Текст книги "Toxic Girl"

Автор книги: Chantal Fernando

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Текущая страница: 9 (всего у книги 12 страниц)

Chapter Twenty-Four

“Guess what!” London squeals as she walks into my house.

“What?” I ask, closing the book I was reading.

“I bought myself something. I earned it all myself and I’m very proud of it,” she says, clapping her hands together.

“What did you buy?” I ask her.

“A car!” she yells.

I wince at her loudness. “You bought a car?”

“Yeah, come out and see it,” she says, running to the front door. I get up and follow behind her. When I walk into the car park, I see her standing there hugging a piece-of-shit white car. It’s a bucket. Paint is peeling off, and I’m kind of surprised she managed to get it here without breaking down. But the look on her face.

Pride.

She did this all alone, without a guy buying it for her. And she’s proud. She should be.

“What do you think?” she asks.

A slow smile breaks out on my face. “I love it,” I say, laughing when she jumps up and down.

“If you ever need a ride, I can now offer you one, sis,” she beams, rubbing the boot of the car. I shake my head at her antics.

“Are you sure the car can take your weight and mine?” I tease.

She rolls her eyes. “Very funny.”

“I hope you took someone with you who knows something about cars.”

“I took Aiden. I don’t know if he actually knows anything about cars, but he made sure I didn’t get ripped off,” she says.

“Aiden, hey?”

She shakes her head. “Nothing like that. Aiden deserves someone better than me. I think we both know that.”

“London–”

“I’m not good enough for someone like him yet, but I’m working on it,” she smirks. “Soon I’m going to have beauty, brains, and independence.”

“Brains?” I ask, laughing when I realise how it came out.

“I’m enrolling in TAFE. I’m going to study something fun,” she says, a thoughtful look on her face.

“Fun? Like what?” I ask.

“I don’t know,” she says. “Tourism? Or maybe beauty? I haven’t decided yet.”

“That sounds great, London,” I say. “I’m sure you’re going to do amazing.”

“I think so too,” she replies. She has a look on her face, like she has just realised the world is her oyster.

“Proud of you, London,” I call out as I walk back to the front door. My mind roams to Brody, who left yesterday. It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, and I’m glad he decided to try to make things right.

Life is looking up for once.

* * *

That night, I jolt awake when I feel someone slide into bed with me. “What the f—”

“It’s me, babe,” Grayson whispers, spooning my back.

“What are you doing here?” I ask with a smile, snuggling back into him. His arms come around me.

“I missed you,” he grumbles, putting his cold feet on my legs.

“Hey! Your feet are bloody freezing!” I yelp.

He chuckles into my ear. “You love me and my cold feet.”

“This feels good.” Grayson hasn’t spent the night in so long, there is no way I’m taking this for granted. “Does this mean our taking it slow is over?” I whisper. His hand roams under my shirt at the same time he starts kissing me on my neck. “I’m taking that as a yes,” I announce, turning on my other side to face him and all but jumping on him. I straddle him, and then lean forward. He groans as I kiss the hell out of him, pouring all my want and need into him. He grips my ass with both hands, and starts grinding against me. He’s rock hard, which turns me on even more, knowing that he wants me as much as I want him. I tear my lips away from his to tug off my sleep shirt, leaving me in just my pink panties.

“Beautiful,” he says hoarsely, taking me in as I sit on top of him. I move to the side of him and pull my panties off, leaving me completely bare as he’s fully dressed. When he grasps my thighs and lifts me forward so I’m straddling his face, my face reddens. When his tongue peeps out as he tastes me, I forget all about my embarrassment and hold on to the headboard. He continues to pleasure me with his talented mouth, licking and sucking, paying special attention to my clit. Lost in the moment, I grind myself against his face, desperately seeking release. When he slides a finger inside me and sucks on my clit at the same time, it’s all over. I don’t even know what I call out as I climax. I just know that I’m loud. As the last wave passes, I slide off him, panting, and look down at him. I can see his smug smile in the moonlight. He brings his hand to his mouth and wipes away the glistening on his lips.

“That was hot,” I blurt out.

