ã€ŠUntil I Met Youã€‹


 Chapter 1

    Hi. Thank you for checking this story. I hope you¡¯ll enjoy reading this piece of work as I enjoy writing it. This is first draft and it¡¯s currently under editing. So kindly ignore the errors you mighte across. Thank you .

    ???

    ¡± FATHER, I HAVE SINNED. I HAVE A CONFESSION.¡±

    I lean against the confession booth and sob silently. I hate my life , I hate everything. Do you know that feeling of wanting something badly and then your best friend took it away? I felt useless for letting it happen in the first ce.

    ¡± What is it my child?¡± The priest¡¯s voicees out through the window.

    I sniffle and sob. I don¡¯t even know where to start from. I remembered my tiny little self and my family. But where are they? They turned their backs on me.

    .

    Few days earlier¡­

    .

    ¡± I¡¯m really happy for you Ariel for finally being a sister in church.¡± Leslie said from beside me. We were at the dinning room eating cause dad decided to make a family dinner to celebrate my sess. I¡¯ve been called into the convent to be a nun. That¡¯s been my dream since highschool.

    It¡¯s normal for me. Naturally I¡¯m an introvert and possibly I love my simple life. I¡¯m not really the type who wanna get involved with friends or even the media. Father hated it. He¡¯s a deacon in our parish and he¡¯s really respected. We¡¯ve lived our life in truth and fear of God. I think that¡¯s one of the reasons my parents hated social gathering. I¡¯d never had a boyfriend and I¡¯m really grateful because I¡¯ve always wanted to be a nun.

    Weird part is no boy ever asked me out. I¡¯m this crazy nerd back then in highschool but I care not. Leslie was a little normal , because she sort of had admirers. I dress normal. Like every normal Christian daughter who¡¯s a Deacon¡¯s daughter.

    ¡± My baby is gonna be the first sister in this house. I¡¯m d you kept your virginity.¡± Mom chuckled with a wide smile.

    ¡°Virginity doesn¡¯t decide if you can qualify being a sister.¡± Leslie said.

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter. She took a good step and I¡¯m happy she¡¯s finally taking her vows.¡± Mom giggles.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    ¡± When are you going back?¡± Alexa asked. She¡¯s my cousin and too naughty. She likes boys and always wanna dress fancy. Dad sees her as a bad egg and hated seeing her around our apartment. Nobody dares to make hell in our house.

    ¡± Tomorrow.¡± I replied her. The rest of the evening was really exciting because my parents spend the entire evening advising me.

    .

    The following day I left the house for my new home. The convent. I met the mother superior who announced I¡¯ll be taking my vows the following day. I¡¯ve spent almost two and a half months here and it was better than I thought. I guess that¡¯s what nerds deserve.

    ¡± Hey Freddie.¡± I said on the phone. Freddie¡¯s my best friend. We¡¯ve been friends since elementary school and finally till we left highschool.

    ¡± Sup Ariel.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m fine. How are you?¡±

    He sighed.¡± I¡¯m good. I sort of missed my best friend. What are you doing?¡±

    ¡± Nothing. I met the mother superior and she said I¡¯m taking my vows tomorrow. Hope you¡¯re good?¡± I asked him on the phone.

    ¡± Yeah. I really haven¡¯t seen you since prom night. Truth is I¡¯m really d you¡¯re finally bing a sister in church.¡± I smiled and stared at my reflection in the mirror. My parents are not even aware I have a male best friend. I¡¯m sure they would have gotten rid of him.

    ¡± Are you back from Florida?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. I¡¯m in the states now.¡±

    ¡± Okay. I¡¯m gonna drive to your house and possibly spend few hours before returning back to the convent.¡±

    ¡± That¡¯ll be nice of you.¡± I nodded to nothing and hung up.

    I remembered when we were in highschool close to prom. Freddie¡¯s the first person who ever told me I¡¯m really beautiful and I believed that. I once had a crush on him in junior year but i made sure I didn¡¯t tell him. We were always together and we both won homing. I love that night , that was the night he told me i was beautiful. Afterwards I hoped he was gonna tell me he liked me but then he told me he had a huge crush on Aida. Then she was school¡¯s most popr girl.

    I hated her , I¡¯ve always hated her. She was a bully , always made me feel inferior like I was nothing. Making jest of my looks and everything about me. And when Freddie told me he liked her , i hated her more. I cried that day at school¡¯s bathroom and cursed her endlessly. She took what I¡¯ve always wanted. Sadly they dated and Freddie was really happy. I¡¯ve never seen him that happy before.

    I moved on. Looked at my reflection and decided to take back everything. Maybe that was when I discovered I was supposed to be a sister , not getting angry at my best friend because he didn¡¯t have feelings for me. Unluckily they broke up. Aida dumped Freddie for school¡¯s new hottie.

    ¡± Ariel¡­¡± Freddie smiled and hugged me once I reached his apartment. I¡¯ve been here once and since then it¡¯s void.

    ¡± Wow. Look at you Freddie. How long have i seen you?¡±

    ¡± A year ago.¡± I chuckled and smile.

    ¡± Please sit.¡± He offered and I nodded before sitting.

    ¡± What should I get you?¡±

    ¡± Maybe water.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯ll be right back.¡± I watched Freddie turn to a corner which I assume it¡¯s the kitchen. My eyes nced at the TV set and everything around his apartment. I forgot to mention , Freddie¡¯s parents are sort of rich though.

    ¡± There you go¡­¡± he motioned to me giving me a ss of water.

    ¡± Thank you.¡± I told him and gently take a sip.

    ¡± You¡¯re wee. How¡¯s it been with you? Look at you, you look more beautiful Ariel. It hurts a little that you¡¯re now in the convent.¡± Oh really?

    ¡± It¡¯s what I¡¯ve always wanted.¡± I defend.

    ¡± Really? I remembered when we were in highschool, you¡¯ve always wanted to go to college and then major in clinical psychology or maybe business.¡±

    ¡± Psst.¡± I scoff and stare nkly at him. Where¡¯s he trying to dive to? I think we all have our own rights to make our own choices , right?

    ¡± Freddie are you okay?¡± I asked him and drop the ss of water on the table.

    ¡± Of course I am.¡± He smiled.¡± Are you done drinking?¡± He motioned to the water.

    ¡± Not really.¡± I blinked and took a sip again. I felt a bit dizzy. I drop back the water and rub my already sweaty palm on my habit.

    ¡± Are you okay?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. I just feel a little dizzy. I¡¯m good.¡± No I¡¯m not good. My head¡¯s pounding and I felt weak.

    Freddie smiled at me and his frequent smiles are giving me creeps. What is happening to me? He stood up from his chair and sat close to me. I wanted to move a little but I trusted him , he¡¯s my best friend.

    ¡± Are you sure you¡¯re okay, Ariel?¡± He asked with a smirk touching my thighs.

    ¡± Freddy what are you doing?¡± I wanted to yell at him but my voice sneak out like a whisper.

    ¡± Nothing. I just can¡¯t stop admiring you. I really wish you can stop this nun madness and let me love you Ariel.¡± What! I wanted to move far away from him but something is wrong. I felt weak like I was drugged. Wait! He drug the water?

    ¡± Freddie , what did you put in the water?¡±

    ¡± Something that¡¯s gonna make you weak. Let me love you Ariel.¡± He smirked touching myp through my habit. I wanted to remove his hand but nothing is working. I feel powerless.

    He continued touching me and I couldn¡¯t help but plead.

    ¡± Fred , don¡¯t do this. You¡¯re my best friend and we¡¯ve been friends since childhood. You can¡¯t take advantage of me , I¡¯m taking my vows tomorrow in church.¡±

    ¡± Fuck the church.¡± he yelled and that made me flinched.

    ¡± I want you Ariel and I¡¯m having you.¡± With angerced in his voice he lift me off the ground and kissed me roughly. I fought , I cried , I pleaded but nothing makes any sense to Freddie. He was different , all I could see is lust in his eyes.

    ¡± Freddie don¡¯t do this.¡± I pleaded. Freddie hissed and pped me. He aggressively pushed me against the couch and fondled every of my parts.

    I kicked but he was stronger. He removed every of my clothing and have his way with me. I couldn¡¯t move. Iy still on the couch and cried , but that wouldn¡¯t change anything. My best friend just stole my innocence.

    ¡± You should wear this.¡± he said stretching some clothings at me. I turn to look at him and sob. Why his he acting like it¡¯s nothing. Like he did nothing.

    ¡± I don¡¯t hate you Ariel. I want to be your boyfriend.¡± He¡¯s not okay. He needs to go to rehab.

    I wiped my tears and shamelessly got up from the couch to pick up the remains of my habit which he sessfully tore when having his way with me.

    ¡± I hope God forgives you , Freddie.¡± A stronger part of me wanted to yell at him , cursed him, hit him, but I wasn¡¯t that strong woman. I was this nerdy girl who was raised differently.

    ¡± Ariel , it¡¯s no big deal. I¡¯m not leaving you. I want to be with you.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re not okay. You¡¯re acting like it¡¯s nothing. Freddie you stole my virginity. You raped me. Abused me and took advantage of our friendship. God¡¯s gonna judge you and I¡¯m sure he will.¡± My eyes met in contact with the blood on the chair.

    I sniffled and ran out of the house to my car. I hated myself for everything. Why did I pay him a visit in the first ce. Of course it¡¯s because I trusted him. I tapped my wheel endlessly and cried. What¡¯s my life gonna be like. With tears still in my eyes, I ignite the engine and drive out of his house. I barely could see but I hold back my pain till I¡¯m close to my house. I climb down from my car only to find my mom and dad talking outside.

    ¡± Mom¡± I sob and copsed on the floor.

    I blinked my eyes several times and open it. I could see faces smiling at me. I sit up at once but someone quickly grab my arm andy me back.

    ¡± Ariel.¡± Mom cooed beside me stroking my hair.

    ¡± Mom¡­¡± I resume crying again.

    ¡± Baby calm down okay. Talk to us, what happened? You¡¯ve been sleeping since yesterday and mother superior had been worried. You¡¯re supposed to take your vows today right?¡±

    I can¡¯t believe I¡¯ve been sleeping since. So I¡¯m supposed to tell them I got raped. What will they see me as? That I¡¯m no longer a virgin.

    ¡± I got raped.¡± I burst out. The smile on my mom¡¯s face disappeared. Including dad¡¯s and Leslie¡¯s.

    ¡± Raped?¡± Leslie asked. I couldn¡¯t bring myself to exin. I feel like a looser and a worthless person.

    ¡± Ariel , who raped you?¡± Mom yelled and her anger already crowded the house?

    ¡± Ariel we¡¯re talking to you. Who raped you?¡± Dad scolded.

    ¡± Freddie.¡±

    ¡± Who¡¯s Freddie?¡±

    That¡¯s the issue , who¡¯s Freddie ?

    ¡± Freddie is my best friend. We¡¯ve been friends since highschool.¡±

    ¡± What! You¡¯ve been keeping a male friend since highschool and we¡¯re not even aware?¡± Mom roared.

    ¡± How are we even sure he¡¯s not your boyfriend? Your dirty little boyfriend that you¡¯ve been hiding , huh?¡± Dad asked ring at me.

    ¡± Daddy no¡­ it¡¯s just¡­¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s just what? You sneaked out of the convent to visit your boyfriend and then have sex with him , you¡¯re here telling us nonsense. What type of daughter are you? Why can¡¯t you be like Leslie?¡± Dad fired.

    I couldn¡¯t believe my ears. They are alwaysparing me to Leslie. She¡¯s the good girl. Always the family¡¯s favorite. I remembered it was when I told my parents I wanted to be a nun after highschool they started making me feel special. How could they use me after I told them the truth?

    ¡± You¡¯re a disgrace Ariel. You¡¯ve always been a disgrace and I regretted having you. Get ready to exin to the church howe you were raped when you¡¯re about taking your vows.¡± Mom scoffed, obviously irritated by me.

    ¡± I hope God forgives your sins you dirty little whore.¡± Dad cursed. What!

    ¡± Dad¡­¡±

    ¡± Shut up. Don¡¯t ever call me your dad.¡±

    That was it. I watched them walk out of my room in disgust. I hated myself. I hated Freddie more. He changed everything but I wasn¡¯t ready to take it to heart. I stood before the Pope and i really couldn¡¯t say anything. The story doesn¡¯t make any sense to them . I drove out of the convent to visit my male best friend and I got raped.

    ¡± You have to leave the convent Ariel. Youitted fornication and you lied that you were raped. You¡¯re expelled from the convent. I hope your sins are forgiven.¡±

    ¡± You should leave¡­¡±

 Chapter 2

    Things didn¡¯t go my way after that terrible experience with Freddie. He was always calling even after I deleted his number.  I sit opposite the therapist as she tells me about motivational stories. But as long as I¡¯m breathing that didn¡¯t change a thing.

    After that rape incident , I suffered from depression. I almost took my life too thinking Freddie left with everything. The therapist was nice. She talks about a lot of good stuff and gives me a book to read. I was on dosage and always visiting the therapist for check up. For some awkward reasons I¡¯m always indoors. I¡¯m broken and my parents really didn¡¯t help matters.

    Every single mistake I make , they are always referring to me as a whore and that made me cry and I had to be best friends with my room .

    ¡± We¡¯re moving out.¡± Dad announces after dinner.

    He lost his deacon position in our church and since then he hated me more. Maybe they don¡¯t hate me , maybe they are just annoyed and hurt that my one bad move ended and stole everything away from them. Mom also lost her position too in our parish. The church withdrew the money they normally pay us and mom is always ring up , using me as an example. Alwaysparing me to Leslie.

    ¡± Moving out?¡± Leslie asks, tucking back her braids in her tight bun.

    ¡± Yes. Georgia has nothing for us since your sister Ariel spoiled everything. The church already dropped us from our positions and I won¡¯t stand being just an ordinary member in our parish.¡± He says. He has always loved God. We were raised in fear of God.

    I remembered when we were in highschool. Mom made rules for us.

    ? don¡¯t date boys , they will break your heart.

    ? don¡¯t date boys , God hates it.

    ? no sex before marriage or you¡¯ll perish in hell.

    I really didn¡¯t get to remember all their rules because it was useless. I was this nerdy girl in sses. I don¡¯t even have a boyfriend or an admirer. I was always bullied and insulted. Most times I body shamed myself , thinking I wasn¡¯t perfect. Freddie gave me light in homing when he told me I was beautiful. I stood opposite the mirror that night and I knew I was pretty. Maybe I wasn¡¯t noticed yet but I didn¡¯t care anymore after he told me he had a crush on the school ¡®s most popr girl. What about me?

    I gave up college and chose to go to nun school. Afraid of being bullied again. And now I¡¯m a rape victim , so pathetic.

    ¡± We¡¯re moving to Buffalo.¡± Mom adds ring at me under her ck eyeliner and mascara. It¡¯s so weird that she wears that after advising us not to apply make up.

    ¡± New York.¡± Leslie exims.

    ¡± Something wrong?¡±

    ¡± No¡­ I mean¡­¡± she stutters. New York¡¯s her big dream city. Most times I think she secretly has a boyfriend. She¡¯s always fond of so many social media celebrities and musicians. I¡¯m not really a fan. It¡¯s weird because it¡¯s what our parents want. Leslie is always secretly gawking over many douche celebrity scumbags.

    ¡± New York is fun.¡± She squeals. I don¡¯t say a word since my speech is not always considered. I¡¯m the bad egg.

    ¡± Yeah. Because of Alexa?¡± Mom asks and furrows her brows at Leslie.

    ¡± No mom. Alexa is an ass.¡±

    ¡± Language.¡± Dad snaps at Leslie.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t really wanna see you hanging around Alexa. She likes boys too much . I even heard she had three boyfriends.¡± I secretly roll my eyes and fiddle my chopsticks on my ramen.

    ¡± I heard Doreen caught her watching porn on herptop. What a child. So sinful. I¡¯m really happy my Leslie isn¡¯t one of these wild kids. Just like some people who sneak to have sex with their boyfriend when they are supposed to be a nun in a convent.¡± Mom fantasize and that hurt me.

    She¡¯s always talking about my bad fate. I bite my lip to hold back the pending tear but it luckily slips out. I hate my life. I get up from the table with my ramen and turn to leave.

    ¡± And where are you going?¡± Dad asks through clench teeth.

    ¡± I¡¯m going to my room. I need to take my medicine.¡±

    ¡± Yeah. It¡¯s really weird you¡¯re not pregnant , you would have been in the streets by now.¡± Mom utters followed by an irritating scoff.

    ¡± I¡¯m just gonna leave.¡± I say and stomp out to my room.

    I shut the door and lean against the door crying my eyes out. Most times I advised myself that it¡¯s not worth crying about but , they keep on saying painful words. After about a few hours of sitting close to the door I stand on my feet and look at my face in the mirror. I sit on the chair opposite the mirror and pull my knees to my chest staring right back at my reflection. I can¡¯t even remember when Ist smiled.

    ¡± Ariel.¡± My sister¡¯s voice woke me up the following morning.

    I rub my eyes and my eyelids feel heavy under my touch. My door spring opens as Leslie walks in smirking at me with her arms crossed. I hated that she¡¯s my older sister.

    ¡± Good morning.¡± I greet her.

    ¡± Morning. You should get ready. Our flights leave in one hour. New York.¡±

    I scoff and watch her turn her back to leave . New York yeah? Leslie is in college and I¡¯m about to resume college once we arrive in Buffalo. What¡¯s it gonna look like?

    The ne ride was terrible. I sit close to the window and glue my eyes to my book. A book given to me by the therapist and it¡¯s to build me. She says it¡¯s gonna strengthen me. and for the look of things it was helping. After about a few hours of terrible ne rides , we walked out of the ne. I pull my bag close to me as I take in the view. I¡¯ve not been to New York before.

    ¡± Yess¡­¡± Leslie squeals and takes a selfie of herself.

    ¡± You mind taking pictures of me?¡± She asks handing me her phone. I take it and wait for her to pose before taking pictures.

    She poses several poses and I dare notin. Mom and dad will definitely take sides with her. We entered our waiting car and I¡¯m seated at the front with Leslie who couldn¡¯t stop gawking at every single passing thing. I wasn¡¯t bothered or thrilled. I¡¯m still gonna be bullied by my own parents. The car stops at our new house and it¡¯s almost the same as the previous one.

    I follow suit behind with my bags. I stare at the neighborhood and it¡¯s beyond peaceful and beautiful. The trip past the stairs was awful because of my bags. I don¡¯tin but drag it alongside me. I walk into my new room and exhale. It needs a lot of work.

    I began cleaning and in less than a few hours I was done arranging things ordingly. It¡¯s evening already and I heard the chatter of teenagers maybe. I step out of my room and stand on the balcony breathing in new air. Because of my bad fate , we¡¯re in New York. Obviously I hope it¡¯s gonna be better. I wanna be better. I¡¯m far from Freddie and Georgia.

    .

    A week after , dad brought back my car. The car I used to drive in Georgia. I¡¯m still wondering how it got here. That didn¡¯t change them. They keep on reminding me of my mistakes and it¡¯s hurtful. I drummed my fingers on the counter after drinking coffee that morning. Leslie was online. It¡¯s obvious because her phone won¡¯t stop beeping and she won¡¯t stop smiling.

    ¡± Having fun in New York?¡± She asks me not to look away from her phone.

    ¡± Yes.¡± I reply to her when it¡¯s obvious I¡¯m lying. Ever since we moved in , I haven¡¯t stepped out of the house. I¡¯m always indoors , taking my medicine and possibly reading. There wasn¡¯t much to do around here and I¡¯m not in any social mediamunity like Leslie.

    ¡± It¡¯s nice. I can¡¯t wait to resume college.¡± I roll my eyes and continue tapping absently on the counter.

    ¡± Ariel , what are you doing?¡± Mom asks standing right at the kitchen door.

    ¡± Nothing.¡± I reply tly.

    ¡± Have you been taking your medications?¡± She asks like she cared. Maybe she cares about the money she paid the therapist.

    ¡± Yes.¡±

    ¡± Yes? And yet your pills still upy this bottle.¡± She yells, raising the bottle. For once Leslie looked up from her phone and turned to look at mom.

    ¡± I¡­¡± I stutter. I¡¯ve been skipping that one. The nurse says it depresses my brain tumor and I hate to think I have one.

    ¡± I what? What¡¯s wrong with you? You went out there and slept with your boyfriend and then you started faking illness. Are you even aware I spent a lot of money on you after the nonsense you did. We¡¯re skipping therapy in New York cause you don¡¯t deserve it.¡±

    ¡± Mom.¡±

    ¡± Shut up. Dirty little whore.¡± That¡¯s it. Without another word , I¡¯m already crying.

    ¡± Yeah go on and cry. I hope you don¡¯t mess around in New York.¡± She scoffs and throws my pills at me before departing the kitchen.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± Ooops.¡± Leslie scoffs and looks down on her phone.

    I lift myself off the chair and walk out of the kitchen still crying. I continuously cried and smacked the wall like it¡¯s behind every of my pain. Without thinking twice , I slip out of my sweat pants and put on ck jeans and baggy sweaters. It¡¯s a bit cold out there. I pick my car key from the nightstand and storm out of the room.

    I ignite the engine and drive onto the main road. I don¡¯t even know where I¡¯m going , I don¡¯t care cause I wanna be far from my parents. I didn¡¯t check the time so I really didn¡¯t know how long I¡¯ve been driving. For once I stop driving and halt beside a road. It¡¯s empty and peaceful just like my neighborhood.  I lean against the seat and decide not to cry again. I can never be happy again. Freddie took it away the day he took advantage of me.

    A cold air jolts me out of my thoughts as I turn to my side. A stranger is seated right next to me in my car as he shuts the door. It¡¯s a guy , not just a guy but a really tempting man. Wait, did I just call someone tempting.

    ¡± What are you doing? Who are you?¡± I stutter.

    ¡± What! I just need a ride . You won¡¯t turn a stranger down right?¡± He asks with a smirk.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry , you should leave my car.¡±

    ¡± Car?¡± He asks and I¡¯m startled.

    ¡± Yes, my car.¡±

    He blinks his eyes and looks around my car. Dad gifted this to me when I was 17.

    ¡± I only see a box.¡± He scoffs and fastens his seat belt.

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna call the cops if you don¡¯t leave my car.¡± I yell at this stranger.

    He surprisingly stretches his phone to me with his cute smirk? Wait cute? God Ariel.

    ¡± You might wanna use my phone to call the cops. Maybe yours is down.¡± What a prick.

    I blink my eyes as my mouth gapes at his figure. What type of man oppressed a girl because he¡¯s¡­ At that minute, I took him in. He¡¯s cute , yes I said cute. His grey eyes were out of exnation , they were taunting and taming. I noticed his jawline and a little Arabic neck tattoo. Oh he has tattoos. My eyes scanned his face to his arm and I could see his inked arm from the sleeves of his ck hoodie. He has tattoos there too. He¡¯s like a God. But seriously , was I really checking him out? One minute ago I was depressed and now I¡¯m stuck with a total breathtaking stranger in my car. I¡¯m not usually the girl who has time to admire people especially when I¡¯m from a Christian family.

    ¡± Stop checking me out and please drive , Tinkerbell.¡±

    I couldn¡¯t make out words and this wasn¡¯t likely me. My eyes were already fixed on his. It travels down his face and his rubby lips twitch as he smirks. Knowing fully well I was just checking him out.

    Whoa, Ariel breathe!

    I can do this without embarrassing myself with just his sight. Words can¡¯t describe him but I¡¯m sure he¡¯s illegal and bad news.

    I¡¯m never making heaven again.

    ¡­..

 Chapter 3

    ¡± Stop checking me out and please drive , Tinkerbell.¡± He says with so much sarcasm and a really cute British ent.

    ¡± I can¡¯t drive a total stranger. I don¡¯t even know who you¡¯re.¡±

    ¡± Snow White please drive.¡± he whines tiredly.

    He¡¯s bad without being told. I mean he has tattoos and he looks really bad in a cute way though. What if he has something bad in store for me. Hell no , I¡¯m the driver and I¡¯m in charge of the wheel. But he¡¯s a man and he can easily oppress me. I look at him and his eyes meet mine. I gulp , scared to death and look away. I hope I don¡¯t go to hell because of this stranger.

    ¡± Ariel stop talking and drive this cute stranger.¡± That¡¯s my subconsciousness. She¡¯s really different from me.

    I heave a deep breath and take the wheel. I don¡¯t even know where he¡¯s going and he didn¡¯t bother to tell me. I decided to ask.

    ¡± Where am I supposed to take you to?¡± He doesn¡¯t reply but looks at me with his index finger on his lips. Alright he¡¯s intimidating.

    ¡± What are you doing?¡± He asks after the long silence. This time it is an American ent. Why¡¯s he changing his ent? I swear it¡¯s disturbing.

    ¡± What am I doing?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m asking.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m driving Mr. Stranger.¡± I sigh and for once I regret that I¡¯m not this type of girl who¡¯s aggressive and stubborn.

    ¡± Pull over.¡± He says with so much order.

    ¡± What!¡±

    ¡± Tinkerbell, can you please pull over?¡±

    ¡± Why should I do that? I thought¡­¡± Withoutpleting the word , my passenger already pulls the brake. I breathe in and out and look at him. Did he want to kill me?

    ¡± Let¡¯s swap seats. I¡¯m driving this time.¡± He says with his grey eyes not leaving mine. Wait , did I talk about his hair? Uhh¡­

    ¡± I can¡¯t let you drive my car.¡± I fire. He undid his seatbelt and looked at me.

    ¡± I¡¯m waiting.¡±

    ¡± I won¡¯t let you drive my car.¡±

    ¡± This is not even a car. It¡¯s a box.¡± He says with his British ent and I hated that it carries sarcasm.

    ¡± Don¡¯t insult my car. It¡¯s not like you have one , if not you won¡¯t be stuck in my car.¡± I tell him as his brows furrow.

    He snorts out a chuckle and reaches out to lift me off my seat.

    ¡± What are you doing?¡± I exim. He doesn¡¯t answer but sessfully creeps underneath me to take the wheel. My butt had to gently touch his lower body and I felt humiliated, maybe because I felt weird with that contact.

    I stumble to my passenger seat and tuck back my scattered hair.

    ¡± What¡¯s the meaning of that?¡± I ask him, trying so hard to swallow whatever thing he just did.

    He starts the car and changes gear. The speed was terrible and I hopelessly mmed my head against the headrest. I turned to look at him and I could see a smirk at the corner of his lips. I think he just came out of rehab. I quickly fasten my seatbelt before I die of hypertension.

    ¡± What type of speed is this?¡± I ask him with a high pitched voice.

    ¡± That¡¯s how you drive a fuckin car.¡± He scoffs. How dare he curse in my car. Now I feel unholy. How am I supposed to make heaven with such a man in my car?

    ¡± Stop cussing in my car.¡± I say and sigh.¡± I don¡¯t like it.¡±

    He chuckles, not even sparing me a nce.¡± You¡¯re seriously fuckin with me right now , Tinkerbell.¡±

    ¡± You did it again. You don¡¯t curse in my car and secondly I¡¯m not Tinkerbell.¡±

    ¡± Alright Snow White.¡± He says and nces at me. My heart almost froze at his smirk. He rolls his eyes and nces back at the road still in speed.

    He¡¯s weird.

    ¡± You¡¯re weird. It¡¯s obvious you¡¯re just getting out of rehab.¡± I utter slowly.

    He doesn¡¯t reply and I watch how he handles my wheel.

    ¡± I¡¯m too cute for that , Snow White.¡± Great! From Tinkerbell to Snow White and then Ariel.

    ¡± So what¡¯s a naive Christian doing on this side of town?¡± He asks and stares at me , still wearing that smirk.

    ¡± I¡¯m not a naive Christian . And what I¡¯m doing on this side of town it¡¯s not your business.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re naive. At least this could tell.¡± He says and points to the rosary hanging on the rearview mirror.

    ¡± Don¡¯t mock my faith.¡±

    ¡± Why would I do that?¡±

    ¡± You called me naive.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s the truth. This isn¡¯t 2003 and now I think I¡¯m living backwards.¡± He scoffs.¡± I feel like traveling to Mars.¡± He says with his British ent again.

    ¡± Why are you swapping ents? British ent and then American. What¡¯s with you?¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡± Great , this time he spoke in his obvious American ent. Why is he faking a British ent.

    ¡± You know I feel like I¡¯m gonna burn in hell for epting to give you a ride.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s really weird you¡¯ll definitely burn in hell.¡± He says and stops for a red light. We¡¯re at the main side of town and I don¡¯t see my house.

    ¡± Stop judging me.¡± I scoff and look out the window.

    I feel his eyes stare at me before he continues driving again.

    ¡± You¡¯re too pretty to be this naive.¡± My heart beat froze again. He called me pretty.  But then I remembered Freddie said the same words and took advantage of me at the end.

    My mood changed and I was forced to bite my thumb. For some reason I¡¯m d I¡¯m away from home. Away from torment and this total stranger just made me forget I¡¯ve been through a lot of shit. My head began pounding a bit and I already forgot I had to take my medicine. I reach for the bottle of water in the backseat. I pull out a capsule and throw it inside my mouth before gulping down the water. I feel my driver¡¯s eyes on me. I just hope he doesn¡¯t ask what it¡¯s meant for.

    Still holding the water, I wipe my forehead and look out the window. The sudden silence was really weird for me. I don¡¯t know about him , but he looks like a jerk. He barely cares about anything. I think that¡¯s what bad people are.

    ¡± Ariel , don¡¯t be quick to judge.¡± My inner woman snaps at me. I turn to look at this stranger and his grey eyes meet mine. He shakes his head slightly and focuses back on the road.

    ¡± Do you have a direction? It¡¯s Almostte and I need to be at home.¡±

    ¡± Your mommy is gonna beat you right?¡± He turns to look at me and furrows his brows.

    How can he be awkwardly perfect and weird too?

    ¡± I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. And just stop talking about my religion. You don¡¯t even look like a believer.¡±

    He scoffs and stays silent. I roll my eyes and look out the window. I don¡¯t even know where we are or where we¡¯re going . We¡¯re far from town and I¡¯m really scared. Is he trying to sell me or probably rape me?

    ¡± Where are we going? Where are we? I don¡¯t even see my house.¡± I whine.

    He doesn¡¯t reply but just stares at me and looks away. Luckily he halts the car and I¡¯m grateful I¡¯m driving my car back to my house. Surprisingly he pulls the key out of the ignition and gets out of my car. I sigh ande out too. Of course I can¡¯t fight him. I¡¯m this nerdy weak girl.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± Stranger , what are you doing?¡±

    ¡± I won¡¯t stay long. You can stay there if you want.¡± I look in his direction and it¡¯s a coffee shop.

    I pursue suit hopelessly and follow him inside this shop. It¡¯s not that crowded , just a few customers, maybe five. The average man behind the counter seems to shriek at the sight of this perfect tatted figure. I guess that¡¯s the Cafe owner.

    ¡± Where the fuck is my shit?¡± My car partner yells.

    ¡± I¡­¡± The Cafe owner stutters and it¡¯s clearly obvious he¡¯s scared of him. Yeah me too , we¡¯re not alone.

    ¡± I what? You douche ass prick got my package and you couldn¡¯t pay up. Dude, where¡¯s my shit?¡± How can someone cuss freely and he¡¯s stillfortable.

    The guy tries to speak up but tatted stranger ms his head on the counter. I felt his pain cause I jolt in my position. This isn¡¯t the guy I drove with. This one is super aggressive. The customers in the coffee shop couldn¡¯t interfere. Are they scared of him? They just stare in awe.

    The coffee man gives him a bundle of money with a red face.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry man.¡± He says after this weirdo collects the money and thrusts it in his pocket.

    ¡± Fuck you.¡± He cusses and turns to look at me with his super cute smirk. He¡¯s insane. With no one ready to talk back, they returned to their businesses and I was forced to freeze on my spot.

    ¡± You¡¯re ready to go snow white? I¡¯m sorry Tinkerbell.¡± I try to talk but his hands hold my arm and pull me out of the shop. I dare not restrain myself with what I saw out there. Without saying a word, I slipped inside the passenger¡¯s seat and buckle my seatbelt.

    ¡± Are you okay?¡± Why does he care all of a sudden?

    ¡± Yes. Thank you.¡± I tell him as he continues driving.

    The silence was crazy and I was forced to turn the radio on. Luckily a pastor is preaching. Stranger scoffs and tunes the radio endlessly. He finally stops when he hears a pop song pop out of the radio. I wanted to ask him why he changed the radio but my mind drifted to the weirdo I saw at the coffee shop. Of course just a little snap and my ankles would be broken.

    ¡± That wasn¡¯t fair.¡± I decided to say. He rolls his eyes and nods his head to the music. I don¡¯t listen to this type of music since I¡¯m living with a semi pastor. I really hate myself that my dad had to be demoted because of me.

    ¡± Are you always that aggressive?¡± Why do I even care? He¡¯s a stranger and we¡¯re never gonna meet again. Just like I picture , he doesn¡¯t reply. I sigh and slump back on the seat.

    ¡°You just moved in right?¡± He asks. Thought he has gone automatically dumb.

    ¡°Why do you care?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re too pretty to be around this side of town.¡± I sigh and cross my arms.

    I don¡¯t reply but just watch how he handles my wheel. He rxes a bit and runs his hand down his messy hair. The sides of his hair and back are a bit low as curly strands are everywhere. His eyes snap me out of my trespassing as he raises his brows with a heart melting smirk.

    ¡°What?¡± I ask him.

    ¡°Stop checking me out like you wanna eat me. It¡¯s rude to stare.¡± I huff and bite the inside of my cheek. Now he¡¯s gonna think I¡¯m interested in him.

    ¡°What makes you think I was checking you out?¡± I raise my brows and lean against my window to look at him properly.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I was checking you out too. Nice sweaters.¡± What an asshole.

    I glue my face to the window to hide my blush.

    I¡¯m tired at the same time I¡¯m not tired. My house is filled with ranting parents. Parents who find joy in making you look useless. The car stops as this stranger gets out. He didn¡¯t pull the key out this time. I got out and surprisingly I saw two cars. Not just any type of car . I might be a nerd but I can easily tell if I spot an expensive car. One is a red Lamborghini and the other a Bentley.

    I watch the stranger strides to the Bentley as one of the men on ck suits gives him a champagne bottle.

    ¡± Seriously¡­¡± I say.

    He turns around and smirks at me.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay?¡± He asked me.

    ¡± Is that your thank you?¡± I ask not even remembering the men in suits who stand beside the two expensive cars. I feel like hiding my car in my pants pocket.

    He rolls his eyes as one of the guys opens the back door of the Bentley as he enters inside. The suit man shuts the door and I watch the car drive away.

    What type of man is that?

    ¡­.

 Chapter 4

    Today¡¯s the weirdest day of my life. Driving a total cute stranger who ended up entering such an expensive car.

    I blink my eyes in bafflement and drive back home. It¡¯s almost evening and I¡¯m really sure a lot awaits me once I get home. I halt the car in the garage and get out ready to face my parents¡¯ uneasy troubles.

    ¡± And where are youing from?¡± Dad asks once I enter the living room.

    I stuck both my hands in my back pocket and looked at both of them intensely. What am I supposed to tell them?

    ¡± Ariel.¡± Mom res snapping at me.

    ¡± I took a ride around the city.¡±Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± A stupid ride? Or you¡¯ve sessfully gotten yourself a boyfriend Ariel.¡±

    ¡± Dad , please stop.¡±

    ¡± Did you just cut me off?¡± My dad yell.

    ¡± What did we do to deserve you in the first ce? You keep on acting like we hate you but your attitude is not even pleasing. Your bad luck brought us to New York, did you forget that?¡±

    I blink my eyes not to cry in front of them. Why are they acting so annoying and not tolerating?

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡± I say looking at Leslie who is sitting in the dining room.

    ¡± You¡¯re sorry? For what, lying? Where did you go?¡±

    ¡± I took a ride.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re still lying? Ariel I¡¯m gonna hit you if you don¡¯t tell the truth.¡± Mom points her finger at me shooting daggers at me.

    My eyes meet Leslie¡¯s. She barely help matters. She acts like she enjoys my torture. I look back at my parents, their eyes not leaving my figure.

    ¡± I¡­¡± I stutter blinking. My eyes are already crowded and I¡¯m crying again.

    ¡± I took a ride because I was tired of being treated like shit. You don¡¯t even trust me.¡±

    ¡± Why should we trust you? You aren¡¯t supposed to be in this house, you¡¯re supposed to be in nun school serving as a nun, but you spoiled everything. Ariel you disgraced us, youmitted a stupid sin and that brought us to New York.¡±

    ¡± Really? It has always been you guys. You don¡¯t even care about me. You started being nice because I chose to go to nun school. Nobody cares about my feelings. Your pressures made me choose to be a sister , because you wanted to boost your ego.¡± And that¡¯s it. My mom ps me.

    I blink several times but the tears are just flowing down. I wipe my tears and turn to walk to my room.

    ¡± Ariel ,e back here.¡± Dad calls after me.

    I ignore them and storm to my room. I lock the door and fall on my bed crying non-stop. I hate my life. Why can¡¯t I be like Leslie? They don¡¯t yell at Leslie and mom will never raise her hand to hit Leslie. I can¡¯t believe my mom had to hit me because of her reasons. My head starts to pound. I helplessly stand up and reach for my bottle of water and pills. I can¡¯t wait to stop taking pills. My parents already seeded in stopping my therapy visit.

    Swallowing the pills, I look at my face in my mirror. My reflection stares back at me. I look broken and done with. Even if I never had a perfect life , it was awesome before Freddie took advantage of me. I blink my eyes and undress myself to have a warm bath. I stay inside the bathtub massaging my scar. I angrily cut my wrist because I was depressed.

    I rest my head on the rim of the bathtub and think about college. What is it gonna be like? I feared bullies. They were part of the reasons I chose to go to nun school. I was scared of being judged. That awkward moment nobody cares about you. Leslie is like a lucky star. I think everybody likes her and sometimes I¡¯m always jealous.

    My mind drifts to that weird tattooed stranger. He made me forget about my pain at least for the few minutes we drove in the same car. It¡¯s fruitless , I don¡¯t like people and we¡¯re never gonna see each other again. His grey eyes are the first thing I noticed each time I looked at him in that crazy ride. The steam on my bathtub lessened and I wasn¡¯t even ready to get out of the water. I wasn¡¯t counting the minutes and hours I stayed in that water, but I think it¡¯s been eternity. I get out and clean myself.

    I dart my eyes to my ringing phone and it¡¯s a private number. I press the answer icon and press the phone on my ear.

    ¡± Ariel.¡± The voice makes me freeze at once. Why¡¯s he calling me? I blocked his number. What does he want from me? To hurt me again?

    ¡± Freddie, what do you want?¡± I ask and I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m about to cry.

    ¡± Ariel , I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to hurt you. I want you okay. I¡¯ve always liked you. Forget the fact that I dated Aida in highschool , I was blind and I really didn¡¯t want to hurt you. I thought I wasn¡¯t perfect¡­¡±

    ¡± What do you want?¡± I yell with heavy eyes.

    ¡± I want you , Ariel.¡±

    ¡± I hate you. I mean God forgive my soul , you destroyed me Freddie. I don¡¯t want to ever see you again. Don¡¯t ever call me , I don¡¯t want you. You¡¯re a monster. Who takes advantage of their best friend because of their selfish needs? Just leave me alone.¡± I sniffle, wiping my nose and eyes.

    ¡± Ariel.¡±

    ¡± Go to hell Freddie. You¡¯ll burn.¡± I re and hang up, throwing my phone on my bed with myself.

    How dare he call? Reminding me what happened? Is he trying to mock my weakness? I stayed till almost midnight and surprisingly nobody called me for dinner. Iy on my bed and go through the pages of the book the therapist gave me. For some silly reasons , I keep on remembering that weirdo stranger.

    I toss my book aside and close my eyes to sleep. It¡¯s morning again and I¡¯m awake . My life¡¯s boring. Obviously I¡¯m the one who¡¯s bored since there¡¯s not much to do here. They¡¯ve never been much. I need a job.

    ¡± Ariel.¡± Oh God , please not her.

    ¡± Ariel¡­¡± she calls again, knocking endlessly on my door.

    I carried my feet off the bed and a glimpse of my reflection made me halt. I had bags underneath my eyes. I shake my head slightly and open the door to witness Alexa.

    ¡± Have you been crying?¡± She asks, walking into my room.

    ¡± I¡¯m fine. When did you arrive?¡± I ask, arranging my sheets.

    ¡± This morning. I¡¯m here to spend the weekend. You look pale.¡± She states reaching to touch my messy hair.

    ¡± Thanks , Alex.¡± I politely dodge her kind gestures and reach for my toothbrush.

    Leslie walks in singing to a songing out of her phone.

    ¡± What¡¯s up sis.¡± Leslie asks with a grin.

    It¡¯s weird. Leslie doesn¡¯t care about me. She would pick our cousin Alexa over me countless times. I¡¯m not like them. Leslie is a secret party freak , she likes boys but I¡¯m yet to prove that since she¡¯s my nice sweet older sister. Alexa is worse , she doesn¡¯t hide anything and she barely cares that my parents care. She has a tattoo on her waist and back and it¡¯s weird her parents don¡¯t care. My parents hated the fact that Alexa had to be our cousin. They see her as a bad egg. A really bad egg. I sort of like her a little though. She¡¯s pretty with a pierced nose.

    ¡± We¡¯re partying tonight, you wannae?¡± Alexa asks.

    ¡± Party?¡±

    ¡± Yes party.¡± Alexa squeals. I turn to look at Leslie who acts like she doesn¡¯t care.

    ¡± What about mom and dad? They hate parties too, remember?¡±

    ¡± Ditch that. I will handle that.¡±

    ¡± What are you gonna tell them?¡± Leslie asks.

    ¡± That I have church service this evening and we won¡¯t be back till 10.¡±

    ¡± Mass doesn¡¯t take ce at night.¡± I press.

    ¡± Ariel, why are you so boring? When was thest time you partied? Have you ever partied at all? It¡¯s gonna be fun. Plenty of booze and boys from all over New York and college.¡± Alexa says.

    Leslie seems to be interested cause her eyebrows lifts with a grin.

    I¡¯m still not interested. I mean even if I decide to go with them , I¡¯m still gonna be the goat. Mom finds joy in ordering me around and making life unbearable for me. And on second thought , I¡¯ve been indoors and doing nothing. I¡¯m tired of staying at home and doing nothing. I keep on remembering how broken i am.

    ¡± Okay fine. Don¡¯t you think 10:pm is toote?¡±

    ¡± Ariel, live a little.¡± Alexa smirks, snapping her fingers.

    ¡± First we¡¯re gonna go shopping for creative clothes. You¡¯re not gonna dress like you¡¯re going to a funeral.¡± Alex says, directing her word to me.

    ¡± What about mom?¡± I ask while Leslie listens.

    ¡± She won¡¯t allow us to go out this morning to buy clothes.¡±

    ¡± They are not around, dummy.¡± Leslie snaps at me.

    I shrug and breathe in. This is totally a bad idea and I¡¯m grateful I¡¯m not the only one risking it.

    ¡± Go brush your teeth, we¡¯re getting dressed. And please dress normal.¡± Alexa smirks and leaves with Leslie who is swaying to the music on her ylist.

    I heave a deep breath and rush to the bathroom to shower. I get dressed in just simple ck jeans, and a t-shirt. I know I look normal even if not hot. I walk out of my room only to find Leslie and Alexa giggling. Alexa is a fashion model. She fits perfectly on her red short dress with straps and a ck leather jacket hangs on her shoulders. Leslie is pretty and I regretteding in the first ce. Their stares made me feel that way.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Alexa smirks and leads the way with her nice stilettos clicking against our floorboards.

    I feel like I¡¯m sixteen. Alexa drives a real modern Ford car and it¡¯s beautifulpared to my box. All thanks to that stranger. I sit at the back seat like a timid girl while Leslie and Alexa dance to the rap music. I really can¡¯t tell who¡¯s the artist. She stops by a boutique and without warning I know it¡¯s out of my league. I can¡¯t afford this type of designer clothes.

    We¡¯re not broke but my parents choose to live awkwardly, maybe because they both serve in a Catholic parish.

    ¡± Alex , these are expensive.¡± I mutter looking around at every wares and their tags inside the boutique. Givenchy , Louis Vuitton , Fendi and every ssybel you could think of.

    ¡± I¡¯m paying. Go on Les.¡±

    ¡± How can you afford all of this?¡± I ask once Leslie is out of sight.

    ¡± Ariel , I¡¯m a model and I have a boyfriend.¡± She smiles and picks out a nearly no clothing type of dress.

    ¡± You should try that.¡± She throws the dress at me and the strap is not my thing and it¡¯s short. I can¡¯t wear a strap dress, it¡¯s too revealing. It has a short split and I¡¯m sure that split is for revealing a perfect toned thighs.

    ¡± Check me out boo.¡± Leslie walks out of the closet wearing a sleeveless blue dress. So short.

    ¡± You¡¯re hot.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m keeping it.¡± Leslie smiles. Why would she wear that?

    ¡± Ariel , you¡¯re keeping that.¡± Alexa says picking out a purple strap dress for herself too , but hers isced and nearly see through.

    After countless convincing they forced me to buy it with Alexa telling me it¡¯s only for tonight.

    ???

    It¡¯s 7pm and Alex is dressing me up . Leslie is through but busy straightening her eyeliner and lipstick. Alexa stretches my hair to make it longer. She decided to add a little makeup but I refused. I already look ufortable dressed in a short strap dress with a split and every normal person can see my thighs. ording to some normal folks , they might think my clothing is normal but nothing is normal tonight.

    Mom and dad visited Janell. Their new friend is from the same parish. The ride was awful to me cause Leslie and Alexa are always humming to the songs ring through the stereo. It¡¯s a club and I¡¯ve never been to a club. I step out of Alexa¡¯s car and I¡¯m faced with this weird ce. I¡¯m gonna throw up.

    ¡± Let¡¯s get wasteddies.¡± Alexa leads the march and I naively followed. My soul isn¡¯t here and as usual my inner woman is already scolding me to behave and have fun a little.

    ¡± Whoa¡­¡± Alexa and Leslie are drinking themselves to stupor even if they aren¡¯t that drunk. I decide to take a sip of the liquor but I spit it back. So bitter.

    ¡± Alex.¡± A blonde haired guy calls with a smirk sitting close to Alex.

    ¡± What the fuck do you want?¡±

    ¡± Come on babe , I missed you.¡±

    ¡± The fuck dude! We just had sex and I¡¯m done with you.¡± Alexa spits out with so much confidence.

    The Blondieughs stupidly even with the loud music.

    ¡± Boo, you missed this dick.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s too tiny. Piss off asshole. I¡¯ve gotten a better one than yours.¡± Alexa replies and I feel really dizzy with their choice of foulnguage.

    ¡± That¡¯s what¡¯s up.¡± Leslie squeals and I assume she¡¯s drunk. She shouldn¡¯t be supporting such a vulgar act.

    I excuse them to the bar to order something soft to drink. I can¡¯t cope with alcohol or I¡¯ll just gag to death. It smells awful. I stand beside the counter and the bartender seems busy. I sigh and look around this weird club. Almost every single person here looks drunk or maybe tipsy.

    ¡± Hey pretty.¡± A guy smirks at me.

    I gulped to his bad stench of alcohol and I couldn¡¯t help but move a bit far from him.

    ¡± You¡¯re scared of me sweetheart?¡± He flirts, trying to touch me.

    ¡± Stay away from me.¡± I plea. it¡¯s crazy nobody cares.

    ¡± Come on.¡±

    ¡± Leave me the hell alone.¡± I whimper.

    ¡°You¡¯re too hot to avoid. Who the hell made you this beautiful.¡± He mutters trying to touch me. Again.

    ¡°Tinkerbell¡­¡± I heard that all too familiar voice. I turn to look behind this drunk asshole. And there he was , standing in all glory. Eyes all over my body as he walks to my figure.

    ¡°What do you want with my girl?¡± This grey-eyed stranger asks the other drunk fe.

    ¡°Nothing man. I didn¡¯t know she¡¯s yours.¡±

    ¡°Good. Now get your broke ass outta here.¡± I watch the drunk leave quickly. I can¡¯t catch my breath. My eyes move slowly to look at his and just as expected, he smirks. I¡¯ve obviously lost my breath just standing a few feet from him.

    What¡¯s he doing here? I thought I would never see him again. Funny part is he just called me his girl. What the hell!

 Chapter 5

    I nervously rub my already sweaty palms against my arms. I¡¯m nervous as usual and the funny part is, he¡¯s smoking a cancer stick. He Inhales the stick , purring out the smoke through his nostrils. I cough, giving him space since his cigarette is still stuck in his mouth.

    ¡± My bad.¡± He takes it out and throws the blunt on the floor before stepping on it , squeezing his shoe on it.

    ¡± We¡¯re cool?¡± He asks and raises his brows.

    I don¡¯t reply but stare at his eyes. I already lost my breath. It¡¯s so annoying he makes me nervous.

    ¡± You really don¡¯t have to keep on checking me out.¡± He states. I look away embarrassed and face this bartender who is standing in front of us.

    That¡¯s really crazy. I¡¯ve been standing here for minutes and the bartender didn¡¯t even bother to look at me or ask what I needed. And this cute stranger showed up and he¡¯s already here to take his orders.

    ¡± Tequ for me. Take the girl¡¯s orders.¡± The bartender nods and then looks at me.

    ¡± Do you have any liquid that¡¯s basically not alcohol?¡± I ask. Mr. Stranger looks at me weirdly, including the bartender. Did I just make a fool out of myself?

    ¡± Get her cocktail.¡± Stranger answers. The bartender nods and leaves to get what he ordered. I badly wanted to ask what¡¯s a cocktail but I shamelessly sealed my mouth. All thanks to my parents.

    ¡± So what are you doing in a club?¡± He asks and looks at me taking in my figure. I know I look shamelessly different tonight.

    ¡± It shouldn¡¯t be your business. Thanks for saving me by the way.¡± I sigh and tap endlessly on the counter trying to hide my nervousness.

    ¡± Alright.¡±

    I stand impatiently close to this stranger and for some reasons best known to him, he¡¯s always staring at me. Am I that horrible? The bartender returns with a bottle and I¡¯m sure that¡¯s tequ. He drops the bottle on the counter and three sses of what I assume is a cocktail.

    ¡± It¡¯s not really bitter, Snow White.¡± I roll my eyes and look at the bartender.

    ¡± How much?¡±

    ¡± Nevermind.¡± Stranger says and digs out his wallet to pay.

    ¡± Please don¡¯t. I can pay my bills myself.¡± I don¡¯t even know how much.

    ¡± It¡¯s fine , Tinkerbell.¡± He pays the bartender.

    ¡± You don¡¯t have to be annoying. You helped me out the other day and I really didn¡¯t say thank you.¡± He says and smirks at me.

    I open my mouth to say something but nothinges out. He looks breathtaking and intimidating.

    ¡± You can join my table if you want.¡± He smirks and I really can¡¯t speak.

    I thought about Leslie and Alexa. They might be looking for me and on a second thought they are drunk and they wouldn¡¯t care about me.

    ¡± I¡¯m fine. Thanks for this.. cock¡­¡± I scoff.¡±¡­ whatever.¡±

    He nods and leaves with his tequ and a ss. I watch him walk back to the darkest part of the club. I carry my drink and head back to the girls. Just like I pictured they are both drunk.

    ¡± Sup Ariel. Having fun?¡± Leslie asks gulping a liquid which I assume is alcohol.

    ¡± Yeah.¡± I drop the cocktail on the table and sit down. I sip it and it tastes like mixed fruits. I smile to it¡¯s taste and continue to sip.

    ¡± Hey babe.¡± A dark haired guy says kissing Alexa. I roll my eyes and slurp my cocktail. That must be her boyfriend.

    ¡± Hey babe¡± She giggles and yfully caresses his hair. He whispers something to her and she giggles again.

    ¡± Byedies.¡± Alexa says and leaves with this brte. Just like that.

    I roll my eyes, getting tired. Seriously, this ce called club is boring. I wish I was at home , maybe reading my book. And then I think about my parents¡¯ reactions tomorrow.

    ¡± Ariel , don¡¯t think about it. Have fun.¡± My conscience whispers. I hate her.

    ¡± I¡¯ll be back sis. I wanna dance.¡± With that said, I watch Leslie walk out too. Now I¡¯m terribly bored.

    I look around the club scared to get wooed again by some drunk aggressive man. I already consumed a ss of cocktail and I¡¯m in my second ss.

    ¡± You shouldn¡¯t get used to that. It¡¯s like poison.¡± I heard that familiar voice.

    I looked up and his amazing grey eyes greeted me before his smirk. He sits on the opposite chair and drops his bottle of tequ that¡¯s already half consumed.

    ¡± You look tipsy.¡± I don¡¯t reply but stare far from his eyes. Continuous staring at those eyes and I¡¯ll be humiliated. I barely could make out words when I¡¯m with him.

    ¡± What are you doing here?¡±

    ¡± Your friends abandoned you to fuck some random boy.¡± Great. How can he be sofortable talking so rough?

    ¡± I hate cursing.¡± I tell him and it burst out like a whisper.

    ¡± I noticed.¡± He mutters and gulps his alcohol.

    His eyes stare at me andnd on my figure in front of him. His eyes are all over my body and I¡¯m scared. He¡¯s unpredictable and not readable.

    ¡± You club?¡± He asks, as his eyes meet mine.

    ¡± No.¡±

    ¡± Then what are you doing here? Dressed like that?¡±

    My hands leave my half consumed cocktail and sneak beneath the table as I fiddle with them. I know i look stupid. Like some random girl and I hate feeling that way. Stranger scoffs and shakes his head sideways before gulping his drink.

    ¡± I don¡¯t even know you.¡±

    ¡± I think it¡¯s better that way.¡± He states and sits back his drink on the table. I take out the straw and empty the remaining cocktail with just one gulp. I feel different again, like I¡¯m a bit drunk.

    I rub my temple and raise my eyes to meet this tatted stranger looking right back at me.

    ¡± What are you doing here?¡± I ask him.

    ¡± To party and getid.¡± He replies tly.

    ¡± Gettingid?¡± I find myself touching my hair and that¡¯s not likely me.

    ¡± Yeah. Why?¡±

    I giggle. Great , when did I start giggling?

    ¡± Every random hot girl would wannay with you.¡± I bite my lip and sip my third cocktail in a really sexy way. This isn¡¯t good. I¡¯m drunk and I can¡¯t stop myself.

    ¡± You¡¯re hot.¡± I tell him and slowly touch his hand that¡¯s resting on the table.

    His stare is dark and not leaving my eyes. I withdraw my hand from his hand and shift on my chair. I¡¯m sweating and that¡¯s really weird.

    ¡± You¡¯re drunk.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m not¡­¡± I giggle.

    ¡± You like to y?¡± I touch his hand and his gaze isn¡¯t leaving mine.

    ¡± You wanna y? I bite hard.¡± He flirts and I think my heart skips a beat.

    Being drunk is stupid.

    ¡± How hard do you bite?¡± I flirt back and twist my hair again before sipping my third ss of cocktail.

    ¡± Really hard.¡± I smirk and it¡¯s crazy I want someone.

    ¡± What¡¯s your name?¡± I ask him.

    He doesn¡¯t reply but looks at me with those breathtaking eyes. He¡¯s making me hot in every uncensored part of me. He res at me and drinks his tequ till it¡¯s empty. He stands up and grabs my arm leading me outside. I giggle stupidly and follow him behind.

    ¡± Why don¡¯t you want me? Am I ugly?¡± I whine behind him.

    He stays quiet and continues to walk on the concrete floor outside the club.

    ¡± You¡¯re too mean and cute.¡± Iugh Insanely.

    ¡± Enough of your nuisance.¡± He spits but that makes me giggle again.

    ¡± Why do you have tattoos? Why do you cuss?¡± He stops and pushes me gently against a car.

    ¡± Meany cutie.¡± I giggle and poke his cheek.

    ¡± Stop talking.¡± He snap.

    ¡± Why? Do you hate me now? You¡¯ve been staring at my body back there.¡± I whine . I reach out to touch his chest but he grabs my arm and leans closer to me. I¡¯m losing my mind.

    ¡± Don¡¯t make me touch you. You¡¯re gonna get addicted. Now stay here and don¡¯t move.¡±

    ¡± Promise.¡± I seal my mouth andugh. ¡± I won¡¯t move my ground off the feet , I mean I won¡¯t move my feet off the sheet. Whatever that means.¡± I giggle and watch him turn to leave.

    ¡± Where are you going? Are you leaving me?¡± I call out to him but he ignores me.

    I touch my neck and smile. I begin humming to whatever song that sneaks Into my head.

    ¡± Sup pretty.¡± A guy says from the dark. He walks forward and smirks at me, rubbing his palm together and licking his lips.

    ¡± You look like Jack , that Nanny¡¯s mad dog in Georgia.¡± I giggle.

    ¡± That mad dog wanna lick you all over, sweetness.¡± He licks his lips and proceeds to touch my booty.

    A hand grip him from behind and ms his head on the car.

    ¡± You fuckin¡¯ prick.¡± My cute stranger rescues me. Again. Alright , I¡¯m going insane.

    This other guy groans and rubs his bleeding nose.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry man.¡±

    ¡± Piss off, fuck boy.¡± Stranger yells as the other guy runs away.

    ¡± Aww.¡±

    ¡± Punk , drink this.¡± He scowls and pushes a bottle of water on my chest.

    ¡± Why are you being mean?¡±

    ¡± Get in the car.¡± He orders and opens the door of his ck car. A wing door Mercedes. Is he that rich?

    ¡± Can you be¡­¡± He cuts me short by gently pushing me inside.

    ¡± Don¡¯t ever take alcohol. Annoying church girl.¡± He mutters and drives out of the car park.

    ¡± How rich are you?¡± I ask, still holding the bottle of water.

    He doesn¡¯t bother to look at me but stares at the road. I watch the way he handles the wheel , he¡¯s so hot.

    ¡± Meany.¡± I whine and throw the water away.

    ¡± And what did you do that for?¡± He snaps at me.

    ¡± You don¡¯t care about me anymore. You don¡¯t even give me attention.¡± I whine.

    ¡± Fuck me.¡±

    ¡± Say that again.¡± I whisper and climb on hisp touching his well built body.

    He res at me and that makes me giggle. He groans silently and lifts me off hisp to sit back on the passenger seat. Strapping the seatbelt, he gives me a death re and sighs fully frustrated by my stunt.

    ¡± Where do you live?¡± He asks me through clench teeth.

    ¡± I don¡¯t even remember.¡± I say as a matter of fact.

    ¡± Just keep on driving , babe.¡±

    Did I just say Babe?

    ???

    I yawn and stretch myself on my bed. It¡¯s morning and I¡¯m really exhausted. I can¡¯t really remember what happened yesterday but I remembered I was drunk. My body aches and I am not ready to wake up. I¡¯ve never been drunk or even visited a club before, so I basically don¡¯t know what it feels like to have a hangover. It¡¯s terrible with a severe headache. God, remind me never to listen to Alexa again.

    I groan to my ringing phone and touch every space in my bed with my eyes still closed. I grab my phone and answer the call and slightly press it to my ear with my eyes still closed.

    ¡± Ariel.¡±

    ¡± Who¡¯s this?¡±

    ¡± Jesus , you didn¡¯t save my number? It¡¯s Alex.¡±

    ¡± Oh. Hey , hi.¡±

    ¡± Where are you?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m at home.¡± I reply with a sleepy voice.

    ¡± Home? Which home?¡± Is she kidding me? How many homes do I have?

    I groan and reply.¡± I¡¯m in my room, Alex.¡±

    ¡± For goodness sake , what are you talking about? I¡¯m in your room and we¡¯re worried. Where are you?¡± I blink my eyes and slowly open them.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    What¡¯s she saying? I looked at the wall and the stainless white walls greeted me first. I look to the right and a fancy ss door closet is right there. This isn¡¯t my room, I don¡¯t have a ss door closet. That¡¯s a lot of money. Whose room is this? I sit up at once and look around. The dresser , nightstand curtains aren¡¯t mine. This is not my room.

    It can¡¯t be. I push the nket aside and hop out of the bed. Where are my clothes? I¡¯m wearing an oversized ck T-shirt and grey oversized sweatpants.

    ¡± These are not my clothes.¡± My mind drifts to one person. That stranger.

    I look up at the door and there he is, standing shirtless beside the door with his grey eyes prying all over my body on his bed and in his clothes. My eyes scan his godlike figure and I can¡¯t breathe thinking the unthinkable. Did he take advantage of my drunk state?

    Oh no it¡¯s not true.

 Chapter 6

    ¡°What did you do to me ?¡± I sob silently.

    His cold stare is not leaving me and I¡¯m about to freeze up. How can I be so stupid to drink that cocktail whatever.

    ¡± What did you do? Why am I wearing your clothes?¡± I ask. I¡¯m standing in front of him and he barely looks away.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±

    ¡± What do you mean? Why would I wake up in your bed dressed in your clothes? How could you touch me?¡±

    ¡± What?¡± He smirks.

    ¡± Are you trying to tell me you won¡¯t be able to know if someone touched you?¡± He asks and that rings a bell.

    ¡± Wait, you thought I took advantage of you?¡± He asks me after I¡¯ve stayed quiet.

    ¡± Why would I do that?¡± He blinks his eyes and crosses his arms. I can¡¯t help but look at his intimidating self in front of me. He makes me speechless and that¡¯s new.

    ¡± I thought¡­¡±This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    ¡± You thought I had sex with you?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m in your room and wearing your clothes. What am I supposed to think?¡± I sniffle. I never knew I was crying earlier.

    He scoffs.¡± You¡¯re too naive.¡±

    He turns to leave but I stop him.

    ¡± Who changed my clothes?¡±

    ¡± I did. What? You¡¯re shy?¡± Oh no , this can¡¯t be happening to me again.

    ¡± Jesus. My house help did that. She changed your clothes and she¡¯s forty years old.¡± I was relieved after he said that. He turned his back and left the room.

    By the way, where¡¯s my dress? I ponder and rush to get my phone. 20 missed calls. Dad , mom , Leslie and Alexa. Where was I when my phone was ringing? I¡¯ve never spent the night out before and I¡¯m sure they won¡¯t spare me. I deserve it in the first ce. I should have stayed at home , I won¡¯t end up drinking that cock demon.

    A knock startles me. I turn around and ady greets me. Probably that stranger¡¯s maid.

    ¡± You¡¯re awake. You need to shower and wear this before eating breakfast.¡± What? This is not even my dress and not my house. It¡¯s 10: am and I¡¯m not at home yet.

    ¡± Um¡­ where¡¯s my dress?¡±

    ¡± Master Carter asked me to get rid of it.¡±

    ¡± Carter?¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s hisst name.¡±

    ¡± What¡¯s his name then?¡± I ask, forgetting the fact that this master Carter just got rid of my dress.

    ¡± Gray.¡±

    ¡± Thanks.¡± She drops the ckce dress on the bed and turns to leave

    ¡°There¡¯s a pill inside that drawer and it will help with your hangover.¡± She smiles and shuts the door.

    I nce at the dress and it¡¯s far better than Alexa¡¯s choice of clothing. It has sleeves not likest night¡¯s dress with a brazier¡¯s strap.

    I enter the bathroom and it¡¯s hugepared to mine. Without being told , he¡¯s rich. I scrub my body with the body wash and let the warm water rinse myself. I dried my skin and got dressed. Thank God my underwear is still intact. I put on the dress and carry my bag walking out of this room. I have a lot of exining to do once I get home. I know I¡¯ll be grounded, that¡¯s for sure .

    I climb down the spiral staircase and step on thest one. The view was amazing. The walls are originally made of translucent ss and you can see therge swimming pool outside. I stare at every piece of furniture and I know this isn¡¯t just a dime. My eyesnd on Gray¡¯s shirtless self smoking. Is he aware of lung cancer , maybe he¡¯s not really scared of death.

    ¡± Gray.¡± I called out. His back tensed when I called out his name. He exhales the smoke out of his nostrils before turning to look at me.

    He raises his eyebrows at me indicating what? What type of man is this?

    ¡± I¡¯m leaving.¡±

    ¡± I noticed. You¡¯re not eating?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m fine. Thanks.¡± I reply standing in front of him.

    ¡± What did you do to my dress?¡± I ask, feeling really ufortable inhaling his smoke. I¡¯m feeling sick.

    ¡± Got rid of it. Don¡¯t ever dress like that. You look like a slut.¡± I gulp. Why does he care about how I look? Looking at his house and cars , it¡¯s obvious the type ofdies he would like are slutty models with expensive hair extensions and wigs.

    ¡± Thanks.¡± I sigh and turn to leave.

    I walked out of his building and noticed two guys in suits standing outside with their cold stares. I quickly look away and hurry out of this millions called a house. The cab ride was terrible because I was thinking on what to tell Mom and yes dad. I step on our front porch and twist the doorknob. Here begins my headache . I didn¡¯t even take my medicationsst night.

    ¡± Where are youing from? Your boyfriend right?¡± Mom asks, standing a few feet from me with her arms tightly crossed.

    ¡± Is she back? That rebel of a daughter.¡± I heard dad¡¯s voice from the kitchen. Leslie looks at me and I really don¡¯t know what to say.

    ¡± I¡­¡±

    ¡± Go on. Start lying.¡±

    What am I supposed to say? I went to a club with Leslie and Alexa and I followed someone home because I was drunk. They will definitely call me a whore.

    ¡± I went out with¡­¡± I point to Leslie who widens her eyes at me.

    ¡± Leslie?¡± Dad asks, shooting daggers at me. I gulp and fiddle both my fingers.

    ¡± Did she spend the night in a man¡¯s house?¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s not what you think. I got lost cause I couldn¡¯t find Alexa and Leslie. I saw someone who decided to give me a lift but I don¡¯t know the address.¡± I told almost half the truth. I can¡¯t say I was drunk. I¡¯m gonna be dead.

    ¡± You got lost?¡± Mom asks, walking slowly to where I¡¯m standing. I¡¯ve not left the door post since I walked in.

    ¡± I¡¯m telling the truth.¡±

    ¡± What truth? Leslie went down the street to meet some church friends , she returnedst night at 9:pm.¡± What? I look at Leslie but she can¡¯t look me in the eyes because of guilt. How could she do that?

    ¡± Ariel, where are youing from?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m telling the truth.¡±

    ¡± You didn¡¯t go to the party with your sister. You went to visit your boyfriend again to have sex. What type of daughter are you? Your bad luck is the reason we¡¯re here. You brought the same bad luck to New York by sleeping around again. Ariel, don¡¯t you wanna go to college?¡± Mom questions, as my eyes start to water.

    I keep on looking at Leslie but she¡¯s avoiding my eyes.

    ¡± Oh my God , Ariel.¡± Alexa calls, walking into the living room. She shuts the front door and stares at me confused.

    ¡± What¡¯s happening?¡±

    ¡± Ariel is justing back. She said you took her out.¡±

    ¡± Yeah , we went to church.¡±

    ¡± And she¡¯s justing back from church?¡± Dad res at Alexa.

    Alexa sighs and crosses her arm.

    ¡°Fine. I ask them to party with me.¡± Alexa says.

    ¡°Them?¡±

    ¡± Yes. Arie and Les. They¡¯ve been staying indoors and a friend is throwing a party down town. My boyfriend showed up and I left with him to a corner. Leslie left too but I really don¡¯t know who she tagged along with. Ariel was drunk and lost , I couldn¡¯t find her either since I was drunk too.¡±

    ¡± And she woke up in a man¡¯s bed , right Ariel?¡±

    ¡± No- I mean yes. He gave me a ride because I was stranded and¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ Drunk!¡± Mom cuts me short.

    ¡± Alexa, are you trying to corrupt my daughters? Is that the reason you chose to stay the weekend? To take them to parties and make them drunk.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s not what you think¡­¡± Alexa mumbles.

    ¡± Really? That you have boyfriends and you¡¯re not even a virgin. What are we supposed to think? You don¡¯t have the fear of God and you run after men. You choose to take Leslie with you. I don¡¯t even care about Ariel , she¡¯s already useless.¡± Mom yells. I sniffle silently to hold back the tears.

    ¡± Fuck me, I¡¯m just gonna leave.¡± Alexa scoffs and turns to climb the stairs.

    ¡± Mind yournguage, Alex.¡±

    Alexa snorts all the way to get her bags.

    ¡± Ariel, you¡¯re grounded. You¡¯re staying in your room till you decide to cultivate a little form of dignity and discipline. You won¡¯t eat anything for the rest of the three days. Get out of my presence.¡± Dad yells.

    ¡± Daddy.¡±

    ¡± Get out.¡± I flinch and run upstairs.

    I met Alexa in our hallway with her bag. She smiles at me and hugs me.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry about Leslie , she¡¯s such a dildo.¡± Alexa says and kisses my cheek.

    ¡± You can keep this. I overheard your mom telling mine she stopped your therapy. I¡¯m sorry about that.¡± I open my hands and it¡¯s a bundle of money.

    ¡± You can eat with that. Once we resume college we are gonna hang out more often and you¡¯ll tell me about that hot stranger I saw you with at the club. I didn¡¯t get to meet him.¡± I roll my eyes and thank her.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry about my parents.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s fine. It runs in the family. My mom¡¯s like that sometimes. Be Careful.¡± She walks past me and climbs down the stairs.

    I sigh and enter my room before locking my door. I hate my life. With my shoes still on, I slump on my bed and wipe my tears. I feel stupid for going in the first ce.

    My phone buzzes and it¡¯s a new text message. I click on it and read the text.

    From Gray: Tinkerbell , are you at home?

    I roll my eyes and toss my phone aside. How can he steal my number and even save his number in my phone. I ignore it and press my face on my pillow. He¡¯s gonna end up like Freddie. Always after your pants.

    I wanna be far from him. He¡¯s trouble in disguise and he was part of the reason I got stuck in some cocktail rubbish. If I didn¡¯t agree to drink that, I would be at home , sleeping in my room in peace and not getting grounded and reminded countless times how I messed up in Georgia. I remembered my drunk statest night , I can¡¯t believe I called him hot. I mean he¡¯s hot , but a normal Ariel won¡¯t call someone hot.

    My phone dings again. One new message.

    From Gray : Where¡¯s my t-shirt and sweatpants , did you take it?

    I chuckle and scoff.

    To; Gray : No. Why did you steal my number? And why would I wanna take your T-shirt and sweatpants?

    From; Gray: Because it looks sexy on you. You got beaten?

    To: Gray: No, thanks I¡¯m fine.

    I sigh and blush.

    From; Gray: Let¡¯s hang out. I won¡¯t bite.

    I scoff and bite my lip. Is he serious? I¡¯m not evenfortable around him. I¡¯m always speechless with him standing close to me. My brain stops working at that moment and I end up embarrassing myself.

    To; Gray: No , I¡¯m not interested. I don¡¯t wanna hang out with you. I don¡¯t even know you.

    From; Gray: it¡¯s better you don¡¯t know me. I¡¯m outside your house, get dressed.

    What the hell! I text him back immediately , how can he be outside my house?

    To; Gray: you¡¯re joking right?

    From; Gray: Look through your window.

    My heart beat is already drumming in my chest. Why¡¯s he getting me scared? I don¡¯t want him but he¡¯s not staying away. I breathe in and look through my window. He¡¯s not here.

    To;Gray: Why are you lying?

    From;Gray: I know your address, Snow White. Are you scared of me?

    I sigh and tuck back my loose hair behind my ear.

    To; Gray: I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. Just hanging out with youst night and I end up getting grounded.

    I wanted to delete the message but I already sent it.

    From;Gray: Grounded! Your parents are fucked up. You¡¯re not sixteen, are you?

    I ignore his text and toss my phone aside. He¡¯s trying to make my life miserable. I look down at my ringing phone and it¡¯s Gray. What does he want?

    I ignored the call and text back.

    To;Gray: please don¡¯t call me. I really wanna stop talking to you.

    From;Gray: like you can. You can¡¯t avoid me , princess.

    I roll my eyes and try to imagine him smirking right now.

    To;Gray: I¡¯m sorry to burst your bubble, mister Carter but I don¡¯t want you. Stop texting me. I¡¯m really not your type of girl. You already exined you don¡¯t really like naive girls and I¡¯m grateful I¡¯m out of your league. I won¡¯t be able to give you my body in exchange for whatever thing you¡¯re nning.

    And now I regretted why I typed that. He was nice , made me sleep well and asked his house help to change my clothes even if he looked like a bad guy.

    I stand up from my bed and wrap my hair up tightly to shower. I haven¡¯t taken my medicine and I¡¯m grounded from eating and going out. What about Leslie? Nothing. I¡¯m always the bad egg. I look at my phone and he hasn¡¯t replied to my text. I scoff and thank my stars he didn¡¯t reply but at the same time I was guilty. I take my bath and walk out of my bathroom only to find Leslie going through my phone.

    ¡± What are you doing?¡±

    ¡± Confirming my ims. I saw you walk out of the club with that hot guy and this¡­¡± she points to my phone.¡± This made everything simple. You¡¯ve been secretly dating?¡±

    ¡± Why do you even care? You lied to Mom aboutst night and I got grounded.¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s because you left with a man. Boo.¡±

    ¡± Please hand me back my phone.¡±

    ¡± And why should I do that?¡± She bats hershes at me and smirks.

    ¡± Leslie , please. My phone.¡±

    ¡°You know you are a weirdo right? I just thought about highschool. How you asked Alexa to make you up so you would look presentable for Freddie.¡± She chuckles. Wait, she knows Freddie.

    ¡°You know Freddie?¡±

    She scowls.¡± Who doesn¡¯t. You have a secret crush on him in highschool. Always hanging out with him because you want him to look at you the same way you looked at him. It¡¯s stupid you didn¡¯t realize every hot asshole in highschool liked you.¡±

    ¡°You knew I was raped? You knew about me being raped and you couldn¡¯t defend me.¡±

    ¡°Why would I defend you? You deserved it sometimes. Let¡¯s just say, you look really cute each time you cry.¡± Sheughs and that sparks the anger Inside me.

    ¡°Give me back my phone now.¡±

    ¡± I won¡¯t do that shit. I¡¯m gonna show mom you¡¯ve been keeping a second boyfriend with the name Gray and he¡¯s the guy you followed to his house. You¡¯re dead , Ariel.¡± Leslie smirks and rushes out of my room with my phone.

    ¡± Leslie.¡± I call out to her but she¡¯s already gone down the stairs.

    Oh no. Why is she trying to make my life more miserable?

    ¡± Ariel!¡± Mom yells my name. I¡¯m dead.

 Chapter 7

    ¡± Ariel¡­¡± I heard dad¡¯s voice this time. I know I¡¯m good as dead. I quickly slip on my pajamas bottoms with a t-shirt and rush downstairs.

    ¡± Dad.¡±

    ¡± What¡¯s this? Chatting with your boyfriend?¡± Mom asks, ring at me and showing me the screen of my phone. Even if I really can¡¯t clearly see the writings on my phone , I know what she¡¯s talking about.

    ¡± What did we tell you about discipline?¡± Dad roars.

    ¡± I.. it¡¯s not what you think.¡± I stutter.

    ¡± It¡¯s not what we think? What do you want us to think? Thatst night you went out to party , then you got drunk and you drove home with a total stranger and you slept with him . Ariel you had sex again when your older sister is still a virgin! Why can¡¯t you be like her for once!¡± Mom yells.

    ¡± Mom I-¡± I sob and meet eyes with Leslie who scoffs and looks away.

    ¡± Mom what, Ariel? We did our best to take you to school , the convent to be precise, and you spoiled everything. I thoughting to New York will straighten your already broken life but yet you¡¯re still being useless¡­¡± Mom yells as my heart aches. I need my meds or I¡¯m just gonna go insane.

    ¡± Who the hell is Gray?¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t even know him. He took me out and we did nothing, you have to believe me.¡±

    ¡± Believe you? Ariel , he¡¯s texting you about wearing his sweatpants and he wants to take you out. What type of daughter are you?¡±

    ¡± I did nothing with him.¡± I yelled on top of my voice and I didn¡¯t even recognize what I did. My mom ps me across the face .

    ¡± How dare you? How dare you raise your voice at my wife, you whore?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m rebooking your visit to therapy. You need help and you¡¯ve finally decided to turn into one of these hopeless street girls like your cousin Alexa. What happened to that little you that has dignity and fear of God? You dropped everything after meeting with that Freddie and now Gray. Aren¡¯t you shameless?¡± Mom yells.

    My hand is still stered on my face and I wish I can run away. My shirt is decorated with my tears and another word I¡¯m gonna faint.

    ¡± You¡¯re grounded more. You¡¯re not leaving this house and you¡¯re not eating for the next five days.¡±

    ¡± Mom , dad.¡±

    ¡± Shut up! You¡­¡± My ringing phone stops my mother from talking. She looks at the dialer and res at me. God let it not be him.

    ¡± It¡¯s her boyfriend , Gray.¡± Mom scowls. Dad snatches the phone away from mom as he answers the call, putting my phone on loudspeaker.

    ¡± Ariel.¡± I hear his voice on the phone.

    ¡± This isn¡¯t Ariel but her father. Now listen to me mister Gray , leave my daughter Ariel alone. Stay away from her and let her be. You can¡¯t just go about deceiving her and getting her in your bed. Leave her alone , you stupid, useless street rat.¡± Oh God.

    Why are they making things hard for me? Gray might be a weird stranger to me, but the worth of his house might even be my father¡¯s entire ie. That¡¯s not even important , he has sessfully humiliated me on the phone with Gray. I feel like a stupid teenager even if I¡¯m not one.

    ¡± Lemme make myself clear to you¡­¡± mom says on the phone.¡± She¡¯s not your type of girl. Ariel¡¯s supposed to be in nun school serving and not following less ambitionless men like you. Keep your dick in your pants and leave her alone. She¡¯s a Christian daughter and not meant to be used by hopeless hoodlums like you. Stop calling her.¡± Mom spits and smashes my phone on the wall.

    ¡± Mom¡­¡±

    ¡± Another word and I¡¯m beating the hell out of you. Now to your room.¡± I sniffle and run back upstairs.

    My life¡¯s stupid. Most times I don¡¯t expect all this from my parents. I feel like maybe I¡¯m adopted. That crazy party caused almost half of this. How could Leslie show mom my phone? Does she hate me that much? I wipe my eyes with the back of my hand and sit up to swallow my pills. I really didn¡¯t want Gray, but apparently he¡¯s gonna see me as a dweeb. A controlled freak.

    ¡± You look down.¡± Leslie says at the side of my door.

    ¡± You¡¯ll be fine, sweetheart.¡± She smirks sarcastically .

    ¡± You should leave. You¡¯ve finally let mom insult me to Gray. Worst is that I even got pped because of you. Do you enjoy seeing me hurt?¡± She shrugs and crosses her arms.

    ¡± So who¡¯s this unfortunate Gray? What¡¯s so attractive about you that made him take you home?¡± I blink my eyes at Leslie¡¯s hate speech.

    It¡¯s not her fault.

    I¡¯m not ssy. I don¡¯t wear skimpy dresses and nice crop tops. My wardrobe is filled with jeans and hoodies and sweaters and t-shirts and some types of dresses that ssy girls don¡¯t wear. I can¡¯t afford their expensive hair extensions like Alexa. I¡¯m not like Leslie either , she¡¯s almost like these models with super sexy movements and always on social media. If my parents would ever allow a carefree life , then Leslie would be at a magazine shoot posing naked for the covers. She pretends too much.

    ¡± I bet he¡¯s ugly , hmm?¡± She teases and furrows her brows in disgust. Yeah , I¡¯m toome for Gray. I see the paparazzi he caused by just sitting across from me in that club.

    His cars are expensivepared to my truck. He smells wealthy, including his house. I saw people¡¯s eyes when I left the club with him even in my drunk state. What would he want from me? I¡¯m just this naive Christian, like he calls me.

    ¡± It¡¯s none of your business.¡± I state, looking far away from her.

    ¡± Yeah. Of course not.¡± She scoffs and turns to leave.

    I just can¡¯t wait to start college , at least I¡¯ll be far away from them. The only time they¡¯re possibly gonna see me is after ss. My parents made sure we don¡¯t stay on campus or even around campus. So we¡¯re stuck with them. Or maybe I¡¯m stuck with them. I wish I could make my own decisions just like Leslie , but I¡¯m stuck with being a naive and controlled person. Too scared.

    ***

    It¡¯s been a week since the Gray incident. I haven¡¯t heard from him , of course I don¡¯t even have a phone anymore. I don¡¯t go out and I¡¯m always in my bedroom. Reading and sleeping, my life¡¯s boring. I sit on the chair of the counter and stir my coffee endlessly.

    ¡± Mom , I¡¯m going out with a friend.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯ve gotten a new friend?¡±

    ¡± Mom , it¡¯s Hazel. She¡¯s a good girl and doesn¡¯t have a boyfriend.¡± Leslie tells Mom walking to the kitchen.

    ¡± Is she in college?¡±

    ¡± Yes, mom.¡± Leslie smiles drinking from her cup of coffee.

    ¡± She goes to church and is a member of the Catholic parish. Her dad is also a respected elder in church¡­¡± Leslie continues.

    I secretly roll my eyes and envy the way mom listens. I dare not say ¡®I¡¯m going out¡¯.

    ¡± Oh, there she is.¡± We dart our head to the kitchen door as I scan this pretty Blond.

    She smiles at us and greets me and Mom. She looks too good to be true.

    ¡± Mom , this is Hazel. Hazel , meet my mom.¡±

    ¡± A pleasure to meet you, ma.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s nice to meet you too , dear. Leslie says a lot about you. So you¡¯re hanging out with her this weekend?¡± Mom¡¯s voice beams with eagerness and her smile is so genuine.

    ¡± Yes , and we¡¯ll be back early. We promise to be good girls.¡±

    ¡± Sure thing. Please don¡¯t get drunk , I don¡¯t want you to wake up in a man¡¯s bed wearing his sweatpants.¡± Mom says. I bite the inside of my cheek and stare non-stop at my coffee. I can¡¯t believe she had to use me as an example.

    ¡± Thanks , mom.¡± Leslie kisses mom on her cheek and rushes out with Hazel.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    Mom scoffs and turns to look at me . I gulp the entire tea and stand up from the stool. I¡¯m trying to avoid my mom¡¯s ranting. She hisses and stirs her spaghetti on the cooker.

    ¡± Mom¡­¡± I called out.

    ¡± What! ¡± She turns to look at my figure standing beside the door.

    I wanted to tell her about my new n. I was tired of sitting at home all day so I need a job and I wanna go out to look for one.

    ¡± I want to look for a job.¡± I spit out, almost not calcting.

    ¡± A job?¡±

    ¡± Yes. I wanna be useful and not sit at home all day.¡± I say and continue before she taunts me.¡± It¡¯s gonna be a decent job and I¡¯m not following or visiting any man. I¡¯m sorry about that stranger, Gray, and I¡¯ll never go close to him again.¡± Now i feel like a stupid teenager again. Like I¡¯m in highschool.

    ¡± So I should believe you?¡±

    ¡± Please, mom. I promise to never bring trouble.¡± I pout, rubbing my sweaty hand together.

    ¡± Fine. And I wanna know the type of job once you find one. At least by 6pm you should be at home. Clear?¡±

    ¡± Clear.¡± I breathe out and rush out.

    I rush upstairs and put on a ck jeans and a t- shirt before rushing down the stairs. At least I¡¯ll be breathing normal air aside from the air from my air conditioner.

    After my daily search for a job , I found one at Sandy¡¯s, a restaurant and it¡¯s really ssy. I¡¯m d it¡¯s a part- time job with shifts. Since I really haven¡¯t started college, I decided to resume work by noon and round up by 5:30 pm. It¡¯s gonna be a long time for me to gather myself before reaching home by six.

    ¡± You¡¯ll be fine.¡± Sandy whispered to me on my first day of resumption. I have changed my clothes to her work clothes and it¡¯s a shirt with the name of her restaurant at the back on top of my trousers.

    I tag alongside Vickie , arranging desserts and snacks on each table. I return back to the counter to take orders from every other customer. A pair of blue eyes catches my attention , staring at me. I raise my head to look at this stranger as he smirks before looking back at his friend.

    ¡± That was weird.¡± I mutter while taking a cup of coffee to give to this blue eyed man.

    ¡± Your coffee , sir.¡± I address him even if he¡¯s in his early twenties , maybe Leslie¡¯s age.

    ¡± Thanks. Call me Ryan.¡± He answered sincerely.

    ¡± Uh, Sure.¡± I reply about leaving but they stop me.

    ¡± Can we get your name?¡± His other friend asks. He¡¯s a brte with hazel eyes.

    ¡± It¡¯s Ariel. I need to get back to work.¡±

    ¡± Sure.¡± Ryan said and he¡¯s giving me the creeps with his unending stare.

    I nod politely and walk back to my stand.

    ¡± Asking you out?¡± Vickie asks and nudges me with a smile.

    ¡± Not really.¡±

    ¡± Yeah.¡± She giggles and smiles.

    I arrange my hair properly to a tight bun and take out the used dish from the tables. I walk back to the counter and arrange the tes on the dishwasher for the supposed cleaners. I walked back to the counter and a sight made me stop on my track. What¡¯s he doing here? Vickie was standing beside him smiling endlessly as they talked. I didn¡¯t even notice the dark haired girl opposite him in one of the booths.

    ¡± Great , I¡¯m just gonna puke.¡± I mutter to myself.

    His head raises up from the table and his eyes meet mine. I gulp and look away. What¡¯s he doing here? Vickie walks back and sighs standing by me.

    ¡± I¡¯m still trying to catch my breath.¡± Vickie mumbles beside me.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m not. Look around , didn¡¯t you see someone unusual?¡± I look around and I can see some girls stealing nces at Gray Carter. I can barely tell his stand around New York.

    ¡± Just Gray sitting with a girl.¡±

    ¡± Just Gray? Gray is the hottest guy ever in New York and also one of the richest men around the country. Many women will obviously dump their husbands because of him.¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s ridiculous.¡±

    ¡± I really can¡¯t exin to you who Gray Carter is.¡± He¡¯s just one annoying stalker that brought me nothing but trouble.

    ¡± I don¡¯t care.¡±

    ¡± 70% of New Yorkers care, sweetie. He¡¯s the envy of men and the gossip of every normal person.¡± So obviously I¡¯m not normal.

    ¡± Oh my gosh , he¡¯sing to the counter.¡± Vickie murmurs beside me. God I hate her.

    ¡± You care for something?¡± Vickie asks Gray who¡¯s already leaning on the counter.

    He doesn¡¯t say a word but stares at me. His grey orbs glue to my figure in front of him.

    ¡± Coffee , please.¡± He says, still not breaking the intense eye contact.

    ¡± Alright.¡± Vickie replies.

    ¡± Not you , let her do it.¡± Gray says looking at Vickie before smirking at me.

    ¡± Alright.¡± He¡¯s so intimidating. I can¡¯t believe I lost my voice because he¡¯s standing just an inch from me.

    He nods politely and walks back to his table. What¡¯s he up to? I hopefully brewed two cups of coffee and made sure it¡¯s perfect. That weird brte he¡¯s sitting with stares at me. Her res are worse than intimidating. I arrange the coffee on a tter and slowly walk back to his booth, making sure I don¡¯t spill his coffee.

    ¡± Thank you.¡± He says but doesn¡¯t spare me a smile.

    I nod politely and walk away. The rest of the day was terrible for me because he was always staring. That evening , I closed for the day and hurriedly shower in the bathroom before getting dressed. I walk out of the restaurant and halt to the presence in front of me. His grey eyes scan my figure with his hands in his pockets. I open my mouth to speak but nothinges out.

    ¡± What are you doing here?¡± I manage to ask.

    ¡°Get in the car.¡± He says, opening his car for me.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry , I can¡¯t.¡± I stutter and try to walk past him but he pulls me back to himself. My hands rest on his chest as his eyes pry all over me.

    ¡± Get in.¡± I gulp and nod , scared of whatever thing this cute man is willing to do. I entered his car as he shut the door.

    He turns around and enters his driver¡¯s seat to ignite the car. This is so expensive with it¡¯s tinted windows.

    ¡± Where are we going?¡± I ask him. He turns on the radio and drives onto the road. He refuses to meet my eyes but continues driving.

    I fiddle my fingers and look at myp.

    ¡± What did your parents say? Were you beaten?¡± He asks but doesn¡¯t stare.

    ¡± Not really.¡±

    ¡± But she smashed your phone?¡± He asks and meets my eyes.

    ¡± Yeah.¡± I nod. He scoffs and continues driving.

    ¡°Have you ever defended yourself?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t. They are my parents.¡±

    ¡°Fuck them. Thest time I checked , parents have no fuckin¡¯ right to hit their kids. They should be arrested for that.¡±

    I sigh and look out the window. I watch the city pass swiftly through his tinted windows. Who¡¯s he? Always showing up in my life and it¡¯s weird.

    ¡°How did you know my name?¡± I ask and turn to face him. His natural messy locks are everywhere as usual. He handles the wheel with one hand and turns to look at me. A smirk slowly tugged on his lips and he looked away.

    ¡°I have my ways, Tinkerbell.¡± Tinkerbell , Snow White and now Ariel. What else?

    ¡°Yeah. Because it¡¯s weird you¡¯re always everywhere around me. It¡¯s crazy the day i managed to find a job , you thought it¡¯s best you eat out with your girlfriend.¡± I scoff and look out the window. I feel his eyes burn holes through my skin. I could nearly tell he smirked. Such a jerk.

    ¡°Girlfriend? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re jealous?¡±

    I chuckle silently and whip my head to look at his figure. I didn¡¯t realize he took off his jacket and he¡¯s just left with his grey colored t-shirt. I scan every ink on his skin and his pretty Arabic neck tattoo. It¡¯s so tiny you could barely tell the words.

    ¡°Done eye raping me?¡± He raises his brows and smirks.

    I roll my eyes and look away from his intimidating self. How did wee to know each other? Always barging back into my life.

    The rest of the ride was tense , because I wasn¡¯t breathing from my nostrils. I look up and meet his eyes but they look away instantly. He halts his car beside the road a little far from my house. He turns down the radio and unfastens his seatbelt.

    ¡± Thank you.¡± He raises his brows and watches me carefully. I gulp and open his car to get out.

    I shut my side door only to find Gray in front of me.

    ¡± Take this.¡± He hands me a new iPhone.

    ¡± I can¡¯t¡­¡± I stutter.

    ¡± Take it.¡± He res at me.

    ¡± I can¡¯t. You¡¯re gonna get me in trouble.¡±

    ¡± Are you a teenager?¡± Of course not. I rub the back of my neck and sigh.

    ¡± Ariel , take it.¡± I bite my lip and hold back my blush. It¡¯s weird he called my name.

    ¡± I can¡¯t.¡±

    He takes a step closer to me and drops the phone on the roof of his car. I can¡¯t move and he¡¯s standing in front of me , inch apart. God he smells so good. I can¡¯t look away from his grey eyes that are glued to mine. His hand brushes on my cheek and pushes back my loose strands of hair behind my ear.

    I can¡¯t breathe properly , he¡¯s making my tommy churn. I didn¡¯t notice his hands around my waist and that sent shivers down my spine.

    ¡± I need to go.¡± I stutter, not looking away from his eyes.

    ¡± Take the phone and call me.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s fruitless , they are gonna destroy it.¡±

    He chuckles. ¡°They won¡¯t. Tell them it¡¯s Gray Carter and call me. If you don¡¯t call me, I¡¯m gonna ring your doorbell and tell your parents I¡¯m your boyfriend.¡± He leans closer, his hot breath fans my neck as he bites my earlobe. I jump in shock, but he holds me close to himself.

    ¡± I dare you to call me.¡± He smirks and hands the phone to me before entering his car and driving away.

 Chapter 8

    I shove the phone in my bag and walk inside our apartment. Mom and dad are having dinner with Leslie. They seem happy. They talked andughed and it¡¯s really great. I ignored them and walked past them but mom stopped me.

    ¡°Your dinner is served.¡±

    ¡± Thanks mom.¡± I reply and rush upstairs. I toss my bag on my bed and climb downstairs to eat. I¡¯ve been starving and I didn¡¯t even notice.

    I sit close to Leslie and pick out a fork to eat after praying.

    ¡± So sinners do pray ?¡± Mom teases, drinking her ss of juice. I secretly roll my eyes and continue eating.

    ¡± So how are you enjoying your job at Sandy¡¯s ?¡± Dad asked.

    ¡± Very fine , thanks dad.¡±

    ¡± Can I know the reason why you choose to work ?¡±

    ¡± College is starting in a week¡¯s time. I¡¯m tired of staying at home without having something to do.¡±

    ¡± Wow. That¡¯s epic.¡± Leslie scowls.

