Chantal Fernando - Toxic Girl

I give him a look, showing him my unhappiness at that comment. “Chicks love guys in bands,” he continues.

“He’s not in one anymore,” I point out.

“Not the point,” he says, now looking amused.

“Women love rich hotel heirs as well,” I say, just to annoy him. “Especially ones who look like you.”

“Flattery will get you everywhere,” he jokes, pulling the phone away from his ear. “He’s not answering so I’ll send him a message.” He types out the message then puts his phone away. Aiden replies a few minutes later.

“Go pack your bags, babe,” he says, a slow spreading smile transforming his features.

Looks like I’m going to Sydney.

* * *

The flight to Sydney is awkward, to say the least. First of all, Grayson bought us first class tickets, which is a whole new experience for me, and second, Grayson isn’t the only one to bring someone. Leah brought Jake. Grayson has been brooding ever since he laid eyes on Jake holding hands with his sister.

“When the fuck did that happen?” he asks me as we walk into our hotel room. “She’s been hiding that shit from me!”

“What’s the big deal? You used to be friends with him, so clearly he has some redeeming qualities,” I say, sitting down on the plush bed.

“You used to give lap dances to his dad!” he growls, putting his hands in his pockets.

“So, it’s not like I danced for Jake. He just saw some photos.”

He curses. “Don’t give me that visual, please.”

“All I’m saying is Leah knows I was a stripper. And she doesn’t hold it against me. She accepts me. I think you should do the same for her and Jake,” I say, hoping he understands what I’m trying to get at. No judgement. Just moving forward.

“Leah knows?” he asks, eyebrows lifting.

“See? She didn’t even say anything. You’re lucky to have a sister like her,” I tell him as I lie back on the bed, feeling tired from the flight.

“Fuck. You’re right,” he says, his eyes softening as he looks at me. “You’re such a peacemaker, you know that?”

My lips tilt up. “Go and talk to them.”

“I will. Do you want anything?” he asks me, leaning over and giving me a closed mouth kiss.

“No, I’ll have a shower and wait for you.”

“Call room service if you’re hungry,” he says, kissing my nose and then leaving the room. I take my time in the shower, enjoying the massive modern bathroom. Afterwards, I jump on the bed and fall asleep.

* * *

The next night, we’re all out clubbing. Leah and Jake are grinding on the dance floor, and Grayson looks like he wants to kill someone. Dylan is here with us too, which makes me want to kill someone. I down my tequila shot, not even bothering with the salt and lime.

“You might want to slow down, babe,” Grayson says, frowning at all the empty shot glasses in front of me. I look at them.

“These aren’t all mine,” I say, staring at the seven glasses.

Grayson scowls, stepping closer to me. “Yes, babe, they are.”

“No, they are all of ours!” Really? Grayson tilts his head back and rubs the back of his neck in frustration.

“All yours,” he says.

I shrug. “I’m on holiday.”

He sips his drink and shakes his head at me. “You’re lucky you’re so fucking cute.”

“Cute?” Surely, he can find a better adjective.

His lip twitches. Jake and Leah walk back up to us, sweaty from all the dancing. “Want to dance?” I ask Grayson, feeling buzzed. The room spins a little, but not enough that I’m disoriented. Just the perfect amount. He stands and walks me to the dance floor.

“Do not bend over in that dress,” he growls into my ear, his hands possessively on my ass. My dress is a little short tonight, but it makes up for it by not showing off any cleavage. It’s royal blue body con dress, something I have had for a while but never worn. It fits like a glove. Dylan comes up to us and asks Grayson for a dance.

“Just one dance,” she says, “for old time’s sake.”

Grayson shakes his head no. I’m glad he’s not falling for her nostalgic bullshit. After he rejects her, she goes and finds a new victim. I couldn’t be happier.

“I didn’t get to thank you for talking to Grayson,” Leah says to me when I return to the bar.

“How did you know I spoke to him?” I ask, sucking on an ice cube.

She rolls her eyes at me. “Oh, please, it had you written all over it.”

I try to hide my smile. “He loves you. I just tried to make him see the big picture. You know he just wants to protect you.”

“I know,” she says, smiling down at her drink. “He’s a good brother.”

I nod in agreement. He’s a good man in general.

“Well, I’m going to go to my room and have wild sex with Jake. See you tomorrow,” she says, kissing my cheek and going to find her man. Thanks goodness Grayson didn’t hear that.