“Come here,” he growls, clearly wanting some attention.

I smile at myself, remembering what I overheard the girl say in the bathroom. Something about common courtesy? Well for me, it’s more than that. As I take him into my mouth, it’s more than just returning the favour. I want to please him. Before he’s about to come I pull away, and straddle him once more, this time sliding him inside me.

“Paris,” he moans, squeezing my hips and urging me on. I kiss him, tasting myself on his lips as I make love to him. He finishes with a curse, his body jerking into mine. I collapse against his hard chest and sigh in contentment.

“Love you, babe,” he says on a sigh.

“Love you too, Gray.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

The next day at uni, I walk straight into someone I’d rather never see again. Jake. We’ve seen each other around, of course, but we haven’t said anything to each other. Until now.

“Paris, can I talk to you for a second?” he says, glancing around the hallway.

“Umm, okay,” I say, shifting on my feet and feeling awkward.

“I want to apologise. I didn’t tell anyone besides Grayson, I swear. No one knows.”

I look down at the ground. “Okay, well thanks. It’s definitely made my life here easier without people giving me shit,” I say.

“I’ve never seen Grayson so mad,” he says. “He won’t even talk to me now.”

“I’ll see if I can talk to him,” I say. After all, Jake didn’t actually do anything wrong. He saw me, and he reported it to Grayson and Grayson only. Really, he could have told the whole uni if he wanted to be an asshole, but he didn’t. On the other hand, I used to dance on a regular basis for his dad. If that isn’t awkward, I don’t know what is.

“I don’t know if that will work, but thanks for offering,” he says, waving bye as he goes on his way. I stand there for a moment before continuing to class.

* * *

Anaya, Paul, Leah, London, and I are all at Grayson’s house having a movie night. I invited Aiden, but he kindly declined. I don’t think he likes Grayson very much. Okay—I know he doesn’t.

“Whose choice is next?” I ask the group, after we finish mine, which was the first Harry Potter. I wanted to watch all the movies but was told hell no.

“Mine is!” London calls out, walking over to the DVD player and putting the disc in. When Mean Girls starts to play, I don’t know why I’m surprised. Grayson groans and buries his face in my hair.

“What?” London asks. “This movie is a classic.”

Paul grunts, shaking his head. “I’d rather watch Harry Potter again.”

“Ha! See,” I say, nodding my head in approval. “What did you choose, Paul?”

He wiggles his eyebrows and winks. “It’s a secret.”

“It better not be porn,” London mutters, causing Anaya to erupt in a fit of giggles.

“Do you want some more popcorn?” Grayson asks, ever the attentive boyfriend.

“Yes please.”

Anaya slaps Paul on the back of his head. “Ouch! What the hell did I do?” he complains, rubbing his head.

“You didn’t ask me if I wanted anything! I had to go get my own drink,” she says, scowling.

“Shit, woman, you have hands. I don’t have to do everything for you,” he says, now looking amused.

“You could be a gentleman,” she says. “Try it sometime and you may get rewarded.”

His eyebrows rise. “If I got rewarded any more, my dick would fall off.”

Anaya starts laughing again, and London gives me a look that clearly says, ‘your friends are crazy.’

Grayson comes back with popcorn and a drink for me, smirking at Anaya and Paul’s antics. The two of them always do this whenever they get together, but I know they don’t take anything to heart, because two seconds later, their tongues are down each other’s throats.

“Thanks,” I say, snuggling back into him as he sits next to me and possessively wraps an arm around me.

I fall asleep through Grayson’s choice, Lord of the Rings. He carries me to bed and tucks me in, sliding in beside me. The others continue to watch the movies, while Grayson holds me in his arms and whispers ‘goodnight’ before falling asleep.

* * *

“Good morning to you too,” I say through a smile. Grayson draws my lips into another soft kiss.

“Mornin’ beautiful,” he says, his voice thick with sleep.

“What are your plans for the day?” I ask, placing my lips on his chest.

“My mum wants me to drop by, so I guess I’ll head there before work. You?” he asks.

“I have to study for Monday’s exam. Then I have work at five.”