    ¡°Do you have male customers ?¡± Mom asks and that bothers me.

    ¡± We do.¡± I reply looking at both my parents.

    ¡°Have you gotten a boyfriend yet ? A customer boyfriend ? It seems you¡¯re always good at getting guys to look at you.¡± Mom snorts.

    ¡°I bet she throws herself at them.¡± That was Leslie.

    I sigh and look down on my food. She¡¯s always good at making me feel inferior.

    ¡± I hope that¡¯s not true. Cause it¡¯s gonna be dead bad for you. The fact that you¡¯re out of nun school doesn¡¯t mean you can mess around. We forgive you about that club nonsense and that¡¯s the reason we allowed you to get a job. You should always try to be like your sister.¡± Dad scolded me. My eyes meet Leslie¡¯s. she wink and smirk.

    Why would I wanna be like her?

    Always faking everything in front of my parents. It¡¯s really weird that my parents don¡¯t see that. My eyes scan her newly made manicured nails , so my parents didn¡¯t say a word. They¡¯ve always hated things like that.

    ¡± Sure Dad.¡± I reply in order to end their conversation. I ate in silence hoping they wouldn¡¯t talk more about me.

    They talked about their new church friend Janell and I couldn¡¯t wait to get out of here. I finished my pancakes and bacon and stood up from their gathering. After washing the tes, I return to my room. I remembered Gray¡¯s words , I really don¡¯t wanna call him . Same time he¡¯s not joking. Knocking on my door and telling my parents he¡¯s my boyfriend will ruin my life , including college. I hated that I had to meet him in the first ce.

    I pull out my damaged phone and remove the Sim card and ce it inside Gray¡¯s phone that I really didn¡¯t want. I switched it on and waited impatiently. I don¡¯t know why I¡¯m doing this but I clicked on his name that he actually saved in my phone and dialed his number. I stand up from my bed and stand in front of my mirror. My reflection is always the same , never changing.

    ¡± Hey.¡± I said on the phone, making sure I wasn¡¯t heard.

    ¡± Are you this scared?¡± I rolled my eyes and locked my door.

    ¡± What do you mean?¡±

    ¡± You called.¡± I sigh and run my fingers on my loose hair.

    ¡± I really don¡¯t have a choice.¡±

    ¡± And why¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re kidding me right now. You threatened me that you were gonna knock on my parents door and tell them you¡¯re my boyfriend.¡±

    ¡± That wasn¡¯t a threat though.¡± I sigh and sit on my bed.

    ¡± I know, that was why I called. You¡¯re worse than trouble itself. I could barely fathom what you want from me.¡±

    He was quiet for seconds.

    ¡± What I want from you?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. Look Gray I¡¯m not really your type of girl. I¡¯m this naive Christian like you called me. You¡¯re super different from me. So what do you really want?¡±

    Another second of quietness.

    ¡± Gray..¡± I called out.

    He chuckled.¡± So what makes you think I want something from you?¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re alwaysing around.¡±

    ¡± Really? You want me.¡±

    ¡± Of course I don¡¯t.¡± I sigh and run my fingers down my hair again.

    ¡± Yeah? And why are you always nervous around me?¡±

    ¡± ¡®Cause I don¡¯t know you.¡± I told half the truth.

    ¡± You don¡¯t have to know me. You¡¯re definitely gonna run away from me.¡± Run away?

    I sigh and stay quiet.

    ¡± What do you want from me , Gray ?¡±

    ¡°What do you think I want from you?¡±

    ¡± Sex.¡± And that came out unexpectedly.

    There was silence till I heard Gray chuckle on the phone. I roll my eyes and it¡¯s weird I smiled.

    ¡°Is that what you want ?¡±

    ¡± What ? No. Jesus.¡±

    ¡± I can get sex from any random girl. I don¡¯t like naive church girls.¡± And I hate to be referred to as naive.

    ¡°That¡¯s not even an answer.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m picking you up tomorrow.¡±

    ¡± Gray , don¡¯t.¡±

    ¡± Go out for dinner with me.¡±

    ¡± I can¡¯t. I¡¯m working and I can¡¯t stay outte.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯lle pick you up by five , you don¡¯t really have to say no. Get ready tomorrow.¡± With that said, he hung up. For crying out loud , I am the one who should hang up cause I called.

    I remove my SIM card and switch the phone off, keeping it back in its case. I¡¯m returning it back even if my conscience doesn¡¯t want me to. I sat on the chair opposite my mirror and stared at my reflection. My mind drifts to Gray Carter. What does he really want? I look back at the phone sitting on the headboard and avert my gaze back to my reflection.

    I reach for my pills and swallow it dry without water. I look for my book and I can¡¯t remember when Ist read it. *How to fight against depression* I stare nkly at the book cover and toss it aside. I needed a good shower and a nice bath. After taking my bath , I slip on my pajamas and crash on my bed.

    The following day I left rather too early for work. Hazel visited Leslie and they¡¯ve been talking non-stop about boys and make up.

    ¡± Good morning.¡± I greeted Brenda. She¡¯s working only in morning hours and at noon Vickie and I take over.

    ¡± Morning.¡± She replied with a smile.

    ¡± You¡¯re early.¡±

    ¡± I was bored at home.¡± I reply sincerely. There¡¯s not much to do around my boring life.

    ¡± Hope you¡¯re good?¡±

    ¡± Yeah.¡± I smile and walk to the change room to change over.

    At noon , Vickie showed up. She looks a bit tired and frustrated.

    ¡± Are you okay ?¡± I asked her after she had already changed her clothes.

    ¡± Yeah. My mom¡¯s a bit sick and I won¡¯t stay too long. You¡¯ll have to cover my shift.¡±

    ¡± Woah.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s fine. I exined to Sandy , she said she¡¯s gonna bring a girl who¡¯s gonna assist you.¡±

    I sigh thinking about Gray. Of course he¡¯s gonna walk through that door and take me out.

    ¡± Hope your mom¡¯s feeling better ?¡±

    ¡± Yeah , thanks Ariel.¡± She smiles and walks to a customer to take his orders.

    Today¡¯s gonna be the worst day of my life. The day was shorter than i Imagined. It¡¯s almost five and I look like a depressed widow. I¡¯m tired as hell.

    ¡± You¡¯re closing by 7:pm today.¡± Sanya said.

    ¡± I can¡¯t.¡±

    ¡± Why?¡±

    ¡°Because I really can¡¯t close by 7. I already handled half of Vickie¡¯s shift.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll see about that then.¡± She scoffed. Just then Gray walks in. His dark hair is a cute mess. He smiles at me as he leans against the counter.

    ¡± What are you doing here?¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s five.¡±

    ¡± I can¡¯t, I¡¯m working.¡± I reply looking at Sanya who¡¯s watching.

    ¡± Your boss?¡± He asks, referring to Sanya who¡¯s tensed.

    ¡± Manager.¡±

    He walks to Sanya who smiles seductively at him.

    ¡± I need to lend Ariel for the day.¡±

    ¡± Uh.¡± She stuttered disappointedly.

    ¡± I need to take her with me. It¡¯s 5pm.¡± She sighs and nods defeatedly. For some reason I¡¯m happy. I look broken¡­ like tired.

    Gray returns and shoots me that crazy smirk of his. I sigh and walk to the change room to shower quickly and change.

    ¡± So you¡¯re his new toy?¡± Sanya¡¯s voice startles me.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±

    ¡± He just wants to fuck you , hope you know that right?¡±

    The sound of her foulnguage almost made me throw up.

    ¡± I¡¯m just gonna leave. Thanks by the way.¡± I walk past her to meet Gray who I assume was outside.

    I hurried outside and he was leaning against his ck tinted sport¡¯s car. Damn another huge machine that cost him a lot.

    ¡± Look I¡¯m grateful you bailed me out , but I really don¡¯t wanna eat out with you.¡± He ignored me and opened the door for me.

    ¡± Get in.¡± I sigh defeatedly and shake my head sideways.

    ¡± Will you please enter?¡± He asks in his British ent.

    ¡°Why did you switch your ent ?¡± I asked. He proceeded to touch me but I hurriedly entered his car.

    He shuts the door and turns around to enter the driver¡¯s seat. He¡¯s a crazy driver. The speed was worse than the first time and I couldn¡¯t help but steal nces at his figure. What type of psychopath is this ?

    ¡± Did you just get out of rehab?¡± I ask him.

    ¡± No princess.¡± He replies and smirks.

    ¡± Please don¡¯t get me killed. The speed is too much.¡± I yell at him. I can¡¯t imagine going to jail with Gray because of his murder attempt called driving.

    After speeding for 15 minutes, he halts outside a restaurant. I heave a deep breath and look at his grey orbs.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry to announce to you but you need to go back to rehab. You don¡¯t drive like that.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re driving us back to your house if that¡¯s what you want.¡± He said getting out of the car. I jumped out without waiting for him to open my side door.

    I gasp silently at the restaurant. It¡¯s fancy and of course wealthy. He took my hand in his and I didn¡¯t notice we had intertwined fingers.

    ¡± Wee , mister Carter.¡± A waitress says leading the match. Her smile wasn¡¯t genuine because her eyes were glued to my hand on Gray¡¯s. I politely sneak my hand out of his grip and walk beside him.

    I don¡¯t fit in here. Mostdies who steal nces from Gray and I had expensive hairdos and dresses. I look like a lost girlfriend with my pink hoodie and ck jean trousers. Gray is sort of a ck jacket freak. Always wearing ck jackets. He draws out a seat for me as I sit down admiring his nice gestures.

    ¡± I¡¯ll be back sir.¡± The waitress smiled and walked out.

    I look at this side of the restaurant and it¡¯s secluded with just a dim light. It¡¯s sort of romantic in here . Once again I¡¯m tense just sitting across Gray Carter. His eyes are not leaving mine for any reason. I nervously run my fingers through my hair and lock eyes with the table.

    ¡± Are you nervous ? Or you¡¯re scared ?¡± Just when I was about to answer, the waitress walks in with a tter filled with different kinds of meals. The sight ofsagna made me smile. It¡¯s one of my favorite foods.

    She arranged the food on the table and filled two sses with wine. She dropped the wine on the table and left after shooting me weird nces.

    ¡± Do you always pull crowds like this?¡± I ask.

    ¡± I¡¯m not a celebrity.¡±

    ¡± Yeah? But I see the eyes.¡±

    ¡± Go on and eat.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m not hungry.¡± Just when I thought I¡¯ve won, my stomach disgraced me with its growl .

    ¡± God.¡± I mutter and blush.

    ¡± Go on.¡± Gray motion to the food holding back augh.

    I throw away my nervousness at the aroma of thesagna , grilled beef and spicy chicken. I take a deep breath and pick up my fork to eat. He wasn¡¯t eating , just watching me.

    ¡± You¡¯re not eating.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡± No you¡¯re not. You should eat something, you need it.¡± I say.

    He smiles and takes in my gaze.

    ¡± Then you¡¯re feeding me.¡±

    ¡± What ?¡± I chuckle.¡±That¡¯s not happening.¡±

    ¡°Why ?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not ying mommy .¡± I shrugged and drank the wine.

    ¡°Oh.¡± Heughs and nod.

    ¡± I¡¯m good. Eat, I¡¯ll watch.¡±

    I sigh and look at my already consumedsagna. This tasted better than my mom¡¯s. Well that¡¯s homemade.

    ¡°Were you supposed to be a nun?¡± Gray asks out of the blue. I pause from drinking the wine and sigh. Why did he have to bring up this conversation? I look around the restaurant and avoid eye contact with him.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t want to tell me.¡± I sigh and nod , grateful that he¡¯s not pushy.

    ¡°Why did you bring me here if you weren¡¯t gonna eat ?¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s pretty hot to watch you eat.¡± He says and watches me with his extremely seductive smirk.

    After dinner we left the restaurant and as promised, he didn¡¯t eat a thing. He halted the car in his usual spot as I reached to get out.

    ¡± Thanks.¡± I halt, still holding the door.

    He pushed a button as the door opened on it¡¯s own. I get out and watch him drive away.

    The following day I bathe early to go to work. College starts on Monday and I can¡¯t wait to start. I picked up the phone Gray bought and dropped it inside my bag. Yesterday¡¯s memory did not leave my mind but then I remembered what Sanya said. Referring to me as Gray¡¯s new toy. I sigh and park my car in front of Gray¡¯s residence. After the first day I got drunk , I haven¡¯t stepped foot here. I wanted to talk to him , give him back his phone and stop whatever thing we¡¯re doing cause I don¡¯t even know what I¡¯m doing.

    ¡± I need to talk to Gray.¡± I said to the emotionless guy outside his mansion.

    ¡± Who are you? You don¡¯t look like one of Gray¡¯s bitches.¡± Another guy said. He looks better than the first guy. His white dress shirt exposes a glimpse of his tattooed chest.

    ¡± I just wanna see him.¡±

    ¡± What are you doing here? You look different. Gray would never bang a girl like you. You should leave.¡± The emotionless guy said.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    ¡± Shut up , Carl. Come with me.¡± I stare at Carl before following the other guy inside.

    There he was smoking and shirtless. His back is against us and his ck jean pants were a bit downwards exposing his Calvin Klein briefs.

    ¡± Gray.¡±

    He turned around and he was sort of shocked to see me.

    ¡± Manny, leave.¡± The guy nods and walks out. I sigh and cross my arms looking at shirtless Gray and his tatted toned body. Without doubts , he¡¯s well built in and out.

    He drops his cigarette on the ashtray and walks towards my figure.

    ¡°Hey¡­¡± I said. He still smells great after smoking hell.

    ¡± You wanna sit?¡±

    ¡°Thanks, I¡¯m gonna bete for work. I thought I should bring this back ¡± I say bringing out the phone.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry , I can¡¯t keep it.¡± I take a deep breath after saying that. I dropped it on his ss table and tucked back no loose hair.

    He smiles and calls out to Manny.

    ¡± Throw that away.¡± Gray said motioning to the phone. Now I feel guilty. Why did I bring it back if he¡¯s definitely gonna throw it away.

    I looked at Manny who stared weirdly at Gray.

    ¡± You heard me.¡± Gray res at Manny. Manny nods and walk out with the phone.

    ¡± You really¡­¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s fine.¡± He takes two steps and he¡¯s standing right in front of me. Inches apart. I wanted to move back but my legs weren¡¯t obliged to.

    ¡± Why are you scared of me?¡± He asks, not breaking the eye contact.

    ¡± I¡¯m not¡­¡± I stutter. I¡¯m not really scared of him , I¡¯m just scared of myself. Freddie¡¯s incident left a scar in me.

    He tucked my loose strands of hair behind my ear and caress his thumb on my cheek, that seems to have an effect on me.

    ¡± What do you want?¡± He asks calmly, still running his fingers on my cheek.

    ¡± I.. ¡± I stutter, not too sure of my own words. I think I¡¯mcking oxygen right now.

    ¡°I want us to¡­ Stay away from each other. I¡­¡± He cut me short at once with his lips.

    My eyes already flutter shut on it¡¯s own and I¡¯m kissing back. He tastes so good and I¡¯m not willing to stop even if I really wanna stop. Automatically, my hands find it¡¯s way to his nape and I run my fingers on his smooth thick hair. His hands grip around my waist pulling me to himself.

    I kiss back like my life depends on it and he¡¯s not slowing down. I feel his hands move up and down my back as he kisses me. My skin already heats up and it¡¯s unusual that I want him more than I¡¯ve wanted someone. What¡¯s he doing to me?

    I sort of moan in his mouth and I don¡¯t know how that happened. And then it dawned on me that this is my first proper kiss.

    ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to do this the very first day I barged into your car.¡±

 Chapter 9

    We stopped kissing but that didn¡¯t break us from that sudden drama. He leans his forehead against mine as his eyes meet mine. And that was when I got back my senses. I just kissed a boy , not just a guy , but a tatted stranger Gray.

    I flinch and move away from him. He smirks and shoves his hands in his pockets. I wanted to speak but my eyes couldn¡¯t help but check him out. Even if I was a nerdy depressed introvert , I could obviously tell when I see an absolutely pretty person. He was one of those. His toned self would make any normal girl lick him all over. But I wasn¡¯t that normal girl.

    ¡± Why did you do it ?¡± I stutter.

    ¡± You liked it.¡± Of course I don¡¯t. Or maybe I do.

    ¡± We should stop this , please. I really don¡¯t wanna get into more trouble hanging out with you.¡±Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± Troubles ? What troubles ?¡±

    ¡± I really need to leave. We should stay away from each other. I don¡¯t wish to continue this , please.¡±

    He smirks again.¡± You taste good.¡± Is he serious ?

    Of course he¡¯s not.

    He¡¯s obviously a crackhead that ran away from rehab and then barged into my car.

    His smirk is something I really don¡¯t like seeing. It makes me feel weird. Naturally he¡¯s intimidating to me. I could barely breathe just standing so close to him.

    ¡± I need to leave.¡± I turn to walk out but his hands grip to my arm.

    He pulls me to himself and locks eyes with me. I really don¡¯t like the way I¡¯m feeling. I¡¯ve always wished I could avoid him but he¡¯s alwaysing back.

    ¡°Please..¡±

    He ran his thumb on my cheek and that seemed to raise an unknown heat inside of me.

    ¡°It¡¯s a deal right ?¡± He asks with his eyes not leaving mine. His lips are ruby and inviting. My eyes scan every of his ck ink on his tone self.

    ¡°I can¡¯t handle you.¡±

    He smiles and nods.

    ¡°Why did you return the phone ?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t need it.¡±

    ¡± Do you have a phone ?¡±

    I raise my eyebrows and sigh. Where¡¯s he driving to , cause I¡¯m not really enjoying this ride.

    ¡± I¡¯ll bete for work.¡± He let go of my arm and shove his hands back into his pockets.

    ¡± There you go.¡± I bite the inside of my cheek and nod before turning around and walking out of his millions called a house.

    My eyes met that Manny guy who referred to me as one of Gray¡¯s bitches. I sigh and hurry out of his house. He was called boss, what is that supposed to mean? I entered my car and ignited the engine. The ride was intense for me because my head was upied by that kiss. Why did I kiss back in the first ce ? Of course I don¡¯t have an answer.

    I park my car outside Sandy¡¯s and walk inside. I¡¯m really early.

    ¡± Ariel..¡± she smiles at me. Sometimes I wish she was my mom. She¡¯s obviously patient and knows how to amend every stupid situation.

    ¡± Good morning , Sandy.¡± I greeted her walking to the counter.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay ?¡± She asked me, cleaning the counter.

    ¡± Lemme help with that.¡± I said reaching to collect the napkin she¡¯s cleaning the table with.

    ¡± Don¡¯t worry I can do this.¡± She smiles.

    ¡°I wish.¡± She sighs defeatedly and hands me the napkin.

    ¡± Where¡¯s Vickie ?¡±

    ¡± On her way.¡± I nod and clean the counter.

    ¡°So how are you ?¡± She asked me.

    ¡°I¡¯m great. At least I¡¯m still breathing.¡±

    Sheughs and nods.¡±Fact. I like that.¡±

    ¡°I should get ready.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    Sandy barely hangs around the restaurant. She¡¯s always out with her husband and every other activity. I changed into my work clothes and cleaned every table before Vickie showed up.

    ¡°Hi Ariel.¡± She waved at me walking to the counter.

    ¡°Weeter.¡± I tease . Sheughs and nudges me before walking to the change room.

    ¡°Coffee please.¡± A female customer says, and motions to her table.

    ¡°Sure.¡± I replied. She smiles and retires to one of the booths.

    I make the coffee and take it to the customer. That morning wasn¡¯t easy for me. I¡¯m always thinking about that Gray incident. Something inside me didn¡¯t really regret the act , but I obviously did. It was so wrong but yet it feels so right. He¡¯s weird and strange to me.

    But it seems every freak around New York knows him. Or maybe around the United States actually , doesn¡¯t really matter.

    ¡°Are you okay ?¡± Vickie asks after taking a customer¡¯s order.

    ¡°Yeah. Just thinking.¡±

    ¡°About what ?¡± I sigh and look at Vickie who¡¯s so eager. Of course I can¡¯t tell her I had a proper kiss with Gray Carter. It¡¯s gonna be stupid. And plus, I¡¯m having issues trusting people.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± I shake my head sideways.

    ¡°Can you both stop gossiping?¡± Sanya, the manager, snapped at us.

    I really don¡¯t like her. She¡¯s an ass and always acts like she owns Sandy¡¯s. Vickie rolls her eyes and arranges a ss of juice and snacks on a tter to take to a table.

    ¡°Table four please..¡± a cheesydy shouted.

    I scoffed and carried her meal to her.

    ¡°Anything else ?¡± I ask politely after arranging her orders.

    ¡°Please excuse yourself.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± I nod politely and walk out.

    ¡°Are you okay ?¡±

    I look down at myself and avert my gaze back to Vickie. She shrugs an arm and raises her blonde eyebrows.

    ¡°I look okay, right ?¡±

    ¡°You do, but your mood doesn¡¯t. Are you okay ?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine.¡± I sigh and look at our customers eating.

    ¡°You look like someone whose boyfriend broke up with her.¡± Iugh at her hrious joke.

    ¡± I don¡¯t even have a boyfriend.¡± I snort.

    ¡± Why ? Haven¡¯t you seen the guy you liked ?¡± And that¡¯s a tough question. I roll my eyes and tap my fingers absently on the counter.

    After whatever Freddie did , I really don¡¯t see men nice or even attractive. It¡¯s really stupid , Gray was cute to me , worse still beautiful.

    ¡± I really don¡¯t want to date. Like I¡¯m not ready. It takes a lot of heart to date someone.¡± I said feeling my own stupid motivational speech.

    ¡± It¡¯s true though. I¡¯ve gone through several heartbreaks since highschool and now. I¡¯m still dating someone though , hoping.¡± She shrugs and tuck her blonde hair with a smile. Now I wish I didn¡¯t lie , I should have told her my reasons.

    The door swings open as Alexa and Leslie walk in chattering. Leslie looks happy , like genuinely happy. I really can¡¯t remember when I was genuinely happy. But it¡¯s sometimes awkward , Gray makes me forget my pain each time I¡¯m with him.

    ¡°Arie..¡± Alexa squeals loudly buying the attention of gossips in disguise of customers.

    ¡± You¡¯re not looking bad..¡± Leslie snorts .

    ¡± Hey Alex. Hi Les.¡±

    ¡± You look awesome.¡± Alexa smiles.

    ¡°You look really beautiful.¡± I widened my eyes at her new hairdo. Bleached blonde hair and tanned skin. Her blue contact lens really suits her. Alexa is a weirdo.

    ¡± You¡¯re pretty.¡± I mutter to both of them. Leslie looks the same , just extra sexy clothes that I always wonder if my parents ever see her dressed like this . What are they doing here in the first ce ?

    ¡± I¡¯ll be back.¡± I told the girls and walked out with Vickie to clean up the tables since most customers were done eating.

    We walk back to the counter to see Leslieughing at something Alexa must have told her. She looks crazy chewing gum that way.

    ¡± Ariel , why are you working ?¡± Alexa asks.

    I sigh.

    ¡± Your parents aren¡¯t broke. They are cool. Why are you working ?¡±

    ¡± Alex , I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m tired of staying at home doing nothing. So looking for a job was definitely gonna save me from my parents¡¯ abusive words and my sister¡¯s nosy act.¡± I replied.

    ¡± So you¡¯re saying I¡¯m nosy ?¡± Leslie batted hershes still chewing that gum.

    I ignore her and smile at Alex.

    ¡± That¡¯s really a nice step though. Who wouldn¡¯t run away from parents like yours. And about Leslie , she¡¯s an Asshole. Ignore her.¡± I chuckle and shrug.

    ¡± How¡¯s that my fault ? I saw her texting a guy named Gray. The same guy whom she spent the night with.¡± Leslie says. She talks a lot and I hate her a lot for that.

    Alexa smirks and raises her brows leaning carefully on the counter.

    ¡± What !¡±

    ¡± You really haven¡¯t told us about this Gray. Is he as hot as Gray Carter ?¡± Alexa pressures .

    ¡± Of course he can¡¯t be as hot as Gray Carter. What will a guy as hot as Gray Carter want from Ariel ? No offense boo.¡± Leslie scowls.

    I roll my eyes and look at Alexa who sneers at Leslie.

    ¡°What¡¯s up sis! Is he hot? Did you both have sex?¡± Jesus, what the hell!

    ¡± No we didn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡± You woke up in his bed wearing his sweatpants and of course t-shirts. What¡¯s that supposed to mean dummy?¡± Leslie asks. There¡¯s jealousy in her tone.

    ¡± I didn¡¯t sleep with him.¡± I sigh and look at Vickie who¡¯s already entertained. Why will they bring up such things in my ce of work?

    ¡± So what does he look like ?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m not interested in him and I really don¡¯t wanna talk about it.¡±

    ¡± Of course. It¡¯s just father Benjamin that¡¯s definitely gonna ask girls like sister Ariel out? I¡¯m perplexed.¡± Leslie snorts.

    ¡± She¡¯s jealous.¡± Alexa scoffs and asks me to make coffee for her.

    ¡± Talking about Gray Carter. Damn, he¡¯s a hot gig.¡± Alexa smirks and wiggle her brows.

    ¡± True. A lot of girls would do anything to be his girl for a night.¡± Vickie added. I almost choke on nothing but pretend like I didn¡¯t hear them.

    ¡± I really haven¡¯t seen him , just magazines and social media. He¡¯s totally hot.¡± Leslie moans and bites her bottom lip.

    ¡± Les , don¡¯t say that. The day I met him in Las Vegas , I almost pee on my panties. I just want a night out with him then I¡¯m okay.¡±

    ¡± Alex, you have a boyfriend.¡± I huff loudly, getting irritated with their choice of conversation.

    ¡± Does it even matter? We¡¯re dating, not married. So obviously, I have every right to grind with a super hot Gray.¡± She twists her waist, snapping her fingers like she¡¯s humming to a song.

    ¡± That¡¯s cheating.¡±

    ¡± Who cares, let him cheat too.¡± Alexa scoffs and rolls her eyes.

    I shook my head sideways and ignored her. What a cousin.

    ¡°He¡¯s always busy. Driving tinted cars. I¡¯ve always wished we could meet in a club so that I can give him a goodp dance.¡± Alexa says. So she really haven¡¯te across him in a stupid club.

    ¡± He eats here once in a while with some brte sometimes.¡± Vickie says.

    ¡± Really? Do you have any vacancies? I wanna work.¡± Alexa says and I chuckle. I gave her her coffee as she paid.

    ¡± What¡¯s so special about him in the first ce?¡± I mutter, keeping Alexa¡¯s payment.

    ¡± You really don¡¯t have to ask Ariel. He¡¯s not for girls like you. He would never look at you, so forget it.¡± Leslie snorts. Now I wish I could punch her on the nose right now.

    Why does she find joy in talking bad words about me? Reminding me that I¡¯m unfortunate. It¡¯s stupid. Because I just kissed that same Gray Carter. He¡¯s too good for the crowd and it seems almost every girl wants to hang out with him. Seriously.

    ¡± You said he eats here sometimes?¡± Alexa asks Vickie.

    ¡± Yeah. I¡¯m sure he¡¯s gonna walk through that door any moment from now.¡±

    Speak of the grey eyed devil and he just walks in. My breath caught in my throat and I could see shock in the eyes of the girls. Yeah , he¡¯s attractive. His tattoos were visible on his simple ck T-shirt. He looks perfect , but I don¡¯t care. Seeing him standing a few feet from me reminds me of that weird kiss. Who kisses a boy they don¡¯t know? A normal person. Mostdies avert their gaze to Gray Carter.

    ¡± Hi, wee to Sandy¡¯s. What do you care for?¡± Vickie asks giggling like a high school student who just saw her crush. So silly.

    Alexa and Leslie stayed still watching this grey-eyed God. Yeah , those who cared to stare at him , continued straining their necks.

    Vickie takes his orders as he slowly avert his gaze to my nervous self. I tuck back my loose hair and look at Leslie who is tense.

    ¡°Fuck me hard and get me pregnant.¡± Alexa mutters close to Gray.

    ¡± Sorry?¡± Gray says and whip his head to look at Alexa who¡¯s already smirking like a temptress. Holy hell. I can barely concentrate.

    ¡± Hi , Gray.¡± Alexa greeted him.

    ¡± Hey.¡± He smiles inly at her. I feel weird, like I¡¯m jealous.

    ¡± Can I lend your phone? Wanna call my ma.¡± She pouts and smirks. Alexa is pretty and also a model. I bet any normal and hot guy would never ignore her. Why am I thinking so hard? I thought I wanted to end things with him.

    ¡°Sure.¡± Gray hands his phone to her as she dialed in a number and pressed the call icon.

    ¡°That¡¯s my number.¡± She gives him back his phone and leans a bit closer to him with a smirk. She trails her fingers on his shoulders as Gray looks down at her perfectly manicured expensive nails.

    Now I feel really jealous.

    She leans closer to him and whispers

    ¡°Call me..¡±

 Chapter 10

    Gray looks at me before walking out of the restaurant with his order. Alexa squealed with a victory dance and that made some customers chatter amongst themselves. Leslie faked a smile and giggled.

    ¡± That was sudden.¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s how to get a boy. Learn from the best.¡±

    ¡± So what are you gonna do when he calls you?¡± Leslie asks.

    ¡°We booked a hotel and¡­¡± She wiggle her brows and smile.

    ¡± What if he doesn¡¯t call you?¡± I choose to ask.

    ¡°He will. Everyone likes a good pussy.¡± She winks and drinks her coffee.

    I feel weird like I¡¯m jealous or something. Imagine kissing him few hours ago and your cousin is already booking to have sex with him. I wanted to be far from him. I¡¯m not really strong enough to handle any of his problems , plus I know nothing about him. Same time I wish I hadn¡¯t yed that stupid stunt in his house telling him to stop stalking me.

    ¡± Ariel, I¡¯m hanging around your house this weekend.¡± I chuckle when I remembered the time she chose to spend the weekend with us but ended up leaving because of my mom.

    I nod and sigh. Alexa waved at Vickie and I before turning her back as she faced the door with Leslie.

    ¡± Who¡¯s she ?¡± Vickie asks, referring to Alexa and my sister I guess.

    ¡°The one with the bleached blonde hair is my cousin. The other one is my older sister.¡±

    ¡°Yeah ? Your sister clearly doesn¡¯t like you. I mean every one of her words carries sarcasm and hatred. Like she thinks she¡¯s better.¡±

    ¡± Maybe she¡¯s better. She¡¯s pretty and sexy. She¡¯s right though , Gray would never want a girl like me. I¡¯m too in.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s not like you like him.¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s my second point. He¡¯s too good to be true. Every single thing on heels wants him badly.¡± I scoff and turn around to clean a table.

    .

    That weekend, Alexa , Leslie and I sat at the dining table. I was bored upstairs so I decided to join them. I twirl my milkshake endlessly and y chess with them.

    ¡± What¡¯s up with your Gray package ?¡± Leslie asks, drinking a cup of tea.

    ¡± Ooh. Shit , I missed the entire story. We hung out yesterday.¡± Alexa giggled and that made me freeze. I can¡¯t believe Gray can be so taken , sleeping with any single awesome girl.

    ¡± What! What does he feel like ?¡± Leslie asks with so much eagerness. Asshole.

    ¡± He bangs good. He¡¯s a megapiece.¡± I roll my eyes, getting bored of the conversation.

    ¡± Wow..¡± Leslie flush. She¡¯s jealous. But why ?

    ¡± You¡¯re okay ?¡± Alexa asked me.

    I nod at once.¡± Yeah.¡±

    ¡± Of course she¡¯s not. She wished she was the one being held captive underneath Gray Carter.¡± Leslie scoffed .

    ¡± Why do you find joy in making people feel inferior ?¡±

    ¡± How ?¡± Sheughs.

    I shake my head sideways and drink my milkshake.

    ¡± You know you¡¯ll always wish to be underneath Gray , Leslie.¡± Alexa cut in.

    ¡± Why would you say that ?¡±

    ¡± Because you pretend too much. I mean you¡¯ve been fucking and lying.¡±

    I gulp an unknown lump and smirk to watch the unfolding drama.

    ¡± Alex..¡±

    ¡± Yeah. You know it¡¯s disgusting when your parents keep on taking sides with you. Swearing that you¡¯re a damn virgin when you lost that shit in highschool.¡± I choke on my milkshake and breathe.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    This is stupid.

    ¡± You don¡¯t have a right to judge me. You know nothing about me.¡±

    ¡± Yeah. Because you¡¯re always painting Ariel ck. Save your parents the embarrassment and tell them you¡¯ve been giving blow jobs to boys.¡±

    Leslie scoffs and frowns. Who knew she¡¯s afraid of Alexa. They are almost the same age just that Alexa is a bit older by a few months.

    ¡± I didn¡¯t sleep with Gray by the way. Just wanted to watch you freak out.¡± Alexa said and sip my milkshake.

    ¡± So he never called ?¡± I ask .

    ¡± Nah. Maybe he¡¯s not interested in me. Doesn¡¯t matter , just a taste of my lips and he¡¯s definitely gonna look for me.¡± Alexa grin and wink. I release a deep breath I didn¡¯t even notice I¡¯ve been keeping.

    ¡± So , who¡¯s ready for college ?¡± Alexa asks, nudging Leslie¡¯s defeated self to life.

    ¡± It¡¯s really not that cool. My mom wants us to stay with them.¡± I say.

    ¡± What the fuck ! A ride from here to college is about two hours. How are you guys gonna cope with that ?¡±

    ¡± Maybe they are not aware. Leslie, you should talk to them. We need to stay close to school. If not the school¡¯s dorm , we could possibly get an apartment outside school.¡±

    ¡± They don¡¯t want you to get a boyfriend.¡± Leslie scoffs irritatingly.

    ¡± So who controls a grown updy?¡± Alexa asks sarcastically.

    ¡± Grown up ? The fact that she¡¯s out of puberty doesn¡¯t mean she¡¯s grown up.¡± Leslie says and res at me.

    ¡°Ariel , so when are you nning to fuckin rip out Leslie¡¯s hair. The fuck girl..¡± Alexa rolls her eyes and shoots daggers at Leslie.

    ¡°What ! Why would you even tell her to rip out my hair ?¡±

    ¡°Because you fuckin annoy me bitch. You¡¯re just like your mom.¡±

    ¡°Alexa, you won¡¯t talk about my mom like that. I only told the truth. Ariel¡¯s too naive and acts too annoying. The fact that she had something with Freddie doesn¡¯t mean she had to fake being depressed because she wants our parents to have pity on her.¡±

    ¡°Seriously Leslie. I faked being depressed? The hell! What¡¯s even your problem? Why don¡¯t you just quit being a coward and say it to my face that you hate me because you¡¯re jealous of me.¡± I talk back to her.

    She¡¯s acting too sassy and it¡¯s eating me up.

    ¡°Go girl¡­¡± Alexa chuckled.

    ¡°Jealous of you?¡± Leslie chuckles and flicks her hair to the side. ¡± Boo, you can¡¯t even afford me. We¡¯re not even the same.¡±

    ¡°Yeah? And you¡¯ve always had a long secret crush on Freddie and you wished he looked at you.¡± Alexa chuckles Insanely as she says.

    I freeze at once and look up at Alexa.

    ¡°You liked Freddie?¡±

    ¡°Fuck girl, I don¡¯t fuckin¡¯ know what Alexa is talking about. Why would I like Freddie? He¡¯s too nerdy.¡±

    ¡°Shut up. You called him hot when you got drunk at prom. For real Leslie? You suck. She¡¯s like a honey bee, attracted to guys who¡¯re loaded.¡±

    ¡°I hate it when you judge me Alex.¡± Leslie murmurs.

    ¡°And I hate it when you act all too goody. And you know the shitty part is when your parents act like they are from the sixties. All holy and god fearing. I might not be religious but trust me , your parents won¡¯t even smell heaven¡¯s gate and I¡¯m gonna make sure I chase them to where they belong. Hell.¡± Alexa says and stands up to get a bottle of water.

    I¡¯m left alone with Leslie who won¡¯t stop staring darkly at me. She acts like a witch who escaped from a mental asylum.

    ¡°It¡¯s funny you liked Freddie all this while.¡± I said to her,

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to burst your bubble miss Ariel. I give no flying fuck about Freddie. I never liked him. You both suck and I¡¯m d to inform you that I look too good for him.¡±

    ¡°Then why lie about being a virgin ?¡± I ask her. She scoffs and gulps down her remaining tea.

    ¡°You think everyone is like you ? I¡¯m sorry I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±

    ¡°So Ariel , you really don¡¯t wanna talk about your mystery Gray ? Total stranger who drove you home at the club.¡± Alexa says walking back to the dining table. I sigh and y with my milkshake.

    ¡°It¡¯s not important. I was drunk.¡±

    ¡°So howe you woke up with his sweatpants and t-shirt ?¡±

    ¡°His house help changed my dress because I don¡¯t know..¡± I stutter.

    ¡°House help ? Is he rich ?¡± Alexa beams with a wide grin on her lips.

    ¡°I wish¡­¡± Leslie mutters and scoffs irritatingly.

    ¡°So what did you guys talk about ? He didn¡¯t touch you right ?¡±

    I sigh and shake my head sideways.

    ¡°Maybe he¡¯s really nice. So basically you have never seen Gray Carter before ? Dude¡¯s popr and fuckin rich.¡± Alexa says.

    ¡°Buddy has crowded her life with boring shit. You don¡¯t even have a social media ount..¡± that¡¯s Leslie.

    ¡°Leslie , it¡¯s my headache.¡±

    ¡°Ditch that. Let¡¯s talk about college. Ariel found a major yet ?¡±

    I sigh and nod. ¡± Yeah. Business administration.¡±

    ¡°Wow. We¡¯re storming every fuckin party in college and clubs. Wee to my new cousin freshman. I¡¯m definitely gonna host a frat party.¡± She giggles and wink at me.

    Leslie rolls her eyes and bites her tongue. What¡¯s wrong with her?

    ¡°Nah. Ariel won¡¯t like to party.¡± Leslie speaks up for me. Did I even ask her to talk ? Loud mouth.

    ¡°Why not. You¡¯re gonna tag along with me. And I bet every hot ass nigga won¡¯t even take their eyes off you. You¡¯re pretty.¡± Alexa says and it¡¯s silly that I blushed.

    ¡°Parties¡­¡± Mom says as she steps into the living room with dad beside her. Mom¡¯s got a new job including dad and I¡¯m grateful.

    ¡°Alexa.¡± Dad said as he eyes up Alexa. Great , world war 2 is about to take ce.

    ¡°Have you started talking to them about going to parties with you ?¡± Mom asks with venom in her voice.

    ¡°Fuck me..¡± Alexa mutters.

    ¡°Mind yournguage. I¡¯ve told you several times to stoping over if you wanna talk them into getting a boyfriend.¡±

    ¡°Mom, calm down. We aren¡¯t talking about boys. We were talking about college and dorms or maybe an apartment that we¡¯d stay in once we go to college.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not staying in any dorms or apartments. You¡¯re staying here with us.¡± Dad retorts.

    ¡°Daddy , it¡¯s a two hours drive from here to college. It¡¯s too far and we can¡¯t cope.¡± Leslie sighs and crosses her arms.

    ¡°Leslie no. I won¡¯t even support that. Staying close to college will open Ariel more to the world. She¡¯s gonna make me more carefree than she already is. Obviously she¡¯s gonna get three more boyfriends and she will sleep around just the same way she did with that asshole Gray and Freddie.¡± Mom yells.

    ¡± So all this attitude is because you don¡¯t want Ariel to have a boyfriend ? For fuck sake Ariel¡¯s twenty.¡± Alexa scowl.

    ¡°Alexa , you¡¯re gonna watch your tongue before I watch it for you.¡± Mom fires.

    ¡°You¡¯re fuckin shitting me. You¡¯re acting as if you married your husband as a virgin. Or should i start telling you the summary of your perfect life. How you met him in a club.¡±

    ¡°Alex..¡± Dad roars.

    ¡± Yeah , you want me to shut up now. This is the 21st century for heaven¡¯s sake. You guys are supposed to be behind bars for even hitting a kid. Maybe I should even call the cops.¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t even dare. You¡¯ve overstayed your wee. Get out.¡± Mom says as she opens the door for Alexa to leave.

    ¡°Oh , should I leave ?¡±

    ¡°Yes , leave. And I¡¯m calling Doreen to talk to you to stay away from my kids.¡±

    ¡°Kids. Leslie is also a child ? So your overprotective virgin who end up giving all the boys oral sex in school because she wanted to be popr is also a kid. Maybe I should yell on top of my voice and tell the world how you nned to hook up with¡­¡±

    ¡°Leslie don¡¯t..¡± Dad raises his hands up, warning her to stop talking.

    Alexa smirks and crosses her arms. God what are they even talking about ?

    ¡°Alexa , please, it¡¯s enough.¡± Leslie cut her short.

    ¡°Leslie, maybe you need to shut up. Why don¡¯t you tell them you had about thirty boyfriends in highschool before you graduated.¡± Alexa snapped at Leslie.

    ¡°Seriously..¡±

    ¡°Alex , stop telling lies about Leslie. You need to leave..¡± Mom points her finger at Alexa and motions her to the door.

    ¡°I ain¡¯t leaving until you both stop whatever attitude you¡¯re putting up. By Monday both girls will be starting college. Maybe you should do them good and get your clothes ready to be their roommate.¡± Alexa grins.

    ¡°Guys , please that¡¯s enough.¡± I speak up this time.

    ¡°Ariel, you should shut up.¡± Mom yells on top of her voice as my heart skips to my feet.

    I touch my heart and I can¡¯t feel it anymore. I inhale and exhale sharply as I try to catch my breath. I can¡¯t breathe.

    ¡°Ariel. Are you okay ?¡± Alexa rushed to stand by me as she grabbed my shoulders.

    ¡°Ariel , breathe..¡±

    ¡°I..¡± exhale..¡±I can¡¯t breathe.¡±

    ¡°Shit , she¡¯s having a panic attack.¡± Alexa cuss beside me as she tries to make me sit.

    ¡°Oh my God¡­¡± Mom whined and held my other arm.

    I continue breathing in and out as I feel my lungs clutch against my chest. The world starts to spin and I can¡¯t feel my feet anymore.

    ¡°Ariel , open your eyes¡­¡±

    The world starts to distance and darken as I copse to the fall and everything is void.

 Chapter 11

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± I blink my eyes open and I¡¯m in my room.

    I sit up at once and rub my temple. Alexa was beside me while mom, dad and Leslie just watched.

    ¡°When did you start having a panic attack?¡± Dad asks and crosses his arms.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°Have you gone to therapytely?¡± Alexa asks as she touches my forehead.

    ¡°Yeah. Guys I¡¯m fine. Thank God that crazy argument is over. I should be looking forward to starting college.¡± I sigh and rub my nape.

    Mom breathed in as she walked out with dad. Who knew they care this much about me. Leslie faked a smile and followed them.

    ¡°Thanks Alex.¡±

    She giggles and hugs me tighter.

    ¡°Thank God you¡¯re fine.¡± She patted my back softly and let go of me.

    ¡°Nice blonde. Your tan is cute.¡± I tell her and smile.

    ¡°Ouch.¡± She chuckles and shrugs. ¡± Thanks Gee. I should be heading out. See you on campus.¡± She blew kisses at me and headed out.

    Alexa had a twin brother who chose to travel to Germany to pursue a career. He¡¯s almost like her but sort of the family¡¯s rebel. He¡¯s never at home and we¡¯re always fighting cause he enjoyed picking on me. Yeah he¡¯s cute and all that but his-their dad despises him because he refused to go college and take over the family¡¯s business. So currently he¡¯s out and it¡¯s been ages since ist saw him.

    ¡­

    Finally mom allowed us to move to campus. Like basically staying there. For plenty of reasons , God I¡¯m excited. I won¡¯t be yelled at and obviously my depressed state will improve.

    On Sunday after Mass , mom decides to drive us to college. I toss my suitcase inside the trunk and get in the backseat. My mind shes to the crazy grey-eyed man. He¡¯s cute, like really cute. But Ariel will never like men. Even if I choose to, definitely not trouble in disguise of Gray Carter.

    I tuck my loose hair behind my ear and watch mom talk with dad and Leslie. Dad hugged Leslie and mom¡¯s face was filled with a genuine smile. I was jealous. I¡¯ve never been hugged like that and most times I doubt there¡¯s more to Freddie¡¯s assault for them despising me.

    I watch them get into the car as I quickly wipe my pending tears. I leaned my head against the car window of my mom¡¯s car as Leslie entered the driver¡¯s seat. She fastens her seatbelt and smirks at me through the rearview mirror. She¡¯s weird and too egoistic. Maybe because she¡¯s naturally ssy. Her hair is fancy and her clothes despite our parent¡¯s position in church. But they don¡¯t seem to notice.

    ¡°Hope you¡¯re not nning to mess around Ariel?¡± Mom asks ring at me through the mirror.

    I sigh and fiddle my sweater. I didn¡¯t reply but stared out the window looking at the passing objects. I¡¯m really going to college. I talked with Vickie and exchanged numbers with her while I exined to Sandy. She¡¯s nice and she understood. Our apartment wasn¡¯t that far from college, that was what Leslie said.

    Mom halts her car in the parking lot as I hurriedly get out of the car. I open the trunk and carry my bags out. Mom¡¯s eyes weren¡¯t leaving mine. I sigh and look at the blocks of ts. A little freedom.

    ¡°You have to look after Ariel, Leslie. I trust you, that¡¯s why I allowed you to rent an apartment close to college.¡± Good Lord, I¡¯m not a teenager.

    I look around our new home and it¡¯s really pretty and decent.

    ¡°Sure mom. She¡¯s gonna be good, I¡¯ll make sure of that.¡± Leslie shoots me a cocky grin. Did I mention Leslie is just a year older than me and in second year of college. She¡¯s also a transfer student.

    ¡°Miss Ariel. Do me a favor and don¡¯t contact STDs. Not all can be cured.¡± Mom sneered at me and smiled at Leslie.

    ¡°Be good, okay. Bye kids.¡± Mom waves at us and hurries out.

    I roll my eyes and turn to go back to my new room.

    ¡°Hope you heard her? This is college and you won¡¯t be under mom and dad¡¯s supervision. That means I¡¯m the alpha here¡­¡± She crosses her arms and raises her brows trying to dare me to speak.

    ¡°I really don¡¯t have to get worried. You¡¯re obviously not attractive , so guys should be rare. Except¡­ You¡¯re willing to throw yourself at them all over again.¡± She eyes me up and down and scoffs before walking to the kitchen.

    Of course , I¡¯m still stuck. I wish I had guts. To p the hell out of her and rip her wigs out. But I can¡¯t be like that. I hate fighting or even arguing. I arrange my things and clean my room. The walls are a light pink with peach curtains . Therge window sits at the end of the room and there¡¯s also an en-suite bathroom right after my closet door. I love everything here.

    I open my bag and pick out books I¡¯d definitely use tomorrow at ss since it¡¯s my first day in college.

    The night was short because my rm noise jolted me out of my slumber. I yawn and press the snooze button to sleep again. I snap my eyes open remembering it¡¯s my first day and I don¡¯t wanna bete. I quickly shower and get dressed before rushing downstairs. I rush out of the building just in time to see Leslie entering someone¡¯s car. I really couldn¡¯t see the driver because it¡¯s tinted.

    I bought coffee from a nearby Cafe and strolled on the sidewalk to school. I remembered Gray again. He might be an asshole but I really can¡¯t forget he walks into my life in a really funny way. I¡¯m in college and I¡¯m sure I won¡¯t be able to see him. Maybe I need to focus since I¡¯ve always wanted him to leave my life Alone. Maybe I really don¡¯t. That kiss keeps on reying and reying right in my head. It might be short but it feels right.

    Stop it Ariel!

    I walk into the school hall as I step into my first ss. It wasn¡¯t really hard to look for it. My breath almost choked at the sight of students. Great, this isn¡¯t really high school. The girls here are fancy like really fancy. Their hairdo clearly states you don¡¯t dare cross their parts.

    I look down and find a proper seat close to the front. I tried to look for something to do when a girl sat close to me. I didn¡¯t look but decided to open my bag and bring out a book to scribble nonsense.

    ¡°Is this your hair?¡± She asks beside me.

    My head snaps to my right till I¡¯m faced with a brown haired girl. She chews gum and stylishly tucks her brown hair beside her ears. My eyes view down to her outfit. A short ck skirt and a white crop top. She has a tattoo on her neck and a pierced eyebrow.

    Enough staring!

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Wow.¡± She give me a tight lip smile that didn¡¯t reach her eyes. I look away from her and she continued.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you wear makeup? How old are you? Are you biracial?¡± I internally groan and look at her again.

    ¡°I don¡¯t like makeup.¡± I admit and sigh hoping she doesn¡¯t continue with her previous question.

    ¡°You look pretty. Are you Latin? Or maybe Canadian?¡±

    ¡°No. My mom is Egyptian.¡±

    ¡°Is she Buddhist?¡± She asks and flips her hair to the side.

    ¡°We¡¯re Christians.¡±

    ¡°Uhh. Daddy¡¯s Little favorite. You¡¯re not this annoying virgin right?¡± She asks and raises her brows. Her grin and looks are cocky.

    ¡± Madison let her be. She¡¯s obviously a nerd who stole a dick. She¡¯s not ssy.¡± Her next seat mate scoffed.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    I sigh and look at the podium hoping the professor would show up any minute from now.

    ¡°Bothering you?¡± A girl on my left asks.

    I turn to look at the pretty red haired with a genuine smile.

    ¡°I mean that psychotic brte.¡± She giggled and nudged me yfully.

    ¡± Piper shut up. Your dirty little nude is still going viral.¡± The brte hissed beside me.

    Hell is about to break loose.

    ¡°Yeah. Your daddy still sneak through my window to fuck though.¡± I cringe at Piper¡¯s weirdnguage.¡±And he still calls me mommy, boo.¡±

    Madison¡¯s friend, I think, snorted out augh. Madison scoffs and stands up with her friend as they walk out.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that. She¡¯s psychotic.¡±Piper whispers with a hand gesture. Twirling her hand to her head.

    I chuckle and smile. And maybe I like her. She¡¯s good even with a choice ofnguage.

    ¡°Freshman?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Resume yesterday.¡±

    ¡°Wow. This is my second year. I¡¯m a sophomore.¡± She smiles.

    ¡°Wow. You¡¯re lucky.¡±

    ¡°I wish. I¡¯m Piper.¡±

    ¡°Ariel.¡±

    ¡°Ariel? Like the legendary redhead Disney princess?¡± She squeals, exposing her nice teeth.

    I chuckle.¡± Nah. Just Ariel.¡±

    ¡°Wow. I like your name. We¡¯re gonna be best friends.¡± She says with a pout.

    I blush at her kindness. She¡¯s a bit nice I think and somewhat yful.

    ¡°Hope you don¡¯t have any crush yet? There are a lot of weird jerks around here.¡± She nudged me yfully and brought out herptop.

    ¡°Nah. I¡¯m not interested.¡±

    ¡°Really? I hope your mystery crush isn¡¯t Gray Carter?¡± Holy hell. I roll my eyes and shake my head sideways.

    ¡°What do we have here? A new cute ass?¡± I heard a masculine voice as he sat on Madison¡¯s vacant seat.

    I turned to look to my right and was greeted with a guy with sses. He smiled broadly and took in my figure.

    ¡°Oh I¡¯m sorry. I thought you¡¯re a new fine ass. It¡¯s been a long time since daddy got something.¡± He winks yfully as Piperughs.

    ¡± Ariel , meet my annoying best friend Brandon. Don¡¯t fall , he¡¯s gay.¡±she whisper.

    ¡°Hi.¡± I greeted Brandon.

    ¡°Hi , mdy. Is she giving you a hard time?¡±

    ¡°No way. She knows it.¡± Piper butt in.

    ¡°You¡¯re hanging out with us after lectures. There¡¯s a really good restaurant where they sell good meals.¡± Brandon said, bringing out a notepad to write.

    I smile and am about to reply but the professor already walks in. After several minutes or maybe hours the lecture ended as we walked out of ss. I saw Madison and her goth friend. With extremely ck makeup. She throws res at me or maybe Piper before disappearing down the hall.

    ¡°What¡¯s your next ss?¡± Brandon asks.

    ¡°Econ. And it started a few minutes from now.¡±

    ¡± Oh great. You¡¯re definitely gonna fight with Madison till you graduate. She¡¯s filled with trouble and always sleeps with the rich guys.¡± I scoff, not really interested in Madison.

    ¡°Her worst enemy is Alexa.¡±

    ¡°Alexa?¡± I ask surprisingly. I know she¡¯s in the same college with us but I wasn¡¯t sure she could be this popr.

    ¡°Damn, she¡¯s fierce. And hot.¡± Brandon emphasizes making me blink my eyes at him reminding him he doesn¡¯t like girls.

    ¡°You don¡¯t wanna cross her part. They remind you of highschool.¡± Piper scoff.

    I looked up and saw Alexa with another girl. Great, she looks amazingly different. Her steps were like a model on a runway as her wavy hair bounced along with her walk. I know my sister is pretty but I didn¡¯t notice she could easily catch the crowds. Now I remember the Gray incident at Sandy¡¯s. She halts on seeing me as she removes her dark sses apanied with a smile.

    ¡°Arie.¡± she calls out.

    ¡°Uh..¡± Piper mutters beside me.

    ¡± Bunny.¡± She smiled and hugged me.

    ¡°Hey.¡±

    ¡°Leslie is such a pig. She didn¡¯t tell me you guys resumed college. I¡¯ll make sure she pays.¡± She says with that girly smile of yours.

    Brandon and Piper stand still watching the drama.

    ¡°You look pretty.¡±

    ¡°Thanks. You¡¯re not bad yourself.¡± I said looking at her friend who¡¯s typing her problems away on her phone.

    ¡°I¡¯m calling you and we¡¯re getting drunk tonight.¡± She kisses my cheek and walks past me with her friend.

    My two new friends stand in awe and stare at me, still surprised. Yeah I understand. Alexa is fancily hot. How on Mars could she know Ariel the introvert?

    ****

    ¡°And you didn¡¯t tell us you knew Alexa.¡± Brandon begins slurping noisily on his milkshake.

    We¡¯re in a nearby restaurant called ¡®sands & winches¡¯ like I discovered. Really weird.

    ¡°She¡¯s my cousin. My maternal cousin. If that makes any sense.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. She¡¯s rich. Always throwing parties and that includes frat. She fucked my ex.¡± Piper grit her teeth and munch on a pizza.

    ¡°Oops I¡¯m really sorry.¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. She didn¡¯t know so I don¡¯t me her. He was loaded anyways, I think that¡¯s the one thing that attracted me to him.¡± Piper exined and scrunched her face .

    ¡°That¡¯s silly.¡±

    ¡°Tell us where you are from. I mean where you lived.¡±

    ¡°I actually stayed in Georgia before moving to Buffalo.¡±

    ¡°Wow. New York¡¯s fun.¡± Fun indeed. With every annoying girl gawking at Gray Carter.

    I shrug and nod while drinking my Coke.

    ¡°Wow.¡±

    ¡°One thing I must rmend. I love your ent.¡± I raise my brows at Brandon¡¯s sudden speech.

    I blush wondering what¡¯s with my ent. Of course it sounds American.

    I discovered they are both second year and Brandon is studying English while Piper ounting.

    ¡°Have you done your work ? School¡¯s assignment ?¡± Brandon asks as Piper sighs. It seems she forgot.

    ¡°Hold on. I¡¯ll call Jamie.¡±

    ¡°Jamie ?¡± I ask and watch Piper pull out her phone and dial a number.

    ¡°An asshole who does her homework because he wants to take Piper on a date but she¡¯s too hung up on delinquent boys.¡± Brandon exins.

    ¡± Jamie.¡± Piper drawls his name in a really sexy tone. Her phone¡¯s on loudspeaker. I feel sorry for this Jamie boy.

    ¡± Pipes , hey what¡¯s up.¡± He asks like an excited teenager.

    ¡°I¡¯m not fine. I¡¯m stuck with my assignment again.¡± She grin and wink at me.

    ¡°Oh my God. It¡¯s okay , I¡¯ll do that for you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re such a darling.¡±

    Brandon rolls his head and shoots himself dramatically. I snort a chuckle and sip my Coke quietly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do anything for you. What about our date?¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­ I¡¯m sorry I can¡¯t hear you.¡± She scrunched her face in disgust with the new topic as she searched for something.

    ¡°Hello.. I¡¯m sorry I can¡¯t hear you.¡± She picked up the keys on our table and began shaking them on the table noisily.

    ¡°Jamie.. fuckin reception. I can¡¯t hear you , there¡¯s a lot of noise in here. Crazywork.¡± She scoffs and hangs up.

    ¡°Perv!.¡± She scoffs and stops jingling the keys. I smirk and raise a questionable eyebrow at her reaction. I think Jamie is too innocent and doesn¡¯t deserve this .

    ¡°I don¡¯t like him.¡±she says tly.

    ¡°So why use him?¡±

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t listen. He thinks he can afford this.¡± She says bringing her hand down her body.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got ss boo and he doesn¡¯t wanna back out.¡±

    ¡°He sends her $200 every weekend.¡± Brandon butts in as my eyes widen. What?

    ¡°I wish I had a boyfriend like that.¡± Brandon scoff snatching my Coke and drinking it.

    Of course this is college. Every shit happens.

    ss ended that day and it was fun. Piper is cool and Brandon is super funny. They insisted on dropping me off since Brandon owns a car but I refused. I really wanna walk and we just met. I don¡¯t wanna look like I like depending on people. Walking into the lobby, I greeted thedy behind the desk. She¡¯s too weird. Smiles too much and I think she¡¯s always hungover.

    I push the elevator button and walk in without looking at the other upant. I sigh and rub my palm on my hair as I raise my head to look at my other upant. My breath hitches as my hands refuse to leave my hair. My mouth parted as I looked at this grey eyes who looked a bit shocked in seeing me. How can we be stuck in the same elevator?

    ¡°Gray¡­¡±

    ¡± Miss me?¡±

    Is he stalking me?

 Chapter 12

    ~GRAY~

    Nervous , pretty , cute , smart and sometimes strange. That¡¯s what I see Ariel as. Her beautiful dark brown eyes always seem to make me look at her every second without even noticing.

    Each time I look at her, I see a really shy girl who¡¯s afraid of men. She¡¯s beautiful , Enticing and worst still sexy and I bet she doesn¡¯t notice. There¡¯s something in her that draws me close to her without even thinking about precautions. I don¡¯t wanna scare her away with my bad side.

    ¡°Gray.¡± She calls out totally taken off guard. What¡¯s she doing here? Looking so goddamn irresistible.

    She makes me want to do dirty things to her. Hold her so close to me and kiss her again. The elevator dings and the door slides open as she steps out. I did the same too.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± She asked .

    ¡°Miss me?¡± Her facials are barely readable but I could tell she¡¯s always nervous.

    She crosses her arms and looks at me with those sexy eyes of hers. She absently bit her lip and tucked back her loose strands of hair behind her ear. Great , that was pretty cute.

    ¡°You look good.¡± I decided to tell her to ease her tension but she blushed.

    ¡°Are you stalking me?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t peg you to be rude, Snow White.¡±

    She sighs and looks away from my eyes. Like they burn her or something.

    ¡± Why are you scared of me?¡± I ask, inching closer to her.

    I remembered the day I called her. The day her mother smashed her phone scolding me to stay away from their tiny little angel. Any guy with normal senses can barely stay away from her.

    ¡°Go out with me.¡± My voice sounds so possessive.

    ¡°I need to get inside my apartment.¡± She sighs worriedly like she¡¯s thinking.

    I grab her arm and pull her to me. Her hands tten on my chest as she stares into my eyes, mouth agape. It¡¯s obvious she¡¯s in college. Her bag and the apartment are close to school. She¡¯s too pure.

    ¡°Go out with me.¡± I whisper, running my index finger on her cheek. She closed her eyes to my touch and leaned against my finger on her cheek.

    I stop, as her eyes snap open. She backs away from me like something stings her.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know you.¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter right?¡± I raise my brows and watch her hug herself.

    ¡°I was serious when I said I wanted to stay away from you.¡±

    ¡°I bet I did. You came back to me.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re weird. What are you doing here?¡± She asks.

    ¡°Business.¡±

    ¡°What type of business?¡± I watch her nervous self and sigh. She is too good for this fucked up world.

    I smirk and step closer to her as she moves backwards, leaning against the wall.

    So funny.

    ¡°Wanna kiss me again Snow White?¡± I ask her. I tuck her loose hair behind her ears and stare right at those irresistible eyes.

    She opened her mouth to talk but nothing came out.

    ¡°Gray.¡± she stutters trying to fight something.

    ¡°Someone might see us.¡± She whispers.

    ¡°Why do you care? I¡¯d love to try this again.¡± I smile at her and lock eyes with her. She acted like she couldn¡¯t breathe.

    I leaned closer to her ear as she gasped but didn¡¯t move. ¡°Later, Snow White. I¡¯ll check on youter.¡± I kiss her cheek and walk back to the elevator.

    I press the button and step in as I watch her till the doors slide shut.

    ~ARIEL~

    Oh my God! I can¡¯t believe I lost my breath again just standing close to him.

    *Wanna kiss me again?*

    I thought about his silly words as I opened the apartment and got in . I shut the door and slump on the couch trying to fight whatever impression he thought about me. He¡¯s still a yer. Likes girls, smokes and Holy hell he has tattoos and a really cute ck stud piercing on both his ears. Why would I call that cute? I turn on the TV to watch a movie on Netflix. It¡¯s aedy romance and maybe it sorta helps to get rid of Gray even if it was impossible.

    He¡¯s weird and worth fighting for. But I¡¯m way lower than his ss. I¡¯m not his type obviously. I¡¯m not sexy and I don¡¯t even want a man. I sigh thinking about my pills. I stand up and stride to my room. I open my drawer and shove out the pills before walking back to the kitchen to get water to swallow them. I wish I could stop, but it won¡¯t solve my depression.

    I sit down opposite the TV after swallowing my pills. I thought about Gray again. I switch on my new phone and keep it back on the table.

    ¡°Seriously, you shoulde to that party. You¡¯re gonna love it.¡±

    Leslie chuckles to nothing as she walks into the apartment with Hazel. I don¡¯t really like her that much. She¡¯s like Leslie, maybe the less better version.

    ¡°Sup Ariel.¡± Hazel smiled at me as she sat on the same couch with me.

    ¡°Hi.¡± I return her greeting.

    ¡°Watching friends enemies ?¡± She snorts , less impressed.

    ¡°Really boring.¡± Leslie scoffed and changed it to another movie.

    I look at her as she scoffs irritably, trying to dare me to talk. She knows me too well. She knew I wouldn¡¯t say a word. She stops tuning and ys another movie.

    ¡°Antidepressant.¡± Hazel read out holding my pills.

    I sigh and snatch it politely from her. Why would I bring it out?

    ¡± You take that? Why?¡± Hazel asks. I sigh and stand up, really nervous.

    ¡°She¡¯s not okay.¡± I heard Leslie say as I made my way to my room.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°She has mental issues.¡± Leslie continues. I sigh and continue walking to drop my pills.

    ¡°Nice phone.¡± Hazel smiled holding my phone. What a stalker.

    ¡°There¡¯s a frat party tonight , you¡¯reing right?¡±

    ¡°Of course she¡¯s not. She¡¯s not pretty and no one would want a sassy nerdy child in their parties.¡± Leslie snorts mockingly as she rests her leg on the arm rest of the couch.

    I opened my mouth to talk but I couldn¡¯t. So I¡¯m really a nerd?

    ¡°What princess? You got something to say?¡± Leslie snapped her fingers at me.

    ¡°Not really.¡±

    ¡°Good girl. Just stay at home and read your depressed book. This is college and no hot boy would like to hang out with you. You¡¯re local and not ssy. I can¡¯t even hang around you, people will possibly think bad of me. You¡¯re too low and a little ugly.¡± She scoffs as Hazelughs.

    I sniffle and quickly pick my phone as I rush to my room. I shut my door and slump on my bed unleashing all my pending tears. Why does my sister hate me?

    * You¡¯re too low and a little ugly¡­*

    *I can¡¯t possibly hang around you , people will possibly think bad of me..*

    I bat myshes and sit up. I curl my knees to my chest and wrap my arms around them. Why can¡¯t I be better ? Am I really low ? It doesn¡¯t really matter right ? What matters is what I think about myself ?

    I wipe my eyes andy on my bed. My phone beeps and it¡¯s a new message from an unknown number.

    FROM UNKNOWN: hi princess , ready for frat night?

    Never. I don¡¯t wanna get humiliated. Hanging around pretty girls from college is the worst idea ever. I sigh and text Piper back after saving her number.

    TO PIPER: No sorry. I don¡¯t feel like it. I¡¯m sick.

    I toss my phone aside and rub my temple. My phone vibrated and it¡¯s a new message from Piper again.

    FROM PIPER: I¡¯m on my way. You ain¡¯t backing out.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    I sigh and rub my hand down my face. I bury my face on my pillow and try to shut out Leslie¡¯s hate speech towards me. I just wanna move out , if that¡¯s even possible. Time went so far and it¡¯s evening already. I heard chatters from Leslie and Hazel talking about God knows what. Obviously they are getting prepared for a frat party. It sucks , even if I haven¡¯t attended any.

    ¡°Ariel , I¡¯m leaving. Do yourself good and stay indoors.¡± Leslie shouted as the front door clicked shut.

    ¡°Ariel..¡± I heard Piper¡¯s voice alongside Brandon who¡¯s humming to a song.

    I get out of bed and stroll out of my room to the living room. Piper¡¯s holding a bag and she doesn¡¯t even look dressed. Brandon stands beside her with his arms crossed apanied by a cocky grin.

    ¡± What happened to you babe ?¡± Piper asks as she checks me out.

    ¡°I can¡¯t go.¡±

    ¡± Why princess ?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t like parties.¡± I said half the truth , even if I wanna go.

    ¡°That¡¯s not an excuse. You¡¯re gonna like it. We¡¯re gonna be there and it¡¯s gonna be fun.¡±

    I sigh loudly and sit down. They won¡¯t understand.

    ¡°I don¡¯t belong there.¡±

    ¡°What ?¡±

    ¡± Piper , I¡¯m not pretty. I don¡¯t dress fancy and my closet is filled with jeans and t-shirts. Hoodies , sweatpants and no designer clothes. I¡¯m a nerd who doesn¡¯t wear makeup. So.¡± I open my arms and shrug, pulling my knees to my chest.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry what ?¡± Brandonughs and sits close to me.

    ¡± Who told you that bullshit ? You¡¯re one of the prettiest girls I have seen around school.¡±

    ¡± No you don¡¯t get it. I always feel inferior hanging out with people and plus , thest time I partied , I woke up with a stupid hangover in a stranger¡¯s bed.¡±

    ¡± Shit.¡±

    ¡°You had sex with¡­¡±

    ¡°Gross no. I didn¡¯t. He was a gentle man and we did nothing. Precisely that was his guest bedroom.¡± Telling them it was Gray would bring a lot of stories out of my mouth. Stories I don¡¯t wanna share.

    ¡°Still. You¡¯re getting up and you¡¯re getting dressed. It¡¯s just a frat party.¡±

    ¡°And some of college¡¯s prettiest girls would be there. I don¡¯t belong there.¡±

    ¡°Who told you that ?¡±

    ¡°My sister has always been the best. She¡¯s attractive and really pretty.¡±

    ¡°You mean the ugly bitch we met downstairs with another Blondie I think.¡±

    ¡°Leslie isn¡¯t ugly.¡± I retorted.

    ¡°She¡¯s fake Ariel.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s not. I don¡¯t like the way I look down at myself when she¡¯s around me . I can¡¯t cope with being in the same party as her.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with your family ? Girlfriend , your sister has no right to tell you how to live your life.¡±

    ¡°True Brandon. But I¡¯m neverfortable around people and parties.¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t give a fuck.¡± Piper scoffed and pulled me to my feet. She grabbed my arm and pulled me through the hallway.

    ¡°Which one is your room ?¡±

    I sigh and point to my door. She opened the door and storm In throwing the bag she was holding on the bed. She opens my closet and snakes through my clothes. Yeah , a lot of jeans. I groan internally and sit down.

    ¡°Brandon do her hair please.¡± Piper says going through my clothes.

    ¡°Pipes , it¡¯s just frat.¡±

    ¡°And there will be boys.¡± She giggles and brings out a ck jeans as she tosses them on my bed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t ever let people make you feel inferior like you don¡¯t belong. I don¡¯t care if it¡¯s your bitchy ass sister or anyone , they won¡¯t tell you how to live your life.¡± Yeah , really ?

    I roll my eyes and let Brandon brush my hair. Applying another lotion from Piper¡¯s bag , he straightened my ck hair and it looks better than normal. I put on the high waist jeans and sigh. I really don¡¯t feel like going at the same time. I don¡¯t wanna stay at home. I hope I don¡¯t get drunk again.

    ¡°Wow , ace crop top. You¡¯re shitting me. This is pretty.¡± Piper says holding up a whitece sleeveless crop top. I remembered that top. Alexa bought it for me and I refused to wear it.

    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s pretty. Come on , go on , wear it. You are gonna get uste.¡± I sigh and snatch the thin material from Piper and walk to my bathroom to put it on.

    Great , I don¡¯t feelfortable. I walk back as Piper ps her hands like a middle school student. I refused makeup and thank God she respected my decision. After getting prepared. Piper ignited her car as she drove us to this weird party.

    ¡°Oh God..¡± I look out of the window and it¡¯s upied with students and red cups. The outside looks upied with loud music. I wanna stay in here.

    ¡± We¡¯re here. Let¡¯s get wasted.¡± Piper squeals as she steps out of the car including Brandon. I think my butt is glued to the chair. Including my feet too.

    Brandon knocked slightly on the window and ushered me out with a really friendly smile. I hope I don¡¯t make a fool out of myself cause I suck at parties. After taking several breaths , I step out of the car as Brandon reaches out to hold me.

    ¡°Breathe princess, you¡¯re beautiful. Just live a little.¡± Brandon whispers above the loud music.

    I smile and that was all it takes to change my mood.

    ¡°Come on guys.¡± Piper shouted as she barged into the house.

    Wow. I follow Brandon inside and it¡¯s worse inside. Drunk students with red cups and a lot of people making out in every corner.

    ¡°Hey guys..¡± Piper greeted as she sat on a couch close to a guy. I sit close to Brandon and scan every single person around.

    ¡°Hi..¡± I greeted politely.

    ¡± Hi..¡± they return the greeting as the blonde haired guy passes us drinks. I didn¡¯t look but gulped. I almost gag as I choke.

    ¡± Woah. you don¡¯t drink ?¡± A dark skinned girl asked. I sigh and refuse to answer.

    ¡°Freshman ?¡± Blondie asks.

    I nod and smile too. After several talking , they brought in shots and I had to drink too. It tasted horrible , sour and I almost choked. I was tipsy and another shot , I¡¯ll be drunk. I push my way past the crowd and find the toilet. I squat close to the toilet seat and throw up every death called alcohol.

    I clean my mouth and wash my hands. I stare at my reflection and take in a sharp breath. I barely could see that cute girl smile back. Just a depressed fe who¡¯s trying to breathe amidst other people. My phone vibrates at the back of my pocket. I unlocked it and the text message almost made me faint.

    I ignored it and cleaned my eyes. It buzzes again as I stare at the text message. Why¡¯s Freddie texting me? I deleted the message and it hurts to find out he¡¯s always calling me despite my several attempts in blocking his number. My phone rang and it¡¯s the same number Freddie used in texting me. I ignored it and he called again. With anger I click the green icon.

    ¡°Freddie , what do you want ?¡±

    ¡°Missed me ?¡±

    ¡°Leave me the hell alone.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not aggressive Ariel.¡±

    ¡°Why can¡¯t you stay away from me ? Haven¡¯t you hurt me enough ?¡±

    ¡°I bet I didn¡¯t notice that I hurt you. Ariel I missed you and I want us to be together.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re just a psychotic asshole.¡± Heughs on the phone and that seems to make me more angry. How dare he talk to me after what he did.

    ¡°Ariel I¡¯m in love with you and you know it. I want you and I¡¯m gonna have you. I know you¡¯re in New York and I¡¯m gonna find you. If I can¡¯t have you , I¡¯ll make sure no one else will. It¡¯s not a threat Ariel. You belong to me and me alone¡­¡±

 Chapter 13

    ~GRAY~

    ¡°Boss, Trent is on the phone.¡± Manny says stretching my phone at me. I huff irritated , and butt the cigarette on an ashtray.

    ¡°Speaker.¡±

    ¡°Gray¡­¡± Trent¡¯s thick voice speaks through the phone.

    ¡°What ?¡±

    ¡°What happened to our bargain , Gray ?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re still partners Trent. I¡¯ll send my boys over to San Francisco tomorrow. You okay now ?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m opening my new casino tomorrow. It¡¯s gonna be a honor if you¡¯ll be there.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not your girlfriend, Trent.¡± I blow out the smoke of the cigarette as I rest my head on the couch.

    ¡°Gray.¡± Trent¡¯s voice calls out through the phone.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be there.¡±

    ¡°Sure thing.¡±

    Manny hang up the call and drop the phone on the coffee table.

    ¡°Gray.¡± I heard that familiar voice as she walks into my house.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    Her ck tight skirt hugged every of herrge figures as she fits perfectly on her white dress shirt. She throws a brown envelope on the ss table and sit opposite me.

    ¡°Hi Manny.¡± She smile at Manny as Manny nods.

    ¡°Good day boss. I got news.¡±

    ¡°Yeah ?¡±

    ¡°The Chinese are about striking a partnership deal with dimir , it¡¯s a whole lot of money. The guy inmand of the Chinese is paying a lot of billions for just striking a deal with dimir. We¡¯ve always wanted that.¡± Meghan says.

    ¡°Where did you hear that from ? My father worked hard to take summit to Asia.¡±

    She shrugs and pick up the envelope as she brings out pictures.

    ¡°Feast your eyes. They went to dinner in a five star restaurant in Buffalo. He¡¯s in New York.¡± I sigh looking at the pictures.

    ¡°Fuckin prick. How the fuck did he get to convince the Chinese.¡± I sigh and toss the pictures on the table.

    ¡°Homeboy..¡± Reid smiles broadly as he walks into the living room. His hands stuck in his pocket.

    ¡°Shit! It¡¯s been long buddy visited.¡±

    ¡°Hi Reid.¡± Meghan greeted with her usual seductive grin. She¡¯s so unbelievable. Most times she forgets when she¡¯s supposed to be serious and mix her seduction job with her boss. I remembered when she tried to seduce me to sleep with her.

    I huff at the remembrance. That shit¡¯s stupid. Who fucks their employees ?

    ¡°Reid ? You¡¯re supposed to be in Miami.¡± I smile at him as he give me a quick brother hug. Reid¡¯s my childhood friend and a partner too. We¡¯ve been really close since highschool.

    ¡°Missed me ? Sup Megan ? You look hot as fuck.¡± Meghan roll her eyes at Reid¡¯s remark knowing where he¡¯s driving at.

    ¡± Hey Manny.¡± Reid said to Manny who¡¯s been standing a bit far from the conversation. Manny smiles and nod.

    ¡°Woah. dimir..¡± he wince at the pictures on the table.

    ¡± On Friday night at your club in Miami , we caught a random guy who was bugging Lewis informations about you. Asking about Gray Carter.¡± Reid said as he drops the pictures on the table.

    ¡°For what ?¡± I ask unamused.

    ¡°I brought him to the warehouse in Buffalo and I fucked his ass up.¡± He stretch to get a cigarette and a lighter.¡± Dude¡¯s working for that Russian motherfucker. He was sent to steal Information.¡±

    ¡°dimir.¡±

    ¡°Same one every time.¡± Reid chuckle and take a long drag on his cigarette.

    ¡°Where¡¯s he ?¡± Meghan ask.

    ¡°Still in torture. You need any favors ?¡±

    I drop thest piece of the blunt and stand up. I shove my hands in my pockets and stare at view of the city through the transparent ss walls.

    ¡°Kill him.¡±

    .

    ~ARIEL~

    .

    I¡¯ve not been okay after that call with Freddie. After ss , I hang out with Piper and Brandon and as usual they light up my mood.

    ¡°Are you okay ?¡± Piper asks snapping her fingers at my face.

    I force a smile and nod.¡± Yeah. What ? Do I look bad ?¡±

    ¡°You look like someone who got dumped.¡± I roll my eyes and rub my

    ¡°Guys I¡¯m good. I¡¯m just stressed that¡¯s all.¡±

    ¡°By your sister ?¡±

    I shrug and smile.

    ¡°Who wants to watch a movie tonight ?¡± Brandon asks to change the topic and I was forever grateful. I wasn¡¯t ready to tell anyone about my Freddie situation.

    ¡°I¡¯m in.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s at Brandon¡¯s and it¡¯s a horror movie nights.¡± Piper giggle loudly.

    Iugh at her childishness.

    ¡°Woah. Guys , don¡¯t look.¡± Brandon mutter looking out of the ss wall of *Sands & Winches*

    My eyes follow his stare and it¡¯s Alexa getting out of a tinted ck Mercedes. That¡¯s super expensive. She kisses a tattooed guy as she chuckle , to something we didn¡¯t hear.

    ¡± Damn. She just kissed Bobby Walker. Top super model at Gsquares.¡± Brandon says munching chips.

    ¡± I¡¯m so jealous of her. She¡¯s pretty and super fabulous in her own way.¡± Piper says as we watch the ck car drive away.

    Alexa flips her hair as she walk majestically to the restaurant¡¯s direction. She¡¯s smartly dressed in a ck leather jacket , ck short tights , white crop top and of course a boots. Sometimes I wonder if she¡¯s my sister. She¡¯s Leslie¡¯s secret role model.

    ¡°Pumpkin.¡± She scream as she sees me. She¡¯s weird.

    ¡°Alex.¡±

    ¡°Look at you. I¡¯m really sorry , I couldn¡¯te check on you.¡± She smile as she sits next to me on the booth.

    ¡°Woah ! You look heavenly gorgeous.¡± She giggle like a girl who didn¡¯t just got drop in an expensive Mercedes. I love her personality though. She¡¯s cocky sometimes and really sweet.

    ¡°Hi collegers. Mind ?¡± She ask already eating Brandon¡¯s chips. Brandon looks like he wants to eat up Alexa.

    ¡°What¡¯s up with you Ariel ? I saw Leslie yesterday though. Hooked up with some redhead college idiot. I¡¯m not snitching.¡± She bats hershes with a genuine smile as she eats the fries.

    ¡°What¡¯s up with you Arie ? You got any jerks around you yet ?¡±

    ¡± No. You know I can¡¯t cope with such.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. That¡¯s a great start. Cause I¡¯m ready to cut off every stupid assholes who wants to mess with you. I don¡¯t like broke.¡± She snorts and drink my coke.

    ¡°And guess what ?¡± She ask. Piper and Brandon just sit and watch.

    ¡°You are going clubbing with me this weekend at Armani¡¯s.¡±

    ¡°Armani ?¡± Brandon and Piper butt in at once.

    ¡°Yeah , what ?¡± Alexa ask looking concerned.

    ¡°Oh my God. That¡¯s a VIP club and I heard Gray Carter checks in sometimes.¡± Piper says with so much eagerness.

    ¡°Gray ? You know Gray too ?¡±

    ¡°Every physically functioned person knows Gray.¡± Brandon shrug. ¡± He¡¯s hot and really hot. I¡¯d give myst penny to lick his well taken care of body.¡± Brandon bites his straw and wink.

    ¡°Holy Moly.¡± I chew on my bottom lip and look at Alexa who¡¯s already smiling.

    ¡°She doesn¡¯t know Gray. Like only met him once at a restaurant.¡± Alexa whispers to the guys.

    ¡± What ?¡± Piper squeal as she showed me her phone screen lock. Gray¡¯s her wall paper.

    ¡°No way.¡± I mutter.

    ¡°Yes way. It¡¯s weird , he¡¯s really cute.¡± True though , but I still can¡¯t tell them this Gray is stalking me. Or maybe we¡¯re both stalking each other. Whatever.

    ¡°So you¡¯reing to Armani¡¯s right ?¡± Alexa nudge me with her elbow and wink.

    ¡°To see Gray ?¡±

    ¡± No pumpkin , to party and have fun with your cousin. What¡¯s wrong with that ?¡±

    Piper pouts at me including Brandon. Secretly begging me to go and take them along too.

    ¡°Who¡¯s taking you ?¡± I ask Alexa.

    ¡°Bobby.¡±

    ¡°Can my friendse ? Please ?¡±

    ¡± Sure. I don¡¯t hate people.¡± She chuckle as Piper squeal and high five Brandon.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Friday night at 7. Wait at Ari¡¯s apartment. I¡¯lle pick you guys up. Cute outfits , please.¡± Alexa stands up and smile at us before leaving.

    ¡°She finished your chips.¡± I murmur pointing to Brandon¡¯s almost empty bowl.

    ¡°I like her. Not like your bitchy whore older sister , Leslie.¡±

    ¡°So wait , you really haven¡¯t met Gray ?¡± Brandon ask leaning his elbows on the table with full attention on me.

    I roll my eyes and huff loudly.

    .

    ****

    Friday night was here already. Piper took me shopping and bought me silverce dress that sorts of sparkle a bit at night. Alongside a choker.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine. It won¡¯t hurt, getting used to this type of outfit. There¡¯s nothing wrong with it. You look perfect.¡± Piper says standing beside me in the mirror as I stare at my reflection. I really look different in dress.

    The dress drops at the top of my knees and it still shows a little amount of legs. I look naturally tanned even if I¡¯m not. I run my fingers on my hair and sigh. I still don¡¯t see reasons going to this legendary club. Seeing Gray was heart aching. He has a huge effect on me that i still can¡¯t point my fingers at. I¡¯m always drawn to him each time wee across each other.

    Live a little. So says my inner woman. I deserve it. It¡¯s really nice I don¡¯t body shame myself more often than usual.

    ¡°Who¡¯s ready to getid ?¡± Brandon asks leaning on my door.

    ¡°I¡¯m not gettingid.¡± I snort and get in on this killer heels.

    ¡± Where are you going ?¡± Leslie asks pushing Brandon off the path.

    ¡°Just a party with Alexa.¡± I whine and sigh.

    ¡± A party ? Dressed like that ? You¡¯ve started sleeping around in college ? With slutty friend ?¡± She eyes Piper and dart her eyes back to my frame.

    ¡°What did you just call me ?¡±

    ¡°Slutty. What you gon¡¯ do ?¡± Leslie ask eyeing Piper again.

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry Piper.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re downstairs. Sort this psychotic sister of yours.¡± Piper says as she push past Leslie.

    ¡°Leslie , that wasn¡¯t fair.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s not fair ? That you¡¯re dressed like amon whore in some tight thin material and you wanna go party with yourme ass friends. Really ? I told you , stop trying to fool yourself around college . You ain¡¯t even pretty. Dressing like this will only make you end up in beds of jerks and assholes. No good guy would look at you. You¡¯re just some tiny lil bitch who thinks she¡¯s pretty as fuck and¡­¡±

    ¡°Leslie.¡±

    ¡± What ? You¡¯re hurt now. Alexa is a druggie and she wants to hook your ugly ass with some unfortunate bastards. What¡¯s wrong with you ? You think you¡¯re hot now , dressed in some stupid spaghettice dress , you think you¡¯re a model. For fuck sake Ariel , you can¡¯t fit in. Nobody likes you , they are just trying to eat your ugly ass¡­.¡± Without ending her speech I smack my hand on her face as she palms her cheek looking at me with full red eyes.

    ¡°Another word from you , I dare you.¡± I said through clenched teeth.

    ¡°Ariel, you pped me ?¡±

    ¡± And I would love to p your senses back to you if you don¡¯t mind your stupid business.

    ¡°I¡¯m calling mom and you¡¯re dropping out of college¡­.¡±

 Chapter 14

    ¡°I¡¯m calling mom and you¡¯re dropping out of college..¡± those words were like ice but right now I don¡¯t even care. I¡¯m tired of being treated like trash. A ten years old.

    ¡°Ariel..¡± Alexa call my name as she walks into my room. Stopping right at my door frame she looks at Leslie¡¯s red face and smirk.

    ¡°I¡¯m not a prophet but I¡¯m sure someone almost got murdered.¡±

    For some awkward reason Leslie fears Alexa. And they are both same age.

    ¡°Sup Leslie. You don¡¯t look good but don¡¯t worry we will talk about it once we¡¯re back. My boyfriend¡¯s waiting downstairs , got to hurry.¡± She grab my hand and blow kisses at Leslie before we walk down the hallway.

    We step into the elevator and I¡¯m still quiet. I hate being threatened. And without doubts after this party something bad is definitely gonna happen.

    ¡°You look pretty.¡± Alexa smiles at me to lighten the mood.

    I fake a smile and sigh.

    ¡°Look I don¡¯t know what happened back there but if what I thought happened happens then you really don¡¯t have to let it burn your night. My middle finger to Leslie¡¯s bitchy attitude. She sucks and you¡¯re gonna have fun.¡± She nudge me as we step out of the elevator.

    We walk out of the building as I gasp at the ck limousine and Bobby is standing close to it including Piper and Brandon who wouldn¡¯t stop recording Snapchat videos.

    ¡°Ready mdy ?¡± Bobby asks Alexa stretching out his hands.

    ¡°Yes¡± Last time I remembered , this wasn¡¯t Alexa¡¯s real boyfriend.

    The driver opens the door as we troop in. The interior is far better than the exterior. Wow. A song pops out of the system as Alexa squeal and dance to the song on her seat. I wasn¡¯t concentrating that much cause of my drama with Leslie.

    ¡± Princess.¡± Brandon whispers and nudge me with his elbow.

    ¡°You¡¯re okay right ?¡± He asks looking concerned. The girls were busy singing another song that already covered the space of the car.

    I smile and nod.

    ¡°Thanks Brandon.¡± I smile and try to drown to the lyrics of the song. I notice the artiste is Justin Bieber. He happens to be one of Leslie¡¯s favourite artiste.

    The car pulls to a stop as I look outside through the tinted windows. The outside was strictly designed for the rich and not just the rich , the important ones. The driver step out as he quickly open the door for us. I snap out of my thoughts and swallow an unknown lump on my throat at just the sight. It¡¯s obvious these are the type of ces Gray Carter usually visits. The cars at the lot would tell you this ce is meant for VIPs. Jesus.

    I walk beside Alexa as Bobby show the front guard a card as he lets us in. My heartbeat rate was a bit rapid as we step on this expensive club. Wow. A loud music ys through the speakers and the chairs were covered with well dressed people. Bobby finds a really secluded area as we sit. He snap at the bartenders and they filled our table with booze.

    ¡± Go ondies and gentleman.¡± He smiles at Brandon as Alexa opened the cork of a wine filling a ss. She push it to me and smile.

    God. Hope this isn¡¯t alcohol.

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    ¡± Go on guys. Drink your pains away.¡± Piper giggle as she pour little quantity of every alcohol on the table in one ss. What type ofbination is that ?

    I sip mine and thank God for it¡¯s fruity taste. This ce smells of booze and cigarettes. But it¡¯s still sight seeing. I watch the clubbers as Piper drink her pains away. she¡¯s drunk and she¡¯s not stopping. Brandon on the other hand is also drunk but he doesn¡¯t show it. Alexa is already situated on Bobby¡¯sp as they kiss .

    Piper makes annoying noises since she¡¯s drunk. I went back to observing the crowds and gulp down my second ss of fruity wine I don¡¯t even know it¡¯s name. I¡¯m a bit tipsy and anymore ss I¡¯m gonna get drunk. Without hesitation I pour a little quantity on the ss and continue drinking. Alexaughs on Bobby¡¯sp as she starts giving him ap dance.

    My eyes dart to a little murmuring from the end of the club. The red light managed to brighten the club as few guys walk into the club. All I could see was ck all through.

    ¡°Damn , is that Gray ?¡± Brandon asks as he stares at the view at the end.

    Piper who was busy muttering nonsense stopped and I was grateful. Alexa dart her head to the sight including her model boyfriend. That familiar grey eyes turn to my direction as they smiled at me. Oh great , my heart skip to my feet.

    ¡°Woah. He¡¯s a real snack.¡± Brandon mutters as Gray and entourage walk into the darker part of the club.

    Justin Bieber¡¯s intentions y through the speakers and that sorts of suit the temperature. How could he see me ? This ce is crowded with lots of people and it¡¯s not even that bright.

    ¡°Wanna cheer ?¡± Alexa chuckle still nted on Bobby¡¯sp as we click drinks together. I¡¯m already tipsy and one little move and i might make a fool out of myself.

    My phone vibrates in my bag as I shove it out. A message from Gray.

    FROM GRAY: You don¡¯t club Tinkerbell. What are you doing here ? In a dress like that..

    I ignore his message and search around this club , I can¡¯t see him.

    FROM GRAY: Don¡¯t panic , love. I can see you. With your drunk friends. You look beautiful as fuck.

    I take in a deep breath and tap to reply back.

    TO GRAY: Thanks and stop stalking me.

    FROM GRAY: I wish. You look beautiful and I can¡¯t help but stare. I don¡¯t stalk. It¡¯s crazy I see you everywhere.

    My cheeks heat up as I look at the guys. I didn¡¯t even notice Alexa and her boyfriend already disappeared.

    ¡°They went to make out in the car. Thank meter.¡± Piper chuckles insanely as she dance to the song.

    ¡°Who wants to dance ? Come ondies and gentleman.¡± Piper stand up as she drag me with her.

    I shove my phone back to my bag and followed her to the dance floor.

    ¡°Piper , I can¡¯t dance.¡± I shouted above the loud music.

    ¡± Trust the booze. It will guide you.¡± She smile and begin dancing to the song.

    I know I¡¯m drunk and I¡¯m also certain wherever Gray is , he might be watching me.

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna find the bathroom guys.¡± Brandon shouts and disappeared through the crowds.

    I sway alongside Piper as we dance to the music. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s just me or the alcohol but I guess I¡¯m doing great. A guy appear behind Piper and kiss her temple. She giggle and turn around.

    ¡± Wanna hang out ?¡± He ask her.

    She turn to me and give me a quick kiss.

    ¡± Later honey.¡± She wave and walk away with the guy. Despite being drunk I feel alone and wished i had stayed in my room.

    A set of hands wrapped around me from behind as my body tenses. I know that cologne and it¡¯s from only one person. Gray.

    ¡± Why did you stop dancing ?¡± He ask behind me still holding my waist as he nuzzled my neck.

    ¡°Where you watching ?¡±

    ¡± Yeah.¡±

    I giggle and try to look at him above my shoulders. He¡¯s really taller than me.

    ¡°You look beautiful and I couldn¡¯t help but stare. It¡¯s like you¡¯re the only one on this damn floor. What did you do to me ?¡± He asks as his lips brush slightly against my neck.

    ¡°Keep dancing. I wanna feel you.¡± He whisper as I begin moving to the music.

    My behind is glued to his front and the feeling is foreign. I could almost feel his family hood.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know what you do to me Ariel.¡± He says with his lip brushing gently on my hips. I smile at the sound of my name in his mouth. It sounds different , like better.

    ¡± Did you wear this dress just for me ?¡± He kiss my temple and the skin right after my ear. I let out a soft moan and that didn¡¯t have to sound appropriate. I¡¯m dead drunk.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    ¡°Wanna get out of here ?¡± He asks turning me to look at him.

    My eyes meet his gorgeous grey eyes and I nod. He smirk and pull me out of this crowded clubs.

    .

    ??????????????

    .

    I sit silently on the passenger¡¯s seat and watch Gray carefully. He handles the wheel like a retarded driver as he continuously sh me his smirk that obviously steal my mind. I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m doing.

    Iy back and listen to the song from his ylist as it feels the space of his car.

    ?Before I die I¡¯m tryna fuck you, baby?

    ?Hopefully we don¡¯t have no babies?

    ?I don¡¯t even wanna go back home

    Hopefully, I don¡¯t leave you on your own?

    What type of song is this ? Seriously..

    ?I don¡¯t wanna y no games, y no games?

    ?Fuck around, give you myst name (oh)?

    ?Know you tired of the same damn thing?

    ?That¡¯s okay ¡¯cause, baby, you?

    ?You got it, girl, you got it (ayy)?

    Weird songs with a lot of horny words behind it. Gray is such a freak , why would I expect a normal kind of music from his ylist. I lean against his tinted window and stare at his delinquent figure. Gray is sin to me. Why do i always find myself in his world each time I try to run away.

    Maybe because I skip mass and Catholic ss one time and the devil decides to send Gray to me like a Christmas gift.

    ¡°Why are you stalking me ? Why are you around me?¡±

    He darts his head to look at me. His eyes not leaving mine as he drives like a lunatic on the cold night.

