morning she was gone.” He pauses. “I thought you were her.”

I open my mouth and snap it shut. What?

“I don’t understand,” I mutter, shaking my head in confusion.

“When you were a virgin, I realized you weren’t her. That’s why I was so confused, and I walked out. I didn’t get it—you looked like her. Of course, it didn’t matter really—I was in love with you. I didn’t care that you weren’t her. I didn’t even know her. I just slept with her once. I didn’t even know her name or anything,” he says, wringing his hands together. “Fuck, I’m doing a shit job at trying to explain this. Bottom line is, I thought you were her. When you weren’t, I didn’t give a shit. I was just confused about it, because you looked so much like her. I didn’t even think about it again. When you mentioned you had a sister, I hoped that it wasn’t her…”

When it all hits me, my heart breaks. The pain in my chest is overwhelming, spreading throughout my body like a disease.

“You slept with London?” I whisper so quietly, I don’t even know if he heard me. London does look like me; there is no denying that. She’s younger by a year but we look the same age. “That’s why you chased after me? You thought you already had me? And what? I was playing a game?” I ask, my voice getting louder.

“I thought you were pretending, and then I thought you didn’t remember. When I found out you were a virgin, I realized I was completely wrong, but I was happy, because I’d found you…”

I rub my forehead, unable to believe this is happening to me.

“You wanted me to be her?” I say, blocking out all his other words.

“No! No, that’s not it at all. I love you. You’re beautiful, kind, and smart. You’re everything I could ever dream of in a woman. She’s… I’m so glad I met you, Paris. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“You slept with my sister,” I say in a small voice.

“Before I ever knew you existed,” he says, trying to take me into his arms to comfort me. Why does he always try to comfort me from pain he’s caused? Why does he do this to me? I wanted honesty. I demanded it from him. My secret came out and now his has. Except I don’t know how to take it. I don’t know how to react. I feel… broken.

“Paris, can you please listen to me?” he begs, going down on his knees before me. He leans his head against my stomach, silently pleading with me. He wants me to touch him. Body contact. Reassurance. I can’t offer him either. I take a step back, breaking the contact between the two of us.

“It’s in the past, Paris,” he says, his voice breaking.

“I know it’s in the past, but you chased after me thinking I was her. That means you wanted her again, not me.”

“I knew it wasn’t her after we made love!”

I crumble, the first tear falling. Grayson stares at my face, watching me. His expression mirrors my own.

“Fuck,” he curses. “Don’t cry, love, please don’t cry.”

“I. Want. To. Be. Alone,” I say, emphasising each word. I turn from him, unable to look at him any longer.

“Don’t do this, babe,” he pleads.

“Can you just give me this? I just want to be by myself. Please.”

I feel his heat behind me. His arms circle my waist from behind. “I love you. You. I know you, inside and out, and I love everything about you. You’re the one I fell for. I just had one night of sex with her. That’s it. Sex. No emotion.”

“Must have been good sex if you came back for seconds,” I snap.

“I don’t know how to get you to understand,” he mutters. “She pales in comparison, Paris. I love you, and I hope you can forgive me.”

He buries his face in my hair for a few seconds, places a kiss on my head and then walks out.

I slide into bed and start sobbing.