“Until eleven? I’ll pick you up when you’re done,” he says, bringing my palm to his mouth.

“Yeah, sounds good,” I say. Grayson puts on the TV while I head into the kitchen and grab us something to eat for breakfast. I’m about to take the plates into my room when I get a text from London.

London: Guess what I’m doing right now?

What? I reply.

London: The walk of shame!

A familiar path for you. I type back, laughing to myself.

London: Ha ha, very funny.

I walk into the room and hand Grayson his plate.

“Thanks, babe,” he says, grabbing the piece of toast and taking a huge bite.

My phone beeps again.

London: I need to be more careful who I sleep with just in case you end up dating them after.

I shake my head at her; the girl has no shame.

London: Too early to joke??!?!

“London?” Grayson asks, nodding at my phone.

“Yeah,” I reply, putting my phone down on the bed and sitting down. “She said she’s doing the walk of shame. I wonder if she slept with Aiden.”

Grayson stills. “Would that bother you?”

“Why would it bother me?” I ask, even though it kind of does. Not because I have any feelings for Aiden, at least not in that way. I care about him a lot as a friend, like a big brother. I don’t want him to get hurt, because he really is one of the best men I’ve ever met in my life.

Grayson shrugs and dusts the crumbs off his fingers. “I don’t know. I know the two of you are close.”

I nod slowly. “We are. He’s a good friend.”

“As long as that’s all he wants to be,” he replies in a cautious tone. I stare at him, lying on his white bed sheets in nothing but a pair of black boxer shorts.

“Of course that’s all he wants to be. Besides, everyone knows how crazy I am about you.”

His dimples let me know he likes that comment. “They better.”

“So…” I begin. “You and Jake aren’t friends anymore?”

He cuts his eyes to me, his face losing any of its joy.

“Babe, he didn’t even tell anyone. He could have made my life a living hell if he wanted to,” I say.

Grayson grunts. “Yeah, then he would have got his ass kicked by me, and he knows it. Trust me it wasn’t out of the kindness of his heart.”

“Fine, but I don’t know, he spoke to me and he looked sad.”

He sits up straighter. “He spoke to you?” he asks, his voice low.

“Yeah, just for a minute or so…”

“Looks like he and I will be having another talk,” he says, cracking his knuckles.

“Oh, come on, Gray,” I snap, not wanting him to get into another fight over me. It’s in the past, and I want to leave it there. Time to look forward now. “Don’t start shit for no reason.”

He makes a non-committal noise and then takes me in his arms. “I won’t let anyone talk badly about you.”

“He didn’t,” I say, but he cuts me off with a kiss.

“Open your mouth,” he whispers against my lips.

“No, I haven’t even brushed my teeth yet!” I say, my face going red.

He grins. “I don’t care.”

By the minty taste of him, I can tell he did brush his teeth, probably when I was making breakfast. I squirm out of his hold. “Where do you think you’re going?” he asks.

“Shower.” And to brush my teeth.

“I’m coming,” he calls out as I leave the room.

I wouldn’t expect any less.

Chapter Twenty-Six

I knew it would happen. Of course, my luck isn’t that great, but never once did I think it would happen at a moment like this. At Grayson’s dad’s business function.

“S-snow,” the man stutters, staring at my breasts. “I’m a huge fan.”

I drop the chocolate brownie square back onto my plate and look around awkwardly. “I’m sorry, I have no idea what you’re talking about,” is apparently all I can come up with. More and more lies.

“Oh,” he says, checking me out. “Are you sure? You look exactly like her…”

I look around for Grayson, seeing him talking to an older man. He glances over at me, and excuses himself from the conversation the minute he sees the look on my face.

“Paris?” he asks, coming to my side. “Is everything okay?”

The man clears his throat. “I’m sorry, sir, my mistake,” he says, walking away as fast as his legs can take him.

“What was that about?” he asks, taking my hand in his.

“He came to tell me he was a huge fan,” I whisper-yell, panicked.

Grayson grits his teeth. “Don’t worry. There’s no proof of anything.”