    ¡°I¡¯m not your type Gray. You¡¯re Gray Carter and i think you only like models. Girls your ss.¡± I shrug as he look away from me. Yeah, he¡¯s a crackhead he won¡¯t reply.

    ¡°What do you really want ?¡±

    This time a smirk tug at the sides of his lips as he stares at me but look away at once.

    ¡± So what do you want me to say ?¡±

    ¡± You don¡¯t like naive Christians. You don¡¯t even like nerds.¡±

    ¡°So who said you¡¯re a nerd ? Nerds don¡¯t dress like that.¡±

    I look down at my outfit and remember the first day we met at a club. When he called my outfit slutty.

    ¡°It¡¯s not slutty. You look irresistible with that dress.¡± He replies my thoughts but that doesn¡¯t answer my one billion question. What does he want from me ?

    ¡°It¡¯s gonna be nice you try to be pretty normal around me. I feel like you¡¯re always nervous.¡± He says without looking at me.

    Whatever. He¡¯s such a perv.

    ¡± So you wanna go to nun school ? Before..¡± his eyes turn to look at me as they take in my figure on his passenger seat.

    I sigh. I don¡¯t wanna talk about it and I pray he doesn¡¯t pester me about it.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t wanna talk about it.¡± I nod appreciating his understanding.

    I look at my ringing phone and it¡¯s a call from my mom and dad. Text messages from Piper Brandon and Alexa. Yeah , I ran away with Gray in his expensive tinted Lamborghini. I look out of the window and we¡¯re outside the city.

    ¡°Gray , where are we going ? You just drove out of the city.¡±

    He groans and smirks at me. So what¡¯s actually funny ?

    ¡± Gray. What are you gonna do with me ?¡±

    ¡°A lot of things.¡± He replies calmly.

    A lot of things. What ?

    ¡± I really need to kiss you to shut up.¡± He remarks with his usual smirk.

    ¡°You¡¯re not kissing me. I wanna know where we are going.¡±

    ¡°Do you even trust me ?¡±

    ¡°Hell no..¡± I cross my arms as Gray chuckles still driving like a retarded criminal.

    ¡°I expect that from you. I¡¯m just your cute stranger who makes you loose your breath with just the sight of him. How cute is that ?¡± He says and wink.

    I open my mouth to speak but nothinges out.

    ¡°Why would you say that ?¡±

    ¡°You know I¡¯m not lying. I notice how you¡¯re always nervous around me. You always freak out internally. It makes you look really cute when you¡¯re nervous.¡± He smiles and I so much adore his British ent. But why switching every now and then.

    ¡°Why are you always swapping ents.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t..¡± he sighs tiredly.¡± It just sort of sneak into my mouth without knowing.¡± He shrug.

    ¡°So you¡¯re not British ?¡±

    He smiles brightly and look at me for a second before looking back at the road.

    ¡± My mom¡¯s from London. It¡¯s weird and I sort of went to highschool there. So ?¡±

    ¡°Wow. Your dad¡¯s American ?¡± He shrugs again and tap his fingers on the wheel in rhythm to the song on his ylist.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell anyone. I don¡¯t really share personal details to people. Don¡¯t take advantage of that.¡± His looks is calm and really pure like a child who got breast feed.

    I chuckle at my thoughts as Gray yfully re at me. I smile and bite my lips. Maybe he¡¯s not really bad. He halts the car in a parking lot. The view outside looks like the countryside. It¡¯s perfect and beautiful.

    ¡°Are you hungry ?¡±

    I smile and shrug.

    ¡°So it¡¯s a date then ?¡± I really don¡¯t know how to answer that. Gray is a mixture of surprises.

    ¡°I thought you were taking me to sell me off..¡± I joke.

    ¡°Wow. That¡¯s epic , we should give it a try right ?¡± He raise his brows and smile. What an asshole. I blush at his cute face and look out of the window.

    I didn¡¯t notice he step out of the car as he held out the door for me. He stretch out his hand and I dly take it and almost trip but luckily his firm hands caught me.

    ¡°I like your hair.¡± Was the first thing thates out of his mouth still holding me to himself and briefly leaning me against his car.

    ¡°Thanks.¡± I can¡¯t breathe again.

    We¡¯re too close and just a step we¡¯ll be kissing. He run his hands through my hair as I whimper to his touch. My eyes fought to stare elsewhere but it couldn¡¯t. My eyes are automatically glue to his and all I could perceive is his own cologne. It¡¯s perfect. Something is wrong with me and I don¡¯t like that something.

    ¡°You look beautiful. Every single day you¡¯re always stunning.¡±

    It¡¯s always hard to know that I¡¯m beautiful when I have an abusive and annoying sister who finds joy in pointing out my faults. With Gray it¡¯s different. He¡¯s different.

    ¡°It¡¯s so hard to stay away from you. I tried but you¡¯re always everywhere. Everything is so special about you , Tinkerbell.¡± Howe he doesn¡¯t see my ws like others ?

    He¡¯s Gray Carter and I¡¯m just Ariel. A depressed girl who was supposed to be at the convent but my bad luck spoilt everything and moved us to New York to meet Gray ?

    He leans closer and wrap his right hand on my curves moving up to hold my waist. My hands tten on his chest and what i want right now is to kiss him again. But this doesn¡¯t sound right but it feels right.

    ¡°Wanna kiss me again ?¡± He asks in a really flirty tone. That sort of made my core clench. What¡¯s he doing to me ? Won¡¯t I get hurt at the end of his ride ? Doesn¡¯t even matter we¡¯re not dating.

    He would never date someone like me. And I don¡¯t even wanna date anyone. Our lips brush partly as I absently part my lips to wee his kiss but someone clears his throat behind us.

    Bummer !

 Chapter 15

    We turn in unison to look at this perfectly shaved gentle man with his super sewed suit. And now I¡¯m shy because he almost withneesed us kissing.

    ¡°Mr Carter , nice to see you again.¡± He stretch his hands out politely to take Gray¡¯s.

    ¡°Wee mdy.¡± He directs his greetings to me as I smile.

    ¡°Thank you Desmond.¡± Gray says as we follow this man behind. His hands not leaving mine.

    I stare at this ce and it¡¯s beautiful and quiet. The street lights illuminated the outdoor as people pair along ,ughing and talking. It¡¯s like there¡¯s a carnival today. I nce at the stores at the right and it¡¯s transparent ss . Pizzeria huh , hmm.

    ¡°You¡¯re okay ?¡± Gray whispers giving my hand a gentle squeeze.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± I gulp at the foreign feeling at the contact of our hands as I tried to sneak out of his grip. He was stronger and refused to give in.

    We walk to a field as we walk up the hill. It was far romantic up here. You could see the entire poption downwards and I could spot ake at the end of the other side of the hill. There were few seats here , meaning it¡¯s reserved or maybe for important people. I still don¡¯t even know who he¡¯s.

    ¡°Does it matter ? He¡¯s hot that¡¯s what matters.¡± My conscience whisper. I hate her sometimes. We¡¯re obviously different.

    Gray draws out a seat for me to sit down. I smile at his gesture and sit down on the chair while Gray takes the opposite one. We were opposite each other and just a single move my knees would be grazing Gray¡¯s.

    ¡°I¡¯ll call in the waitress. It¡¯s a pleasure Mr Carter.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Gray said to him as he walks away shooting me a friendly smile.

    ¡°What¡¯s this ce ?¡± I decide to start a conversation.

    ¡°It¡¯s a ce.¡± He smirks and I scoff. He¡¯s so irritating sometime.

    ¡°I loveing here. It¡¯s like home but in a different version and it¡¯s peaceful out here.¡± I nod to his ims and look around.

    They were about seven other couples here talking and maybe flirting. At the front , there¡¯s a life music band who ys ssical music. I sigh and turn my head to look at Gray who¡¯s already staring at me. His deep grey orbs glue to my facials and I¡¯m ufortable. If I¡¯m being sincere , no one has ever looked at me like that.

    A waitress walks in with a wine bottle and drops it on the table with two sses. She opens the wine and pour them almost to the brim of the sses. My eyes move up and Gray hasn¡¯t look away from my figure.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± I said to the waitress who smiles politely before walking away.

    ¡°Is something wrong with me ?¡± I ask and fiddle my fingers.

    His perfect lips twitch as he smiles.

    ¡°Why are you asking ? You don¡¯t wanna drink.¡± He points to the ss of wine.

    ¡°Not really. Your stares.¡± I sigh and look back at his face. It¡¯s really hard to focus staring at his eyes. I feel like I wanna use the restroom.

    ¡°What happened to my stares ?¡± He ask resting one of his hand on the table. Why¡¯s he acting like he doesn¡¯t know what I¡¯m talking about.

    I huff and dart my eyes to the musicians singing to entertain the audience.

    ¡°Your stares are somehow. Like I¡¯m a snack or something.¡± I reply and face him.

    ¡°Snack huh ?¡± He smirks and grips his ss. I watch him level it to his mouth as his lips embrace the rim to take a gulp. That was seductive.

    ¡°It¡¯s gonna be perfect eating you up. I know you taste good.¡± He smirks and drop his ss. I taste good , what¡¯s that supposed to mean ? Wait he just flirted with me.

    ¡°Will you drink miss Peterson ?¡± He wink and motion to my yet to devour ss.

    ¡°How did you know myst name ?¡± I stutter.

    ¡°I¡¯m a genius, you¡¯re wee.¡± I bite my lip and meet his eyes that are watching me intensely.

    The waitress returns as she decorate our table with food. She ce everything in order and walk away.

    ¡°You like Italian ?¡± He asks . I sigh and nod. Yeah , they really are good with meals.

    ¡°Don¡¯t freak out about yourst name. I saw your ID.¡± My eyes widen at his confession as I snap back to reality. I carried my ID before leaving for the club. I really don¡¯t wanna get embarrassed.

    ¡°You¡¯re such a sneak.¡± I chuckle and look at myps that are visible. I¡¯m always ufortable with dresses like this but the guys thought it¡¯s perfect. I dare not argue.

    I shove out my phone and text my two friends and Alexa that I¡¯m fine. I keep my phone aside and reach to grab the drink and hope it¡¯s not alcohol.

    ¡°Do you always avoid alcohol ?¡± Gray asks as I take a sip of the wine. I nod and melt to it¡¯s taste. It¡¯s better and not hot or maybe sour.

    ¡°Thest time I drank alcohol , I remembered I woke up in a man¡¯s bed wearing his sweatpants and tee.¡± I reply as Gray chuckle.

    ¡°That was cute though. You in my t-shirt and sweats. Through out the ride you were just murmuring how hot I was and you wished we getid .¡±

    ¡°What ? Hell no. Why are you bringing it up ?¡± I drop my ss, clearly bathed in embarrassment.

    ¡°You brought it up. It was really funny to watch you b about a lot of shit you can¡¯t handle.¡± He says with a soft chuckle.

    I don¡¯t know what that means but I¡¯m really sure he meant something dirty. He takes out a fork and started eating.

    ¡°You¡¯re not gonna watch me right ? You should eat too.¡± He smile at my attempt of just fiddling my fingers and watch him eat.

    I don¡¯t me girls who wished to wake up in his bed. Maybe it¡¯s worth it , Gray is possibly everything an average or maybe baddie would want. He¡¯s super cute and really beautiful. I don¡¯t even know what to say. His eyes move up to look at me as my eyes blink on it¡¯s own cause I was caught staring. I gulp and nod to nothing as I begin eating. Gray smiles watching me carefully as we both eat.

    The waitress returns to clean up the table. I really wanted to sort my bills since I¡¯m notfortable with a man trying to pay for everything. Gray gulp his wine and watch me

    He chuckles like he knew what I was thinking.¡± You wanna split the bill ?¡± He ask with his brows partially raised.

    I shrug.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to. I sort it out before we got here.¡±

    ¡°Before we got here ? So you were sure I was gonnae with you ?¡±

    He smirks.¡±Yeah.¡±

    I blink and scoff. My feets aches on this killer shoes and i really wished I could take it off.

    ¡°So you¡¯re in college right ?¡± He asks still studying my figure.

    ¡°Yeah. You don¡¯t like college students right ?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t say that. Maybe you¡¯re just exceptional. What¡¯s your major ?¡±

    ¡°Business administration. It¡¯s totally weird I know.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t say that. It suits you anyway.¡± I nod and smile.

    I¡¯m grateful we are indulging in a normal casual conversations and he¡¯s not pushy.

    ¡°So what do you do ? Asin profession ?¡± I decide to ask this time.

    He stays quiet for minutes with his eyes glued to mine and I regretted why I asked. He smirks and tap his long fingers on the table and smile.

    ¡± I work for summit.¡±

    ¡°Summit ? You mean summit enterprises sh worldwide ?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. What ?¡±

    I chuckle and Imagined what he just said. I¡¯ve always wished once I¡¯m way pass college this semester , I really want an internship with summit. It¡¯s sort of popr around the country and Georgia¡¯s branch is incredible.

    ¡°You own summit or you work for summit ?¡± I ask him suspiciously. He was called boss on several asions and he doesn¡¯t look like someone who would work under someone. Not this tatted , pierced delinquent.

    He shrug.¡± What do you want me to say ? Yeah , I own it. What ?¡± He cocks his brows and smirk.

    ¡°Wow. That¡¯s a huge establishment. It¡¯s popr. Now I see why you¡¯re popr Mr Carter.¡± I giggle and smiles.

    ¡°You sort of pull crowds each time you walk into a ce. It¡¯s weird and you¡¯re not even a star. Are you Dwayne or something ?¡±

    He chuckle.¡±Dwayne ? You know I¡¯m not an actor. It¡¯s usuallymon.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. You¡¯re cute and you storm every party. Like you¡¯re Gray Kardashian.¡± I poke my lips out and shrug.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to know the Kardashians.¡±

    ¡°Yeah ? They are popr. My annoying sister is a huge fan and she¡¯s always stuck to their tv shows. She always liked to be like Kylie Jenner. She¡¯s weird.¡±

    Heughs . It¡¯s great to have someone listen to you. I mean someone like Gray Carter.

    ¡°So who do you like to be like ?¡±

    ¡°Me ? no way. I really haven¡¯t ce a thought on that. I just wanna be a better version of me.¡± I sigh fighting hard not to get hooked by Gray¡¯s fascinating nces. It sorta have an effect on me without even touching me.

    I huff and slip my feet out of my strapless stilettos. They hurt my feet. Gray seems to notice as he looks down at my feet resting freely on my shoes.

    ¡°Does it hurt you ?¡± He asks. I nod as Gray grip to my shin and bring my leg to hisp. Oh my God. I didn¡¯t expect that. I watch in awe as he observe my leg taking in my leg as he stare to my almost exposedps . Oh damn Piper. She picked this dress.

    ¡°Where does it hurt ?¡± He ask me.

    I gulp and point to my heels and toes infact everywhere hurts.

    ¡± What¡¯s the better version of you ?¡± Gray ask bringing his gaze to my face.

    I open my mouth to speak but just shut it. Gray¡¯s fingers move expertly on my legs to my ankles as that sent shivers to every parts in my body.

    ¡°Ariel.¡± He smirks knowing he has an effect on me. I swallow again and sigh.

    ¡°Just someone who wants to be better. Better in the sense of not trying to remember some stupid memories.¡± I shut my eyes trying to fight the image of Freddie tearing my habit away and taking my virginity.

    Gray¡¯s hands snap me out of my trauma as his hands move to touch my ankle almost touching my thighs. I breathe in and open my eyes to see Gray watching me.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about your silly memories. Sometimes most memories are best left behind in order not to mess our presents. It¡¯s silly.¡± He sigh.

    I smile and nod. Appreciating how rxed he¡¯s touching my leg in a really intimate manner. His hands stroke my ankles to the back of my thighs as I breathe in sharply. He smirk.

    ¡°Are you okay ?¡± His grey eyes burn into my skin. I gulp and swallow. I shut my eyes briefly and open them. Gray tilts his head and lean closer to my earlobe. His hot breath fans against my neck and I shudder.

    ¡°It¡¯s really nice I have an effect on you.¡± He pulls back and smile at my leg.

    ¡°Are you feeling better ?¡± I nod quickly and take my legs off hisps.

    ¡°That was a fast move.¡±

    I chuckle and slip my foot inside my shoes. I tuck my hair and sweep my hand down it to keep it tamed. I avoid looking at his eyes but it¡¯s impossible. My eyes capture theke down the hill. Gray¡¯s eyes follows my stare and he caught what I was looking at.

    ¡°You wanna take a look ?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d like to.¡± I bite my lip and look back at this delinquent who¡¯s already up. He takes my hand in his as we walk side by side down the hill.

    I almost trip again for the second time in one night but Gray was faster. He sweep me off the feet as he walk down the hill with me on his arms. Oh shit ! Something is happening to my breath again. This doesn¡¯t feel good. My eyes meet his and he smiles warmly still holding firmly to my body on his hold. I silently gulp and absently lean my head on his shoulders.

    He walks close to theke as he gently drop me on the ground still holding slightly to me.

    ¡°You should get rid of those.¡± He said directly to my shoes. I chuckle and shrug shyly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it Mr Carter.¡± I smile and hug myself looking at the water and how it flows gently. I feel like getting undressed and drowning myself.

    ¡°Remember the first time we met ? When I sneak into your car ?¡± He ask me and I could feel him smirk even if I wasn¡¯t staring.

    ¡°Yeah ?¡± I turn to look at his frame beside me as I drank in his glorious self.

    ¡°What were you doing at that side of town ?¡±

    ¡°Just touring.¡±

    ¡°Yeah ?¡± He chuckle.

    ¡°What¡¯s funny ?¡± I ask with a totally different voice and i wondered when on Earth did I get that voice.

    ¡°Nothing. Just remembered the first day I saw you. It was at Georgia.¡± No way. My heart leap to my feet as I look at Gray who¡¯s smirking at me.

    ¡°What ? You¡¯re surprised ? You were with your moming out from a grocery shop. I was sitting in my car when I saw you walk out giggling like a teenage girl. That was adorable.¡± He huff dramatically and nudge me gently. I zoned out thinking about that car.

    For sure there was a red car across the street. How am I supposed to see the upant ? Yeah it was tinted.

    ¡°That was weird. I.. you.. know.. I..¡± I stutter thinking about the right word to say.

    ¡°So you were stalking me ?¡±

    ¡°Pftt , I wasn¡¯t. It¡¯s just a coincident I¡¯m standing next to you staring at ake. Superb right ?¡±

    I sigh and hug myself tighter. I couldn¡¯t look at him or my shoes will betray me and I will fall right on my face kissing the ground. We were quiet for seconds till it was about to drizzle.

    ¡°You¡¯re cold ?¡±

    I rub my palm up my arms and look at Gray¡¯s concerned look.

    ¡°Maybe. Stupid strap dress.¡± I mutter after the maybe. Gray heard it as he chuckles. He shrug out his jacket and wrap it around me.

    ¡°There. We should get you to the car.¡± He says as I breathe in his scent. I smile to his act and leave the jacket to hang around my shoulders. He shove his hands in his pockets as we turn back to the main hill.

    ¡°Am I supposed to carry you again ? Your shoes.¡± I snort out augh and shake my head.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine.¡± I begin walking up the hill but this stupid shoes decide to embarrass me again.

    ¡°Caught you.¡± He whisper behind me with his arms wrap around my torso. I take in a sharp breath. I hate that I¡¯m always affected by just his simple touch.

    ¡°Take them off. Will you princess ?¡± He ask still holding me from behind.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    ¡°Uh..¡± I stutter and strain my neck to look at him from behind. Great it¡¯s already drizzling and this man behind me looks super breath taking with his messy hair.

    I forgot I¡¯m still in his grasp and my back is pressed to his front. He pull me back a little and squat to take my shoes off my feet. I hold his shoulders to steady my weight as Gray sessfully remove my shoes and hold them.

    ¡°We¡¯re wet.¡± He mutters and we climb back the hill with me barefooted. Without thinking twice I put on Gray¡¯s jacket since it¡¯s already raining a bit. His white T-shirt stick to his body and I couldn¡¯t help but stare.

    ¡°Not the time princess. You have enough time to stare.¡± He smirks and before I could register his remark I¡¯m being tossed on his shoulders. Oh God.

    My hair covered my view as he walk a little fast heading to his car. We¡¯re both wet and my dress is glued to me like another skin. He drop me on my feet and open his car for me to get In. I step in as he shut it. I rub my fingers through my damp hair to make it stay in one ce. Gray drops my shoes on the floor of the car as he fastens his seatbelt to start driving.

    ¡°Thanks.¡± I tell him as he darts his head to my view with his usual smirk. The ride was a bit faster cause Gray was driving beyond speed limit even in this raining weather.

    I wanted to talk about his way of driving but seal my mouth. I watch the dripping of the water as it kiss his tinted window. I¡¯m a bit cold and I¡¯m grateful for his jacket. My eyes snap to his figure handling the wheel with just one hand. The other hand works on his messy hair as he turn to look at me. Great Ariel , always caught in the act. I shamelessly look away and bite my lips nervously. I fiddle my fingers and I heard Gray chuckle.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯reughing at me.¡± I whine and that made him chuckle.

    ¡°I¡¯m not. Why were you called Ariel ?¡±

    ¡°Why were you named Gray ?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Maybe my eyes. It¡¯s one of my favorite colors.¡±

    ¡°I noticed. It fits you.¡±

    ¡°So tell me why are you called Ariel ?¡± He bites his lower lip and watch me carefully before staring back at the road.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. But it¡¯s a name of a holy city in Jerusalem.¡± He snorts out augh.

    ¡°Fuck me. I expect that. It¡¯s one of the reasons you have a rosary on your rearview mirror.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re notughing at me right. Stop judging me.¡± I scoff and look at the window.

    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. So pessimistic.¡±

    He sighs deeply and I could feel his eyes burn holes in my skin.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to get angry at me on my birthday.¡±

    ¡°What ?¡± I snap my head to look at him in disbelief. Today¡¯s is his birthday!

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me ?¡± I ask him and cross my arms.

    ¡°I just told you.¡± He smirks and pout like a silly kid. I smile and bite my lip.

    ¡°Wow. What if you¡¯re lying ?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m not.¡± He Chuckles. He opens thepartment and showed me an ID.

    ¡± Wait. Jamal ? Your middle name is Jamal ?¡± I beam trying to snatch his card but he keeps it back ring jokingly at me.

    ¡± Wow. Happy birthday Jamal.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that in public.¡±

    ¡°What , you¡¯re shy ? I didn¡¯t notice you could ever be shy pumpkin.¡±

    ¡°Yeah really , pumpkin now ?¡±

    ¡°Whatever. Sorry i didn¡¯t have your gift.¡± I bat myshes and smile.

    ¡°That¡¯s fine. At least I have you that¡¯s what matters. Thanks for the date.¡±

    My heart melt to his speech.

    ¡°Thanks too. Jamal.¡±

    ¡°Ariel..¡± he warns and I can¡¯t help butugh at his face.

    ¡°I love it. It sounds Arabic.¡±

    ¡°Yeah , it is.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t look Arabic.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because I¡¯m not Arabic. My dad likes it.¡±

    ¡°Uh , now I wish I had a gift for you.¡±

    ¡°You could still give me one.¡± He muse.

    ¡°How¡¯s that even possible ?¡±

    ¡°You could give me a kiss.¡± He said and wink.

    No way , that¡¯s not happening. I blush and look away from him. His car slows down as he halts the car in an underground parking lot.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get you inside.¡± He step out of the car and open my side door for me. I step out clearly stained with embarrassment from his previous word. I can¡¯t believe he had ask me to kiss him.

    ¡°Thanks.¡± I tell him as we walk into the elevator.

    The ride was silent and ufortable for me. He¡¯s always watching me like I¡¯m the most important thing to watch. I watch the buttons on the panel waiting impatiently to get to his floor. Wait what am i doing ? Going to his house ? Another house ? I remember he doesn¡¯t stay in a penthouse. I wanted to speak but the elevators slide open as we step out . I trust him maybe as I followed behind.

    He tap in a code to his house as the door unlocked. I follow behind taking in the view. Wow , he¡¯s obviously rich. This is out of the ordinary to exin.

    .

    ****

    .

    I stare at the closet of his guest bedroom thinking of what to wear. My dress is already soaked and I need to make them dry before leaving. I sigh as I go throw few clothes on his closet. This isn¡¯t his room so I¡¯m not expecting his clothes to be here. After contemting on what to wear, I settled on his white dress shirt underneath my panties. I button the shirt and look down at my figure. He¡¯s really tall. I walk out of his room and find my way to his kitchen. He stood beside the counter drinking a ss of water. His eyes move to my frame as he smirk. Silly , what¡¯s amusing ? Yeah , me wearing his dress shirt.

    ¡°Hi..¡± I said nervously as I walk closer to him.

    ¡°Hi.¡± He surprises me and lift me off the floor cing me on the counter. He stand in between my legs with his hands gripping softly around my waist.

    Woah , my breath is already leaving me as I gulp severally. Gray¡¯s hands flick the button yfully as he smirks at me.

    ¡°You look pretty.¡± He whispers trailing his fingers on my thighs.

    ¡± Thanks.¡± I breathe out. What his he doing to me ?

    ¡°Wanna kiss me now ?¡± He bites his bottom lip and squeeze my thighs gently. I gasp, thanking God a moan didn¡¯t escape my mouth.

    ¡± Gray¡­¡±I stutter.

    ¡°You owe me a birthday gift remember ?¡± He slides his hands underneath the dress shirt I¡¯m wearing. I feel his hands move slowly to my hips brushing against my panties. Oh Jesus !

    His hands grip the waistline of myce panties and I swallow again. His eyes move slowly on my body to my eyes. I can¡¯t stop him , of course I don¡¯t want to stop him.

    ¡°I¡¯m waiting, Tinkerbell.¡± He lean closer and right there we¡¯re breathing each other¡¯s breath. I have never kissed anyone before , like start a kiss.

    What if i mess up ? Aside that, why me ? Even if he wants to use me , why me ? I¡¯m not his type of women but he doesn¡¯t choose to care. His eyes watch me carefully as he snap my panties against my skin. That seems to turn me on.

    ¡°Kiss me Ariel.¡± He whispers.

    He takes my hand and ce it on his shirtless chest so that I could feel his heartbeat.

    ¡°Please¡­¡±

 Chapter 16

    GRAY¡¯S POV

    ¡°Please¡­¡± I whisper cing her hand on my chest.

    She¡¯s nervous again and that seems to turn me on. She¡¯s always so innocent and breath taking. She swallow an unknown lump and lean closer. She sp her lips on mine and wrap her right hand on my neck. Her lips were perfect just like the first time.

    I pull her close to me and kiss her deeply. My hand wrap tightly around her waist as we kiss. I¡¯m d she ain¡¯t stopping cause I won¡¯t let her. Teasing her bottom lip , I suck gently on it and bite it. She moans in my mouth and trail her fingers down my chest. We stop to catch our breath and I lean my forehead on hers. She breathe in and out and open her eyes slowly to look at me.

    ¡°That was good..¡± I mutter and kiss her forehead.

    She giggle and blush.

    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry if I didn¡¯t.. you know¡­¡±

    ¡°Shh.. Snow White that was great. You made my birthday.¡± I smile and rub circles on her lower back.

    She absently squirm on my touch and fiddle her fingers. I chuckle to her childish behavior and trail my fingers on her perfect thighs.

    ¡°You¡¯re beautiful.¡± I tell her and continue trailing my fingers on her thighs. My fingers went under my dress shirt that fits perfectly to her skin. I caress her skin as she let out a quiet moan but swallow it back. she¡¯s shy.

    I kissed her neck and that made her whimper. She touch my shoulders and melt to my kisses on her neck. I suck softly on her skin making sure I leave a mark on her neck. I grab her soft thighs as she moan loudly. I yank out one of the top buttons on my shirt as she whimpers. My eyes lock with hers asking her if I should continue , but she said nothing. I remove another button exposing her cleavages.

    You would look at her all day and you would never get tired.

    ¡°I¡¯m .. I..¡± she stutter again.

    ¡°Lemme look at you Ariel.¡± I remove her hands that were already covering her breast.

    She sigh and let me remove another button. I remove another button and push the shirt down her shoulders smiling at her model like body. Why would she be ashamed of this ?

    ¡°I¡¯m not hurting you.¡± I whisper trying to calm her nerves. She gulp again.

    I kiss her neck and rub her smooth skin. She moan silently as I kiss her neck to her corbones. My hand brush past her panties and all I wanted to do was to take it out. I kiss the top of her breast and look at her eyes that were already filled with emotions. I sp my lips on hers and kissed her. It didn¡¯t take her a second to kiss back. She taste so good. I grab her waist and pull her to me feeling every of her skin. She¡¯s already wet and it¡¯s so fuckin obvious. I pinch her nipple as she gasp a moan in my mouth. Her eyes abruptly opens as she watch me pinch her nipple and twist it slowly. She looks seductive as fuck. She bites her bottom lip and breathe in sharply apanied by her moans.

    I kissed her shoulder de and suck on her corbone down to the top of her breast. My eyes move up to look at her and she looks nervous , shy, same time scared. I sigh and shut my eyes. She¡¯s too naive for this. I open my eyes and smiled at her.

    I run my fingers through her long hair and begin buttoning the shirt. I can¡¯t continue with this or I¡¯ll have her in my bed right away.

    ¡°Gray..¡± Reid¡¯s voice made her jerk as i quickly pull the shirt to cover her body.

    ¡°Oh.. seriously man.¡± He smirks and return back to the living room.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± She shyly nodded as I quickly button everything.

    I lift her off the counter and ce her on the floor. I kiss her temple and rub her lower back to soothe her.

    ¡°Reid , what the fuck man.¡± I walk to the living room to find Reid grinning. I fuckin hate that grin.

    ¡°Seriously man. Who¡¯s she ? Another one ?¡± I re at him as he throws his hand in the air to surrender.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    I turn to look at Ariel who isn¡¯tfortable.

    ¡°Go to the room.¡± I wink at her. She smile and look at Reid before walking away.

    ¡°What ?¡±

    ¡°Chill. I¡¯m here to talk business. dimir.¡± He rolls his eyes and walk to my bar to collect a drink.

    ¡°He sent some stupid men to stalk you at Armani¡¯s. You already left the club then..¡± he shrug and gulp a bountiful amount of my wine.

    ¡°Gray , dimir is after something that we¡¯re not aware of. The guys are in custody and i angrily shot one. The other one is a pussy and he¡¯s not really talking what on mars dimir wants.¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯s Meghan ?¡±

    ¡°Investigating on the Chinese endorsement.¡±

    ¡°Any improvement ?¡±

    He nods and smile to nothing.¡± We¡¯re setting a date between Mr Brown and Megan. I trust her seducing tactics , she¡¯s gonna steal a lot of informations.¡±

    I sigh and and punch the wall. I don¡¯t wanna kill someone. But some Russian prick is getting on my nerves. Stalking me like I¡¯m some crazy stripper.

    ¡°We¡¯ll talk when I¡¯m back. How did you even find me ?¡± I ask Reid who already consumed half of my wine. That cost a lot of money.

    ¡°I called Manny , you werent at the house so I was sure you¡¯d be hanging here with someone. Horny fuck face. So who¡¯s this unlucky one ?¡± I groan internally and re at him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t call her that.¡±

    ¡°Ohh. So who¡¯s she ?¡±

    ¡°You saw her.¡± I reply nkly.

    ¡°I saw nothing. Just some random ass. I don¡¯t remember seeing her on any magazine covers. What¡¯s up with your getid get paid shit. Is she a whore ?¡±

    I don¡¯t wanna break my close friend¡¯s nose , it won¡¯t be good.

    ¡°Later Reid.¡±

    He licks his bottom lip and nod before turning to the door.

    ¡°And get my code outta your head. Don¡¯t want you sneaking around.¡± I joke as he Chuckles.

    ¡°Shut up dick.¡± He scoffs and walk out of the apartment.

    I sigh and dart my head to the door that leads to the other rooms. I walk to the door and twist the doorknob. I notice Ariel standing there all this while eavesdropping behind that door.

    ¡°Tinkerbell , will you stop eavesdropping at my conversations ?¡±

    She smile innocently and wrap her hands behind her back.

    ¡°I¡¯m.. I , look I¡¯m sorry. I.. was¡­¡± I chuckle to her attempt of lying.

    ¡°You were curious , it¡¯s okay. Come here.¡± I take her hand and lead her back to the living room. I sit on the couch opposite the TV and pat the spot next to me for her to sit.

    ¡± How much did you hear ?¡± I ask her once she was sitting next to me.

    ¡°Not much. I was only curious , I¡¯m sorry.¡± She sigh and look down at herps.

    ¡°Are you still cold ?¡±

    ¡°Thanks , I¡¯m fine. You¡¯re shirtless, I should be the one concern.¡±

    I nod and look at her. She¡¯s avoiding my eyes and i really don¡¯t know why. Am I intimidating her ?

    ¡°I wanna go home.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re spending the night.¡±

    ¡°What ? Gray it¡¯s almost midnight. I should be at home. It¡¯s really not healthy for a woman to sleep out.¡±

    ¡°Yeah ? Spend the night.¡±

    Her head snap to look at me. I pout and look deep into her dark brown eyes.

    ¡°Please. We¡¯re not sharing same room. I just want you to spend the night.¡±

    ¡°Why ?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s my birthday and I want you to stay..¡± she¡¯s too dramatic and stubborn.

    ¡°On one condition.¡±

    ¡°Seriously ? Do I have to bribe you ?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re just gonna answer few questions from me. I¡¯m dying from answers.¡± She replies rather too seductive.

    ¡°Deal.¡±

    She grin and mentally squeal. I could imagine her doing a victory dance too.

    ¡°But you¡¯re gonna answer my questions too. Deal ?¡±

    She smiles shyly and suck her bottom lip. That¡¯s really cute.

    ¡°Deal.¡±

    Without expecting it , I carry her off the couch and sit her on myp. She jolts in shock and try to escape but I didn¡¯t let her.

    ¡°Breathe. You¡¯re not dying right ?¡± I raise my brows and smirk at her nerdiness on her face.

    She absently y with the buttons on the dress shirt and avoid my eyes. Her eyes glue to herps and my hands that were rubbing little circles on herp. So smooth.

    ¡°Your question.¡±

    She nod to reality and try to sit properly on myp. I hold her waist to make her still as she looks at me questionably. Just a wrong move and i will go hard underneath her.

    ¡°Becareful with that ass of yours. You¡¯re trying to see the effect you have on me.¡± I smile at her and she blush.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.. I..¡±

    ¡°Ask your question , I¡¯m fine.¡±

    She nod again and tap her chin like who¡¯s thinking.

    ¡°I have a lot of questions but let¡¯s go with who¡¯s that weird guy that barge into your house. How many houses do you have ?¡±

    ¡°His name is Reid. We¡¯re close friends right from highschool. And about how many houses I have , i don¡¯t really know. This is one of my temporary base , Ie here when I wanna be alone. Second question.¡±

    ¡°How many girls have you brought here ?¡±

    I chuckle to her choice of question.

    ¡°Just you. I don¡¯t bring girls here.¡±

    ¡°Why me ?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s your third question. You¡¯re cheating cause I¡¯m next.¡±

    ¡°Fiinnee¡­¡± She roll her eyes and turn to look at me.

    ¡°So what¡¯s your question Jamal ?¡± She smirks and wink. Did she just wink ? And even called me Jamal again.

    ¡°Stop calling me Jamal.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Jamal , I really can¡¯t stop. My mouth won¡¯t just oblige.¡± She shrug and chuckle.

    ¡°Fuck me.. I hate you.¡±

    ¡°You wish.¡± Is that a seductive tone ? She¡¯s filled with surprises.

    ¡°What¡¯s your question ?¡±

    ¡°Why were you against kissing me at first ?¡±

    Her eyes widen to my question. She blink her eyes and begin to fiddle her fingers again. I swat her hands to stop her and she blush.

    ¡°Stop doing that. You¡¯re not ten.¡± I tell her.

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± She huffs. ¡± I have never kissed someone before. I was shy and maybe scared that i will messed things up.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t kiss like novice ? Your bodynguages are always different from your physical attitude. I like kissing you and you were perfect.¡± She dart her head to look at me but look down quickly.

    I trail my fingers on her skin making her squirm unintentionally. I smirk at the way her body reacts to my touch.

    ¡°Second question. When I touched you, you acted weirdly like someone who¡¯s never been touched. Really ?¡± I say to her and I feel her heartbeat skip.

    ¡°I¡¯m.. it¡¯splicated. I can¡¯t exin that.¡± I read the expression on her face and she¡¯s trying by all means to avoid eye contact.

    ¡°Sure¡­¡±

    ¡°So who¡¯s dimir that¡¯s stalking you ?¡± She asks , this time meeting my gaze. Can¡¯t believe she heard that.

    ¡°A Russian asshole who¡¯s stalking me for his fuckin reasons.¡±

    ¡°And why ?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t really know. Still asking this same questions every single time. He¡¯s a dick.¡±

    She chuckle.¡± Maybe he¡¯s jealous of you and wants something you have and he doesn¡¯t.¡± Jealous ? He fuckin stole my Chinese deal that I¡¯m definitely gonna get back.

    ¡°Maybe true. I don¡¯t give a fuck.¡± Of course I do give a fuck. He¡¯s crossing my beast territory and I hate being tempered. Fuckin Russians.

    She rest her headzily on my chest and I¡¯m grateful she¡¯s learning to rx around.

    ¡°Are you the only child ?¡±

    For some reasons I was bewildered. Of course I¡¯m not the only child. I have an older brother who joined the army for some stupid reasons. To fight organized crime like it¡¯s easy. They went on a fight and he went MIA. No corpse, no words. Nothing and this is the fifth year since he left and never came back. I hate thinking about it. Deep down I don¡¯t wanna care.

    ¡°No. I have an older brother.¡± I rub her lower back and I could feel her rx to my body.

    ¡°Hmm. Is he cuter than you ?¡± She asks in a sleepy tone.

    I chuckle quietly.¡±I think yes.¡±

    ¡°Hmm..¡± she absently trail her fingers on my chest to my arm.

    ¡°Do all your tattoos have meaning ?¡± She ask me with her soft voice.

    ¡°Not all. A lot has meaning.¡±

    ¡°Wow. I wish to discover them someday.¡± She mutter and then quietness upy the living room.

    She slowly move her fingers on my torso and my body tenses to every touch. That¡¯s weird and unexpected. I rest my head on the couch and let her touch me however she wants. I stroke her thighs and legs. She¡¯s delicate and every single guy would love to lick her up.

    ¡°Gray..¡± she mutters quietly.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± I reply, head still resting on the couch and my eyes are shut.

    ¡°What do you want from me ? Why me ?¡±

    And that¡¯s the one billion dor question that I have no answer for.

    What do I want from her ?

    ¡°You make me happy Gray.¡± She murmurs and I could hear her gentle breathing. She¡¯s asleep.

    ¡± Please don¡¯t hurt me like him¡­.¡±

    ~ARIEL~

    ¡°So where were you through outst night ? You didn¡¯t sleep at home Ariel.¡± Mom says ring at me while holding her cup of tea.

    It¡¯s Saturday and my parents request to see us. I was certain this was because Leslie must have called them and told them I pped her. I sigh and look at my parents who were ring daggers at me. I hate to be here.

    ¡°I went out with Alexa.¡±

    ¡°You went out with Alexa ? And you spend the night in a man¡¯s house again, right ?¡± Dad asks.

    I suck in a deep breath and turn to look at Leslie who wouldn¡¯t stop smirking since we got here. Ugly witch.

    ¡°Dad I was with Alex and not with a man.¡±

    ¡°Did Alexa gave you those hickeys ?¡± Mom sneer. My heart beat drop to my feet and I realized this won¡¯t go well.

    Howe I didn¡¯t notice Gray gave me hickeys ? I absently touch my neck like I could obviously feel them.

    ¡°How many times have we told you to stop associating yourself with that stupid whore cousin of yours ? You¡¯re just adamant and a dirty lying whore.¡± Mom spit out.

    ¡°Mom , I¡¯m twenty, stop treating me like five.¡± I snap at both my parents.

    ¡°Twenty ? And you¡¯re not even a virgin. What happened to all the teachings in morning mass ? You learned nothing. You went ahead andmit fornication after our teachings of marriage before sex. Why can¡¯t you be like Leslie ?¡± Mom yell.

    Be like Leslie ? Wait, What ? I shake my head and absently y with my fork.

    ¡°Ariel , who gave you those hickeys ?¡± Dad asks , ring back at me.

    What am i supposed to tell them ? His name¡¯s Gray and I spent the night in his house and he obviously touched me and gave me love bites. How pathetic ?

    Their eyes settled on me as my family eye me up with taunting eyes.

    ¡°Ariel , if you don¡¯t start speaking , I¡¯m definitely gonna get angry at you and you know what that means. Who gave you hickeys ?¡± She yell , mming her palm on the dinning table. I flinch and whimper quitely.

    ¡°Ariel talk now. Or get ready to pick your things and move in with your mystery man. Also you should be prepared to pay your tuition fee for the rest three years of your stay in college.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you open your mouth and start talking. Now-¡°

 Chapter 17

    ¡± I don¡¯t know.¡± I shrug.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know ?¡± Mom asks quite mesmerized with my sudden confession.

    ¡± Seriously Ariel. So a ghost gave you love bites ?¡± Leslie chip in and I which I could chop out her gossip mouth. Of course I can¡¯t do that.

    ¡°I¡¯m not lying..¡± of course you¡¯re. My conscience taunts me.¡±I went out with Alexa and she decides we go party. I got drunk and maybe some random person touched me.¡± I lie. I almost puke to my lies. A random man seriously.

    At least it¡¯s better than saying it¡¯s Gray. My mom¡¯s gonna embarrass me and I don¡¯t want it.

    ¡°You were drunk again ? And a random man gave you hickeys ? So you¡¯re now a random whore ?¡± Mom asks. My heart squeeze to her ims . I¡¯m always hurt when being called whore.

    ¡°Ariel, what do you want ?¡± Dad asks calmly for once.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to. I was bored at home and I decide to go with Alex. .¡±

    ¡°You know , the first time you got drunk was because of Alexa. And you woke up with a hangover in a stranger¡¯s bed. And now you went out with her again , clearly you got drunk and fairly touched by a random man. What type of daughter are you ?¡±

    I was quiet for a moment before answering. I just wanna go back to college and hang out with Piper and Brandon.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry mom and dad. I mean it¡¯s weird you guys care about who I hang out with after you both took it out on me after my incident with Freddie. Why don¡¯t you bother asking if Leslie sleeps around or not or even if she has a boyfriend.¡± I utter as Leslie scoff.

    ¡± Really ? You wannapare yourself to Leslie ? Ariel , for Christ sake Leslie doesn¡¯t mess around. You had a best friend no one knew about. And you¡¯ve been sneaking around to visit him. How are we supposed to trust you ? You¡¯re trying to ruin our family by letting your hormones control you to sleep with Freddie when you¡¯re supposed to be taking your vows. What type of daughter are you ?¡± Mom cautions.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to think we hate you but, whatever thing you¡¯re doing you¡¯re stopping it with whoever you¡¯re doing it with. We expect good morals from you that¡¯s why we chose to send you to college to get a degree not to have sex.¡± Dad says.

    ¡°Just a little warning. If you ever mess around in college you¡¯re going to millitary school.¡± Mom adds with her usual unattractive res.

    Millitary school ? I¡¯m tripping.

    ¡°Why did you p Leslie ?¡± Dad ask the question I¡¯ve been waiting for.

    I blink my eyes and look at Leslie who¡¯s scowling at me.¡± She insulted me and I got angry so I had to p her.¡±

    ¡°She insulted you huh ? She tried to caution you with your slutty outfit and you called that insult ?¡± Mom yell not taking her eyes off me.

    ¡°Ariel, apologize now. Apologize to your sister.¡± My head snap to Leslie who¡¯s now leaning her cheek on her fisted elbow.

    She smirks and roll her eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Leslie.¡± I tell her with sarcasm. I regret it whole time.

    ¡°Good. Get ready, you¡¯re confessing to the priest tomorrow about your sins.¡± Mom deres standing up with her already emptied mug.

    ¡°I thought confessiones from the heart ? I can¡¯t even think of a sin that I¡¯vemitted.¡± I protest.

    ¡°You want me to remind you of your sins ? You¡¯re pathetic.¡± With that said , she walks to the kitchen.

    Dad shake his head slowly and walk to the direction of the stairs. Mom walk back and follow her husband upstairs.

    ¡°Won a medal yet ?¡± I ask Leslie as she smirks.

    ¡°I will soon.¡±

    ¡°Yeah and I hope you get into some ugly shit soon. You¡¯re just jealous of me. Why can¡¯t you admit it you coward.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d rather drink urine than be jealous of your ugly ass.¡± She scoffs. ¡± How can you be so careless ? Letting a random guy give you hickeys in the first ce. You are tripping.¡± She hisses and stand up, taking her tes off the table as she head to the kitchen.

    ¡°Yeah better than your ugly ass, witch.¡± I grit my teeth and get up with my tes.

    After church service the following morning , mom forced me to make a confession. I was angry and hopeless. Most times I wish I can make my own decisions like every normal adult. But I¡¯m not normal , infact my family is not normal. My mom acts like she¡¯s dad almost every time. Making the decisions. If she¡¯s allowed she would choose our own major for us at school. I can¡¯t wait till the day Leslie would be caught with her sneaky attitude.

    I left the confession booth without making any confessions and go back to meet mom and dad. Dad¡¯s fighting hard to be made deacon again in this new parish. I just hope he doesn¡¯t get it or maybe he should get it so that they would leave my life alone. Mom made me ask for forgiveness from the statue of Jesus on the cross. I did as instructed and we left. Leslie drove us back to college. The tension between us was thick and you could almost feel it slit your throat.

    Music res from the radio and Leslie keep on nodding and absently dancing to the song.

    ¡°So Ariel , learnt your lessons yet ?¡± She asks not ncing at me. I can¡¯t learn my lessons till I rip out her hair extensions.

    I ignore her and watch the moving objects through the window. I remembered Gray again. Driving in his expensive tinted sport¡¯s cars with expensive leather seats and wealthy mansions. Deep down I wanna stay away from Gray but my conscience won¡¯t let me. Reminding me every single time, that he¡¯s cool and I should y his game of cards. Hanging with Gray is like changing your perspectives.

    He changes you without even knowing it. I thought aboutst night. Me sitting on his counter with him in between my legs touching me. Just the thought of him kissing my neck and trailing his fingers on my bare thighs surges heat to rise on my skin as it traveled to my sensitive part. Oh God ! What¡¯s he doing to me ?

    ¡°¡­. But yet you. Ariel.¡± Leslie snap me out of my thoughts. Wait, what¡¯s she speaking since ?

    ¡°What ?¡±

    ¡°Why are you sweating ? You look like someone who¡¯s thinking. What are you thinking about ?¡± Since when did she care ?

    I scoff and look back at the road blocking my mind from Gray and Leslie. They are all bad news. How could I easily fall for his flirty tone and arousing touch ? That wasn¡¯t me. Maybe I was half drunk. ¡°Liar¡± my inner selfughs at me. I groan absently trying to fight the annoying feeling down my core. This is wrong. Gray is wrong. He¡¯s not good for you and you don¡¯t want a man. They are all rapists.

    ¡°Yeah , whatever. Gray is a hot rapist.¡± My inner woman mocks. God , go away.

    ¡°Ariel ! Are you even listening to me ?¡± Leslie asks snapping her fingers in my face.

    ¡°No. I don¡¯t wanna listen to you.¡±

    ¡°You remember what mom said right ? That if you keep on disgracing the family with your illegal attitude , you should probably get ready to fight her.¡± I re at Leslie and ignore her.

    Most times I feel Leslie is jealous of me ? And secondly she can¡¯t be jealous of me. She¡¯s better than me . In terms of looks and lucks. My phone vibrates as i shove it out from my bag. A message from Gray.

    FROM GRAY: Thinking about me ?

    I gulp and shamelessly letst night¡¯s event crawl into my holy mind. Him snapping my panties against my skin. Wearing his dress shirt and I was bare in front of me. Great he saw my titties. How could I let him unbutton my-his shirt to reveal my body to him. That must be a voodoo magic.

    Liar. You liked it.

    ¡°Woah , a message.¡± Leslie snap my phone out of my hand while handling the wheel with her left hand and her eyes partially staring at the road.

    ¡°Leslie give it back. You¡¯re gonna get us killed.¡±

    She snort out augh.¡± Thinking about me ?¡± Sheughs and toss my phone on myps. ¡± Who¡¯s this fucked up Gray ? I¡¯m sure he¡¯s some ugly English teacher in kindergarten.¡± Sheughs again.

    Yeah ? Or he¡¯s the annoying grey eyes temptation you¡¯ve been crushing on. I wish I told her that.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    ¡°Why are you so proud ? What makes you think you¡¯re always better ?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because I¡¯m always better. I can¡¯t believe you dressed slutty to go to Armani¡¯s in other to attract Gray Carter to look at you. Ariel, Gray Carter is way pass your league. He would never look at you no matter how hard you try to dress slutty.¡±

    Idiot.. Crazy he begged me to kiss him , jealous witch. I groan internally and ignore her looking at the text. I have better things to do with my time and not replying failures like Leslie.

    ¡°You should focus on your silly old Gray teacher. I¡¯m sure he¡¯s gonna be really ugly. Maybe you should focus on going back to the convent , that¡¯s where you belong. Not some bad girl romance circle. You don¡¯t fit in sis.¡± She mocks and I didn¡¯t notice we¡¯re at the parking lot of our apartment.

    ¡°Asshole..¡± I mutter and unfasten my seatbelt.

    I get out of the car with the strap of my bag hanging on my shoulders. I ignore Gray¡¯s text message and Imagined i never saw it. I need to stay away from him if I wanna graduate from college.

    ¡°Hey Hazel. Yeah , I¡¯m at home.. sure¡­¡± Leslie speaks on the phone as we step on the elevator.

    My phone vibrates inside my bag again and I wish it isn¡¯t Gray. Leslie continues talking on the phone till we reach our floor. I unlock the door and walk straight to my room. I check my phone and it¡¯s four missed calls already. Alexa , Piper and Brandon. I dial Piper¡¯s number and call her back.

    ¡°Arie. What¡¯s up with you ? You disappeared at the club on Friday and today is fuckin Sunday. What happened to you ?¡± I chuckle and roll my eyes stepping out of my shoes.

    ¡°Nothing. I went home with my sister.¡± I reply and sit on my bed with my feet still on the floor.

    ¡°Is that Ariel ?¡± I hear Brandon¡¯s voice in the background.¡±I need to talk with her.¡± I could hear rattling noises like they are fighting to take the phone.

    ¡°Guys¡­¡± I giggle at their childish behavior.

    ¡°Damn girl .¡± Brandon breath out and I could hear Piper wince on the phone.

    ¡°Brandon , what did you do to her ?¡±

    ¡°Nothing to worry about sweetheart. We¡¯reing over ASAP.¡± Just that , he cuts the call.

    I roll my eyes and drop my phone on the bed to get undressed. I called Alexa and it went straight to voicemail. I put on my pajamas bottom with a loose t-shirt since it¡¯s almost evening and I have no where to go. I walk out of my room to the kitchen to eat something. I prepare cereal with milk since it¡¯s easier to make. My phone vibrates again and it¡¯s a message from Gray. Another message.

    FROM GRAY: Stop snubbing me. It makes me wanna drive to your apartment and press you against the wall to feel you again. I don¡¯t mind giving you more hickeys .

    Asshole , talking about hickeys.

    TO GRAY: Talking about hickeys , why did you give me one ?

    I ce my phone on the counter to continue my cereal only to get distracted by a new message.

    FROM GRAY: I know my hickeys look good on you , you¡¯re wee.

    TO GRAY: Why are you always difficult ?

    FROM GRAY: That attracted me to you , Tinkerbell. I have a party this weekend. You shoulde with me.

    TO GRAY: No. I wanna stay away from you.

    FROM GRAY: It¡¯s funny you can¡¯t. You wish you could rewindst night. You were pretty and seductive. You made my birthday.

    I groan and mute my phone in other not to hear more messages from Gray. I face the screen of my phone on the counter and finish my meal. The doorbell chimers as I stand to get it.

    ¡°Wow.¡± Piper says as she walks inside and behind her was Brandon.

    ¡°You both look toast.¡± I shut the door and follow them behind to the living room.

    Piper plump down on the floor while Brandon sit on the couch above Piper.

    ¡°She¡¯s suffering from Fridays hangover. Where did you travel to on Friday night ? Mars ?¡± I chuckle and sit on the opposite couch.

    ¡± No. I¡­¡±

    ¡°Wait ! Is that a hickey ?¡± Piper asks as she sit up including Brandon.

    ¡°Oh my God. Buddy¡¯s got a love bite.¡± She squeal and rush to sit close to me.

    ¡°Did you gotid ?¡± She ask batting hershes.

    ¡°No , gross. I didn¡¯t getid.¡± I snort.

    ¡°Babe you got a hickey. Who gave you ? It¡¯s so hot.¡± Brandon smirks.

    ¡°Jesus. It¡¯s not a hickey. It¡¯s a skin reaction.¡±

    ¡°Such a liar. Not just a hooker but also a terrible liar. You¡¯re not even good at lying.¡± Leslie butt in sitting on the single couch with a bowl of cereal on her hand.

    Piper¡¯s face went pale as she stare at Leslie¡¯s figure. She hate Leslie and that¡¯s really cool.

    ¡°Ariel. Who¡¯s this lucky guy ? Tell me ?¡± Piper chip in ignoring Leslie¡¯s horrible existence.

    ¡°Some teacher called Gray.¡± Leslieughs as she snorts at the end. How did she be my sister ?

    ¡°You really hate your sister.¡± Brandon says looking at Leslie.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mister. I¡¯m just trying to help , she would never tell you who gave her those hickeys.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re lucky you know..¡±Piper continues ignoring Leslie.¡±I can¡¯t even remember when someone gave me a love bite. You must be special to him.¡± Piper smiles.

    Should I tell them ? Hell no. I don¡¯t wanna talk about Gray. We¡¯re nothing and I¡¯m not willing to risk it.

    ¡°There¡¯s a frat party tonight. You shoulde.¡± Piper changes the subject.

    ¡°Frat night ?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. It will be fun. You don¡¯t wanna get stuck with Goliath¡¯s Bride all night.¡± Piper nudge me as I chuckle.

    I can¡¯t believe she called Leslie Goliath¡¯s Bride.

    ¡°She¡¯s noting.¡± Leslie said at once.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry , who are you ?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m the one who¡¯s gonna throw your ass out of my house if you dare me. She¡¯s noting to your slutty frat party and you won¡¯t say shit about it.¡± Leslie says and i didn¡¯t notice they are already up ring at each other.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry mother , you don¡¯t make decisions for her.¡± Piper scowl.

    ¡°You should get your ugly slutty face out of my house right now. Don¡¯t let me push you.¡± Leslie sneers at Piper whose nose is already ring.

    ¡°Okay. Guys.¡± Brandon chip in standing up.

    ¡°Leslie , Piper please.¡± I plea. I can¡¯t stand watching my sister and my friend fight to death because of nothing useful.

    ¡°Get out. Both of you.¡± Leslie orders.

    ¡°Leslie they ain¡¯t leaving..¡± I stand up and cross my arms.

    Piper already clenched her fist and one wrong word from Leslie and that fist will collide with Leslie¡¯s tan face. That won¡¯t be good. Maybe it will be good.

    ¡°Leslie , enough.¡± I snap at her.

    ¡± Now you gonna shut up , you unfortunate idiot.¡± Woah. Really ? Unfortunate ? Idiot ?

    Leslie res at me and turn to face Piper.

    ¡°You should take your raggedy ass outta my house. You bitchy broke ass slut.¡± And that was all it takes for hell to break loose.

 Chapter 18

    Leslie sits on a chair as she wince continuously at her almost swollen cheek and broken nose. Piper did that and for some devilish reasons I apuded her. I didn¡¯t n to attend a frat party and also I don¡¯t wanna argue with my parents again. I wanna go to college , graduate and work. Fighting and arguing with Leslie will never make meplete those dreams. And there¡¯s no job around college. No one¡¯s willing to hire because we¡¯re way pass the semester and exams are also approaching. Plus this isn¡¯t an ordinary college. It¡¯s so expensive.

    I sit opposite her and watch as she stare at nothing. She¡¯s angry and any slight remark we will be fighting. I pleaded with Brandon to take Piper out and text them afterwards that i was sorry.

    ¡°You know you cause this right ?¡± She snarls.

    ¡°I can¡¯t remember I did. You couldn¡¯t control your temper because of a stupid frat party. I never wanted to go but you just freaked out.¡±

    She snorts and bite her bottom lip.

    ¡°You should stop making decisions for me. The fact that our parents liked you more and they listen to every lie you tell them doesn¡¯t mean you will tell me how to live my life Leslie. You¡¯re not mom and I¡¯ll be d if you stop and act like an adult.¡± I told her and walk out of the kitchen.

    I plump down on the couch opposite the TV and turn it on to watch my now favorite series.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Leslie ?¡± I turn around at the sound of the noise only to see Hazel dressed like a hooker.

    ¡°Kitchen.¡± I reply and turn my head to watch the movie.

    The sound of stilettos kiss the tiled floor as she makes her way to Leslie who look like a chicken who got bathed in hot water.

    ¡°How dare she do this to you ?¡± Hazel thunder from the kitchen.

    ¡°Who gives a fuck if she¡¯s your sister¡¯s ugly friend ? We are confronting her and she has to pay. What¡¯s wrong with her cheap ass ?¡± I shake my head sideways to Hazel¡¯s continuous ranting. Stupid friend. She doesn¡¯t use her silly vulgarnguage around my mom. What a waste of man¡¯s seed.

    ¡°You should forget about her. She¡¯s as stupid as her name Piper. It hurts I only gave her a broken nose. How dare she ? But it¡¯s passed though. What¡¯s up with the outfit ?¡± Leslie asks. I pick up the remote control and decrease the volume a little. What snitch I am.

    ¡°We¡¯re supposed to be partying tonight , you forgot.¡± Hazel whisper and I heard it.

    ¡°I can¡¯t anymore. Take a look at me.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Piper left a mark.¡±

    ¡°I hate her. She¡¯s too sassy and thinks she rules the world.¡±

    ¡°That should go to your cousin Alexa. I just don¡¯t like her either. Too annoying and she thinks she owns everything. Ugly dirty bitch.¡±

    I scoff at how boring their conversation is as I increase the volume of my movie.

    ¡°Hayden asks about you.¡± I heard Hazel¡¯s voice. Leslie snorts.

    ¡°I want something better. Not a stupid red head college dick. He sucks. This is New York , every new Yorkers needs to be stunting bitch. Alexa¡¯s got a super rich model fuck mate. I¡¯m stuck with an annoying college asshole. I¡¯d kill to be in bed with someone hotter and richer.¡±

    Hazel gasp.¡±Gray Carter ?¡±

    She scoffs.¡±He might be hot and all dreamy , bitch I ain¡¯t give a fuck. Stop wanting what every loose bitches want. Go for something better.¡±

    ¡± Gray is also better. Dude¡¯s rich and only beds super models. Typically I¡¯d like to try his boner and don¡¯t get stuck in line with other weirdos.¡± They chuckle.

    God , this is Gross. I groan and switch off the TV toplete the movie on myptop. I can¡¯t even think properly with just thinking about Leslie¡¯s dirty wishes. I wanna puke. Gray can¡¯t be that loose. Sleeping with everything on skirt , no way. I need to stay far away from him. A million miles if possible.

    .

    ***

    .

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe your sister would fight Piper over such silly issues. That¡­¡± He sips his coffee.¡±was extremely childish.¡± Brandon said that day after ss.

    Monday has been terribly long and hard for me. Hard because I can¡¯t stop thinking about Gray touching me again.

    ¡± You know the craziest ? I don¡¯t get why she stopped you from attending amon frat party. That was stupid. I mean you¡¯re not 16 and you¡¯re in college. She acts like she doesn¡¯t fuck a stupid redhead college asshole.¡± Piper groan.

    ¡°Sex you mean ? Why say the f word so loud ?¡± I shrug and grab my Coke.

    Brandon turn to look at Piper as they both turn to look at me.

    ¡°Ariel seriously.¡± Piper snorts out augh. Seriously, what¡¯s funny ?

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. We¡¯re just worried about you. Did you guys fought ?¡± Brandon asks.

    ¡°No. We didn¡¯t.¡± I sigh. I tap absently on the table as Brandon and Piper watch me.

    ¡°Did she always control you ?¡±

    ¡°Who ? Leslie ?¡±

    ¡°Yeah she. What¡¯s going on ? You could talk to us Ariel. We¡¯re your close friends and it¡¯s gonna be nice if we know what¡¯s going on.¡±

    ¡°Alright. It¡¯s not what you think. My father was once a deacon in my Catholic parish in Georgia. I wanted to be a nun but things didn¡¯t go as nned. My best friend Freddie , stole my virginity and I got kicked out of the convent. My dad lost his position and we had to move to New York. It¡¯s silly.¡± I shut my eyes and breathe in deeply. I shouldn¡¯t have let this out. I hate pity and I hate being judged too.

    ¡°So where the fuck is that fucker called Freddie ?¡± Piper ask like she¡¯s willing to shove a knife into Freddie¡¯s throat.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Maybe in Georgia. Look I don¡¯t care and I don¡¯t want to think about it. My parents are strict. They believe in sex before marriage. So I lost my innocence and I think no one listens to my decisions anymore because they think I slept with Freddie.¡±

    ¡°What ? They didn¡¯t believe you ?¡±

    ¡± Just the truth.¡±

    ¡°Are they your biological parents ?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s silly Brandon. They are my biological parents. I think they are being paranoid because I made them loose their positions in church. Especially my father.¡±

    ¡°But that wasn¡¯t your fault.¡± Piper points out. ¡°Just the fault of that dildo you called best friend. I¡¯m truly sorry about that. But I envy you though. You act like everything¡¯s cool.¡±

    ¡°I have to, else I¡¯m just gonna die of depression.¡± I sigh and drink from my Coke.

    ¡°The world is cruel sometimes. My mom kicked me out because she thought I was some bad luck on her new marriage with her new husband. He wanted to abuse me but I didn¡¯t let that happen. I kneeled his ugly balls.¡± Piper sniffles andugh sarcastically.

    ¡°What happened to him ?¡± I ask Piper after settling from myughter.

    ¡°He lied to my mom that i seduced him and begged him for sex. She threw me out and I don¡¯t know what happened to my life. My dad got back from jail and I¡¯m right here. Breathing like that type of shit never happened. I hate my mom.¡± She cackles taking a slice of her already cold pizza.

    ¡°That¡¯s deep.¡± I mutter.

    ¡°You¡¯re stronger than I expected.¡± I chuckle.

    ¡°Thanks to Brandon.¡± She fist bump Brandon.

    ¡°Did you miss the convent ?¡± Brandon ask out of the blue.

    ¡°Maybe I do. Sometimes I don¡¯t. I don¡¯t really know what to say.¡±Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    ¡°Look I might not be religious and all that stuff but I¡¯m certain God never wanted you to be a sister. He wants you to have fun. When i mean fun, I mean boyfriends , parties , sex¡­¡± Piper trails off. I spit out the coke and i almost choke at her word.

    ¡°Piper that¡¯s not really cool¡­.¡± Iugh.

    ¡°She might be obviously right you know. It¡¯s just, most times it¡¯s not what we want that we end up having. It¡¯s just the tactics of this fucked up world.¡± Brandon adds while I nod.

    ¡± Oh shit , Jamie..¡± Piper hisses clearly frustrated. She picked up Brandon¡¯s magazine from the table and pretends to read it.

    I look around the restaurant to see any Jamie. Brandon chuckles quietly as we watch Piper.

    ¡°Here hees.¡± Brandon whisper counts.

    A guy walks into the restaurant as he walk to the counter. He has blonde hair and really cute. That boyish type of cute. Obviously he¡¯s a nerd with his perfect green eyes that¡¯s hidden under his sses.

    ¡°Piper , seriously..¡± I whisper but she didn¡¯t reply or made attempt of removing the magazine from her face.

    Jamie taps his hand on the counter as he scan the booths. His eyes settles on our booth as a boyish smile creep into his lips. Great ! He caught her. Without collecting his orders , Jamie walk to our booth.

    ¡°Hi Brandon. Hi Piper and to you.¡± He directs the ¡®you¡¯ to me.

    Piper drops the magazine like she wasn¡¯t hiding from him.

    ¡°Hi Jamie.¡± Piper says to the guy.

    ¡°Hi Jamie. Sup dude.¡± Brandon said to the guy.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to disturb. Piper you¡¯re not picking my calls. Did I offend you ?¡± Jamie asks seating close to me.

    ¡± No Jamie. I¡¯m really sorry. My mom caught the flu and I¡¯ve been hanging around her preupied. I¡¯m totally sorry.¡± She smiles at him rubbing his hand.

    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry. I didn¡¯t know. I thought you were avoiding me.¡±

    ¡°Why would I do that ?¡± She ask him seductively.

    I raise my drink to my nose and meet eyes with Brandon who¡¯s holding back hisughter. I shrug and giggle silently.

    ¡°Thanks. Can I stop by at your ce tomorrow ?¡±

    ¡°Um.. I¡¯ll call you Jamie. Okay ?¡± She pouts still rubbing hopes on the back of Jamie¡¯s hands.

    ¡°Yeah sure. I¡¯d be d.¡± He stand to his feet and adjusts his backpack.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry i didn¡¯t get your name.¡± He turns to look at me with an innocent smile.

    ¡°Ariel. I¡¯m Ariel.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you Ariel.¡±

    ¡°My pleasure.¡± He smiled at Brandon and Piper and head back to the counter to collect his orders after which he left.

    Piper groans loudly and fall back on her chair.

    ¡°Seriously I feel like drinking piss. Jamie is¡­¡±

    ¡°Too good for you. You¡¯re this bad ass who is trying to hurt his feelings. Jesus , I have never seen someone as genuine as him.¡± I remark.

    ¡°He¡¯s not my type.¡±

    ¡°Because he¡¯s a nerd ? He¡¯s so sweet and too good. I pity him. Why would he choose to be with you. There are thousands of nerds in college who would dly be with him.¡±

    ¡°And he¡¯s so damn intelligent. What a cute little guy.¡± Brandon said eating from Piper¡¯s cold pizza.

    She remain silent as she stare at me. Her mouth open to say something but nothinges out.

    ¡°You should let him go and tell him you can never want him. Stop hurting his feelings. He¡¯s a good guy though.¡±

    ¡°Whatever mother.¡±

    ¡­¡­..

    It¡¯s Wednesday and ss was better today. I¡¯ve been avoiding Gray like a gue even if he wasn¡¯t the easiest person to avoid. When ever I¡¯m lonely, I see him creep into my thoughts and take over. All I could see is his birthday night. Some part of me wants that to happen again. And maybe the careful part of me just don¡¯t wanna go near Gray. He¡¯s like my unsolved mysteries.

    Turning off the shower , I step out with my towel wrapped around my chest. I wring out water from my hair and walk into my room. Taking deep breaths , I stand in front of my mirror to take in my reflection. I flinch to the image behind me as I turn around. There he was, standing in all glory beside my door. His grey eyes watch me carefully as that all too familiar smirk find it¡¯s way to his perfect lips that makes me want him each time they worship my neck. Breathe Ariel.

    I shut my eyes and open it to be sure if i wasn¡¯t seeing things. But it was him. I feel my feets go weak as he pulls his weight from my door. He walk to where I¡¯m standing and I couldn¡¯t breathe again.

    ¡°How did you get in ?¡± I ask once he was two feet away from me.

    ¡°Through the roof.¡± He says with so much sarcasm.

    ¡°And I knocked.¡± He takes one step and he¡¯s a feet from me.

    I totally forgot I¡¯m with just my towel in front of him. I ce my hand on the top of the towel as I try to look anywhere else but not him. He smirks and look at my already sweaty hands holding my towel.

    ¡°Gray i need to change.¡± I said quietly and I wasn¡¯t even sure if he heard that. And then he takes hisst step and we¡¯re so close.

    All the hairs in my back stand in unison as I feel the goosebumps he¡¯s giving me.

    ¡°Why are you avoiding me ?¡± He asks, his eyes not leaving mine. They move slowly as they settle on my lips.

    ¡°Gray¡­¡±

    ¡°Tell me..¡± he whispers. His right hand wrap possessively around my waist as he pulls me to himself. Oh God.

    I gulp to our closeness. He gently removes my hand that guards the up of my towel as my hands tten on his chest automatically.

    ¡°I thought you wanted to stay away from him¡­¡± My inner woman mocks me.

    He leans closer and kiss my neck softly. My eyes shut on it¡¯s own as I lean to his touch.

    ¡°I missed you.¡± He whisper to my neck still trailing his kisses on my neck. I feel all the heat in my body made it¡¯s way to my core.

    Gray kisses my neck gently as he wrap both hands around my waist pulling me to his build. My mouth parted slightly as a quiet moan escape out of my mouth. I feel his index finger move smoothly on my bare thighs. He continues kissing my neck to my corbone with his forefinger making it¡¯s way underneath my towel. His finger stop right under my towel as he pull back to gaze at my face inches away away from his.

    ¡°Touch me Gray.¡± And that slip out of my mouth before I could even register what I just ask for.

    His lips sp against mine as he kisses me deeply. My hands loop around his neck and I kiss back. Our lips move in rhythm as we fought in dominance. I moan in his mouth kissing him with everything that I¡¯ve got. I missed him or maybe my hormones are just ying with my mind. He nip gently on my bottom lip and suck on it. His right hand move beneath my towel as it caress my skin expertly. I moan to the effect he has on me which I quite didn¡¯t expect. He stops touching me as he focus on the kiss. Sitting on the edge of my bed , I sit on his legs and straddle him. He grip to my butt and pull me closer to himself.

    With swift movement I toss his Jacket on my bed and let my fingers graze his perfect tatted tone arms. I slowly trail my fingers on his arms to his bicep and wrap my little hand at the back of his neck to pull his lips to meet mine. I grind slowly on hisps and a quick groan escape his mouth to our hips connection.

    ¡± Don¡¯t do that except you¡¯re willing to take me in.¡± He whispers in my lips and I smirk. d I have an effect on him.

    ¡°You taste so good.¡± He says and kiss my neck down to my corbone.

    ¡°We should take this off.¡± He motion to my towel hiding my nude self.

    I chuckle and breathe in. Am i ready for this ? I want him like I haven¡¯t wanted someone in my life before. What are these feelings ?

    ¡± I won¡¯t go further if you don¡¯t want me to. We should do whatever thing that makes you happy.¡± He kiss my chest to my neck with his fingers digging into my butt.

    I moan as he continues kissing my neck.

    ¡°Ariel.¡± I hear Leslie¡¯s voice as she made her way to my room.

    Uh oh!

 Chapter 19

    I quickly hop out of Gray¡¯sp and he looks awkwardly okay. I get it , he doesn¡¯t understand. But how did he pass through my front door if he didn¡¯te in contact with Leslie. God my head is spinning.

    I rush to the door as Leslie knock on the door. If she sees Gray she¡¯s gonna freak out and telling my parents is the worst idea ever. Imagine sending me to military school. Hell no !

    ¡°Ariel.¡±

    ¡°What do you want ?¡± I ask leaning against my door with my arms cross across my chest.

    ¡°I just wanna ask you something. Will you open up ?¡± Hell no! traitor.

    ¡°Wha¡­.¡± I stutter as I feel Gray¡¯s lips on my sensitive skin past my ear.

    He stands behind me with his arms wrapped around my torso to pull my back against his front.

    ¡°Ariel¡­¡± Leslie snap me out of my mood. I blink my eyes and breathe in.

    ¡°Leslie , what you do you want ? You could just say it or go to bed.¡±

    ¡°Fine. Whatever fuck face. I just want to lend cash from you. I need to go out and I¡¯ll give you tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°When did you turn a beggar ?¡± I ask feeling Gray¡¯s seductive fingers graze my thighs with his lips perfectly adoring my skin. I¡¯m certain he¡¯s gonna leave a mark.

    ¡°Just give her and save yourself the stress.¡± Gray whispers kissing my temple.

    ¡°How much ?¡± I ask her and I could nearly feel her giggle.

    ¡°100 bucks.¡± I scoff and gasp a moan as Gray¡¯s finger gently brush past the corners of my breast. He¡¯s turning me on.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have cash with me right now. I¡¯ll give you tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Seriously Ariel ? I need it today and I¡¯m giving you back tomorrow.¡±

    Gray groans behind me and take his hands off me. I feel alone at once. I turn to look at him and watch him shove out money from his pocket.

    ¡°Give it to her.¡± He says forcing the money on my palm.

    ¡°No..¡± I whisper. He roll his eyes and threatened to unlock my door.

    ¡°Why are you doing this ?¡±

    ¡°Ariel , who are you talking to ?¡± Leslie asks from the other side of the door. I scoff and look at Gray whose hand is still on my knob. He raises his eyebrows and tilts his head to the side daring me to refuse his money.

    ¡°Ariel.¡± Leslie knocks lightly on my door.

    ¡°Fine¡­¡± I mentally smack my head and open the door to peek outside. Leslie tried to step inside my room but I beat her to it. I press the money on her chest at once.

    ¡°Goodnight.¡± I said and shut the door.

    ¡°Woah. This is almost four hundred. Thanks psycho.¡±

    ¡°Keep it, don¡¯t pay back.¡± I reply leaning against the door with my back.

    ¡°Have you started fucking a rich guy now ?¡±

    ¡°Will you please take your dirty mouth out of my door please and mind your business.¡±

    ¡± Is someone in there with you ?¡±

    ¡± Leslie , get out. You snitch too much. I¡¯m busy and I need to be alone.¡±

    She chuckles.¡± Is Gray in there with you ? Your kindergarten teacher..¡± She chuckles and scoff. Gray raises his brows clearly surprised. Yeah, kindergarten.

    He smirks and lean me against the door. Before i could reply Leslie he¡¯s already kissing me.

    ¡°Silly girl. You¡¯re lucky you lend me some cash.¡± Leslie scoffs. I hear her footsteps down the hall and the sound of her door being open and shut.

    ¡°Seriously ?¡± I bite his bottom lip and wiggle from his hold but he¡¯s not leaving me.

    ¡± Kindergarten teacher ?¡± He smirks and yfully smack my butt. Really ?

    I breathe in and bite the inside of my cheek. Yeah, he just spank my butt and I liked it.

    ¡°Tinkerbell..¡± he smirks and pull me into him knowing fully well he¡¯s making my stomach churn.

    ¡± She doesn¡¯t think it¡¯s you. Forget about her , she¡¯s psychotic.¡±

    He hums and nods. ¡°Go get dressed. I¡¯m taking you out.¡±

    ¡°Gray it¡¯s almost night fall. I need to study.¡± I whine.

    ¡°Skip it for tomorrow. We won¡¯t stay outte and you won¡¯t spend the night. I¡¯m gonna bring you back.¡± He smirks at his attempt of seduction as he tuck back my damp hair behind my ear.

    ¡°Fine. Go to the bathroom while I get dressed.¡± I walk past him and walk to the closet. I halt and turn around, Gray didn¡¯t bother to move but he continue watching me.

    ¡°You¡¯re not gonna watch me dress , right ?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll sit right on your couch and shut my eyes , better ?¡±

    ¡°Gray it¡¯s still the same.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t peek. I¡¯m not cheap.¡± He winks and walk to sit on my couch opposite the width of my bed. Truly he leans against the chair and stare nkly at the ceiling with his eyes shut.

    I quickly slip on a ck jeans under my towel and put on my bra. I search for a t-shirt and remembered it must be cold out there so I opted for a grey colored hoodie.

    ¡°Done..¡± I announce. Gray lowers his head as his eyes stay on my figure. Do I look that bad ?

    ¡°Why did you wear a grey colored hoodie ?¡± He asks calmly with his lower lip grazing his teeth.

    ¡°Um.. I totally forgot it¡¯s one of your favorite colors. I can take it off.¡± I say about removing it.

    ¡°You¡¯re pretty.¡± He says and that seems to halt my attempt.

    ¡°You¡¯re ready ?¡± He asks standing on his feet.

    ¡°I think.¡±

    He smiles and nod and we walk out of my room.

    .

    ?????

    .

    ¡± Why are all your cars tinted ?¡± I ask letting the night breeze soothe my skin cause he opens the sunroof of his car.

    ¡°Privacy.¡± He replies as he speed up down the dark street.

    My hair went in different directions because of the reckless air of the night.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you have a hairband or something to hold your hair still ?¡± He asks with his left hand on myp rubbing circles of warmth .

    ¡°Didn¡¯t carry any.¡± I chuckle and gather my hair to hold together and weave it to it¡¯s length.

    ¡°So you could do that all these while ?¡± Gray chuckles handling the wheel like the cute crackhead that he is.

    I shrug enjoying the warmth of his hand as he speed through the dark streets. The street light illuminated the street and it is beautiful. I stay quiet just as Gray as both of us bury our thoughts to the song ring on a normal rate from his stereo. He¡¯s a freak when ites to music. There¡¯s always a hidden sexual message to every of his song. I¡¯m just gonna get used to this and also his frequent cursing.

    ? Climb on board ?

    ? We¡¯ll go slow and high tempo ?

    ? Light and dark ?

    ? Hold me hard and mellow ?

    ? I¡¯m seeing the pain, seeing the pleasure ?

    ? Nobody but you, ¡®body but me

    ¡®Body but us, bodies together ?

    ? I love to hold you close, tonight and always ?

    ? I love to wake up next to you ?

    .

    ¡± So what¡¯s with your usual ylists ?¡± I ask him listening to the song.

    He chuckles and turn to look at me but look back at the road in no time. ¡± Don¡¯t like it ?¡±

    ¡± I do. It¡¯s just.. I don¡¯t know..¡± I sigh and smile.

    ¡± It¡¯s not always about sex. I guess the message is also about feelings and¡­¡±

    ¡°Love ?¡± I ask him and turn to look at him. He didn¡¯t reply or look at me but I feel his shoulders tensed at the word ¡®love¡¯.

    ¡± You don¡¯t believe in love right ?¡± I ask and chuckle and bite my bottom lip. His eyes snap to my figure on his passenger seat as a smirk curl up his lips.

    ¡± I didn¡¯t say that Snow White.¡±

    ¡± What¡¯s with the change of nicknames ?¡± I tuck back my loose strands of hair and cross my arms.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know..¡± he sighs and smile at me before looking back at the road.

    I nod and tap my fingers on the window sill and stare at nothing but the dark cold night.

    ¡°Are you always careful around your family including your sister ?¡± He asks out of the blue.

    I sigh.¡±Yeah. For a lot of reasons. I can¡¯t just say my family is not normal.¡±

    ¡± Are you abused or maybe yelled at ?¡±

    I shake my head.¡± Not really. They are just over protective and strict. They don¡¯t like boys sh boyfriends.¡± I chuckle nervously and bite my bottom lip.

    Gray nods and for once he removes his hand from myps and halts his car. This ce looks like a rural area. The yellow lights brighten the outside as people chatter. Not people but quite a normal amount of people.

    The distance has a firece with maybe couples who sits around it. The other side of the car park sits a guitarist who ys low and melodious music as he strums his guitar.

    ¡°Why do you like the countryside ?¡± I ask getting out of the car with Gray beside me.

    ¡°Maybe because I grew at this side of town in London. Mom likes it. When I was four I think, she suggests we move to the rural areas because of several reasons. It¡¯s peaceful and free from shits.¡± He says as we lean against his car.

    ¡°Wow. To be true , I like it here. They seems to always mind their business.¡±

    ¡°Exactly. Not some crowded city with silly assholes.¡± He Chuckles.

    ¡°I thought you like the developed areas more. I mean with fancy and ssy restaurants and clubs.¡±

    ¡± I think there¡¯s a time for everything.¡±

    ¡°Did you just quote the Bible for me ?¡± I ask him and raise my brows.

    ¡°Fuck Tinkerbell. What did you see me as ? An unreligious devil who skip Catholic ss ?¡± He snorts and shake his head.

    ¡°There are times for slutty clubs and hoes and time to getid.¡± He smirks and smiles at me.

    ¡°And also there are times to just escape the world with someone as pretty as you. Someone who is different.¡±

    And that¡¯s it. ¡®Different¡¯. Guys and the word different. My heart just melts the more and it¡¯s not really appreciative the more I get rxed around him. He makes me happy , fact. Gray doesn¡¯t judge me, another fact. And he¡¯s never pushy , triple facts.

    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± He whispers so his lips gently pecks my neck.

    I smile and cross my arm as I watch the guitarist.

    ¡°Just nothing. I¡¯m just d I¡¯m here.. with you..¡±

    ¡°Wanna drink something or maybe eat something ?¡± He asks as he lowers his head to look at me. Am I that short ?

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°What should I get you ?¡±

    ¡± Maybe Cookies or fries also maybe Sprite.¡±

    ¡°Sprite ?¡±

    ¡°What ? I like non-alcoholic.¡± Iugh at his expression.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± I yfully blow kisses at him as I watch him walk to the store at the other side of the road.

    I look around the park and smile at the guitarist. He concentrates on every string that he strims and sing along. About three couples stand close to the singer as most people drop coins and dor bills on his bowl. Removing a note from my back pocket , I walk to the guitarist and drop the bill.

    I walk back to my earlier position to lean on Gray¡¯s car. He walk out of of the store and my eyes couldn¡¯t peel off from his irresistible form. I think he was created on a Sunday morning when God might have decided to rest. His tattoos still crave out to their own perfections around his arms. His tone skin fits perfectly to his white T-shirt and his natural messy hair.

    ¡°Here.¡± He stretch a little paper bag at me.¡±Before you eye rape me.¡± I blush and take it.

    ¡°Thanks. A lot of cookies..¡± I murmur after opening the bag.

    ¡°Yeah. They are all yours.¡±

    I smile and nod to nothing.

    ¡°You wanna sit ?¡± He asks after battling with one cookie.

    ¡°Where are we gonna sit ?¡± He takes my hand and lead me to the trunk of his car. He lifts me off the ground and sit me on the trunk.

    ¡°Better ?¡± He asks with his seductive smirk. I nod and appreciating his gesture.

    ¡°You care for some ?¡± I ask shaking the cookie in his face.

    ¡°I don¡¯t eat cookies, Tinkerbell.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m stuck. Now i have two questions. Why don¡¯t you like cookies and why do you like calling me Tinkerbell ?¡±

    ¡°Nothing. Both answers.¡±

    ¡°Such a jerk.¡± I mutter with cookies stuck to my mouth.

    ¡°A cute jerk¡­¡± He bites his bottom getting in between my legs. I squirm absently to the new found connection.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t call you cute.¡±

    He shrugs and rub circles absently on my lower back.

    ¡°You should taste this.¡± I motion to another piece of cookie in my mouth.

    ¡°I should taste it in your mouth.¡±

    Wait ! What ? I bite the inside of my cheek to stop me from blushing so bad. My hands hang on the air still holding an already bitten cookie. He drops my hand to my side and tilts his head.

    ¡°Can I ?¡± I nod and swallow. He pinch a little amount and slide it inside my mouth. My lips wraps itself around his warm fingers and I can¡¯t really believe what I¡¯m doing.

    His fingers slide out of my mouth and his mouth takes over. He kissed me gently caressing my thighs up to my lower back. I wrap my hand around his neck as we kiss each other desperately. His hands slides under my hoodie and caress my bare back.

    ¡°Damn¡­¡±he breathe out touching our foreheads together.

    ¡°Where did you learn to kiss like that ?¡± He asks still leaning his forehead on mine.

    ¡°Maybe you thought me.¡± I chuckle as a matter of fact. I haven¡¯t kissed anyone before and it¡¯s quite addicting. Gray¡¯s my new addition and maybe my downfall that I can¡¯t resist.

    ¡°Why do I want you so bad ?¡± He asks taking his forehead off mine to stare into my eyes. I don¡¯t have an answer for that question.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know.¡± He chuckle and nod looking at my hand.

    ¡°I have a party this weekend. You shoulde with me.¡±

    ¡°I..¡±

    ¡°Please. I want you to apany me so I won¡¯t feel lonely. I¡¯ll get you a dress and everything you would need. Just say yes.¡± A party with Gray ? It won¡¯t be cool.

    ¡°I thought you said you wanted to stay away from him ? Look at you , nning to run into exile with him.¡± My own conscienceugh at me. I wish I could seal her up.

    ¡°Will it be safe ?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna be there right by your side.¡± Hece our fingers together and smile. ¡± And I will never pull away either.¡± He kiss my temple and that seems to reassure me that I¡¯ll be fine.

    ¡­.

    ¡± So what did you say your name is again ?¡± Thisdy whose name I¡¯vee to realize it¡¯s Meghan ask for the hundredth time.

    She¡¯s too pushy and sometimes weird. Gray ask her to take me out and get a dress for the party.

    ¡°Ariel.¡± I reply and watch her snake through the dresses on each wardrobe of a boutique that I have never visited.

    She¡¯s the definition of ss. Her shoes , hair and even her fakeshes. Fantasy sucks.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°So what did you give him ? Gray would never sleep with a girl like you .¡± Was that supposed toe out as an insult ? Yeah, it¡¯s an insult.

    ¡°Are you a model ?¡± She asks sarcastically.

    ¡°No. I¡¯m in college.¡±

    ¡°College¡­¡± Sheughs.

    God why can¡¯t I be active and aggressive. She stopsughing and eyes me from head to toe.

    ¡°You don¡¯t fit in his league. You know the funniest part , he¡¯s gonna get tired of you after getting you on his bed. You should concentrate on school and stop running after things that you can¡¯t handle. You don¡¯t know Gray. And once you discover who he is, It might be toote buddy¡­¡±

    And what¡¯s that supposed to mean?

 Chapter 20

    I wish I could run back to my apartment and sleep with my face pressed against my pillow. She is kinda right. I mean look at me¡­ And look at him. We¡¯re like two different people who may never fit in. Maybe Gray¡¯s too much and truth be told I don¡¯t even know what I am to him. Maybe one of his few toys.

    I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about her words. They were hurtful and insulting.

    ¡°Why did he choose to take you to the party ?¡±

    I cross my arms and let her go through every dress on each hanger and mannequins.

    ¡°You¡¯re too cheap and not ssy. Why don¡¯t you date someone your ss ?¡± She scoffs mockingly and pick out two dresses.

    ¡°Why do you care so much about who Gray sleeps with ? I mean you¡¯re just his employee and also a snitch.¡± She pause on her track and turn to look at me.

    ¡°Maybe because I don¡¯t like golddiggers like you.¡± She scowl, ring at me.

    ¡°I¡¯m not a golddigger.¡±

    ¡°Nobody cares. We¡¯ll need a lot of expensive things to cover up your bad tracks. Broke ass..¡± she chuckle and continue walking.

    I turn my back to the exit and walk out of the boutique. I might not be perfect but I won¡¯t let anyone look down at me. I hail a taxi and hop in. I received a text from Gray asking me if I was okay but I ignored him. Maybe he should stay away from me but he won¡¯t listen. I don¡¯t even wanna be around him either but something in me is always pushing me to him.

    Stopping right at my apartment , I get out and paid the driver before entering my apartment.

    .

    ~GRAY~

    .

    ¡± Why don¡¯t you start talking. I don¡¯t wanna hurt you and i don¡¯t feel like hurting you either. Why did your fuckin boss ask you to trail my movements and stalk me ?¡± I ask this weirdo.

    He whimpers and try to break out from the chains on the chair he was sitting. I have to cut out one of his fingers and he¡¯s still not talking. One bitchy movement and he¡¯s gonna get his blood littered.

    ¡°I ain¡¯t gonna tell you shit , dickhead.¡± He groans.

    ¡°Manny..¡± I snap at Manny as he collides his fist on this asshole. His head snap to the side at the effect of the punch.

    ¡°Turn him upside down and let him gag for air after his blood must have leak to his brain.¡± I said to Manny as i walk out of the warehouse.

    ¡°Ready for the party ?¡± Reid ask as we walk to my car.

    ¡°I should be sincere , I don¡¯t feel like going. But it¡¯s Trent, I need to show up to please the fucker.¡±

    ¡°And you¡¯re taking that nerdy girl as your date.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s not a nerd.¡± I scowl at Reid who¡¯s totally taken off guard by my sudden out burst.

    He chuckles.¡± What do you see in her Gray ?¡±

    ¡°A lot.¡±

    ¡°So, what¡¯s that supposed to mean ?¡±

    ¡°It means you¡¯re gonna take her out of your mouth and leave her alone. She¡¯s not one of your slutty hookers.¡±

    ¡°You remember Sinir right ?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a busy man Reid, I can¡¯t just recognize every douchebag.¡±

    ¡± Yeah ? Your father¡¯s sh your rival. He¡¯s gonna be there. Don¡¯t scare your little Birdy cause anybody can pull any type of stunt. You don¡¯t wanna risk her safety.¡± I sigh and stuck my hands in my front pocket.

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna be there. She¡¯ll be fine.¡± My chauffeur drove in with my car as I get in with Reid.

    .

    ¡­.

    ¡± Meghan where¡¯s she ?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. She was with me at the boutique and i couldn¡¯t find her anymore. She just disappeared and didn¡¯t tell me where she was going.¡±

    Reid exchange looks with me before picking up a cigar and a lighter.

    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean ?¡±

    ¡± Boss I don¡¯t know her whereabouts. It¡¯s like¡­. I don¡¯t know what to say.¡±

    I pick up my phone from the coffee table and dialed her number. She¡¯s not picking my calls and I push back the urge to drive to her apartment and have a word with her.

    ¡°What did you tell her ?¡± I ask after calling her several times and it was abortive.

    ¡°Nothing ..¡± she lie and it¡¯s just obvious.

    ¡°Meg, what did you tell her ?¡± I yell at Meghan who seems unfazed.

    ¡± Woah , woah, man take it easy on her. Meghan did you tell her anything on not ?¡±

    ¡°I told her nothing. I only did my job and she was being too nosy and rude.¡±

    ¡°Get out. If I find out you said shit to her , you¡¯re loosing your job.¡±

    She sighs and walk out.

    ¡°So you care so much about her ?¡±

    ¡°Dude, shut up.¡±

    ¡°Gray¡­¡± That all too familiar voice walks into the living. Good Lord what¡¯s she doing here ?

    ¡°Look who decides to show up. Jhene.¡± Reid said dragging non-stop on his cigar.

    ¡°Hi Reid. Hey babe.¡± Babe ? Fuck me. How did Ie to know her ?

    ¡°And I heard Trent¡¯s hosting a party tonight. Still dealing with shit with him ?¡± She asks and drop her bag on the single couch.

    ¡± What are you doing here Jhene ?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s rude. I just got back from LA and I sort of missed you . Plus Kennedy ising over. She missed you and I also need money for her child support.¡±

    ¡°Yeah , daddy.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t call me dad.¡± I snap at Reid. I really don¡¯t wanna imagine how Ie to know Jhene. Kennedy is the one thing I care about since she¡¯s family to me.

    ¡°I can¡¯t babysit , you know that right.¡±

    ¡°Get a babysitter. School¡¯s on vacation and I¡¯ll be busy with my fashion line. I have business to run.¡±

    ¡°Seriously Jhene. I also have business to run. I can¡¯t look out for her.¡±

    ¡°Business ? I don¡¯t remember you run one. Just fill up the space in my bank ount. I took her to Disnend and that shitty ce cost me a lot of money. And also mind your stupidnguage around my daughter. She¡¯s been learning to much swearing from you. I can¡¯t believe my 8 year old said the F-word because of you and you too Reid.¡±

    She rolls her eyes and smirks.

    ¡°What do you want ?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m hungry and I¡¯m horny.¡± She groan silently and climb upstairs.

    ¡°Most times I think I¡¯m a dad.¡±

    ¡°Literally you are. I can¡¯t keep up with her. It¡¯s annoying you had an affair with her before your older brother went MIA.¡±

    True. Jhene is my older brother¡¯s baby mama. It was just a one night stand few years ago and she returned with a baby. He was choice less and had to y his fatherly role. And now he¡¯s gone , I¡¯m basically the kid¡¯s second family aside her whore mother. She always wanna make me look like the dad and I hate it. I don¡¯t like kids , but Kennedy is a girl you can¡¯t avoid. I had to pay half of her bills and that includes taking care of her too. I literally feel like a dad.

    My ringing phone distract me from my thoughts and it was who I¡¯ve always wanted to talk to.

    ¡°Ariel , what happened ?¡± I ask her on the phone.

    ¡°I missed your call earlier.¡± Her voice sounds faint on the phone.

    ¡°Where are you ?¡±

    ¡°Home.¡±

    I sigh and run my fingers through my hair. I can¡¯t believe Meghan told her shit. If not for her expertise , she should be fired by now.