“Time to go, babe,” Grayson says as Leah tells him they are leaving.

“Okay. Where’s Dylan?” I ask, looking around for her. I may dislike her but we can’t just leave her here alone.

“She said she’ll come back to her room later,” he says. I shrug and put my hand in his, letting him lead me back to the room. “Are you tired?” he asks as we open the room door.

“Depends on what you have in mind.”

In an instant, he lifts me up and pushes me against the wall. “Get naked in the shower and wait for me.”

“Okay,” I manage to get out, my heart racing. He licks at my lips until I open them, then he kisses me hard, a preview for what’s to come.

“Adore you,” he says to me before he puts me down. I walk into the bathroom, strip down, and jump in the shower. Grayson comes in seconds later, and shows me just how much he adores me.

“When are you going to move in with me?” Grayson asks. It’s been a week since we returned from Sydney, and our relationship is stronger than ever. We aren’t perfect, of course, and we’re learning a lot as we go along, but we’re in it together. For the long run.

“Is that your way of asking me if I want to move in with you? Or telling me?”

He stares at the ceiling, lying on his back on his bed. “You’re practically here every day. And I love that. I want you to move in permanently,” he says, lifting his head to look at me.

“Don’t you think we’re moving a bit fast?” my head makes me ask. My heart knows what it wants to do. It wants me to go home, pack my shit up, and move in this very second.

He sits up fully. “Are you doubting us?” he asks, his voice low and worried.

“No, it’s not that,” I tell him, crawling onto the bed. “I just don’t want us to regret anything.”

“Paris,” he says. “Stop over thinking it, and just move in. Please.” It’s the please that gets me.

“Okay,” I say, my hand touching his cheek. The stubble there prickles my fingers. “Let’s do it. I’ll have to tell Anaya so she can get a new roomie.”

“I’ll sort it out,” he says, his eyes roaming my face. “You’ve made me a happy man.”

“I’m putting in money for rent, bills, and food, and that’s non-negotiable,” I tell him, my serious expression letting him know I mean business.

“I own the house; there is no rent. And I pay the bills. If you want to buy whatever for the house, then go ahead, but I’d rather you save your money,” he says, crossing his arms behind his head and studying me.

“You own this house?” I ask, eyes flaring.

“Babe, keep up,” he says, dimples flashing.

“I love your dimples,” I blurt out, staring at them.

His smile widens, his eyes crinkling. “I know you do. They’re like my secret weapon.”

“Really? I’d have thought your secret weapon would be further south,” I tease, my eyes darting to his crotch and back.

“Hey, I’m a man of many talents,” he brags, eyes twinkling.

I scoff, shaking my head. “That ego of yours…”

“I can refresh your memory if you’re in doubt,” he says, reaching out for me. I move back, out of his reach. “Playing hard to get, are we? Or maybe you want to be chased?”

I narrow my eyes on him, going deadly still. Then I jump off the bed and run as fast as I can. I only make it to the kitchen before he grabs me, and throws me over his shoulder caveman style. I pinch his ass, squirming. “I have short legs! That wasn’t fair!” I squeal.

“You don’t have short legs,” he replies, chuckling.

“Compared to you I do!” I grumble.

“Oomph,” comes out of my mouth as I’m dumped on the bed. “You jerk!”

He pins me to the bed, his shoulder shaking as he laughs at me. Asshole.

“I’m not moving in now,” I tell him, poking my tongue out.

He stops laughing. “A bit late to change your mind,” he says. He grabs his phone and types out a text, still pinning me with his weight.

“Who are you messaging?” I ask, trying to see the screen.

“Anaya. Told her you’re moving out. I’ll pay your rent until she finds another roommate.”

“You overbearing, egoistical—” He cuts off my rant with his mouth.

I move into this house the next week.

* * *

I yawn and walk to the front door wearing my leopard-print shorts and a white singlet top. I’m about to open it when I remember I’m not even wearing a bra. I eye the hall that leads back to my room, then the front door. Fuck it. I open the door and come face to face with Dylan.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, scowling at her.

She smiles unpleasantly. “Is Grayson here?” she asks, shifting her bag from one shoulder to the other.

“Yeah, can you hold on a second?” I ask her, not waiting for her reply. I storm back into our bedroom and stare down at a sleeping Grayson.