“Do you know him?” I ask, looking around.

“Yeah, he works at the hotel. Don’t worry; I’ll have a chat with him. I’ll tell him it’s really your sister that’s the dancer, and you’d like to keep it hush hush,” he says, smirking at his idea.

I gasp. “You can’t say that.” Although, I doubt London would care.

“I can and I will. Don’t stress, babe,” he says, giving me a possessive look. The look says ‘I will take care of everything’. I puff out a breath, nodding once. “My dad wants me to talk to one of his business associates. Do you want to come with me?”

“No, I’ll wait here,” I say. Where the food is.

“Okay, just give me a few minutes. Leah should be here any second,” he says, kissing me once then going off to talk to whomever. I stand up and make sure my slinky black dress is down at the back, about to go to the bathroom when Grayson’s mother walks up to me.

“Hello, Paris, you look bored,” she says, taking a seat next to me.

“Ohh, I—umm,” I stutter, having no idea what to say to this woman. She’s so very intimidating.

She smiles. “I get bored too, trust me. You get used to it though. I usually just make small talk with the wives.”

“Right,” I say, smiling shyly.

“I’ve never seen my son so in love,” she says, tilting her head. “Please don’t hurt him.”

My eyes widen. “I wouldn’t do that.” Not intentionally.

“Leave the poor girl alone, Mum,” Leah says from behind me. I feel relief at her arrival.

“We’re just chatting,” her mum says. “Where have you been?”

“Just running late. I don’t know why I have to be here. Grayson is taking over the business, not me,” she says.

“We’re here to support your father.”

“I’m going to the bar. Come on, Paris,” she says, her eyes begging me to join her.

“Is everything okay?” I ask her as we order our drinks. She’s wearing a short yellow dress that looks stunning on her and clings to her body like a second skin.

“I know about you, you know,” she says, stirring her drink with the straw.

“I’m sorry?” I ask, not sure I heard her right.

She takes a huge gulp of her drink. “Jake and I are together. I was going to break it to Grayson,” she says, grimacing. “Then Jake went and opened his stupid mouth about you. Now Grayson hates him and no way in hell is he going to be okay with us being together.”

Information overload. “I thought Jake didn’t tell anyone?” I ask dryly, taking a sip of my own drink.

“He didn’t, but he had to explain to me why all of a sudden Grayson hates him. And why Grayson beat the shit out of him,” she says.

“Shit, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for all this to happen. I tried to talk to Gray about Jake…”

“It’s not your fault, Paris. Jake shouldn’t have said anything. And for the record, I’m not judging you. I’m sure you had your reasons. You’re a good person.”

I sigh heavily. “Thanks,” I say a little awkwardly. “I can try to talk to Grayson again.”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s not your problem; it’s mine. I have a few tricks up my sleeve to deal with my baby brother,” she says, an evil glint in her eye.

I laugh. “I always forget that you’re older.”

“That’s because he’s so tall, and I’m a shrimp,” she says, smiling back at me. “And because he’s so bossy and demanding.”

We both look to the man in question, talking to two other men. He’s wearing a perfectly fitted suit, which I can’t wait to pull off him.

“You have it bad,” Leah says, shaking her head. “You’re good for him though. I’m glad Dylan’s out of the picture now.”

My good mood plummets a little at the mention of her name. “Is she though? Shouldn’t she be here tonight considering your parents are friends?”

Leah puts her now empty glass down and signals the bartender for another. “Her dad is here. I don’t know where she is. I’m not exactly her favourite person anymore. And don’t you start, that isn’t your fault either,” she says before I can apologise for that too.

“Sorry about that, babe,” Grayson says as he approaches. He wraps an arm around me and looks at his sister.

“Where are your clothes?” he asks, scowling down at her. She looks down at her dress and raises an eyebrow at him.

“What’s wrong with my dress?”

“How about its lack of material?” he asks, kissing me on the top of my head.

Leah smirks, her red lips pulling together. “As if Paris’ dress is any more covering.”

“Yeah but Paris is sexy, you’re…”

Leah gasps. “I’m what?” she growls, narrowing her eyes.