    ¡°What happened ? What did she say to you ?¡± The background went silent for few seconds.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry..¡± I say to her after waiting for her reply.

    ¡°I¡¯ming to pick you up.¡±

    ¡°Gray don¡¯t. I¡¯m fine just tired.¡±

    ¡°What about the party ?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna puke just being around people. What if I mess up ? What if I¡¯m notpatible for you ?¡± I knew it. Fuck Meghan. Why would she look down on herself every second. It¡¯s crazy she¡¯s the most beautiful girl I¡¯ve ever seen.

    ¡°I¡¯m sending my driver toe pick you up and someone better who¡¯s gonna shop for your clothes. Look I¡¯m sorry. You shoulde over and let¡¯s talk this over with.¡±

    Sheughs on the phone.¡± You¡¯re impossible Gray. I¡¯ll be waiting.¡±

    ¡°Hope you¡¯re okay with the press ?¡±

    ¡± Wait ? Really ?¡± She groan on the phone.

    ¡°I can¡¯t handle the media. You¡¯re popr and i don¡¯t want to get myself involved.¡±

    ¡°So what do you suggest ?¡± I ask and she remains silent on the phone.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Whatever that makes you happy.¡± She heaves a deep breath and I wish she was here. She drives me so fuckin Insane.

    ¡°Thanks. Get ready he¡¯sing to get you.¡±

    ¡°Gray..¡± she calls out after few seconds.

    ¡°Yeah ?¡±

    She giggles on the phone.

    ¡°Nevermind..¡± she chuckles and hang up.

    Fuck. Did she have to.

    ¡°You¡¯re crushing on her ? Gray you have to stop.¡±

    ¡°My dude , seriously, give me ten feet. Stop acting like the fuck face you¡¯re.¡±

    ¡°What ever thing you¡¯re nning man, you should quit. You can¡¯t run summit with some random girl.¡± I sigh and stare at my swimming pool through the transparent ss walls.

    Random girl huh ?

    .

    ~ARIEL~

    .

    Finally I agreed again. As long as I¡¯m still breathing maybe I can¡¯t really avoid Gray. A petite redhead dress me up for this mystery party with different types of makeup brush kissing my face every now and then. She decides on a light purple strap dress that drops mid thighs and a killer ss stilettos.

    I feel different with diamond ne and earrings. Now I feel fake. Yeah it¡¯s a party for the rich, you have to dress rich to fit in. I wanna be me not this silly wears that¡¯s gonna return to this closet after the party.

    ¡°They are all yours. You¡¯re keeping them.¡± She said with her obvious Latin ent.

    I watch her rece my ck colored hair with a blonde wig. She slightly brush the wave and finish my makeup.

    ¡°All done.¡± She squeal turning my swivel chair to look at the mirror.

    ¡°No way.¡±

    ¡°Yes way babe. I¡¯m a genius.¡± I watch the redhead through the mirror as she smiles.

    I look different. Like some super model. Is this what you look like when a stylist dress you up ? Someone else stare right back at me and that someone was so beautiful. The blonde wig fits my almost tan olive skin and I look beautiful. I know I look beautiful but then this new Blondie that¡¯s staring right back at me is different.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. Mr Carter is obviously waiting for you.¡± I stand up to my feet and almost trip on this heels but she hold me at once to keep me steady.

    ¡°Are you sure you can walk with this ?¡± She ask with a really stupid smirk.

    ¡°Yeah , thanks.¡± One wrong step and I¡¯m on my face kissing the floor.

    I follow her and she lead me to Gray. His eyes couldn¡¯t peel off off me as I slowly walk to his figure avoiding falling and embarrassing myself.

    ¡°I¡¯m just gonna leave.¡± The redhead mutters and walk away.

    Reid, I assume bites his bottom lip before walking away. I look at the floor and absently fiddle my fingers.

    ¡°Someone is nervous ?¡± He asks.

    I raise my head to look at him and his perfect grey orbs glue to mine. Oh God , I feel like peeing.

    ¡°Hi¡­¡± I said nervously.

    Gray chuckles. ¡± Hey. Ready.¡±

    I nod and take his.

    ¡°Be free to fall with those killer heels , I¡¯ll catch you.¡± He whispers as we walk outside to his convoy. I giggle and step inside his car with the help of his driver or whatever thing he calls him.

    The drive was quiet. Gray¡¯s eyes were always staring at me.

    ¡°Nice blonde.¡± He hold back his chuckle as I turn to look at him.

    ¡°I just hope I don¡¯t look bad.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re beautiful. As always.¡± I nervously nod my head and look at my feet like it¡¯s the most interesting thing ever.

    The car halts in front of a luxurious hotel. Wow. DYNASTIES read out in broad capital letters at the top.

    ¡°Don¡¯t freak out.¡± He whispers giving my hand a gentle squeeze as the driver open up the door for us to step out.

    Stepping out , my eyes snap to one of this crazy media assholes. One reason I choose not to study journalism. Stalkers. He guides me in with his hand not leaving my lower back. The cold air brush against my skin as we step inside including the eyes of who care to look at their new guest. It¡¯s fairly upied with rich people and their expensive clothes.

    ¡°Gray..¡± a man walks to us holding a ss of champagne I guess.

    ¡°Hi Trent.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t help but admire your date.¡± He flirts with his seducing smirk.

    ¡°She¡¯s out of the list. Look somewhere else Trent.¡±

    Out of the list. What¡¯s that supposed to mean ?This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    ¡°I see. It¡¯s nice you showed up. You mind I introduce you to New partners ?¡± He asks looking at me weirdly and then Gray. His brows were partially furrowed as Gray nods holding my hand.

    We walk to a secluded spot with a reserved table with two upants. All with suits. Gray draws out a seat and sit close to me after I¡¯ve settled down. He whispered something to Trent as he Trent nodded still not taking his dark eyes off me. Why are parties boring to me ? I zoned out of their conversation and glue my attention to the dance floor. Couples dance slowly to the ssic music while others chatter.

    I excused Gray to use the restroom which he wanted to follow me but I refused. I wanted space because I wasn¡¯tfortable with obviously rich people and Reid¡¯s unending dark stares. I stare at my reflection in the mirror and I¡¯m a bit tipsy with the few sses of champagne that I¡¯ve consumed. After taking several breaths, i step out of the restroom only to stand face to face with Reid. I don¡¯t like him , he¡¯s too creepy.

    ¡°Hi¡­¡± I stutter. He lean against the wall with his hands in his front pocket smirking at me.

    ¡°You look cheaply different. What do you want with Gray ?¡± What type of question is that ? Thest time i checked, Reid isn¡¯t gay.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry , what ?¡±

    ¡°How much did he offer you to get you in bed ? I¡¯m sure you¡¯re easily manipted.¡± He scowl.

    ¡°Please excuse me.¡± I proceed to walk past him but his hand raise up to smack my butt. Holy Christ.

    I turn to look at him shamelessly dumbfounded.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you ?¡± I yell.

    ¡°Nice ass you¡¯ve got. How much do I have to pay to feel that. Just tell me how much you charge for a night.¡± He smirks walking to my figure and forcefully pressing me against the wall.

    ¡°Leave me alone. Stay away from me.¡± I sob silently praying Gray should just walk in.

    ¡°When he¡¯s done with your little pussy why don¡¯t you be a good girl ande to my bed.¡±

    I push him off me and something extremely stronger in me pped him. I would never p someone , maybe except Leslie who made me think less of myself.

    ¡± Bitch.¡± He grabs my neck and push me gently against the wall.

    ¡°You¡¯ll regret this. If you know what¡¯s good for you , take your cheap ass and run away from me. If you by any chance tell Gray anything about what happened.¡± He chuckles and leans close to my ear.

    ¡± Get ready to mourn your stupid family every week.¡±

 Chapter 21

    GRAY

    Parties are never lively , reasons I wanted Ariel toe. Just her form gives me joy. I always admire the way she pouts and her shy smile turns me on. She¡¯s unbelievably beautiful and too perfect. I wanted to follow her to the restroom to make sure she¡¯s okay but she assured me she would be fine.

    I couldn¡¯t take my eyes off her on that killer dress of hers. The eyes of this horny men around won¡¯t stop looking at her as she walk to the restroom. Who wouldn¡¯t look at her ? She¡¯s something words can¡¯t describe.

    ¡°Did she know ?¡± Trent snap me out of my thoughts.

    ¡°She doesn¡¯t. And I don¡¯t want her to.¡± I grab the ss of champagne and take a quick gulp.

    ¡°Where did you find her ? She doesn¡¯t fit in your circle. Sorry I don¡¯t mean it that way.¡± I nod lightly and empty the ss.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Nice party though.¡± My eyes scan the floor and it¡¯s filled with fake assholes.

    I watch people chatter and dance. My eyes drop on a familiar dickwad with his stupid and annoying squad. He is escorted by his two personal guards. Fuckin Russian.

    ¡°Gray Carter.¡± He says my name with sarcasm. I fuckin hate him. For a lot of personal reasons.

    ¡± I¡¯m d you¡¯re still breathing.¡± He taunts me.

    ¡°dimir , not here.¡± Trent intrude.

    The other men on the table watch carefully while my guards stand on guard watching. I drop the ss and stand up face to face with this douchebag.

    ¡°Why are you stalking me dick ?¡± I ask him and he smirks. I wish I could shoot his ugly smirk off his stupid face. That will cause a tantrum.

    ¡°Why would I stuck you pussy ? I¡¯m just trying to be sure you¡¯re fine.¡± He smirks and I so hate it.

    ¡°Stay away from my path. Tell yourself to stop stalking me and we will be fine.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t threaten me Carter.¡± He whispers.

    ¡°Don¡¯t start a war you won¡¯t be able to finish. I won¡¯t hesitate..¡± he nods and chuckle.

    ¡°Nice date.¡± He tilts his head to the side and i follow his eyes to see Ariel watching me intensely.

    ¡°Stay away from her.¡± I tell him and walk back to Ariel.

    ¡°You¡¯re okay ?¡± I ask. She looks tense or maybe scared.

    ¡°Yeah. Are you okay ?¡± She ask stealing nces from behind me.

    ¡± As long as you¡¯re okay , I¡¯m okay.¡± I kiss her temple and hold her wrist.

    ¡°Come with me..¡± we walk to the back of the hotel and it¡¯s totally quiet just as I expected. All you could hear is the faint music from the party inside.

    ¡°You look beautiful..¡± i tell her and squeeze her hand gently.

    ¡°Thanks..¡± She reply looking everywhere but me.

    ¡°Ariel¡­¡± She look up and blush. Why¡¯s she always nervous ?

    I hold her waist and pull her to myself. I love her hair and it¡¯s scent. I bury my face in her neck and wrap both hands around her waist. She squirm absently and tten her hands on my chest.

    I pull back to look at her face and tuck back her loose blonde hair behind her ear. How could she look perfect in everything ? I touch our foreheads together with my hand still around her tiny waist. Now I feel selfish for trying to keep her for myself.

    ¡°What am I to you Gray ?¡± She asks and open her eyes to lock with mine.

    ¡°A lot.¡± I smile and pull her to me to feel her lips. I kiss her lips as she return the kiss looping her hands around my neck. It took almost everything in me to not have her in bed.

    I caress her killer hips as she moan into my mouth. She nip perfectly on my bottom lip as i part my lips more for her to take in. She stops at once and lean her forehead against mine.

    ¡°Can you drive me home ?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re tired ?¡± She nod and smile.

    I hold her wrist and twist the diamond bracelet on her wrist.

    ¡°You should keep this. I bought it specifically for you.¡± She smile and quietly giggle.

    ¡°Thanks Gray.¡± She kiss my cheek and hug me.

    ~ARIEL~

    Sitting opposite Brandon and Piper right at SANDS & WINCHES has turn into our daily activities after ss. Piper scroll non-stop on her iPad while I finished up my school work. This is my first semester and i really need good results.

    Brandon walk back to our booth with milkshake in his hand , slurping noisily on it and singing .

    ¡°Brandy , please stop singing.¡± Piper groans still glue to her iPad.

    ¡°Why ?¡± He asks clearly intimidated.

    ¡± I just can¡¯t say you sing aweful but you sound like nails on a fuckin chalk board.¡± She grit her teeth and I couldn¡¯t help but snort out augh. Seriously , nails on a chalkboard ?

    ¡°That¡¯s insulting..¡± Brandon res yfully and continues slurping noisely on his milkshake.

    ¡°Ariel.¡± Piper calls my name without looking from her iPad.

    ¡°Yeah ?¡± I reply scribbling on my notebook.

    ¡°Do you have a twin sister ? Like a super model with blonde hair ? Partially dating Gray Carter.¡± That seems to make me stop cause it bought my attention.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. I don¡¯t have a twinny.¡± I say trying to y calm. Stupid jobless journalists.

    ¡°Take a look at this..¡± Piper says turning her iPad to face me.

    I blink my eyes at the picture. It¡¯s a picture of me and Gray about entering DYNASTIES holding hands. I wasn¡¯t looking at the camera since my mind must have traveled far.

    ¡°Wow¡­¡± Brandon muse beside me.

    ¡°Look at the headline. GRAY¡¯S GOT A MYSTERY GIRL. She¡¯s hot and looks like you.¡± Piper says. I scoff and shake my head

    ¡°Now I need to rehydrate. I¡¯m having a migraine.¡± I grin grabbing my bottle water.

    ¡°ording to psychology sses from professor nkton, he said there are about three people around the world that basically shares the same resemnce with you. Never mind.¡± Brandon shrugs.

    ¡°Hey guys¡­¡± Alexa calls out walking to our booth.

    She look awesomely perfect as always with her white crop top , ck short skirt and boots. Her leather jacket hang around her shoulders as she takes a sit with Piper holding a cup of ice cream that¡¯s filled to the brim.

    ¡°Hi cousin.¡± She blow kisses at me and sits her ice cream on the table.

    ¡°Hi..¡± Piper and Brandon say to her with a sincere smile. I¡¯m d they are getting used to each other.

    I reach for her cup of ice cream to ease down my anxiety.

    ¡°So what¡¯s going on ?¡± She ask and snap her fingers at me.¡± We haven¡¯t talked about that Friday night at Armani¡¯s. Who¡¯s the hottie who took you home ?¡± Alexa asks.

    ¡°Aww. No one took me home.¡± I lie again.

    ¡°Hmm ? She returned with a hickey.¡± Brandon says with a cocky brow. I hate him sometime.

    ¡°Spill it Ariel.¡±

    I groan and facepalm myself. ¡°It¡¯s not what you think. I danced with a random guy who kissed me in my drunk state and he gave me hickeys. He was obviously aggressive.¡± I huff eating Alexa¡¯s ice cream.

    They grin and smirk at the same time.

    ¡°Guys.. I¡¯m a bad drunk. It¡¯s normal for me.¡± I assure them in other to keep up with my lie. Don¡¯t ask me why I¡¯m lying , I need to if I want to live a normal life.

    ¡°Woah. Is that Gray ?¡± Alexa asks at once snatching Piper¡¯s iPad.

    ¡°Alrighty. Mystery girlfriend ?¡± Alexa mutter blinking her eyes. She lightly zoom the picture and look at me above the iPad.

    ¡°Wow. Cousin has a mystery look alike.¡± She grin awkwardly and give the iPad back to Piper.

    ¡± Just my thoughts. Just that this one looks like a model. Must be an English model. Heard he¡¯s always hanging out with with models from Ennd.¡± Piper says and that didn¡¯t stop Alexa from looking at me weirdly. Did she know ?

    ¡°So who¡¯s willing to attend a frat party tonight ? I¡¯m throwing the party ?¡± Alexa asks out of the blue maybe to ease the tension.

    ¡± I¡¯m in. I need to drink a lot this weekend.¡± Piper mutter dropping her iPad.

    ¡°She got a heartbreak.¡± Brandon chuckle.

    ¡°Shut up Brandon.¡± Piper scoff and roll her eyes.

    ¡°Who broke your heart babe ?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s lying. We were just messing around and obviously people get tired in rtionships.¡±

    ¡°Technically.¡± Alexa mutter eating from the ice cream too.

    ¡°Sorry buddy. You¡¯re beautiful and you¡¯ll easily hook up with someone.¡± I wink at her.

    ¡°Is that Ariel giving an advice about hooking up ?¡± Brandon asks and wiggle his brows. The guys giggle.

    ¡°Whatever Brandon.¡± I murmur and chuckle.

    After that party with Gray I¡¯ve been avoiding him. I know I¡¯m always a looser each time I try to avoid him. He doesn¡¯t give up and I always find myself going back to him. My life might not be perfect but trust me it¡¯s way peaceful without Gray. That terrible encounter with Reid made me run away from him.

    I wasn¡¯t afraid of his threats but of course it reminded me of Freddie. Abuse. I look at my wrist and twist the diamond bracelet. It fits perfectly to my hand and it reminds me of him. How am I supposed to avoid him with his property in my hand ?

    ¡°Earth to Ariel¡­¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­¡± I blink my eyes and bite my bottom lip. They¡¯ve been talking ? Thanks to Gray.

    ¡°Are youing to frat ? Pipes told me Leslie stopped you from going to a frat party thest time and they fought. Should I beat up Leslie so you wille ?¡± Alexa crosses her arms and smirk.

    I chuckle and shake my head sideways.

    ¡°Chill guys. I already talked to her to stop telling me what to do. I¡¯ming because I need to feel alive.¡±

    ¡°Are your parents still bugging you ?¡± Alexa ask eating a bowl of chips. I didn¡¯t notice she ordered that.

    ¡°You know they won¡¯t stop. They are being overprotective and strict.¡± I defend.

    ¡°But that¡¯s not being strict if they won¡¯t caution your whore sister Leslie.¡±

    ¡°I hate her best friend Hazel. Bitch denied her mom one day at campus because her mom wasn¡¯t ssy enough to fit in her fake ssy life. Pfft.¡± Brandon says.

    ¡°Hell no..¡± I mutter.

    ¡°Hell Yeah. Daddy and mommy kicked her out of their lives and that includes tuition fee. She¡¯s hooked with her fuck boy boyfriend. His dad¡¯s a bit loaded.¡± Piper adds eating from Alexa¡¯s chip bowl.

    ¡°That was a stupid move. Who denies their parents because of ss ?¡± I ask pretty surprised by Hazel¡¯s tale.

    ¡± Hazel..¡± Brandon and Piper replies as weugh.

    ¡°You¡¯reing to frat ?¡±

    ¡°Of course. I need to loosen up a bit. My parents are trying to make my life hard with their endless rantings.¡± They chuckle at once.

    .

    ***

    .

    Main goal is to forget about Gray Carter if I want to live normal. He texted and I had to reply just to make him think I¡¯m not avoiding him. I put on a peach strap dress with a decent V neck at the front and the back isce to the waist. Alexa suggest the outfit and Piper also second it including Brandon. I¡¯m still wearing the bracelet Gray gifted me and it¡¯s perfect. Without being told you¡¯d tell it cost a thousand Grand.

    Slipping on my shoes I follow Piper out of my room to meet Alexa and Brandon downstairs. Leslie¡¯s eyes burn holes through my skin as she eye my outfit. I hate to admit it but I hate her to the core. Such a snitchy hypocrite.

    ¡± Slut¡­¡± She mutter inaudibly as we walk past her.

    ¡°I¡¯m taking permission to fuck your sister¡¯s ass. I fuckin hate her.¡± Piper mutters.

    ¡°Ignore her if you choose to breathe quietly.¡± I tell her as sheughs.

    We walk out of the lobby as we hop inside Brandon¡¯s car. Iugh to Alexa¡¯s weird dance to the music as Brandon drive to the frat house. In less than twenty minutes , he halts the car amidst other cars and we step out.

    I mutter to myself.¡± Breathe Ariel. You can do this. You¡¯re getting drunk tonight and you¡¯re forgetting about Gray Carter.¡± Like you can idiot.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay girlfriend ?¡± Piper ask once we step inside the frat house.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± I giggle and wee the loud music. It¡¯s so loud with sweaty bodies dancing to the loud music.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get us drinks.¡± Brandon leads the march and we follow behind to the kitchen.

    Two guys stand beside the counter pouring shots on short sses. Piper wink at one as she collects the shots handing them to us. I breathe in and gulp it at once. My throat. It burns my throat a little as the liquid gulp down. That didn¡¯t stop us. I feel a bit tipsy and I don¡¯t even remember how many shots I¡¯ve taken.

    Alexa walks in as she smile at us.

    She lead us out of the kitchen to the living room. I sit close to Piper on a couch as Alexa pass us red cups. I don¡¯t even know what type of liquid but I drown it. I barely could feel their taste but it was better than my first time. Getting drunk sucks .

    ¡°Hey guys..¡± some bunch of collegers greeted and sit around the couch. Red cups filled their hands as they giggle to the loud music.

    ¡°Ariel.¡± A guy said from beside me. I turn to look at him and he¡¯s awkwardly familiar.

    ¡°Wait. Ryan right ?¡±

    He smiles and nod. His blue eyes take in my figure and I bet he just drooled.

    ¡°Damn you¡¯re more pretty than i remember.¡± He says and I chuckle.

    ¡°Thanks. You¡¯re not bad yourself.¡± I return his nice speech and he just smirks more.

    ¡°Freshman ?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. And you ?¡±

    ¡°This is my second year.¡±

    ¡°Woah. It¡¯s a pleasure seeing you.¡±

    ¡°How the fuck did you know my cousin ?¡± Alexa asks sitting in between us.

    ¡°Woah. Easy there Alex. She¡¯s pretty and I¡¯ve met her before.¡±

    ¡°Yeah ? He¡¯s a good guy sis. Nice grades and basketball leader. I¡¯ve been wanting to hook you guys up , it¡¯s nice you knew each other before. Mission sessful.¡± She giggles and gulp the vodka on her red cup.

    ¡°I¡¯m just gonna move to the side.¡± She mutters and stand up to sit beside me.

    ¡± Introduction please. My cousin is a freshman and she needs to know you guys.¡± Alexa slurs. She¡¯s tipsy.

    They introduce themselves including two meany girls who has been shooting daggers at me for talking to Ryan. Assholes.

    ¡± Who wants to y Dare and truth ?¡± Taylor asks.

    Hell no. This isn¡¯t highschool.

    ¡± Truth and Dare dickwad. Not Dare and true. That¡¯s how you failed in English.¡± Maynard teases as weugh. Hell yeah , I¡¯m getting drunk.

    ¡± I¡¯ll go first. Gina , dare right ?¡± Taylor asks a chocte skinned girl with ck hair. She winks and nods.

    ¡°I dare you to take off you shirt.¡± Just a sec and she is already shirtless.

    ¡°Ariel , truth or dare ?¡± Ba the meany asshole who¡¯s been ring at me earlier ask. She¡¯s too cocky.

    ¡°Truth.¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s your first sex ?¡± She ask with a grin. I hate her already.

    Brandon and Piper turn to look at me at once including Ryan and every other person on this couch.

    ¡°We¡¯re waiting Gee. We don¡¯t have all night.¡± Ba murmur.

    ¡± Come on Ariel , let¡¯s get you a drink.¡± Piper hold my arm as she pull me out. Thank God. Where will I start from.

    ¡± Thanks Gee.¡± I whisper shout because of the loud music.

    ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡±This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    ¡°Let¡¯s dance.¡± She pull me to the dance floor as we begin dancing to the loud music.

    Holy Christ I¡¯m a bit drunk and I need more drink. Piper gives me her red cup and I didn¡¯t hesitate to drink everything.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back. I¡¯ll go get a drink.¡± Piper shouted as she scurry pass the huge crowd.

    That didn¡¯t stop me from dancing. I feel a guy¡¯s body behind me as he danced with me. I wanted to look at my new partner but I ignored it. It¡¯s my night and I need to loosen up. His hands grab around my waist as he pull me to feel his male property through his jeans. He kiss my neck and that seems to snap sense into my head.

    I turn around and I¡¯m face to face with my worst nightmare. His smirk is like his heart, so dark. I move back a little but his hand is faster cause he pulls me to himself.

    ¡°Hi bestie.¡± He whispers.

    ¡± Get away from me.¡±

    ¡°Missed me? I said I was gonna find you. And I¡¯m not letting you go this time sweetness.¡±

 Chapter 22

    I push him a bit and pull away from him.

    ¡°You¡¯re crazy Freddie.¡±

    ¡°How did you expect me to leave you for some other man? Fuck girl you drive me crazy right from highschool. And you look more sexy than usual.¡±

    ¡°Stay away from me Freddie.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk this out Ariel. Think about our good times Arie.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no good time. Just a stupid naive me who trusted you. I hate myself for trusting you. You don¡¯t even deserve anyone.¡±

    ¡°I saved you from that stupid mistake you were about to make. I saved your ass Ariel cause you don¡¯t even know what you were doing. You fuckin thought nun shit was your destiny. You deserve more Ariel.¡± He yells.

    Thank God for the loud music if not we would caused a scene.

    ¡°Hey sis. Something going on ?¡± Alexa ask standing next to me. Her eyes fall on Freddie and it spark in recognition.

    ¡°Hey, Gee you look familiar. Like we went to highschool together.¡± She slurs with a smirk.

    ¡°Is he that dick called Freddie ? The asshole who pop your cherry ?¡± She whisper to me. I cross my arm and nod.

    ¡°Wow.¡± She smiles broadly. ¡°I¡¯m Alexa. You¡¯re ?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Freddie.¡±

    ¡°Damn. You¡¯re so hot in real life.¡± Jeez. I mentally facepalm myself at Alexa¡¯s silly act. Really ?

    ¡°Can we talk in private ? I¡¯d like to talk outside ?¡± She ask still holding his hand and rubbing circles on top of his hand.

    I sigh and meet eyes with him.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± She giggles and snatch a bottle of alcohol from a guy¡¯s hand and drag me out with her.

    I was tensed and even scared just standing next to Freddie. I don¡¯t even feel drunk anymore. Alexa shut the back door as the loud music calm down a bit.

    ¡°How dare you dick..¡± Alexa mutter as she kneeled Freddie¡¯s balls.

    He groans and cup his generation.

    ¡°You horny fucker.¡± She hiss and smack the bottle on Freddie¡¯s head. Oh my God.

    ¡°Alexa please..¡± I plea trying to stop her but she shoot me a death re.

    Freddie groans in pain still cupping his member with one hand and the other his head.

    ¡°Now you gonna talk. Why the fuck did you pop her cherry ? How dare you stole her v-card after she trusted your ugly ass.¡± Alexa yell still holding the half broken bottle.

    ¡°Fuckin bitch. I ain¡¯t telling you shit.¡± Alexa threaten to punch him but i caught her fist.

    ¡°Alexa please.¡±

    ¡°The fuck sis. This dildo pop your cherry with force. The bastard raped you with his micro dick. Leave me lemme cut his balls off.¡±

    ¡°Alex please. Let him be. He got what he deserved already.¡±

    ¡°No you¡¯re wrong. He deserved to be raped by some gay man and that will make him feel the pains you went through.¡± She grit her teeth and punch Freddie.

    Oh God. I can¡¯t stop them. And if she go on like this , Freddie¡¯s gonna retaliate and they will hurt themselves.

    ¡°Hey guys..¡± Ryan says staring at bleeding Freddie.

    ¡°Fuck man.¡± He mutters still confused about what happened to Freddie.

    ¡°Asshole get out of my party with your half inch dick.¡± She spits

    Freddie shoots daggers at Alexa before leaving. I rub my palm on my forearm and stare at Alexa and Ryan.

    ¡°What just happened ?¡± Ryan asks still clearly baffled with the incident.

    Alexa smiles and pull me into a bear hug. God , why can¡¯t she be my older sister ?

    ¡°I wanna go home.¡± I coo still hugging her.

    She release me from the hug and smile.

    ¡°Hey Ryan , can you take my sister home ? Don¡¯t fuckin flirt with her. I¡¯ll cut your balls off.¡±

    I chuckle including Ryan as he nods.

    ¡°Becareful okay. I¡¯m gonna drop by tomorrow to check on you.¡± She kiss my temple and motion me to follow Ryan out .

    I give her a small smile and leave with Ryan. I slide inside his vehicle and it¡¯s interior was super beautiful but it wasn¡¯tpared to Gray¡¯s. I groan and fasten my seat belt. How can I beparing Gray and Ryan ?

    ¡°So you wanna talk about what happened back there ?¡± Ryan asks once he was on the road.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing important. I don¡¯t even feel like talking about it.¡± I sigh.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I understand your point. Did you enjoy the party ?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I liked it and it¡¯s crazy i nned on getting drunk before going home. Mission failed.¡± I smirk.

    Ryan throws back his head andughs.

    ¡°Chill girlfriend. Trying to forget about someone special ?¡± He turns to look at me and send a wink. I blush and bite my bottom lip.

    ¡°No. Just stressed out with college.¡± I¡¯ve obviously turned a liar too. What¡¯s even wrong with me.

    ¡°Yeah ? We can go to a party if you want. Just to get to know you better and seed your mission.¡±

    I smile at him. What a darling.

    ¡°Thanks Ryan. You¡¯re a good person and I admire that about you. Maybe next time. I¡¯m really tired and I need a hot bath to think less about unnecessary stuff.¡± I shrug and he nods. Grateful that he understands.

    ¡°Sure..¡± he halts his car and i unfastened my seatbelt.

    ¡°Thanks Ryan. See you at school on Monday.¡±

    ¡°Sure thing Ariel.¡± I get down from his car and wave him good bye before walking to my apartment.

    I feel tired and depressed again. Just when i was working out my life , Freddie sessfully walk back in. Why can¡¯t I be lucky in my pale existence. I step out of the elevator and unlock my door to get in. I shut the door and switch on the lights in the living room.

    Where the hell is Leslie ?

    I slip out of my shoes and hold them in my hands before walking down the hallway to crouch in my bed.

    ¡± Oh my God¡­ Fuck..¡± I freeze at my spot and blink my eyes.

    I follow the sound of the muffle moaning and end up at Leslie¡¯s door. Just the gossip I am , I glue my ears on her door and I could hear heavy breathings and loud moaning from Leslie and groaning from the guy. I facepalm myself with one hand and shake my head. My family¡¯s abnormal. I scoff and go to my room to sleep. Tonight¡¯s the worse night of my life.

    ***

    .

    I go through my phone same time stuffing cereal inside my mouth as Leslie walks in with her hair in a messy bun. She looks stressed out. Of course she just had sex with some random guy or maybe her college sweetheart. I look up from my phone and stare at her. This can¡¯t be one round. I¡¯m sure they go all night since i fell asleep just lying on my bed.

    ¡°What you staring at ? I¡¯m sure you had some slutty fun at your slutty partyst night.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Better than wallowing inside your stupid moansst night.¡± She halts at once holding a mug. She looks taken aback and her mouth is slightly open.

    ¡°You know you suck right ? Calling our parents and making up lies to make me look bad in order to create perfect image for yourself. And now sneaking a boy into our apartment after calling me a slut because I decide to attend a frat party. God , you¡¯re such an idiot Leslie. I might be naive doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m stupid. 21 year old virgin really ?¡± I scoff and go back to eating my cereal.

    I watch Leslie with the corner of my eyes as she slowly drop the mug and scratch the back of her neck in shame.

    ¡°One more thing. The next time you¡¯re gonna call our parents to snitch about me and I won¡¯t hesitate to start a fight with you. You¡¯re twenty one and stupid.¡±

    ¡°Ariel , watch your tongue.¡± She snap at me. I chuckle andugh .

    ¡°Seriously ? What you gonna do ? Call me a slut ?¡±

    ¡°At least I¡¯m better than your slutty ass. I don¡¯t sleep with random men.¡±

    ¡°Wow. Really ? I bet that wasn¡¯t your cute college sweetheart Hayden. Stop trying to prove a point to our parents that you can be responsible. I¡¯m sorry to announce to you but they don¡¯t even care about you. Asshole they care about their personalities. Their ego. Trying to im perfect in front of others and creating their own fucked up rules. Just lie back and make wrong a move , you¡¯d be surprised to watch your favorite parents turn their backs on you. Just take your shameless face out of my sight¡±

    She groans and it hurts she couldn¡¯t get back at me as usual. She palms the counter and walk out of the kitchen. I can¡¯t believe she can be so stupid. I chuckle to my brave act. She annoys me to the core and I just can¡¯t withstand her nosy attitude.

    ¡°Cereal , yeah¡­¡± Alexa giggles as she walks to the next chair opposite mine on the counter. She drop a Chihuahua on the floor and reach to take a spoon.

    ¡°How did you get in ?¡± I ask and carry the little dog off the floor.

    ¡°Through the door princess.¡± She replies eating from the cereal bowl.

    ¡± Who owns this ?¡± Alexa raise her brows and shrug.

    ¡°My new emotional support dog.¡±

    I chuckle.¡±Seriously Alexa. You know you don¡¯t need an emotional dog. He¡¯s so cute..¡± I coo , caressing it¡¯s furs.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Les ?¡±

    ¡°Surviving from her makeover sex..¡± I snort.

    ¡°What the fuck.¡±

    ¡°She brought a guy homest night when I was at the frat house. Heard them moaning and doing stupid things.¡± I sigh and eat from my cereal and continue caressing the dog¡¯s furs.

    ¡°Leslie¡­¡± Alexa shouts her name. I roll my eyes and chuckle.

    ¡°Ariel , stop talking shit about me.¡± Leslie says standing beside the kitchen doorway.

    ¡°Really ? Mary just caught you fuckin one of your stupid flings.¡± Sheughs and that seems to spark the anger in Leslie.

    ¡°What! You got something to say ?¡± Alexa raises her brows and scoffs.

    ¡°He wasn¡¯t one of my flings by the way.¡± Leslie mutter.

    ¡°And I could bet that wasn¡¯t Hayden. Bitch , you broke up with Hayden because of your stupid reasons.¡± Alexa replies.

    ¡°Nah. It¡¯s because the red head colleger is broke and she needed someone who rides a tinted car.¡± I scoff.

    ¡± Ariel , really. What¡¯s wrong with you ?¡± She yell.

    ¡°Damn girl really. Thank God your mom never suggests you to be a sister. It would have been terrible. You horny crazy liar. Leslie seriously ?¡±

    Leslie crosses her arms and bites her bottom lip. If there¡¯s someone in the world I know Leslie is scared of then it¡¯s Alexa. I still don¡¯t know why.

    ¡°Thest time I checked , I have every right to sleep with who I want.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. But do yourself a huge favor and stop talking shit about Ariel. I thought you¡¯ve changed. That¡¯s how you fucked my boyfriend in school¡¯s janitor closet pretending you never knew I dated him in highschool.¡± Alexa utter. My eyes widen as I stop caressing the dog¡¯s furs.

    ¡°Holy Moly.¡±

    ¡°Alexa that¡¯s passed. We were eighteen and in highschool. Did you really have to bring it up because you just wanna make me look bad.¡±

    ¡°Hell yeah. Maybe you should suck my dick , bitch.¡± Alexa rolls her eyes and get off the counter stool to collect bottle water from the fridge.

    Leslie res at me and storm out of the kitchen. We won¡¯t be on speaking terms till further notice.

    ¡°So , what¡¯s up Ariel ? Have fun with Ryanst night ?¡± I smile and raise my brows.

    ¡°I don¡¯t really know. He¡¯s a nice person and we just talked. What are you up to ?¡±

    ¡°Nothing.¡± She smiles awkwardly and gulp the water after filling up a ss.

    ¡°So you wanna talk about that diamond bracelet ? The one you wore at frat and also at SANDS & WINCHES .¡±

    My heart leap to my feet at once. I blink my eyes and bite my bottom lip to hide the sudden shock off my face. Did she know ? What am I supposed to tell her.

    ¡°Ariel¡­¡± She snap at her fingers at my face.

    ¡°Babe , you zoned out.¡±

    I chuckle and shrug.

    ¡°I own it.¡±

    ¡± You don¡¯t own it Arie. I mean you can¡¯t afford that bracelet Ariel. I don¡¯t mean to sound rude sis , it¡¯s just that you can¡¯t use your money to buy a diamond bracelet worth 500 thousand grand. That¡¯s half a million.¡±

    No way. Five thousand dors.

    ¡°That¡¯s a Cartier diamond bracelet. It ranges from fifty thousand dors to one hundred dors and even one million. How did you get it ?¡±

    I sit the Chihuahua on the counter top and scratch the back of my neck.

    ¡°Ariel , just tell me you¡¯re that mystery blonde haired girl with Gray on that photo.¡±

    Oh shit! Caught.

    ¡± Are you dating Gray Carter?¡±

 Chapter 23

    ¡°Are you dating Gray Carter?¡± I¡¯m stucked with my lie as I stare at Alexa.

    ¡°Alexa no. It¡¯s.¡±

    ¡°Hey guys.¡± Brandon walks in at once stopping my terrible unnned lie.

    He drops five boxes of pizza on the counter and sit close to Alexa. Piper follow behind and sit next to me.

    ¡°What happened to her ?¡± Alexa asks referring to Piper who looks miserable.

    ¡°Clearly suffering from a hangover. How much did you drink fromst night¡¯s party ?¡± I ask running my fingers through the dog¡¯s furs.

    ¡°A lot. All thanks to emotional troubles. Shit who¡¯s this cute little thing ?¡± Piper brightens up as she reach to carry the dog.

    ¡°Her name¡¯s Blue.¡± Alexa reply giving me a look that obviously says we¡¯re not done with this conversation.

    ¡°Aww. She¡¯s so cute..¡± Piper coo as she y with Blue including Brandon.

    ¡°Can I keep her ?¡± I ask Alexa. She roll her eyes and cross her elbow on the counter. ¡± I mean babysit her till you wish to take her back. I know she¡¯s your emotional support dog.¡±

    Alexa chuckles.¡± She¡¯s just my pet. And you can keep her if you want.¡±

    I mentally squeal and drop the pizzas on the counter as I open the first box.

    ¡°Pizza. Wow! Are we celebrating something ?¡±

    ¡°We look around the frat house and we couldn¡¯t find you. Alex said you went home after your horny fuck face bestie showed up.¡± Piper says picking up a slice of pizza and stuff it inside her mouth.

    ¡°Yeah. We decide to stop by at pizzeria and bought this¡­¡± Brandon motions to the pizza boxes.

    Alexa chuckles and get up to the fridge to collect orange juice.

    ¡°Feast away your hangover.¡± Brandon chuckle taking out a slice.

    ¡°We¡¯re nning a sleepover tonight at ours. There will be Pizzas , junk food and countless movies on Netflix. So what¡¯s up ?¡± Brandon ask , stuffing a whole slice in his mouth. Yeah , he¡¯s Piper¡¯s new roommate.

    ¡°I¡¯m in. Bobby is not in the city and I¡¯d love toe. What about you Ariel ?¡±

    ¡°Of course I¡¯ming. I really don¡¯t have anything to do tonight.¡± I shrug and smile eating from the pizza box.

    ¡°And also , I¡¯m nning a trip to Malibu on Sunday. We¡¯re visiting Eva Glow to shop countless clothes for summer vacation. You all shoulde.¡±

    Brandon and Piper squeal and I justugh. A trip to Malibu , of course I¡¯m not staying back.

    ¡± We¡¯re visiting the beach if we could shop for clothes earlier. My six million followers need to see me glow again.¡± Alexa chuckle and gulp arge amount of the orange juice down her throat.

    ¡°I dare not stay back.¡±

    ¡°Me neither.¡± Brandon wiggle his brows and smirk.

    ¡°I¡¯m not staying back either.¡± I say.

    ¡°Hey Leslie are youing ? I¡¯m paying for everything and that includes the clothes.¡± Alexa shouts.

    ¡°No thanks. I¡¯ll be hanging out with Hazel.¡± She replies from the living room.

    ¡°She is super moody this morning. Did you fought with her ?¡± Brandon asks.

    ¡± Hell no. I really can¡¯t fight with people. I think she woke up from the bad side of her bed.¡± I shrug cing the empty pizza boxes on each other.

    ¡°Buddy gotid.¡± Alexa wink and chuckle before getting off the counter stool to wash her hands.

    ¡°Your sister gotid ? That¡¯s epic. Heard she broke up with Hayden.¡±

    ¡°How the hell did you know about her rtionship with Hayden ?¡±

    ¡°Hayden is sort of popr in school. Hayden , Ryan , Maynard, Jim and a lot of them are popr guys in school. So breaking up with Hayden was a terrible news to behold. She¡¯s an idiot.¡± Piper mutters and scoff.

    ¡°Hayden is sort of a yer. So it¡¯s natural she broke up first cause this badass buddy was definitely gonna break her heart either way.¡± Brandon adds .

    ¡°She needs a fuckin rich guy because she needs to be stuntin¡¯. Hazel got Jim. Dude¡¯s father is loaded and owns an underground basement club in college. Leslie can¡¯t be left behind either.¡± Alexa mutters loudly as if trying to provoke Leslie.

    I sigh and shake my head. None of this makes any sense as long as I¡¯m concerned.

    .

    ***

    That evening, after taking my bath I got prepared for Piper¡¯s sleepover. I obviously deserve one or I might die thinking about Gray again.

    ¡°You¡¯re going out ?¡± Leslie asks standing beside my door with her arms crossed.

    ¡°Yeah. What ?¡±

    ¡°And where are you going ?¡±

    ¡°Leslie , thest time I checked you¡¯re not mom. Since you choose to know , I¡¯m going out with the girls for a sleepover. Are you okay now ?¡±

    ¡°Sleepover ?¡±

    ¡°You heard me correctly.¡± I scoff and brush my hair before tying it with a band at the back of my head.

    ¡± Mom called that she¡¯sing over tomorrow for a visit. I know you know what that means. Your Malibu visit is cancelled.¡±

    I scowl and cross my arm to look at Leslie. She¡¯s not normal. How can she phone our mother and ask her toe over ? Because she doesn¡¯t want me to visit Malibu for Alexa¡¯s shopping. She¡¯s crazy. I scoff irritatingly and pick up my bag to leave.

    ¡± You should leave. I need to lock my room door.¡±

    She smirks and leave. I shut my door and hail a cab to Piper¡¯s and Brandon¡¯s apartment. My phone rings in my pocket and I quickly shove it out.

    ¡°Vickie..¡±

    ¡°Oh my God. Really , Ariel. It¡¯s been three weeks since Ist heard from you. What happened ?¡±

    I get inside the cab and shut the door , afterwards tell the driver the address.

    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry. College is stressing the little life out of me. How¡¯s Sandy ? How¡¯s the restaurant ?¡± I ask on the phone.

    ¡°Pretty fine. It¡¯s annoying I missed you. The restaurant is normal as usual but stupidly boring. You stopped working and Gray Carter barely drops bye as usual.¡± Yeah, he¡¯s been stalking me around college.

    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry Vickie. I hope you¡¯re okay ?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. How are you ? Saw a look alike of you with Gray Carter in a picture that¡¯s already going viral on the inte. Rumors says the blonde haired lookalike of you is from Ennd.¡±

    I groan and look at the passing objects through the window. How could they make that stupid photo go viral. Thank God nobody recognize it to be me except Alexa. I¡¯m still freaking out thinking I owe Alexa an exnation. I don¡¯t wanna look like a liar and maybe a hypocrite. It¡¯s not really important to me and not worth telling. We¡¯re not even dating or in a rtionship.

    ¡°Ariel. Did you hear what I said ?¡± Vickie ask on the phone. God , I zoned out again.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. What did you say ?¡± The cab halts and I get out. I paid the driver and head straight to Piper and Brandon¡¯s apartment.

    ¡°Where are you ?¡± She ask on the phone.

    ¡°I¡¯m on my way to a friend¡¯s house. Sleepover.¡±

    ¡°Aww. I should hang up then. Becareful and have fun. Don¡¯t forget to date a lot of boys , it¡¯s worth it.¡± She giggles on the phone.

    ¡°Vickie , thanks. I don¡¯t want a boy now okay.¡± I roll my eyes and step out of the elevator.

    ¡°Whatever you say mother. I¡¯m hoping to see you soon.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    After hanging up , I press the doorbell as it opens revealing Brandon. He smiles broadly and drag me in before shutting the door. I heard chatters or maybe argument from Piper and Alexa.

    ¡°Yeah. Alexa wants to watch *His bride* but Piper thought *My brother¡¯s best friend is better.¡± Brandon exins as we walk to the living room.

    ¡°Guys..¡± They stop arguing and turn to look at Brandon and I.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we watch something different ? Aside your choices.¡± I point at them and take the remote control.

    ¡°House of cards ?¡± Brandon asks.

    ¡°That¡¯s an old movie.¡±

    ¡°Fifty shades of Gray.¡±

    ¡°Yeah Gray Carter.¡± Alexa and Piper chuckle at once.

    They stopughing and sigh in unison.¡±Hell no.¡±

    ¡°What about a horror movie ? Like jigsaw or maybe the conjuring ?¡± Brandon ask again.

    ¡°No and no. I can¡¯t withstand a horror movie. We could watch Riverdale. That¡¯s better.¡± I sigh and plump down on the couch opposite the TV.

    Brandon sits close to me including the others as they watch me tune nonstop.

    ¡°When are we leaving for Malibu ?¡± I ask Alexa and remove my shoes.

    ¡°12 pm isn¡¯t bad right ?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± I stop tuning and wait for the movie to start.

    ¡°Are we nning to drive to California ? That¡¯s far.¡± Piper ask.

    ¡°I know. We¡¯re using my father¡¯s jet since it¡¯s gonna be quicker. We could drive to Malibu from there.¡±

    Alexa¡¯s father works with a car industry. They make cars and obviously he¡¯s rich. Her parent¡¯s are unlike mine. Different and maybe carefree. They believe Alexa is old enough to make her own decisions.

    We ate pizza and pay attention to the movie. Riverdale wasn¡¯t my favorite series. I sort of liked friends more. A scene in the movie made me remember Gray. He sent me a text few minutes ago and as usual I ignored it. I need to breathe normal air. I could barely take the memory out of my head. This was all too new for me. A part of me want him to cuddle me and kiss me just the way I want it.

    Him holding tight to my waist and pressing my body against his. And then I remembered the night i was with a towel. How he kissed my neck and me straddling him makes me wet in the core. This isn¡¯t good. Ariel breathe.

    ¡°Did you know Archie is my favorite character in this series ?¡± Brandon asks snapping me out of my thoughts.

    ¡± Yeah , because you have a crush on him.¡± Piper replies. I chuckle and stare nkly at the TV. The scene on the TV is constantly reminding me of Gray.

    Veronica sneaking into the bathroom where Archie was bathing as they bathe together and even share several breath taking kisses. I shouldn¡¯t be watching this if I wanna be far from him. I shut my eyes and all I could see is that crazy party where he told me he bought the diamond bracelet specially for me to wear.

    ¡­

    ¡± Damn , I don¡¯t even know what to wear. I can¡¯t remember visiting California since I was five¡­¡± Piper mutters as I open my eyes. God , it¡¯s morning already.

    ¡°Ariel , you need to shower. It¡¯s 10 am.¡± Alexa says from the kitchen.

    I hop out of the chair and clean my eyes. How can I fall asleep just like that ? Piper hand me a toothbrush and direct me to the bathroom. I quickly shower and put on the blue mid thigh dress i brought along. It¡¯s a turtle neck long sleeve dress. I blow dry my hair with Piper¡¯s dryer and brush it.

    ¡°Ariel , you already look hot. Let¡¯s go.¡± Brandon drag me out , stopping me from looking at my reflection on the full length mirror.

    Sitting on the private jet of Alexa¡¯s father, i fasten my seatbelt and breathe out. Alexa and Piper were on Snapchat recording non-stop videos. I upy my time ying a multi yer video game with Brandon. My phone starts ringing and it¡¯s Gray. I turn to look at Brandon and excused him to take the call.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    ¡°Gray..¡±

    ¡°Have you started avoiding me again ?¡± I sigh and nce around the bathroom where I had to take the call.

    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡±

    ¡°Are you in a jet ?¡± He asks. How did he know ?

    ¡°What.. I mean no.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t peg you to be a liar. You¡¯re in a jet ? Where are you flying to and who are you with ?¡±

    I slide my hand down my face and groan.

    ¡°I¡¯m with no one. Just a weekend shopping with my cousin Alexa. We¡¯re in her father¡¯s jet.¡±

    ¡± Really ? Is that why you are avoiding me ? You¡¯re too pretty for that.¡±

    I shut my eyes at just the sound of his voice. What¡¯s he doing to me ?

    ¡°I gotta go Gray.¡±

    ¡°Fine.¡± He sighs on the phone before hanging up. This isn¡¯t right. You can¡¯t avoid him.

    ¡°Ariel. We arending. Come on.¡± I heard a knock on the door along with Piper¡¯s voice.

    ¡°I¡¯ming.¡± I stare at my reflection in the mirror and take in several breaths before stepping out of the bathroom.

    ¡­.

    The warm breeze of Malibu hit my skin as the breeze sent my hair to different direction. Alexa is a terrible driver just like Gray. She halts the car at Eva¡¯s Glow as we step out. I think she once model with Eva and I can¡¯t remember the next story.

    I stare at every single wears and it¡¯s absolutely expensive.

    ¡°Pick whatever thing you like. We¡¯re going live.¡± Alexa squeal.

    I walk around the boutique and stop right at the shoes rack.

    ¡°Wow¡­¡± Piper says behind me as she snake through the shoes.

    I pick out several heels and sneakers.

    ¡°Guys..¡± Brandon snap at us. We turn around at once and a sight made us halt.

    ¡°Jhene Stewart.¡± Alexa says beside me.

    We stare at this familiar brte as she nce around the boutique. I remembered her. The brte who usually eats with Gray at Sandy¡¯s. Meghan stand close to her including a well built man. That must be her personal bodyguard.

    ¡°Bitch is from Asia. Her father is from UK while her mother is from Japan. She owns her own fashion line in Los Angeles.¡± Alexa continues.

    ¡°Rumors says she¡¯s partially dating Gray Carter. And also she¡¯s a baby mama of Damon Carter, Gray¡¯s older brother who went MIA. The fuck I hate this bitch.¡± Piper says as we watch this Jhene girl.

    ¡°What the fuck Is she doing here ?¡± Brandon mutters.

    ¡°Dude , she owns Los Angeles.¡± Piper replies.

    She raise her head and meet eyes with me. Oh mother. I really haven¡¯t observed her all this while. Hershes are so long. Her blue contact lens is expensive even without being told. She¡¯s smartly dressed in rip high waist jeans that reveals her perfectly tanned stomach. Her white crop top has her name on it across her breasts with a ck colored pea coat. Meghan whisper something to her as she walks to us.

    ¡± I think i know you.¡± She begins, eyeing my outfit.

    ¡°Of course i do. The cheap slutty waitress who works at Sandy¡¯s in Buffalo. What do you want with Gray ?¡± She asks.

    I sigh and refuse to speak. Her expensive perfume fans my nose and I couldn¡¯t help but admire her. You could tell the difference between us. She¡¯s ssy , rich, popr and a super model.

    ¡°You¡¯re just one of this broke golddiggers who wants what they don¡¯t deserve. Just a friendly advise. Take your shit face and stay away from Gray if you know what¡¯s best for you.¡±

    ¡°Jhene enough of your nuisance. If you think you¡¯re perfectly gorgeous , why would Gray abandoned your expensive ass and go after her ?¡± Alexa speak up beside me.

    ¡°And who the hell are you ?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re the ones who¡¯s gonna rip out your hair extensions if you don¡¯t move your shit face out of here, Jhene.¡± Piper says and cross her arms.

    Jhene chuckles and turn to look at me. She takes a step forward and stand face to face with me. ¡°Stay away from my boyfriend , pig breath¡­¡± She push past me with her shoulders as she walk away with Meghan.

    I sigh defeatedly and rub the back of my neck. Without being told I¡¯ve ruined this vacation with my stupid games with Gray.

    What the hell was that?

 Chapter 24

    ¡± That was stupid and childish.¡± Brandon says, eyes still not leaving my figure. I know i have a lot of exnations to give.

    ¡± You know most people just don¡¯t give a fuck about how others feel. She practically wanted to make you feel less of yourself and hurt your feelings. She¡¯s so stupid.¡± That¡¯s Piper.

    ¡± It¡¯s not like he likes her.¡± Brandon scoffs.

    ¡± Yeah. That¡¯s why i said she wanted to make you feel bad and feel less of yourself. That ugly girl whispered something to her and she sees it as a chance to say shit. Ugly bitch.¡± Piper mutters beside me.

    I¡¯m forever grateful they are acting like I don¡¯t owe them exnations. Of course i do. Once we get home , exnation here ie.

    ¡± Thanks guys.¡±

    Alexa huffs and go back to shopping. I lost my mood but Brandon was sweet. He made me buy a lot of things and that includes shoes and bags.

    Alexa drive to the beach and it was fully parked. Girls with different colors and sizes. They were all pretty. We follow Alexa to a change room as they change to swimsuits. Alexa wore a yellow bikini while Piper choose to go with swimsuit. Brandon didn¡¯t follow , maybe looking for a date.

    ¡°We¡¯re waiting Ariel.¡± Alexa says. She¡¯s still not over that Gray usations , including Piper. I know they are holding back till we get home.

    I decide to wear an orange color bikinis with a scarf around my waist to cover me up a bit. Alexa scoff while Piper chuckle.

    We walk back to the beach with my hair released from the hair band. My mind is out of shape and all i could think about is Jhene partially dating Gray. I feel jealous and maybe I shouldn¡¯t be jealous. She¡¯s pretty and all that , she¡¯s worth his ss. Not me , timid colleger with overprotective parents.

    We wet ourselves andugh and also take pictures which I¡¯m sure by the time we get back home. Questions Begin.

    ¡°I want a job.¡± I mutter, wringing out water from my hair.

    ¡°What type of job ?¡±

    ¡°Any type of job. I¡¯m hoping for an internship but I want this semester to round up before I think of an internship.¡±

    ¡°Okay , like a waitress. Or a bartender.¡± Brandon beams with a smile.

    ¡°Maybe waitress or I could possibly work in a coffee shop.¡±

    ¡°What about babysitting ? It¡¯s better you know. Payment after job and it¡¯s stress free.¡± Alexa suggests.

    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯d like that too.¡±

    ¡°I will look around , I¡¯m sure the guys will too.¡± She smile and pat my shoulders before leaving.

    Getting back on the jet , the guys sing and continue recording videos on Snapchat. I¡¯m not in the mood , I just wannay back on my bed and think about my forsaken life. It hurts when people try to remind you that you don¡¯t belong. It¡¯s not like I care.

    ¡°Oh my God. Home atst.¡± Alexa breathe in as she copse on the single couch resting her leg on the arm rest.

    Brandon sits close to Piper and right now , they are all staring at me. Reminding about the incident with Jhene.

    ¡°Ariel , what¡¯s going on ?¡± Alexa asks , not breaking the eye contact.

    ¡°I..¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s gonna be nice if you quit lying. You¡¯ve lied enough. You know Gray ? And I¡¯m really sure that blonde haired lookalike of you was you. You were the girl right ?¡±

    I sigh and rub my temple. Where am I supposed to start from ? I¡¯m not stupid , because after this conversation they are going hate me. When did I start lying.

    ¡°Fine I¡¯ve seen Gray.¡±

    They raise their brows in shock but Alexa wasn¡¯t really that shocked.

    ¡°That¡¯s about two to three months ago.¡±

    ¡°Jesus Ariel. I thought you said you¡¯ve never met him.¡±

    ¡°I have and I¡¯m sorry for lying. He barged into my car and we sort of talked and that¡¯s how it all started.¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying , you¡¯re secretly dating Gray and you¡¯ve been lying about it.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re not dating.¡±

    ¡°Then what are you ?¡± Brandon asks.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. That¡¯s one of the reasons I didn¡¯t tell you guys. I was scared. I don¡¯t even know what we¡¯re doing¡­¡± I sigh , highly frustrated.

    ¡°So you guys have been intimate ?¡± Alexa asks , still not reacting.

    ¡°We haven¡¯t. I mean he hasn¡¯t slept with me but, he kissed me.¡±

    ¡°Holy moly. You kissed Gray ? You exchange kisses with Gray ? Exchange spits and all that. Oh my fuck , why did I ever doubt you.¡± Piper mutters.

    ¡°You know the funny thing about this. We are all friends. And you¡¯ve been secretly seeing someone and you decide not to tell us. You couldn¡¯t even tell me , Ariel I¡¯m your cousin. Three months.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry guys.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not about being sorry. Ariel you lied to us. It¡¯s like you saw us as fools. You fooled us. Pretending you haven¡¯t seen him and you¡¯ve kissed him. Disguised as a blonde haired and went to a party with him. Just put yourself in our shoes.¡± Piper says. I bite my bottom lip and sigh.

    ¡± I¡¯m just gonna leave.¡± Brandon stands up and head to the door.

    ¡°Guys I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m willing to make it up to you guys. I didn¡¯t know it was gonna be like this.¡±

    ¡°And we had to find out in such a stupid way. If Jhene didn¡¯t talk shit about you , you won¡¯t even tell us. We¡¯re just mad because you lied and even pretend you¡¯ve never been in contact with him. He was the one who gave you those hickeys right ?¡± Piper asks.

    I shut my eyes and nod.

    ¡°We asked you. You said it was a random guy. I need a nap. Later guys.¡± Brandon opens the door and walk out.

    ¡°Bye Alexa. Talkter Ariel.¡± Piper says and walk out too.

    Now I¡¯m left with Alexa. She shake her head sideways and stand up too.

    ¡°Alexa , I¡¯m sorry. It wasn¡¯t intentional.¡±

    She shrugs.¡± Yeah , I know.¡± She squat close to Blue whoy next to my feet.

    ¡°Come on Blue. Let¡¯s go.¡± She rubs her furs and carry her off the floor.

    ¡°Later Ariel.¡± I sigh and watch her leave with Blue.

    Now I feel abandoned. I pick up my phone and blocked Gray¡¯s number. If we¡¯re ever seeing each other , I¡¯m telling him to leave me alone.

    I slump on the couch and pull my knees to my chest. I hate being lied to and I just did same thing to people I called friends. That hurts a lot.

    .

    It¡¯s Monday again and I don¡¯t feel like going to ss. The thought of my friends not speaking to me hurts a lot. Izily slide out of bed and go to the bathroom. I stand under the shower till I¡¯m about to feel cold. I step out and quickly get dressed.

    I walk into my first ss and take a sit. Piper and Brandon sits at the front , two seats from me as they talked andugh. Brandon chuckle and turn around. His eyes meet mine and I heard him sigh and then look back at Piper who didn¡¯t bother to turn around.

    ¡°Ariel.¡± I turn to look beside me and it¡¯s Ryan.

    ¡°Hey..¡± I give him a fake smile.

    ¡°You look pale. Are you okay ?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine , thanks. What are you doing here ? I never knew I share same ss with you in econ.¡±

    ¡°Partially business major.¡± He chuckle.

    ¡°I was wondering if you¡¯d like to hang out after ss ? I¡¯m ying basketball today , maybe we can hangout.¡±

    I sigh. I¡¯ve blocked Gray¡¯s number and the guys aren¡¯t talking to me. Same time I just wanna go back home.

    ¡°Thanks Ryan , I¡¯d love to but can we do thatter ? Please.¡± I bite my bottom lip and pout at him.

    ¡°Sure. If that¡¯s fine by you.¡± I smile and nod.

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    ¡­..

    I walk into Sands & winches to eat something. I walk to the counter and tell the waitress what I wanted. My eyes meet with Piper¡¯s and as usual she look away. When is this going to end ?

    I collect my order and walk to their booth.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    ¡°Hey guys.¡±

    ¡°Hi Ariel.¡± Brandon replies my greeting but Piper didn¡¯t.

    ¡°Guys I¡¯m sorry. Look it¡¯s gonna be fine if you guys don¡¯t wanna talk to me ever again because I lied but I want you to forgive me because it wasn¡¯t intentional. I couldn¡¯t fathom what we had. I¡¯m still new to everything.¡± I sigh.

    ¡°That means you never trusted us.¡±

    ¡± I did, I just don¡¯t trust myself. I nned to tell you guys but I wanted to be sure that i know what I¡¯m doing. Please¡­¡±

    ¡°Ariel, it¡¯s fine. We understand but we need to get through this. I can¡¯t even picture me doing that to someone i called a friend. We are not mad at you , we just need to get this over with.¡±

    I sigh and bite the inside of my cheek. ¡± Sure guys. I¡¯m sorry.¡± I smile faintly at them and walk out of the restaurant.

    I bumped into someone on my way out.

    ¡°Oh my God, I¡¯m really sorry.¡± I quickly apologize to this guy that i bumped into.

    ¡°Sure.¡± He smiles and walk past me.

    I breathe in and hail a cab to go home. I unlock the door since Leslie isn¡¯t home and shut it. I throw my bag on the single couch and walk to the kitchen to make coffee to drink. I need to get out tonight if i wanna sleep well. I¡¯m crowded with guilt and I just wanna visit a party. I gulp my coffee and walk back to my room. I bring out my notebook to finish my assignment since exams aren¡¯t far.

    I slump on my bed and shut my eyes. Hell no , can¡¯t sleep. After several attempts of falling asleep , I check my phone and it¡¯s already nightfall. I need to go out , maybe a club. Without thinking twice , I rush to the shower and take my bath. I blow dry my hair and slip on a red strap dress. I don¡¯t what I¡¯m doing and I¡¯m not backing out. The more I stay here the more I think I need to visit a therapist.

    I apply a simple make up and I know I look different and beautiful. I put on my shoes and grab my clutch before walking out of my room. I sit opposite the bartender and ordered for cocktails. I need to get drunk if that¡¯s gonna numb all the aching pains inside me. I rest my elbow on the counter and consume my cocktail. Just two ss and I¡¯m already tipsy.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you gorgeous ?¡± A voice speaks from beside me. I turn to look at this new visitor and he¡¯s sitting on the next stool close to mine. I remembered him. The cute dark skinned guy I bumped into.

    ¡°Thanks.¡± I smile knowing fully well I¡¯m getting drunk.

    ¡± It¡¯s cute I found you here. I¡¯m Hayden.¡± He says and that seems to furrow my brows on it¡¯s own. Leslie¡¯s ex.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry I¡¯m not interested. I¡¯m waiting for my boyfriend.¡± I lie drinking my third ss of cocktail.

    ¡°So who¡¯s the lucky fe ?¡± He asks and I didn¡¯t bother to reply. Why would Leslie break up with someone like him. Honestly he¡¯s good looking. To hell with my sister.

    ¡°He¡¯sing.¡± I finally reply looking everywhere but him.

    He Chuckles and lean closer.

    ¡°Dance with me ?¡± He asks and smirks. I stare at his eyes and shake my head. I know i wanted to avoid Graypletely but I can¡¯t flirt with someone else. It feels so inappropriate. Why does he make me feel different ? Like he knows my buttons and when to press it.

    ¡°Thanks , not interested.¡± I get off the bar and find my way through the dancing bodies. What am I doing here in the first ce ? Obviously to get wasted. I step on the dance floor and sway to the music. The booze was working and I¡¯m grateful. I twist my waist to the song as I feel someone dance behind me. I grind my hips against my new dancing partner as his hands wrapped my waist. His hands press against my stomach to feel his bulge. This doesn¡¯t feel right and I want Gray already.

    ¡°Ariel.¡± A hand grip to mine as I turn around.

    Why does it have to be him. He seems pissed and not really happy.

    ¡± Dick, get your hands off her now.¡± Gray yell at the guy who quickly let go of me.

    ¡± To the entrance. Get your broke ass out of my club.¡± Gray demands , referring to the guy. Why did I dance with him in the first ce. I¡¯m such a wrecker.

    ¡± Gray..¡± I hold his hand but he ignored me. The guy huffs and walk out of our presence.

    Gray turn to look at me and scoffs. He dragged me out of the club just like the first time.

    ¡°Really ?¡± He asks once we step out of the club.

    ¡°So you blocked my number so that you can visit a club. To do what ? When did you start clubbing ?¡± He yell.

    ¡°Don¡¯t yell at me. You¡¯re the reason I¡¯m here.¡± I yell back at him.

    ¡°I want to stay away from you but I can¡¯t stay away from you either.¡± I begin. Just standing close to him is making me loose my senses. ¡± I lost my friends because you walked into my life in such a mysterious way. Ever since I met you , i can¡¯t even think normal. Why are you doing this to me ?¡±

    His eyes are mixed with no emotions and sadness. He stare down at me and didn¡¯t say a word.

    I sigh and continue.¡± My life hadn¡¯t been the same since the day you barged into my car. I wanna be far from you every single time. I¡¯ve tried Gray but you¡¯re always everywhere.¡± My voice is impossibly quiet and that must be the work of the alcohol.

    His facial is more cute than I can remember. Why did i ever have to meet him ? He takes me by surprise and pull me to his body as he kiss my breath away. I wrap my hands around his neck and kiss back. He slowly caress my hips to my waist and he¡¯s not willing to break the kiss. The kiss was a bit desperate. Filled with anger and emotions. It¡¯s surprisingly Gray stole my breath away with just a touch. How am I supposed to avoid someone who¡¯s got me wrapped around his fingers.

    I thread my fingers through his messy hair and kiss him desperately. The butterflies in my stomach churn and dance in excitement. I¡¯ve been longing for this since the day he kissed me at that party.

    My body responds to every of his touch as heat travels through my body and settles in between my legs.

    ¡°I want to stay away from you , Gray..¡± I mutter after breaking from the kiss.

    He leans our foreheads together as I watch his eyes. His eyes slowly parted and they meet with mine. His beautiful grey orbs lock with mine as it stares into my soul. How can he be so good looking all the time ?

    ¡°It¡¯s crazy I wanna be far from you but I can¡¯t. I¡¯m alwaysing back.¡± I mutter and lock eyes with his.

    He breathes in sharply with his hands wrap around my waist possessively.¡± You can¡¯t stay away from me cause I won¡¯t let you.¡± He said.

    He pulls me to himself and adore my neck with his breath taking kisses. He kisses my neck up to my ears and whisper. ¡± The more you run away from me , the harder I¡¯ll chase you¡­¡±

 Chapter 25

    My heart melt to his sweet words. His words are like ice , it melts my heart. I smile and let him run his hands through my hair.

    ¡°Come with me ?¡±

    I nod as he kissed my cheek.

    I slide inside his sport¡¯s car and he shut the door. He turn around and entered the driver¡¯s seat as he speed into the dark night.

    The ride is quiet as usual and Gray¡¯s eyes aren¡¯t leaving my body. He parks the car in that familiar underground garage as we step out.

    ¡± Do you usuallye here ? Your penthouse ?¡±

    ¡°Told you before Tinkerbell. Not often. Come here..¡± he takes my hand and type in his code as we enter the penthouse.

    He shut the door and gently press me against the wall to kiss me again. I struggle to take his jacket off. Without wasting much time , he shrug his jacket off not breaking from the kiss.

    ¡°You drive me fuckin crazy.¡± He mutters against the kiss.

    I bite his bottom lip gently as we kiss. My tongue take over his and that brought back the weird feeling I¡¯ve been feeling the very day he kissed me. I step out of my shoes and he waste no time to lift me up and i wrap both my legs around his waist.

    I moan in his mouth and receive every single kiss he was giving. My body is gently ced on his bed and I watch him take off his shirt.

    What a man. He was well built and that includes everything about him. I sit up and touch every outlined muscles. His breath is calm as he watch my every move. I sit on my knees and graze my fingers on his inked arm. I lean closer to him and kiss his neck. He groans silently and watch me carefully.

    I caress his chest slowly and kiss his neck. I trail my hands on his back slowly and kiss his neck to his corbones. His eyes are shut in perfection as I trail every single kisses and touch.

    I kiss his cheek and take in his mouth in mine. It didn¡¯t take much for him to return the kiss. He grab my waist and lean me back against the bed not breaking the kiss.

    ¡°What the fuck did you do to me ?¡± He whispers and trail kisses down my neck.

    ¡°Don¡¯t try to run away from me Tinkerbell..¡±

    I watch him carefully as he take off my dress leaving me with just my panties and bra. His eyes is covered in lust and emotions as they pry over my body. Watching me , like I¡¯m the most interesting thing to watch.

    ¡°You¡¯re beautiful , Ariel .¡± It¡¯s crazy I love the way my name sounds in his mouth. It¡¯s weird it lights up my world. Or actually, he lights up my world.

    He expertly unhook my bra and toss it on the floor. I moan silently since I¡¯m fairly exposed to him. I breathe in sharply and let him lean closer not breaking the eye contact.

    My legs are parted slightly as he rests in between my legs , eyes still glue to mine.

    ¡°Stop being nervous. I¡¯m not hurting you.¡± He whispers and y with the waistline of my panties.

    ¡°I need to take this off.¡± I nod as he smirks.

    I know I¡¯m drunk or maybe tipsy. Maybe if I was not under the influence of alcohol, I might not let him take off my clothing. He¡¯s just unavoidable. You can¡¯t say no to his demands.

    He press his body against mine and adore my neck with his kisses. His lips is soft against my skin as my lips betray me letting out a quiet moan. He kiss the top of my breast and before I could blink an eye , my nipple is in his mouth. I moan and let him taste me. My nipples are already hard as his tongue flick on it. I moan and bite my bottom lip as I watch his tongue take charge of my nipples.

    He caress my thighs up to my stomach as he cup my breast with a gentle squeeze. His teeth graze gently on my hard nipples as i squirm underneath him.

    He kiss in between my breast and move down to my stomach. My panties are still on and he¡¯s not making any move to take it off.

    ¡°You¡¯re so wet.¡± He murmurs against my skin with his eyes glue to mine.

    I could taste my blood in my mouth because of too much biting of my bottom lip. I lean on my elbows and watch him hold the waistline of my panties as he peel them off my skin. And now I¡¯m naked underneath him. Thank God I waxed this week.

    He slide his fingers down my wet core and raise my right leg to rest on his shoulders. My head sparks as his lips taste my sensitive part. I moan and squirm to the new feeling. This feels good. His tongue was out of description as it eat up every of my orgasm.

    I run my fingers through his hair and moan out his name and every other words that escape out of my mouth. I feel his finger slide inside me as it work my core to orgasm. I¡¯ve never had this before or even have anyone in between my legs. His finger thrust in and out of me while his tongue work on my clit.

    My stomach clench and my orgasm broke. He lick off every of my wet till I¡¯m totally clean. My elbows are weak including my legs. I rest back on the bed and catch my breath. Gray leans closer to me and kiss me. His mouth taste different and I was sure it was because he¡¯s been down my legs earlier.

    ¡°You taste so fuckin good.¡± He mutters in my mouth and kiss my upper lip.

    ¡°That was¡­¡± I take in a deep.¡± That was so good.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not through with you yet.¡± He smirks and cup my breast and that that instantly turn me on.

    ¡°Gray..¡±

    ¡°Hmm..¡± he hum against my neck. The vibration travel down to my core as I trail my fingers on his chest.

    He twist my nipple and bite the other lightly.

    ¡°Come sit on my face..¡±

    ¡°What ?¡±

    He raise his head and smirk devilishly at me. Heys back down on the bed with his head rxed on a pillow.

    I smile and craddle his face holding gently unto the headboard. Gray¡¯s fingers dig on my ass while he grab it gently positioning me to sit on his face.

    My core meet in contact with his lips and that almost made me copse.

    ¡°Oh my God¡­¡± I moan as he survey around my sensitive part.

    The heat in my body travel down my body and settled on my core. How can someone be so goddamn good with his mouth. I absently grind on his mouth but he purposely lift me up a bit to rub circles on my walls.

    I whimper and moan , pouring out profanities as he rub circles on my core.

    ¡°Gray , I¡¯m cumming.¡±

    With one swift motion , he lift me off his face and ce me on the bed.

    ¡°Gray , really ?¡± I groan and swat his chest.

    ¡°I was about to orgasm.¡±

    ¡°So..¡±Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    ¡°Really.. ¡± I scoff and look him in the eyes , telling him to continue.

    He smirks and kiss my lips before parting my legs with his knees. His finger slide back inside me while his thumb begin rubbing circles.

    ¡± Please don¡¯t stop..¡± I moan, hoping he won¡¯t dy my orgasm again.

    Sliding out his fingers , he continues rubbing circles till i orgasm. My breathing is ragged while I try to catch my breath. I hope I remember all of this tomorrow.

    ¡°Are you still drunk ?¡± I smile at his question and shake my head sideways.

    ¡°Anyone could easily tell when you¡¯re lying..¡±. He says and kiss my forehead.

    I rub my knees on his trousers and a groan escape out of his mouth.

    ¡°Don¡¯t do that , except you¡¯re willing to take me in.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t I return the favor ?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°Gray you¡¯re hard.¡±

    ¡°So how could you tell if someone is hard ?¡± He raise his brows and smirk.

    I slowly trail my fingers down his abs to the waistline of his pants and caress his hard-on through his jeans.

    ¡°That¡¯s hard.¡± I wink.

    He bites his bottom lip andy next to me covering my naked body with the duvet.

    ¡± Why did you block my number ?¡±

    I sigh and rest my head on his chest as I touch his chest.

    ¡°I wanted to forget you.¡±

    ¡°Why ?¡±

    ¡°A lot of reasons. People always try to remind me I¡¯m not worthy to be around you. It hurts to the core. I feel less of myself and I hated it when I do.¡±

    He remain silent and rub circles on my lower back.

    ¡°Who¡¯s Jhene to you ?¡±

    ¡°Did you meet her ?¡±

    ¡°I met her in Malibu. She called you her boyfriend and warned me to stay away from you. Meghan was with her.¡±

    ¡°Meghan ?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. She said same thing the day she was supposed to take me out to shop for clothes for that party.¡± I trail my fingers down his chest and rub circles on his nipples.

    I enjoy the way his body tensed to the feeling.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s so weird you apologize all the time. I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t do that frequently¡­¡±

    He chuckle and turn to look at me.

    ¡± You make me do a lot of things you know.¡± He says calmly and kiss my cheek.

    ¡°You too.¡±

    ¡°Jhene is my older brother¡¯s baby mama. Don¡¯t let her threaten you. She¡¯s not my type, cause you¡¯re better than her.¡±

    I blush and kiss his cheek before wrapping my hand around his torso.

    ¡°I hope you won¡¯t freak out when you¡¯re sober. Cause you¡¯re drunk as hell.¡± I giggle and smile.

    ¡°Thanks Gray.¡±

    ¡°Go to bed , Ariel.¡±

    ¡­

    My body aches the following morning as I stretch my bones. My eyes slowly snap open as I take in my new environment. Sunlight sneak through the curtains as i quickly shut my eyes. Another hangover. I¡¯m never drinking again. Last night¡¯s event sneak into my head and I remembered everything.

    I open my eyes swiftly and push theforter to the side. I¡¯m naked and alone on his bed. I look for my clothes on the floor and it¡¯s not there. I look around the room and my clothes are arrange on the cream colored couch. God I almost had sex with Gray after I rantst night that i wanna stay away from him. I can¡¯t say I¡¯m choice less, I basically don¡¯t know what I want.

    I search his closet and find one of his t-shirt. I couldn¡¯t stop gawking at the size and the beauty of his room. I admire the ss window that stretch from the floor to the roof. You could spot the busy city down this penthouse. I clean my eyes and go to the living room to look for Gray. He¡¯s no where to be found , which means I¡¯m alone. How can he leave without waking me up.

    I look at my phone and it¡¯s almost afternoon. I¡¯ve missed my ss because of Gray. He sent me a text message about 5 hours ago telling me he¡¯s got business to handle and he ordered food for me. I smile to his nice gesture and quickly brush my teeth with his spare toothbrush and devour the food he ordered. I take my bath and get dressed locking his door with the spare key he left with me.

    Walking out of his penthouse , I dialed his number and he¡¯s not picking up. I sent him a text message and he didn¡¯t text back.

    ¡­.

    It¡¯s evening and Gray hadn¡¯t replied my text messages. I check my phone countless times and yet nothing. No calls and he¡¯s not even picking my calls. Why am I even worried or bothered. We¡¯re not together and worst is I¡¯ve always wanted to stay away from him. It¡¯s weird he¡¯s got me wrapped around his fingers and I just can¡¯t think straight. I can¡¯t believe he took me to his house, touched me and left in the morning and didn¡¯t even bother to pick my calls or texts. He¡¯s so unpredictable.

    I pull my knees to my chest and continue with my assignment since it¡¯s nightfall. Leslie and i are not in talking terms and none of us haven¡¯t bother to make the first move to talk to each other. The guys are still avoiding me and I really haven¡¯t called them either since the day I approached Piper and Brandon in Sands & Winches.

    A knock on my door startles me as I get up to open. Leslie barely knocks on my door and Gray would never knock. So who must that be ? I twist the doorknob and open the door only to be faced with Freddie.

    ¡°How did you get here ?¡± I ask him as he try to get in.

    ¡°Don¡¯t even dare. You should leave.¡± I proceed to shut the door but he stop me with his foot.

    ¡°I just wanna talk. I¡¯m here to apologise.¡±

    I bite my bottom and look at his eyes and they look heavy like someone¡¯s who been deprived of sleep.

    ¡°Ten minutes..¡± I open the door widely and motion for him toe in.

    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry for breaking our friendship.¡± He begins.

    ¡°Freddie , nine minutes¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry , I barely could sleep because of what i did.¡±

    ¡± Eight minutes..¡±

    ¡°Ariel please listen to me. I was scared to loose you..¡±

    ¡°Sev¡­ What ?¡± I pause and watch his guilt filled face.

    ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted you. I thought you didn¡¯t like me back and I was scared to tell you how I felt. Scared to loose you , so I just had to stay friends if that means you won¡¯t walk out of my life. I hated the fact that you abandoned college to go be a sister , I was angry..¡±

    ¡°And you thought taking advantage of me would make me stay ?¡±

    ¡°I was stupid and I¡¯m truly sorry. I know i can¡¯t take it back. I know you can¡¯t trust me anymore , but Ariel I truly missed you. I missed us and I¡¯m truly sorry. I want you back.¡±

    ¡°We were never together Freddie.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s stupid I discovered you liked me too. You know there¡¯s still a part of you that still feels the same for me. A part that still wants me¡­¡± He sigh and step forward making us fancily close to each other.

    Just two steps and we will be breathing same air.

    ¡± I want you to forgive me. I want you Ariel. I missed us hanging out together.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s like a year ago. I mean , I trusted you. I¡¯d never expected you to do that to me. You broke me Freddie. I almostmitted suicide..¡± I sob silently.

    He takes one step and another step and we¡¯re so close to each other. Freddie¡¯s cute , yeah really cute. We might be teenagers then but he¡¯s still cute , even better. His blue eyes were the first thing that attracted me to him. His deep chestnut brown hair alwaysy on myps in highschool. He¡¯d always sneak into my bedroom each time his parents fought. But that¡¯s like a year ago. He betrayed my trust.

    ¡°I¡¯m truly sorry that you almostmitted suicide. I might loose my mind if I actually loose you forever..¡± he whispers and trail his index finger down my cheek.

    He push back my loose hair beside my ear and lock eyes with me. No this isn¡¯t happening.

    ¡°I missed you Ariel. I¡¯m gonna do everything just to make you forgive my mistake. I was stupid and desperate.¡± He says and trails his fingers slowly on my jawline.

    His hand move to the back of my neck as he leans against me taking my lips by surprise. He kiss me slowly and deepen the kiss with his hands wrapped around my waist. To my own surprise I kissed back. This isn¡¯t right. I pull back and sigh, rubbing my nape.

    ¡°Let me love you, Ariel.¡±

 Chapter 26

    ~GRAY~

    ¡± That Russian prick won¡¯t stop till he finds your underground warehouse. He¡¯s angry beyond constion after taking away his Chinese deal.¡± Reid says picking up a cigarette and a lighter.

    ¡± Fuckin Dick..¡± I scoff and stuff my hands in my front pocket watching mypound through the ss wall.

    Jhene¡¯s ck car drive into mypound as she step out of her car with Meghan. Meghan¡¯s her half sister and obviously my employee who¡¯s trying to hit on me the very first day she got employed. Dumb ass slut.

    ¡°Hey babe..¡± she says as she walk into the living room.

    She walk majestically and proceed to throw her hands around my shoulders. I grab her arm and force her to sit on the couch.

    ¡± Jhene really ?¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about ? I missed you by the way.¡± She proceeds to stand up but my re made her sit back as she throw her hands in surrender.

    ¡°Tell me my grievance please.¡±

    ¡°What did you tell Ariel ? I¡¯m sure you visited California.¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s Ariel ? Oh wait! The slutty waitress who stole your attention ? Nigga I told her no shit.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s stupid you couldn¡¯t buy my attention. Why the fuck did you tell we¡¯re dating Jhene ?¡±

    ¡°I beg your pardon.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re so miserable, dumbass bitch.¡±

    ¡°Gray easy on her.¡± Reid says at once.

    ¡°Reid , stay out of it. What are you doing here ? Thest time i checked , we just fucked and I got tired. You decided to get back at me by sleeping with Damon. It¡¯s stupid you return with a baby and forced me to go for a paternity test because you¡¯re so desperate to make me your fuckin baby daddy. Now what the fuck are you doing here ?¡±This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    She¡¯s paled out as she stare at me speechless.

    ¡°You should stay away from my houses except Kennedy¡¯s back. Get your cheap ass outta here.¡± She gasp and stand up at once.

    ¡°Gray , you¡¯re taking it far.¡± Reid protests.

    ¡°You¡¯re pushing me out ?¡±

    ¡°Yes , get the fuck out. And do yourself a favor and stay away from Ariel. If you by any chance stalk her ever again , I¡¯m gonna fuck you up. Start leaving..¡± I scoff and grab a blunt and a lighter.

    She bite her bottom lip in anger and turn to leave. I light the cigarette and scowl at Meghan.

    ¡°You¡¯re fired Meghan. Go with her. You can possibly go back to the strip club where I picked your ass from.¡±

    ¡°Boss.¡±

    I exhale the smoke out of my nostrils and re at her. I just feel like shooting someone. She pretends to sob as she leaves.

    ¡± Seriously man. What the fuck is that ?¡± Reid asks clearly angered by my actions.

    ¡°Thest time I checked , I fuckin pay her bills so I have every right to fire her.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s the best in her field.¡±

    ¡°There are a lot of bitches who work better than her annoying ass. Call Manny tell him to get someone who¡¯s gonna represent Meghan.¡±

    ¡°Fuck man.¡± He scoff and walk out of the living room.

    What¡¯s with him ? I¡¯ve got a lot of issues troubling my head and I wasn¡¯t in the mood to handle some girly shit in the name of Jhene. I fuckin hate that bitch. A lot of times i regretted meeting her in the first ce. How she fuckin nned to make me jealous like I give a fuck. Forced me to take a paternity test and she¡¯s aware I don¡¯t hit without a fuckin rubber.

    ¡°You know that was too much. It¡¯s been long I¡¯ve seen you this angry. What¡¯s she to you ?¡± Reid asks gulping down a ss of wine.

    ¡°I should worry about that Reid.¡± I sigh. He hums and chuckle.

    I remembered the previous night. Her beneath me staring non-stop at me with her beautiful dark brown eyes. It¡¯s crazy she has an effect on me and that scared the shit outta of me. The incident at the club barely leaves my head. She on that seductive red dress. Her long ck hair hanging down her shoulders as she danced. Every horny fuck in that club couldn¡¯t take their eyes off her and that fuckin made me mad. How could she visit a club because she wanted to avoid me.

    Everytime i close my eyes , all i could see his her little form on my bedying next to me. I¡¯ve always wanted to eat her out and she taste so fuckin good. I needed to be myself for once so I just had to avoid her calls. She¡¯s like a distraction to me and a new addition worse than coke.

    ¡°She¡¯s too good for your shit.¡±

    ¡°So whenst did you care about who I getid with ?¡± I asks Reid.

    ¡°Since you met this Ariel girl. I don¡¯t mean to sound crazy but , man you don¡¯t fuckin want her.¡±

    I roll my eyes and light another blunt as i crouch on my single couch.

    ¡°Wanna party tonight ? Strip club is gonna be dope. Fuck I wanna getid.¡± Reid says and i couldn¡¯t help but chuckle.

    ¡± Whatever you say man. Trent¡¯s in town. We could possibly hang out in his strip club. I need to get rid of dimir.¡±

    ¡°Messing with the Russians is thest thing that should ever cross your mind Gray. Don¡¯t pull your trigger to that direction.¡±

    ¡°Cock suckers.¡± I huff and gulp his half ss of wine.

    ¡°Whatever Jhene did might be stupid but that was harsh. She¡¯s a woman for fuck sake.¡±

    ¡°And I don¡¯t give a flying fuck, Reid. She sucks.¡±

    ¡°Yeah , sucked your dick.¡±

    ¡°Fuck , man. I don¡¯t wanna think about that shit.

    He puff out his smoke and chuckle.

    ¡°Get your shits together. We¡¯re getting drunk.¡±

    ¡°Now you sound like a college delinquent who hates school.¡±

    ¡°The fuck , I¡¯ve always hated school. Don¡¯t try to remind me that you¡¯ve always been the brightest between you and me and you always ace every shitty exams.¡±

    ¡°Touch¨¨.¡± I chuckle and stamp the butt of the cigarette on an ash tray.

    ¡­

    .

    We step on the club as who cares to look watch. Manny and Carl follow behind since they are my personal guard.

    ¡°Gray Carter..¡± Stephens says as he exchange handshake with Reid and I.

    ¡°This way. Your table is already preserved. Trent¡¯s waiting.¡± Stephens leads the way and we follow behind.

    ¡°Gray Carter..¡± Trent calls out as I take a seat. He hands me a ss of wine and a cigarette.

    ¡°I¡¯m not smoking tonight. Thanks for the blunt.¡± I raise the ss upwards and drink the content.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to see you tonight.¡±

    ¡°Work , Trent , It¡¯s driving me insane.¡± I reply. Reid raises his brows and smirk before lowering his ss of wine to his mouth. Yeah I know that look.

    ¡°And i heard you could overtake dimir. The fuck face won¡¯t take it easy on every one of us. Especially you Gray.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s a pussy and I don¡¯t even think about it.¡± I scoff and nce around this club. Reminding me of the day I saw Ariel in a club for the second time.

    How she¡¯s always different amongst her friends as shepare each drink before drowning them cause she¡¯s afraid of being drunk. Just standing few feets from me that night and dancing drive me fuckin insane and it turns me on. She¡¯s like sex , always on your fucked up mind. She always drives me insane with just a smile.

    ¡°Gray , you need a girl ?¡± Reid asks. I raise my brows and shake my head sideways.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    Trent snap his hand at his guards as they walk into the brighter side of the club since we¡¯re in a VIP club covered with topless strippers. I watch the strippers dance around the pole as they won¡¯t stop giving me eyes. Trent¡¯s guards returns with two girls as they giggle. One sits on Reid¡¯sps while the other sit next to Trent.

    The ebony skinned girl on Reid¡¯sps look up as her eyes meet mine. She tensed secretly and smirks. Leslie , Ariel¡¯s sister. I remembered her very well and I fuckin despise her attitude. She smiles and grind on Reid¡¯sps. Dumb bitch. Her friend try to hit on me but my res made herpose herself. She turn her back on us and straddle Reid. Reid grab her ass as he takes off her crop top leaving her topless and she¡¯s not even wearing a bra. Dumbass bitch.

    Leslie giggles and moan silently on Reid¡¯sps who must have been finger fucking the bitch.

    ¡°Reid get a room.¡± I snap at the two horny folks.

    ¡°Chill man. I¡¯m cool right here. ¡± Trent raises his brows and chuckles.

    My mind is out of ce. All I could think of is Ariel and it¡¯s been a week since I¡¯ve heard or even seen her. I¡¯m such an asshole.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back , Trent.¡± I tap Trent gently on his shoulders and get up from the chair to leave the club.

    ¡°Becareful out there Gray.¡±

    ¡°Manny stay. You too Carl.¡± I gulp the remaining content of the wine and storm out. Reid is too busy too think and I didn¡¯t tell him a thing.

    .

    ~ARIEL~

    .

    One day , two days and now one week Gray hasn¡¯t picked my calls or even reply my texts. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on. But I was scared and almost tempted to check on him in his penthouse or maybe his house. Iy on my stomach on my bed and watch a movie on myptop.

    About the kiss with Freddie , i really don¡¯t wanna think about it cause I end up depressed again. He wants me to be his friend again and I told him i was never gonna think about it. I hated the fact that I had to kiss him in the first ce , infact I regretted it. I see a shadow beside my door as I raise my head from myptop. No way.

    ¡°Gray¡­¡±

    I heard him chuckle as he made his way to my bed.

    ¡± Missed me ?¡±

    ¡°No I didn¡¯t. You¡¯re such an annoying jerk. What are you doing here ? You¡¯ve been avoiding my calls ever since you drove me to your penthouse.¡± I say sitting up.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you admit that you missed me Tinkerbell.¡± He smirks, looking down at what I was watching.

    ¡°So why did you decide to show up after you disappeared for a week ?¡±

    ¡°Cause I missed you.¡± He whispers and lift me off the bed to sit me on hisp.

    ¡°You smell like weed and alcohol. Have you been partying ?¡±

    He shrugs and study my face.

    ¡± I was bored so I decided to drop by in a club. It was extremely boring and all I could think about was you. ¡±

    ¡± How did you always get in ? The door was locked.¡±

    He lets out a quiet chuckle and shrug. I yfully swat his hand to tell me the truth.

    ¡± You don¡¯t have to be a jerk. How did you get in ?¡±

    He rolls his eyes and stay quiet.

    ¡± Don¡¯t worry about it. I always have my way.¡±

    I sigh and watch his perfect lips as he smiles at me. It¡¯s crazy that lip did a lot to me when I was at his penthouse.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go for a ride.¡±

    I chuckle and rest my head on his shoulders.

    ¡°Gray it¡¯s almost 9 pm.¡±

    ¡°Whatever thing you say princess. Go change , I¡¯ll wait downstairs.¡±

    I sigh defeatedly and crawl out of hisps. I watch him walk out of my room and it¡¯s annoying he took my senses with him. I undress myself and put on a light pink crop top hoodie with ck Jean shorts and sneakers. I take the elevator down stairs and I couldn¡¯t spot Gray¡¯s usual expensive sport¡¯s cars but instead he lean against a motorbike.

    ¡°Thest time I checked , you¡¯re a crackhead driver with bad driving lessons. Are you trying to get us killed ?¡± I whine.

    ¡°Hop in princess.¡± He smirks and pat the backside of the motorbike for me.

    ¡°Gray , I¡¯m scared.¡± I whine.

    His hands wrapped around my waist as he pull me to himself.

    ¡°You¡¯re so fuckin beautiful. It¡¯s crazy you¡¯re the only thing in my head through out this past weeks.¡±

    ¡± Then why did you avoid my calls and refused to return my calls and texts ?¡± I ask calmly.

    ¡°Because I don¡¯t wanna get used to you. It¡¯s crazy I¡¯m already wanting you so badly¡­¡± He sigh and lean his forehead on mine. ¡± You drive me crazy¡­¡± He coo¡¯s.

    He hold my chin up and sp my lips on his. I¡¯ve missed this , I¡¯ve missed him. I wrap my arms around his neck and lean in to his kiss taking his mouth deeply in mine. I feel a lot of things when I¡¯m around him and i really can¡¯t exin them. I didn¡¯t notice when Gray wrap my legs around his waist and sit me on the front of his motorbike.

    ¡°If we continue , I¡¯m gonna take off your clothes and kiss you like a fuckin candy.¡± I blush and bite my tongue.

    ¡°You¡¯re okay here ? I wanna look at you while I drive.¡± He cocks his brows as I chuckle.

    ¡°Sure thing captain. Just don¡¯t get me killed. Where¡¯s your helmet ?¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t really need one.¡± He smirks and bring out his earphones from his jacket pockets and stuck them inside both my ears.

    ¡°Just in case you can¡¯t withstand how fast I go and the crazy sound.¡± He kisses my cheek and hand me his phone to y any song.

    I decrease the volume of the song in case I need to listen to whatever thing he wants to say.

    ¡°Ready ?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± I wrap my hands around his torso and rest my head on his chest . Thank God I¡¯m littlepare to him.

    He starts the engine and in less than a minute we¡¯re on the road. I giggle to his crazy driving as he duck in between cars and night traffic. Everything pass in a blur and the breeze kisses my naked legs due to his speed.

    ¡°Are you okay ?¡±

    ¡°Yeah I¡¯m fine.¡± I smile and watch each moving vehicles as Gray speeds past every average and fast cars.

    A car drive alongside us but it¡¯s a bit far cause it¡¯s a one way road. The driver smirks at me through his dark sses. I¡¯m not dumb , we¡¯re being trailed.

    ¡°Gray, someone¡­¡±

    ¡°I know. Lay back and close your eyes. Increase the song if you want.¡± Gray turn to look at the other vehicle. A ck BMW and it¡¯s driver is ruthless without being told. Through the dark night , I see a little scar on his cheek as he continue smirking devilishly at me. He has a passenger and they look ruthless. The driver shove out a gun and I don¡¯t know but I started screaming.

    Gray dodged his bullet and speed faster. The ruthless BMW driver, pull his trigger the second time and Gray duck his bullet speeding into the dark night.

    ¡°Fuckin prick¡­¡± He cuss and duck past another vehicle. Why did i choose this part in life ? What¡¯s up with my life and bad lucks ? Gray expertly turn me to sit at the back of his motorbike as I wrap my hand around his torso. I¡¯m already whimpering as i look behind me , they are still following us. What do they do want ? Of course Gray knows what they want. He¡¯s too filled with secrets.

    ¡°Gray , what¡¯s going on ?¡± I whimper because this BMW driver is still chasing at us as he continues shooting at us.

    Gray dig out a gun from his jacket pocket and shoot the car¡¯s tyres. Wait ! he has a gun. A gun ! Oh my God , how did I get here. I mentally scream and hug him tighter as she shoots both side tyres and aim at the driver¡¯s head. I close my eyes, tears already raining down my eyes. I¡¯m highly emotional and seeing someone shoot at someone made me loose my mind the more. I heard a loud sound as I open my eyes. The BMW drive into a truck as it went aze.

    ¡°Tinkerbell.¡±

    ¡°Pull over..¡± i scream hitting his back.

    ¡°Calm down..¡±

    ¡°Who the hell are you ? Gray pull over..¡±

    ¡°Oh shit¡­¡± He curses and pull the break. I whip my head forward and there¡¯s about two cars blocking the empty road and four guys. One seems to be smoking a fat cigar and he looks like their leader. I hop out of the bike including Gray. Obviously , I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on but I¡¯m certain I¡¯m gonna get hurt before I leave here. I just wanna get the hell out of here.

    ¡°Gray Carter. Nice stunt you pulled on my men.¡± The guy with the fat joint chuckle with his obvious Russian ent. I quickly go behind Gray for cover.

    ¡°What do you want ?¡±

    ¡± Tit for Tat Gray. You¡¯re just like your father. Worthless and thieves. Get the girl.¡± Oh no no no. This isn¡¯t happening.

    A muscr tatted weirdo grab my arm from behind Gray as Gray grab the other.

    ¡°Let her go dimir. She did nothing to you.¡±

    This dimir guy chuckles and motion his finger to Gray. Another Russian asshole smack his face with a gun as he spit out blood.

    ¡°Oh my God.¡± I whimper.

    ¡°Fuckin Dick.¡± Gray cusses and bites his lip bottom lip.

    ¡°I¡¯m taking the girl.¡± dimir says as I¡¯m push to him.

    ¡°No , please no.¡± I sob.

    ¡± d don¡¯t. You don¡¯t wanna fuckin do this.¡± Gray orders. A guy pressed a gun against Gray¡¯s temple and right now I wanna pee.

    dimir chuckles and res daggers at Gray.

    ¡°Shoot him.¡±

    ¡°No¡­¡± I sob loudly and the next thing I hear was a gun shot.

    Oh my God!

 Chapter 27

    Before I can blink , Gray pulls out his gun and shoot at both guys. I don¡¯t even know how he did that. I whimper and squirm at the hold of this Russian demon. He chuckles, maybe to the fact that Gray killed all his back men.

    ¡°So she¡¯s worth it huh? You killed my men for this hoe?¡± dimir asks.

    ¡± d , no more shit talk. Leave her the fuck alone.¡±

    ¡°What if I don¡¯t?¡± He ask and smirk devilishly. Gray shot his arms as he wince letting go of me.

    I quickly hide behind one of the cars afraid to watch any bloody scene. Who¡¯s he ? How can I be so naive to know nothing about him. I heard grunts as I raise my head to look at the scene. Gray ms dimir against his car as the windshield shattered. He toss dimir to the floor and watch dimir closely. I¡¯ve never seen him like this before. This wasn¡¯t Gray , maybe some clone or something.

    ¡± Next time you tell your dildos to stalk me ever again. I¡¯ll be killing without thinking twice.¡± He scoff and raise his head to look at my already broken self.

    His face soften at my sight as he made his way to where I¡¯m leaning already soaked with tears.

    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me.¡± I sniffle and stand to my feet moving far away from him.

    ¡°Ariel , please not now. Let¡¯s get you home.¡± I shake my head sideways. He isn¡¯t the one to easily bulge. He sighs defeatedly and with one single movement , he lifts me on his shoulders.

    ¡°Gray put me down..¡± I shake my legs continusly and hit his back.

    My eyes meet this already dead men and dimir is nowhere to be found.

    ¡­..

    Halting his motorbike in my apartment , I quickly hop out and turn to leave. His grip on my arm made me stop and I¡¯m forced to look at his pale face with so much emotions. I made sure I didn¡¯t look at his eyes. It¡¯s like a soft spot for me and I end up doing a lot of silly things without thinking.

    ¡°Don¡¯t walk out on me.¡± He says sternly , hand still gripping to my arm. I try to free from his grasp but he pulls me to himself.

    ¡°Let me go. You¡¯re scaring the little life out of me. Gray I watched you killed someone. That was the least thing i expected from you..¡±

    ¡°He was gonna take you away¡­

    from me.¡±

    ¡± Who was he ? Why where those guys trailing us ? Shooting at us ?¡±

    He shrug his shoulders and keep quiet.

    ¡°So you¡¯re not gonna talk about it ?¡±

    ¡°What do you want me to say ? I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°Gray he called you worthless and a thief. You knew who he was and why he was after you. Was he the guy Reid talked about ? That he was stalking you for ages now.¡± He bites his lip and nod.

    ¡°Then why does he want me ?¡± I ask , getting really tired because of this conversation. I wanna run far away from him and maybe hide underneath my bed. He¡¯s definitely gonna find me. As usual.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know okay.¡± He yell.¡± I can¡¯t answer your questions. It¡¯s not important.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re just a liar. A maniptive liar. How could you be so selfish ? Gray, I saw you pull out a gun. Shot more than five men. What¡¯s that supposed to exin ? You know what , let go of my arm.¡±

    ¡± Tinkerbell.¡±

    ¡± Leave me alone. I don¡¯t even know who you¡¯re. Just let me go. I don¡¯t wanna be here with you.¡± I sob and sniffle.

    He pulls me to himself and wrap both arms around my waist. He nuzzles my neck and breathe in my scent.

    ¡°Don¡¯t walk away from me because you saw me shot someone. I don¡¯t wanna loose you and I won¡¯t stop shooting people for you.¡± He move his head backwards to stare at my eyes. He¡¯s not getting it. I wanna go to bed and assume nothing happened.

    ¡± I need to go.¡± I pull away from him and run into my apartment.

    It didn¡¯t take me long to get to my room. I walk past Leslie who¡¯s watching TV with Hazel.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been hanging outte again.¡±

    ¡°Leslie , shut your shit mouth and mind your business.¡± I scoff and unlock my door.

    ¡°Did she just talk back at you ?¡± I heard Hazel¡¯s voice from the living room.

    ¡°Bitch been mming a good niggately. Sooner orter , I¡¯m gonna fuck her ass up.¡±

    I roll my eyes and step inside my room. I lean against the door and slide down. I can¡¯t stop weeping. How can I be so stupid ? Always stupid. I barely could fathom why I¡¯m always making wrong decisions. Freddie , now Gray. I rest my elbows on my knees and hold my head in my hands. What have I gotten myself into ? The most annoying part is that he is always making me want him badly. Despite the stupid stunt he pulled out there , I wish he was here to hold me again. I crawl to bed without taking off my clothes and it¡¯s weird I dreamt about him.

    The following morning , I was upte. Izily stride to the bathroom to quickly shower and go to ss. I stop by my bathroom mirror and check out my reflection. Holy Christ , i look like shit. I rub my palms on my face andther my skin harder than usual. I feel weird and that bloody shootout is refusing to get out of my head. I¡¯d never thought i will watch someone kill someone. But then someone that I truly liked shot someone in my presence and he¡¯s not willing to talk about it.

    Getting ready for ss , I walk out of the apartment to go to ss. Ryan was the first person I saw when I step in my first ss. He sh me his boyish grin exposing his dimpled cheek. I think it¡¯s time i forget Gray Carter if I wanna live. He¡¯s too closed up and secretive. But then , I can¡¯t even look at him without loosing my mind. How could he know each of my buttons and when to press it.

    ¡°Hi.¡± I smile at Ryan and sit next to him.

    ¡°Hey. You look pretty.¡±

    ¡°Thanks. You¡¯re not looking bad yourself. How are you ?¡± I ask him.

    ¡± I¡¯m good. Still owe you a burger.¡±

    I chuckle and turn to look at him.

    ¡°You don¡¯t really have to. I mean it¡¯s like stressing you out.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d like to Ariel. It¡¯s just a burger at Sands & Winches and also I¡¯m inviting you to a frat party this weekend if you are not that busy.¡±

    ¡± Wow. Frat , I¡¯m gonna think about it. And maybe after ss , we can go have the burger together.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡± He sh his dimpled cheeks as the professor walks in.

    I ce my notepad on the desk to begin writing. I saw Brandon with Piper as they smile at me. Really ? Are they over my lies yet ? I would really need a girls time after my incident with Gray. What a mess kinda life I¡¯m living. From one shit to another.

    ¡°nning for the exams ?¡± Ryan ask me once we step inside sands & Winches.

    ¡°Yeah. I can¡¯t wait for vacation. I need a good nap and maybe an internship.¡±

    ¡°Internship ? Got a ce in mind ?¡±

    Truly I liked Summit , but then my mystery man owns it. I can¡¯t work under him and also he¡¯s a murderer.

    ¡°Not really.¡± I reply and take a seat on one of the booths.

    ¡°Alright. Maybe I can look out for you. Sinir¡¯s isn¡¯t bad right ?¡±

    ¡°Sinir ? I¡¯d like it. Thanks Ryan.¡± He smiles and nod as we take our orders.

    ¡°Hey guys. Damn it¡¯s so hot out there.¡± Piper smiles at me before sitting next to me. Brandon sits across us grinning like a kid who won a lottery to visit chocte factory.

    ¡°Hey guys. Are you guys for real ?¡±

    Piper giggles and shrugs. Her eyesnd on Ryan as she smirks.

    ¡°Are you asking her out ? She¡¯s not single and obviously not searching Ryan.¡± Piper tells him as the waitress brought in our order. A chicken Burger !

    ¡± Are we getting our order or not ?¡± Brandon asks and lean watching Ryan and me.

    ¡°Sure.¡± Ryan snap at the waitress as she walks back to our booth to take Brandon and Piper¡¯s orders.

    ¡°So Ryan , hope we¡¯re not disturbing anything ? We missed our buddy and we¡¯d like to snatch her anytime soon ?¡± She winks and smiles at both of them.

    I so much miss them. My life had been more dramatic than i could ever imagine. We eat and talk and thankfully, no one brought up anything about Gray. I¡¯m not in the mood to talk about him. It¡¯s annoying he makes me want him every single day of my life. Just mere thinking about him , my mind drift to what happened between us at his penthouse. I still have his spare key and I¡¯m wondering why did I keep it in the first ce.

    Ryan asked for my number and I gave him before he left. Brandon drove us to my apartment as we walk in. I feel exhausted. College is stressing me to the core.

    ¡°Group hug..¡± Piper squeal as she give me a bear hug squeezing the life out of me. I hug back and Brandon joined too.

    ¡°Holy fuck. This isn¡¯t Christmas Eve.¡± Alexa¡¯s voice startles us. We turn around and she¡¯s leaning on my door with her arms crossed and her crazy smirk.

    ¡± What¡¯s up cousin. You look pretty.¡± She peck my cheeks and plump down on the couch.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tease me Alexa. Life has been hard without you guys.¡± I sigh and sit next to Alexa. Brandon sits on the single couch while Piper did the same.

    ¡°You have Gray Carter girl. You¡¯re like the hottest girl in New York right now. You¡¯re stunnin¡¯.¡± Alexa bbers. Silly rich people.

    ¡°Yeah. What¡¯s up with you guys ? You don¡¯t look bad. With the look on your face , he did a really super hot magic on you. How did it even happened ?¡± Piper asks with full focus on me.

    ¡°Guys we¡¯re not In love. We¡¯re not dating. We¡¯re not even in a rtionship.¡± I sigh.

    ¡°Then what ? Friends with benefits ? No offense boo , but Gray doesn¡¯t keep a girl for this long. You said you guys have been hanging out with each other for over three months. Damn girl , that¡¯s like forever.¡±

    ¡± So who else perceives the chemistry between Gray and Ariel.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no stupid chemistry. Just a naive me who doesn¡¯t know what I want.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t know what you want ?¡± Alexa asks and rolls her eyes.

    ¡°I don¡¯t. We¡¯re not in love okay. Truth is we just like ourselves. He¡¯s a good person and not really bad.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to tell us that Ariel. We know he¡¯s a good person. It¡¯s just¡­ Do you like him ? Like feelings ?¡±

    I rub my temple and lean back on the couch.

    ¡°Yes I like him and that¡¯s just it. I¡¯m not sure about feelings.¡±

    ¡°Fuck girl you¡¯re so lucky. I can¡¯t imagine Leslie¡¯s face right now if she hears this. Someone¡¯s gonna die and resurrect.¡± Alexa says and that earn aughter from everyone.

    ¡°It¡¯s incredible to have someone like Gray Carter look at you. No insults. Boy¡¯s dope man.¡±

    ¡°So aside Damon , there¡¯s no other Carter¡¯s ? I¡¯d really love to get one to look at me.¡± Alexa says.

    ¡°Alexa seriously..¡± I chuckle.

    ¡± Yeah. It¡¯s so sad Damon went MIA. Dude¡¯s like Gray. So fuckin cute.¡± Piper emphasize.

    I roll my eyes and draw my knees to my chest.

    ¡°What about his father or even his mother ?¡± I ask this time.

    ¡°Heard is father is dead. And ording to the media, Mia Carter , Gray¡¯s mom remarried a Canadian after her husband¡¯s death. So basically, Gray¡¯s mother is in Canada. The man¡¯s rich. I think is name is ¡­.¡± Alexa said snapping her fingers in thoughts.

    ¡± Antonio.. Sounds like a mafia boss¡¯s name.¡± Brandon chuckles.

    ¡°You¡¯ve watched too much mob movies Brandon.¡±

    ¡°They are basically popr then.¡±This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    ¡°Reasons I told you you¡¯re fuckin lucky Ariel. He owns Summit. Worldwidepany with a lot of million dors piling in every single minute. That¡¯s one of the reasons Jhene wanted Gray to herself. The fuck face is desperate.¡± Piper says.

    ¡± So who¡¯s in for a party tonight. We need to party foring back together and also for Ariel who¡¯s got almighty Gray wrapped around her fingers. Fuck I¡¯m jealous.¡± Alexa mutters and giggles.

    ¡°Alex , we¡¯re not dating.¡±

    ¡°Chill boo , you¡¯ve kissed him. I¡¯d die thinking about that same lips adoring my skin. Hell¡¯s sake he¡¯s too perfect.¡± Piper murmurs.

    Yeah perfect indeed ? If I can remember vividly, I almost got killed yesterday.

    ¡°So who wants to party ?¡± Brandon beams.

    ¡± We¡¯re all in..¡±

    ¡­

    That night , my rooms covered in different kinds of wares the girls have been trying on including Brandon.

    ¡°I¡¯m gettingid tonight.¡± Brandon mutters.

    ¡°Brandy keep your shit in your pants.¡± Piper yell at him.

    ¡°Shut up Piper.¡± We chuckle and get dressed.

    I¡¯m already getting perfect at dressing myself up. I stretch my hair and zip my strapless ck dress that hugs every of my curves as I put on my shoes. We hop inside Alexa¡¯s ck Lexus as she speeds into the dark night. She¡¯s another lunatic driver like Gray. I quickly shake my head and breathe in. I¡¯m forgetting about him and I¡¯m moving on. I can do this. Same time I can¡¯t. Just seeing him makes my heart stop beating. Why¡¯s this always happening to me.

    We walk to the bar and ordered for shots because I really wanna get drunk. Deep down I pray I don¡¯te across him. He¡¯s always driving me crazy. We take our shots and a bottle of tequ as we walk back to our table.

    ¡°Do you know Gray Carter owns this club ?¡± Alexa slurs and chug down her shots.

    ¡°For God¡¯s sake, why didn¡¯t you tell me ?¡±

    ¡°What ? Scared to make out ? A club sex is always remarkable.¡± Brandon mutters drinking his own shots.

    Bunch of drunk friends.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry breathe. He barelyes here i think.¡±

    ¡°Piper you think.¡± I scoff and drink up two shots at once before standing up.

    ¡°Where are you going ?¡±

    ¡°Restroom , I¡¯ll be back.¡± I sh them a quick fake smile and walk to the direction of the restroom.

    The loud music res through the speakers as I push past dancing bodies. I look down at my ringing phone and it¡¯s Gray. He¡¯s been calling since yesterday regardless his texts. I mute the call and shut the restroom door. I wash my face and smoothen my hair. I did my business and step out.

    ¡°Tinkerbell..¡± at that moment I stop thinking. My eyes lock with his and my heartbeat is rapid. Again !

    ¡°Gray please not here.¡± I walk past him but his grip pull me back to stand in front of him.

    ¡°Thene with me , to my penthouse.¡±

    ¡°How do you always find me ?¡± I ask stepping backwards.

    ¡± I don¡¯t find you. It¡¯s just coincidental. You¡¯re pretty. Why did you dress like this to a club ?¡± He asks and step forward to me. His eyes move up and down my body and now i feel naked in front of him.

    ¡± Yeah. Why did I dress like this to your club ? Gray I need to stay away from you.¡±

    ¡°Why ?¡± He whispers brushing my hair to the side.

    ¡°Because¡­¡± My mouth fails me again with just his hand around my waist. I¡¯m pulled to his build as he gently pressed me against the wall. His right handy above my head on the wall while the other is firmly wrapped around my waist.

    ¡°Because what Tinkerbell¡­¡± His hands slide down the wall to run through my hair.

    Just his cologne is making me give in to him. How can he be so maniptive.

    ¡± I can¡¯t just watch you walk out of my life. You¡¯re too pretty to leave..¡± he breathe against my neck.

    His right hand slide down my curves to my back.

    ¡± Why did you wear this ? For me right ?¡± He smirks and kiss my neck at once before i could answer. His lips trail down my bare neck to my chest tasting every inch of my skin.

    I don¡¯t want to moan but yet I did. His he some kind of trap that no matter how hard I try to get out, I just get stuck more. He¡¯s worst than danger itself ? Whatever scenario that urst night is like a clips of what his life is about and I can¡¯t handle it . He suck on my corbones to my almost exposed cleavages.

    ¡°What are you doing to me , Tinkerbell ?¡± He kisses my cheek and take in my lips before I can reply.

    His hands pressed my body to his as he kisses my lips. Without thinking twice I kissed back. Our tongues move in rhythm with so much desperation. I missed him, same I wanna be far from him. I¡¯m too weak to tell him to leave me alone not with such connections. He trail his hands inside my mid thigh dress as his hands smooth my skin.

    He tease my upper lip with his mouth and we are back to eating each other out. I grab his jacket and pull me to himself with my lips still in motion with his. He caress my curves to my ass and cup it through my drese before giving it a gentle squeeze. I moan and I know it¡¯s time to stop what we¡¯re doing. I¡¯m gonna get hurt if I keep up with this.

    ¡°Stop.¡± I push him back gently and try to catch my breath.

    I see a trace of my lipstick on his pink swollen lips.

    ¡°Ariel , I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not about being sorry. I can¡¯t really remember if you hurt me. You¡¯re nice and all that good stuff but we should stop. I can barely swallowst night¡¯s incident. Ever since I met you , I can¡¯t even think straight. I can¡¯t even avoid you each time I try because you¡¯re alwaysing back. Gray please i need you to respect my decision and let¡¯s stay away from each other. I know I¡¯m not better than most of the girls you¡¯ve been with but I can¡¯t handle you.¡±

    ¡°So what are you saying ?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m saying we should stop seeing each other. I¡¯m tired of your world. If I keep up with you , I¡¯m gonna get drowned in it. I¡¯m sorry we should stop. This guns , Russian beefs and all that bloody issues , I don¡¯t want them. I can¡¯t handle them. Gray let me go.¡± I sigh and bite my lip hardly. I know I sound selfish but I wanna go home.

    He stares darkly at me and stuff his hands inside his pockets. His eyes are emotionless and it¡¯s making me feel weird again. And then , he takes a step closer to me so i can perceive his cologne and feel his lips inches away from mine. Why does he have such effects on me. What are these feelings called ? Love ? no way !

    ¡± You¡¯re hard to avoid Ariel. You¡¯re too fuckin pretty to just let go.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not getting it are you ? Ever since I met you, it¡¯s always one bad luck and another. Envious super models , Employees, friends and even you.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t handle them. I¡¯m sorry if i sound annoying but you¡¯re one of those bad lucks that¡¯s infected my normal boring life and I want you to leave me alone..¡± That hurts. I know but I need to.

    He smirks and nods. He step backwards and nod again before turning his back away from me as he walks away without even looking back.

    Now I have messed up. Again!

 Chapter 28

    ~GRAY~

    Anger.

    Who knew you could feel this type of emotions when a girl tells you to fucking stay away from her. Shit , it hurts a lot.

    The painful part is that I like her. She¡¯s all too scaredy to notice that I was willing to do anything within my powers to protect her. I bite the inside of my cheek and stare at space. My hands are in my pocket as I watch mypound through the ss walls. How can someone be so perfect and also has a huge effect on me. I wanna stop thinking about her but it¡¯s impossible.

    Her words that night still sings in my head. She called me bad luck and said she doesn¡¯t want me. It fuckin hurts. I can¡¯t even remember a girl telling me they don¡¯t want me. It¡¯s never heard of. Just walking inside a club and a lot of bitches are already throwing their selves at me. Fuck !

    ¡°Gray.¡± Reid calls behind me.

    ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve been skipping work man. What¡¯s up with you ?¡± I sigh and turn to face him.

    He hands me a cigar and a lighter as i light it up. I take the wine filled ss from him and chug down the content.

    ¡°You look broken. Love isn¡¯t for men like you. You¡¯re too grown up for that.¡±

    I chuckle.¡± So what makes you think I¡¯m in love ?¡±

    ¡°I know you¡¯re not. I¡¯m just trying to remind you who you¡¯re. Some little dumbass shouldn¡¯t make you think to death. You have a business to run.¡± He reminds me like i actually forgot.

    Maybe I actually did forgot. Thanks to Ariel. She makes me want her so badly and it¡¯s annoying. Some part in me wants me to visit her and make her mine again but the other part in me hates the idea and called it dumb too. I exhale the smoke out of my nostrils and turn around to stare at mypound.

    ¡± I¡¯ve brought in a girl who is gonna represent Meghan. She¡¯s hot.¡± I scoff and nod. I motion him to bring the girl and I¡¯m sure he left cause his footsteps faded.

    ¡± Dude she¡¯s here.¡± I turn around and blink my eyes to the new employee. She has short blonde hair with dark blue eyes. I don¡¯t like blonde¡¯s.

    I look down at her cheap hoodie and rip Jean and ts. How¡¯s she supposed to work for me or even take over Meghan¡¯s position.

    ¡°What¡¯s your name ?¡± I ask her and she had to blush. What the fuck !

    ¡± Sarai.¡± I widen my eyes at her and sigh. She barely meets my eyes like she¡¯s afraid of my eyes or something.

    ¡°Did they tell you anything about me ?¡± I continue.

    ¡°Yeah. That you¡¯re nice and hate being dared.¡±

    ¡°Reid where the fuck did you get her ?¡± I turn to look at Reid who shrugs.

    ¡°She¡¯s pretty Gray. Great body and techniques. She¡¯s hot and¡­¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask you to bring in a fuck mate.¡± I mutter and turn to look at Sarai who look down at once. I caught her staring.

    ¡°Have you work this type of job before ?¡±

    ¡± No sir.¡±

    ¡°Then how are you supposed to work ? Are you stripper ?¡±

    She shake her head sideways at once. Why would Reid bring me a nun.

    ¡°Have you killed someone before ?¡±

    She shake her sideways again. Fuck me. Why¡¯s she reminding me of Ariel. I need to getid if it¡¯s gonna save me from whatever shit that¡¯s happening to my head.

    ¡°Reid, Seriously.¡± I yell. He rolls his eyes and look at Sarai who¡¯s still avoiding my eyes.

    ¡°I can¡¯t take her.¡±

    ¡°Gray listen to me. She¡¯s what you need. Tender face and good moves. Don¡¯t underestimate her , she¡¯s fuckin great.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s fuckin shy and too nervous.¡± I exhale the smoke as Reid sighs tiredly.

    ¡°I¡¯m not really shy. I¡¯m just being careful around you. I heard a lot of stories about you and it¡¯s a pleasure to be standing with the popr Gray Carter.¡± She smirks and raise her head to meet my eyes.

    I don¡¯t like her.

    She¡¯s pretty and all that but she can¡¯t be like Ariel. Bro she ask you to leave her the hell alone.

    ¡°Where are you from ?¡±

    ¡°San Angelo. But I stay in New York.¡±

    ¡°Have you worked before ?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I worked as a bartender in a strip club. I¡¯m not a whore sir.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Gray not sir. Reid , take her out. Set her first date.¡± She nods and follow Reid out.

    Nothing makes sense when all I could think of was her words. Telling me she doesn¡¯t want me. And now I feel like shooting someone. I butt the cigar on an ashtray and shove my hands in my pocket. What¡¯s she doing to me ?

    ¡°Boss we¡¯ve got an emergency at the warehouse. It¡¯s Lucas.¡± Manny says behind me.

    ¡°Said shit again ?¡± I ask not sparing him a look.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    I sigh and nod.

    ¡°Go, I¡¯ming.¡± For once favor granted. I¡¯m shooting someone today.

    ¡­..

    .

    ¡± Luke , I¡¯m not trying to hurt you. I just want you to tell me why are you stealing from summit ? Why are you snitching about my business ?¡± I ask him.

    He¡¯s shivering and pleading.

    ¡°Lucas sit your dumb ass down.¡±

    ¡°Boss I can exin. It wasn¡¯t intentional. My wife¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why men die easily. They don¡¯t listen.¡± I walk to Manny and stop in front of me.

    ¡°Can I lend your gun ?¡± I ask Manny.

    ¡°Sir please¡­¡± Lucas plead as I pull the trigger at his foot.

    He fall to the ground and grip to his bleeding foot.

    ¡°Will you sit or not ?¡±

    ¡°Ye.. yes sir. Please don¡¯t shoot me.¡± He plea and try to stand up with his bleeding feet.

    ¡± If you don¡¯t sit , I¡¯m taking out your other foot.¡± I tell him as i watch him crawl on the floor to sit on a chair.

    ¡°Shit , you¡¯re so slow.¡± I mutter.

    ¡°Boss please. I¡¯m already sitti¡­¡±

    I groan and shot his other foot after struggling to sit on the chair.

    ¡°We should talk Luke. Summit¡¯s been standing for over eight years now without dick faces like you. I worked hard for every shit i own. What was your motive ?¡± I ask him. Nick hands me a cigarette and a lighter as I light it up afterwards giving him back the lighter.

    I squat face to face with Lucas. He whimpers and look sideways.

    ¡°Look at me Luke. Be a good boy and look at me ..¡± I order.

    He whimpers and sob like a kitten. He slowly turn his neck and stare at my face. I puff out the smoke and bite the bottom of my lip.

    ¡°Why did you sell me out to that fuck face dimir ? You let him took my shit too.¡±

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t on purpose. I was forced.¡±

    ¡°Fuck Lucas , you¡¯re lying again.¡± I say calmly and stand up. ¡± And i fucking hate it. Manny can I lend your gun again ?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m willing to talk. He asked me about your underground Warehouse and how to find it. I told him nothing. And he offered to pay me one million grand. I told him the few things I know about you and summit. My wife made me say it.¡±

    I chuckle and smirk.

    ¡°Wow Lucas. One million Grand.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t kill me sir. I¡¯m truly sorry.¡±

    ¡°Sure. I won¡¯t kill you. You deserved a second chance..¡± I smirk and let Manny hand me his gun.

    ¡°Bos¡­¡± I hang him out and shot his head. I hate hypocrites. The fuck! I paid his family¡¯s bills. That underground warehouse was something nobody knows including my fuckin friend Reid. It contains every of summit¡¯s fortunate. Things like that happens when the bank can¡¯t contain every of your shit.

    ¡°Gray , it¡¯s okay he¡¯s dead.¡± I didn¡¯t even notice I¡¯ve shot him more than once. I¡¯m being paranoid and also Ariel was part of the reasons too. Why is she fucking with my head ?

    ¡°Clear this shit up , Carl.¡± Reid says to Carl as he walk me outside the warehouse.

    ¡± You need a pussy ?¡± He ask once we¡¯re outside.

    ¡°A good one.¡± I reply and step inside my car.

    .

    ~ARIEL~

    .

    It¡¯s been five days since Ist saw Gray. Five days since I told him to leave my life alone. Five days since I called him bad luck. I toss my textbook aside and close myputer. I can do this. I¡¯m gonna concentrate and don¡¯t get consumed with Gray¡¯s dark fantasy.

    It¡¯s almost evening and it¡¯s Friday. As usual, the frat house will be throwing a party and I¡¯d love to take advantage of it. Plus , I need to assume I¡¯d never shared a mind blowing proper kiss with a man called Gray Carter. I walk to the kitchen to make toast. Leslie walks in with Hazel as they round the counter. Hazel is dressed with ck rip Jean shorts and white hoodie. While Leslie wears a high waist jeans and pink crop top with straps that¡¯s tied around the neck like a bikini top.

    ¡°Hi Ariel..¡± Hazel greeted as she sits on the ind stool.

    ¡°Hi. Hungover ?¡±

    ¡°Do I look hungover. I¡¯m just fuckin tired.¡± She giggles. Who parties at five ?

    ¡°Absolutely not.¡± I smile and nod.

    ¡°Mom asked about you Ariel.¡± Leslie says as she open the fridge to get whatever.

    ¡°Good.¡±

    ¡°Good ? You suck..¡± Leslie scoffs and sits next to Hazel.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to frat tonight right ? I mean I¡¯ve been seeing you with Ryantely. He¡¯s a good kid. Just be aware he just wants to use your ugly ass.¡± Leslie snorts and I chuckle.

    ¡°Yeah. Same way Hayden used your cheap ass. You can¡¯t afford this , I¡¯m better than you¡­¡± I mimic her.¡± Yet you can¡¯t even keep a good man. Just jumping from one bed to another looking for guys who are loaded. Seriously Les , you¡¯re fuckin stupid.¡±

    ¡± What the fuck..¡± Hazel mutters

    Leslie raised her hand to p me. I grab her hand and twist it before mming her hand on the counter.

    ¡°Asshole.¡± I scoff and turn to walk out.

    ¡± A little advise. If you don¡¯t mind your business, I¡¯m gonna cut your fingers next time and send it to mom and also dad. Punk face.¡± I head to my room and shut the door.

    I can¡¯t be suffering from Gray illness and also my sister too. I slump on my bed and throw a pill inside my mouth as I swallow it dried. Thanks to Gray, I¡¯m finally getting over depression and no more therapy. I feel sexually frustrated and it¡¯s unusual. Each time i close my eyes, it¡¯s all Gray. Kissing me at the club. Me on his counter wearing his dress shirt. Me on his shoulders on our first date. He¡¯s just everywhere. Everywhere in my head.

    My phone pings and it¡¯s a text message from Alexa.

    FROM ALEXA: Wanna party today ? Let¡¯s visit tavern¡¯s.

    I roll my eyes and sigh. I need a good sleep and also tomorrow is Saturday. I don¡¯t have ss. Ryan wants me to go to a frat party with him. I¡¯m so stuck with my confused emotions. And Freddie , he said he¡¯s sorry and I¡¯m really sure he regretted his actions. But stealing my innocence was the least thing to think of because he wanted me to be with him. I remembered when we were in highschool, I was also desperate too to make Freddie look at me like the way he looked at Aida. But I will never hurt him.

    Most times I¡¯d sneak out of my room for sleepovers at his house ande back home early. I was so stupid. I can¡¯t even imagine I was acting so naive. And then he¡¯s back again , asking me to take him back. I sigh as my phone buzzes again.

    FROM ALEXA : Ariel , already talked to the guys about it and they are in. We¡¯re going to tavern¡¯s , get dressed and kisses.

    What a cousin. I open my closet to put on something simple. I quickly shower and put a ck jeans , green hoodie and a white sneakers. I brush my hair and tie it up in the middle of my head. I pick up my phone and rush out of my room making sure I locked it. For some unknown reason , I was wearing Gray¡¯s diamond bracelet. I hop inside Brandon¡¯s car as he drive us to tavern¡¯s.

    ***

    ¡± Hey Alexa , did you break up with Bobby ?¡± Piper asks drowning a ss of whiskey.

    ¡± I got tired. I just wanna be single and normal . Don¡¯t date a boy because everything is always stupid ¡± she slurs and gulp her shots.

    ¡± So basically you¡¯re single ?¡± Brandon chuckles.

    ¡°Yeah. And ready not to ever mingle ¡± she chuckles and raise her ss upwards. We click our sses and throw our heads back to take in the drink.

    ¡°I¡¯m never drinking again. It¡¯s always sour.¡± I murmur and they chuckle.

    ¡°Ariel, what¡¯s up with Gray ?¡±

    ¡± I told you guys we¡¯re not dating. Just friends.¡±

    ¡°I bet he bought you that bracelet. That¡¯s so fuckin expensive.¡± Brandon mutters.

    I shrug and smile.

    ¡°Who wants to dance ? I¡¯m fuckin wasted.¡± Alexa stagger from the chair as we head to the dance floor.

    We sway our hips to the song from the background as we squeal. We dance and dance till I¡¯m crazily tired.

    ¡°Hi. Can I buy you a drink ?¡± A guy ask Alexa.

    ¡°No , I have STDs.¡± She frown and it didn¡¯t take the guy a second to disappear.

    ¡°That was stupid..¡± we chuckle.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to the bar to order for a bottle water. I¡¯ll be back.¡± I walk past dancing bodies as I reach the bar.

    I lean against the counter and snap at the bartender.

    ¡°Hi Angel. Can I buy you a drink ?¡± A familiar voice speaks from beside me. I dart my eyes to this new upant and groan.

    ¡°Freddie.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s so hard to not stare at you. You¡¯re fuckin pretty. Maybe more beautiful each day i see you.¡±

    ¡°What are you doing here ?¡±

    ¡°I missed you that¡¯s what I¡¯m doing here.¡± He sighs and snap at the bartender to bring in drinks.

    ¡°Water for me.¡± I say to the bartender who nods in return.

    ¡°Why are you stalking me ?¡± I sigh and rub my temple.

    ¡°I can¡¯t stay away from you. It¡¯s fuckin hard. I want you to give me a chance to make things right. Ariel I missed us.¡±

    I sigh and turn to look at his emotions filled eyes. How did he easily spoil our friendship ? His eyes look sincere and the next thing I¡¯m thinking about was our kiss. Though it was nice but it wasn¡¯t as Gray. Gray is the best thing that has ever happened to my depressed life even if i know nothing about him. Why do I want him now ? It might sound weird that I actually wished to see Gray in this club as usual. It pains me he¡¯s not around to pester me again. What¡¯s wrong with me ?

    ¡°Look Freddie , I already forgave you okay. I missed us too. But sometimes it¡¯s hard to mend broken things. I¡¯m not angry at you anymore.¡±

    The bartender returns with my water and ss of alcohol for Freddie.

    ¡°Thanks.¡± I tell the bartender as he leaves after collecting payments. Freddie paid for me though.

    ¡°Ariel..¡± he sighs deeply and sit close to me. I didn¡¯t retaliate but watch his drama.

    He twist his fingers around my hair and smile sadly.

    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry¡­¡± He plea. ¡± Please give me a second chance. I wanna make things right.¡± He says. I didn¡¯t notice we¡¯re inch apart and breathing same air.

    ¡°I¡¯m not mad at you anymore. It¡¯s not like it¡¯s useful holding grudges against you.¡±

    He smiles and trail his index finger down my jawline.

    ¡°You¡¯ve always been beautiful Arie. It¡¯s so fuckin stupid that I messed up. I wanna make things right .¡± He whispers still running his finger on my jawline.

    Our eyes are locked and I can¡¯t look away. Sitting opposite him and staring non-stop at his eyes brought back silly memories. Memories I¡¯ve always wanted before. But then Gray had also upy half of my head. For God¡¯s sake I didn¡¯t n college like this.

    He hold my hand in his and give it a gentle squeeze. ¡± Go out on a date with me. Please¡­.¡±

    I chuckle and hold his wrist to take it away from my face.

    ¡°Freddie , a date ? That¡¯s too much to ask for. Fine I said I¡¯ve forgiven you doesn¡¯t mean I have forgotten what happened. Freddie it hurts. I passed through shit and thanks to humanity I¡¯m still going through shit.¡±Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Ariel ..¡± I hold my hand up to stop him.

    ¡± I might be naive doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m stupid. Please do me a favor and I want you to promise me.¡±

    He drops his hand on his side and nods.

    ¡± I want you to stay the hell away from me. Be far from me and leave me alone. I don¡¯t want you , Freddie and I¡¯ll never want you.¡±

 Chapter 29

    God what¡¯s happening to me? Where did I even go wrong? Just when i want to be free from guys drama , Gray walked into my life with his dark world filled with mysteries. And then i try to walk out, Freddie¡¯s back asking me to go on a date with him. A date. Holy christ.

    I shake my head sideways and get off the stool.

    Freddie grab my arm and I was forced to look at him.

    ¡°It hurts to watch you walk out of my life. I¡¯m stupid i know but , I want you to think about us.¡± What¡¯s left to think about ?

    ¡°See ya around Freddie.¡± I snatch my hand from his grip and walk back to our table with my bottle water .

    Piper is squealing loudly. Clearly she¡¯s drunk. Brandon wasn¡¯t there as I take my seat. Alexa dance to the song ying as she whip her hair. I¡¯m stuck with two drunk friends and I¡¯m responsible for driving them home.

    ¡°Piper you need to stop drinking. Just drink water.¡± I sigh and push my bottle water to her.

    ¡°Damn. Do you know my mom¡¯s likely a woman ?¡± She slurs as she lean on her hand on the table.

    ¡°She had say , Piper , don¡¯t date boys, they all have peanuts in their pants and they won¡¯t hold back to pop your cherry¡­¡± She slurs as she chuckle with Alexa.

    ¡°You guys are drunk.¡±

    ¡°Ohe on. We¡¯re in your man¡¯s club , so breathe.¡± This time it¡¯s Alexa.

    ¡°Yeah , Gray. You¡¯re so fuckin lucky you¡¯ve got such a powerful man wrapped around your finger , while i can¡¯t even have my stupid hair band wrapped around my finger.¡± Piper continues to spit out gibberish.

    ¡°Yeah right. Oh fuck I feel like twerking..¡± Alexa chuckle.

    ¡°Yeah me six. Do you know mosquitoes can¡¯t breathe ?¡± Piper jabbers.

    ¡°Yeah and they can fart too. Tiny little bitches¡­¡± Alexa adds as they high five each other. God ! being drunk is annoying.

    It reminds me of the day I drank cock demon and I had to call Gray hot. Yeah , literally he¡¯s hot and i even wanted us to getid. Thank God I don¡¯t remember a thing.

    ¡°Damn , girl I need to twerk for this dumbass bitches..¡± Piper stand up at once and flip her chair backwards cause she staggered.

    I groan loudly and hold her still. Where on Earth is Brandon ? Always disappearing in clubs.

    ¡°Hey yo bitches. Watch me fuckin twerk !¡± Alexa yell on her voice. I didn¡¯t notice she¡¯s standing on our table ready to disy.

    ¡°Alexa get down..¡± I mumble.

    She ignore me and smirks at the crowd that¡¯s already gathered to watch her.

    ¡± Go girl..¡± Piper shouts as Alexa position to disy. She ces both her hands on her knees as she starts to twerk or whatever.

    The crowds cheered her while others record the scene. Piper didn¡¯t waste time to join her.

    ¡­

    ¡°Oh my God.¡± Alexa groans with an ice pack on her head. She¡¯s hungover because of too much alcohol fromst night.

    I don¡¯t wanna talk about how I drag them upstairs. Brandon Piper and Alexa where all drunk and it was hard. I had to carry each of them to my apartment since I can¡¯t drive them to their houses.

    ¡°I¡¯m never drinking again.¡± Mutters Piper.

    ¡± You said that three weeks ago and you end up in a frat party clearly bathed in alcohol. You both look terriblest night at tavern¡¯s.¡± I scoff and sit down on the couch to eat my cereal.

    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ve be more popr. Some dumbass dick recorded my twerking video and now I¡¯m all over the inte. Stupid technology. My Snapchat is trending like a goddamn virus.¡±

    ¡°Yeah , my IG followers increased overnight. Maybe we should consider drinking all the time and making twerk videos.¡± Piper suggests with her ice pack pressed to her forehead.

    ¡± Holy hell Piper.¡± Brandon chuckles.

    ¡± I¡¯m not drinking. I¡¯m gonna be like Ariel. For Pete¡¯s sake , I found myself in a restroom clearly hungover.¡± He groans since he had a migraine.

    ¡°My head is ying chess with me. It¡¯s like a rollercoaster¡± Alexa murmurs, fully spread out on the floor.

    ¡°Sorry sis. You¡¯ll be fine.¡± I tell her and get up to wash my tes.

    My phone rings as i stretch to get it. Gray is calling.

    I sigh and pressed the phone against my ear. It¡¯s been a week since Ist heard from him.

    ¡°Tinkerbell.¡± That voice. I¡¯ve missed it so much and I hate to admit it.

    He has basically stole my senses with him.

    ¡°Hi.¡±

    ¡± Hi. I just wanna make sure that you¡¯re okay. I¡¯m still mad at you though and I wanna be sure that you¡¯re okay. maybe you should be careful where you gotely.¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about ?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not important. I¡¯m here , he¡¯s not gonna hurt you. I won¡¯t let him.¡±

    ¡± Who Gray ? Wait , the Russian guy with the name dimir ? Gray why¡¯s he after me ?¡± I whisper yell hoping the guys didn¡¯t hear my conversation.

    ¡°Stay safe Tinkerbell.¡± With that he cuts the call.

    I groan and bite my bottom lip. Why can¡¯t I have a permanent happiness. I mean someone who makes me happy , I actually pushed him out because I was scared about myself. Maybe I¡¯m just selfish. I go back to the living room and plump down on the couch. The guys are watching a movie on Netflix.

    ¡°This semester ising to an end. We need to quit partying for now. Exams are close and I need a fuckin good GPA.¡± Brandon says munching a bag of chips.

    ¡°Yeah. All agreed. I¡¯ve repented though.¡± Alexa mutters eating from the bag of chips.

    ¡°So says Lucifer¡¯s bride.¡± Piper scoffs and that made usugh.

    ¡± Ohe on babe¡­ Oh hey guys. ¡± Leslie halts at the sight of us.

    She¡¯s with Hayden. I remembered the cute redhead who wanted to woo me at a club the night i bumped into Gray.

    ¡°You guys are back together ?¡± Piper smirks and turn properly to look at the couples.

    ¡°Leslie I thought you said you¡¯re a virgin ? You¡¯re sleeping out now ?¡± Alexa asks , eyes still glued to Hayden and Leslie.

    ¡°Look guys it¡¯s ¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s what ? You¡¯ve got a boyfriend now ? I thought you said you don¡¯t like him because he¡¯s broke and you wanted someone who drives an expensive car.¡± I say.

    ¡± Ariel , really ?¡±

    ¡°Babe what¡¯s going on ?¡± Hayden asks as his eyes meet mine. He¡¯s ufortable.

    ¡°Wow , nice photo..¡± Brandon mutters staring at the screen of his phone.

    ¡± Hey Leslie , what do you think it¡¯s gonna be your parent¡¯s reaction once she sees this photo of you and Hayden. Chill she won¡¯t freak out , I¡¯m a good photographer.¡± Brandon says and wink at them.

    Leslie¡¯s face turn instantly red. Hayden turn to look at her clearly taken off guard.

    ¡°Later Leslie.¡± Hayden mutters and walk out. Leslie bites her lip hard and face us. She¡¯s angry as hell.

    ¡± Really guys ?¡± She begins.

    ¡°Bitch who¡¯s your guys ?¡± Alexa counts her words.

    ¡°Take a chill pill sister. Your room is down the hall.¡± I scoff as we turn to face the TV.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    She huffs defeatedly and head down the hall.

    ¡°What¡¯s up with Gray , Ariel ?¡± They ask.

    I bite the inside of my cheek and sigh. I don¡¯t wanna talk about it. Cause the more I think about it , the more I see myself running down the street to visit him. Tell him that I¡¯m sorry for calling him bad luck. What has he done to me ?

    ¡± Ariel. Girl you zoned out.¡±

    I sigh ¡± I¡¯m sorry, thinking about exams.¡± I lie. ¡± He¡¯s fine. Why are you guys asking about him ?¡±

    ¡°Why do I feel like you¡¯re lying ? Did something happen ?¡± Alexa asks. I hate it that she knows me too well.

    ¡°Alex , nothing happened. I can¡¯t handle Gray. He¡¯s just too¡­ I don¡¯t know. Maybe perfect. I¡¯m notfortable around him. The press and his personal life , everything about him is hard. I can¡¯t breathe..¡±

    ¡°Basically, you don¡¯t know what you want ?¡± Brandon asks , blinking his eyes at me.

    ¡°I¡¯mplicated. I don¡¯t really know what I want.¡± I admit and it hurts.

    One part of me wanna be with him. That part doesn¡¯t even care if he just shot someone or not. That part is willing to ept every inch of his dark world. That part wants to meet him so badly and let him do to me whatever thing he wants. But then there¡¯s the other me , who¡¯s just being careful. Scared to be hurt and abandoned. It seems the world doesn¡¯t care about anyone and I wanna be careful without ending up in pain. Pain that I can¡¯t handle.

    ¡°He likes you.¡±

    ¡°How did you know that ? It¡¯s not like you¡¯ve seen us together Piper.¡±

    ¡°He bought you a diamond bracelet. That shit¡¯s expensive as fuck.¡± Alexa utters with her evil smirk.

    ¡°What ! Really ?¡± Brandon says and sits properly to look at me.

    ¡°Yeah. You didn¡¯t notice her hand the day at school¡¯s restaurant ? When you showed me a picture of her blonde haired lookalike. She wore the bracelet.¡± Alexa exins. I deadpan and lean against the couch.

    ¡°Holy fuck¡­¡± Piper exim.

    ¡°Piper stop swearing. What¡¯s with the countless F-word ?¡± I whine and yfully re at her.

    ¡°Shut up , dick. You¡¯ve got the hottest guy ever. CEO of summit worldwide. Bitch the dude¡¯s loaded and he bought you a fuckin diamond bracelet. That¡¯s like too much to even give a girl. I bet no one will ever do that for you.¡± Piper emphasizes.

    ¡°I don¡¯t even know what you¡¯re insinuating..¡± I huff.

    ¡°We¡¯re saying , we don¡¯t really know what happened between you two , but trust me Gray is your man. Yeah he¡¯s everybody¡¯s man but bitch you¡¯re lucky. You like him. I think you¡¯re just being scared of getting hurt. Why don¡¯t you go for him. Ariel you¡¯re in college , just breathe and live life to the fullest. You¡¯re out of the convent sweetheart.¡± Brandon tutors.

    I roll my eyes and sigh.

    ¡°Brandy , I can¡¯t believe you could ever give an advice. I¡¯m calling your ma that you¡¯ve finally done something useful in youthful life..¡± Piper grins and weugh.

    ¡°That¡¯s the worst insult of my life.¡±

    ¡°Shut up kid.. You know I just fuckin said the truth. Don¡¯t ever ask Brandon for advise , he sucks..¡±

    Weugh and go back to watching TV.

    ¡­..

    One week , two weeks, three weeks and now a month I haven¡¯t seen Gray or even heard from him. You know the painful part , he didn¡¯t call. I called him one day and it never went through. Now i feel bad like i actually pushed him far away from me. But that wasn¡¯t even a good enough reason to just avoid me because I told him to stay away from me.

    What if he¡¯s busy with work ? I sigh and dialed his number. Still not picking my calls , most times it go to voicemail. My vacation was terrible for me even if the guys were with me. I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about whatever thing we had in that short period of time. School has resumed and I¡¯m not feeling it because practically Gray left with my senses. Freddie called reminding me of the date. I refused cause I don¡¯t want him, I just wanted to see Gray.

    After ss that morning , I meet up with the guys at Sands & winches . I ordered for steak while Brandon ordered for sandwich. Piper likes pizzas , it¡¯s like she won¡¯t be able to function well if she doesn¡¯t eat pizza.

    ¡°Ariel , how was ss ?¡±

    ¡°It was great.¡± I sigh and stuff my steak into my mouth. I¡¯m badly in need of a job but no one is hiring. There¡¯s no vacancy since we¡¯re not close to the end of this year. Ryan also tried to get an internship with sinirs but I think they don¡¯t need any. So I¡¯m stuck thinking about Gray.

    ¡°And yeah , i think I¡¯ve seen a job for you. It¡¯s nice and not stressful. Just need few of your time and you¡¯ll be earning a huge amount of money. I think the family¡¯s rich too.¡±

    ¡± Piper breathe..¡± I hold her hand and smile. She nod and breathe.

    ¡°It¡¯s a babysitting Job. The kid¡¯s an anonymous. But the pay is good. So you¡¯ve got a lot of time for yourself after college and after babysitting the kid.¡±

    ¡°How old is she ?¡±

    ¡± Seven or eight I think.¡± She shrugs.

    ¡± Are you taking it ?¡± They asks.

    ¡°Sure. I¡¯m definitely gonna need extra cash and I can¡¯t continue bugging my parents for cash.¡±

    ¡°We understand. Leslie is the favorite. But I thought first born are barely favorite except thest kid. Are you sure they are your parents ?¡±

    I groan.¡± Piper yes they are. My blood group matched theirs. It¡¯s normal. My parents aren¡¯t the first parent to treat their kid this way. They thought i brought shame to the family , so that¡¯s just them. They are self centered and cares about themselves.¡±

    ¡°They keep calling Leslie a virgin. It¡¯s annoying.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s normal. I don¡¯t really care. When am I seeing the kid ?¡±

    ¡°Whenever you¡¯re ready.¡± Piper sighs and drop her iPad on the table and she start feeding on her already cold pizza.

    ¡°Thanks Piper. I¡¯m totally grateful.¡± She nod and roll her eyes.

    ¡°You¡¯re gross Piper. How do you cope with eating cold Pizza ?¡± Brandon asks chewing his sandwich.

    ¡± Says the dickhead who enjoys shoving his pizza in a refrigerator before eating it. Give me ten feet man.¡± She whine and scoffs.

    I choke out augh at how hrious she is. How do they cope in one house ? It¡¯s cute they act like siblings. Something me and Leslie can¡¯t afford. After our food , I attend myst ss and walk back home. I toss my bag on the bed and go through my drawers to find Gray¡¯s spare key. I need to talk to him. I really want to continue whatever thing we had even if it wasn¡¯t love or anything close to rtionship. He had never told me he loved me or even called me his girlfriend. Gray is weird , I¡¯m weird.

    I quickly shower and get dressed. I stuff my phone in my back jeans pocket as i head out of the house. Leslie isn¡¯t back. She didn¡¯t even sleep at homest night and two nights ago. She¡¯s been acting oddly ever since we resumed this semester. Like she¡¯s secretly having sex with someone.

    I get out of the cab and breathe in. I stand across the road and look up at Gray¡¯s penthouse. What if he¡¯s not here ? What if he¡¯s already gotten tired of me ? What if he doesn¡¯t feel the same way for me ? What if he¡¯s seeing someone else ?

    What if ? Enough of the what ifs..

    I¡¯m about crossing the road when he walks out of the lobby hand in hand with her. She giggles and look at him with eyes filled with emotions. How can I be so stupid. Always stupid. My heart drops to the ground as I watch them. Did he have to cheat because I pushed him away ? With her ?

    How could she ? He opens the passenger side door for her and she hop in. He shuts the door and get in the driver¡¯s seat not even sparing me a look.

 Chapter 30

    My eyes are heavy and I didn¡¯t notice I¡¯m about to cry and it¡¯s about to rain. Why are men so difficult ? Yeah, I know I wanted him to leave it¡¯s not like I want him to abandon me. How could he stop calling me because of a short blonde haired girl.

    ¡°Ariel..¡± Someone calls out my name honking their car horn.

    I turn to look at this visitor and it¡¯s Freddie. Yeah he¡¯s like my shadow , always everywhere.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine Freddie. Thanks.¡± I wipe my eyes and begin walking.

    ¡°Ariel please stop and get in. It¡¯s about to rain.¡± He says and continue driving in my pace to keep up with me.

    I ignore him and shove my hands in my back pocket. Why am I sobbing in the first ce ? We never dated or even fell in love with each other but it hurts to see him walk out of his penthouse with a girl. She was far better than me but who cares ?

    My hair might be longer , but her short blonde hair is awesomepared to mine. Her blue dress and high thigh boots fits her perfectly and she look just like Jhene. Always fancy.

    ¡°Ariel , get in the car.¡± Freddie sighs , fully frustrated as he get out of the car.

    Why did he have to mess up too ? If not for his stupid stunt maybe we would have been together ? His icy blue eyes watch me carefully like he could see through my pains. He walks forward and stop in front of me. It¡¯s about to drizzle and I don¡¯t even mind getting wet right now.

    ¡°Look I might be an ass or whatever thing you choose to call me but you don¡¯t have to cry over someone. Just get in the car and I¡¯ll take you home.¡±

    ¡°Home ? Freddie I don¡¯t want you stalking me.¡±

    ¡°Fine. Thene have dinner with me in a restaurant and I promise to call an Uber to take you home.¡± I sigh and study his face. He¡¯s already grown a stubble and it¡¯s annoying it looks good on him.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    He smiles and open the passenger side door for me to hop in.

    I get in and didn¡¯t bother to fasten my seatbelt. Through out the ride i barely heard a word Freddie was saying. I¡¯m sure he¡¯s telling me how sorry he is and he wish we continue our friendship. It¡¯s fruitless. I blink my eyes and stare at Freddie who already held my door for me. Howe I didn¡¯t notice we¡¯re already at a restaurant. I get out and refused to take his hand. I¡¯m still angry at him even if I¡¯ve forgiven him.

    ¡°So what do you want to eat ?¡± Freddie asks once we¡¯re seated.

    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure ? I¡¯m gonna get you whatever thing you need.¡±

    ¡°Freddie food doesn¡¯t buy trust. You might still be my very first friend but you fucked everything up.¡±

    ¡°I thought you forgave me.¡±

    ¡°I did. Doesn¡¯t mean I forgot what happened.¡± I shrug and sigh. Gray is still not leaving my head. I wish he¡¯s seated here right now. I want an exnation about what i just saw. I want him so bad and it hurts to see him with someone else.

    ¡°So what are you doing here ? In New York ?¡±

    He exhales deeply and itch his eyebrows.

    ¡°I um.. work in my father¡¯spany actually and it¡¯s in New York.¡±

    ¡°Did you graduate from college ?¡±

    ¡± I took a degree program and it was worth it. I also discovered you¡¯re in New York and I badly wanted to see you to tell you how sorry I am.¡±

    ¡°So that we can have a rtionship right ?¡± I scoff and lean back on the chair to watch him.

    He¡¯s really grown different. His natural curly hair is now tousled and he has a really cute stubble which he hasn¡¯t shaved yet or maybe he decides not to. His white dress shirt fits his body and without being told he is well built. Maybe this past few years he¡¯d slept at the gym. He looks fabulously different but still an idiot. An idiot who made me go through hell. At least he thought me a lesson. A lesson that I¡¯ve forgotten ever since Gray step into my life with his dark world.

    ¡°You look beautiful. It hurts to see you cry.¡± He mutters.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t think about that before tearing my habit. It¡¯s passed though but the sore is still there. And just a little sting triggers the pain.¡± I sigh and clean my eyes.

    He nods and look down at the empty table. It¡¯s nice he can¡¯t meet my eyes.

    ¡°Are you dating someone now ?¡± I ask him. I can¡¯t even think of someone being his girlfriend. Aside that rape issue , Freddie is a good person. Aside Gray, he¡¯s the other person who also fought for me and yeah Alexa. But what happened ?

    ¡°I¡¯m not. I can¡¯t. You¡¯re the only thing I think of and it¡¯s painful that i hurt you.¡±

    ¡°Yeah right.¡± I blink my eyes and fight back the tears. I can¡¯t cry because of anyone not in front of Freddie.

    That scenario of Gray and that blonde haired is not leaving my head and it¡¯s annoying.

    ¡°My mom asked about you.¡± Freddie says with a shrug. His eyes meet mine but he look down at the table.

    ¡°Thanks. I need to go now.¡± I move back the chair and stand up.

    ¡°You¡¯re sure I can¡¯t drop you ?¡± Freddie asks and stand up too.

    ¡°Thanks, I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s not raining actually. I¡¯ll get a cab.¡± I walk out of the restaurant and hail a cab.

    Without looking back , I slide inside and shut the door. Freddie stand outside as he watch me , eyes filled with emotions. Most times i wish we can go back to being friends. But it¡¯s hard. Just seeing him all the time, bring back memories. I told the driver my address and lean back on the seat. The drive was short as it halts outside my apartment. I paid him and get out.

    I¡¯m meeting up with the kid I¡¯m supposed to babysit. I¡¯ve never been close to kids but I gotta try cause I need the money and I need to forget Gray. I already applied for an internship and I¡¯m hoping for a reply. I sit opposite the TV and search through movies on Netflix. A bowl full of popcorn rest on myp as I tune endlessly. I stop right at a romance movie and changed it. Maybe i need to watch something that doesn¡¯t concern love.

    I select a random crime movie andy back on the couch to watch. I barely could concentrate. Gray¡¯s everywhere in my head. And the sight of him with someone hurts like hell. How could he easily forgot about me ? Yeah , he checked on me but that doesn¡¯t mean he should just move on. I want him back but how am I supposed to tell him that ? What if I tell him how I feel about us and he¡¯s no longer interested. I¡¯m such an ass.

    I sob silently and throw my head back on the couch. I wish he can just call me and tell me he want us to meet. To exin to me that he still cares about me. I pick up my phone and dial his number on my phone. Same thing , voicemail. I groan and throw my phone aside. Maybe i should just move on.

    But he makes me happy.

    I¡¯m gonna stop crying and forget the fact that someone with the name Gray Carter walks into my life and stole my breath away. Probably my senses too.

    I take in deep breaths and wipe my tears. Ariel breathe , you can do this. You¡¯re gonna get a job and forget Gray. Few minutester , Hazel and Leslie storms inside the living room. Both look exhausted. It¡¯s pretty obvious they just had sex with some random guy who shifted their brains. Idiots.

    ¡°Popcorn..¡± Hazel smiles and take out popcorns from my bowl.

    ¡°God, you smell like sex..¡± I mutter and scoff.

    Leslie whip her head to look at me. Clearly surprised over nothing.

    ¡°How did you know what sex smells like ?¡± Leslie asks. I chuckle and shake my head. So ignorant.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sixteen.¡±

    ¡°Yeah ? So you¡¯ve also started sleeping around ?¡±

    ¡°Says the adult who brought in men to her room to do stupid things. Next time you should keep your moans down. Your room always smell like sex mixed with used toilet.¡± I scoff in disgust.

    ¡°Are you spying on me ?¡±

    I huff.¡± Do me a favor and stop bringing your hookers to our house. This is a holy house and it¡¯s gonna be nice if you keep it that way. I can¡¯t battle with my health and battle with your loud ugly moans.¡±

    She¡¯s quiet and obviously defeated. She stand to her feet and stagger to her room , maybe to have a bath.

    ¡°Um.. Les maybe I¡¯m just gonna leave.¡± Hazel shouts and get off the couch. She proceed to take from my popcorns but I beat her to it and smack her hands away.

    ¡°You¡¯re smelling. Go take a bath. I wish you¡¯d look at the mirror , you gonna choke at your own reflection.¡±

    She rolls her eyes and turns to the door muttering nonsense.

    Leslie returns after taking her bath. She goes to the kitchen to prepare lunch for herself as she returns holding a te of chicken soup. She grabs the remote and change what I¡¯m watching with her legs spread on the armrest. She ys another movie and drop the remote control on the table.

    ¡°Leslie take it back.¡± I say tly.

    She raises her brows and scoff. ¡± Why should I do that ?¡±

    ¡°Because you¡¯re a person with perfect eyes and I¡¯m sure they work fine. I was watching something before you decide to change it. Take it back to my movie.¡±

    She chuckle .¡± What if I don¡¯t ?¡±

    ¡°Last time Leslie , take it back.¡± I tell her gently and re at her.

    ¡°The fact that you¡¯re dating some ugly nigga doesn¡¯t make you the alpha. Ariel , you won¡¯t tell me what to do or what to watch and¡­¡± I pick up the remote and change it.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want us to fight Leslie. Because you¡¯re such an annoying punk. Act like an adult who¡¯s basically having sex and quit being such an ass. Don¡¯t ever change what I¡¯m watching. I¡¯m serious.¡±

    ¡°What the¡­¡±

    I scoff and rey my movie. I ce the remote control on myp and continue eating from my bowl of popcorn.

    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna hurt you Ariel.¡±

    ¡°You know you can¡¯t. I¡¯m just gonna fuck you up.¡±

    She shamelessly stands up and walks to the kitchen. It¡¯s almost evening as I stride to my room to get ready. I can do this. I¡¯m gonna get the job and leave Gray alone. I take my bath and stand opposite the mirror as I blow dry my hair. I brush it and get dressed. I pick up my bag and lock my room before rushing downstairs to get a cab.

    I look down at the address Piper sent me as I get out of the cab. Good God , this is basically expensive just like Gray¡¯s Mansion. I nce around this house and stop right in front of a huge man with dark blue suit. I think he had a beef with smiling cause he doesn¡¯t wear one.

    ¡°Um-I¡¯m Ariel and I¡¯m the babysitter for the kid. I¡¯m here to see the guardian.¡± I say politely.

    He points to the door without saying a word. I nod and walk in. Why does this house reminds me of Gray¡¯s. Most of the walls are made of ss while some part is covered with white walls. The leather couch is both white and ck. I stare at every millions in here as someone clears their throat behind me. I spin around and I¡¯m standing face to face with another Goliath. This one¡¯s better than the one outside. He wears a white dress shirt and ck cks. His hair is perfectly gelled and few tattoos are on disy through his chest where the top buttons are out.

    ¡± Um¡­ I¡¯m sorry to disturb you. I¡¯m Ariel¡­¡±Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    ¡°You look familiar.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t really know you but I¡¯m here for the kid.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the babysitter?¡± He asks. His hands are in his front pocket as he watch me carefully. Yeah , he¡¯s also intimidating.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°And you¡¯re Ariel?¡±

    I nod again and sigh.

    ¡°Come with me.¡± He turns around and head upstairs and i follow behind. ¡± She¡¯s a tough one and really annoying. I fuckin¡¯ hate her sometimes so I¡¯m sure you might be able to cope with her. She goes to school in the morning and return by four so you should be here by four and you¡¯ll be leaving by six. Your bill is already settled.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry , are you the father?¡±

    ¡°Hell no.¡± He scoffs and stops in front of a door.

    ¡°Kenny¡­¡± The guy murmurs and knocks silently on the door.

    ¡°Lucifer, get the hell out of my door.¡± She yells and I¡¯m sure she ms a shoe against the door.

    ¡°She¡¯s a witch. She¡¯s all yours.¡± Lucifer guy rolls his eyes and walks out. I¡¯m left alone with death.

    ¡± Kenny , this isn¡¯t Lucifer but a friend.¡± I breathe in and knock. I¡¯ve never been afraid of a kid in my entire life.

    There¡¯s silence as the doorknob creaks open revealing a really cute girl with ck hair. Her eyes are a mixture of green and blue.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Her little voice asks looking down at me. Rich people. So annoying.

    ¡°Can Ie in?¡± She sighs and nods.

    ¡± Yeah.¡± She walks back and I enter.

    I shut the door behind me and admire her room. Without doubts her daddy is obviously rich. Every single interior reminds me of Gray. This is the type of house he stays at. So expensive. She sits on herrge queen size bed with pink sheets as she pats the next spot for me to sit.

    ¡°You¡¯re the babysitter right?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. My name¡¯s Ariel. You¡¯re?¡±

    ¡°Kennedy. It¡¯s nice to meet you anyway.¡± She smiles and eyes my outfit.

    ¡°I love your hoodie. Mommy never lets me get one. Hope you¡¯re not here to seduce him too?¡±

    ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡± Gray.¡±

    ¡°What the! Wait , what?¡± My heart drops to my feet at the mention of his name. What¡¯s he doing he doing to me?

    ¡°Why are you surprised? He was the one who needed a babysitter because everyone is always busy when it gets to me. Lucifer calls me a witch.¡± She whines and sighs.

    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry. Is your mom Jhene?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. How did you know?¡± I bite the inside of my cheek and grovel. Why can¡¯t I attract good things for once.

    I thought i wanted to let Gray go after seeing him with that blonde haired girl. Now I¡¯m in his house. Again.

    ¡°I love your ent. Please read me a book. You¡¯re gonna be my new best friend.¡± What!

    She throws a big book at me and it¡¯s a Disney book. She rests her head on myp and asks me to read her a story. I gulp and open the first page. I need to hurry and get out of here before I meet Gray. Just his sight and I¡¯m always loosing my mind. I read her the sleeping beauty and she won¡¯t stop asking questions from the book.

    ¡°Are you in college?¡± She asks once she was through asking questions.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± I smile and drop the book on her nightstand.

    ¡°Is it true you get to do whatever thing you want once you¡¯re in college?¡± She crawls to her drawers and bring out a nail polish.

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s true.¡±

    ¡°Will you ever attend parties? Like frat?¡± She questions and ce my hand on her littlep.

    ¡°Of course. Do you like parties?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Gray hates it. Says I¡¯m too young to like parties and I should stop talking about it. He wanted to make me go to boarding school because he thinks I¡¯m too young to know things I shouldn¡¯t know.¡± She sighs and tucks back her long hair before she polishes my nails.

    ¡°Wow. Who thought you how to do that?¡± I ask her once she was through polishing my nails.

    ¡°Watched it on YouTube.¡± She giggles and polish my other nails. Yeah it¡¯s perfect like a work done by a professional. She¡¯s like her mom but better. And i think i already liked her which isn¡¯t right.

    ¡°Have you met Gray before? He¡¯s really cute. I¡¯d have countless babysitters who pretends to babysit me when all they want is to get Gray to look at them. Funny part is that they¡¯re ugly as fuck .¡± Ooh¡­ she shouldn¡¯t be swearing at this age. Thanks to Gray.

    ¡°Yeah I have seen him before.¡± I sigh and smile at him.

    ¡°Do you like him too? I¡¯m sure he¡¯s gonna like you when he sees you? You¡¯re pretty and nice.¡± I chuckle and help her tie her hair into a bun since she won¡¯t stop tucking every strands.

    She breathes in.¡± Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Come y cards with me. It¡¯s poker cards. I had to hide it , Gray doesn¡¯t like it.¡± She opens her drawers and bring them out.

    ¡± If he doesn¡¯t like it , I think he has a good reason for not letting you y it.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. He wants me to be a better kid and not a thug. It¡¯s not like i told him I don¡¯t admire being a thug. He cares too much about people.¡± She says and stretch the cards to me. God , this is embarrassing. I can¡¯t y poker.

    ¡± You can¡¯t y right?¡± She smirks and furrows her brows.

    I chuckle and nod.

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna teach you.¡±

    ¡± Hey Kenny , are you in there?¡± I hear Lucifer¡¯s voice as he knocks on her door.

    ¡± Gray is back. Ariel you need to bring her downstairs.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± My voice is fake and I¡¯m almost loosing my breath.

    How am I supposed to stand before him after he practically avoided my calls and went out with a super hot blond woman.

    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go. You need to meet him.¡± Kennedy jumps out of her bed as she hides the cards.

    She race downstairs and I was forced to follow her. I walk slowly and climb down the stairs.

    ¡°Jamal.¡± she flings herself on his arms and giggles loudly. Gray lift her off the ground and smile at the little brte.

    Howe his houses are everywhere. I look around him and his usual entourage. Manny , Carl and Reid with that blonde haired girl again and few other guys. He hasn¡¯t seen me yet because he was deep in conversation with Kennedy. Reid won¡¯t stop shooting me daggers including the blonde haired. What does she want.

    ¡°Yeah , that¡¯s my new best friend.¡± Kennedy¡¯s voice startles me as I look up.

    Gray blinks in surprise as our eyes meet. How can he look more hotter than usual. How dare he? I can¡¯t breathe again as he smirks at me.

    I hate my life. I think it revolves around Gray Carter. He¡¯s everywhere like a damn Oxygen.

    ¡°Tinkerbell¡­¡±

 Chapter 31

    ~GRAY~

    One month without seeing her was really hard. She¡¯s like a narcotic and it¡¯s suffocating I can¡¯t get enough of her. Yeah I gotid , few times but it didn¡¯t really work. Her words are stuck In my head. Telling me to let her go and calling me a fuckin¡¯ bad luck. It fuckin¡¯ hurts.

    Sarai is one hell of a worker. She¡¯s different from Meghan but the same in the aspect that both are hitting on me. Why can¡¯t they understand I can¡¯t fuck an employee. Dumbass bitches.

    Reid booked a date for her with a new target/client and then she returned to the penthouse to tell me she handled the date just as I expected. Yeah I watched everything.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you want me boss?¡± Was her first question after she told me the news.

    She took a step closer and pulled out the blunt from my mouth and slipped it into her mouth taking a long drag. I watched her carefully and she took out the blunt and puff the smoke directly to my face.

    ¡°You¡¯re so fuckin hot.¡± She bit her bottom lip and trailed every single muscles on my body as she moved it down to my chest and the waistline of my sweatpants. She moved to touch me through my sweatpants but I hold her hand and push her back a bit.

    ¡°Try this again , you¡¯re gonna loose your job.¡± I told her and watched her face pale. What makes her think I would want her? I turned to go to my room to get dressed and leave the penthouse.

    I stopped and turn to look at Sarai who¡¯s still bewildered. ¡°One more thing , I don¡¯t like blonde¡¯s.¡± I re at her and walk straight to my room to change.

    We walk out of my penthouse and for some awkward reasons she hold my arm like she was gonna trip and fall on her face. I roll my eyes and open the passenger door for her to get in. I¡¯m going through a lot of shit and Sarai is one of the least shit that I want to think about.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry boss.¡± She sighed and looked at me. I didn¡¯t bother to stare. It won¡¯t change a thing.

    ¡°It won¡¯t happen again.¡± She said and fiddled her fingers. Why the fuck is she acting like Ariel. It¡¯s annoying she¡¯s messing with my head.

    Kennedy is back and I¡¯m always protective of her. She¡¯s the only thing that proves my brother once enjoyed life. The kid¡¯s weird sometimes. Likes cursing and likes to shoot a gun. Talks about boys at seven and already likes to party. Fuckin whore mother. I¡¯d told Nick and the others to look for a babysitter since I can¡¯t leave her alone at home. I can¡¯t risk that. I stop by at a club to meet someone before driving back to my house.

    Nick told me the babysitter was here and it¡¯s quite funny Kennedy chose to call him Lucifer. Says he¡¯s mean or whatever kid¡¯s call guys with frequent res. She ran down the stairs and who i didn¡¯t expect to see was standing few feet away from me. Looking so innocent just like always.

    ¡°Tinkerbell¡­¡± She sighs and meet eyes with me.

    Is she the babysitter? Why?

    ¡°She¡¯s my new best friend and I really like her.¡± Kennedy murmurs on my arm with her big grin.

    ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡± Kennedy scowls at Sarai. How could she scowl at this age. Fuck Jhene.

    ¡°Hi there.¡± Sarai greets her. You could tell she doesn¡¯t like Kennedy already. Kennedy doesn¡¯t like her either.

    ¡°I don¡¯t like you. You¡¯re too fake and I don¡¯t like blonde¡¯s.¡± I chuckle at Kennedy¡¯s speech. I like that. We don¡¯t like blonde¡¯s. That¡¯s cute.

    ¡°I need to get a fuckin dye.¡± Sarai mutters and run her hand through her hair.

    ¡± Is she the babysitter?¡± I ask Nick.

    ¡°Yes boss. She¡­¡±

    ¡°Fuck it Nick. Take Kenny to her room. Reid you should handle Sarai. I need to lend your new best friend.¡± I kiss Kennedy on her cheek and stalk forward.

    I grab Ariel¡¯s hand and lead her upstairs to my room. I shut the door and press her against the door.

    ¡°Seriously Gray, what the hell? Why are you everywhere? Do you have a twin or something?¡± She mutters and squirms in my grip.

    I hold both her arms together at her lower back as she fights to free herself.

    ¡°Howe you¡¯re the babysitter?¡±

    ¡°Howe she¡¯s rted to you?¡± She asks.

    ¡°She¡¯s my niece. My older brothers kid. Jhene.¡± She rolls her eyes and fights to remove her hands from my grip.

    I sigh and let her go and I turn my back against her. I pull my hoodie above my head and toss it on the couch. My back¡¯s against her as I stare at the environment through the ss walls.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to have barged in. I wanted a job and Piper hook this one up for me. I didn¡¯t know it got to be rted to you.¡± She murmurs and I picture her fiddling her hands already.

    ¡°Do you even miss us?¡± I ask her and turn to look at her above my shoulders. Like there was any ¡®us¡¯ actually. I¡¯m such a dick.

    ¡± I¡¯m just gonna leave. I¡¯m not sure I can handle being Kenny¡¯s babysitter anymore.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± I turn to look at her as she rubs her nape. She¡¯s nervous again and maybe sad over something.

    I reach to her and grab her face. How can she be this pretty? Nothing seems to make any sense once she¡¯s around me. She¡¯s too tempting and inviting.

    ¡°What happened? You wanted me to leave you alone. And then you link up for a job , you got surprised that your mystery man is associated with it and you wanna abandoned it because of what?¡± I ask her. My eyes scan her eyes as they move to her lips. I really wanna kiss her right now.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I called you bad luck and all that. I was just scared. I don¡¯t wanna get hurt and¡­ I don¡¯t even know. You didn¡¯t even call.¡± She says calmly.

    ¡°You wanted me to leave you alone.¡±

    She chuckles dryly.¡± Gray really? You should have called to maybe say hi. I called and it was always on voicemail. I just¡­ I thought maybe you hate me now. I decide to visit you any I saw you with that blonde haired girling out of your apartment.¡±

    ¡± You saw us?¡± I ask totally baffled. I mean , howe I didn¡¯t see her.

    ¡°Of course. She liked you a lot.¡±

    ¡°She doesn¡¯t matter to me.¡± I wrap my arms around her waist and I so much missed how she feels under my touch.

    ¡°She¡¯s my employee and she visited to give me news about an appointment I booked for her. The reason you saw us holding hands is because she almost trip with her shoes. She¡¯s not my type.¡± I smile at her and run my fingers through her hair.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry that I overreacted.¡± She sighs and bites her bottom lip.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t really that mad or maybe I was mad actually. That doesn¡¯t really matter. We¡¯re good?¡±

    She giggles and shrugs.¡± Maybe I¡¯m gonna try to think about it if you tell me why we were attacked.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s about an endorsement deal with the Chinese. I overpowered him and took it. He¡¯s mad at me because of that also he¡¯s trying to stalk my underground warehouse.¡± I just can¡¯t wait to kiss the hell out of her.

    ¡± That was bad Gray. That might have caused him a lot of money.¡±

    ¡± I barely care. It shouldn¡¯t bother you. Maybe we should talk about you.¡± She sighs and looks up to meet my eyes.

    ¡°Tinkerbell.¡±

    ¡°Jamal.¡± I chuckle and smile at her. My father made me despise the name but it sounds bettering from her mouth.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to quit being with Kennedy. She might be a handful sometimes but I want you to stay. Don¡¯t quit the job and I¡¯ll double your pay.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I don¡¯t want you to double the pay. What if i can¡¯t handle Jhene and your employee who likes you?¡±

    ¡± Fuck them both. They won¡¯t bother you.¡± I trail my forefinger on her jawline as she smiles.

    ¡°Can I know what¡¯s the status of us? Am I your piece of toy?¡± How can¡¯t she notice I look at her different even if i didn¡¯t tell her.

    I pull her to myself and kiss her neck. I kiss up to her earlobe and whisper .¡± Wanna be my girl?¡±

    She tensed on my hold as i move my head back to look at her pretty eyes that¡¯s done a lot of shit to me that i can¡¯t pinpoint. She blushes and that didn¡¯t stop me from engaging our lips together. I so much miss this and it¡¯s crazy. I kiss her upper lip gently and move back to her bottom lip. It didn¡¯t take her much time as she kisses back. I lift her off the ground and wrap her legs around my waist. Ice her on my bed with me in between her legs as I kissed her. Her hands are pinned above her head as I fondle with the button on her jeans with one hand.

    She kisses back as our tongues glide against each other as we kisses. I break from the kiss and smile down at her figure.

    ¡± Jamal , are you through with her yet?¡± Kennedy¡¯s voice echoes from outside with a tiny knock. I hear Nick mutter outside too.

    ¡°The fuck man , what did I tell you?¡±

    ¡°Boss she¡¯s too stubborn. She refuses to be in her room except you give her back her bestie.¡± Nick mimics her.

    I roll my eyes as Ariel giggles beneath me.

    ¡°Tiny little witch¡­¡± I heard Nick mutter outside.

    ¡°The fuck man , don¡¯t call me that.¡± Kennedy replies him. And it¡¯s annoying to hear her swear.

    ¡°Nick, shut the fuck up and stop cursing in front of my niece.¡± I scoff and get off Ariel as I head to the door.

    ¡°Clearly you¡¯re the one who¡¯s cursing in front of her.¡± Ariel retorts.

    I open the door as Kennedy runs inside.

    ¡°I thought you stole her. Can I get her back? How did you know her?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re too curious , aren¡¯t you?¡± I coo and y with her hair.

    ¡°Don¡¯t get my hair tattered. Ariel made it this way. Come on.¡± She grabs Ariel by the arm and drags her out of my room.

    ¡°Crazy kid.¡± I mutter.

    Nick nods with a smirk and walks out. Did she really have to spoil my mood.

    |?ARIEL?|

    ¡± So you¡¯re saying you checked in on your new babysitting job and the kid happens to be Kennedy Carter? Huh?¡± Brandon asks the following day after lectures.

    ¡± That¡¯s exactly what I said Brandy.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s dramatic. Did you freak out when you saw Gray?¡± Piper asks.

    ¡°Yeah. He looks better than usual. We were kissing and the kid just came in and knocked.¡± I chuckle and take a bite from my tacos.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    ¡°Wow. So you guys are officially together?¡± Alexa asks as she stuff her face with rice. Eyebrows partially raised as she dips Brandon¡¯s chips in his salsa and stuff it inside her mouth. What a diet!

    I shake my head.¡± I don¡¯t know. But he asked me to be his girl yesterday.¡± I press my lips together and twirl my cappino.

    ¡°His girl? Like girlfriend? Wow , buddy likes you a lot.¡±

    I roll my eyes and blush.

    ¡°Is the public even aware?¡±

    ¡°No way. I can¡¯t handle that. I¡¯ve been getting hate speech from Jhene and Meghan and I can¡¯t handle more. It¡¯s like i don¡¯t belong to his circle. I mean it¡¯s true but¡­¡±

    ¡°Arie breathe. Keep your shit down. You shouldn¡¯t give a fuck about anyone. It¡¯s not your fault they couldn¡¯t get the bad guy wrapped around their fingers. He wants you that¡¯s what matters. I can¡¯t wait to let him spit out the L word.¡± Piper says as Alexa and Brandon giggles.

    ¡°Guys no. Love is a gradual process. I fear love.¡± I murmur and drink my coffee.

    ¡°I think everyone is scared of love. We should enjoy and live in the moment. I really don¡¯t wanna get married. I just wanna getid and visit the world with my fucked up boyfriend.¡± Alexa raises her brows and smirks.

    Brandonughs quietly.¡± You don¡¯t even have a boyfriend Alex.¡±

    ¡± I didn¡¯t disagree. He¡¯s on his way. Stuck in traffic in Australia.¡±

    Weugh and I almost choke on my coffee.

    ¡°Damn. Talking about traffic , Jamie just arrived.¡± I mutter as Piper freezes. Seriously.

    ¡°Piper.¡± He chimes and walks to our booth.

    ¡°Hey guys.¡±

    We reply in unison. Piper smiles at us as she gets up to go out with Jamie to talk.

    ¡°She¡¯s messing with him. He¡¯s too cute and good. If I do nerds I¡¯d date Jamie.¡± Brandon mutters.

    ¡°Hell ya. Me too. Piper is fuckin¡¯ crazy.¡± Alexa says eating from Brandon¡¯s chips and salsa.

    ¡°Dude, you already ate up everything.¡± Brandon whines.

    ¡°Dude, why did you just dude me, man?¡± She chuckles and wipes her mouth with the napkin.

    ¡°Fuck you.¡±

    ¡°You wish.¡±

    Brandon rolls his eyes as we watch Piper and Jamie. Jamie smiles like a kid and stomps off. Piper returns and sits down.

    ¡°What did we miss?¡± I press .

    ¡°I may have repented and decided to give Jamie a chance. I think i just realized delinquents aren¡¯t everything.¡± She rolls her eyes and smile dreamily.

    ¡± Did he bribe you?¡±

    She smirks sarcastically. Piper can be psychotic sometimes.

    ¡± Hell yeah. We¡¯re going on our first date. Free food , free clothes . Damn girl¡­¡± Piper winks andughs. I told you , she¡¯s psychotic sometimes

    ¡°Shit. You¡¯re such a bitch. Worse than me.¡± Alexa retorts.

    ¡°Fuck it. Jamie is cute and I¡¯m trying to know him more.¡± She shrugs and shoves a slice of pizza in her mouth.

    ¡°Really?¡± We heard a voice from the distance. I know that voice.

    We turn to the direction and find Madison exchanging words with Leslie who¡¯s standing next to a guy. I know him. One of the hottest assholes in college. Maynard.

    ¡°The fuck bitch , you¡¯re fucking my boyfriend now?¡± Madison yells and that attracted eyes from each booths.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. Why don¡¯t you back off bitch.¡± What the hell Is her problem? What about Hayden?

    ¡°Whoa. Says the dirty little cunt who won¡¯t stop sleeping with people¡¯s boyfriend. You¡¯re such a whore bitch. Maynard, you stop picking my calls because of this tiny ass bitch. How can you be so fucking cheap?¡± Madison roars.

    ¡°We should stop them.¡± I say.

    ¡°Shhhh. Fuck, i love this movie.¡± They mutters at once. I roll my eyes at their remark and look back at them.

    ¡°Babe, that¡¯s enough. You¡¯ve caused enough scene. We¡¯re gonna talk about thister.¡± Maynard tells Madison and drags Leslie out of the restaurant. She didn¡¯t even look at us. I¡¯m sure she didn¡¯t see us.

    ¡°Fuck, that was stupid.¡± Piper says sarcastically.

    ¡°Nobody gives a fuck about Leslie. I¡¯m trying to focus on my lunch and I won¡¯t let some tiny little ass bitch distract my lunch.¡± Alexa scoffs and continues her meal.

    I sigh. My parents caused this. She¡¯s causing too much problems around college and she¡¯s not even bothered. I thought she was in love with Hayden.

    ***

    I toss my bag on the couch and go through the fridge to eat something. Leslie isn¡¯t back from ss and I¡¯m totally worried over her new attitude. I make toast and eggs and eat up. I rinse off the tes and tiredly retire to my room. I¡¯m still hoping for an internship and Ryan is totally helpful.

    I get undressed and step under the shower with Gray taking over my thoughts. I¡¯m d we¡¯re okay with each other but why do I always feel different around him. Basically, he calls me his girl what¡¯s that supposed to mean. I sigh and switch off the water as I step out of the bathroom to change. I slip on my pajamas bottom and a t-shirt as I go back to the living room.

    The doorbell rings and I turn to get it. Leslie doesn¡¯t ring the bell, she has her own key and Gray doesn¡¯t knock either. He¡¯s too fucked up upstairs. I twist the doorknob and Gray is standing outside looking gorgeously breathtaking.

    ¡°What happened?¡± I ask and step to the side to let him enter.

    ¡°What happened?¡± He repeats my question.

    ¡°Gray doesn¡¯t knock or ring the doorbell.¡± I shut the door.¡± So what happened to you today. You¡¯re always a sneak.¡± I cross my arms and eye his delinquent figure.

    ¡± I learnt my lessons.¡± He smirks and leans closer to me.

    ¡°I missed you.¡± He says and tucks back my loose hair and pull me to himself.

    ¡°Is that why you knocked today?¡± I muse and trail my hands down his chest.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go out.¡±

    I sigh and rest my head on his chest. Truly I¡¯m scared. Thest time we went out , we were being shot at.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to, it¡¯s fine. I¡¯m gonna stay here with you. That¡¯s if you don¡¯t mind. Your sneaky sister.¡±

    Who cares about Leslie? He lifts me off the ground as I wrap my legs around his torso. My left hand rest on his shoulders while the other ys with his hair.

    ¡°You look cute. What¡¯s this mark?¡± I ask and brush my finger above his eyebrows.

    ¡°Did you fight with someone?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t fight , Tinkerbell.¡±

    ¡°You got a mark , Jamal.¡±

    He grimaces.¡± Don¡¯t call me that.¡±

    I roll my eyes and run my fingers through his hair. I lean my lips closer and let it brush past his a little.

    ¡± What you gon¡¯ do Jamal?¡± I smirk and raise my brows. I bite my lips and stare into his grey orbs. And now I¡¯m getting wet just looking at him with me on his hold.

    He smirks back and drops me to the floor. His palm spanks my ass as I¡¯m being pulled to him. I wrap my hands around his torso and let him kiss me as he wants. He cups my ass and kisses my lips deeply as I return the kiss.

    ¡± I feel like eating you up.¡± He murmurs in between the kiss as he bites my bottom lip.

    ¡°What are you waiting for?¡± I reply and wrap my hands around his neck.

    ¡°Ariel.¡± Leslie¡¯s voice startles me. I turn to look at her as shock shes through her face.

    Her clutch falls off her hand as she gape at us. Oh great , what¡¯s gonna happen now?

    ¡°Gray¡­¡± She stutters and blinks her eyes. Gray¡¯s hand is still around my waist and he doesn¡¯t look bothered. For some wonderful reasons , I¡¯m d she barged in on us.

    ¡± Hey Leslie. Meet my boyfriend, Gray Carter. Gray meet my nosy ass sister , Leslie.¡± I introduce them with a wide smirk. I can¡¯t wait to watch her freak out.

    ¡± Hi.¡± Gray tells her.

    ¡°No way.¡± she mutters and crash to the floor.

    Great! She fainted.

 Chapter 32

    Iy on my belly as I write my school work on myptop. Gray rests his head on my ass and go through his phone. After Leslie fainted , Gray helped me carry her to her room and she¡¯s still passed out till now.

    ¡°Why did your sister fainted ?¡± Gray asks and drops his phone to trail his finger on my thighs to my butt.

    ¡°Maybe she¡¯s surprised to see us together. Buddy never thought we would be a thing.¡± I sigh and continue typing.

    ¡°And why¡¯s that ?¡± He yfully spanks my butt and i let out a chuckle. He rubs circles on my butt and gently caress it.

    I breathe in and shut my eyes. My hormonal system is already active.¡± I don¡¯t know. She despises me and maybe ¡­¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s jealous of you.¡± He states and continues trailing his finger on my thighs to my butt.

    ¡°I really wanna talk to your parents. Why are they always hard on you ?¡±

    I don¡¯t know what to say. I just can¡¯t tell him I got raped by my own best friend. A friend I¡¯ve always had a huge crush on since we were teenagers.

    ¡± I don¡¯t really me them. They are strict and over protective because of their religious beliefs.¡±

    ¡°But that doesn¡¯t give them a right to say shit to you. The fuck , what is wrong with them?¡±

    ¡°Gray¡­¡± I sigh.

    ¡°Is there something you¡¯re not telling me?¡± He flip me on my back so I¡¯m looking at him.

    ¡°Gray i¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s crazy if you¡¯re lying. I don¡¯t really like it when you lie.¡± He raises his brows and trails his fingers on my thighs.

    ¡°I¡¯m not lying. It¡¯s just that¡­ I suffered depression because of my parents and nun issues. I almostmitted suicide but my parents quickly booked me with a therapist.¡± I shrug.

    Gray shuts his eyes and makes mey on his chest. Iy on his shoulders and caress my fingers on his chest through his shirt.

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry about that.¡± He turns his head to look at me as he caresses my hair.

    ¡°I think you¡¯re too beautiful for that. And also I won¡¯t let anyone hurt you.¡± He kisses my forehead and stroke my hair.

    ¡°Thanks Gray.¡±

    ¡°Thanks too. For walking into my life. You don¡¯t really know the fuck you¡¯re doing to me.¡± He smirks and shift on his side to look at me. His grey eyes move down from my eyes to my lips.

    He smirks and grab my butt to pull me to himself. My legs slide under his as I breathe in his cologne. He didn¡¯t say a word as he rub circles on butt. He¡¯s so weird. He stays quiet watching me with his eyes not leaving mine. Our lips are inches apart and he isn¡¯t making a move to kiss me.

    ¡°You¡¯re beautiful. Always will..¡± he whispers and continue rubbing circles on my lower back.

    ¡± Gray , did you have a rtionship with Jhene ?¡±

    His expression changes and i regretted asking.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry that i asked.. I just wanna know.¡±

    He fake a smile and shrug his shoulder.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. We never dated. Just fucked each other. I got tired and ask her to leave. She wanted a rtionship and liked being clingy and serious. So she moved on to my brother , he sorta liked a bit and he wasn¡¯t aware Jhene was using him to make me jealous. It made me sick because she was fuckin childish. Later on she got pregnant and tried to force the baby on me. My brother was furious and angry at me because, he thought I was sleeping with his so called girlfriend. She forced me to make a paternity test on Kennedy because I knew the kid wasn¡¯t mine. I always use a condom. It turns out the baby was my brother¡¯s and she was hurt. My brother had to beef with me because of that stupid shit and I fuckin hate Jhene¡­¡±

    ¡°Satisfied now ?¡± He asks and brush my strands of hair off my face.

    I smile and giggle.

    ¡°Now tell me why you preferred being a nun to having a dick ?¡± He smirks and raises his brows.

    I hate his dirty words sometimes but then who am i toin ? I knew about his weird world but yet I choose to ride with him. I just hope I don¡¯t get hurt at the end.

    ¡°Bullies , my parents and maybe I kinda liked it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not a reason , Tinkerbell. Why did you leave ?¡± That¡¯s the question I¡¯ve been avoiding.

    I don¡¯t wanna talk about it. Not today , not now , not anytime soon. I¡¯m practically ashamed of myself just thinking about it.

    ¡°Ariel..¡±

    I sigh and run my fingers through his hair.

    ¡°Gray it¡¯splicated.¡± I tell him and thread my fingers into his hair. It looks messy but soft.

    He nods and shut his eyes to my touch. His eyshes are that of ady. I bet an eyshpany should be jealous of his because of how they are created. Gray is out of the exnation. His jawline, his nose and mouth were shaped for a GQ model.

    ¡°Come here..¡± he breathe in and kiss my forehead, easily getting on top of me as he Kisses my nose. He takes in my lips and I wee his lips.

    His hands move on my curves and cup my butt. I gasp a moan and bite his lip softly. He smirks in between the kiss as he savours my lips. I wrap my hands around his neck and gently pull him against me. I moan as I feel his growing bulge against me. I quickly take off his shirt since his jacket was already off. I trail my hand on every line of muscles on his body to his chest. He was perfectly carved.

    He watches me move my fingers on his body with his lips slightly parted. I move my hands on his abs to his stomach down to his region.

    ¡°You don¡¯t wanna do this..¡± he whispers brushing back my loose hair.

    ¡°What if I want to ?¡± I ask calmly, biting my bottom lip.

    He smirks and lean against me so I could feel him growing really hard against me.

    ¡°Not here.¡± He kisses my cheek down to my neck as he suck gently on my corbone. I¡¯m obviously getting a hickey after this.

    He pull my shirt over my head and he smiles down at my already hardened nipples.

    ¡°Quit staring..¡± I murmur and smile.