“My sister,” he says simply, staring at her dress like it’s offensive.

I elbow him. “Leave her alone. She looks beautiful.”

“Thank you, Paris,” Leah says, sending her brother a deathly stare.

“I didn’t mean…” Grayson starts, realising what he said. “Of course you’re beautiful, Leah.”

“Yeah, just scantily clad,” she mutters, sculling her drink.

“I hope you aren’t driving home,” Grayson says, watching her.

“No, you can drop me off on the way,” she replies.

“Okay,” he says, still studying her.

“Now that you’re here to keep Paris company, I’m going to go and socialise,” she says, standing up and storming off.

“What’s going on with her?” he asks, biting his lip.

“Besides your eloquent comments?” I ask him, hiding a smile. “Where the hell did all your charm go?”

His tightened lips turn into a smile. “Used it all up on you, I think. Now there’s none left for the other women in my life.”

“Other women, hey?” I ask, purposely misunderstanding him.

He puts his hands up. “You know what I mean.”

“No, I don’t, please explain it to me.”

“You’re a pain in the ass, you know that? My pain in the ass,” he says, eyes dancing with humour. “What are you drinking?”

“Vodka. You want some?” I ask, offering him the glass.

He leans down and kisses me, licking my lips. “No thanks. I have to drive.”

“You can have one sip,” I say.

“I have precious cargo I need to get home safely,” he says, rubbing my palm with his thumb. He always likes to touch me, even if it’s just a small touch like this.

“You can go socialise,” I tell him. “I’m fine alone.”

“I’m done.”

“Does that mean we get to leave?” I ask, trying not to look overly hopeful.

He chuckles. “Almost, babe. Come on, let’s go find Leah. I’m going to compliment her on something to make up for before. Any ideas?”

I know a way he can make it up to her. Let her be with Jake without going bat-shit crazy.

“Maybe let her know you love and support her no matter what,” I suggest, playing it off with a shrug.

He sees right through me. “What do you know that I don’t?”

I sigh and lean against him. “I really like your sister.”

“Good, I’m glad,” he says, coming closer and holding my hips. “Makes things a lot easier for me.”

I look around. “Your dad’s coming over.”

“Maybe we can sneak away?” he asks, wiggling his eyebrows. “I’m sorry I had to drag you to this thing.”

“It’s part of your dad’s business world; I get it,” I reply. “I’d rather be here with you than sitting at home doing nothing except missing you. And I got to wear a pretty dress.”

“The dress is killing me,” he says, running his hand up my thigh so my dress rides up a little.

“Grayson,” I whisper, pushing his hand away.

“Son, how did everything go?” his dad asks. I look up at him, trying to act casual.

“Good,” Grayson replies. “I spoke to a few of your associates like you said, getting more involved.”

He nods at Grayson then turns to me with a smile before departing. I can feel Grayson staring at me so I look at him. “Babe,” he says, lip twitching.

“What?”

“Are you scared of my dad?” he asks, body shaking with silent laughter.

I narrow my eyes. “Not funny.”

“It is,” he replies.

“It’s not. I’m an ex-stripper. One day they are going to find out, and they are going to hate me and try to convince you to find someone better. So yes, I am a little scared of both of them.”

All the humour disappears from his face. “Babe, I don’t care what they think. It only matters what I think. Yes, I love my family, but they don’t control my life.”

“Their opinion matters to you, though,” I say, looking down. He lifts my head up gently, cradling my face.

“I love you. That’s not going to change no matter what anyone says about you. I know the real you—not them. I love everything about you.”

“Everything?” I ask, doubt lacing my tone.

“Yes, because I want you just as you are. I don’t want you to change. Even when you eat chocolate and jam together at breakfast sometimes. I think it’s gross, but it’s you, so that’s okay.”

I laugh out loud at that comment. “You’re crazy sometimes.”

“Crazy about you. Now come on, let’s find Leah and make sure you get something to eat,” he says, helping me down from the chair.

“Grayson?”

“Yeah?” he replies, giving me all his attention. I love that.

“I fucking love you.”