    Without wasting time , he kisses me and flick his thumb on my hard nipples. He gently pinched it with his lips not leaving mine. I run my hands down his hair and grind underneath him. He groan on my lips and reach for both my hands to pin above my head. My chest is being adored with his lips as it kiss me gently. I moan and squirm against him watching him careful , as he worship my bare skin with his lips.

    I watch his every move till he takes in a nipple. His mouth wees it with his tongue as he flicks it around my hard nipples.

    ¡°Oh God¡­¡± I moan and look down at his lips and how they gloriously suck on my hard nipples.

    His right hand free from the grasp on both my arms while his left hand grip tightly to my hand. He takes off my sweatpants expertly and let it hang on my ankles. He look up to meet my eyes and smirks as he kisses my chest. He slowly graze his lips on my stomach and kiss me down to the waistline of my panties. He smirks again and hold the waistline of my panties threatening to take it off. His eyes meet mine asking me if he should go on.

    I nod and smile. He look down at my wet sex as he kissed my sensitive part through my panties. I squirm trying to free both my hand from his hold but he¡¯s stronger. I moan as he teases my sex through my panties. I know I¡¯m wet and I could feel it. I feel his middle finger thrust into me as I wince silently with a moan.

    ¡°So fuckin tight¡­.¡± Gray mutters and kiss the waistline of my panties.

    His finger thrust in and out of me as he rub circles on my nerve. I whimper and moan and he watches my every move.

    ¡°Gray¡­¡± I moan and bite my bottom lip. I can¡¯t believe he refused to take off my panties.

    He doubled his finger and I¡¯m forced close to my orgasm. He continues to rub circles and thrust his fingers in and out of me. His finger slides out of me and meet with his mouth.

    ¡°Always taste so good..¡± he smirks and lick off my wet off his finger. Dang it !

    He removes my panties along with my sweatpants and lean closer to my core totch his tongue on my sensitive part. This feeling was different and I moan out profanities. He released my hand and cup my breast as he eat me out. My legs are shaky as it rest on his shoulders. I bite my bottom lip and moan out his name. His tongue worked me up and I¡¯m almost there. How can he be perfect in every area ? His kisses , his touch , his mouth, everything literally turns me on as my orgasm broke. I breathe in and lean on my elbows to watch Gray lick off my orgasm.

    He moves up to me and kiss me. He taste so weirdly different and i like it.

    ¡°I should return the favor.¡± I smile at him but he shakes his head sideways.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, princess.¡± He kisses my forehead andy next to me covering my naked body with myforter.

    We stay quiet for what seems like minutes. He rub my back with his hand and pull me closer to him.

    ¡°Did Nick told you about your babysitting payment ?¡± He asks and caress my lower back.

    ¡°Gray I really wanna talk this with you. He sent me fifty thousand to my ount after i left. Why ? That¡¯s like someone¡¯s worth , it¡¯s too much.¡±

    ¡°Are youining ?¡±

    ¡°No , but it¡¯s too much. I can¡¯t be receiving that kinda amount at the end of each day babysitting. Gray it¡¯s¡­¡±

    ¡°Youin again and I¡¯m making it hundred.¡±

    I chuckle.¡± What ?¡±

    ¡°Two hundred thousand..¡±

    I sigh defeatedly and roll my eyes.

    He kisses my forehead.¡± Thank you.¡±

    I swat his hand yfully.¡± You¡¯re not wee.¡± I whine and pout.

    ¡°You look cute when you do that. Like a teenage girl who just got a boyfriend.¡± He teases.

    ¡± It¡¯s not really fair. I don¡¯t want your money Gray.¡±

    He groans, clearly frustrated as he rubs his forehead.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be traveling tomorrow. You¡¯ll be fine cause I¡¯m gonna ask Nick and the others to look after you.¡±

    ¡°Where are you going ?¡± I ask, totally not fine with his sudden message.

    ¡°Business and I won¡¯t stay long.¡± He kiss my forehead and I scoff.

    ¡°Why can¡¯t you tell me where you¡¯re going and what business.¡±

    He sighs and pull me to himself.¡± You worry too much Tinkerbell. I won¡¯t stay long¡­¡±

    ¡­¡­

    Yeah he won¡¯t stay long , huh ? This is his second week since he left my room that day telling me he won¡¯t stay long and he¡¯s not even bothered to call. Is this how it feels to be involved with men like Gray ?

    I¡¯m always visiting to look after Kennedy but yet Nick won¡¯t tell me the whereabouts of Gray. Two annoying weeks. I braided Kennedy¡¯s hair as she tell me about her Disney cartoon that she watched. I actually fell asleep half way through. We go to to the kitchen to bake cake , since she wants me to.

    ¡°I¡¯d love to be a singer when I¡¯m older. My mom doesn¡¯t like it that much. She wants me to be a model.¡± Kennedy rambles.

    ¡°You don¡¯t like modelling ?¡±

    ¡°No. Too full of diets. You¡¯ll be stuck with sds and vegetables because you wanna look pretty for the camera. Sucker..¡± she scoffs and watch me whisk my mixture for the cake that i promise to make for her.

    ¡°So you think music is better ?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Gray said i sing terrible..¡± i chuckle and smile at her.

    ¡± You know he¡¯s wrong right ? Because I believe you sing perfect.¡± I tap her cheek and ce the already mixed ingredients inside the oven.

    ¡°Do you missed Gray ?¡± She asks licking the cake substance off the counter.

    ¡°I do and stop licking that.¡± I scold her and begin cleaning the counter.

    ¡°Me too. I don¡¯t like his kind of business , he¡¯s always traveling.¡± I sigh and nod in agreement.

    She helps me with the dishes as we shove them into the washer. We clean up the kitchen till the oven beeps which means the cake is ready. I take it out and set it on the counter for Kennedy to devour. She likes cake.

    ¡­¡­

    I y video game with Alexa that weekend as Leslie and Hazel walks into the living room. They just returned from ss holding a box of pizza.

    ¡°Yess..¡± Alexa squeal after she sessfully beat up my Avatar. I hate this game , Alexa makes it frustrating. I¡¯m barely winning and it¡¯s annoying. This the third week and Gray isn¡¯t yet back. I¡¯m over worried but Lucifer sh Nick assured me he¡¯s fine just handling business. I just hope it doesn¡¯t involve him killing someone.

    ¡°Hey cousin. And hi to you Ariel.¡± Leslie greets us.

    ¡°Hey¡­¡± We reply in unison and focus on our game.

    ¡°You know I have the weirdest dream ever about three weeks ago. That Gray Carter was here.¡± Leslie says out of the blue.

    ¡°No way..¡± Hazel giggles.

    Wait she thought that was a dream ? Yeah, right. Reasons she didn¡¯t question me if I was dating Gray. Because she didn¡¯t believe what she saw. She¡¯s obviously fucked up in the head.

    Alexa paused the game and turn to look at Leslie.¡±What makes you think it¡¯s a dream ?¡±

    ¡°Maybe because he was kissing Ariel. It¡¯s the weirdest dream I have ever had.¡±Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    ¡± A dream ?¡± Alexa chuckles. ¡± You¡¯re fucked. So you don¡¯t know Ariel is dating Gray ? Same Gray who you couldn¡¯t seduce to look at you.¡±

    Her eyes widen in surprise. I scoff and roll my eyes.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me shit. I¡¯m just gonna assume I didn¡¯t hear a word you said.¡± Leslie scowl at Alexa.

    ¡°Yo , I¡¯m not trying to be an asshole but , Ariel can¡¯t date Gray. Fuck girl , this is Ariel we¡¯re talking about.¡± Hazel chuckles sarcastically.

    ¡°You¡¯re such an idiot. Keep dreaming.¡± Alexa chuckles and resume the game.

    ¡°This is Gray Carter we¡¯re talking about. She¡¯s not even that cute¡­¡± Hazel mutters. Leslie scoffs and get off the couch as she head to the kitchen.

    She¡¯s not happy, same time she looks jealous. Who cares , I hope she drink urine soon. My phone vibrates in my pocket and I bring it out. I gasp at a message from Gray. Really ? Three weeks and he¡¯s just texting me. What a punk.

    ¡°Boyfriend just texted you ?¡± Alexa teases as she drink from her bottle water.

    I sigh and roll my eyes. I text him back with a huge smile on my face. Yeah , it¡¯s annoying to miss him because sometimes i wonder if he missed me at all.

    TO GRAY: Where are we going ?

    FROM GRAY : Upset now ? It¡¯s a surprise. Get dressed I¡¯ll get Nick to pick you up.

    I sigh and shove my phone back to my pocket.

    ¡°Are you okay ?¡± Alexa asks.

    ¡± Maybe. Gray just got back and he wants to take me out.¡± I scoff.

    ¡°Fuck girl..¡± Alexa giggles.¡± Get your ass to your room cause I¡¯m getting you ready.¡± She winks and drag me from the living room to my room.

    She go through my closet and luckily I¡¯m d I¡¯ve bought a lot of dressestely. All thanks to Gray. Alexa decides i go with a ck strapless dress.

    ¡°Just in case the mood gets rough and he wants to take you in right there.¡± She winks and throw the material at me.

    I huff and wear it. She did my hair and apply a normal makeup on my face as i step on my shoes.

    ¡± This is so sudden.¡± I mutter as Alexa follows me out of my room.

    ¡°Are you going out ?¡± Leslie asks, eyeing my outfit.

    ¡°Shit , that¡¯s expensive..¡± Hazel mutters.

    ¡± Yeah. Gray Carter ising to pick her up. Kill yourself.¡± Alexa scoffs at the girls and walk me out of the living room.

    ¡°Becareful okay. Don¡¯t forget to use protection. I¡¯m not ready for ¡®Aunty¡¯ yet.¡± She blow kisses at me once we are downstairs. I roll my eyes and get inside the ck Maserati Nick brought.

    ??????

    .

    Gray watches me carefully with his usual smirk. How can he act so normal after he left three weeks ago and didn¡¯t bother to call.

    ¡± Forgive me yet princess ?¡± He winks and I hate that he knows each of my buttons and when to press.

    ¡°Gray that wasn¡¯t nice of you. Why didn¡¯t you call ?¡±

    ¡°I was handling business.¡± He smiles and raise his fork to feed me with it¡¯s content.

    ¡°Missed me ?¡± He smirks as I eat from his fork.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Pretty little liar.¡± He counts his word and bites his lips. His eyes move to my lips as he smiles.

    ¡°You look beautiful. I like the dress. Can¡¯t wait to take it out.¡± He flirts.

    I roll my eyes and grab the ss to drink the water in it. I prop my arms on the table and look around this expensive restaurant. Ie to realize he had lots of establishments around the country and that includes hotels , clubs and even restaurants. Why won¡¯t he ? I still can¡¯t take that Russian bloody tantrum from the other day. Gray knew I was afraid so he decides ro bring in guards and that includes Reid. I so despise him. d he hasn¡¯t talked to me ever since that party incident and I¡¯m grateful despite his res.

    ¡°Are you still scared ?¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t me me, Jamal. I just hate guns.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t freak out when i shove out a gun.¡± He says calmly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you have one ?¡± I whisper, clearly frightened.

    ¡°Two.¡± He replies rather calmly.

    ¡°Who are you ?¡±

    I heard screams as that familiar man walk inside the restaurant and shoot at the lights except one chandelier. I¡¯m already whimpering and I¡¯m hiding two tables from our tables.

    ¡°Look who we have here. Gray Carter..¡± He chuckles at Gray.

    I tried to swallow my whimper and it¡¯s funny I¡¯m already shaking. Nick stand next to me like a guardian angel holding firmly to his gun pointing at the the intruders. They were already pointing guns at each other. Gray had two guns and he wasn¡¯t lying about it including dimir. I see Reid pointing his gun at dimir¡¯s back man while the back man also has his gun at Reid. Things won¡¯t go well. Why are they always after us.

    ¡°What do you want ?¡± Gray asks. His voice different from the normal caring voice i used to listen to everyday.

    Ady whimpers from under the table as she brings out her phone to record the scene . dimir chuckles and pulls the trigger at thedy. She copse on the floor as blood spill out from her lifeless body. This made me sob really louder as i try to muffle each tears. Why¡¯s this always happening.

    ¡°The fuck man. You¡¯re such a thief. Reasons you¡¯re the top shit on everyone¡¯s death list , bitch . You stole from Sinir and you thought it¡¯s a great idea to steal my shit. Fuckin lying thief. Just like your scum father.¡±

    Gray seems really angry as he cocks his gun.

    ¡± Get out of here. You don¡¯t want to do this , d. Don¡¯t try to y naughty , dimir. What the fuck do you want ?¡±

    ¡°I want my money Gray or I won¡¯t waste time to fuck you up.¡±

    Gray chuckles darkly. ¡°What if I shoot you first, dick ? Stay the fuck away from my shit.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna hurt you Gray. Hurt everyone you¡¯ve ever loved and cared for..¡± this time dimir moves his eyes to my trembling self and smirks. I think that made me tremble more.

    ¡± Including her.¡± He mutters to Gray but i heard it.

    ¡°Don¡¯t try shit d. Stay the fuck away from her and take your eyes off her. I won¡¯t hold back to take on you too. What the fuck do you want ? Why don¡¯t you act like a man and get the fuck out of my face. What do you want ? Your bullshit deal back ?¡± Gray asks.

    My ck dress is covered in my tears and i wanna go home right now or maybe run to church. dimir¡¯s gun slowly move from Gray and stop at my figure that¡¯s been curled up. God I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m gonna die miserably.

    dimir smirks and cock his gun at me.¡± I want the girl¡­¡±

 Chapter 33

    No no no. This isn¡¯t happening. Want the girl ? What girl ?

    ¡°Please don¡¯t..¡± i begin sobbing loudly again. I need to run to church. It¡¯s obvious it¡¯s because I¡¯ve missed mass this past two weeks that¡¯s why I barely see luck shine in my favour.

    ¡°And what i don¡¯t give you the girl ?¡±

    ¡°Thest time i checked , you don¡¯t love Gray. Why do you fuckin care about her ? Got a soft spot now ?¡±

    Gray chuckles and the next thing he did made me scream in fear. He shot at the chandelier that¡¯s hanging on the ceiling and everything go dark red.

    I whimper silently and crawl to anything safe. I heard gun shots and cries from everyone present and countless ¡®Fucks¡¯ from the gun men.

    ¡°Tinkerbell..¡± Gray whispers close to me. I feel his warm self reach to carry me off the ground.

    He toss me on his shoulders as he begin walking outside. The cold breeze nket my skin as he quickly drop me inside his car. His guards rush into the other vehicles as Gray speeds into the cold night driving like a maniac. His jaw clenches several times and unclench and he isn¡¯t saying a word to me. I¡¯m still out of breath and still shocked to the drama. With one hand handling the wheel , Gray tosses his suit jacket to me not even staring at me.

    Few minutester , we arrive in his death mansion and he¡¯s not getting out of his car . He cusses and smack his wheel angrily. He rests his head on the wheel and breathe in. He sits up and turn to face me. I¡¯m still scared and I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll be scared through out next week and maybe till I die .

    His eyes are dark and without no emotions.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± He sighs. Clearly he looks like shit. I scoff and shake my head as i unfasten my seatbelt.

    ¡°Take me home.¡± I demand.

    ¡°You¡¯re not going home.¡±

    ¡°Gray take me home.¡± I yell. He shakes his head and step out of his car.

    I watch him walk into his house and I step out of the car calling out to him. Kennedy run out of the house into Gray¡¯s arms. He pats her head and motion for Manny to take her to her room. I walk behind him as we enter his mansion. The men around watch as we walk in. Now he¡¯s like a king who¡¯s been wee. Just that this case is different. I almost lost my life the second time and I¡¯m still in shock.

    Gray sighs tiredly and run his hands down his face. He looks exhausted. I toss his jacket on the couch as Manny climb down the stairs.

    ¡°Who told him ?¡± He asks looking at every single men around the room. Manny , Nick , Carl and I don¡¯t remember the rest five. They are all in either white dress shirt or ck suits. It¡¯s weird they work under Gray. Their facescks smiling. Reid stand at a corner smoking his cancer stick. He has a bad vibe and too evil.

    ¡± I traveled few weeks ago and decides to take her out..¡± he points his finger to me and continues. ¡± But then somebody thinks it¡¯s smart to talk shit and snitch about me being in Queens. Who the fuck did that ? If i find out that anyone snitched me to d , you gon¡¯ hate it. Get out everyone of you.¡± Gray orders still frustrated by the stunt.

    ¡± Get the fuck out of my face , that¡¯s an order.¡± He yells and that makes me tensed. You know most times I think i don¡¯t even know Gray. The way he changes his mood. He doesn¡¯t act like this around me and for once I appreciated it.

    The guys look at Gray as they begin leaving one after the other.

    ¡± Gray..¡± Reid calls out to him.

    ¡°You too Reid.¡± Gray says with his back facing us.

    ¡°What ?¡± He deadpans , clearly taken aback that his best friend just shut him out.

    ¡°So what about this bitch ?¡± Reid¡¯s angry voice points to me.

    Gray turns around sharply with anger visible in his eyes. ¡± Don¡¯t you dare bitch her. Leave Reid.¡±

    Reid sighs and bites his bottom lip. He looks my way with rage and walk out. Gray sighs and look at me.

    ¡± Come on.¡± He motions his head to the stairs as he begin climbing. I follow behind in fear and trembling as we move to his room. I¡¯ve never been this scared in my entire life.

    Gray opens his room door and we step in. He furiously shut his door as I whimper. I watch his body movement as he unbutton his dress shirt and throw it on the couch. He ruffles his hair and sighs deeply. I remove his suit jacket and toss it on the couch.

    ¡°Ariel you should sit.¡± He turns to look at me and reach for a cigarette and lighter. Surprisingly it¡¯s cold and I¡¯m a bit cold. Maybe because of fear.

    He turns his back against me and watch the environment through the ss wall as he lights the cigarette. I curl up on the couch and it¡¯s funny I¡¯m just taking views of his bedroom. It¡¯s like it¡¯s own living room. There¡¯s an inbuilt swimming pool in his room. The walls are painted pure white. The couches are white too while his king size bed is located at the end. Everything in here is like a living room. It has about three chairs and a table at another end. That sort of looks like a dining room.

    He continues to puff out the smoke as he switches on the Tv. The tension between us is terrible and I¡¯m ufortable. The TV lights up and the first thing to show up is a reporter reporting what happened today. The shooting and the one corpse.

    ¡°It was reported today that a set of gun men barged into Queens restaurant to shoot at Gray Carter. CEO and owner of popr summit enterprises. ording to an eye witness, they said the gunmen mainly wanted to shoot his anonymous date¡­.¡± She continues to ramble as a picture of me and Gray sitting across each other in the restaurant emerged on TV. ¡± There was a shootout outbreak and ady was found dead on the scene. The police are investigating on the case on why a group of gun men would attack Gray Carter¡­.¡±

    ¡°Bullshit.¡± Gray scoffs and turn off the TV.

    He reach for his phone and dialed a number as he presses the phone against his ear. ¡± Manny , any cop cars pull over for questions. Don¡¯t tell them shit.¡± He hangs up and toss his phone on the bed.

    My ringing phone distracts me from my tension as I pick up.

    ¡°Alex..¡±

    ¡°Oh my God. How are you ? Are you okay ? What happened to you ? Are you safe ? It¡¯s over the news that you guys were shot at ? Are you injured..¡±

    ¡± Holy Christ. Alex I¡¯m fine. Nothing happened. I¡¯m in his house.¡± I sigh and watch Gray smokes his cancer stick staring to nothing.

    ¡°Thank goodness. I was fuckin worried.¡±

    ¡°Thanks cousin, I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°Yeah , i trust Gray. He won¡¯t let shit happened to you.¡±

    I scoff and roll my eyes.

    ¡°Be careful okay. Call me if anything happens alright.¡±

    ¡°Yes , mother.¡±

    ¡°Good girl. Love you.¡±

    I drop my phone back but it goes back to ringing. Great , Piper and Brandon obviously.

    ¡°Piper.¡±

    ¡°Holy fuck. Where the fuck are you ? Are you okay ? Where you shot ? It¡¯s over the news and we¡¯re worried. What happened to you ? What¡¯s up with Gray¡­.¡±

    ¡°Piper breathe.¡± I sigh and rub my temple.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine okay. Nothing happened and I¡¯m not injured..¡± I mumble as Gray turns to look at me above his shoulders.

    ¡°Oh thank goodness. We were worried. Who are these gun men ? How many are they ?¡± Brandon butt in from the background.

    ¡°Guys I¡¯m fine okay. I need to call you guys back , alright.¡±

    ¡°Sure thing princess¡­¡± They breathe in and hang up.

    I raise my head up only to meet Gray¡¯s eyes. I groan and look down at my ringing phone. Mom too ? What¡¯s happening ?

    ¡°Mom¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh my baby , are you okay ?¡± I raise my eyebrows In disbelief and quickly look down at the dialer. It¡¯s my mom.

    ¡°Mom ?¡±Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Yes Ariel. Are you okay ? I heard the news and we heard Gray Carter was shot at in Queens restaurant. We saw some girl and she looks like you and she was his date. I know that wasn¡¯t you , I just wanna be sure you¡¯re okay. I called Leslie and she told me you¡¯re not in the apartment. Where are you ? Are you okay ?¡±

    ¡°Mom I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m not injured and nothing happened to me.¡±

    ¡°Thank God. Where are you ?¡±

    ¡°Mom I gotta go. I¡¯m with my friends okay. Bye Mom , say hi to daddy.¡± I sigh and hang up at once.

    I quickly switch off my phone and keep it aside. I¡¯m not in the mood for this. I still can¡¯t register what just happened even if it was the second time.

    ¡°Tinkerbell..¡± Gray calls and move to sit next to me.

    I didn¡¯t bother to look at him. He¡¯s filled with mysteries.

    ¡°Come here..¡± He coos and pull me to himself stroking my bare back.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I don¡¯t want you to keep whimpering. Nothing is gonna happen to you cause I¡¯m here okay. If anything should happen , they are gonna go through me first.¡± I could feel the smile in his words as he kisses my temple.

    ¡± Let¡¯s get you out of this dress. You¡¯re running temperature.¡± He mutters and move me back gently for him to get up.

    He walks to his extrarge closet and return with his red hoodie and ck sweatpants.

    ¡°You should wear that.¡±

    I smile lightly and take the clothes from him.

    ¡°Where¡¯s your bathroom ?¡± I manage to ask calmly.

    ¡± Can¡¯t change in front of me now ?¡± He teases to lighten up the mood. I chuckle lightly and furrow my brows at him.

    He bites his bottom lip and shrug.

    ¡°Bathroom¡¯s that way.¡± I nod and stand up to go to the bathroom.

    I stare at my reflection in the mirror. I look terrible because of fear. I sigh and look around the bathroom. It¡¯s the size of my bedroom back at the apartment. It has a Jacuzzi too and also a bathtub. He¡¯s rich so basically I expect his house to be like this. I quickly remove my dress and put on the sweatpants and his red hoodie. I zip it up to my neck and tie my hair in a messy bun. Gray was lying on his bed when I went back to his bedroom. A remote control his on his hand as he tune non-stop on the TV.

    ¡°Come here¡­¡± He motions to me as I climb on the bed toy on his arm.

    ¡°Are you feeling better ?¡±

    I shake my head sideways. ¡± No. I¡¯m still scared. Why would he want me ? Who¡¯s he ?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s a business man and why he wants you¡­.¡± He looks down at me and smiles.¡± You¡¯re pretty as fuck so every single person would kill to have you..¡± is that really an answer ? Because I¡¯m pretty.

    ¡± I might be selfish for having and keeping you though. I won¡¯t let anyone have you either..¡± he mutters and rub soothing promises on my back.

    ¡°Go to sleep princess and imagine nothing ever happens.¡± He whispers. I cuddle into his arms and wrap my arm around his shirtless torso and close my eyes.

    I breathe in his cologne and smile before dozing into Dreand.

    ¡­¡­

    ¡± No , Jamal , that¡¯s not the way to add a concealer¡­¡± The words were like whispers and that¡¯s from a little girl.

    I stretch and squirm on the bed. Who¡¯s trying to disturb my sleep ?

    ¡°Shh¡­ Stop calling me Jamal. You know I¡¯m the best in everything.¡±

    I chuckle in my sleep and open my eyes.

    ¡°Oh shit !¡± Kennedy hides behind Gray. He chuckles and smile at me.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on ?¡± I ask and sit up. I rub my eyes and look up at Gray. He¡¯s shirtless and his wless tanned self is inviting and so pretty. The first thing that entered my head was to push him on his bed while i trace every of his well sculpted body.

    ¡°Tinkerbell¡­¡± Gray snap me out of my eye raping session.

    ¡°Tinkerbell ?¡± Kennedy asks and stand beside Gray with a wide grin.

    I chuckle and stand on my feet.

    ¡± Is it morning ?¡±

    ¡± Yes. Jamal and I decides we do some little make up on you.¡±

    ¡± What !¡± I exim and run to stand opposite the mirror.

    Gray chuckles and stands beside me, arms around my torso as he nuzzles my neck.

    ¡°Like it princess ?¡± He asks and nt soft kiss on my temple.

    God I look like a lost witch who ran away. The eye shadows and eyeliner , including the mascara is just out of the extraordinary.

    ¡°Something is missing..¡± Kennedy mutters beside Gray and lift a lipstick to Gray.

    Gray smirks at my reflection in the mirror and takes it.

    ¡°Gray¡­¡± I groan but he doesn¡¯t listen but apply the red lipstick on my lips. I look terrible.

    ¡°Damn girl. The shit looks good on you..¡± He whispers against my neck and hum against my neck.

    His arms wrapped around my torso as he pull me so close to him and I could feel his growing hard-on.

    ¡°Gray , Kennedy¡¯s here..¡± I whisper to him but she giggles. Gray looks down at Kennedy who had a huge grin on her face.

    ¡°Why are you smiling Kenny ?¡±

    She hums and tap her chin like who¡¯s thinking.

    ¡± Are you guys like a couple or something ? You don¡¯t act like who just met Jamal..¡± She grins and crosses her arms.

    Gray rub circles on my stomach and rests his chin on my head.

    ¡°She¡¯s my everything Kenny. My tiny little princess. And i really really like her a lot.¡± He smiles at our reflection.

    Kennedy fans herself dramatically and pretends to faint. We chuckle and watch her stand up.

    ¡°I¡¯m just gonna disappear. Don¡¯t wanna intrude..¡± she winks at me and run out of the room.

    ¡°Am I the only one who thinks she knows too much for her age ?¡± I ask Gray and furrow my brows at his reflection.

    ¡± Me too..¡± he chuckles and kiss my hair.

    ¡± Gray I¡¯m still angry at you..¡± I whine.

    ¡°I know.¡± He whispers and zip the hoodie I¡¯m wearing down so my cleavages would be in sight. He knows I¡¯m not wearing a bra.

    ¡°Always so fuckin beautiful..¡± he kisses my neck and pull the zipper out till my stomach is showing.

    His hard-on is pressed against my butt as i whimper. I watch him through the mirror as my hoodie is being removed from my body.

    ¡°Gray it¡¯s early¡­¡± I giggle but he doesn¡¯t listen.

    He kisses my neck to my nape as I silently whimper. He cup my breast and trail his other hand down stomach. I moan silently and bite my bottom. I can¡¯t believe I had to watch this. He slides his hands inside the sweatpants down to my panties.

    ¡°God¡­¡± I breathe in as his hands rubs gently against my wet core.

    ¡°You¡¯re so wet..¡± he whispers to my ears. I feel his finger slide into me and I gasp out a moan.

    ¡°Gray..¡±

    ¡°Fuck..¡± he moves his finger out and slide it back.

    ¡± I want you Ariel¡­¡± He bites my neck gently as his fingers thrust in and out of me.

    He pinched my nipples and cup my breast before giving it a gentle squeeze. He slides his hands out of the sweatpants I¡¯m wearing and turn me to look at him so that I¡¯m backing the mirror. His eyes are filled with emotions.

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna wait if you¡¯re not ready.¡± He whispers and tuck my strands of hair behind my hair. He¡¯s gonna wait ? What if I want it ? I mean how long am I supposed to keep him waiting.

    I want him too but then I still wanna talk about the shooting of yesterday. I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him to kiss me.

    ¡± I want you too , Gray.¡±

    He takes charge of our kissing and lift me off the ground to wrap my legs around his waist. I always love kissing him and i also want more from him. I¡¯m being ced on his bed as he resume kissing. I run my fingers through his hair and trail my fingers on his broad shoulders. I feel his body tenses to every single ce i feel . We break from our intense make out as we stare deep into each other¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Are you sure about this ?¡± He asks.

    ¡°Yes. But I need to use the bathroom.¡±

    He chuckle and get off me. I give him a reassuring smile and saunter off to the bathroom shirtless. I breathe in and stare at my reflection. Howe he didn¡¯tin about morning breath. I quickly spread toothpaste on a toothbrush and brush my teeth. I breathe into my palm and wash away the terrible make up he did with Kennedy.

    ¡°Oh my God , I¡¯m about to have sex with Gray.¡± I mutter to my reflection In the mirror.

    ¡± Oh God Ariel , breathe. He cares about you¡­¡± I mutter.

    ¡± But what if he doesn¡¯t love you ? Oh dang it ! I don¡¯t care , I¡¯m doing this..¡± I turn from the mirror and go to the door.

    I huff. ¡± But what if he ask about my virginity. I don¡¯t want him to feel different about me if he finds out I¡¯m not a virgin and also a rape victim¡­¡± I palm my forehead and rest it against the door.

    This isn¡¯t really fair. I already told him I want this. Of course I want this. I open the bathroom door and go back to the bedroom. Gray is still shirtless with just his grey colored sweatpants and he¡¯s lying on his stomach and going through his phone. Now i regret leaving him waiting.

    ¡°20 minutes princess..¡± He says referring to my bathroom trip.

    I fiddle with my fingers and made to sit on the bed.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry , I had to watch this off.¡± I wave my right hand around my face. Are you still¡­. I mean do you still¡­ You know¡­.¡± I mumble and look at his taunting grey eyes.

    He smiles and wrap his right hand around my waist.

    ¡± What do you want Ariel ?¡± He asks so calmly rubbing circles on my lower back. His voice sinks into my skin and I¡¯m wanting him more than ever.

    ¡°I want you to say it. Don¡¯t be shy. What do you want ?¡±

    I open my mouth to speak and close it back. Don¡¯t be shy Ariel. But I can¡¯t just tell him i want him to touch me. I can¡¯t just tell him I want him to.. ugh..

    I cup his cheek and move closer to him. I trail my fingers on his jawline and admire the way his grey eyes watches me like I¡¯m the most beautiful thing in the entire universe.

    ¡± I want you to make love to me¡­¡±

    ..

 Chapter 34

    ~GRAY~

    ¡± I want you to make love to me..¡±

    Have you ever be in a position where you¡¯re scared to getid with someone whom you really like ? What if she¡¯s a vir¡­ I don¡¯t really care if she¡¯s not but she¡¯s always naive. Meaning she actually haven¡¯t met a man before me.

    My eyes rake down her ever gorgeous self and smile. She¡¯s pretty , in fact she¡¯s beautiful. How could dimir thought I would just push her to her because he had a fuckin gun point to my head.

    ¡± Gray..¡± she whisper , eyes not leaving mine.

    I carry her off the bed and sit her on myp to straddle me. Fuck ! How can someone be so soft and beautiful ? I wrap my arms around her waist and take her lips into mine. She taste so good. My fingers dig into her ass as we kiss. She run her fingers through my hair while the other caress my nape. I cup her ass and pull her closer to me. She¡¯s making me more harder than normal.

    With my fingers gracing her ass , I could feel her tinyce panties. She moans when I kiss her neck down to her corbones. I suck on her skin to leave a mark and move down to her chest. I look up at her thest time as I take in her nipple. Her hard bud fits into my mouth . I trail my fingers down her spine and flick my tongue on her hard nipple. She moans my name and tug on my hair. She absently squirm on my erection and that made a groan escape from my mouth.

    I swap to her other nipple as she continue to grind on me. I groan and grab her ass to make hery on the bed. I hold the waistline of the sweatpants she¡¯s wearing and take it out. My eyes rake down on her perfect curves and redce panties. She¡¯s so sexy.

    I go back to kissing her and slowly trail my fingers to her wet entrance. She¡¯s always so wet for me. I slide the thin material to the side and thrust my middle finger in her. She moan in my mouth but go back to kissing me. Our tongues glide together and my fingers work her to her orgasm. She moans on my mouth and continuously squirm against me while my finger slide in and out of her. I add another finger and a gasp escape her mouth. She¡¯s so tight and that made me clueless.

    ¡± Oh God.¡± She moans and bites her bottom lip rather too aggressive.

    My eyes meet with hers and she looks so beautiful.

    I continue to keep up the pace of my fingers and kiss her neck. Her cries and moans upy therge space of my room as we stare into each other¡¯s eyes. She¡¯s just too beautiful and too good for people like me.

    I rub circles on her walls as she reach her orgasm. She breathes in with her lips slightly parted. I slide my fingers out and slip it back inside my mouth. She hates it when i do that but ashamed to admit she likes it too. I pull down her panties and admire her body.

    ¡°Do you really want this ?¡± I decide to ask , don¡¯t wanna look like a jerk.

    She chuckles and nods her head once. I get undressed till I¡¯m bare before her. I notice the way her eyes widen at what she saw. I smirk and lean back to her and she¡¯s totally nervous like this is her first time.

    I stare deeply into her dark brown eyes and it¡¯s filled with several emotions that I can¡¯t decipher. It¡¯s like she¡¯s having two minds or something. I don¡¯t want her to wake up with regrets cause it¡¯s gonna hurt me so much.

    ¡°Are you okay ?¡±

    She smiles and nod.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine Gray.¡±

    I kiss her forehead and lean against her. She quietly moan and I kiss her. I take out a condom from my nightstand and tear the foil paper. I clothe the content on my length and move back a bit and slowly thrust into her. She whimpers and bites her bottom lip still watching my eyes. I thrust further and she¡¯s hell as tight as I imagined.

    ¡± Feel pain , you tell me okay ?¡±

    She smiles and nod. I lean back and kiss her neck as I¡¯m fully settled inside her. Her walls tightened around my member and I thrust out slowly and thrust back into her.

    I bite my lip at the feeling of me being inside her. It¡¯s something I¡¯ve never felt before. This was different from riding a crazy ass whore model. She moans and dig her fingers on my back with every thrust i made.

    I groan and bite my bottom lip as she moans. This is the best feeling I have ever had. Why does she makes me feel this weird emotions ? What¡¯s this called ? It fears me sometimes.

    ¡± Fuck, Ariel..¡± I groan and kiss her already to muffle our moans.

    ¡± You¡¯re so fuckin beautiful¡­¡± I say to her still kissing out our moans.

    Heat surges from our skin as our moans covered every single space in my room. The louder she moans , the faster I¡¯m close to my climax. I pull back from her and quicken the pace. My eyes move from her eyes to her body down to where we¡¯re joined. My breathing is ragged , same with her moans.

    ¡± Gray , I¡¯m close..¡± she moans and trail her fingers on my chest to my abs.

    My body gently pressed against hers as I lock eyes with her. There¡¯s nothing as pleasing to watch a woman climax. Our eyes locked with each other as I move in and out of her. Her nails dig harshly against the skin on my back and she moans my name endlessly. I increase the pace and my room is covered with her cries. I feel different or probably she makes me feel different. Different emotions that i can¡¯t even decipher what they means.

    I kiss her neck to her corbones and suck gently on her skin. My lips adore her nipples as she throws her head back on the pillow.

    ¡± Oh my God , Gray.¡±

    ¡± Look at me , baby.¡± I kiss her lips and fasten my thrust. She moves her gaze to lock with mine. I kiss her lips desperately and bite her bottom lip.

    ¡± Gray , I¡¯m so close.¡± She moans.

    ¡°Fuck¡­¡± I groan loudly as I reach my climax.

    Her breathing continues to ease and I lean my forehead on hers with my eyes still closed and I¡¯m still inside her.

    ¡± That was¡­¡± I breathe out and open my eyes to look at her sweaty ones that are already grinning at me.

    ¡°Good¡­¡± Shepletes my statement and peck my slightly parted lips.

    Why does she makes me feel different emotions at the same time ? She makes me want her every single time. I pull out from her and get off the bed to dispose the condom. I return andy next to her and pull her to myself to cuddle her.

    ¡± I bet everyone heard our chanting.¡± She chuckles.

    ¡± Chanting huh ?¡± Iugh and trail my fingers on her back.

    ¡°You feel so good¡­¡± I whisper and kiss her forehead.

    She blushes and trail her fingers on my chest. I pull theforter to my waist to cover our naked self as she continues to trail her fingers.

    ¡± Why where you scared the first time ?¡± I ask her.

    She sighs deeply and look up at me.

    ¡± Nothing. Just¡­¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve never had a man before¡­¡± I turn to my side to look at her properly. My arm rests on her hips as I continue to caress her lower back.

    ¡°It¡¯splicated. I¡­¡± She shut her eyes andy on her back like who¡¯s thinking. Who hurt her ? My eyes went down to her arm and I see a faded scar like cut.

    ¡± Who cut your wrist ?¡± I grab her wrist and sit up at once.

    ¡± Gray it¡¯s nothing to worry about.¡± She rolls her eyes and sit up too.

    ¡± Nothing to worry about ? For fuck sake you got a faded cut on your wrist. Howe I¡¯m just seeing this ?¡± Anger is something that I hate. Who would cut her ? I don¡¯t wanna find out it¡¯s her crazy ass parents.

    ¡± Did your parents do this to you ? Where you abused ?¡±

    ¡± Gray calm down okay .¡± She smiles and ce her hand on my chest with her eyes watching me closely.

    ¡± I cut my wrist and it¡¯s been long I did that. I told you I suffered depression and that¡¯s the reason behind the cut.¡±

    ¡± Why would you do that ?

    ¡± I just hated my existence. I thought nobody cared about me until you showed up Gray. It¡¯splicated.¡±

    ¡± Where you raped ?¡±

    Her face paled out at once as she stares at me in awe. She didn¡¯t expect that and maybe that answered my question.

    ¡± Who raped you Ariel ? Is that why you left the convent ? Because you were abused ?¡±

    A tear slip out from her eyes and that made me really angry. I wipe her tears and cuddle her in my arms. She silently sob as I rub circles on her back to soothe her. Who would wanna hurt her feelings ? Why are humans so stupid. Who ever this rapist is , he¡¯s gonna hear a word from me.

    ¡± Ariel , who did it ?¡±

    ¡± How did you know ?¡± She asks with her teary voice. It breaks me to see her cry.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± You said you suffered depression and you were once a sister but I just assumed something happened that led to your depressed state. To the extent you cut your wrist. Tell me his name.¡±

    She sniffles as I caress her hair.

    ¡± It¡¯s okay , nothing¡¯s gonna happen to you okay.¡±

    ¡± He was my best friend. We were always so close to each other. It just¡­ I don¡¯t know. He just took advantage of me that day. The day I visited him and I was about to take my vows the following day. I got kicked out and my parents despise me since then. They don¡¯t trust me¡­.¡±

    I sigh and look at her pale little figure that¡¯s curled in my arms. My eyes wander around her face and I wish I can kiss her pains away.

    ¡± It¡¯s okay.¡± I coo and tuck back every hair on her face that¡¯s sticking to her face because of heat and tears.

    ¡± What¡¯s his name ?¡±

    She blink her eyes and shake her head. It¡¯s like she knows what I nned on doing to her fuck face ex best friend. He¡¯s such a dildo. Who takes advantage of womentely when there are a lot of pussies everywhere.

    ¡± Gray don¡¯t. I know it¡¯s stupid to defend him but he was one of the people who listened to me when I was growing up. He got my back every single time.¡±

    ¡± Tinkerbell, he fuckin raped you. All that shit doesn¡¯t matter.¡±

    ¡± I once had a crush on him. But he never liked me but after the rape incident he told me he liked me like forever but was scared to tell me . Gray I don¡¯t want you to hurt him.¡±

    Now I feel really angry. What¡¯s she saying ? So she had a crush on him. Till now ?

    ¡± Gray, I don¡¯t like him anymore. He apologized and i forgave him. Just forget about him.¡± She sighs and sleep on her side so that her back is facing me.

    Iy beside her and wrap my arms around her waist to pull her to me.

    ¡± What am I to you Ariel ?¡± I mutter against her neck and trail my fingers on her stomach.

    She stay quiet for a second before answering.¡± A lot.¡±

    ¡± Then tell me his name. I promise I won¡¯t hurt him , I just wanna know his name.¡±

    She ce her arm on mine and intertwine our fingers together. She yawn and I¡¯m sure she¡¯s about falling asleep.

    ¡± What¡¯s his name Ariel ?¡± I kiss her neck and it¡¯s annoying I¡¯m getting hard in such a serious time.

    She yawns thest time and I¡¯m sure she¡¯s already falling asleep.

    ¡± Freddie¡­¡±

 Chapter 35

    I groan and slowly open my eyes. I think it¡¯s evening because I can see the moonlight through the ss walls that are being covered with white curtains. I turn on my side and Gray is nowhere to be found. I look down at the duvet and I¡¯m still naked. Yeah , we had sex and I liked it. Then I remembered Freddie. I told him about Freddie and right now I don¡¯t care about anything except Freddie¡¯s fine. I want him to be fine even if he was an ass.

    I get off the bed and wince to a slight pain down my entrance. How can I feel a slight pain even when I¡¯m not a virgin. Gray¡¯s kinda big though and he was gentle with me. I go to the bathroom and brush my teeth before taking a shower. I wrap a white towel around my chest and walk back to the bedroom. Gray¡¯s shirtless bodyy on the bed as he turn to look at me. He smirks and eyes my nude body covered in a towel. I ignore his stares and reach to collect the hoodie and sweatpants.

    ¡± Are you okay ?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. Thanks. Am i going home tonight ?¡±

    ¡± No. I can¡¯t watch you if you go home.¡±

    ¡± But he doesn¡¯t even know where I live.¡± I whine and put on the hoodie still with the towel.

    ¡± You shouldn¡¯t have such faith.¡± I roll my eyes at him and go back to the bathroom to wear the sweatpants.

    I know we just had sex but I can¡¯t just undress in front of him. I¡¯m too shy for that. I keep back the towel on the hamper and go back to the room.

    ¡± Where¡¯s Kennedy ?¡± I ask Gray who¡¯s watching a boring soap opera.

    ¡± Must be in her room. She asked after you and I told her you¡¯re sleeping. Comey next to me. Will you ?¡± He raises his brows and wink. He knows me too well. He knows he has a huge effect on me and I can¡¯t seem to avoid him.

    ¡± I¡¯m hungry. I¡¯ll go get something to eat. Are you hungry ?¡±

    He smiles and shakes his head sideways. I can¡¯t believe I missed school today because of some annoying Russian stalker. I open the fridge and look through the items. I made toast and eat before getting off the ind to leave the kitchen. I stop on my track to see Reid standing beside the kitchen door with his arms crossed.

    ¡± Ariel huh ?¡± He chuckles and push himself off the door post as he walks towards me.

    ¡± What do you want ?¡±

    ¡± What would I want from you ?¡± He asks and itch his eyebrows.

    ¡± You¡¯re just a gold digging distraction. What do you really want with Gray.¡±

    ¡± Reid you¡¯re not gay.¡± I reply sarcastically. Why can¡¯t he stay away from me. He chuckles and bites his bottom lip before eyeing my little frame.

    ¡± You¡¯re such a bitch and an easy catch. You¡¯re a threat to him and to us. Why can¡¯t you take your broke ass to some fuck boy who wants yourme pussy. I don¡¯t like you cunt.¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t like you either. It¡¯s gonna be nice you mind your business and stay out of my part. He doesn¡¯t want a snitch as a best friend either.¡± I walk past him but his strong arm pull me back.

    ¡± Leave me alone..¡± I say through clench teeth.

    ¡± Now I wish I could shove my dick into your little dirty mouth.¡± He says with hisrge fingers piercing into my mouth.

    ¡± Don¡¯t even bother cause I¡¯m gonna bite it out. You stupid asshole.¡± I jab my elbows on his ribs and walk out of the kitchen. I climb upstairs and open the door to Gray¡¯s room. He¡¯s already asleep and the TV is still on.

    I wanted to talk about Freddie and he¡¯s already asleep. I already missed ss today and I¡¯m not nning to miss any tomorrow. I curl next to him and switch off the TV. I watch his peaceful figure and he looks perfect and too good. Gray¡¯s a badass but with a good guy¡¯s vibe and also a good spirit. I brush his hair out of his face and trace my fingers on his jawline. He¡¯s always clean shaven and I admire that about him. He squirm close to me with his eyes still close as he wrap his hands around my waist to pull me close to him.

    ¡± Go to sleep Tinkerbell¡­¡± He whispers and with his eyes closed and he peck my lips.

    Iy on his arms and shut my eyes. He rubs circles on my lower back as I try to catch a nap even if I just woke up from one. I reach for my phone and set an rm to wake me up in the morning for ss. I kiss his forehead and lips before shutting my eyes.

    ¡± You¡¯re trying to turn me on already..¡± he murmurs in his sleepy voice. I giggle and bite my bottom lip.

    ¡± Go to sleep Gray.¡±

    ¡± Yes , mother.¡±

    Talking about mom. I remembered I haven¡¯t discuss anything about his parents with him. Surprisingly , he doesn¡¯t talk about them either. I¡¯m not sure they have a good rtionship.

    I stretch my feet and adjusts on the bed. It¡¯s morning already. Gray is still beside me and my butt is against his region. I stretch to get my phone and shut my rm. I turn around to look at a sleeping Gray. He looks like a teenage boy who was well breast fedst night. I run my fingers through his messy hair and push his dark locks from his face. How can he be so perfect ? I smile and kiss his cheek before getting out of bed to prepare for school. Great, I don¡¯t even have anything to wear.

    I sigh and rub my palms down my hair. I spread toothpaste on my new toothbrush and brush my teeth before rinsing off my mouth. I get undressed and step on the shower. I rest both my hands on the wall with my head down as I let the warm water kiss my skin. I feel a set of hands rece mine and I know it¡¯s Gray. I feel his erection press against my back as he nuzzles his head against my neck.

    ¡± Good morning..¡± he greets.

    I turn around to look at me but he surprises me with a kiss. He lean me against the wall and deepens the kiss. My hands loop around his neck and tug on his wet hair. I¡¯m free from the water running down from the faucet but it pours non-stop on Gray¡¯s tanned back. He kissed me and both our tongues move in rhythm. His right hand move down my back and guide my right thigh on his waist.

    ¡± Gray..¡± I break from the kiss to look at his wet longshes.

    ¡± I¡¯ve sses in less than one hour.¡± I tell him.

    He chuckles and wrap my other leg around his waist so I could feel his bulge against my entrance. Why¡¯s he turning me on.

    ¡± You¡¯re gonna bete then.¡± Before I can reply , he continues the kiss with his fingers gracing my ass. I moan in his mouth and trail my fingers down every of his muscles.

    ¡± I don¡¯t have a condom here.¡± He mutters against my mouth.

    ¡± What ? I don¡¯t wanna get pregnant.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯ll get you on birth control. You¡¯re okay ?¡±

    I shake my head sideways. ¡± No Gray.¡±

    ¡± Fuck , I¡¯m clean . I don¡¯t sleep with other women without condoms. You¡¯re gonna be my first.¡± I still don¡¯t like the idea . I might still get pregnant and I don¡¯t want a baby.

    He rolls his eyes and switch off the shower as we step out with me in his arms , legs wrapped around his waist. We kiss out of the bathroom desperately and I didn¡¯t notice I¡¯m being ced on his bed. He reach for his nightstand and bring out a foil packet. He rip it out and clothe the content in his already hard hard-on. He lean closer and kisses me holding my arms above my head.

    ¡± Sorry I skip forey..¡± he whispers and thrust slowly into me.

    ¡± Fuck¡­¡± He groans and kisses my lips. I feel him inside me as my walls tighten around him.

    I breathe in to his size and wrap my arms around his neck with my legs parted for him to go on. He slides outpletely out of me and thrust back in a rather slow pace. I moan and watch his every move. He pick up the pace as our moans fills the room.

    ???

    I put on the blue hoodie Gray bought for me and ck jeans. It¡¯s sort of a surprise to me cause I didn¡¯t expect it. Silly part is I¡¯m almostte for ss and he knows it. I watch him get dressed in a white dress shirt and he looks cute on it. I¡¯m used to seeing him in hoodie¡¯s , jackets and t-shirts I didn¡¯t expect he wears dress shirts at all.

    ¡± Stop eye raping me princess. ¡±

    I chuckle and roll my eyes.

    ¡± You look good.¡± I tell him and bite my bottom as I put on a white sneakers.

    ¡± You look hot.¡± I blush and roll my eyes.

    ¡± Howe I know nothing about your parents?¡± I ask and turn to look at the mirror to brush my hair.

    ¡± You never asked.¡±

    ¡± And I¡¯m asking. You mind telling me?¡± I ask him and watch him button his dress shirt through the mirror.

    ¡± Dad¡¯s dead and mom remarried. She¡¯s in Canada. You¡¯re okay with that?¡± He kisses my temple and wraps his arms around my torso.

    ¡± You¡¯re weird Gray. That¡¯s the worst exnation I¡¯ve ever heard.¡±

    He chuckles and hums in my neck.

    ¡± You look so pretty.¡± He murmurs and turns me around to look at him.

    ¡± Will you hurt Freddie?¡±I ask him and help him arrange the cor of his shirt.

    ¡± Why are you asking?¡±

    I look up to meet his eyes and I barely could read the emotions it holds.

    ¡± Gray , Freddie might be an ass and I might be weird for begging you to let him go. But he¡¯s still my very close friend who stood up for me. He was there for me each time I needed him.¡± And it was true. He had leave his girlfriend toe see me when I sometimes experience panic attacks.

    ¡± That doesn¡¯t justify what he did to you. Ariel he took away the trust. He thought if he took advantage of you, you¡¯ll run back to him because he knew you saw him as your savior. He¡¯s a dick.¡±

    ¡± You don¡¯t get it. I can¡¯t be happy if anything happens to him.¡±

    Gray scoffs dramatically and walks back to the couch to carry his suit jacket. He¡¯s angry and I hate to see him that way.

    ¡± Gray please.¡±

    ¡± Fine. I wanted to kill him but maybe I¡¯m just gonna hurt him a little. Pull out his teeth or get a gay man to rape his ass.¡±

    Maybe I just need to call Freddie to leave town. Maybe he deserves it but also I can¡¯t stand it. I push my hands into my back pocket and re at Gray.

    ¡± Can I ask onest question before you leave?¡±

    ¡± Yeah.¡±

    ¡± Do you trust Reid?¡± I ask him. He stays silent for a minute and that¡¯s it , he¡¯s not willing to answer. He looks surprised like he wasn¡¯t expecting me to ask such a bomb question.

    I stride to where he¡¯s standing and wrap my arms around his torso and pull him close to me. I raise my head to look at his grey eyes and they were already watching me.

    ¡± Why did you ask? Did he do something to you?¡± He¡¯s always so concerned and maybe i like it.

    He sighs and drops his suit jacket on the bed to wrap his arms around my waist.

    ¡± I¡¯m fine Gray. Just don¡¯t like him. He has this bad vibe and too weird.¡± I sigh and trail my forefinger on his jaw.

    ¡± You look good.¡± I mutter and bite my bottom lip. I really want to kiss him but then I¡¯m runningte for ss.

    ¡± If he hurt you or tell you any type of shit. Tell me , will you?¡±

    I chuckle and nod.¡± Yes sir.¡± I pull him into me and give him a quick kiss.

    We pull apart as i rush to carry my bag.

    ¡± Take that.¡± Gray says and throws a car key at me.

    ¡± What¡¯s this?¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s a Ferrari. It¡¯s yours and Nick will drive you to school.¡±This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    No way. My own car. A Ferrari? That¡¯s expensive and a sports car.

    ¡± Gray.¡±

    ¡± Thank meter¡­¡± He kisses my cheek and then my lips. ¡°¡­ In bed.¡± He winks and walks out leaving me dumbfounded.

    ¡± Oh my God. I can¡¯t keep this.¡± I mutter to Gray but he¡¯s already gone.

    I rush out of the room and Gray already drove out of thepound in his ck sports car.

    ¡± You¡¯re ready to leave my princess?¡± Nick asks from beside me.

    I giggle and nod like a kid. Without waiting for Nick to open the passenger door , I already slide into the driver¡¯s side.

    ¡± Wow¡­¡± I gawk at the interior. And holy hell it¡¯s brand new.

    ¡± I was supposed to drive you to school.¡± Nickments beside me as I ignite the engine.

    ¡± Hold tight , Lucifer.¡± I grin and drive out of thepound in a terrible speed. I didn¡¯t even know I could drive like a crackhead too.

    After several speeds, I pull up at school¡¯s parking lot. You should see the eyes as I step out of the car. Maybe I deserve it. I shut the door as Alexa, Piper and Brandon turns around at once.

    ¡± Holy fuck.¡± Alexa mutters as they saunters to me.

    ¡± Look who decides to show today.¡± Brandon says.

    ¡± In a fuckin¡¯ Ferrari.¡±

    ¡± Holy hell¡­¡± Alexa smirks and pulls down her sunsses to gawk at Lucifer who I didn¡¯t notice is leaning his elbow on the roof of the car.

    ¡± What do we have here.¡± She winks at Nick and just like that , conversation began.

    I never knew Nick speaks Spanish and Alexa also understands Spanish.

    ¡± Maybe we should hang out sometime you know. Just me and you, papi.¡± She winks and slides her hand down Nick¡¯s chest.

    We cross our arms and watch the drama. I didn¡¯t fail to notice the eyes that¡¯s been prying at me and also the car. I¡¯m in college and i shouldn¡¯t be driving this. Assholes.

    ¡± Sure.¡± Alexa replies and turn to look at us.

    ¡± Bye Hermosa.¡± Nick wave at me and enter the car as he speeds out of the lot.

    ¡± Bitch you¡¯re fucked up , man. Your new catch?¡± Piper asks Alexa with brows already furrowed.

    ¡± Yeah.¡± She high five Piper as theyugh. Brandon and I stay quiet and watch their endless giggles. They stop in unison and turn to look at us.

    ¡± Ariel. The fuck , is that one of Gray¡¯s?¡± Alexa asks referring to the car.

    ¡± Both are Gray¡¯s. Nick works with Gray and the car is sort of mine.¡±

    ¡± Hell no.¡±

    ¡± Hell yeah. Gray gave it to me today. I¡¯m stoked.¡± I sigh and cross my arms to stare at their bewildered faces.

    ¡± Oh my God¡­¡± They scream and lift me off the ground.

    ¡± The fuck girl. La Ferrari , aye. We need to visit Hawaii.¡± Alexa shouts and intertwine our arms together as we walk into school hallway.

    ¡± You need to tell us what happened. The shooting scene and also why you were not at school yesterday. Did he use condoms or bare? You know¡­¡±

    ¡± Alexa.¡± I whine and roll my eyes.

    Brandon can¡¯t stopughing with Piper.

    ¡± We¡¯re gonna talk at Sands & winches today. Get ready.¡± Alexa takes Brandon¡¯s hand since they have the same ss.

    Piper intertwine her arms with mine as we head to our ss.

    ¡± Hope he wasn¡¯t that hard?¡± Piper begins a conversation and I¡¯m not grateful with the choice of topic.

    ¡± Piper not now. Okay.¡± I groan silently and blush.

    ¡± That answers everything. You liked it.¡± She giggles and fans herself dramatically. Now I hate her.

    ¡± You¡¯re lucky though. Buddy¡¯s got Gray. We have a lot to talk about though. About why you guys were attacked.¡±

    ¡± Is that why people are staring at me?¡±

    ¡± Most people assume you¡¯re Gray¡¯s date at Queen¡¯s. While others think you can¡¯t be the girl. You know bullshit.¡±

    I sigh as we step into our ss. Luckily the professor isn¡¯t here yet. I take a seat close to Piper and the eyes won¡¯t stop peeking at me.

    ¡± I¡¯m really scared Piper. I still can¡¯t ept the car either.¡±

    ¡± What?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. I¡¯m giving it back. I can¡¯t just ept a car from him. That¡¯s a Ferrari¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re shitting me right? Dude , you¡¯re his girlfriend.¡±

    ¡± He didn¡¯t call me his girlfriend or even said we¡¯re dating.¡±

    ¡± Ariel you had sex with him and you don¡¯t even know your status with him yet. But he calls you his girl , Asin girlfriend.¡±

    ¡± What makes you think I had sex with him?¡± I whisper because of gossips who wouldn¡¯t stop looking at me.

    She grins and cocks her brows.¡± It¡¯s written all over your face. You loved his dick and I¡¯m sure you also had it this morning. Morning dose.¡± She nudges me with her elbows and chuckles.

    I¡¯m so embarrassed. How could she know that? Yes , she¡¯s a sex therapist.

    ¡± Look I might not be good with advice but I think you really like him. You should give him a chance. Like open your heart and let love lead you.¡±

    What chance? Are we even in a rtionship? And yet we had sex. Not just an ordinary sex , it felt good. I groan and facepalm myself. I¡¯m tired of troubles.

    ¡± He likes you a lot. I mean , Gray Carter is your fuckin man now. I need to date his fuckin brother.¡± She mutters and weugh.

    The professor steps on the podium as lectures begin. After lectures , Piper and i step out of ss talking about the profs lectures. My phone buzz in my pocket as I shove it out.

    FROM UNKNOWN: Hi Ariel. It¡¯s Freddie. Are you busy? Can we see? I need to talk to you.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay?¡± Piper asks and nudges me.

    I sh her a smile.¡± Yes , just a text.¡±

    I sigh and call the number. I really wanna talk to him about Gray¡¯s threat.

    ¡± Hey.¡±

    ¡± Wow. I miss this voice. You¡¯re busy. I really need to see you. It¡¯s important.¡±

    ¡± Why? What happened?¡±

    ¡± Can we just see and talk.¡±

    ¡± Freddie.¡±

    ¡± I promise I won¡¯t talk about how I messed up and how I want you back. Please.¡±

    I groan and roll my eyes. ¡± I¡¯ll call you when I¡¯m ready.¡±

    ¡± Thanks.¡±

    I sigh and hang up.

    ¡± Freddie? Is he not your dildo ex best friend who took advantage of you?¡±

    ¡± Yeah , he wants to talk.¡±

    ¡± And you wanna talk with him? Ariel¡¯s he¡¯s the guy who took advantage of your friendship and abused you.¡±

    I sigh. ¡± I know. It¡¯splicated. Freddie might be an ass but trust me he¡¯s still a good person. Plus , Gray found out about Freddie and he wants to hurt him.¡±

    ¡± Then let him hurt him.¡±

    ¡± Piper.¡±

    She huffs and res at me.¡± I hope you know what you¡¯re doing.¡±

    I smile and give her a side hug.

    ¡± I know you care about me and I like that.¡± We chuckle and walk into sands and winches.

    Piper and I sit on the booth across from Brandon and Piper.

    ¡± Hey guys. How was ss?¡± We ask.

    ¡± Really good. How¡¯s yours?¡±

    ¡± Terrible for her i think. People won¡¯t stop gawking at how fuckin pretty she is. The rumors isn¡¯t yet confirmed that she¡¯s Gray¡¯s mystery girlfriend. Can¡¯t wait to watch them kill themselves.¡± Piper scoffs as the waiter walks in.

    He took our order and walk back to the counter.

    ¡± So tell us what happened? Why were you guys attacked?¡±

    I told them what I know about dimir and Gray. And also how he chose to take me because of a mere business deal.

    ¡± That¡¯s deep. Why would he want you?¡± Brandon asks.

    ¡± Maybe because with you in custody , he could get what he wants. Things like this happened in mob movies. Aside summit , do you think Gray works with some underground cartel?¡± Piper asks.

    ¡± What? For drugs. You¡¯re crazy pipes. I don¡¯t think so.¡± Alexa protests.

    ¡± Piper no way. Why would he do that?¡± I ask and rest my hand on the table.

    ¡± Maybe because he has summit. Summit is rich and popr. So skip that drug bullshit.¡± Brandon says.

    ¡± Alrighty. Just thinking out loud.¡±

    We continue our meal and attend ourst sses. Piper and Brandon went back home while Alexa choose to drive me to my apartment. I wasn¡¯t ready to go back home and calling Lucifer to drive me , he¡¯s definitely gonna drive me back to Gray¡¯s.

    ¡± Said the L word yet?¡± Alexa smirks as we step into the elevator.

    ¡± What L word?¡± I blush and furrow my brows.

    ¡± I love you.¡± She whisper in a sing song voice.

    I chuckle and sigh.¡± Not yet. I don¡¯t even know if we¡¯re dating.¡± I shrug and rub my palm down my arms.

    ¡± You know you guys are dating. Guys like Gray won¡¯t tell you they want you to be their girlfriend. Are you in love with him?¡±

    In love? I don¡¯t even know. The doors of the elevator slides open and we step out. I really like Gray. He makes me happy and all that but I don¡¯t even know about love. I mean can I stand by him when all his business problems arises? I don¡¯t even know.

    ¡± Earth to Ariel.¡± Alexa snaps her fingers at me. We¡¯re already inside my apartment.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry I zoned out.¡± I give her a smile and toss my bag on the couch.

    ¡± Wow. For fuck sake.¡± Leslie mutters from the hallway as she step into the living room holding the diamond bracelet Gray bought for me.

    ¡± What are you doing?¡± I walk to her form and eye the bracelet in her hand.

    ¡± How could you afford a Cartier diamond bracelet worth half a million? So it¡¯s true? You¡¯re fucking Gray now? I mean, mom called you a whore but I didn¡¯t expect you to have your way with Gray Carter.¡± Leslie res at me still holding my bracelet.

    ¡± Leslie.¡± Alexa butts in but i stop her.

    ¡± What? Yeah I¡¯m fucking Gray Carter, you got issues with that? Bitch, hand me back my fuckin¡¯ bracelet now.¡± I scowl.

    ¡± Yo ho.¡± Hazel chuckles.

    ¡± So what did you have that other girls don¡¯t have?¡± Leslie asks. How can she be this childish?

    ¡± I¡¯ve got ss, boo. Something you can never afford. And also, i have a tiny, little , pink pussy which you don¡¯t fuckin have. Why don¡¯t you girl up and tell it to my face you fuckin¡¯ envy me , you ugly asshole.¡± I smirk at her.

    She growls and ps me.

    ¡± Bitch.¡± She spits.

    ¡± Leslie, are you¡­¡± Without letting Alexa continue her ranting , I punch Leslie on her face.

    She hisses in pain but that doesn¡¯t stop me from beating the hell out of her. Out of anger , I grab her hair and m her face against the TV as she falls backwards and hit her head on the ss table.

    ¡± Oh my God.¡±

    Leslie copses on the ground unconscious with blood oozing out of her head.

    Shit!

 Chapter 36

    Guilt. Regret . I so hate it

    I regretted fighting Leslie and smashing her head against the TV. What if something terrible happens to her ? I might not be at fault but I won¡¯t forgive myself. I mean I should have ignored her in the first ce and she won¡¯t be stuck in a hospital with bandages wrapped around her head.

    ¡± You don¡¯t have to kill yourself Ariel. It wasn¡¯t your fault.¡±

    ¡± People won¡¯t even care. I should have ignored her.¡± I sigh and palm my forehead. I shouldn¡¯t have stopped by in the apartment if i knew.

    ¡± She got what she deserved.¡± Alexa hisses.

    ¡± Really? Alex you advised Ariel to fuckin¡¯ smash her head on a TV. A fuckin TV. That shit hurts you know.¡± Hazel butt in.

    ¡± Says the bitch who fucks every random boy in college.¡± Alexa retorts.

    ¡± Thest time I checked , you also fucked random boys. Bitch you don¡¯t even stay longer in a rtionship.¡± Hazel talks back. They ain¡¯t helping.

    Alexa chuckles.¡± I pay my bills bitch. I can¡¯t remember hooking up with dickheads because I wanna look stunning. Bitch you¡¯re a hoe. You got dumped by your own fuckin¡¯ parents.¡± Alexa smirks.

    That sort of hit a button in Hazel. She bites her bottom lip rather too aggressive as she res at Alexa.

    ¡± The next time¡­¡±

    ¡± What you gon¡¯ do slut?¡± Alexa smirks and pushes herself into Hazel crossing her arms.

    ¡± You¡¯re fucked Hazel. Just a quick reminder , we ain¡¯t the same. You¡¯re some loose bitch who look up to her daddy¡¯s fuck boy boyfriend. Why don¡¯t you get some room and kill yourself, ugly, dirty hoe.¡± Alexa scoffs.

    ¡± Alexa, don¡¯t start a fight.¡± I try to intervene.

    ¡± Bitch I¡¯mma beat your ass including your broke ass boyfriend. One more word hoe, and I won¡¯t hold back throwing you off that balcony.¡± Alexa res daggers at hazel. That wasn¡¯t a mere threat , she¡¯d do it if Hazel pissed her off.

    ¡± Ariel.¡± Mom walks in with Dad. Both looking toast.

    ¡± What happened?¡± They rambles.

    I sigh and rub my palm on my arms.

    ¡± It¡¯s was an ident.¡±

    ¡± Really? Ariel you fought with your sister and smashed her head on a TV. Ariel a TV!¡± mom yells and that seems to easily buy people¡¯s attention from the waiting room.

    ¡± It wasn¡¯t my fault. She called me a hoe for heaven¡¯s sake. She pped me. I saw nothing wrong in fighting back and defending myself.¡±

    ¡± So you thought mming her head on a TV was the best fight back right? What is wrong with you? Can¡¯t you be normal and act like the good kid we thought you to be like? Ariel.¡± Dad yells.

    ¡± Yeah. I get it. Favouritism. You liked her more than me. I bet if I was the one in Leslie¡¯s shoes you wouldn¡¯t rush in here just to yell at me because we fought. I didn¡¯t even fuckin¡¯ pushed her against the table , it was her bad fate and jealousy that made her broke her head. How¡¯s that my fault?¡± I yell back.

    ¡± Really? You¡¯re talking back at us right? So Alexa thought you all of this¡­¡±

    ¡± Whoa. I¡¯m sorry aunt, really? It wasn¡¯t her fault seriously. Leslie was such a snitch and a bitch.¡± Alexa scoffs and crosses her arms. Who even told her I smashed Leslie¡¯s head on our TV.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. Are you the parents?¡± The doctor from earlier asks. She grins at us through her medicated sses.

    ¡± Yes. Please where is she? Is she okay?¡± Mom mutters.

    ¡± Come with me please.¡± The doctor leads the match and we follow behind.

    Mom won¡¯t stop shooting me daggers including Dad. I huff in annoyance and shove my hand inside my back jean pockets. The doctor halts in front of a room as she walk in including Hazel and my parents. I stay back because of my ringing phone. Alexa sighs and enter Leslie¡¯s room. I can¡¯t even imagine what she looks like already.

    ¡± Gray.¡± I said on the phone.

    ¡± Where are you ? You got me worried.¡±

    I sigh and lean against the hospital wall as I kick at the floor.

    ¡± I¡¯m in the hospital.¡±

    ¡± What ? What happened to you ? Why didn¡¯t you call me earlier ? Which hospital I¡¯ming right away..¡± I giggle and I wish he was here. Just so I can trail my fingers on his sharp jawline and kiss him.

    ¡± Gray, I¡¯m fine.¡± I sigh and tuck back my loose hair behind my ear.

    ¡± Tinkerbell , what¡¯s happening ?¡±

    ¡± Nothing happened actually. I got into a fight with my sister and I m her head against our TV. She copsed on the floor and hit her head on the ss table and now she¡¯s in the hospital. It¡¯splicated.¡±

    ¡± What hospital ? I¡¯ming over.¡±

    ¡± Jamal , don¡¯t.¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t want anything to happen to you. We need to talk about what happened ? What did your parents say ? Did they yell at you again ?¡±

    ¡± Gray, I¡¯m fine. I promise once I¡¯m out of here , I¡¯m gonna call Lucifer toe over and take me to your house. Don¡¯t try to panic , I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡± Fine.¡± I can nearly feel him roll his eyes. He¡¯s so dramatic sometime.

    ¡± Becareful.¡±

    ¡± Sure.¡± He ends the call as i shove the device back inside my pocket.

    The doctor already walked out of Leslie¡¯s room when I entered. Leslie¡¯s awake and her head is bandaged just like I imagined. She res at me as I shut her room door. This isn¡¯t the time for that. I don¡¯t really get her point.

    ¡± You shouldn¡¯t be here Ariel.¡± Leslie says with her faint croak voice.

    ¡± Yeah. Just wanna be sure that you¡¯re still alive.¡± I utter and cross my arms.

    ¡± What¡¯s that supposed to mean Ariel ?¡± Dad asks.

    I silently chuckle and look up to meet Alexa¡¯s eyes. She has been grinning like forever.

    ¡± We heard you¡¯re in a rtionship with Gray Carter ?¡±

    What¡¯s it with everyone and my life with Gray.

    ¡± Are you in a rtionship with Gray Ariel ?¡±

    ¡± We¡¯re not dating.¡±

    ¡± But yet you slept in his house for days beforeing over to the apartment.¡±

    ¡± Better than your slutty ass Leslie. I¡¯m not like you. Good twenty one year old virgin who sneak in her boyfriends into our apartment at midnight ¡± I scoff as Leslie paled out.

    Dad look down at Leslie and quickly shift their gaze to me.

    ¡± So what¡¯s that supposed to mean ?¡± Dad ask me.

    ¡± It means you¡¯re always busy trying to control my life and you forgot to caution your precious little Bambi.¡±

    ¡± So that¡¯s the reason you decide to date Mia Carter¡¯s druggie son Gray. Their family is filled with druggies and liars. Why can¡¯t you make good decisions for once ?¡±

    ¡± Mom it¡¯s my life and I decide what goes on with it. Stop trying to control me. You don¡¯t care about me and don¡¯t pretend to care. Thanks for the tuition fee if that¡¯s what you want to talk about.¡±

    ¡± Really ? And you thought the best man you could ever find is that home wrecker¡¯s son ? What¡¯s so special about them ? Is it because he¡¯s rich ? That¡¯s why his older brother went MIA because of their useless ways. I won¡¯t watch that Gray of a boy ruin your life same way his mother nned to ruin my marriage.¡± Mom mutters.

    I turn to look at Alexa who sneers at mom. She rolls her eyes at me and cross her arms to watch.

    ¡± Honey don¡¯t bring this up.¡± Dad mutters. He looks ufortable and kinda worried. What are they hiding ?

    ¡± Oh really ? Our daughter is making the same mistake you made and you want me to keep quiet about it ? I don¡¯t care about whatever n you have , you need to quit your rtionship with Gray.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry mom , but I won¡¯t.¡± I say and open the door to Leslie¡¯s room and leave.

    I need a nap. My head¡¯s pounding because of too much drama. What mistake is she talking about ? There¡¯s more to Gray¡¯s life that i know nothing about.

    ¡± Ariel hold on.¡± Alexa calls as she walks faster to keep up with my pace.

    ¡± Shit , that was stupid. Where are you going ?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m going over to Gray¡¯s. I need a break from life itself.¡± I sigh and rub my temple.

    ¡± You have any idea about what your parents talked about ?¡±

    ¡± No.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s crazy. Maybe few years ago your dad cheated on your mom with Mia Carter. They dated for almost six months and you weren¡¯t aware . She found out through a text message and things didn¡¯t go well.¡±

    ¡± Woah. Howe I don¡¯t even know about it. Who told you that ?¡±

    ¡± They wanted a divorce but your dad isn¡¯t ready. She talked to my mom and my mom advised your mom to move on for the sake of their religious beliefs. It¡¯splicated and I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t tell you.¡± God , what¡¯s happening ?

    I breathe in and cross my arms as we walk out of the waiting room. A lot of secrets. My parents were so perfect they had to cover up every single weird thing going on in their life.

    ¡± So dad dated is mom ?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. A long stupid story. I¡¯m not in the position to tell you but I have to. Your parents knew Leslie is wayward but yet they keep ignoring it because of their so called reasons.¡±

    ¡± God I need to take a long nap.¡± I shove out my phone and text Lucifer the hospital¡¯s address.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay ?¡±

    ¡± I won¡¯t lie Alex, I¡¯m not fine. I don¡¯t even know if I¡¯m dating Gray or not but things don¡¯t usually work in my way. Always going through one shit or the other.¡±

    ¡± I think that¡¯s what makes us strong. And the way we handle them makes us stronger. At least you have someone who cares deeply about you. Gray would cut out his liver if that¡¯s gonna make you happy.¡± Alexa grin and wink.

    I shake my head sideways andugh. Seriously , he wouldn¡¯t do that right ?

    ¡± Let¡¯s visit Hawaii hmm. Or maybe Florida. It¡¯s summer and we should unt more skin on the beach. Go shopping on expensive boutiques and eat a lot of food.. I¡¯ll call Piper and Brandon.¡± Her grin grow wide on her lips as she furrows her brows.

    ¡± Alexa really. I¡¯m gonna think about it.¡± I give her an assuring smile as Nick pull up on the lot. He rolls down the window and smile at Alexa of course.

    ¡± Hey handsome.¡± Alexa giggles as we walk to the car.

    He step out of the car and Alexa won¡¯t stop biting her lip.

    ¡± Hi Hermosa¡­¡± He kisses her cheek and it¡¯s funny she blushed.

    ¡± You¡¯re ready princess ?¡± He turns to look at me as I nod.

    ¡± Yeah , I¡¯m driving.¡± I grin and rush into the driver¡¯s seat. Lucifer won¡¯t stop groaning. Alexa chuckles and smile at me. What a chemistry.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    ¡± Hurry up Lucifer.¡± I call out and honk the car horn.

    I lean back on the seat and watch them flirt. Alexa won¡¯t stop smiling. Great , Lucifer knows her button and he¡¯s pressing it perfectly well. Alexa looks happy and it¡¯s so sudden she liked Nick already. Nick pulls her to himself and gently palm her butt. Oh shit ! I roll my eyes and look at my ringing phone , It¡¯s an unknown number.

    ¡± Hello.¡±

    ¡± Ariel Peterson ?¡± A female voice asks from the other side of the line.

    ¡± Yeah. Who¡¯s this ?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m the secretary at Sterling corporations. I want to inform you , you¡¯ve got the internship.¡±

    ¡± Oh my God.¡± I mutter and silently squeal.

    ¡± Thank you very much.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re wee. See you tomorrow.¡± She hang up at once and I facepalm myself.

    ¡± Tomorrow ?¡± I sigh and contemte on what to wear. I don¡¯t even have dress shirt or skirts. I need to shop for more office clothes.

    I look back at Nick and Alexa and they are still talking. Seriously. I groan and roll my eyes. It¡¯s crazy to watch two people flirt endlessly. My phone vibrates again and it¡¯s Freddie. Yeah , I forgot we were supposed to meet.

    ¡± Hi.¡±

    ¡± Ariel. I¡¯m still hoping if you¡¯ve forgot.¡±

    I sigh and look at my time. It¡¯s almost evening and I should be home. Also , my internship starts tomorrow I won¡¯t be able to talk to Freddie about Gray and also I want him to stop stalking me.

    ¡± Meet me at Molly¡¯s. I¡¯ll be on my way.¡± I say.

    ¡± Sure.¡±

    I toss my phone on the dashboard after Freddie hung up. I groan and honk the car again.

    ¡± Get a room please. This is a hospital.¡± I smirk at both of them.

    ¡± Yeah , I¡¯m really sorry princess.¡± Nick replies and turn to give Alexa a quick kiss.

    ¡± Bye hermosa.¡± He winks at Alexa and slide into the passenger seat.

    ¡± Alex , we will see at school tomorrow right ?¡±

    ¡± Sure cousin. Be careful and my regards to your boyfriend.¡± She shoots me a grin and a wink. What a weirdo.

    I roll my eyes and smile at her before speeding out of the parking lot.

    ¡± I hope you¡¯re not trying to use her Lucifer ?¡± I ask Nick.

    ¡± Why Lucifer ? You¡¯re beginning to act like Kenny. That tiny little witch.¡± He whines.

    I scoff.¡± Kenny is a princess and truth be told , Lucifer fits your personality. So back to my question¡­¡±

    He sighs. ¡± We¡¯re fine together. I mean she¡¯s pretty and fuckin hot. We¡¯re gonna get used to each other little by little.¡± He smirks and smile.

    Lucifer¡¯s handsome with a weird skull tattoo in his bicep that I really haven¡¯t seen clearly. He has sleeve tattoos too and a familiar one with Gray. But Gray had his inked at his back. Basically he¡¯s a yer. Not just him , I think every single guy who works for Gray are all yers. Making me to reconsider if Gray likes me. Like like me , you know feelings. I still don¡¯t know if I¡¯m in love with him. Maybe I am but , I¡¯m not even sure and not willing to say it. He might just freak out and walk out on me.

    Gray isn¡¯t the love type of guy but he makes me feel special. There¡¯s always this part of me that yearns deeply for him. Each time he looks at me , I sort of loose my mind I think. Fun part is , he looked at me differently. Like I¡¯m the most special thing in the world. And then he has a lot of untold dark stories. The ones that I hope won¡¯t scare me away from him.

    ¡± That¡¯s not the way to Gray¡¯s.¡±

    ¡± Yeah , I¡¯m sorry Nick . I just want to meet up with a friend.¡±

    ¡± Woah. Don¡¯t get me into trouble. Gray¡¯s gonna cut my dick if he finds out I let you visit a friend when I¡¯m supposed to take you home.¡±

    I chuckle and huff. Why would he do that ? Cut out someone¡¯s manhood.

    ¡± You¡¯re kidding right ?¡± I chuckle but Lucifer¡¯s face didn¡¯t hold any emotions. Yeah he isn¡¯t joking.

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry. Don¡¯t worry I will exin to him. Precise he won¡¯t find out except you¡¯re willing to tell him.¡± I pout and shrug.

    ¡± Whatever. You¡¯re lucky he cares about you. I dare not cross his beast part , it¡¯s terrible.¡± Nick mutters. I look at him with the corner of my eyes and blow out my breath.

    ¡± Thanks.¡± I shoot him a warm smile and halt the car outside Molly¡¯s. I really don¡¯t know why I¡¯m doing this.

    ¡± Molly¡¯s ?¡± Nick asks.

    ¡± Yeah. I won¡¯t stay long. Just a talk. I promise.¡± I smile and unfasten my seatbelt.

    ¡± I shoulde in with you.¡± Nick protests.

    ¡± Lucifer I¡¯ll be fine. Just wanna talk. Please¡­¡± I pout.

    He groans and lean back on his seat. Yeah he doesn¡¯t have a choice.

    ¡± Thank you.¡± I step out of the car and shut the door. I didn¡¯t fail to notice the sudden eyes that¡¯s peeking at me. We¡¯re not even in the love zone yet and they won¡¯t stop ring at me.

    I huff and walk into the restaurant with my hands stuffed in my hoodie pockets. I see Freddie on one of the expensive seats with his neatly ironed white dress shirt. The first two up buttons are being plucked out. Howe he¡¯s always cute ? He raise his head as his lips curl up to a cute boyish smile. I sigh and draw out a seat opposite him and sit down.

    ¡± Hey.¡± I tell him.

    ¡± Hi. You¡¯re looking good.¡±

    ¡± Thanks Freddie. I can¡¯t stay long. It¡¯s almost nightfall and I should head home anytime from now.¡±

    ¡± I get it. You wanna drink something ?¡± He offers.

    ¡± I¡¯m good. Why did you ask to see me ?¡± My eyes scan his facials and it¡¯s oddly bruised. His eyebrows had fading scars , including his jawline. Damn , who punched him ?

    ¡± I wanted to talk. I know you¡¯re getting bored of my frequent apologies but I want you to know that I¡¯m sorry. Deeply sorry actually and I¡¯m willing to do anything to bring our friendship back.¡±

    I sigh and meet eyes with his blue orbs. I look around the restaurant and it¡¯s pretty upied.

    ¡± I¡¯ll think about it Freddie. Same time I forgave you if that¡¯s what you wanna ask.¡±

    He sighs deeply and nods.¡± So you¡¯re dating Gray now ?¡±

    My eyes shoot out as I blink my eyes. How did he know ?

    ¡± Chill. I saw you on TV with Gray at Queen¡¯s. Heard about the shootout ? Are you sure about him ? Gray¡¯s a lot.¡±

    I scoff. ¡± I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about Fred. He might be a lot but he¡¯s a good person.¡±

    ¡± Yeah I know. I¡¯m just surprised. Why Gray ?¡±

    I re at him and bite my bottom lip. I don¡¯t wanna get angry at him.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry but I told Gray about what happened between us. He was angry and¡­¡±

    ¡± He threatened to fuck me up.¡± Hepletes my statement with a smirk. How did he know ? Is he watching my life ?

    He smirks and grab his wine as he gulp the liquid. ¡± Chill Ariel , he won¡¯t hurt me.¡±

    ¡± Why are you so sure ?¡±

    He stays quiet for seconds as he sit back the ss of wine. His eyes pry all over me like someone who¡¯s watching me.

    He clears his throat and speak up.

    ¡± Gray might be a jerk , but he will never hurt his own family¡­¡±

 Chapter 37

    No way!

    ¡± What are you talking about ?¡±

    He smirks and chuckles.¡± You should ask him if you want. We talked and he said a lot of shit. I¡¯d be careful around Gray if I were you.¡±

    I swallow an unknown lump and pull my chair backwards.

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna leave Freddie.¡±

    ¡± Why ?¡±

    I sigh and shake my head.¡± Nothing.¡±

    ¡± Alright. I¡¯m gonna give you a call.¡±

    I give him a faint smile and stand up. ¡± See ya around , Freddie.¡± I shove my hands into my pocket and walk out of the restaurant.

    Nick leans against the car smoking his cigarette. His eyes light up as he sees me. He throw the cigarette on the floor and step on it , squeezing it with his shoes.

    ¡± I¡¯ll ride princess.¡± He smiles and slide in the driver¡¯s seat.

    I chuckle and get in the passenger seat and fasten my seatbelt. Nick drive out of the lot in his own terrible speed. I lean against the seat and thought about what Freddie said. ¡® we¡¯re family.¡¯ what type of family ? Are they cousins ? I can¡¯t believe my ears.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay Hermosa ?¡± Nick asks.

    ¡± Yeah , thanks. So you speak Spanish ?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. Dad¡¯s Spanish though.¡±

    I nod and stare out of the window. The rest of the ride was terrible for me cause I won¡¯t stop thinking about what Freddie said. It¡¯s like he was speaking in parables. It¡¯s evening and I¡¯m sure Gray would be angry at me. Nick drive into the garage and halts the car as we step out. I throw my bag on my shoulders and walk into his house. His house is always guarded by this weird men with suits and frequent cold stares. Lucifer is the only normal one and Manny too.

    I stop by at the kitchen to drink water. Sarai is sitting across Kennedy on the kitchen ind scribbling on a notebook. I stay beside the door and watch the blonde haired. She¡¯s sort of weird and double weird. She¡¯s got this cold vibe just like Reid. I look down her body and eye her outfit. She wears a rip Jean high waist shorts with a crop top hoodie. Her tanned back is in disy because of her choice of outfit. Kennedy res at her as she look up at me. Her mood changes and her lips won¡¯t stop curling into a smile.

    ¡± Ariel..¡± she hop out of the stool and rush to me.

    ¡± Woah.¡± I squat to her height and hug her.

    ¡± You look pretty..¡± I say to her and caress her hair. She giggles and drag me to the stool. Blonde haired won¡¯t stop eyeing me.

    ¡± Your eyes are gonna fall out if you don¡¯t stop looking at me like that.¡± I tell her and lean against the counter as Kennedy sits down.

    ¡± Whatever.¡± She rolls her eyes and look down at the book. It looks like Kennedy¡¯s.

    ¡± Don¡¯t worry Sarai , Ariel is here , she will help me with my homework.¡±

    ¡± I thought you wanted me to.¡± Sarai retorts.

    ¡± Yeah , Thanks. My best friend is here.¡±

    Sarai takes a deep breath and turn to look at me. She looks mad or something worse. She scoffs and get off the counter.

    ¡± Suit yourself dickhead.¡± Sarai mutters.

    ¡± Yeah. That¡¯s why you can¡¯t solve my elementary school math problems , dummy.¡± Kennedy mutters.

    I throw my head backwards andugh my ribs out. I think Sarai heard it but couldn¡¯t intervene. Kennedy¡¯s gonna kill her with her mouth.

    ¡± Kenny , that wasn¡¯t cool. You made fun of her.¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t like her. Always like to cross boundaries with Gray. She¡¯s not intelligent. She¡¯s been battling with my math problems for ages.¡± Kennedy scoffs and push her notebook to me.

    I get off the stool and go to sit on the opposite stool. I open her books and chuckle at the solution Sarai wrote out. Most were terrible while others are better. I pick up a pencil and tutor Kennedy.

    ¡± I need to change my dress.¡±

    ¡± Sure. You need to make an apple pie for me. The maid who usually cooks for Gray won¡¯te today.¡±

    I nod and help Kennedy with her books before leaving the kitchen. I climb upstairs and open Gray¡¯s bedroom door. I step in and shut the door looking everywhere for Gray. A music is ying through his stereo in a normal volume. I keep my bag and walk to the bathroom hoping to see Gray. I perceive the faint smell of a cigar as i step on the bathroom. Grayys inside his bathtub with steaming out of the water. He butts his cigar on an ashtray close to the tube. He didn¡¯t see me and obviously he looks deep in thoughts.

    I contemte on what to do , so I watch him.

    ¡± You won¡¯t just stand there all day Tinkerbell.¡± Great , he saw me.

    He turns his head to the side and smirk at me. He drops the butt of the cigar on the ashtray and smiles at me.

    ¡± Get in. You owe me a lot of exnations.¡± He says.

    I nod and smile before stepping out of my clothes. Standing bare before him feels weird and it¡¯s crazy I want him already. I walk to the bathtub with Gray watching my every move. He studies my figure as I step inside the bathtub opposite him.

    ¡± Closer , Ariel.¡±

    How can I be nervous around him. I thought I was beginning to blend into his usual way. He smirks and watch me carefully as I move to his side. I sit in between his legs with my back pressed against his. Gray wrapped his hands around my waist and nuzzles his nose against my neck as he smiles.

    ¡± I missed you.¡± He coo¡¯s and caress my ankle.

    I shiver against his touch and shut my eyes. He nt soft kisses on my neck as he slowly trail his fingers on my ankles up to my hips.

    ¡± Did you miss me ?¡±

    I smile at his question and open my eyes. ¡± You know I do.¡±

    ¡± Sure.¡± He serves the soapy water from the bathtub and rinse it on my skin as he brush his hand past my breast to my stomach.

    My stomach churns and the butterflies in my stomach dance in victory. He rubs thether against my skin and slowly trail his index finger down my breast , grazing past my already hard nipples. I muffle my sudden moans and lean my head against his shoulder.

    ¡± So what happened ?¡± He asks out of the blue. Why did he have to change the mood ? He continues to serve the soapy water and rinse my skin with it.

    ¡± She¡¯s always bitchy and called me a hoe. She said what did you see in me that other girls don¡¯t have.¡±

    His fingers grace my skin and that seems to soothe my body.

    I feel his hot breath against my neck as he whispers.¡± So what did you tell her ? What was your reply ?¡±

    I chuckle and look at him above my shoulders. My eyes meet with his Gray seductive ones and that sort of stole my breath away. His lips were extremely ruby and they are inviting me to kiss him. I move my head from his gaze and look at my front.

    ¡± You want me to be sincere ?¡± I ask and rinse thether on Gray¡¯s ankle.

    He chuckles silently and trail his fingers on myps.¡± Yeah.¡±

    ¡± I told her I¡¯ve got ss and that also , I¡¯ve got a tiny , little , pink pussy.¡± He halts his touching and I turn to look at him above my shoulders.

    His lips tug at the end with his killer smirk.¡± Really ? You will never say the word pussy.¡±

    ¡± Maybe I did.¡± I smirk and look away from him.

    He chuckles and continue trailing his fingers up my thighs to my stomach.¡± And what happened next ?¡±

    ¡± We fought and I m her head against our TV.¡± I sigh and y with his left hand on my waist. I trail my fingers on his sleeve tattoos as I listen to his heartbeat against my back.

    ¡± Ariel , you what ?¡± He grab my waist and turn me around to look at him so I am straddling him. I feel his erection against my already wet core as I wrap my arms around his neck.

    ¡± She got me angry.¡± I said.

    ¡± I didn¡¯t peg you to be hard on someone. What entered you to do that.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯ll me me ? I¡¯m hanging around Gray Carter , what did you expect ?¡± I pout and run my fingers through his hair.

    ¡± Fuck, Tinkerbell , that was aggressive.¡± He mutters rubbing circles on my lower back.

    I shrug and sigh. ¡± Are you mad at me ?¡±

    ¡± You know I¡¯ll never be mad at you.¡± He whispers and pull me to himself. I absently grind on his member as he groans. I chuckle and thread my fingers through his hair. His eyes watch my face as he shift his gaze to my lips.

    ¡± Is she better ? Your sister ?¡±

    ¡± She¡¯s fine Gray.¡± I roll my eyes getting bored of Leslie¡¯s bitchy attitude. I trail my fingers on his arms and grind on his erection again.

    ¡± Fuck.¡± He groans and shut his eyes. I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m doing or how it got into my head but I like the reaction I¡¯m getting from Gray. He¡¯s extremely hard underneath me and I could feel it against my wet entrance.

    His eyes slowly opens as they meet mine. I caress his arms slowly to his hair and take his lips on mine. I hold the back of his neck and pull him into the kiss. He grip my ass and kiss me back slowly and I increase the pace. I grind back and forth on him as he moans into my mouth. He pulls me closer so my hard nipples were kissing his chest and his fingers dig into my ass. The more I grind on him , he continues to groan and moan.

    ¡± Fuck , Ariel..¡± he breaks from the kiss and kiss down my neck.

    He nts soft kisses on my neck and suck gently on my skin to leave a mark. I moan as he take in my nipple into his mouth. And now I already forgot I¡¯m supposed to talk to him about a lot of things. I thread my fingers through his hair and watch him adore my nipples with his tongue.

    His palm rubs down my slimy back with his left hand on my ass. He stop teasing my nipples as we go back to kissing. I cup both his cheek and continue to grind on him with our tongues gliding together. He groans in my mouth at each connection our lower region makes.

    ¡± Damn¡­¡± He leans his forehead against mine with our eyes shut. I slowly part myshes and meet eyes with his beautiful grey eyes. Without being told , Gray¡¯s my new found addiction and I hope he¡¯s not my downfall.

    ¡± I missed you a lot.¡± He mutters and kiss my forehead.

    ¡± Me too.¡± I smile and kiss his cheek.

    We stay quiet for seconds just staring into each other¡¯s souls.

    ¡± The water is cold.¡± He says and carry me with him off the bathtub with my legs around his waist.

    We step under the shower with me still on his body as the water rinse off our skins. We go back to kissing again and I¡¯m not willing to stop. The water kisses our skin as our lips fought in dominance. He switched off the water after we break from the kiss and surprisingly I can¡¯t feel my lips. He drops me on the floor and we step out of the bathroom. I clean my body and carry my clothes off the bathroom floor as I walk out of the bathroom leaving Gray behind. I look through his closet for something to wear. I opted for his sweatshirt underneath his ck Calvin Klein briefs that fits perfectly to my petite form.

    Gray walks out of the bathroom with his ck sweatpants and I liked the fact that he couldn¡¯t peel his eyes off me. I smile and blush.

    ¡± You¡¯re pretty.¡± He says and stare at his self in the mirror.

    ¡± Thanks. Are you hungry ? I¡¯ll make dinner.¡±

    ¡± Don¡¯t worry about dinner , I¡¯ll ask Nick to order for food.¡± He turns to look at me and walk to my figure.

    ¡± I don¡¯t want you to stress yourself. You just fuckin fought with your sister and mmed her head against a TV. That¡¯s a lot of work.¡± He smiles and wrap his hands around my waist.

    I yfully swat his hands and escape from his grip toy down on his bed. I watch the environment through his ss walls and avert my gaze to Gray who just dialed a number on his phone.

    He pressed the phone against his ears and starts his conversation. It¡¯s Nick and he told him to order for food and check if Kennedy¡¯s okay.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay ?¡± He asks me after he ends the call. He sits on the bed and make mey on his arms. His arm is around my waist and he soothes my skin with his touch.

    ¡± So I wanna ask a lot of questions. Why did you buy me a car ?¡±

    He sighs deeply and stay mute before answering.¡± You needed one Ariel.¡±Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± Yeah ? Thanks a lot.¡± I sigh and caress his chest. ¡± So are we dating ? I don¡¯t even know what we¡¯re..¡±

    He chuckles and look down at my face on his chest. ¡± You should figure that out , Snow White. I can¡¯t believe you never knew we are dating. I ask you to be my girl remember.¡± I roll my eyes and exhale.

    ¡± Girl , Gray not girlfriend.¡±

    ¡± What¡¯s the difference ?¡± He asks.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know. I just¡­¡± I sigh and trail my fingertip on his chest.

    ¡± So when did you graduate college ? What was your Major ?¡± I ask.

    ¡± Econ and that¡¯s like four years ago. You¡¯re okay ?¡± I smile and nod. Damn , four years ago I was in highschool gawking over fucked up Freddie. I can¡¯t believe I swear freely at Leslie when she called me a whore. Damn ! Gray.

    ¡± So basically you were handling apany and also your education too ?¡± I ask him.

    ¡± Yeah. It was easy. I have people who work for me.¡±

    ¡± Oh. Yeah.¡± I nervously bite my lip waiting for my next question.

    ¡± What about Freddie ?¡± I crawl out of his arms and sit up to watch him. He watches me carefully and sit up too.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay ?¡± He asks.

    I nod.¡± Did you hurt Freddie ?¡±

    ¡± I didn¡¯t. Just punched him in the jaw. You didn¡¯t like the idea of me hurting him.¡±

    ¡± Gray say the truth ? Who¡¯s Freddie to you ?¡±

    His eyes widen as they are fixed to mine.¡± I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±

    ¡± Gray , tell me truth. Who¡¯s Freddie to you ? What type of rtionship do you have with him ?¡±

    He sighs and scoffs annoyingly as he look away from me. He¡¯s guilty over something and he¡¯s not willing to say it.

    ¡± He¡¯s my fucking half brother.¡±

 Chapter 38

    ¡± He¡¯s your brother?¡± I ask almost immediately and move away from him.

    ¡± Look it doesn¡¯t matter , I¡¯m really sorry I didn¡¯t tell you.¡± He sighs and slides his hand down his face as he leans against the headboard.

    ¡± Why didn¡¯t you tell me ?¡± I whimper biting back the tears.

    ¡± It¡¯s not important. He¡¯s not really my mother¡¯s child.¡±

    ¡± What do you mean ?¡±

    ¡± When I was 16 , my mom found out my dad was cheating on her with some other woman with the name Stephanie¡­¡± Stephanie , that¡¯s Freddie¡¯s mother.

    ¡± Weter found out , she works as a receptionist in a hotel and she¡¯s been fucking my dad for years and even had a kid. He¡¯s that stupid kid and i fuckin hate him. My mom was angry that my father would dare hide such huge secret from him. A son and a mistress. They wanted a divorce but my dad wasn¡¯t ready , said he was sorry. My mom decides to ignore him only if she stays away from my dad. He said yes but he was such a fucked up liar. He continued the rtionship with her and that was that. Dad died when I turned eighteen and I didn¡¯t see the fucker afterwards. He¡¯s such a dick. It hurts he was the one who abused you. I screwed him up¡­¡± He gives me a small smile and sigh. ¡± I¡¯m really sorry I didn¡¯t tell you. I really didn¡¯t like the fuckin kid. He has always been a dick including his whore mother.¡±

    You know the funny part. I didn¡¯t notice Freddie¡¯sst name is Carter. I mean I know it¡¯s Carter but how am I supposed to know he¡¯s Gray¡¯s younger step brother.

    He said he screwed him up , that should exin the cut above Freddie¡¯s eyebrows and jaw.

    ¡± This is crazy.¡±

    ¡± Yeah. It is.¡± I look up at his eyes and they¡¯re not leaving mine.

    ¡± This isplicating. Why does it have to be so ? Did you mom ever cheated on your dad ? I mean dated someone before or maybe after your father died.¡±

    He bites his bottom lip and shrugs.¡± I think. She got married after he died and they divorced again. She dated someone for sometime and I don¡¯t know what happened. She said she found out , the man¡¯s married and he lied to her. They parted ways actually. Damon is always the one who pay attention to her issues. I don¡¯t fuckin care sometimes.¡±

    ¡± She dated my father i think.¡±

    Gray looks shocked as he blinks his eyes.

    ¡± Yeah. For six months. My mom found out and they sorta fought before my dad ended things with her.¡±

    I wipe my already wet eyes and hold back the urge to curl up in his arms. He has always make me understand that I¡¯m strong and I can actually withstand my pains.

    ¡± Boss.¡± Nick says with a soft knock.

    ¡± I already ordered for food.¡±

    ¡± Keep it in the kitchen.¡± Gray replies. He turns to look at me and reach to touch me. I shake my head sideways and get off the bed.

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna go check on Kennedy.¡± I sigh and rush out of the room.

    I fuckin hate my life. It¡¯s like my problems are always revolving around me.

    ¡± Kennedy..¡± I whisper and knock on her door.

    ¡± Ariel.¡± She beams as she opens her door. ¡± Come on in.¡±

    I smile and step into her room. I shut her door and fall on her bed.

    ¡± What are you doing ?¡± I ask looking at her drawings on her book.

    ¡± Did you draw this ?¡± I ask, gesturing to the work of arts.

    ¡± I¡¯m learning. I know it¡¯s terrible..¡±

    I chuckle and flip through her works. They consist of most Disney princesses. It wasn¡¯t that good same time it wasn¡¯t bad either. She tried for her age.

    ¡± It¡¯s pretty. Who thought you how to draw ?¡±

    ¡± Nobody. When I¡¯m done with ss , I just find myself drawing. Can you sing ?¡± Shey on her belly and lean her cheeks on her palms.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡± Come on sing for me. ¡± She whines and giggles. I joined the choir when i was in highschool but quit because of Nun issues.

    ¡± I¡¯m not that perfect okay , so don¡¯tugh at me.¡±

    She rolls her eyes with her little cute smile on her face.¡± Whatever, I¡¯m not Gray.¡±

    I chuckle and nod. I clear my throat and decipher on what to sing. I settle for Tori Kelly¡¯s song hallelujah. I sing every single line as she listens.

    ¡± Wow. You¡¯re good..¡± she squeal and hug me.

    ¡± You¡¯re not just a good singer but also beautiful.¡± She smiles and brush my hair out of my face.

    ¡± I¡¯m going over to my mom¡¯s next week. It¡¯s her week and I¡¯ll be back after two weeks.¡±

    ¡± Yeah. Nick told me that too. I¡¯m gonna miss you by the way.¡±

    ¡± Ariel it¡¯s still far. I¡¯m sure my mom¡¯s gonna like you when she sees you.¡± She smiles and bring out her story book.

    ¡± Read me a story before I go to bed.¡± I take the book from her and sigh before slipping beside her. I open the book and flip through each page. This time I¡¯m reading sleeping beauty.

    I read out every single word , piece by piece as she slowly falls asleep. I breathe in and close the book. I brush off her strands of hair from her face and watch her sleep peacefully. I cover her little self with her duvet and slide out of the bed.

    I quietly sneak out of her room so I wouldn¡¯t wake her up. I climb downstairs to go to the kitchen to eat something. I¡¯m still crowded by Gray¡¯s confession and also my parents secrets too. Howe no one told me. They were this perfect couples who loved God and all that but yet dad cheated. I chuckle and eat up the McDonald¡¯s Nick ordered.

    The entire house feels empty even if there were souls watching over Gray¡¯s Mansion. I rest my head on the counter and think non-stop. Freddie being Gray¡¯s half brother is the one truth I hate to believe. Imagine being raped by your best friend and youter found happiness in the arms of someone who turns out to be your best friend¡¯s stepbrother. My life¡¯splicated and maybe filled with ill lucks.

    ¡± What¡¯s the princess thinking about ?¡± I heard sarai¡¯s voice as she tap on the counter.

    I raise my head up and I¡¯m faced with her terrible smirk. What¡¯s she doing here ? Isn¡¯t she supposed to be in her house ?

    ¡± What do you want ?¡±

    ¡± I should ask you that.¡± She scoffs and leans her elbows on the counter.

    I roll my eyes and ignore her. I don¡¯t feel like sleeping in Gray¡¯s room, same time I don¡¯t wanna sleep in a guest room.

    ¡± So you¡¯re his girlfriend or his toy ? One of his little birdies ?¡± She shoots me a smirk that didn¡¯t reach her eyes. I hate her.

    ¡± Snitchy bitch.¡± I scoff and get off the chair to leave.

    ¡± And also¡­¡± I halt to look at her.¡± I hate your hair. Fuckin blonde.¡± I hiss and walk out of the kitchen. I slowly open the door to Gray¡¯s and step in. He¡¯s lying on his bed and the room is a bit dark except for the moonlight that reflects into his room through the ss wall. I sigh and lock the door before slipping next to Gray on the bed. I watch his peaceful facials and shut my eyes to fall asleep.

    ¡­

    I quickly shower and get dressed on my previous clothes. Gray bought me a new set of clothes but I¡¯m not in the mood to wear it. I¡¯m starting work today and I¡¯m totally d.

    ¡± Ariel..¡± Gray stop me as I was about sneaking out of his room.

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry.¡± I turn to look at him and smile.

    ¡± It¡¯s fine.¡± I unlock the door and walk out.

    I hurriedly climb down the stairs and ignore Nick¡¯s effort to drive me to school. I had to tell him , I¡¯m fine and I wanted to breathe normal.

    I hail a cab and paid before rushing into my apartment building. I greeted thedy at the lobby and press the elevator¡¯s button. It slides open and I step in. I step out of it and unlock my door to change. Leslie is still in the hospital and ording to the doctor she will be discharged today.

    I undress myself and change my clothes before leaving the apartment. I bought coffee and stroll on the sidewalk to school.

    ¡± Ariel..¡± The guys hug me at once as I reach school.

    They look behind me and i get it. I didn¡¯t bring a car.

    ¡± Where¡¯s it ?¡± They ask.

    ¡± Where¡¯s what ?¡± I grin at them.

    ¡± Our fuckin car.¡±

    ¡± La Ferrari, Ariel.¡± Alexa crosses her arms and re yfully at me.

    ¡± Long story. Found out some terrible shit and I just thought I shouldn¡¯t drive a car today.¡± I shrug as we begin walking down school hall.

    ¡± What shit ?¡±

    ¡± Freddie¡¯s Gray¡¯s half brother.¡±

    ¡± What ?¡± They gasp at once.

    ¡± Yeah , it¡¯s stupid.¡±

    ¡± Who told you that ?¡±

    ¡± I saw Freddie and we talked. Gray threatened to fuck his ass up because of what he did to me. I talked to him about it and buddy wasn¡¯t that bothered. Said Gray can¡¯t hurt him because they are family. I confronted Gray and he told me the saddest story of my life.¡± I roll my eyes and huff.

    ¡± Holy fuck.¡± We stride into ss , cause surprisingly we have the same ss that morning.

    We take our seats close to each other as other students won¡¯t stop staring at us. Gossips.

    ¡± What the fuck Ariel. That¡¯s fucked up. What did he say ?¡± Piper asks.

    ¡± Sorry and sorry.¡±

    ¡± You won¡¯t me him. It¡¯s not his fault. Who knew the dick who abused you will end up as his brother.¡± Brandon sighs and bring out hisptop.

    ¡± If you wanna escape this messy situation , my Hawaii sh Florida summer break is still on.¡± Alexa smiles and wink.

    ¡± That¡¯s a catchy. I know you¡¯re already missing Gray.¡± They teases and it¡¯s sadly the truth. I always miss him. Each time I try to be far from him, I always wanna be with him.

    I roll my eyes and smile to nothing.¡± And also , I got an internship with Sterling corps.¡±

    ¡± Woah..¡± they squeal as most students turn to look at us. We didn¡¯t care but continue.

    ¡± I¡¯m fuckin happy for you. You know the painful part , you¡¯ll always be busy.¡± Alexa sighs including the others.

    ¡± That¡¯s the shitty part. But it¡¯s just three hours. I go by twelve or one and close by four or three. And also it¡¯s not everyday. I don¡¯t even know what type of work I¡¯m gonna work. Maybe bringing coffee and all that..¡± I scoff and roll my eyes.

    ¡± Sure. Thank God it¡¯s not daily.¡± Brandon mutters and chuckle.

    ¡± Whatever¡­¡± I say as the professor step on the podium to teach.

    ~GRAY~

    I drive through the crazy traffic. I was angry and I hate to be this way. Freddie¡¯s one of the shitty reasons I hate my father. I actually can¡¯t call him a mistake but I fuckin¡¯ hate the kid. How could he hurt Ariel and tell her we¡¯re rted. He disgusts me and he¡¯s like his mother. Annoying bitch.

    Ariel left rather too early because she wanted to avoid me all because that dick happens to be my fuckin¡¯ kid brother. I hope i don¡¯t kill him anytime soon. Such a dildo. She makes me happy and I always hate it each time I ruin it one way or the other.

    I park my car on the parking lot and get out. Freddie¡¯s maternal grandfather owns thispany. My father was an asshole , he left nothing when he died. I walk into the lobby and straight to Freddie¡¯s stupid office. Kid¡¯s a manager or whatever thing they call him.

    ¡± Mr Carter.¡± His assistant smiles seductively as she looks down at me. Ladies.

    ¡± Is your boss in?¡± I ask her , referring to that punk Freddie.

    ¡± Yes.¡±

    ¡± Thank you.¡± I smile to her and barge in without knocking.

    There he was , sitting like a king and getting a blow job from one of his hoe employees.

    ¡± Shit.¡± He jolts and jerks the girl off her knees.

    ¡± Oh my God.¡± She mutters to herself and button her dress shirt up as she arranges her skirt. Freddie already arranged his pants. What an asshole. I stand at the doorway and chuckle. She Shamelessly rushes out as I shut his door.

    ¡± So you don¡¯t only fuck your best friend you also fuck your employees. What a waste.¡± I scoff and walk closer to his desk.

    ¡± What the fuck do you want Gray?¡±

    ¡± Thest time I checked , we aren¡¯t mates. Becareful of your speech or I won¡¯t mind adding to that bruise on your cheek.¡±

    He huffs in defeat and sits up on his chair.

    ¡± Why the fuck did you tell her we¡¯re rted?¡± I growl.

    ¡± Whoa! Why won¡¯tI ? You¡¯re a lying scum Gray.¡± He spits.

    I angrily grab his hair and m his head on his desk. I let go of his hair and re at his already red face.

    ¡± You won¡¯t tell me how to run my shit. You¡¯re such a fucker Freddie. I want you to stay away from her or get ready to get hurt every minute.¡±

    ¡± Bitch , stop threatening me.¡± That¡¯s it. I grab the cor of his shirt and lift him off his chair.

    ¡± Another word Freddie.¡± I shoot him a death re as he fights off my grasp. I toss him back on his chair and lean on the armrest.

    ¡± I don¡¯t wanna hurt you buddy. No matter what , don¡¯t ever call her. If I get to find out you¡¯re pestering her again , I¡¯ll get Manny to fuck your mom hard and I¡¯ll kill you. You know that. So be a good boy and act like one.¡±

    He res and puffs out air. ¡± What? you wanna say something?¡± I ask him and he stays quiet.

    ¡± Of course you have nothing to say.¡± I stand straight and straighten my jacket.

    ¡± One more thing.¡± I collide my fist against his cheek as his head snap to the side. ¡± Fucker.¡± I scoff and walk out of his office without closing his damn door. I just wanna see Ariel right now.

    I drive to her school and it¡¯s weird it reminds me of college. I was never the type that has good records in school. I even skipped ss always but always ace every exams. I park on the lot and look around the school , not a sign of Ariel.

    I pull my phone out and text her.

    TO ARIEL : Are you done with ss ?

    Thirty minutes after and no reply. Now I¡¯m pissed and I hate it. I see the eyes of student watch my tinted car like they know I¡¯m the one inside. I toss my phone on the dashboard and look around to look for Ariel. Yet she didn¡¯t walk out.

    I sigh and rest my head on the headrest and lean in against the seat. She¡¯s done with ss , she¡¯s only being dramatic and avoiding me because she found out Freddie¡¯s my fucked up half brother. We never interact. I turn to look at the window and there she¡¯s ,ughing to a joke one of her friends must have told her. Alexa , her cousin stride beside her including her two other friends. I step out of the car as most girls dart their head to me. I fuckin hate attention. Ariel and her friends seems to notice the sudden chattering as they turn to look at me. Ariel stopughing at once . Yeah , she¡¯s surprised I paid her a visit at school. She slowly look around and walk to where I¡¯m standing. She¡¯s always so beautiful with every single thing.

    ¡± Gray.¡±

    I hold her waist and pull her to me at once. She didn¡¯t give me a good morning kiss and it hurts. I wrap my arms around her waist and bring my lips down to take hers.

    ¡± Oh my God.¡± I hear her friend gasps . I¡¯m sure others gasp too. I don¡¯t fuckin¡¯ care about them.

    She kisses back in no time and I deepen the kiss. How can she possibly steal my breath away with just one smile.

 Chapter 39

    Oh my God!

    I¡¯m basically flustered right now. Gray just kissed me in front of an entire college poption. I don¡¯t feel good about this and it¡¯s annoying I liked it. I feel special.

    ¡± You¡¯re beautiful and I missed you.¡± He whispers with a cute smile as he brush my hair off my face still holding tight to my waist.

    ¡± Holy fuck¡­¡± I totally forgot the guys were there. I turn around and I¡¯m faced with their unending taunting smirk. Shit , Brandon¡¯s face is almost red.

    ¡± Ariel , will you please introduce us ?¡± Piper widens her eyes at me as she blinks her eyes.

    ¡± Uh , I¡¯m sorry. Gray , this is Piper , Brandon and Alexa my cousin. Guys meet Gray.¡±

    ¡± Everybody knows Gray.¡± They smile and crosses their arms.

    ¡± Hi guys.¡± Gray said to them.

    ¡± I know you¡¯re nning to steal her. But please take good care of her. We¡¯re gonna leave..¡± Alexa grin and grab Brandon¡¯s arm as they blow kisses at me giving me faces which seemly means ¡® we ain¡¯t done with this conversation¡¯. Crazy friends.

    ¡± Wanna ride with me, princess ?¡± Gray asks. Buddy doesn¡¯t care about the looks and eyes on us.

    ¡± Yes..¡± I nervously reply and slide into the passenger seat. Gray shuts the door and turn around to enter the driver¡¯s seat.

    I fasten my seatbelt and watch him ignite the engine as he drives out of school¡¯s lot.

    ¡± Why did you do that ?¡± I ask him after watching him handle the wheel.

    ¡± Do what ?¡± He furrows his brows and smirks. Yeah , he¡¯s pretty cute doing that.

    ¡± Kissed me at school¡¯s lot. Everyone was just staring and I was shy. I didn¡¯t expect that.¡±

    ¡± So you don¡¯t like it ?¡±

    I sigh and turn to look at him. His eyes spark a little as he smiles softly.

    ¡± Gray , I didn¡¯t say that. That was surprisingly good.¡± I blush and bite my bottom lip.

    He chuckles and smirks.¡± I wanted to surprise you. You look fuckin hot just walking out of school. You¡¯re beautiful and I feel guilty for not informing you about Freddie.¡± His jaw clenches as he mentioned Freddie.

    I look at his hands that grip tightly to the wheel and his knuckles are a bit red.

    ¡± Did you punched Freddie ?¡±

    ¡± He¡¯s a stupid fucker , just had to tell him to stay away from you if he wants to live.¡±

    ¡± Thanks. I don¡¯t me him much.¡± I sigh and smile at him. His head snap to my figure as he stares calmly at me.

    ¡± And I need to tell you something.¡± I say at once.

    ¡± What ?¡± He asks , totally baffled as he turns to look at me and slowly look back at the road.

    ¡± I¡¯ve got an internship. At Sterling Corp.¡± I sigh and unfasten my seatbelt.

    ¡± Howe you¡¯re just telling me ?¡±

    ¡± We¡¯re justmunicating since morning , it¡¯s not my fault.¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t want you to work.¡± He says , so adamant.

    ¡± Gray , I need to. I need the money and I wanna be independent.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯ll pay you if that¡¯s what you want.¡± He sighs and brush his palm on his messy hair.

    I get off the passenger seat and climb on hisps. He looks slightly baffled since he didn¡¯t expect me to hop on hisps. He push back his seat and wrap one hand around my waist while the other steers the wheel.

    ¡± You¡¯ve done a lot for me Gray. I¡¯m totally grateful and I really like to work.¡± I utter and caress the back of his hair.

    His eyes move to mine as he stares back at the road.

    ¡± It¡¯s okay. If you like it then I¡¯m fine.¡± He smiles and rub circles on my lower back.

    ¡± I¡¯m hungry.¡± I whisper and proceed to get off hisps.

    He hold my waist still ¡°shit.¡± He cuss and smirks. He halts the car and I didn¡¯t notice we just cross a red light. Great. A cop car pull beside us as I slowly crawl to my seat holding back myugh. I fasten my seatbelt and put on a girly, innocent look. I just hope we don¡¯t get a ticket.

    Gray rolls his eyes and fastens his seatbelt. Who knew he respects thew. He push a button and his side window rolls down.

    ¡± Oh Mr Carter.¡± The cop smiles as he leans both hands on the window sill.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. My girl is sick and I had to rush her to the hospital.¡± Gray sighs and pout dramatically.

    First he just lied that I¡¯m sick and he publicly called me his ¡®girl¡¯. I lean back on the car seat and make a terrible sick face.

    ¡± Sure thing Mr Carter. She¡¯s a fine one.¡± The officer tips his cap and straighten his belt.

    ¡± See ya around Mr Carter.¡± The office says with a genuine small smile. I give him back the smile as the window wind up.

    ¡± That was intense.¡± I breathe out and sigh.

    ¡± Yeah right. Still hungry ?¡± He winks and resume driving.

    ¡± Yeah.¡±

    He parks his car outside a restaurant and I can¡¯t help but remember thest eat out we had. How that Russian man attacked us. I sigh and unfastened my seatbelt.

    ¡± Nothing¡¯s gonna happen.¡± He whispers as he brush off my strands of hair.

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna be here and no one¡¯s gonna hurt you.¡± He kisses my cheek and nuzzles his head against my neck for seconds. He trails the kisses to my lips and give me a quick gentle kiss .

    ¡± You mean a lot to me and I won¡¯t let no one hurt you.¡± He smiles and kiss my forehead as he get out of the car.

    He opens my side door for me and I get out , holding his hand. He shuts the door and lead me Into another but yet fancy restaurant. As usual , eyes dart to us as they continue to admire Gray. Thedies scowl at me while few give me a really reasonable smile. Gray pulls out a seat for me and I sit down.

    ¡± Wee Mr Carter. What should I get you ?¡± A waitress addresses us , eyeing my partner. I roll my eyes and watch how she tries to flirt with Gray.

    I give her my order. Gray didn¡¯t order for anything except a bottle water.

    ¡± So tell me why are you allergic to peanut butter ?¡± He smirks and wink. How did he know that ?

    ¡± How did you know that ?¡±

    He let out a quietugh and smiles. ¡± I¡¯m a genius.¡±

    I giggle.¡± I got admitted once and since then , I got scared to eat it. Do you have any allergies ?¡±

    ¡± You should guess.¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s not fair. I mean I told you why I¡¯m allergic to peanut butter.¡±

    ¡± But you didn¡¯t tell me you were allergic to peanut butter. I worked that out myself.¡± He shrugs and look into my dark brown eyes.

    I sigh and ponder. Yeah I know nothing about him. I¡¯m such an idiot.

    ¡± You¡¯re allergic to peanut butter and one of your favorite color is red. You really don¡¯t have favorite colors but you admire red. You like sandwiches and most times chicken burgers and also one of your favorite food issagna. You like cakes too.¡± He winks at his great performance of telling me my history.

    Now my turn. I know nothing.

    ¡± How did you know all that ?¡±

    ¡± I noticed everything about you each time we go out. Starting from your favorite coca c beverages. You don¡¯t like alcohol because you¡¯re a light weight drinker.¡±

    ¡± Damn. You just got me.¡±I sigh. The waitress returns with our meal and arrange every single food on the table and she leaves.

    I resume eating as Gray watches me. We talk about stuff and I had to ask him about his life. He told me about himself , highschool and also he didn¡¯t have any allergies. He also told me he wanted to study to be a doctor butter changed his mind because he liked business. We drove back to my apartment since it¡¯ste and I have to resume my internship today. I rush into my apartment and Gray follows behind.

    ¡± Is your boss a man ?¡± He asks and lean against the wall as he watches me.

    ¡± He¡¯s a man Gray.¡±

    ¡± Then I¡¯m driving you to work and I¡¯ll stay till you¡¯re settled.¡±

    I groan and turn around to look at him. His hands are stuck in his pockets with his eyes all over my body.

    ¡± You know you don¡¯t have to.¡± I insist and cross my arms.

    ¡± But I want to.¡± He shrugs and furrows his brows. What a man.

    I huff and open my closet to find a dress. I settle for a red long sleeve mid thigh dress with a v-nevk. Probably tomorrow , I¡¯ll shop for more dress shirts and skirts. I sit on the edge of my bed and slip my feet inside my ck stilettos. I get off the bed and stand in front of the mirror to brush my hair.

    ¡± Tinkerbell , it¡¯s not a date.¡± Gray mutters. Seriously what¡¯s wrong with what I¡¯m wearing ? He removes his hands from his pockets to stand behind me.

    ¡± This is too hot. Do you want your boss to look at you ?¡± I roll my eyes and giggle at him through the mirror.

    He takes the hairbrush from my hand and push my hair to the side. His finger slide down from my chest to my cleavages through the V-neck.

    ¡± You know I won¡¯t let you wear this.¡± He kisses my cheek and walk to my closet.

    I groan and turn to look at him. He snakes through my closet and smile triumphantly. He takes out a white dress shirt and and a ck skirt. I didn¡¯t know I have that.

    ¡± You¡¯re wearing this. I don¡¯t want someone else to look at you the way I¡¯m supposed to look at you except you want me to stick my fingers into their eyes.¡± He says and tosses the clothes on my bed. It¡¯s cute to know he¡¯s jealous and sort of overprotective.

    ¡± But no one¡¯s gonna look at me like that.¡± I whine but he¡¯s not listening.

    He hold the hem of my dress and pull it above my head and throw the dress on my bed. He picks up the dress shirt and dress me putting the buttons into ce. He heaves out a deep breath after dressing me up.

    ¡± Better. That¡¯s how you dress , Ariel not super sexy dress that¡¯s meant for only me.¡± I chuckle at him and go back to brushing my hair.

    ¡± I didn¡¯t n to seduce my new boss by the way.¡± I sigh and stare at my reflection. I look better all thanks to Gray.

    ¡± You¡¯re runningte.¡± He whispers behind me and wrap his hands around my torso.

    ¡± I know.¡± I smile at his reflection on the mirror as he trail soft kisses down my neck.

    ¡± I know I¡¯m gonna sound selfish but it¡¯s crazy I want you to skip work today.¡± He says and kiss gently on my earlobe.

    ¡± Gray , not now. I¡¯m runningte. Thank you.¡± I release his arms around me and give him a quick kiss on his cheek. I walk past him to carry my bag but he smack my butt. Yeah , right , so flirty.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    I re at him yfully and pick my bag as we walk out of my room. I locked it and we head to the living room. Leslie and Hazel entered chattering andughing. They halt at once as they see me standing close to Gray. It¡¯s so annoying she finds it hard to believe I¡¯m with Gray Carter. Such an asshole.

    ¡± Wee home Leslie.¡± I tell her and walk past her. They won¡¯t stop stealing nces at Gray who didn¡¯t bother to stare at them.

    I breathe in as we take the elevator down.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay ?¡± He asks once we¡¯re close to his car.

    I smile and nod. I slip inside the passenger seat without letting him open my door. He huffs silently and get in the driver¡¯s seat.

    ¡± Sterling Corp , hmm ? I don¡¯t really like them that much.¡± Gray says driving out of the lot.

    ¡± You don¡¯t like a lot of people, Gray.¡±

    ¡± Not my fault. They don¡¯t really like me too either so what am I supposed to do ? Like them back ? That¡¯s shit.¡±

    I roll my eyes and look out of the window.

    ¡± One more thing , Sterling¡¯s got a son and I heard the dick¡¯s now the new CEO because his father retired. If he tries to hit on you, don¡¯t hold back to tell me. Dude¡¯s a pussy , likes good things.¡±

    I chuckle.¡± You don¡¯t have to be worried. What¡¯s his name ? I¡¯m sure I¡¯m not working under the CEO. Just some random manager.¡± I huff.

    ¡± His name is Theo.¡±

    ¡± Theodore¡­¡± I sigh and turn to look at Gray.

    ¡± I¡¯ll be fine Gray. No one¡¯s gonna hit on me.¡±

    ¡± You don¡¯t have to be sure. You¡¯re fuckin pretty.¡± He says and runs his hand through his hair. It¡¯s so cute to see Gray jealous. He looks like a high school basketball leader. That¡¯s crazy.

    I unfasten my seatbelt and crawl to sit on hisps. He look down at me before diverting his gaze back on the road. He takes a deep breath as I lean my head on his chest trailing my fingers on his chest. His left hand settles on my hips as he takes my lips by surprise. I didn¡¯t notice he has stopped driving. I tug gently on his hair and let his lips survey around mine.

    ¡± Thanks , I¡¯m runningte.¡± I peck his lips and get off hisps.

    ¡± Promise you¡¯re gonna call me once you¡¯re through with work ?¡± I smile and nod.

    ¡± I promise.¡± I carry my bag and get out of the car. I shut the door and turn to look at Gray who¡¯s staring at me with the passenger side window down.

    ¡± You look beautiful. Kneel any jerks balls who try to flirt with you. Or maybe I¡¯ll shoot their brains out.¡± He winks and i chuckle.

    ¡± Sure thing, Jamal.¡± I blow kisses at him and walk into Sterling Corp. There are a lot of workers in and i never expected this. I¡¯m nervous again as I make my way to God knows where.

    I stop by at ady¡¯s desk in front of an office. She has her hair in a finely made bun with no loose strands.

    ¡± Hi.¡±

    She raises her head from herputer and smiles at me through her sses.

    ¡± I think i know you..¡± she muse with a wide grin.

    ¡± Yeah. I¡¯m ¡­¡±

    ¡± Gray Carter¡¯s mystery girl. You¡¯re hot.¡± I never wanted to tell her that. I wanted to say I¡¯m the girl who applied for an internship.

    ¡± Uh..¡±

    ¡± You applied for the internship too. Boss is in his office waiting. You¡¯rete and he¡¯s quite moody today.¡± She sighs.

    ¡± I¡¯m..¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s fine. Take the elevator to the top floor , that¡¯s his office.¡±

    ¡± What¡¯s his name ?¡±

    ¡± Theodore Sterling.¡± She smile and blush a bit. ¡± Chill , sweetheart , he¡¯s not as hot as Gray Carter though. You¡¯ve got a mega piece with you.¡± She¡¯s blushing really hard and maybe I hate it.

    I give her a fake smile and a ¡®thank you¡¯ before going back to the elevator. I press the top floor button and watch as the elevator ascends to the top. It slides open and I get to the top floor. I breathe in and step out. Maybe I should have worked with Gray but I wanted something different. It¡¯s weird to work under someone you¡¯re sleeping with. I knock gently on the door and a voice reply me from inside. I did the sign of the cross and open the door.

    I walk in and shut the door gently. He¡¯s sitting on his swivel chair , back facing me as he look at the busy city through the ss walls.

    ¡± Good afternoon sir.¡± I greet , smoothing my already smooth skirt.

    His swivel chair turns around as I¡¯m face to face with him. His eyebrows shoot up at once and it¡¯s clearly seen he¡¯s checking me out with his cold expression. He didn¡¯t smile or even frown , just his normal cold looks. He¡¯s sort of good looking but not as Gray. His tousled hair matches his face as he eyes my figure taking me in. He wears a white dress shirt which the two up buttons are out.

    ¡± Ariel Peterson.¡± He says calmly. How did he know ?

    ¡± Heard you¡¯re the intern ? Why would you want a job ? It¡¯s clearly known you¡¯re fucking Gray Carter.¡± He smirks. Am i popr already ? My phone pings in my bag and I didn¡¯t bother to check. I¡¯m sure it¡¯s a new message from the guys.

    ¡± You¡¯re pretty and I¡¯m sure Gray would never want you to work.¡± He grins and licks his bottom lip. Okay he¡¯s a perv. Gray told me and maybe I did doubt him a bit.

    ¡± Why are youte , Ariel ?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry sir. I hadte lectures.¡±

    ¡± Hmm. Yeah ?¡± He asks. His eyes move from my lips to my eyes. ¡± Don¡¯t freak out , I would never hit on you considering the fact that you¡¯re Gray¡¯s tiny little property. Wee to Sterling Corp. I¡¯m just messing with you. There¡­¡± He throws a file on the desk and motion me to take it.

    ¡± You¡¯re my new assistant and you¡¯ll upy the front office. Once you arrive at work , your first job is to get me coffee. I don¡¯t like it with a lot of cream and sugar.¡± I nod and pick up the file.

    ¡± That contains about three hundred mails with messages attached to it. That¡¯s your work for today , you¡¯re sending all three hundred mails before your close period.¡± What ? Is he okay ?

    ¡± What ? You got something to say ?¡±

    ¡± Not really.¡± I sigh and sh him a fake smile. Hell , I hate him already.

    He motions for me to leave as I walk out to reside in my supposed desk. I sit down and start work ASAP because I¡¯m supposed to babysit Kennedy today. A lot to do when you have parents who barely cares about anyone except themselves. I shove out my phone to check the message and it¡¯s a message from the guys at our group chat.

    ¡± Holy hell.¡± I mutter and tap on the picture to take a good view of it. It¡¯s a picture of me and Gray kissing in front of school¡¯s parking lot. Of course this future journalists thought it¡¯s a nice thing to take a picture of us kissing. I scroll down the messages from my three crazy friends.

    Alexa: fuck girl , you¡¯re now miss popr..

    PIPER : Hell yeah. And I wish he had a fuckin twin brother..

    Brandon : or maybe a clone , I don¡¯t mind. Where the fuck is Damon ?

    I groan and drop my phone aside as I continue with my work. It¡¯s almost four as i round up my work for the day. I drop the file back at Theo¡¯s but he wanted me to get him coffee before I leave. I return with his coffee and hurry out of his office. I called Gray and his number go straight to voicemail. I hail a cab and get in. I need to drop by at the apartment to get off this work clothes. I¡¯m draining. I sigh totally tired of work as I insert my key in our apartment. I shut the door and look around the empty apartment. Where the hell is Leslie !

    ¡± Reid , you don¡¯t get it do you ?¡± I heard Leslie¡¯s voice from her room. Reid ? What¡¯s he doing here ?

    I quietly take off my shoes not to cause issues and tip toe to Leslie¡¯s door. The sake of eavesdropping.

    ¡± Girl, we just fucked.

    ¡± And you weren¡¯t supposed to wear a fuckin condom ? You wanted bare and you got me pregnant.¡± Leslie yell.

    I gasp and ce my hand on my chest. Leslie¡¯s pregnant for Reid ? That creepy freaky best friend of Gray.

    ¡± You know I want nothing to do with that thing ? Why don¡¯t you save yourself the mess and get rid of it. Don¡¯t try to stalk me because of some bullshit baby¡­¡±

    Oh my God !

    ¡± You¡¯re advising me to get rid of it ? An abortion ?¡±

    ¡± If you love your life , you¡¯ll get rid of that thing you¡¯re carrying. Dumbass bitch.¡±

 Chapter 40

    ~ARIEL~

    I shake my head at this heavy news that I just heard. Leslie¡¯s pregnant. Not just pregnant but Reid¡¯s the father. I breathe out and silently walk to the kitchen. I heard their distant chattering and to what I heard , they are throwing abuses at each other. How can she be this dumb ? Slept with Reid without protection. I lift the ss to my lips and gulp down the cold water. I need it or I might just faint at the sudden confession.

    Reid stomp out of Leslie¡¯s room in obvious anger. His eyesnd on me as he walks out of our apartment. Leslie¡¯s face looked pale as she stuff her hands into the back pocket of the shorts she¡¯s wearing.

    ¡± Damn¡­¡± I murmur.

    ¡± What ?¡±

    I chuckle and drop the ss of water on the counter.

    ¡± So you¡¯re pregnant ?¡± I raise my brows and lean my hand on the counter.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡± She scoffs and res at me.

    ¡± You¡¯re so dumb.¡± I slide my hand down my face and chuckle again. ¡± How can you get involved with Reid ? And now you¡¯re pregnant without a father ?¡±

    ¡± Ariel, shut up.¡±

    ¡± Yeah , I¡¯m gonna shut up. Watch till I call mom and dad and inform them that their precious little angel is pregnant for a thug who happens to be best friends with Mia Carter¡¯s druggie son. Damn , that¡¯s gon¡¯ hit.¡±

    ¡± You won¡¯t say shit. Why don¡¯t you shut your cum mouth and mind your business. You act like you¡¯re any better.¡±

    ¡± If you want me to remind you that I¡¯m not the one pregnant with a bastard child then trust me I¡¯ll remind you. Bitch you have a baby and no father. What¡¯s wrong with your dumb ass ? So what you gonna do ? Drop out of college now ? Or probably abort it like you usually abort anything that grows in your stomach. Whore.¡±

    ¡± Fuck you. Mind your business and stay out of my shit. I¡¯m the one with the baby and not you. Get that and fuck you.¡± She hisses and walk out clearly embarrassed.

    I sigh and shake my head sideways. I pity her. It hurts to get a baby for someone who told you they want nothing to do with it. That shit hurts more than anything. I stride to my room and slump on my bed. I miss my room so much. I sigh and look down at my ringing phone. I press the answer icon and press the phone against my ear.

    ¡± Gray.¡±

    ¡± Where are you ?¡±

    ¡± You worry too much about me.¡±

    ¡± I guess it¡¯s my responsibility to worry. Are you done with work ?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. I¡¯m at home just lying down. Missed me already ?¡±

    Silence.

    I imagine him smirking right now with his bottom lip in between his teeth.

    ¡± You know I always miss you. I¡¯m still at work and I¡¯m gonna drop by to pick you up.¡±

    ¡± Don¡¯t bother. I¡¯m already on my way to your house. Maybe by tomorrow, I will be looking forward toing back to my apartment. I don¡¯t wanna get used to your house.¡±

    ¡± Start getting used to it. ¡±

    I chuckle and huff.

    ¡± Talkter ?¡±

    ¡± Sure.¡± I smile and nod like he could see me.

    He hangs up and I toss the phone next to me on my bed. I take a look at my room and I missed being here. I don¡¯t really know when I¡¯m gonna have peace without getting threatened by some Gray¡¯s enemies. I get up and pick my bag as I walk out of my room. I locked it and walk to the living room only to find Hazel and Leslie talking to each other. I ignore them and walk out of the living room to take the elevator.

    .

    ~ LESLIE~

    .

    How did I end up in such a messed up situation ?

    Pregnant for a stupid asshole.

    I¡¯ve always hated my life. Ariel was always better. Pretty and all that ugly bullshit. She always get everything she wanted. Attraction , lucks and now Gray Carter. Always so fuckin lucky. Because of jealousy sometimes , I had to despise her. Seeing her cry and grieve turn to music to my ears. And now this. Karma is such a bitch , getting back at me for the little things I did.

    My parents are sometimes annoying. Always trying to mold you into something perfect to cover up their not so perfect lives. They knew I have a boyfriend but hate to admit it because I knew they both cheated on each other. Dad with Gray¡¯s mother Mia Carter and mom with her boss. So much for a perfect family.

    ¡± So what are you gonna do about this ?¡± Hazel asks bringing her hand down my stomach.

    ¡± The baby ?¡±

    She widens her eyes and hum.¡± Ummm.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m getting rid of it. I have a future and also I have a life to live. I¡¯ve not even dated the boys I¡¯ve always liked.¡±

    ¡± Leslie. This isn¡¯t time for that. You¡¯ve got a baby for Reid, Leslie.¡±

    ¡± And I fuckin hate him. He made me a mess and manipte me to have sex with him without protection. I¡¯m screwed. If Ariel tells my parents , I¡¯m gonna kill her myself.¡±

    ¡± Look , I know you hate Ariel and all that and she doesn¡¯t really hate you that much. I¡¯m not sure she¡¯s gonna tell your ma she¡¯s pregnant.¡±

    ¡± And what if she does ?¡± I ask and breathe out frustrated.

    ¡± That¡¯s gonna be fucked up. But it¡¯s not your fault. I mean you hooked up with him like every normal girl and you liked him¡­¡±

    ¡± He doesn¡¯t like me either. That fuck head manipted me to sleep with him without protection and now I¡¯m fuckin pregnant. It¡¯s not like I want a baby. I so much envy Ariel.¡±

    ¡± Bitch , suck it up. You¡¯re not supposed to be envious of Ariel. I mean , I know she¡¯s got a really hot Gray wrapped around her fingers doesn¡¯t mean she¡¯s better than you. She¡¯s still a bitch and you¡¯re better than her.¡±

    ¡± How did she get him to look at her ? I mean , she¡¯s not hot and all ssy. She¡¯s still a typical ugly nerd who gets every good thing to look at her. How can she always be so lucky.¡± I whine and groan.

    ¡± That¡¯s a story for another day.¡±

    ¡± Yeah ? You saw the Ferrari she drove to school the other day ? A fuckin brand new Ferrari. Every punk at school won¡¯t stop talking about her and how she got Gray. Fuckin hell.¡±

    ¡± Shit , Ferrari got everyone talking for real. Don¡¯t forget the fact she brought a cab to school¡­¡± Hazel trails off.

    ¡± And got a romantic kiss from Gray in front of everyone who cares to watch . It¡¯s fuckin annoying. How did she always get so lucky. That shit annoys me to the core.¡± I huff and pull my knees to my chest.

    ¡± Don¡¯t get worked up. Chill , you¡¯re still one of the prettiest girls I¡¯ve ever seen. Ariel¡¯s not your match. She¡¯s this tiny little mommy¡¯s girl that you can easily break. Right now , we should talk about this thing Reid deposited in you. You and I know it¡¯s a bad seed and can never be good. Some worse version of Reid.¡± Hazel says. Yeah she¡¯s right. Reid isn¡¯t someone you wanna get pregnant for ?

    The funniest part is that i was on birth control when we had sex. How can it fail me when Reid decides to hit it bare ? I¡¯m out of lucks seriously. Maybe I need to visit the church for refill. I so fuckin need it.

    .

    ~ARIEL~

    .

    I walk past Carl at the front door and his usual frowning face. He¡¯s a weirdo and always too focused. Gray¡¯s house as usual is empty. I walk past the kitchen but stop in my track when I saw Nick trying to make cereal for Kennedy. He groans and pour milk into her bowl of cereal.

    ¡± You¡¯re such a bad babysitter.¡± She scoffs and flick his nose.

    ¡± Seriously. I¡¯m not your babysitter. You¡¯re so annoying sometimes.¡± He sighs and stir the bowl of cereal and slide it over to Kennedy.

    ¡± Busy ?¡± I furrow my brows and stand beside the kitchen door.

    ¡± Thank God you¡¯re here. Take over. Kid wants me to do her math homework and it¡¯s bullshit.¡±

    ¡± Stop swearing in front of her.¡± I mouthed and drop my bag on the counter.

    ¡± Lucifer , my Penny or I¡¯m gonna tell Gray you cursed in front of me.¡± She cocks her brows with a devilish grin and open her palms out for Nick.

    Nick rolls his eyes and shove out a dor bill as he give it to Kennedy.

    ¡± Witch..¡± he mutters and walk out of the kitchen.

    ¡± How are you buddy ?¡± I ask her and ruffle her hair.

    ¡± I¡¯m good. How¡¯s college ? Gray said you¡¯ve got an internship. How¡¯s it ? Do you have a hot boss ?¡± She winks as i watch her stuff cereal into her mouth.

    ¡± What do you mean by hot ?¡± I smirk and wiggle my brows.

    ¡± Ariel I¡¯m not a bad kid , stop misinterpreting my speech. I mean if he¡¯s actually hot or cold ? Like does he have an attitude ?¡± She grins and chuckles.

    ¡± He¡¯s he cold. Annoying sometimes and bossy.¡±

    ¡± You should tell Gray if he say shit to you. He¡¯s gonna shoot his ass.¡±

    Woah. Jhene did a good job bringing up Kennedy. How did she know Gray shoots a gun.

    ¡± How did you know Gray shoots a gun ? What makes you think that ?¡±

    She chuckles.¡± I might be a kid doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m not smart. I¡¯ve seen him pull a trigger before.¡±

    Holy hell.

    I clear my throat and blink my eyes. How could she talk about guns and she¡¯s not even bothered about it. I might be older but the sight of a gun still freaks me out. I can¡¯t even hold it and I don¡¯t wanna hold it.

    ¡± Alrighty. I¡¯ll go change and prepare food.¡±

    ¡± Pasta huh ? Please and make it a little spicy.¡± She pouts and give me her puppy eyes.

    I nod and give her a thumbs up. She squeal and I hurry upstairs. I don¡¯t even have something to wear. I drop my bag on the couch and put on Gray¡¯s ck T-shirt and sweatpants. It¡¯s a bit oversized but it¡¯sfortable at least. I hurry downstairs and prepared pasta while Kennedy and I also work on her math homework. My phone buzzes and it¡¯s a message from Gray.

    FROM GRAY: Tinkerbell, are you in my house ?

    I huff and pick it up to reply.

    To GRAY: Yes. When are youing home ?

    FROM GRAY: Missed me already ?

    TO GRAY: Whatever. I¡¯m just asking though. Maybe I sort of missed you but don¡¯t take it to heart , jerk.

    FROM GRAY: That¡¯s sort of funny. I will be homete. Stay awake for me , will you ?

    TO GRAY: Stayte ? Gray normalpanies closes at 5:pm or probably six. You¡¯ve got a new girlfriend ?

    FROM GRAY: You know I can¡¯t. I want only you and you know it. Stay awake for me. I wanna eat you up today.

    Flirty much really ? It¡¯s weird that turns me on. I look up at Kennedy who¡¯s been watching me closely. She¡¯s too smart for her age.

    ¡± I know you¡¯re texting Gray. It¡¯s so obvious on your face.¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t blush and I¡¯m sure my cheek aren¡¯t red either.¡±

    ¡± The fact you¡¯re olive doesn¡¯t mean you don¡¯t blush. You like him a lot and i bet he likes you more. You should see the way he looks at you.¡±

    I bite my tongue to hold myughter but it didn¡¯t help. I chuckle and drop a message for Gray.

    TO GRAY: I¡¯ll try. Stay safe.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    I drop my phone on the counter and stir the pot of pasta.

    ¡± Are you on any social media ounts ?¡±

    ¡± Hell no Kennedy. I don¡¯t like the media.¡± I roll my eyes and drop the spat.

    ¡± Why ? Instagram , Snapchat or maybe Twitter ? You¡¯re officially Gray Carter¡¯s girlfriend. You need one.¡±

    ¡± You know I don¡¯t Kenny. The media is filled with fake assholes who would be watching over your life to make a living. Including jobless journalists and bloggers.¡±

    ¡± True though. But most times it¡¯s fun.¡± She slurp noisely on the milkshake i prepared for her.

    I switch off the stove and dish out food for both of us. After dinner , I take Kennedy to her room and as usual I read her her Disney story book and she made me sing a song for her. Thank God blonde haired Sarai isn¡¯t here. She¡¯s such a stalker. I shut Gray¡¯s room door and wrap my hair up to take a shower. I undress myself and stare at my reflection before stepping under the shower. The warm water tease my skin as I scrub my skin harder than usual. Leslie¡¯s pregnant mistake not leaving my mind. My parents are definitely gonna freak out if they ever finds out. Truth is , I¡¯m not nning to call my parents just to gossip about Leslie being pregnant for Reid. I¡¯m not dumb , Leslie would definitely get rid of it. I mean who won¡¯t get rid of it ? He¡¯s the worst baby daddy in history right now.

    Funny part is , he doesn¡¯t care. How can Leslie be so vulnerable and decided to mess with Reid. Reid. He might be cute and rich but i think he doesn¡¯t even have a heart. There¡¯s just a huge ck hole in the middle of his chest. He¡¯s too evil and I think he got her pregnant just to make Leslie weak. I don¡¯t even care.

    I clean myself and put on Gray¡¯s t-shirt and his ck Calvin Klein. I switch on the TV to watch a movie and all I could think of is Gray. I shut my eyes to sleep but actually wake up after many attempts. I missed him and i missed him touching me. It¡¯s passed ten and he¡¯s not yet back. I switch off the bedsidemp and close my eyes to sleep.

    ¡± Tinkerbell..¡± I heard that voice I¡¯ve been longing for.

    Izily open my eyes and he¡¯s lying next to me , eyes locked with mine.

    ¡± You¡¯re so annoying..¡± I whine and shift closer to him so his arms is wrapped around my waist.

    ¡± How much did you miss me ?¡± He smirks and rub circles on my back.

    My leg slide under his legs as he trails his fingers on my back.

    ¡± A lot.¡± I brush his hair off his face and his hair is a bit damp from a shower. I trail my fingers on his cheek and rub my thumb on his bottom lip. It¡¯s so soft.

    ¡± Did you take a shower ?¡± I whisper still touching his lips.

    ¡± Yeah. Came in few minutes ago and you were sleeping. Decide to take a quick shower.¡± He says and kiss my forehead.

    ¡± What took you so long ? You got me worried ?¡± I look down at his lips and smile. I lift my hand and ce it on his cheek.

    ¡± Work.¡± He sighs and trail his fingers on my thighs to my butt cheek that¡¯s on disy on his Calvin Klein that I¡¯m wearing.

    ¡± This looks good on you.¡± He whispers leaning closer to me as he slowly caress my butt.

    I chuckle and lean in more closer as our lips brush slightly.

    ¡± Wanna skip school tomorrow ?¡± He asks , his gaze shifting from my eyes to my lips.

    ¡± You know I won¡¯t. I don¡¯t wanna fail.¡± I cup his cheek and kissed him. He kisses back and made me rx on the bed so he¡¯s on top of me.

    He taste so good as always. He nip perfectly on my bottom lip and I¡¯m wanting him more than ever.

    ¡± I bought you something.¡± He said after we break from the kiss. He stretch his hand and bring out a little ck box from the headboard. Hey next to me on his side and I had to do the same.

    ¡± Here.¡± He hands me the box and I nce at the box.

    I open it and it¡¯s a ring. Wait what ?

    ¡± Breathe , I¡¯m not asking you to marry me yet¡­¡± He grins and take the box off my hand.

    ¡± It¡¯s a promise ring. I want you to have it. Each time I¡¯m away , I want you to always look at it and bear in mind that no matter what I¡¯ll be always be back.¡± He takes out the ring and drop the box back.

    He slides the ring in my middle finger and kiss my lips. I¡¯m too shocked to kiss back but I did. We pull apart as I look at the ring careful. Tinkerbell , is spelt on it and this is pure diamond.

    ¡± Wow. Thank you.¡± I turn to look at him and smile. Now I feelme. What am I supposed to get him ? He has everything. Money , cars and every good thing you can think of.

    What should I get him ?

    ¡± You¡¯re the best thing that has ever happened to me. You might wake up one morning and I might be gone and all that , just remember I¡¯ll always be back for you.¡±

    ¡± Are you nning to run away ?¡± I ask. His eyes look into my soul and I¡¯m scared or maybe nervous.

    ¡± I will never run away. I don¡¯t want you to think about walking out of my life cause I won¡¯t let you. I can¡¯t stand to loose you for anything at all.¡± He says and kisses my forehead. He kiss down to my nose and sp his lips against mine.

    ¡± You are my light Ariel , always know that. Shit¡¯s gonna happen and you might not see me for a while but trust me , I¡¯ll alwayse back for you. No matter what.¡±

 Chapter 41

    I cuddle tight to Gray as he caresses my back.

    ¡± How¡¯s your internship ? You like it ?¡±

    ¡± Theo¡¯s my boss. Such an asshole but he¡¯s manageable , just annoying.¡± I reply.

    ¡± You wanna quit ? I can get you somewhere better.¡±

    ¡± Sterling Corp is cool. I like my job. He didn¡¯t really make nastyments though. It¡¯s weird he knew we¡¯re together.¡±

    ¡± How did he know ?¡±

    ¡± Weird right ? Remember you kissed me in front an entire college poption yesterday.¡± I smirk and thread my fingers through his hair.

    ¡± He wasn¡¯t hard on you right ?¡±? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    ¡± He won¡¯t even dare.¡± I mutter.

    ¡± If he dares try to flirt with you , tell me. He¡¯s such a dick sometimes.¡± He says and smack my butt.

    ¡± Yes boss.¡± I giggle and wrap my arms around his torso.

    ¡± So where do you like to go ?¡±

    ¡± What ?¡±

    He smirks and hover on top of me with me under his hold. His left hand stay on my lower back while the other run through my hair.

    ¡± Take a vacation with me ? We would go wherever you like. Hawaii , Mexico , Germany anywhere you want.¡± He kisses my lips without letting me reply him.

    He stop kissing and trail kisses on my neck to my corbone.

    ¡± Gray¡­¡±

    ¡± Hmm. I can¡¯t wait to travel with you. We¡¯re gonna be alone , just you and me.¡± He whispers and kiss my stomach with my shirt upwards a bit.

    ¡± I can¡¯t wait to fuck you in the kitchen¡­¡± He kisses my stomach , pushing my shirt up further.

    ¡± We gonna have sex in the bathroom , couch¡­¡± He trails and push my shirt so that my breasts in disy.

    ¡± In my car , the fuckin bathtub¡­¡± He whispers and nibble on my skin. I squirm on his hold and moan.

    His tongue tease every of my skin as my shirt is being dispose off my body.

    ¡± You drive me crazy Ariel. I don¡¯t even know what these feelings are..¡± He whispers and take in my nipple into his mouth.

    His tongue flick around it as my core clenches to his teasing. I struggle with his Calvin Klein that I¡¯m wearing because I wanna take it off.

    He smirks around my nipple as he he continues to nip on it. He hold the waistline of the boxer I¡¯m wearing and take it off. Now I¡¯m und beneath him. I¡¯ve been longing to have him after that crazy flirty text. He swap to my other nipple and suck perfectly on it. His right hand move up and down to my curves as he part my legs.

    ¡± Gray¡­¡± I moan silently. His finger slide up my wet core.

    He stop teasing my nipples and go back to kissing me. He kisses my neck with his finger slowly thrusting in and out of me. My entire body heat up and all I want that minute is him inside me. I touch his chest down to the waistline of his sweatpants. He smirks and shake his head.

    ¡± I¡¯m all yours princess.¡±

    He takes one pillow and position it under my lower back. He lean back to me and kiss my stomach down to my core. His shoulders press gently against my thighs to keep my legs apart as he slide his fingers down my wet entrance. He raise his head to look at me as he prates his finger inside my entrance. He rub small circles on my nerves and continue thrusting his fingers in and out of me.

    ¡± Oh my God¡­¡± I moan out as my legs try to close on their own.

    He thrust out his hand and rece it with his warm lips. I bite my bottom lip and curse out. The pulsing shock travel through my body and settle back in my sensitive part. I moan out his name as he eat me out. My stomach tightens and I¡¯m almost close. I squirm endlessly but Grayy me back on the pillow. I lean on my elbows and watch this man do wonders with his mouth.

    I hold back the urge to grind his mouth but that isn¡¯t helping. I tug gently on his hair and moan endlessly. My stomach tightens and my walls broke. I crash back on the bed and breathe in.

    ¡± Like that ?¡± He taunts me as he take out the pillow.

    ¡± Come here.¡± I pull him to myself and kiss him. He settles in between my legs and take charge of my lips. My hand trail on his perfection and move down to his region. He¡¯s hard as hell.

    ¡± What do you want Ariel ?¡± He asks breaking from our make out.

    ¡± I want you.¡±

    He teases my bottom lip and bite it.

    ¡± What do you want me to do you ?¡± He whispers against my lips and lean closer to me so I could feel his erection.

    I gasp and smile.¡± I want you to fuck me.¡±

    His eyes move to mine as he watch my soul. Probably he¡¯s surprised I would never say that.

    ¡± Fuck me, Gray.¡± I repeat.

    He smirks and sp his lips on mine. He grab my waist and flip us so he¡¯s lying on his back.

    ¡± You¡¯re gonna ride.¡± He says and kiss me again. I take off his sweatpants and check the nightstand for a foil paper. I clothe him with the content and lean on him to kiss his lips.

    ¡± Go slow at first.¡± He tells me.

    I nod and squat with both my legs on his side. I might be inexperienced but I¡¯m definitely gonna do this perfectly. I sink down on his length and close my eyes. Slowly and gently I move down and let him bury himself dip inside me. I feel full as I take in deep breaths.

    ¡± Ride me , Ariel.¡± I open my eyes. Gray¡¯s grey colored orbs glue to mine as he smirks.

    ¡± Oh God..¡± I breathe out.

    My knees lean on the sheet of his bed as I rise up a bit and sink down. A deep grunt escape his mouth as I slowly ride on him. I go back up slowly and move down. Gray watch me slowly , groaning and moaning. I increase the pace and moan out profanities. My wet walls tightened around his length as I grind back and forth , up and down.

    He throws his head back on the pillow and let out silent grunts and countless ¡®fuck¡¯s¡¯.

    Each bounce on his length sent shocks up to my belly as I open my eyes. They are locked with Gray¡¯s that¡¯s filled with emotions and lust. How is he making me feel a lot of emotions ? When am I supposed to tell him that I¡¯m falling In love with him ?

    ¡­.

    I wander around the kitchen still with Gray¡¯s t-shirt and sweatpants. I don¡¯t want his guards or whatever staring at my legs when they are supposed to be guarding the house. Possibly , I¡¯ll be going over to my apartment today. I¡¯m really tired of hiding because of a Russian thug who choose to destroy me happiness because of the feud he has with Gray. Last night barely left my mind. He has basically taken over my head and body. What if we don¡¯t work out , I¡¯m never wanting anyone ever.

    I quickly make breakfast since it¡¯s Friday morning. I¡¯ve got ss in less than two hours and also I need to be at work really early today.

    ¡± Miss Carter huh ?¡± I look up at my new visitor. Reid stand at the other side of the counter as he bite into the fresh apple he took from the table.

    ¡± What do you want, Reid ?¡±

    He chuckles.¡± What makes you think i always want something from you ?¡±

    I bite my tongue and look at his features. Why are bad people always good looking ? Is it some sorta curse. Reid¡¯s got a jet ck hair that¡¯s slightly tousled. His face is also well built with a slight scar above his left eyebrows. Both his arms are tatted. He¡¯s cute and all that but his soul is too dark.

    ¡± Why can¡¯t you man up and take responsibility of the seed you shoot into Leslie ?¡±

    ¡± What would I wanna do with your whore sister ? You know she¡¯s like you , always after loaded guys.¡±

    I chuckle and suck my bottom lip before releasing it.

    ¡± So that¡¯s the reason you chose you to use her.¡±

    ¡± Don¡¯t act like you fuckin care about your sister. And about Leslie , that¡¯s supposed to be my headache not yours.¡±

    ¡± Then why did you choose to make my rtionship with Gray your headache. You act like a fucked up teenage who¡¯s jealous because her secret crush is hitting someone else. Why don¡¯t you just give me ten feet , Reid. And stop pretending like you care about Gray when you know don¡¯t a flying fuck about Gray.¡±

    Heughs and dispose the apple. He round the counter and stand next to me , eyes all over my face.

    ¡± Gray¡¯s such a bad Influence. How could he teach you how to swear ? Or maybe he fucked you real goodst night. I don¡¯t like your nerves bitch , why don¡¯t you just fuck off and get away from whatever thing you¡¯re getting involved with. You¡¯re just gonna get hurt and get your family killed , Tinkerbell.¡±

    I smirk and take a step forward.¡± Why don¡¯t you take your dick and fuck yourself looser. You¡¯ve got a baby now , focus more on being daddy, asshole.¡± I scoff and go back to cooking.

    Heughs and bites his lip before walking out of the kitchen. I breathe out and drum my fingers on the counter. Maybe it¡¯s high time , i tell Gray about his so called best friend.

    ¡± Hey babe..¡± I smile at my newpanion behind me.

    His strong arms wrapped around my waist as I lean into his hold. He kiss my temple and nuzzles my neck.

    ¡± Good morning.¡± I tell him.

    ¡± Good morning. What you cooking ?¡±

    ¡± Breakfast. I thought you might need something before leaving for work.¡±

    ¡± Yeah ?¡± He gently bites my neck and turn me around to look at him.

    He sits me on the counter and stand in between my legs , arms still wrapped possessively around my waist.

    ¡± Wanna skip ss today ?¡± He whispers. His lips tease my neck as he kiss slowly down my neck.

    ¡± We¡¯re gonna do whatever thing you like ?¡± He¡¯s really manipting me again. Iugh and push him backwards a little to look at his eyes.

    ¡± You know I won¡¯t.¡± I say calmly. I run my fingers through his soft hair and it feels so soft under my touch. He lean into my touch and rest his head against my chest with his arms around my waist.

    ¡± I¡¯m missing you already.¡± He says. He caress my hips and grab my butt.

    ¡± Gray.¡±

    He giggles and pull back a little to take my lips in his. He taste so good as usual. He taste like mint toothpaste. I wrap my arms around around his neck and kiss him back gently.

    ¡± Good Lord.¡± We pull apart and nce at the kitchen doorway. Kennedy stand beside it with her arms crossed. She¡¯s dressed in her uniform as she grins. She push herself from the door and roll her eyes.

    ¡± Adults.¡± She mutters under her breath as she open the fridge to collect her morning orange juice.

    Gray rolls his eyes and shoot himself dramatically.

    ¡± Such a sneak.¡± He mouthed and wink at me.

    ¡± Hi Kennedy.¡±

    ¡± Hi Gray.¡± She reply with so much humor.

    I chuckle and hop out of the counter. Gray gives me a quick kiss on my cheek and rush out of the kitchen.

    ¡± So what was that ? ¡®Adults¡¯.¡± I ask Kennedy.

    She rolls her eyes and sit on the counter stool.¡± You guys were clearly making out in the kitchen.¡± She grimace.

    I blush and ce two pieces of bread inside the toaster. How could she say that ? She¡¯s supposed to be seventeen not seven.

    ¡± So you¡¯ll be gone by Sunday huh ?¡± I ask her and caress her pigtails.

    ¡± Yeah. I really don¡¯t feel like either. I¡¯m gonna miss you but I¡¯ll be sure toe back earlier.¡±

    Iugh and nod. The toaster pop up the toast and I ce them on a te. I serve her the eggs and eat too. We eat up and I quickly clean the counter to take my bath. Manny drove Kennedy to school while Nick choose to drive me base on Gray¡¯s orders. I tipped him and hurriedly drive myself to school. I park my car at school¡¯s lot. As usual, eyes won¡¯t stop checking me out.

    Seriously , I¡¯m not the first person to drive an expensive car. Alexa has about two Lexus one with a wing door. Most times i envy that car. I text the guys that I¡¯ve arrived school as they pop in countless Emojis. Weirdos. I walk through school hall and most students begin chattering stealing nces at me.

    ¡± Ariel huh ?¡± I turn to my side and it¡¯s Madison.

    ¡± Yeah , what ?¡±

    She smile awkwardly and eye my outfit. Yeah I just visited puma.

    ¡± You¡¯re not pretty bad yourself to get Gray to look at you.¡±

    I huff and walk ahead of her. I step inside my first ss and take a seat close to an empty seat. Ryan shows up from beside me as he takes the next seat.

    ¡± You¡¯re going trending.¡± He smiles and wink.¡± Good morning , Gee.¡±

    ¡± Hi Ryan. I¡¯m not going trending seriously.¡±

    ¡± Yeah. Mrs Carter.¡± He whispers and nudge me. ¡± I bet he¡¯s lucky. You¡¯re pretty and the most perfect thing to happen anyone.¡±

    I sigh and smile slightly not knowing what to tell him. I¡¯m out of speech right now. A good speech actually.

    ¡± Thanks , Ryan. I didn¡¯t expect that.¡±

    ¡± Maybe true. Nobody expected you to be Gray Carter¡¯s queen. Trust me Gee , it¡¯s fine.¡± I giggle and open my bag to bring out a notepad to write.

    ¡± What would Gray want from her ?¡± I heard whispers from behind me.

    ¡± I bet she paid Gray to look at her. Bitch¡¯s fuckin lucky.¡±

    I bite the inside of my cheek and turn around. Madison and her goth friend. Assholes. The professor walks in as everyone keeps quiet. After ss , Ryan walk me out of ss and we talked about different stuff. He invited me to his frat party and I told him i would show up if the guys have nothing to do.

    I meet up with the guys at Sands winches as we settle on our usual booth. I moan at my cake and fan myself.

    ¡± What¡¯s up with you internship ?¡± They ask.

    Alexa¡¯s perfect eyebrows shoot up as she smiles at me above her drink.

    ¡± Good. Theodore Sterling is my boss. Sort of Gray¡¯s rival.¡±

    ¡± Theo ?¡± Brandon gasp.

    ¡± Howe you guys know everyone ?¡± I ask as they chuckle.

    ¡± Chill , boo. He¡¯s hot and sometimes cold.¡± Piper says.

    ¡± How did you know ?¡±

    ¡± Maybe because Theo¡¯s ex girlfriend dumped him to date Gray. Gray used her ugly ass and toss her in a trashcan.¡± Alexa speak up and finally sit down her drink .

    ¡± That¡¯s terrible. He was a bit hard on me and he¡¯s kinda annoying.¡±

    ¡± Can you cope with him ? I mean , you¡¯re Gray¡¯s girlfriend and you¡¯re working with your man¡¯s rival.¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t care.¡± I roll my eyes and eat up my munches. I wanted to talk about Leslie¡¯s pregnancy but that¡¯s gonna be absurd.

    ¡± Heard from your parents ?¡± She asks. I shake my head sideways. Truly I appreciated the little privacy they gave me after Leslie¡¯s incident.

    ¡± What¡¯s that on your finger ? Is that an engagement ring ?¡± Alexa asks as they take my left hand.

    Howe she always notice every slight thing I have.

    ¡± Woah. Tinkerbell. Is this a diamond ring ? Are you guys nning your wedding and you didn¡¯t tell us ?¡± Brandon gibbers.

    I roll my eyes and chuckle.

    ¡± We¡¯re not getting married. It¡¯s just a ring. Besides , I¡¯m too young to get married. I¡¯m not yet ready.¡±

    ¡± Fuck girl¡­¡± Piper coo¡¯s and prop her elbows on the table to cup her cheeks.

    ¡± You¡¯re like Kendall Jenner right now. You should get your cosmetic line already. Look at you.¡± Alexa says. Cosmetic line , that¡¯s a hit. I should think about it.

    ¡± Why doesn¡¯t he have a twin ?¡± Brandon mutters.

    Weugh and I almost choke on my cake.

    ¡± What¡¯s up with Ace ?¡± I ask Alexa and cock my brows. Ace is her twin brother who traveled out of the country and chose not to contact his family. What a boy.

    ¡± Ace is cool. You know Ace , he hasn¡¯t contact me or even my parents. Dad¡¯s still angry at him.¡± Alexa huffs.

    ¡± Who¡¯s Ace ? His he cute ?¡± Piper asks and bites her bottom lip as she smirks. She likes hot boys and I bet if she sees Ace she¡¯s definitely gonna ogle over him. He¡¯s cute , I mean he is hot and obviously a mini crackhead. He¡¯s a jerk too and always bully people in highschool.

    ¡± Ace is my hot twin brother. He fights with Ariel every single time.¡± Alexa chuckles.

    ¡± You have a twin ?¡± Brandon muses.

    ¡± A really cute crackhead.¡± I reply and giggle.

    ¡± Fuck girl , when are we supposed to see him ?¡±

    ¡± He doesn¡¯t like school and he¡¯s sort of a rebel to my parents. Dude traveled out of the country and decides it¡¯s nice and wise to never contact us. I¡¯m so fuckin angry at him.¡± She scoffs and I feel her pain.

    I mean, Ace is an asshole and I bet he¡¯s definitely gonnae back but people like me won¡¯t forgive him easily. He might be a punk but he was one of my favorites. He would say to me sometimes that if we weren¡¯t cousins he would have asked me to marry him and he would still bully me at school. So annoying.

    ¡± That shit hurts so much. Twin connections and all that stuff. He should have given you a call at least because you guys are twinny.¡±

    Alexa rolls her eyes and stuff her tacos into her mouth. She¡¯s angry that she missed her brother. I divert the topic to something else as we finished our meal. We go back to ss to attend ourst sses. Alexa left rather too early and I had to follow Brandon and Piper home. We y Xbox and I¡¯m always loosing. It¡¯s annoying I suck at video games and I liked it. I look at my time in my phone and I quickly bid the guys good bye before since I need to go to work.

    I stop by to get gas since I¡¯ve run out of gas in my car. I gulp the bottle water I¡¯m holding and look around. A sight made me halt as I put down my bottle water. Alexa!

    She steps out of a ck sports car and she removes her sunsses. A man gets out of the car as he arranges his ck suit jacket and arrange his perfectly gelled hair.

    dimir!

 Chapter 42

    ~ARIEL~

    I watch them walk into Sin¡¯s kitchen and it¡¯s annoying I wanted to follow them inside but that might he risky. She wouldn¡¯t sell me out right ? Alexa can¡¯t be working for dimir , right ?

    I slide into my car and drive to work. As usual , I¡¯mte. I park in the lot and I get out. People who choose to look at me looked as I rush in. Hell , I remembered Theo¡¯s morning routine. Coffee with less sugar and cream. I groan and rush out of thepany and race down the sidewalk to get coffee in the nearby Cafe. After buying the coffee , I decide to buy doughnuts from a doughnut truck outside Sterling Corp. I¡¯m hungry as hell. I greet thedy at the front as I walk past her.

    ¡± Ariel , Peterson.¡± Ady with ck cks and light pink dress shirt that¡¯s tucked in , greeted me.

    I stop on my track and stare at me. Her smile is so fake , you could tell through hershes.

    ¡± I¡¯m the manager actually. You¡¯re the intern ?¡±

    ¡± Yes. It¡¯s weird you know me.¡± I sigh , getting really bored of this conversation. I mean I¡¯mte and holding Theo¡¯s coffee.

    ¡± Yeah , you¡¯re sort of popr after you choose to sleep with Gray Carter.¡± Oh , there they are. Everywhere. Jealous ugly witches.

    ¡± I¡¯mte.¡± I rush past her and smile at her.¡± It¡¯s a pleasure meeting you.¡±

    I rush to the elevator and press the top floor. I take in deep breaths and calm down a bit before knocking politely on his door.

    ¡± Come in.¡± His thick raspy voice calls from inside.

    I twist the doorknob and walk in. He¡¯s busy typing on hisputer. He lifts his head and as expected , his eyes raked through my body practically making me feel naked.

    ¡± Ariel Peterson. Why are youte ?¡± He asks and leans against his swivel chair.

    ¡± Um.. I¡¯m truly sorry sir. My sses didn¡¯t end early and traffic too. I run out of gas andstly there was a little que to get your coffee. I¡¯m sorry ¡± I sigh and look elsewhere aside his eyes.

    ¡± And why are you dressed like that ?¡±

    I raise my brows and blink my eyes. What¡¯s wrong with my outfit ? I look down at what I¡¯m wearing and I¡¯m perplexed. Damn , I forgot to stop by at the apartment to get my work dress on. I¡¯m still d with my ck jeans , pink sneakers and pink hoodie. Much of an intern. I bite my lip nervously and tuck my loose hair behind my ear.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. I was in a hurry toe to work.¡±

    ¡± Ariel you are really pathetic. You camete. Brought my coffeete and I¡¯m sure it¡¯s cold and also you forgot to change your clothes. Sweetheart , this isn¡¯t Summit. What am i supposed to do to you ?¡± He sighs and get off his chair.

    He walks to my stiff form still holding his coffee in one hand and the other carries my bag. He stops in front of me and run the fingertip of his index finger on my hairline.

    ¡± Tell me Ariel, what should I do to you ?¡± He asks calmly.

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry. It won¡¯t repeat itself.¡±

    ¡± How sure are you ?¡±

    I breathe in deeply and move back a bit.

    ¡± I can¡¯t be intimate with you, Sir.¡± I mutter under my breath.

    ¡± So who said I want your tiny little pussy ?¡± He smirks and go back to his seat.

    ¡± Get me another coffee. I don¡¯t want that coffee anymore.¡± He says and begin typing on hisputer.

    ¡± But it¡¯s not cold yet ?¡±

    He raises his head and res at me through his short eyshes.

    ¡± Sure thing , Sir.¡± I nod and rush out of his office.

    ¡± And don¡¯t stay long or you¡¯re getting me another one.¡± I hear him yell as i groan. I drink the coffee as I walk out of the building.

    Again this snitches in disguise as workers res at me. While some mutters and chatter amongst themselves. For God¡¯s sake , go back to work. I groan mentally and increase my pace on the sidewalk to the coffee shop. I breathe once i arrive at the cafe. I bought coffee and go back to Sterling Corp. Thank God i didn¡¯t stay long. I meet thatdy I saw the first day I resumed. Thedy who showed me Theo¡¯s office. Please don¡¯t stop me.

    ¡± Ariel.¡±

    ¡± Hi , um..¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s Belinda , actually. Working fine huh ?¡± She smiles wildly. Who smiles like that.

    ¡± Yeah , thanks. I¡¯m just gonna hurry , I need to deliver this.¡± I motion to the coffee on my hand and give her a quick smile before running away.

    Once I arrive at the top floor , I¡¯m already breathing so hard. Stupid boss. I knock and he ask me toe in. I made the sign of the cross and open the door. I quietly step in and shut the door behind me.

    ¡± Your coffee , Sir.¡±

    ¡± Drop it.¡± He says without sparing me a look. I nod to no one and drop the coffee on his desk.

    My phone buzzes in my bag and I¡¯m wondering who¡¯s texting me right now.

    ¡± What you standing there for ?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry. I thought I need to do something.¡±

    ¡± Of course. There¡­¡± He throws a file at me , simr one like yesterday¡¯s. I pick it up and go through it.

    ¡± That¡¯s about a thousand emails. You¡¯re delivering a message to all emails before the close of today¡± what ? Why¡¯s he making me suffer because Gray slept with his girl. This isn¡¯t because I¡¯mte.

    ¡± Why are you frowning ?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m not. I should take my leave.¡± I give him a fake smile and hurry out of his office. It¡¯s passed one already when am I supposed to finish this.

    I sit in my office and switch on myputer. I bring out my doughnuts and start eating. I look down at my phone and it¡¯s a text message from Gray.

    FROM GRAY : Are you at work ? Is Theo giving you hard time ?

    I chuckle and quickly text back.

    TO GRAY: kinda. Buddy was mad because I camete and also dressed in hoodie and sneakers. I had to buy coffee twice for him

    FROM GRAY: such a dick. Should Ie over and remind him whose girlfriend are you ?

    Iugh quietly and type in the system¡¯s password before replying.

    TO GRAY : Thanks. I¡¯ll be fine. He knows I¡¯m yours.

    FROM GRAY : Mine huh ? Now you¡¯re making me hard. Will you drop by ?

    What a perv. Of course I¡¯d like to. I¡¯d like to survey around his mystery poprpany.

    TO GRAY: Sure. See ya. Gotta work.

    I drop my phone on the desk and begin work. I got tired but I dare notin. Half way through the email and he ask me to feel up files upon files. What¡¯s his problem ? I groan and arrange each files as I go back to my office. I had to work pass my usual closing hours before I round up for the day.

    .

    ~ALEXA~

    .

    I left school rather too early because I wanted to meet with dimir. Yes dimir.

    A brutal , cute and sometimes ruthless Russian that I got myself into few months back. We dated or maybe we just had sex. Whatever thing you call people who just hang around to satisfy each other¡¯s hormonal needs. I quit our little flings and quit seeing him.

    I might be a badass but not every badass can literally handle a Mafia boss and every troubles it brings along. Drugs , guns and fellow mafioso¡¯s beefs. Threats , lies , greed and even trafficking. I couldn¡¯t handle it or maybe I wasn¡¯t prepared to get hurt or killed because of a dick. After an attack ats Vegas with him , I quit. I¡¯m the only valuable kid my parents have after Ace chose to get out of the country without even calling. It wasn¡¯t that easy for me to leave. He had to threaten me sometimes reminding me I was once involved with his Mafia and it would be nice if I shut my mouth up. Like I was his fuckin girlfriend.

    I fuckin hate rtionship andmitments. It breaks you and crush everything in you. It sometimes make you hate your parents too. I halt my car outside his building because he wanted us to meet. I get out of the car and stride inside the apartment. I smile at thedy at the reception as I take the elevator. The bastard stays at the penthouse here. It dings and slide open for me to step out. I slightly knock and the door swings open , with dimir standing beside the door.

    ¡± A minute.¡± He smirks and pick up his suit jacket beforeing out of his house. I sigh and cross my arms as he locked the door.

    ¡± Where are we going ?¡± I ask him once the elevator arrives.

    ¡± A good ce so I don¡¯t want you to think I¡¯m gonna pull a gun on your head.¡± He smirks again and step into the elevator. I breathe in and step in too , few inches away from him.

    ¡± You look beautiful than usual.¡± Hepliments.

    I roll my eyes and watch the buttons on the elevator as we descend. We reach the bottom floor as we get out. I see Morris outside leaning against dimir¡¯s sport¡¯s car. Morris is his personal driver sh chauffeur or whatever thing he calls the dildo. He opens the backdoor of his car as we enter. The drive between us was slow and dimir thought it was a nice idea to light a cigarette.

    He smokes the stick and rests his free hand on myps. He passed the blunt to me and I take it. I drag a little and give it back to him. He chuckles insanely and smokes the stick till we arrive. Morris steps out of the car and open the door for us. It¡¯s kinda hot outside and thank God I got a tan. I remove my sunsses and nce at the restaurant. It¡¯s a Russian restaurant and I¡¯ve been here before with him. They sell good meals too.

    ¡± Wee to Sin¡¯s Kitchen. Would you like a table ?¡± A slimdy asks as she eyes dimir. Ladies with wealthy men.

    ¡± Yes , please.¡±

    She leads us to a secluded area as we take our seats. I still don¡¯t know why he ask to see me. He¡¯s not even making the slightest remark about it.

    ¡± Lidia , will be your waitress.¡± She sh her ugly smirk at dimir and the idiot had to smirk back. What the fuck am i doing here in the first ce ?

    ¡± My name¡¯s Lidia and I¡¯ll be your waitress for the afternoon. What should I get you as refreshments ?¡±

    ¡± Bottle of your most expensive wine and two sses , please.¡± He says with his eyes glue to mine. We wears a smirk that I can¡¯t fathom what it holds.

    ¡± I¡¯ll be back sir.¡±

    ¡± What will you do with the wine ?¡± I ask him once Lidia is out.

    ¡± We¡¯re drinking.¡± He replies dryly. What a fucker.

    ¡± I missed you Alexa.¡±

    ¡± So what do you want me to do ? Miss you back ?¡±

    He chuckles and look around the restaurant. His gaze return to my face and he smirks.

    ¡± You know you missed this dick.¡±

    Yeah , what a prude. He¡¯s always so fucked up in the brain. He¡¯s great in bed and all that but I¡¯m never admitting it.

    ¡± What do you want d ?¡±

    ¡± I missed you despite your attitudes. The Mafia misses you.¡±

    ¡± I was never a part of it.¡±

    ¡± Nobody gives a flying fuck. You fucked their boss remember. And you were always moaning his name.¡± How could he easily get under my skin. Just his little words and I¡¯m getting wet. Fuck him. It¡¯s annoying the scenese crawling back and I hate it that I want him now. He¡¯s a good man just with a lot of attitudes.

    ¡± Your cousin Ariel is fucking Gray Carter.¡±

    ¡± How¡¯s that your business and how did you know about Ariel?¡±

    The waitress walks in and drop the wine on the table. She pours the liquid in our sses as she finally sits back the wine on the table.

    ¡± Will that be all sir ?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯ll call if I want anything else.¡± She nods politely and walks out. I grab my ss and chug a little of the wine before dropping back the ss.

    ¡± What do you want with Ariel ?¡±

    ¡± Nice question. She¡¯s got Gray wrapped around her fingers. Gray is a big fish that nobody had been able to catch. I hate that motherfucker. That fucker got a lot of connections around a lot of countries and that includes politicians.¡± Yeah i know. Probably they both hate each other over stupid nothing.

    ¡± So is that why you brought me here ? To inform me about my cousin and her rtionship. dimir , I want nothing to do with you anymore.¡±

    Heughs quietly and chug his wine. ¡± Gray overshadowed me and took away my business deal with the Chinese. He took away everything. Everything that I¡¯ve always wanted you. That was supposed to give me a billion but some dumbass dick thought it was nice to steal it away. I want my money back even if I can¡¯t get the deal. Your little hot cousin is dating Gray. I want her in my custody.¡±

    ¡± Wait ! So you were the guy who attacked them at Queen¡¯s ?¡±

    ¡± Yeah , what ?¡±

    ¡± Whatever thing you¡¯re nning , I don¡¯t wanna get involved. I can¡¯t hurt my cousin.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re not hurting her. You¡¯re bringing her to me.¡±

    ¡± I won¡¯t.¡±

    He smirks.¡± You like it the hard way Alex. I want to make you mine again and also my queen. You¡¯re just gonna bring her to me so I can get Gray toe for her. The punk likes her a lot and he¡¯s willing to do anything for her. You¡¯re gonna do it or I¡¯ll do it myself and if she looses her life in the process , her blood is on your head.¡±

    What¡¯s wrong with him ? How can he try to manipte me to date him back and bring Ariel to him. The least thing i want from anyone is betrayal. I fuckin stabbed my first friend after she did shit to me. That bitch flew out of the country because she couldn¡¯t withstand me. And now he wants me to do same thing to my cousin. He¡¯s probably fucked up. I need to tell Ariel to move out and live with Gray for now.

    ¡± I won¡¯t d. Leave her alone. You want Gray , why don¡¯t you go to him and take what you want. Let her stay out of your shitty business with Gray.¡±

    He smirks again and I hate it.

    ¡± You know you don¡¯t have a choice right ? I don¡¯t wanna hurt her except you want me to. You¡¯re gonna bring her to me wether you like it or not¡­¡±

    He unbuttons the one button from his suit jacket as he pushed it to the side. My eyes move to his belt and i see the gun inside his suit pocket.

    ¡± Choose wisely Alexa.¡± He buttons back the suit as I swallow.

    ¡± We¡¯re gonna do this quietly and no one¡¯s gonna get hurt. Bring her to me and everything will be fine , princess¡­¡±Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    ¡± Or what ?¡± I ask.

    He smirks and leans against his seat. ¡± I¡¯ll shoot you right here , right now. And no one¡¯s gonna make a deal about it. Now choose wisely , princess.¡±

    ¡­..

 Chapter 43

    I hum to the song on the radio as I drive to Gray¡¯s. I¡¯m meeting him in his office and for some silly reasons I¡¯m feeling hot in unsual ces.

    Just thinking about his text and most of the silly things we¡¯ve done together , I really wanna have him in his office. I know I¡¯m beginning to sound weird but hell, I don¡¯t care. He changed me and I sort of like my new me. I breathe in and park my car amidst other cars. I look at the tall ss building and ogle at it. I mean this is Gray Carter we¡¯re talking about. I should at least expect this type of magnificent buildings from him. I breathe in and step out of the car. I shut the door and walk into thepany.

    I stop at the reception to see a brown haireddy. She looks up at me and scowl. What¡¯s her problem ?

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry , I¡¯m here to see Gray.¡± I say politely.

    ¡± Are you Ariel ?¡± She scowls, eyeing my choice of outfit.

    ¡± Yeah. I¡¯m here to see Gray.¡±

    ¡± Yeah. I can see that.¡±

    I roll my eyes at her skanky attitude and cross my arms.

    ¡± Take the elevator. Top floor.¡± She says without looking at me.

    Yeah , one of this clingy workers who wants to have their way with him. I walk out of her presence and take the elevator. I press the top button and stay quiet as the elevator ascend. It dings and slide open. Everything around here is expensive and I barely could exin.

    ¡± Hi.¡± I greet thedy at the front desk.

    She raises her head and look down at me. Why¡¯s everyone around here so annoying.

    ¡± What ?¡± She asks with her unreadable rude looks.

    ¡± I¡¯m here to see Gray.¡±

    ¡± He¡¯s busy with someone. You have to wait.¡± She replies and go back to work.

    ¡± He ask me toe.¡± I say , trying my best to be polite. She¡¯s trying to get me angry with her ¡®jealous wife¡¯ attitude.

    ¡± So what ? He¡¯s busy with a client. Why don¡¯t you sit your ass down and wait.¡± I bite the inside of my cheek and re at me.

    ¡± Whore¡­¡± I mutter and scoff before walking out of her desk.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry what did you call me ?¡± She asks , nose ring in rage.

    ¡± Whore. What ?¡± I raise my brows shove my hands in my hoodie pocket. ¡± Fuckin bitch..¡± I hiss at her expression and tap my knuckles on Gray¡¯s supposed office door.

    ¡± He¡¯s busy , what don¡¯t you understand.¡± The ugly assdy says. I¡¯m sure she¡¯s his PA.

    ¡± Cassandra , I¡¯m talking with someone. What¡¯s wrong with you.¡± Gray yells from inside his office.

    I twist the doorknob and open the door slightly. I peek my head inside and pout at Gray who looks surprised. His angered face softens at my sight and his client seems to notice the connection between us. He clears his throat and turn to look at Gray.

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna wait outside boss.¡± I wink at Gray.

    ¡± Sure..¡± he breathes out and smirks.

    I shut the door and turn to look at Cassandra with her ugly res.

    ¡± What ?¡± I cross my arms and ask her. ¡± Ugly freak.¡± I mutter and sit on the chair close to that freak¡¯s desk.

    I remember Alexa again. I really need to talk to her about dimir. What were they doing together ? I shove my phone out and dial her number , she¡¯s not picking. I sigh and drop a message for her.

    Five minutester , the man Gray was speaking to earlier walk out of Gray¡¯s office adjusting his tie and suit jacket. His eyesnd on me and he smirks. He tugs at his bottom lip with a flirty smirk. I roll my eyes and stand up. I walk past him and enter Gray¡¯s office. I shut the door as he raises his head to look at me with his breathtaking smirk. He stops whatever thing he was doing and pats hisps for me.

    ¡± Really..¡± I whine and sit on hisps.

    ¡± You¡¯rete.¡±

    ¡± I had to work my ass out because I waste. I told you.¡± I say as I move my hand down his chest, ying with his dress shirt buttons.

    ¡± What¡¯s wrong with him ? Are you sure you don¡¯t want me to have a word with him ?¡±

    I roll my eyes and sit properly on hisps. His right hand snake around my waist as he rubs his hand down my waist igniting the fire in me.

    ¡± You snatched his girlfriend right ?¡± I ask him. His brows furrows as he stop rubbing warmth in my back.

    ¡± So who told you that ?¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t know. Did you ?¡±

    He bites his lips and continue trailing his fingers slowly down my lower back to my waist.

    ¡± It wasn¡¯t on purpose. I saw her in a club and she was a one night stand. She wanted more and I wasn¡¯t ready for more. Iter found out Theo was her boyfriend. She¡¯s a freak , likes to have fun with different men.¡± He sighs softly and brush my loose strands off my face.

    ¡± Yeah , right. You don¡¯t have to me him. Maybe they kinda love each other.¡± I brush my hand down his hair on the back of his head.

    ¡± That wasn¡¯t my fault though. Let¡¯s forget about Theo¡¯s broken rtionship. What do you want to eat ?¡±

    What do I wanna eat , huh ? I smirk and get up to sit properly on him so I¡¯m straddling him. My legs are on his side as I wrap my hand around his waist.

    ¡± What if I wanna eat you ?¡± The wordses out of my mouth without me stopping them.

    He smiles and wraps his hands around my waist to pull me closer to him. I pluck out the top buttons of his dress shirt as I look up at him. My eyes aren¡¯t leaving his as I pluck out another button.

    ¡± You¡¯re making me hard with those eyes of yours.¡± He says softly as his hands move down my back making me want him more.

    I feel him hard against me as I bite my lips. His grey eyes are darken with a glimpse of lust and emotions. I move my waist back a bit and grind on him.

    ¡± Shit..¡± he groans quietly.

    ¡± Expecting someone ? Cause I won¡¯t hold back my moans ?¡± I whisper against his neck and grind slowly on him. He moans and grip my ass through my jeans. Damn , why am I not wearing a skirt ?

    My tongues swipe gently on his neck as I taste the skin beneath his ear. I thread my fingers through his hair and kiss his neck down as I continue to grind slowly on him. He moans silently and grip tightly to my waist.

    ¡± Boss.. oh damn..¡± I stop and turn around to see Sarai standing next to the door still holding the doorknob.

    ¡± What happened to your knocking manners ?¡± Gray growls at her.

    ¡± I¡¯m .. erm..¡± She stutters.

    ¡± Get out and go get your manners.¡± Gray orders.

    She sighs and walk out of the office. I sigh and rests my head on his chest.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry about that.¡± He coos.

    Someone knocked on the door and I¡¯m sure it¡¯s Sarai. Must have gotten her manners. I proceed to get off hisps but he grabs my waist and pull me back on hisps. I widen my eyes at him as the knockes in again.

    ¡± She¡¯s an employee and I pay her fuckin bills.¡± He says with a scowl. I nod and lean against his chest.

    ¡± Come in.¡± He orders.

    The door slowly opens and Sarai walks in. I turn my head to look at her. She¡¯s always good at masking her emotions. I know she¡¯s jealous and she barely could hide it.

    ¡± What ?¡± Gray asks.

    ¡± Yeah.¡± She drops a file on the table and sigh.¡± That¡¯s the information on Mr Brown and Reid already sort him out. Mr Tucker is at the lobby waiting for you. He said it¡¯s important and he needs to speak to you.¡± Sarai exins with her eyes ring secretly at me.

    What¡¯s her problem ? She always act like I¡¯m the blockage against whatever thing she¡¯s nning. She looks at Gray weirdly and I¡¯m sure she always daydream about Gray sleeping with her. Why can¡¯t they get it ? He¡¯s taken for heaven¡¯s sake. Gray slides his hand down his face and looks down at me.

    ¡± Tell him to give me fifteen minutes I¡¯ll be with him. Inform him I¡¯m busy.¡±

    ¡± But sir he said it¡¯s important. What if he doesn¡¯t buy the excuse ?¡± That¡¯s Sarai. Ugly blond asshole.

    ¡± I ask the questions , Sarai. Leave.¡± She nods once and shift her gaze to me before she walks out.

    ¡± She doesn¡¯t like me.¡± I mutters.

    ¡± That shouldn¡¯t stress you out.¡± He kisses my temple and rub circles on my lower back under my hoodie.

    He tugs at the hem of my hoodie and smirks.¡± I can¡¯t wait to take this out.¡±

    ¡± What about your Mr Tucker ?¡±

    ¡± I bet fifteen minutes is good enough to make you cum twice. I wanna fuck you real hard on my desk.¡± Oh God. My core clench at his choice of dirty words that he whispers against my ear.

    I shut my eyes and let his lips adore my neck.

    ¡± I don¡¯t have condoms.¡± My eyes spring open as I turn my head to look at him. Buddy doesn¡¯t get it. I don¡¯t want a baby yet.

    ¡± I don¡¯t take pills , you know that right ?¡±

    ¡± Start taking them. I wanna feel you better.¡± He smiles and crash his lips on mine before i get the chance to reply.

    I kiss back slowly and moan on his mouth. Our tongues slide against each other as I let him kiss my pains away. I grind slowly on him and let the fire in me take over my body. I like the fact that my body always respond to the little bit of his touch. He makes me want him more. Want him more than anything that I¡¯ve always wanted. I¡¯m already willing to go to any point with him. Wether getting hurt or not.

    ¡± Shut the door ?¡± He asks and break from the kiss.

    I get off hisps and stride to the door to lock it. I turn around and he¡¯s already watching me. He¡¯s making me wetter and hotter with just his stares. Too much of hormonal needs and I didn¡¯t take in his office. Half the walls are ss and the city below looks so distance and tiny. He stands up and slowly walk to me. I don¡¯t know but I¡¯m trembling. I lean against his desk as he take off my hoodie. He looks down at my cleavages through the Calvin Klein sport¡¯s bra I¡¯m wearing.

    ¡± That¡¯s hot.¡± He says and tug down the material through the middle so my boobies is in disy.

    He push the material down exposing my nipples that are already hard. I¡¯m not sure fifteen minutes is gonna be enough for whatever thing we¡¯re about to do. His tongue flick slowly on my nipple as his warm lips wraps around it to taste it. I gasp out a moan and fondle with his buttons. I hurriedly remove the buttons in his white dress shirt as I take it out. I moan at his asualt on my nipples. I work his belt out and toss them aside. His hands hold the hem of my sports bra and pull it above my head. He goes back to licking my nipples as he cup my other breast. I moan and trail my fingers on his naked torso.

    He undid my jeans buttons and pull down the zipper. I quickly help him out with it and step out of it. I¡¯m left with my whitece panties.

    ¡± I wanna do something Gray.¡± I find myself telling him.

    Something I¡¯ve always imagined but never have the balls to put it in action. His eyes lights up in surprise as he cocks his brows.

    ¡± What¡¯s that , Tinkerbell ?¡±

    I shyly move my hands down his chest to the waistline of his pants. I look down at his bulge and slowly move my hands on it.

    ¡± Fuck¡­¡± He mutters and watch me.

    ¡± You wanna give me a blow job ?¡± He asks and slide my loose hair beside my ears.

    ¡± I wanna taste you Gray.¡± I whisper.

    I pull down his zipper and let him take his pants out. I gawk at his already hardened length through his boxer brief. I get on my knees and take it out too. I breathe in at his member that¡¯s already staring at my face.

    ¡± You don¡¯t have to do this.¡± He says.

    I ignore him and wrap my little finger around it and he groans. It¡¯s a bit hot and I don¡¯t even know where to start. I¡¯ve never done this before same time there¡¯s no harm in trying. When I was eighteen , I sort of saw a bad video on Freddie¡¯s phone with ady doing what I¡¯m about to do. I slowly wrap my lips around it as I take him slowly into my mouth. Gray moans out and thread my hair through his finger. I bob my head on his length as he shuts his eyes.

    ¡± Fuck , Tinkerbell. Shit¡­¡±

    I support the end with my right hand as I whip my mouth in and out of him. He moans and slowly rock his hips to thrust himself into my mouth. I rub my hand up and down on his length as my tongue flick on his shaft. He cusses and moans. I love the sound of his moans and I¡¯m willing to do anything to listen to it.

    ¡± You¡¯re so fuckin good.¡± He moans out and look dow at me. I raise my head to look at him as I work him close to his orgasm. His length twitches as he shoots his orgasm into my mouth. It is a bit slimy and taste hot.

    His breathing his ragged as he looks into my soul with lidded eyes.

    ¡± Fuck , that was¡­¡± He breathes out. I smile to his satisfaction and stand up. I wrap my arms around his torso and kiss him. He lifts me off the floor and sit me on his desk. I part my legs for him to step in between my legs.

    ¡± Skip my forey. I want you now.¡± I tell him as he smiles. He takes in my lips and kisses me slowly. His tongues swipe on my upper lip and I¡¯m moaning in his mouth.

    He slowly thrust himself into me and I breathe in. I¡¯m still gonna get use to his size. I grab the end of his desk to steady my weight. He pulls back a little and thrust into me slowly. I whimper and raise my head to look at his eyes. They are so filled with emotions as he prates in and out of me. I moan and throw my head back as I hold his arm to steady his pace.

    ¡± Oh God¡­¡± I moan and look back at his eyes.

    Gray leans closer to me and kisses my neck cussing endlessly against my skin. He holds the back of my neck and pull my face to engage our lips together. My moans filled the space of his office and I¡¯m obviously sure his PA would be spraying her front desk with holy water with our mixed moaning. My stomach clenches as my orgasm broke.

    Gray¡¯s not even close.

    ¡± Tired already ?¡± He smirks and slow down his thrust. I chuckle and shake my head sideways. We¡¯re both sweating and I¡¯m feeling sorry for whosoever that wanted to see him.

    ¡± Turn around.¡± Hemands and I oblige. Iy on my belly on his desk and my knees are push up a little.

    I watch him thrust back inside me above my shoulders. I moan as he ram in and out of me. My ass bounce at each thrust as he hold unto my shoulders to meet each thrust.

    ¡± God , Tinkerbell¡­¡±

    Just his moans brought me close to my second orgasm. I hold tight to the desk and he leans against me to kiss my back. We¡¯re both sweating and moaning. He kisses my shoulder de down to my back and spine .

    ¡± Shit¡­¡± He cusses and groans before spilling himself inside me. I feel his hot semen in my walls as most drop on my sex.

    ¡± Damn..¡± he breathes out and kiss my earlobe. I giggle as he pulls himself out of me.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    I flip on my belly and sit back on the edge of his desk. He wraps his hand around my waist and lean our foreheads together as he kisses my lips slowly. He bites it gently and smile.

    ¡± You¡¯re fuckin beautiful.¡±

    ¡± Yeah ?¡± I giggle.

    ¡± Yeah. That was great.¡± He takes in a deep breath and move his head back to look into my eyes.

    ¡± Tucker is already tired.¡± I mutter and sigh.

    ¡± I don¡¯t fuckin care.¡± He picks his white dress shirt and wipe me off his release.

    ¡± What are you gonna wear ?¡± I ask referring to his shirt.

    ¡± Don¡¯t worry about that. Got tons of that.¡± He kisses my forehead help me with my panties.

    ¡± You might wanna use the restroom. That way.¡± I nod and pick my clothes off the floor as I go to the bathroom direction.

    I shut the door behind him and stare at my reflection. Yeah , my hair is a bit messy already. I quickly wash my face and hands. I get dressed and sweep my hand through my hair. Now i look like a person. I open the bathroom door and walk out.

    ¡± Gray..¡± I call out and pause to what I see. Sarai looks up at me totally taken off guard. She looks scared , shocked and afraid. She stand beside Gray¡¯s desk with a shdrive on her hands about to fix it into theputer.

    Her mouth is slightly apart as she stares at me. Why¡¯s she scared ?

    ¡± What are you doing ?¡±

    She opens her mouth to speak but nothinges out. I look around the office and Gray¡¯s nowhere to be seen. Which means one thing , she must have sneak herself inside his office. I barely could tell why she look scared and frightened holding a sh drive.

    What¡¯s she doing?

    ¡± Uh.. I¡¯m¡­¡± She stutters.

    Suddenly , Reid walks in.

 Chapter 44

    ¡± Where¡¯s Gray ?¡± Reid asks me as he nces from me to Sarai.

    ¡± He¡¯s not in.¡± I reply and cross my arms.

    ¡± Then why are you here ?¡± He asks me.

    ¡± None of your business , Reid. I¡¯m sure he¡¯s speaking with Mr. Tucker. You can look for him around.¡± I say.

    He huffs and stares at Sarai before leaving.

    ¡± What are you doing here ?¡± I ask Sarai again. She gives me her fake smile and walks out from the desk.

    ¡± I am here to see Gray.¡±

    ¡± Gray¡¯s not here. Why are you holding a shdrive ?¡±

    ¡± Thest time I checked , you¡¯re Ariel Peterson and not a detective. What¡¯s your issues ?¡±

    I cross my arms and blink my eyes at her. She¡¯s so weird. Deep down , I have this feeling she is working secretly for Reid.

    ¡± Can I see the shdrive ?¡±

    ¡± Why should I give it to you ? It¡¯s a business drive that contains information about Gray¡¯s clients. I was here to check before you barged in.¡±

    ¡± You were frightened Sarai.¡±

    ¡± True. Cause my job is also frightened. I would mind my business if I were you.¡± She hisses and walks out of the office.

    I sigh and pick up my shoes as I step inside my shoes. I need a good bath and a nice sleep. Everything happening around is so strange. Alexa is not picking her calls after I saw her with dimir entering a restaurant. Why are they together ? I don¡¯t wanna believe Alexa would sell me out to dimir. What if she¡¯s working for him. So many questions that I need answers from.

    Gray walks into his office with a new clean white dress shirt. Yeah , he was right. Maybe he had tons of it in here.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay ?¡± He coo¡¯s and run his hands through my hair.

    I sigh and shake my head.

    ¡± What¡¯s Sarai¡¯s work status ? What does she do ?¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s a question I didn¡¯t expect from you.¡±

    I shrug and look at him.

    ¡± She seduces men to steal information from them. Those informations are important and most times used against them.¡±

    ¡± Does she sleep with them ?¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s her choice. I don¡¯t fuckin care. Are you sure you¡¯re okay ?¡±

    ¡± Why do you need their informations ?¡±

    He raises his brows and smirks. So what¡¯s amusing ?

    ¡± You¡¯re not a detective , are you ?¡± He grimaces, holding slightly to my waist.

    I chuckle and swat his hand.¡± Why would you say that ?¡± He shrugs and smiles at me.

    ¡± I don¡¯t really know how to exin that to you. Their informations are sort of useful.¡±

    ¡± Do you kill them ? The men ?¡±

    He sighs and stares nkly at me. ¡± Are sure you¡¯re okay ?¡± I smile and nod.

    ¡± We don¡¯t kill them if it¡¯s not necessary. Quit asking these questions.¡±

    I roll my eyes and try to break free from his hold but he¡¯s stronger and won¡¯t let me.

    ¡± Where are you going ?¡±

    ¡± Kennedy needs me at home and I need to go home today.¡±

    ¡± Ariel , you¡¯re not going home today.¡±

    ¡± Why ?¡±

    ¡± Because I don¡¯t want you to. I want to look after you.¡± He says. Iugh and rest my hand on his chest.

    ¡± I¡¯m not ten , Gray.¡±

    ¡± Yeah ? And you can¡¯t even shoot a gun.¡± He deadpans. I bite my lips and re yfully at him.

    ¡± So where¡¯s it written that I must learn how to shoot a gun.¡±

    He shrugs and sit me on his desk.

    ¡± I¡¯m just saying , you should stay the weekend. I don¡¯t want anything to happen to you.¡±

    ¡± Nothing¡¯s gonna happen to me.¡±

    ¡± I know.¡± He huffs , clearly frustrated.

    ¡± Fine. I need to go grocery shopping and I need to get pills. You know what you deposited in me.¡± I scowl.

    He widens his eyes andugh at my remark.

    ¡± Alright.¡± I wrap my arms around his torso and pull him closer to me.

    ¡± I don¡¯t trust Sarai. She¡¯s too weird and sassy. She was in your office not too long ago. Reid also walked in , said he was looking for you.¡±

    He smirks and run the pad of his thumb along my hairline.

    ¡± I¡¯m watching her.¡± He says calmly and move his gaze to look at my eyes. His thumb caresses slowly on my jawline and his grey eyes watches me. He crashes his lips against mine as we kiss.

    His lips nips against mine as our lips move in rhythm. We break from the kiss and our foreheads lean against each other¡¯s.

    ¡± Thanks.¡±

    ¡± For ?¡± I ask and meet eyes with him.

    ¡± You know what I¡¯m talking about.¡± He says and tickles my waist. Iugh and try to free from his hold.

    That didn¡¯t stop him from tickling me and he knows I¡¯m ticklish. I breathe in after he stopped.

    ¡± You¡¯re silly.¡± I say and smack his chest.

    ¡± And you¡¯re pretty.¡± He kisses my forehead and then my nose and my lips.

    ¡± Thank you for everything.¡± I smile and kiss his cheek.

    Someone knocks on the door as we dart our heads to the office door.

    ¡± Yes.¡± The doorknob twists open and Trent walks in. I remember him from that party Gray took me to. He smirks at our position and I¡¯m ttered.

    ¡± Gray. You look busy.¡±

    ¡± Hi Trent.¡± He replies and lifts me off the desk and I stand on my feet.

    ¡± Hi.¡± I say to Trent. He smiles and nods, adjusting his suit jacket.

    ¡± I should get going Gray.¡± I kiss his cheek and pick my bag as I walk past Gray and Trent. His eyes follows my every move till I¡¯m out of his office.

    Cassandra whips her head to look at me with her ugly res. I chuckle and shove my hands in my hoodie pockets.

    ¡± Enjoyed yourself ?¡± I ask her.

    She scoffs and rolls her eyes. She looks down to whatever thing she¡¯s doing as I chuckle at her. I walk to the elevator and step in.

    ¡­¡­..

    I halt my car at the garage and get out. I¡¯ve been calling Alexa and she¡¯s not picking up. What¡¯s wrong ? I greet Carl outside and he nods as his own reply. He¡¯s a weirdo. I drop the bag filled with groceries on the countertop and walk out of the kitchen.

    ¡± Ariel..¡± Kennedy¡¯s voice booms as she races down the stairs. Nick is behind her and he¡¯s frowning.

    I chuckle at both of them and squat to Kennedy¡¯s height to ruffle her hair.

    ¡± So what did you do today ?¡±

    ¡± I yed hide and p with Lucifer. He was terrible.¡±

    ¡± Witch made me fall on my butt.¡± Nick mutters and walk past us to the living room.

    Iugh and stand on my height as I take Kennedy¡¯s hand to go to the living room.

    ¡± Where you blindfolded ?¡± I ask Lucifer.

    ¡± Yeah. And it was annoying. She didn¡¯t tell me I had to find her through her little tiny ps. Fuck, it was annoying.¡± He groans and sits down.

    Kennedy res at Nick and opens her palms for him. I know what that means. He cursed in front of her and he owes her a dor bill for that. I bet she¡¯s made a lot of money from each one of them.

    ¡± Damn.¡± Nick mutters shoving his hands inside his pocket to bring out money.

    ¡± That makes it two. You need the holy water to wash your tongue.¡± Kennedy says. I bite the inside of my cheek to hold back myugh.

    Nick drops ten dors on her little palm and she takes it.

    ¡± Ariel please take her to her room before she makes me drop another note. I¡¯ve been going broketely because of her.¡± He huffs.

    ¡± Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡± Oh wait.¡± I stop Kennedy. I need to ask Nick if he has seen or heard from Alexa. Because something is happening and I don¡¯t even know what¡¯s happening.

    ¡± Have you heard from Alexa ?¡±

    ¡± No. Why ?¡±

    ¡± Nothing. I saw her today at school and she¡¯s not picking my calls.¡±

    ¡± You should go to her house. She can¡¯t stay away from her house.¡±

    ¡± Yeah. Thanks Lucifer.¡±

    ¡± Don¡¯t call me that.¡± He retorts. I chuckle at his behavior and take Kennedy upstairs.

    ¡­..

    Kennedy sits on the counter top while I sit on a stool close to her. She wanted us to y a game that i really don¡¯t know the name. We¡¯re gonna ask each other questions and if we don¡¯t get it right , the person who asked the question is gonna smash a raw egg on the other person¡¯s head. I declined at first but she was smart to trick me to y.

    So much for a Saturday afternoon. We¡¯re both jobless right now. I called Alexa and her phone went straight to voicemail. This is so strange. I FaceTime with Piper and Brandon and both of them said same thing. They haven¡¯t seen her either. I¡¯m nning on driving to her houseter today to check on her. I need an exnation on what she was doing with that Russian man. Gray¡¯s not at home. He left rather too early and I¡¯m left alone with Kennedy.

    We arrange the eggs and it¡¯s really annoying we¡¯re really going to waste this eggs. All thanks to Kennedy. She doesn¡¯t listen. Once she sets her mind on something , she gets it.

    ¡± So I¡¯ll go first.¡± She muses with her wide smile.

    ¡± Alrighty.¡± I puff out a small amount of breath and rub my palms together.

    ¡± What¡¯s my favorite Disney princess and why ?¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s Cindere and why , because she¡¯s not self centered. Even with her step mother and step sisters maltreating her , Cindere still has a good soul.¡± I say triumphantly.

    She raises her brows at me and shakes her head sideways.

    ¡± Failed. It¡¯s Belle.¡±

    ¡± What !¡±

    ¡± Yes , Belle. And why , because she¡¯s the only girl who¡¯s got balls to fall in love with a beast. Babe¡¯s got testicles.¡± She chuckles.

    I facepalm myself ready to be bathed with eggs. She crack the raw egg on my head as I groan. She¡¯s dead.

    ¡± My turn. What¡¯s my major in school ?¡±

    ¡± What !¡± She bites her lip and scratches her chin like who¡¯s thinking.

    ¡± Business administration.¡± She replies.

    ¡± How did you.. who¡­ ugh..¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re going down.¡± She chuckles evilly and smirks like ¡®Joker¡¯.

    ¡± What¡¯s my favorite color ?¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s simple. It¡¯s pink.¡±

    ¡± God , false. It¡¯s blue.¡± She giggles and break another egg on my head. Two eggs and I haven¡¯t even break one yet.

    ¡± Hope you¡¯re not cheating ?¡± I ask her as I wipe the small droplets off my hairline.

    ¡± Nah. It¡¯s the truth.¡±

    I sigh and think of a hard question to ask her.

    ¡± What¡¯s the usual curse word I say everytime ?¡± I ask her and smirk wildly.

    She rolls her eyes.¡± It¡¯s asshole.¡±

    What the ! Why¡¯s she always winning ? How can she know about my usual Asshole curse. I palm my forehead and bites my bottom lip. Sheughs and winks.

    ¡± How did you know ?¡±

    ¡± You know you always say it. No matter how angry you¡¯re. It¡¯s either asshole or idiot. I¡¯m trending. My turn.¡± She suck on her lips and fold her legs.

    ¡± I got it. What¡¯s my favorite sleeping position ?¡± Seriously , how am I supposed to know that.

    I rub my temple and think again. She¡¯s freaking me out. How is she always winning and I haven¡¯t gotten one point. You know it hurts , when you¡¯re gaming with someone and you¡¯re always loosing and they don¡¯t even pity you to let you win just once.

    ¡± You like sleeping on your sides and most times you curl yourself like a ball. Please don¡¯t tell me I failed this one.¡±

    ¡± Whatever , you¡¯re correct. Your turn.¡±

    I heave out a deep breath and smile.¡± How old am I ?¡±

    ¡± Ariel , you¡¯re twenty.¡±

    Damn. I blink my eyes and watch her. I¡¯m totally bewildered. Is she spying on me.

    ¡± How did you know that ?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m a genius. We always have our ways.¡± Now she¡¯s sounding like Gray. She¡¯s supposed to be a detective.

    ¡± What are my allergies ?¡± She asks and grins. Allergies ? Kennedy doesn¡¯t have an allergy. Never seen her react to whatever thing I cook for her.

    ¡± You don¡¯t have any allergies.¡± I reply boldly. She watches me quietly as she slowly picks up another egg. Oh not again. I¡¯ve been taking all the eggs like forever.

    ¡± I do have allergies. Seafoods , especially shrimps.¡± She winks and cracks the egg on my hair. I groan as I feel the liquid dissolve on my precious hair. What type of kid is this ? I¡¯m done if I don¡¯t crack an egg on her head.

    ¡± What¡¯s my allergies ?¡± I ask her , knowing fully well she doesn¡¯t know it.

    ¡± Peanut butter.¡± Good Lord , shoot me. Why can¡¯t you make her fail and let me crack an egg on her brilliant skull.

    ¡± How did you know ?¡±

    ¡± Don¡¯t mess with the boss.¡± She chuckles and picks up an egg. It¡¯s like she knew I was gonna fail as usual.

    ¡± My role model ?¡±

    I swear I don¡¯t know. She had sang a lot of times and she once said she admired Beyonce¡¯s voice and talent. Obviously frustrated , I breathe in and out as I¡¯m faced with Kennedy who won¡¯t stop smirking.

    ¡± Beyonce.¡±

    ¡± Damn. Sorry , you¡¯re getting an egg.¡±

    ¡± Wait ! Why ? You admired her talent and voice.¡±

    She sighs and rubs her temple.¡± I said I admired her talent doesn¡¯t mean she¡¯s my role model. My role model is Ariana Grande.¡± She¡¯s even too young to get a role model. When I was her age , mother would take us to church to recite Bible verses. I slump my shoulders and let her break the fourth egg on my head. This is so gross.

    ¡± I know a lot of things about you and you don¡¯t even know my favourite colour.¡± She smirks and giggles.

    ¡± Hey babe.¡± Gray appears behind me and Kisses my temple.

    ¡± What are you guys¡­ Damn , is that egg on your hair ?¡± He asks and stands beside me.

    ¡± All thanks to Kennedy. She made me y don¡¯t know the answer then break eggs on your hair.¡±

    Gray chuckles and watches both of us.

    ¡± Kenny , you yed that with her.¡±

    ¡± Hell yeah. Buddy couldn¡¯t even pass one simple test.¡±

    ¡± I passed one. Your sleeping position.¡±

    ¡± Just that. Jamal you wanna y ?¡± Kennedy asks and smirks at Gray.

    ¡± Fuck no. Thest time she manipted me to y it with her, I had straight seven eggs on my head.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re the boss now. Come on , just one.¡± She pouts.

    I chuckle and nod at Gray. I really wanna watch Kennedy crack one egg on Gray¡¯s head. I can¡¯t imagine his looks.

    ¡± You know you¡¯re gonna win this ?¡± I pressure.

    ¡± Fine. Just one.¡± He grumbles.

    ¡± Sure thing. What¡¯s my middle name ?¡± Kennedy asks.

    And that one question made Gray think like forever. Does she have a middle name at all ?

    ¡± Damn. Fuck , I hate work.¡± Gray mutters ring at Kennedy.

    Kennedy chuckles and picks up one raw egg. Great, someone¡¯s going down.

    ¡± Anne or Ate I think.¡±

    ¡± God , Gray really. Pick one.¡± Kennedy whines.

    ¡± Fine. It¡¯s Willow.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re going down Gray.¡± Kennedy chuckles and spin the egg.

    ¡± But that¡¯s your middle name.¡± Gray protests. He hates the idea of little Kennedy cracking an egg on his perfect locks.

    ¡± Gray , I don¡¯t even have a middle name.¡±

    ALEXA

    dimir forced me to one of his house while i struggle to break free. He ceased my phone and I¡¯m sure a lot of people must have called. He tosses me on his shoulders as he walks into his mansion. His guards stand outside with their guns to watch thepound. I¡¯ve been saying no and he¡¯s not listening.

    He climb upstairs with me on his shoulder. I try to squirm and free myself from his strong hold but it¡¯s not working. dimir is well built and strongpared to me.

    ¡± Let go of me , you crazy fucker.¡± I yell.

    He drops me on my feet and smirks at me.

    ¡± Don¡¯t test my patience princess.¡± He says and takes off his jacket.

    I bite my bottom lip and punch his cute face. He bites his tongue and looks down at me. His hand wraps around my neck and he tosses me on his bed.

    ¡± I don¡¯t wanna kill you but trust me , if you want it the hard way I¡¯ll give it to you. I¡¯ll kill you and behead you and then send it to your fucked up parents for giving birth to a fucked up bitch. You¡¯re gonna walk through that door and my men will apany you to bring her to me. One wrong move and you¡¯ll be gone forever.¡±

    ¡± Fuck you. I won¡¯t.¡± I yell and fight to free myself. He doesn¡¯t budge.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    He grabs my neck tighter and presses me against the bed. He pulls out his gun and presses the cold metal against my temple. I squirm and shudder. He pulls the hammer and one wrong move he¡¯s pulling that trigger.

    ¡± You know if i kill you, I¡¯m still gonna get her myself. Why don¡¯t you save yourself the stress and be a good girl and bring her to me.¡±

    My heartbeat is rapid and I¡¯m already sweating. You can¡¯t trick this man , you¡¯re just ying with fire which means you¡¯ll just get hurt. I thought for a long while before answering.

    ¡± Fine , I¡¯ll bring her.¡±

 Chapter 45

    I groan helplessly and scrub my scalp rather too aggressive to wash away the eggs . This is frustrating. I shampoo my hair to get rid of the eggs under the shower. God remind me next time not to y this type of game with Kennedy. Gray steps under the shower with me and I least expected that. I mean there are two shower faucets in the bathroom.

    He scrunches his face and scrubs his hair. Kennedy broke an egg on his head. So gross.

    ¡± She¡¯s so crazy¡­¡± He mutters scrubbing hard on his scalp.

    I roll my eyes and turn around to back him as I wash my hair.

    ¡± Lemme help you with that.¡± He says behind me.

    My body tenses with Gray standing behind me. He massages my scalp as the water rinse our body .

    ¡± Why didn¡¯t you tell me Sarai was holding a sh drive yesterday when she entered my office ?¡± He asks. I bite my lip and sigh.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. I just don¡¯t wannaplicate things between you and your worker.¡±

    ¡± How did you find out ?¡± I ask.

    ¡± She forgot to cancel whatever thing she wanted to do.¡±

    ¡± And what¡¯s that ?¡±

    He chuckles.¡± Personal details of an important client of mine.¡± He answers.

    ¡± Why would she want that ?¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s for me to handle.¡± He replies. I roll my eyes and run my fingers through my hair.

    ¡± So what are you gonna do to her ?¡±

    ¡± Pretend like I don¡¯t know about her dirty game. I hate moles.¡± Who doesn¡¯t hate them ? They are the worst set of people ever.

    ¡± And you¡¯re gonna kill her afterwards ?¡± I ask and look at him above my shoulders.

    He smirks and kisses my temple instead. That¡¯s his own answer. What a jerk.

    ¡± Do you ever think Damon woulde back ?¡± I ask Gray. I turn to look at him and rub my palm down my arms to rinse my skin.

    ¡± Maybe.¡±

    ¡± What if hees back ?¡± I ask. His grey orbs are glue to mine and his lips slightly parted.

    He runs his fingers down my hair and wraps his free hand around my waist.

    ¡± If hees back , that¡¯s a good news for Kennedy then.¡±

    ¡± What about you ? Don¡¯t you miss him ?¡± I trail my fingers down his sculpted chest and along his torso.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    He sighs and gently cup my cheek rubbing his thumb pad slowly on my cheek.

    ¡± I do miss him. He¡¯s my brother so it¡¯s my responsibility to miss him.¡± He says.

    I keep quiet as we stare at each other. Yeah , he¡¯s making me hot in every ces in my body and I want him again. He smiles and pulls my nude self to his skin to taste my lips. My eyes flutter shut on their own as I wee his heavenly lips. His left hand stays around my waist and grips gently to my ass while the other cups my cheek to kiss him. My tongue move against his as our lips savor each other.

    My hands loop around his neck with our lips in motion. I moan into his mouth as goosebumps takes over my skin. He leans me against the cold wall with her lips still engaged. I tug on his hair and kiss him desperately. The kiss moves from gentle to desperate and my legs are already wrapped around his waist.

    ¡± Fuck , Tinkerbell¡­¡± He breathes out once we break from the kiss.¡± If we don¡¯t stop , I¡¯m gonna take you right here.¡± He smirks still holding to my form.

    ¡± I don¡¯t mind.¡± I smirk and bite my bottom lip seductively.

    ¡± Are you on the pills already ?¡±

    ¡± Started taking those yesterday.¡± I voice out and trail my fingers on his jawline.

    ¡± Then you¡¯re ready for me..¡± he says and take charge of my lips again.

    .

    ****

    ¡± Mom , what now ?¡± Gray rambles on the phone fondling with my hair. He¡¯s been trying to braid my hair to pigtails like forever.

    I sit on his bed with his Calvin Klein briefs and t-shirt as Gray continues his terrible attempt on braids. His mom called him and he wasn¡¯t that pleased. He avoided her calls and I had to scold him to take the calls.

    ¡± Gray you¡¯re such a dick. You don¡¯t call , you don¡¯t text. You don¡¯t even care about anyone. All you care about is your stupid business. What type of son are you ?¡± Her voice yells through the speaker phone. Now I know where Gray got his usual curse words from. It runs in the blood.

    I chuckle and roll my eyes.

    ¡± Look ma, I¡¯ve been busy.¡± Gray defends himself , huffing non-stop.

    ¡± Busy with what exactly ? You can¡¯t even get a good girl.¡±

    ¡± Is that why you called?¡± He whines and I¡¯m sure he¡¯s clenching his jaw right now. Dude¡¯s infuriated by his ma.

    ¡± Not really. My birthday is at the corner. And I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve forgotten about it. You don¡¯t even know my birthday date. Most times I think you don¡¯t even remember my name.¡±

    ¡± Mia. Seriously, mom, I didn¡¯t forget your birthday.¡±

    ¡± What¡¯s the date ?¡±

    ¡± Mom it¡¯s two months from now and on the 17 to be precise. What exactly are you whining about ? Your birthday presents , I¡¯m gonna get you your favorite jewel as usual.¡± He says and mutters fuck under his breath.

    I jab my elbow on his ribs and he had to pinch my waist.

    ¡± You¡¯re never gonna change. Antonio is throwing a party for me in his yacht in Canada. You¡¯reing.¡±

    ¡± I should travel to Canada ?¡± He asks and for once stop battling with my hair.

    He picks his phone and get off the bed. His phone¡¯s not on speaker anymore.

    ¡± Mom , I might be busy with work.¡± He scoffs and slides his hand down his face.

    She said something on the phone but I didn¡¯t hear a thing. Gray looks vexed and maybe bored.

    ¡± Yeah. I get it. Stop making me feel emotional with your continuous rambling reminding me that Damon is better and he would neverin about your birthday. I¡¯m gonna be there. Bye and I¡¯ll call you back.¡± He groans and hangs up.

    I pull my knees to my chest and look at Gray.

    ¡± That was rude. You sound so annoying on the phone.¡±

    ¡± You won¡¯t understand.¡±

    ¡± Yeah , your usual phrase. She sounds bitter like she misses her son. You were being hard on her and making her regret why she had to call you to force you to her birthday.¡± I smile at him.

    He drops his phone on the nightstand and sits next to me on the bed. His hands go behind my back to wrap around my shoulders. He pulls me to himself and kisses my temple.

    ¡± Maybe I was an asshole to her.¡±

    ¡± A big time asshole. You should have listen to the desperation in her voice. I think it¡¯s been long since shest saw you.¡±

    He rolls his eyes andy his head on myps. His ck locks spread to every corner. I run my fingers through his hair and watch how his eyes flutter shut with every touch.

    ¡± She¡¯s married to some wealthy man. She¡¯s supposed to be okay. Precise I¡¯m always busy and I can¡¯t always check on her.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re the only family left of her and you know that. I really haven¡¯t seen her and it¡¯s funny I already liked her.¡± I say.

    He chuckles and nods slightly on myps.

    ¡± She¡¯s cool but sometimes a crackhead. She¡¯s kinda hard on me sometimes when I was growing up.¡±

    ¡± What was Damon like ?¡±

    He takes in a deep breath and shut his eyes. His eyshes are perfect and even fuller than mine. His eyes slowly parts and they meet mine.

    ¡± He wasn¡¯t bad. Always close to mom. I¡¯m closest to my dad. We would work together and all that bullshit.¡±

    ¡± Yeah ?¡±

    He nods again. ¡± Kennedy looks just like him. Except for her attitude. He hates being aggressive and doesn¡¯t like to fight. I think I was the rebel. Got into countless fights when I was thirteen and I got kicked out of so many highschools. Shit..¡± He chuckles and Iugh at his funny story. He is sure like Kennedy. She got her fierce attitude from Gray.

    ¡± You¡¯re one hell of a kid when growing up.¡±

    ¡± Yeah.¡± He sighs and bites his bottom lip.

    ¡± Gray¡­¡± Kennedy calls out as she knocks on the door before opening.

    She giggles and run into his room with her little purple swimsuits. I forgot there¡¯s a swimming pool in his room.

    ¡± Yeesss.¡± She squeals and get inside the water.

    Gray sits up from myp and cuss.

    ¡± Kennedy really. There¡¯s a pool outside the house.¡±

    ¡± Yeah ?¡± She grins and shake her hair.

    ¡± Maybe you should talk to the architect never to build a pool inside a bedroom. I¡¯m never getting out. Hi Ariel , wanna join me ?¡± She winks.

    Iugh and shake my head .

    ¡± What a kid.¡± Gray mutters andy back on myps.

    ¡± Your room looks like a hotel, especially with a swimming pool in it.¡± Kennedy says.

    ¡± How did you know what¡¯s a hotel like? Did Jhene take you to one ?¡± Gray asks and I swat his arms.

    ¡± Really , Gray. It¡¯s in the TV. A television.¡± She groans and begins sshing water on herself.

    ¡± Don¡¯t ssh water on my room.¡± Gray whines. I love how both of them reacts. It¡¯s cute to watch.

    ¡± Whatever. I feel like I¡¯m in the beach. Hey , Gray, won¡¯t you take Ariel and I to the beach?¡± She asks and bob her head on the water.

    ¡± No Kennedy.¡± Gray replies. He¡¯s frustrated.

    ¡± You¡¯re always mean. Don¡¯t worry Ariel, when I turn fifteen we¡¯re always gonna hang out. We¡¯re gonna go to the beach and sleep at the spa just trying to look morous.¡± Gray looks up at me. I smirk at him as he turns his head to look at Kennedy who¡¯s swimming.

    ¡± Fuck..¡±

    ¡± Gray I heard that. My five dor.¡± She demands and swims close to the deck.

    ¡± For what ?¡±

    ¡± For cursing.¡± I say as Kennedy gives me a thumbs up.

    ¡± Fuck..¡±

    ¡± That makes it ten.¡± I say.

    Gray rolls his eyes and yfully res at me.

    ¡± You¡¯re supposed to be by my side.¡± He whispers and tickles me.

    ¡± Gray no..¡± Iugh so loud but he didn¡¯t stop tickling me. My sides hurts when he decides to stop. He¡¯s on top of me with his hands on either side of my head and we¡¯re staring at each other.

    I swallow and breathe in. My heart is already beating with the way he looks at me. He leans closer and I¡¯m already anticipating for his lips. Kennedy clears her throat and that brought us to reality.

    Gray rolls his eyes into his head and bites his lip.

    ¡± That was cute though.¡± We turn to look at her and she¡¯s grinning at us.

    Iugh and gently push Gray off me. Kennedy hums a song under her breath. She opens her mouth to sing ¡®let it go¡¯ from Frozen but Gray stop her.

    ¡± Please don¡¯t sing. You sing terrible just like Nick.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re just jealous Gray. At least I don¡¯t sound like nails mixed with gravel.¡± Kennedy huffs.

    I bite the inside of my cheek to hold back myughter. That didn¡¯t help. I throw my head back and burst into a squeal ofughter. This is so embarrassing.

    ¡± Babe , really.¡± Gray whines and shakes his head.

    ¡± You look cute.¡± I giggle and poke his cheek.

    ¡± Aren¡¯t you supposed to be done swimming.¡± Gray whines. He get off me andy on the bed with a pillow under his head.

    ¡± Hell no.¡± She says and crashes back on the water.

    Gray picks up the remote control to turn on the TV. He scoots me closer to him so my legs are on his.

    ¡± Gray , today is Saturday.¡± Kennedy says and swims to the deck to lean her elbows on it.

    ¡± So what about Saturdays , hmm ?¡±

    ¡± I wanna go to the fun fair.¡±

    ¡± What ?¡± Grayughs and looks down at her. She¡¯s serious.

    ¡± That¡¯s a good idea. I mean today is Saturday and she¡¯s gonna be gone by tomorrow. I¡¯m gonna miss her so we can just hang out today.¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s my bestie. We¡¯re gonna go to the movies and y games. I¡¯m gonna get dressed.¡± She squeal and jump out of the pool as she rushes out of the room mming the door shut.

    ¡± Fuck , my room¡¯s wet.¡±

    ¡± So much for a pool in a bedroom. Crazy.¡± I giggle and get off the bed.

    ¡± Where are you going ?¡±

    ¡± I need to clean the wet floor and get dressed. You should get dressed too. We shouldn¡¯t keep Kennedy waiting.¡± I wink and saunter off.

    GRAY

    This is so crazy.

    We¡¯re in a funfair and i can¡¯t even remember ever going to one. Infact I¡¯ve never been to one. But Kennedy and Ariel thought it¡¯s a nice idea wee. I park the car outside the park and the crowd almost made me puke. Now I feel like a teenage dork.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay babe ?¡± Ariel asks.

    I slowly turn my head to look at her. Her smirk is out of Earth. It literally makes me do anything. She¡¯s so pretty and¡­ ugh.

    ¡± Yeah. Theme park huh ?¡±

    They giggles and step out of the car. I hate this. I just hate people staring at me like I¡¯m Santa us on summer weekend.

    ¡± Oh my God.¡± Kennedy squeal and walks ahead of us.

    ¡± You don¡¯t like this idea right ?¡±

    ¡± You know I don¡¯t.¡± I reply looking at every single person here.

    ¡± Trust me , it¡¯s gonna be fun.¡±

    ¡± Have you been to this type of ce before ?¡± I ask her keeping my eyes on Kennedy. I don¡¯t want her to wander.

    ¡± Yeah. When I was sixteen.¡±

    ¡± Yeah sixteen.¡±

    ¡± Gray , breathe.¡± She stops on her track and stands in front of me with both her hands on my chest.

    ¡± You just need to move out of yourfort zone once in a while.¡± She says and I just stay quiet looking into her eyes. She smiles and gives me a quick kiss before turning around to take Kennedy¡¯s hand.

    They run to a booth selling cotton candy. I walk behind them and watch. I naturally hate gatherings and to make it more annoying, this tinydies are already staring at me. Fuck.

    ¡± Want something ?¡± Ariel ask holding her candy.

    ¡± No , I¡¯m good.¡±

    ¡± You should taste this.¡± She intertwines her free arm around mine.

    ¡± I wanna ride.¡± Kennedy calls out and run to the direction of the merry go round.

    Ariel releases her hands from mine and i wish she didn¡¯t. I watch her change a dor bill to coins and insert it inside a hole in the merry go round. I help her lift Kennedy to sit on it as it begins going round. Kids.

    ¡± Hope you didn¡¯t bring a gun ?¡± Ariel asks stuffing her mouth with the cotton candy.

    ¡± You know I would. Any type of shit can happen.¡±

    ¡± What? What about Kennedy? She don¡¯t wanna witness a shootout , it might affect her brain.¡±

    I chuckle and shake my head. Not Kennedy. That kid¡¯s weird. ¡± She already witnessed one. Kid didn¡¯t freak out or whimper. Hid inside my car and watch in awe. Said it¡¯s the most amazing thing she¡¯s ever seen.¡±

    ¡± What?¡± She exims. I shrug as she breathes in. I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her to my chest. I love the way she makes my heart beat.

    I admire the way she makes me want her every single seconds .

    I love the way she smiles.

    I love how she makes me feel and funny enough i love how she feels against me each time she moans my name. It¡¯s the most beautiful thing ever. I had stay all night just to look into her gorgeous eyes and pretty face. Just to watch her sleep. I love how she holds me each time we sleep on the same bed. And the most beautiful thing ever is to wake up in the same bed with her.

    What are all these feelings. Is this what people call love ? Her eyes lock with mine and just that makes my heart skip. The way she looks at me. I tuck back her loose strands of hair behind her ear and lean closer to take her lips in mine and maybe tell her I love her. Even if I don¡¯t know what that means but she gave me the meaning of love.

    Someone throws a popcorn at me as we turn to look at that intruder.

    ¡± Kennedy.¡±

    ¡± God , you guys have been standing there like forever with your endless staringpetition. Why don¡¯t you kiss her already and tell how you feel.¡±

    What the!

 Chapter 46

    That¡¯s so embarrassing. Gray and I pull away from each other and I rub my nape. Most people look at us and go back to their business murmuring amongst themselves.

    ¡± How was your ride ?¡± I ask her and squat to her height.

    ¡± It was fun.¡±

    ¡± Who bought you popcorn ?¡± Gray asks looking down at her.

    ¡± I bought it. From my cursing savings if you choose to ask.¡± She rolls her eyes and stuff her mouth filled with popcorns.

    ¡± How long have you been standing there ?¡± Gray asks.

    ¡± Long enough to count the stars in one night. You should see your faces. Chill , you look cute.¡± She giggles.

    I blush and eat my cotton candy.

    ¡± Want some ?¡± I ask Gray.

    ¡± Hell no.¡± He whines and shove his hands into his front pocket.

    ¡± Come on buddy , you don¡¯t wanna turn my offer down.¡± I whisper to his ear. He groans and opens his mouth for me to stuff cotton candy in it.

    ¡± This taste terrible.¡± He mutters , chewing the candy.

    ¡± Or maybe you¡¯re terrible.¡± I kiss his cheek and turn to look at Kennedy who¡¯s grinning at us.

    Weird kid.

    ¡± Come on. Let¡¯s y a game. I wanna ride a car.¡± Kennedy says.

    ¡± A racing game ?¡±

    She nods and grabs my wrist as she starts walking. I turn around to look at Gray. He frowns and shrugs before following us. Kennedy was serious. She paid for a racing video game and I¡¯m her opponent.

    ¡± Let¡¯s see what you got Peterson.¡± She chuckles evilly handling her game pad. First thing , how did she know myst name ?

    ¡± How did you know myst name ?¡± I ask her.

    ¡± Don¡¯t mess with the boss. Game¡¯s starting.¡±

    I cuss and look back at my game. How am i supposed to y a car racing game? I only y Xbox and I¡¯m terrible at it. Gray chuckles behind me as he wraps his arms around my waist to take my pad.

    ¡± You y video games?¡± I ask him as I watch him handle my pad.

    He justughs and kisses my hair.

    ¡± Ariel , you¡¯re cheating. You shouldn¡¯t let Gray y for you.¡±

    ¡± Seriously , she¡¯s my girl and I can help her. You know she¡¯s gonna loose terribly.¡± Gray says.

    I lean into his chest and watch the two cars race on the game screen. Kennedy is such a gamer. She maneuver her car to hit mine but Gray was better. He chuckles and increase the speed till we get to the finish line. I squeal and scrunch my face at Kennedy who lost.

    ¡± You didn¡¯t win you know that right ?¡± Kennedy scrunches her nose and crosses her arms.

    Gray drops the pad and wrap his strong arms around my waist to pull me to him. He chuckles against my hair and kisses my temple.

    ¡± Kennedy , admit. We won.¡± Gray says.

    ¡± You shouldn¡¯t have helped her. Let¡¯s y another game. Gray , don¡¯t help her.¡± Kennedy warns.

    Grayughs and nods. ¡± Yes , boss.¡±

    We paid for another game and it¡¯s a fighting game. I breathe in because as usual I¡¯m terrible. Gray¡¯s still behind me , with his arms around my waist. For real , he didn¡¯t help but watch me get beaten by Kennedy.

    ¡± You¡¯re going down¡­¡± She cackles and controls her avatar to beat the shit out of mine.Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± Gray can you just help ?¡± I call out , cause I¡¯m already loosing.

    ¡± Don¡¯t you dare , Jamal.¡± Kennedy grins.

    ¡± I fuckin hate that name.¡± He whines and lean his head on my shoulders.

    ¡± You owe me one dor.¡± Kennedy tells him , still kicking my ass. She won at first round and I¡¯m already infuriated.

    ¡± Fuck , babe. You¡¯re terrible.¡± Grayughs behind me.

    ¡± Ten dors Gray.¡± Kennedy says to Gray.

    ¡± Shit.¡± He cusses and shoves out the money and give it to Kennedy.

    ¡± That¡¯s a lot. That means I¡¯m free to swear as I want through out today. Fuckin hell.¡± He huffs behind me.

    Iugh as Kennedy takes the money. Round two begins and I¡¯m just ying shit. Gray ce his hands on mine and help me control it.

    ¡± That¡¯s cheating.¡±

    ¡± Breathe , Kennedy. You¡¯re a game freak and you¡¯ll always win.¡± I can feel the humor in his voice. I bet he smirks too.

    ¡± Yo ..¡± I giggles as we team up together to beat up Kennedy¡¯s avatar.

    ¡± Fuck..¡± she exims once she lost.

    ¡± My ten dors.¡± Gray says to Kennedy as he drops the pad.

    ¡± Why?¡±

    ¡± You said ¡®fuck¡¯ Kenny. And that¡¯s inappropriate for a seven year old. Ten dors please..¡±

    ¡± Gray , it¡¯s supposed to be five.¡±

    ¡± No. You¡¯re not allowed to swear. You¡¯re too young for that so you¡¯re giving me ten.¡±

    ¡± Says the uncle who would pass out any minute if he doesn¡¯t swear.¡± Kennedy mutters and p the money on Gray¡¯s palm.

    ¡± This is crazy.¡± Iugh at both of them.

    ¡± I made you won , so you owe me a kiss.¡± Gray whispers behind me.

    ¡± Adults. So gross.¡± She whines and turns around to go to the bowling alley.

    ¡± Come on.¡± She calls out to us and we follow.

    ¡± Yeah , she¡¯s the boss now.¡± Gray mutters beside me.

    ¡± Shut up. ¡± Iugh and take his hand in mine.

    ¡± So who¡¯s ready for bowling ?¡± Kennedy squeals , spinning the ball in her hand.

    ¡± Ariel you wanna bet ? I¡¯m kicking your ass.¡± She winks and smirks.

    ¡± Sure thing , madam.¡± I pick up my ball and roll it down the alley. So bad I only could kick out three out of ten pins.

    ¡± Ready ?¡± Kennedy smirks and rolls her ball down the alley. Gray chuckles deeply and watches us. I nudge him in his ribs and he had to wince.

    ¡± Yo ho¡­¡± Kennedy squeals as her ball hit out almost all the pins.

    ¡± Yeah? Watch me , munchies.¡± I chuckle and roll my ball down the alley as all the pinses down.

    ¡± Yes. One kiss babe.¡± I smirk at Gray. He chuckles and pecks my lips.

    ¡± Seriously¡­¡± Kennedy mutters and crosses her arms. I roll my eyes and turn to look at Kennedy who¡¯s scowling.

    ¡± I won. Now what¡¯s my price.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re riding a rollercoaster with me.¡± She grins and take my hand in hers.

    I quickly turn around and meet eyes with Gray. He rolls his eyes and follow behind. Clearly , he¡¯s tired.

    ¡± Hey hi..¡± I hear a female flirty voice. Kennedy and i stop walking as we turn around.

    An average brte with pretty tanned legs stops in front of Gray.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. I truly admire you. Mind if I get an autograph ?¡± She asks sweetly.

    ¡± Sure.¡± Gray tells her and raises his head to look at me. He mutters something under his breath. I chuckle and watch him sign an autograph for the girl.

    ¡± He has turn into a celebrity already.¡± Kennedy mutters.

    ¡± Thank you.¡± The girl squeaks and saunters away.

    ¡± Can we just go home?¡± Gray asks and stalk towards us.

    ¡± No.¡± Kennedy replies adamantly and take my hand in hers as she begins walking. I shrug an arm and turn around to look at Gray. He¡¯s behind us with his hands in his pockets and he¡¯s already tired.

    I giggle and shake my head at his faint smile he¡¯s trying to keep. I paid for Kennedy¡¯s ride as she enters. She asks me to join her.

    ¡± Gray?¡±

    ¡± You should go ahead. I¡¯ll be fine here.¡± He says.

    ¡± Come on Gray. Live a little.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m not riding a rollercoaster. That¡¯s fucked up.¡± He defends.

    ¡± Whatever. Get us ice cream before we get back.¡± I say to Gray and give him a quick kiss on the cheek.

    ¡± You really wanna go with her ?¡± He mutters and wraps one hand around my waist to pull me to himself.

    ¡± The ride¡¯s waiting.¡± Kennedy whines. She¡¯s already getting tired.

    ¡± She needspany.¡±

    He rolls his eyes and look Into my eyes.

    ¡± You miss already? I know. I¡¯ll be back.¡± I kiss him onest time and get on the ride.

    ¡± Hold on tight.¡± Kennedy squeals beside me as we fasten our seatbelts.

    We squeal as the ride begins to turn slowly then faster. Kennedy cringe to my arm with her tiny squeaking screams deafening my ears. I shut my eyes and breathe in the air. My hair p against my skin as it dance to the wind.

    ¡± Ariel.¡± Kennedy says beside me.

    ¡± Hmm¡­¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t feel like going , you know. But my mom , she¡¯s a drama queen sometimes. She¡¯s gonna freak out and say I don¡¯t wanna be with her. Her ce is boring. There¡¯s no you , no Gray or even Lucifer. Except Meghan. She¡¯s annoying sometimes.¡±

    I chuckle and pull Kennedy to myself.

    ¡± You¡¯ll be fine okay. You won¡¯t stay long remember.¡±

    ¡± She¡¯s not always at home. I¡¯ve a old nanny there. Nanny who can¡¯t even dance.¡± She says and we bothugh.

    ¡± It¡¯s fine.¡± I rub her little bicep and kiss her hair.

    We stay quiet for seconds and then minutes as the ride keep on turning.

    ¡± Gray¡¯s so lucky to have you , you know. You¡¯re pretty and really nice. I wanna be your bride¡¯s maid at your wedding.¡± She says and i freeze.

    Marriage ?

    I¡¯m not even ready for the wedding and she¡¯s talking about marriage.

    I gulp and wrap my arms around her little figure as she leans into me. The ride halts after it¡¯s death ride and we alight from the ride. Gray¡¯s nowhere to be seen.

    ¡± Where¡¯s Gray ?¡±

    ¡± Maybe around to get us ice cream.¡± She beams and begins walking. She turns around and motions for me to follow her.

    I sigh and follow her. I see Gray holding two cups of ice cream. Obviously, he doesn¡¯t like the idea because people won¡¯t stop ogling at him. He¡¯s just too perfect.

    ¡± Hey.¡± He kisses my temple and give us the ice cream.

    ¡± Thank you.¡± I smile at my cup and look up at him. His grey orbs lights in amusement and he sighs.

    ¡± Enjoyed your ride ?¡± He asks.

    ¡± Yeah. It was fun. You missed.¡± Kennedy says and weugh.

    ¡± Come on , let¡¯s get you home.¡±

    ¡± Hold on. Lemme y myst game. It¡¯s awesome.¡± She squeaks and run to a booth.

    ¡± Fuck.¡± Gray mutters.

    ¡± Seriously. You gotta get used to it.¡± I wink at him and begin eating my ice cream. Hezily strides beside me with his hands stuck in his pockets.

    ¡± Yeah , I wanna shoot.¡± Kennedy whines to the man at the booth. It¡¯s a shooting game. There about ten stic toy horses on the strings in his booth.

    ¡± You¡¯re not supposed to be shooting a gun.¡± The man say to her. He lifts his head and meet eyes with Gray.

    ¡± Um¡­ Kennedy , maybe we should get you to a better game booth. You shouldn¡¯t shoot today.¡± I smile and pat Kennedy¡¯s hair.

    ¡± But why ?¡±

    ¡± Because , you¡¯re too young to shoot a gun.¡± Gray says through gritted teeth. ¡± Come on. We should get you home.¡± He takes her little hand in his and lead her away from the booth.

    ¡± Kennedy why would you wanna shoot a gun ?¡± Gray ask her.

    She ignores him and snatch her hand from his to hold mine. I smile faintly and hold her hands firmly.

    ¡± Can i y anotherst game before we leave? I¡¯m going to my mom¡¯s remember.¡± She pouts and pucker her lips. Nobody would resist that.

    ¡± Fine.¡± Gray groans and sighs. He rolls his eyes and Kennedy rushes to a game booth.

    We stay behind and watch her with the other kids.

    ¡± Kids are so hard sometimes. Can¡¯t imagine having one right now.¡± He mutters and sighs.

    ¡± It¡¯s gonna be cute you know. Changing diapers.¡± I nudge him and chuckle.

    ¡± That shit ain¡¯t cute. It¡¯s just stressful.¡±

    I roll my eyes and cross my arms. Literally , he¡¯s telling me he doesn¡¯t want kids. What am I expecting ? For heaven¡¯s sake , he¡¯s Gray Carter. I don¡¯t even want one anytime soon.

    ¡± Hey that¡¯s enough¡­¡± We heard chattering from Kennedy¡¯s game booth.

    I throw my ice cream cup in a trashcan as we hurry to the noise. Oh my God.

    ¡± Kennedy..¡± Gray groans and try to stop her. She just got into a fight with an older girl , probably ten years old. Kid¡¯s nose is already bleeding.

    ¡± Come on.¡± I take Kennedy¡¯s hand and lead her away from the fight. Gray apologizes to the kid¡¯s parent and he had to give her some money. Gray¡¯s pissed and really tired.

    We walk back to his car as we stare at Kennedy. She doesn¡¯t even look bothered.

    ¡± I wanna watch a movie.¡± She breaks the silence.

    ¡± Kennedy you just fought someone.¡± Gray says.

    ¡± I broke her nose actually.¡±

    ¡± And you¡¯re prideful about it ? What¡¯s your problem ? You just beat up a ten year old kid if I¡¯m not mistaking.¡±

    ¡± I still wanna watch a movie.¡± She whines.

    ¡± Get in the car.¡± He orders and opens the backseat for her.

    She whines and get in. Gray ms the door shut and I quickly slide into the passenger seat before he reaches to open mine. He rolls his eyes and get in the driver¡¯s seat.

    The ride was intense and Gray looks stressed out , worse still tired.

    ¡± Am I gonna watch a movie ?¡±

    ¡± Kennedy , not today. You should stop being violent. You almost killed that kid.¡± I say.

    ¡± Ugly blonde.¡± She hisses and cross her arms dramatically.

    So much for Kennedy. I shove out my phone and call Alexa. It just went straight to voicemail. I type a message on my phone and sent it to her. This is too strange.

    .

    ~ALEXA~

    .

    I look around the room and I¡¯m tied to his chair. I¡¯ve been tied against the chair after that conversation we had about me bringing Ariel. I tried to trick him and probably run away but it was fruitless. I almost got shot. He smashed my phone and right now I don¡¯t even have a phone.

    dimir is a crackhead and he¡¯s so fuckin worse. I told him I can¡¯t imagine betraying my friend nor my cousin. She¡¯s gone through a lot of shit and deceiving her to a much worse fate , is terrible.

    ¡± Dear, Alexa. Won¡¯t you give up yet ?¡± He asks. His deep blue eyes taunts me as usual. He shoves his hands in his pants and smirks at me. Why is the devil always beautiful ? Stupid fucker.

    Can¡¯t believe I had sex with him. He even made me give him a strip tease because I refuse to budge. I squirm on the chair and try to free myself from the knots of this rope. I don¡¯t even have much clothing. I¡¯m with just panties and bra. He would touch me whenever I say no and almost made me give him a blow job.

    ¡± You¡¯re so pretty when you don¡¯t listen.¡± He coo¡¯s and shoves out his hands out of his pockets. He walks slowly to me and stops right in front of me. He grabs my hair and raise my head up to look at his pretty face.

    ¡± Why don¡¯t you give her up and save yourself from the suffering. You know I won¡¯t hesitate to put a bullet into your brain. I know where she stays. I¡¯ll get my boys to bring her to me and it¡¯s still the same.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re crazy dimir. If you can get her yourself why use me ?¡±

    ¡± Because I don¡¯t wanna hurt her.¡±

    ¡± Hurting her? That means you¡¯re hurting Gray. Why don¡¯t you leave the poor girl out of your shit business , you stupid dickhead.¡±

    He smirks and presses his finger at the sides of my mouth. Is long fingers presses against my skin and it hurts.

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna ask again. Will you bring her to me or not ?¡±

    ¡± Fuck you nigga.¡±

    He chuckles deadly and nods.

    ¡± Such a cunt. I¡¯m gonna miss you , sweetness.¡± He slightly pat my mouth and move backwards from me.

    He shove out his gun and point it to me. Fuck¡¯s sake , how did I get into this mess. I whimper and breathe in and out.

    ¡± Changed your mind already?¡±

    ¡± Go fuck yourself.¡± I yell at him.

    ¡± Okay.¡±

    And that¡¯s it. He pulls the trigger.

 Chapter 47

    Gray parks his car in his garage and we get out. Kennedy rushes out of the car and race into the house.

    ¡± Crazy kid.¡±

    ¡± I bet she got that from you.¡± I say closing my side door.

    ¡± I bet not. I¡¯m not that crazy. She just literally broke someone¡¯s nose and act like it¡¯s nothing.¡± Gray sighs and turns around to my side.

    ¡± You¡¯ve killed people and act like it¡¯s nothing.¡± I smirk and grab his jacket cor to pull him closer.

    ¡± Really ?¡± He raises his brows and seductively bites his bottom lip.

    ¡± Yeah.¡± I reply and wrap my arms around his neck. He smell so good. His breath fans my neck and I close my eyes to lean into his gentle assault. His right hand move slowly on my thighs to my hips as he bites my earlobe.

    ¡± Gray , we¡¯re outside.¡±

    ¡± And this is my house.¡± He whispers and suck the skin below my ear. I gasp to the feeling and tug on his hair. He licks my skin and suck on it moving down to my neck. I throw my head back and moan.

    ¡± Boss. Oh damn..¡± Nick mutters behind us. Gray groans and let go of me to look at Nick.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. Just a tiny little emergency.¡± He smiles at me.

    ¡± I¡¯ming.¡± Gray replies. Nick nods his head and walks back into the house.

    I giggle and wrap my arms around Gray from behind. I rest my cheek on his back and kiss his back through his jacket.

    ¡± Thanks babe. For everything.¡± I whisper and squeeze him gently.

    ¡± Thanks too.¡± He turns around and wraps his hands around my waist. He cups my cheek and kiss me. I smile in between the kiss and kiss back. He leans me gently against his car and deepens the kiss. His lips is so soft as they move with mine. We pull apart from the kiss and touch foreheads together.

    ¡± You look beautiful.¡± He smiles and rub his thumb on my bottom lip.

    ¡± I¡¯m going out. Need to check on the guys. And also Alexa.¡±

    ¡± Should I tell Nick to drive you ?¡±

    I shake my head sideways.¡± I¡¯ll be fine Gray. You care too much about me.¡± I pout.

    ¡± It¡¯s my duty.¡± He says barely above a whisper. My cheeks flutter and my heartbeat hammers against my chest. He always makes my heart beat faster for him.

    ¡± Becareful , will you ?¡±

    ¡± Yeah , I will.¡± I kiss him onest time and peck his cheek before leaving.

    I slide into my car and drive into the street. God Alexa. I just hope she¡¯s okay. She can¡¯t practically avoid me after hanging out with dimir. That dude tried to kill me and now he¡¯s with Alexa. It¡¯s not like he kidnapped her. They both act like they¡¯ve known each other for ages now. She won¡¯t do anything to hurt me right ? I halt outside her apartment and step out of the car. I shut it and walk into the building. I press the elevator button and press her floor number. The ride was awkward for me. I lean against the wall hoping Alexa would have a clear definition of what happened and what¡¯s she doing with dimir. I really don¡¯t know why I haven¡¯t told Gray. Probably because , I actually wanna sort this out before telling Gray.

    The elevator slides open and I step out. I breathe in and knock on her door. There¡¯s no response so I knocked again. Same thing. I twist her doorknob and it refuses to budge.

    ¡± Uh , are you looking for Alexa ?¡± A guy asks. He just step out of his apartment , probably he¡¯s about going out .

    ¡± Yeah. Hi.¡±

    ¡± Hi. She¡¯s not in. She¡¯s been absent since Friday I think. She didn¡¯t even attend frat yesterday and that¡¯s strange. I think she traveled.¡± He says and I nod in appreciation.

    ¡± Thank you very much. I really haven¡¯t heard from her since yesterday. I just decide to drop by.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s okay. If you find her , ask her If she¡¯s attending frat today since it¡¯s Saturday.¡± I nod again.

    The elevator arrives and we both step in. Now I¡¯m terribly worried. Alexa would never stay out of her apartment for two days and also never attends frat. She¡¯s part of the frat and would always go to frat parties. What if something happens to her ? What if she went out with dimir ? What if¡­ A lot of what if¡¯s find their way around my head and I¡¯m about panicking.

    ¡± I¡¯m George by the way. I¡¯ve seen you at frat once or maybe twice.¡± The guy starts a conversation.

    ¡± Yeah. I party sometimes. I¡¯m Ariel.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s a pleasure meeting you.¡±

    ¡± You too.¡± We walk out of the lobby together and i hurry to my car. I notice the way George gasp to my car. He¡¯s driving a white Ford carpared to my Ferrari. I get that a lot. I wave at him onest time and drive out of the lot.

    I dial Piper¡¯s number and put my phone on loud speaker on my dashboard.

    ¡± Sup Ariel.¡± Her voice chimes on the background.

    ¡± Hi , pipes. Are you at home ?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. You¡¯reing over ?¡±

    ¡± Yeah, I¡¯m close.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m waiting. I made brownies.¡± I could hear her giggle silently. I chuckle and roll my eyes before hanging up.

    I turn up the radio and speed into the crowdy streets. It¡¯s Saturday and so it¡¯s always crowded. Either for peopleing into the city or leaving. I pull up at the lot and get out of my car. I shut it and look up at the blocks of ts.

    Getting out of the elevator , I knock on their door and Brandon open up. He smiles at me as I walk in. I stalk to the couch Piper is sitting and I sit next to her. SpongeBob SquarePants ys on the TV screen and Piper has a bowl of popcorn on herps.

    ¡± Sup birdie.¡± She greets.

    ¡± Seriously.¡± I chuckle and eat from her popcorn bowl.

    ¡± Sup munchies ?¡± Brandon chuckles and sits on the single couch.

    ¡± I¡¯m good. What¡¯s up with you both ?¡±

    ¡± As you can see, we¡¯re watching SpongeBob SquarePants on a Saturday night , when we¡¯re supposed to be at the frat house.¡± Piper says and stuff her mouth with the popcorn.

    ¡± Talking about frat , are you guys parting today ?¡± I fold my legs on the couch and move my focus toward the TV.

    ¡± I¡¯m fuckin tired today. Brandon¡¯s got a date to n for tomorrow. Dude don¡¯t wanna look hangover by tomorrow.¡± Piper chuckles. Brandon rolls his eyes with his cheeks flushed.

    ¡± Someone¡¯s got lucky , huh ?¡±

    ¡± Shut up.¡± Heughs and shake his head.

    ¡± You need to see him. Fuck he¡¯s hot. Are you willing to share ?¡±

    ¡± Don¡¯t you go there.¡± Brandon snap at Piper.

    ¡± That means he¡¯s hot.¡± I muse.

    ¡± Fuckin hot. I¡¯m literally feeling the hotness right now.¡± Brandon chuckles including Piper and I.

    Brandon changes the channels and settle for a movie. A Joker movie. I¡¯ve seen this a lot of times with Alexa.

    ¡± Have you heard from Alexa ? She¡¯s been out for ages and when I say ages , I mean since yesterday after school.¡±

    ¡± No. Called her and it¡¯s voicemail. Even drop a message and I don¡¯t know¡­ Something seems off huh ?¡±

    ¡± I think buddy went out with her boyfriend.¡± Brandon says. I can¡¯t just exin she was with a Russian gangster who almost took my life for the second time.

    ¡± But that¡¯s not a reason to actually switch off her phone. That¡¯s weird. What if she¡¯s at frat ?¡± Piper asks and that makes a lot of sense. Alexa might be at frat. I mean she¡¯s a party freak. She might skip her apartment for a whole day , she would never skip frat on Saturdays.

    ¡± So are you suggesting we attend frat ?¡± Brandon asks and wiggles his brows.

    Iugh and pull my knees to my chest.

    ¡± That¡¯s not a bad idea.¡± Piper says and look my way for approval.

    ¡± I don¡¯t really know. I didn¡¯t tell Gray I was gonna attend frat. I told him i wasing over to your house.¡±

    ¡± You missed his dick already , huh Ariel ?¡± Brandon asks and furrows his brows. He smirks and bites his bottom lip.

    My cheeks flush. I suck my bottom lip and roll my eyes.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know what you guys are talking about. I¡¯m just saying , I didn¡¯t discuss frat with Gray.¡±

    ¡± You can just call him now or text him you¡¯re having a girls night and you¡¯ll be home early.¡± Piper grins and winks with popcorns stuff in her mouth.

    ¡± We are gonna meet with Alexa too. No one¡¯s getting hurt.¡± Brandon adds and grins.

    ¡± Alright , fine. But i don¡¯t have anything to wear.¡± I admit.

    The guys blinks their eyes at me and look down at my outfit. I¡¯m wearing a white long sleeve crop top with ck joggers and white sneakers.

    ¡± You¡¯re fuckin hot Ariel. Bitch you¡¯re stupidly gorgeous. And also we¡¯re driving in our Ferrari.¡± Piper squeal.

    I chuckle and dramatically whip my hair to the side with a wide smirk on my lips.

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna go get dressed. We are storming a frat party tonight.¡± Piper squeaks and runs into the hallway including Brandon.

    I pull out my phone and dial Gray¡¯s number.

    ¡± You¡¯reing home ?¡± He asks once he picks the call.

    I chuckle and tuck my loose strands of hair behind my ear.

    ¡± Not really. But I¡¯ll be home early I promise. I just wanna attend frat party tonight with the guys.¡±

    ¡± Frat? Ariel seriously.¡±

    I roll my eyes and sigh.

    ¡± What if something happens ? What if I¡¯m not there to look out for you¡­¡± Seriously. I¡¯m not a kid and I can basically take care of myself.

    ¡± Jamal.¡± I say and I¡¯m sure he¡¯s rolling his eyes right now. He hates to be called Jamal.

    ¡± I¡¯ll be fine , i promise. Just frat and i won¡¯t get drunk. I will be home early and I want you to stay awake for me. Will you?¡±

    He chuckles in the background and I could feel him run his hands down his hair.

    ¡± Please¡­¡±

    ¡± You know I can¡¯t resist this voice. I¡¯m already missing you so badly.¡±

    I blush and lick my bottom lip.

    ¡± Someone¡¯s already getting wet talking to her boyfriend.¡± Piper mutters from the hallway.

    ¡± Thanks, Gray. I¡¯ll be careful.¡±

    ¡± Sure. Just don¡¯t get drunk.¡±

    I breathe in and hang up the call. Piper is already dressed. Surprising , she¡¯s wearing a red long sleeve crop top and ck joggers too with white sneakers.

    ¡± Oh baby Jesus. Seriously.¡±

    ¡± What .¡± She look down at her outfit.

    ¡± I don¡¯t wanna look left out.¡± She shrugs and wave her hand.¡± Whatever okay. I¡¯m having a good time and I don¡¯t see anything wrong wearing same piece of clothing with my close girlfriend.¡± She pouts and crosses her arms.

    Brandon walks into the living , looking flustered at our choice of clothing.

    ¡± Save the sermon for frat , Brandy. Let¡¯s get wasted.¡± I say and get off the couch. We take the elevator and Piper won¡¯t stop rapping to a song. The elevator descends and the doors slides open.

    We enter my car and I speed into the evening. Piper turn on the radio and a country song res out. They scoff in unison as Piper tune endlessly. Finding nothing useful , Piper switches off the radio.

    ¡± You know on Friday after school , I saw Alexa with that same man who shot at Gray and I at Queen¡¯s. They were togethering out of his car.¡± I say.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    ¡± What the fuck!¡± They exim.

    ¡± Why didn¡¯t you tell Gray?¡± Brandon asks from the backseat.

    ¡± Maybe because I don¡¯t want him to get the wrong information on Alexa. I wanted to talk to her and ask her about whatever thing I saw yesterday before telling Gray.¡±

    ¡± But what if she¡¯s working for this same man?¡± Piper asks. I shake my head sideways and sigh. She would never do that.

    ¡± She¡¯s not Leslie. I don¡¯t wanna start assuming. I¡¯m gonna talk to her and find out why was she with him.¡±

    ¡± Maybe they are dating. Because I¡¯m not sure she knew about the man who cause that tantrum at Queen¡¯s.¡± Brandon says.

    ¡± Yeah. I think she might be involve with him one way or the other.¡± Piper adds.

    After few minutes of driving , we halt outside the frat house. This is the biggest frat house among all the other frat houses. Eyes darts to my car as most people gasp. Some murmurs holding their red cups. The outside is pretty upied with almost drunk collegers scattered around the house.

    This isn¡¯t cool. We step out of the car and people won¡¯t stop ogling. They gawk at me or maybe my car actually as we shut the door. We ignore the eyes and walk into the frat house. The loud music res through the speaker and it almost tear out my eardrums. People hand red cups on our hands before walking past us. I promised Gray i wasn¡¯t gonna get drunk and I need to keep to that promise. I hand my red cup to someone else and we saunter to the kitchen.

    ¡± I¡¯m getting wasted.¡± Piper mutters holding shots.

    ¡± I gotta attend Mass tomorrow and I¡¯m skipping being hungover.¡± I smile and pick one shot of vodka.

    We throw our heads back and chug down the shot. The taste is as aweful as i remember. I look around the living room and it¡¯s upied with drunk dancing people. Alexa is not in sight. Something is wrong.

    ¡± Ariel.¡± A familiar voice said beside me. I turn around to see Ryan.

    ¡± Hi Ryan.¡±

    ¡± Damn , you look pretty.¡± I blush and tuck my loose hair behind my ears.

    ¡± What you doing at frat?¡± He asks after checking me out.

    ¡± To party of course.¡± I reply. Brandon hand him a shot. Ryan smiles at him as appreciation before taking the shot.

    ¡± You¡¯re always storming clubstely. No offense , Gee. You look hot.¡±

    ¡± Ryan , she¡¯s taken.¡± Piper blinks her eyes and grin.

    ¡± I didn¡¯t forget. Can¡¯t take my eyes off her, you just gotta me my eyes.¡± Ryan says and chug down his shot.

    ¡± Seen Alexa ?¡±

    ¡± No. Surprisingly , she didn¡¯t show up at frat yesterday and even today. Alexa is a frat freak. I think she¡¯s out of town to see her parents.¡± Ryan says. But that won¡¯t guarantee her switching off her phone.

    I breathe in and look at the guys. What if she¡¯s been kidnapped by dimir ? But why would he do that ? They lookfortable around each other. It was obvious they¡¯ve known each other for a long time now. What if she¡¯s working for dimir? What if she¡¯s not? I need to confront her and talk to Gray about Alexa and dimir.

    I skip the rest shots and Ryan offered for me to dance with him. I stylishly told him no and his face saddens. He quickly smile at me and we continued talking. Hazel and Leslie stalk into the kitchen holding their red cups.

    ¡± Sup Ariel. Surprise to see you. Thought you should be storming clubs , Mrs Carter.¡± Hazel smiles and pour liquor in her red cup. Leslie couldn¡¯t meet my eyes and I liked it.

    I ignore Hazel and lean close to Leslie who¡¯s drinking.

    ¡± Hey sis.¡± I grin and whisper at her.

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna go dance.¡± Piper smiles at me and take Brandon¡¯s hand to the living room. Ryan shoots me a genuine smile and walk out of the kitchen leaving just me, Hazel , Leslie and two other drunk girls.

    Leslie sighs and turn to look at me.

    ¡± Dude, you¡¯re pregnant , you¡¯re not supposed to be drinking.¡± I whisper close to her to taunt her.

    ¡± What¡¯s that supposed to mean ?¡±

    ¡± It means you¡¯re expecting a baby and you don¡¯t even remember.¡±

    She scoffs and bites her bottom lip furiously.

    ¡± I like the fact that you¡¯re hurt. You always enjoy making me feel bad because you¡¯re little miss perfect. You always find joy in hurting me because my pains are like music to you. Now look at you , karma fucked you real hard. I wonder what¡¯s gonna happen if I decides to tell our parents.¡± I taunt her.

    ¡± I don¡¯t really know what you want with me.¡±

    ¡± Bitch , you¡¯re a looser and I will never want anything from you.¡± I scoff and m my ss on the counter.

    ¡± Why don¡¯t you tell mom you¡¯re pregnant.¡± I suggest and smirk at her.

    ¡± Being pregnant doesn¡¯t mean you¡¯re better than me.¡± She says through clench teeth.

    ¡± Yeah? It means you¡¯re a looser. You don¡¯t even know what you want. Since you couldn¡¯t get Gray to look at you , you thought you should make Reid yours. You thought you¡¯re trying to prove a point to the world that you belong. That you can also get a good guy to look at you. Now look at the oue.¡±

    ¡± Bitch , fuck you and mind your damn business. You¡¯re still a slut anyways.¡±

    ¡± We¡¯ll see to do that.¡± I smirk at Leslie and walk past her to the living room.

    ¡± Come on Ariel , let¡¯s dance.¡± The guys call out to me as they drag me to the dance floor. I dance to the music and this frat guys won¡¯t stop trying to woo me.

    We dance and dance and I could barely feel my feet. I scurry outside the frat house to catch my breath. My phone buzz in my pocket and i shove it out. It¡¯s a text message from Alexa. Alexa ? I tap on the message to view it.

    It reads.¡¯ hey cuz , are you busy ? We need to talk. Meet me at school¡¯s parking lot , ASAP.¡¯

    School¡¯s lot. But then why¡¯s she not at frat instead?

 Chapter 48

    I text Brandon and Piper that I¡¯m leaving and apologize for not driving them back. Piper called and told me to go ahead that they¡¯re fine and not ready to leave. My phone rings and I pull it out from my pocket.

    ¡± Gray.¡±

    ¡± Are you still at frat?¡±

    ¡± Yeah but I¡¯m about leaving. Alexa sent me a text to meet her at school¡¯s lot.¡±

    ¡± Ariel , it¡¯s 10pm. You shoulde home.¡±

    ¡± Gray I need to discuss something with her. It¡¯s been long Ist saw her and we need to talk.¡± I say and slide into my car.

    ¡± Are you inside your car?¡±

    ¡± Yeah.¡±

    ¡± Come home straight. You shouldn¡¯t go there. Manny just called me that he saw dimir¡¯s men around that frat house. Starting home or I¡¯ming to get you.¡±

    I blink my eyes to the information and look around the parked cars for anything that look like dimir. There¡¯s no one instead of fleet of cars around the park.

    ¡± Ariel.¡±

    ¡± How did you know?¡±

    ¡± Manny is around the frat house. I ask him to watch after you.¡±

    ¡± Really Gray. I told you I¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    ¡± I needed to be sure you¡¯re okay. Leave immediately , Manny¡¯s gonna follow you home.¡± I roll my eyes and look at my rearview mirror.

    ¡± Fine.¡± I groan and scoff.

    ¡± I¡¯ll be waiting¡­ For you.¡± I blush and insert my key in the ignition.

    Gray hangs up and I pull out of the lot. I drive into the night and there¡¯s a ck car on my tail. Obviously it¡¯s Manny. I turn up the radio and continue driving , my eyes not leaving the rearview mirror. The car follows slowly behind me as I pull up at the underground parking lot of Gray¡¯s house. I get out of the car and turn around to see the ck car halt to a stop. Manny get out of the car with Carl.

    I roll my eyes and shut my door. Will i always run away from enemies. When will this ever end ? I stomp into the house and sweep my palm down my hair.

    ¡± Gray , you don¡¯t know what you¡¯re doing.¡± Reid¡¯s voice made me stop walking.

    ¡± Why are you worried about her?¡± I hear Gray¡¯s voice. The conversation ising from the kitchen and I¡¯m pretty sure they don¡¯t even know I just arrived.

    I look around and quietly walk closer to the conversation. So much for eavesdropping.

    ¡± She¡¯s a threat Gray. She¡¯s gonna bring nothing but trouble to you. Your enemies are gonna strike real hard on you through her. Why can¡¯t you just give her up.¡±

    ¡± Reid , you should learn to mind your business.¡±

    ¡± What did she do to you? You¡¯re falling in love with her. This isn¡¯t you , what¡¯s she doing to you?¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t fuckin understand you bro. It¡¯s my business maybe you should let me handle it.¡±

    ¡± Really? She is a threat to Summit. To you and to the empire we¡¯ve built. You¡¯re not gonna let a little girl bring down an empire we¡¯ve built.¡±

    ¡± We?¡± I hear Gray chuckles. ¡± Seriously , we? Reid I built summit and not you.¡±

    ¡± Oh¡­¡± That sort of sting a spot in Reid. Let¡¯s be sincere , that sort of hurt.

    ¡± Ten years Gray. I¡¯ve known you for ten fuckin years. I was with you as a friend. I can never believe you had a choose a woman over your own best friend. You don¡¯t know what you¡¯re doing. You¡¯re falling in love with her and every single rival of yours are gonna hit you through her. They know you value her a lot and they will use her to get at you. Why don¡¯t you think about your precious empire and decipher what you really want. This isn¡¯t you. You¡¯re going weak and soft. You know what you¡¯re dealing with. I¡¯m just being fuckin concerned.¡± I don¡¯t wanna look selfish but Reid might be right.

    Every single person who¡¯sing after me is because of Gray. And to what I¡¯vee to understand , Gray¡¯s got a lot of rivals. I think he hurt a lot of people just to get on top at a very short period.

    ¡± Reid , do me a huge favor and stay out of my shit. Will you?¡±

    There¡¯s silence for a long time and Reid speaks.

    ¡± Okay. I hope you know what you¡¯re doing.¡± I hear footsteps towards the living room. I walk back to the living room and pretend like I didn¡¯t just eavesdrop at their conversation.

    Reid meet eyes with me and res at me. He shoves his hands into his pocket and slowly walk to my frame. He stops in front of me and smirks. His red tongue swipes on his bottom lip alongside his death re.

    ¡± Pretty little diva.¡± He chuckles and walks past me.

    I breathe in and walk to the kitchen. I hate to be the reason of their fights. Gray cares too much for Reid and it¡¯s obvious Reid also cares about him too. Probably he¡¯s trying to save his friend from something I don¡¯t even understand. The shit I don¡¯t understand is why he tried to touch me. Gray sits on the counter stool with a stick of cigarette in between his lips. He looks up at me and smiles.

    ¡± Hey.¡± I smile back and nervously bite my bottom lip as I walk closer to him.

    He wraps his right hand around my waist and pulls me close to himself.

    ¡± How was frat?¡± He asks and pulls out the cancer stick to blow out the smoke to the opposite direction.

    ¡± Great. How are you ?¡± I step in between his legs and run my fingers through his hair.

    ¡± I¡¯m fine.¡± He drops the half of the cigarette on the ashtray and wrap both hands around my waist.

    ¡± You look pretty.¡± He says.

    I chuckle and blush. My hands run through his hair as he watches my eyes.

    ¡± You look hot. Where¡¯s Kennedy.¡±

    ¡± She almost made me go insane. She ask me to take her to the movies and I refuse. Buddy got angry and ask to meet you. I told her you attend frat and she freaked out. Long story short , I sedated her.¡±

    ¡± You what ?¡± I exim and halt my hands on his hair.

    ¡± Gray she¡¯s seven.¡±

    ¡± And act like she¡¯s seventeen. So possibly , she can handle a sedative. She almost made me loose my mind.¡± He sighs and runs his hands down my spine to my lower back.

    I breathe in to his touch. His fingers rubs down my waist to cup my ass. I breathe in sharply and look into his eyes. He smirks and also that sinister smirk of his takes my breath away.

    ¡± I heard what you said with Reid. I¡¯m sorry about that.¡± I say. He stays quiet while I run my hands through his hair.

    ¡± What happened to your ass ?¡± He frowns and runs his hands down my back to my ass. I bite my lip and turn around to sit on hisps. His hands snake around my waist as I sit properly on hisps. I feel his growing bulge against me and I giggle.

    ¡± What happened to my ass ?¡± I ask and look at him above my shoulders. He shuts his eyes and leans his head on my shoulder.

    ¡± It¡¯s a bit little.¡± He whispers and open his eyes to meet mine. His smile is literally the best thing I¡¯ve ever seen.

    I chuckle and bite the inside of my cheek and look away.

    ¡± Why did you send Manny and Carl after me ?¡±

    ¡± This is New York , babe. I can¡¯t afford to see you hurt.¡± He says and inhale me. ¡± You smell so fuckin good.¡± He says and bites my back softly.

    I squirm and lean against his shirtless perfect body. My head rests on his shoulders as he teases my shoulder de. He bites into my skin gently and I squirm. He kisses my neck and suck on it gently. My back is bare as his tongue glides against my skin tasting it in his warm mouth. I shut my eyes and bite my lip not to moan. His hand slide up my hips to my stomach and he cup my breast. He gives it a gentle squeeze through my crop as I moan.

    ¡± Why are you not wearing a bra ?¡± He whispers and gives it another squeeze.

    ¡± Because of my shirt.¡± I reply in between moans. ¡± It doesn¡¯t need a bra.¡± I squirm against me and he holds my waist to kill me still.

    He chuckles quietly against my back and kiss my back. His finger flicks around my nipple as he pinches it.

    ¡± Gray¡­¡± I moan.

    ¡± You know I can make you cum through this right ?¡± He asks and begins to twist my nipple gently. I bite my lip a little too hard and moan. What if someone walks in , that won¡¯t be good.

    ¡± Gray , what if someone walks in ?¡± I ask.

    ¡± You¡¯re scared ? This is my house and I have every right.¡±

    I roll my eyes and stop him from assaulting my nipples. I turn around slightly to say something but he stops me with his lips. He kisses me and squeeze my hips gently. I turn to sit on my side and kiss him deeply. His tongues move against mine and our lips keep up the pace. He taste like mint and cigarette mix together. He bites my bottom lip and rubs his hand down my back.

    ¡± You¡¯re so beautiful.¡± He mutters in my mouth after we pull from the kiss. I shut my eyes and lean my forehead on his.

    ¡± Come on.¡± He grabs my waist and pull me to my feet. He lifts me up easily and toss me on his shoulder. I giggle as he walks up the steps.

    He twists his doorknob and opens his door. He walks in and shut the door with his foot andy me on his bed. Iy on my back close to Gray as I watch the ceiling.

    ¡± So why did you wanna see Alexa ?¡±

    I blink my eyes and turn to my side so that both my hands are under my cheek.

    ¡± I saw her with dimir.¡±

    ¡± What ? Howe you¡¯re just telling me this ?¡± Gray asks , little less surprised as he looks at me. I sigh andy on top of him. My legs are on either side of him and my head rests on his chest and I could hear his heartbeat.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. I wanted to be sure about whatever thing i saw. Yesterday , she left school rather too early. She said she is meeting up with someone. Surprisingly , I saw her getting out of a car with dimir and they are about entering Sin¡¯s kitchen. They look normal like they¡¯ve known each other for ages.¡± I exin.

    Gray caresses my hair down my back and he¡¯s not saying a word.

    ¡± And she text you to meet her at school¡¯s park ?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. It¡¯s weird. I¡¯ve been calling her number since yesterday and at first she didn¡¯t pick up the call. Afterwards, it went straight to voicemail. Sounds weird right ? I think something is wrong.¡±

    ¡± She dated dimir I think.¡±

    ¡± What ?¡± I exim and raise my head to look at his face.

    ¡± I don¡¯t really know. She was his mistress or maybe girlfriend. They attend a party at Las Vegas and that was my first time in seeing her. If you saw her with dimir then it means one thing . Maybe dimir is using her to get to me through you.¡±

    ¡± So when is this dimir gonna end ? Seriously , I¡¯m tired of running. Running from things that you have the solution to.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s not that easy.¡±

    ¡± Really ?¡± I ask and chuckle dryly.¡± Gray you took his deal that¡¯s supposed to give him a billion dors. You have more than a billion dors in your ount why not pay him off to leave me alone if you really care about me.¡±

    ¡± So what makes you think he wants money ?¡±

    ¡± Gray he wants money that¡¯s the reason he¡¯s after me and you.¡±

    Gray shakes his head and sighs.

    ¡± Ariel , he wants you not money.¡±

    ¡± You know that¡¯s ridiculous. What do I have to offer him ? Nothing.¡±

    ¡± So who said you won¡¯t be able to offer him something ? You¡¯re a lot Ariel and maybe you don¡¯t know it yet.¡±

    ¡± Then why does he have Alexa ? Why would she text me ?¡± I ask.

    ¡± There are two things Involved, Tinkerbell. It¡¯s either he¡¯s trying to use Alexa against you or maybe he took her. Just breathe , I¡¯m gonna ask Nick and Manny to go check it out. Are you okay now ?¡±

    I breathe in and nod.

    ¡± And also I have something to say.¡±

    He blinks his eyes and motion for me to go on.

    ¡± Leslie is pregnant and Reid¡¯s responsible.¡±? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    ¡± What !¡±

    ¡± Yeah , it¡¯s crazy. He asked her to get rid of it. I overheard their conversation in my house some weeks ago.¡± I sigh.

    ¡± What the fuck. That wasn¡¯t supposed to happen. He met her at a club and they sort of hook up together. I thought it was gonna end there. He got her pregnant , fuck Reid.¡±

    ¡± You knew they had something ?¡±

    ¡± It wasn¡¯t something. Like I said , it was supposed to be a one night stand. Reid doesn¡¯t give a fuck about her , why would she get pregnant for Reid.¡± Like it was her fault.

    ¡± Come here..¡± he calls out to me and pull me to his build. Iy my head on his shoulder and trail my fingers down his stomach.

    ¡± I need to talk to Reid about this.¡±

    ¡± Don¡¯t tell him I told you.¡± I murmur.

    ¡± Why¡¯s that ?¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s annoying to watch you two fight.¡± I smile at him and kiss his cheek.

    ¡± I get it.¡±

    ¡± I need to take a bath.¡± I say not bothering to get off of him.

    ¡± You needpany ?¡± He asks and look down at my face with his seductive smirk.

    ¡± Thank you , Mr Carter. I¡¯ll be quick.¡± I get off the bed and braid my hair to a ponytail.

    ¡± I am looking forward to going back to my apartment. I¡¯m literally your roommate now.¡±

    ¡± So what¡¯s wrong with that ? You have a hot roommate , what more do you want ?¡± He smirks and raise his brows .

    I roll my eyes and chuckle. I ignore his taunting smirk and go to the bathroom. I stare at the mirror with my reflection staring back at me. Nothing makes any sense. Who sent me that text ? Alexa ? Why would she do that to set me up with dimir. That¡¯s so absurd. I get undressed and step on the shower. The warm water rinse my skin as it soothes it.

    .

    ****

    .

    It¡¯s Sunday morning and i nned not to skip church. I quickly make breakfast as Kennedy walks in. She looks so funny and it¡¯s obvious she just woke up.

    ¡± Are you okay ?¡± I ask her. She shakes her head and rubs her eyes.

    ¡± Gray sedated me. I¡¯m giving him pay back ?¡±

    Iugh.¡± He said you wanted to watch a movie. Afterwards you decided to see me.¡±

    ¡± So what¡¯s wrong with that ? Who sedates a seven year old? Gray¡¯s just annoying sometimes.¡±

    ¡± Yeah , sorry about that. When are you leaving ?¡±

    ¡± Meghan will be here maybe in the afternoon.¡±

    ¡± Meghan ?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. My mom¡¯s always busy. She runs her own cosmeticpany and she¡¯s never avable. It¡¯s so annoying.¡± She sighs and opens the fridge to take out her orange juice.

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry about that. I made chicken nuggets and bread sticks. I need to attend church today.¡±

    ¡± So you go to church ?¡± She raises her brows and sits her ss of half consumed juice on the counter.

    I chuckle and flick her nose.¡± I¡¯m a Christian , so yes I go to church.¡±

    ¡± Hmm¡­¡± she grins.

    ¡± Maybe you should take Gray along. My mom is a confused person. She literally doesn¡¯t belong to any religion.¡± She shrugs and I push her breakfast to her.

    I chuckle and smile.¡± She¡¯s a super model. She¡¯s probably busy and Gray. Damn , he¡¯s always busy too. I should go take my bath.¡±

    She nods and smiles at me. I rush out of the kitchen and bump into someone. Does it have to be Reid? I walk past him and he doesn¡¯t look bothered. I heard him chattering with Kennedy and she burst intoughter. I roll my eyes and climb up the stairs. My phone rings inside the sweatpants I¡¯m wearing. I pull it out and press the answer icon. It¡¯s Piper.

    ¡± Um , Ariel.¡± She sounds nervous on the phone.

    ¡± Yeah? Are you okay?¡± I ask and open the door to Gray¡¯s bedroom.

    ¡± I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s Alexa.¡±

    ¡± Oh my God. What happened to her? Where¡¯s she? Have you find her?¡± I shut the door as Gray turns to look at me.

    ¡± She¡¯s in the hospital.¡± Piper replies.

    ¡± Hospital? Woah. What happened?¡±

    She sighs on the phone. ¡± She got shot. Someone dropped her body on her doorstep and the frat guys saw her. She¡¯s in the hospital and we are not sure she¡¯s gonna survive. She¡¯s ina and barely breathing.¡±

    My breath got chocked on my throat and I barely could speak.

    ¡± Babe , are you okay?¡± Gray asks getting up from his bed.

    ¡± dimir.¡±

 Chapter 49

    I mutter to myself and smack the steering wheel at the stupid traffic. Alexa is in the hospital , but why? Did he shoot her? I sigh and look ahead of the traffic , vehicles already started moving.

    Gray chose to follow me but I refused. I wanted him to stay back while I rush to the hospital to check on her. I just hope she¡¯s okay. But what if she¡¯s not? They found her body on her doorpost. I speed past other cars and halt outside the hospital. I rush out of my car and shut the door furiously. I run into the hospital to the waiting room and Piper is waiting with Brandon.

    ¡± Ariel.¡±

    ¡± What happened? Where¡¯s she ?¡± I ask and take in deep breaths.

    ¡± She¡¯s in her hospital room. She got shot and someone dumped her almost unconscious body on her doorstep. The frat guys who returned from frat yesterday night found her unconscious and rush her here. We were informed yesterday but we had to check in today. The doctor in charge asked us to call her mom.¡± Piper exins.

    ¡± Where¡¯s she? Are we allowed to see her?¡±

    ¡± We¡¯re waiting for the doctor. She will be here any minute.¡± Brandon says.

    ¡± Who would shoot her? Alexa might be a savage wreck but she would never hurt anyone.¡± Piper says and rubs her palm down her arms.

    ¡± I don¡¯t really know what to say. The guy who attacked Gray and I at Queen¡¯s the other time was a man called dimir. Do you think he shot her?¡± I say.

    ¡± Why would he shot her ?¡± They asks at once.

    ¡± That¡¯s the shit. Gray told me they dated each other and I don¡¯t get it. They were together that Friday afternoon about entering a restaurant. They lookfortable with each other and she doesn¡¯t looked forced.¡± I sweep my palm down my hair and sit down on one of their seats.

    ¡± So you¡¯re saying , this dimir guy maybe used her and shot her ?¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t really know. I¡¯m just hoping she will be fine so she can exin what¡¯s going on. I don¡¯t wanna start to think she sold me out to dimir.¡±

    ¡± Why¡¯s dimir after you instead of Gray?¡± Brandon asks and sits next to me.

    I exhale and facepalm myself with both my elbows on my knees.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know. Business gone wrong and Gray overshadowed him and maybe he got angry and decides to go after me in order to hurt Gray. So pathetic.¡± I sigh and hold my head on my hand.

    ¡± I think there¡¯s more to this story no one¡¯s saying. Maybe you should talk to Gray , to tell you what he¡¯s not telling you. You know.¡± Piper shrugs and shoves her hands inside her back pocket of her pants.

    I roll my eyes and look around the waiting room. It¡¯s pretty upied and for some reasons , it reminds me of Leslie¡¯sst hospital visit. Now she¡¯s pregnant , what¡¯s she even thinking. I¡¯m pretty worried about her. Reid is thest person any girl should get pregnant for. He¡¯s too mysterious and he¡¯s like a puzzle piece that nobody can solve. I bet Gray can¡¯t even solve Reid himself. Who would wanna keep a baby for Reid.

    ¡± Are you her friends?¡± A female doctor asks. She stares at us with her brows slightly furrowed. I look down at her name tag , it reads Ka.

    ¡± Yes. Is she awake?¡± I ask.

    ¡± No. It¡¯s worse than we thought. Come with me.¡± She turns around and begin walking.

    I look at the guys and motion for us to follow her. She walks down an hallway and she stops in front of a room. She opens the door and step inside the room. We enter one after the other and i sigh at Alexa¡¯s unconscious self. It¡¯s hard to survive this type of shot. Sheys on the hospital bed and her skin looks pale. Her face is covered with an oxygen mask while her right arm has an IV needle on it. The monitor reads her heart beat and it¡¯s obvious it¡¯s not steady.

    ¡± It was a one gun shot but she lost a lot of blood before she was brought here. She undergo a blood transfusion and we¡¯re hoping she maye out alive. I think she¡¯s slowly slipping intoa.¡± The doctor says and check Alexa¡¯s pulse.

    ¡± Woah. This is so crazy. She was fine at school on Friday and look at her , clothed in a hospital¡¯s uniform. Will she ever be okay? Can you give us an assurance?¡± Brandon asks.

    The doctor sighs and shifts her gaze to Alexa and slowly over to us.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know. What¡¯s your rtionship with the patient?¡± She asks me.

    ¡± I¡¯m her cousin.¡±

    ¡± Can you call her parents ? That¡¯s if you can reach them.¡±

    I gulp and turn to look at Brandon and Piper before looking at the doctor.

    ¡± I¡¯m not sure. They must be out of the country and Alexa¡¯s mom might develop a panic attack if she finds her daughter in this type of state. We will call at once if she¡¯s awake.¡± I say and give the doctor a small smile.

    ¡± Alright. I¡¯ll leave you guys alone.¡± She smiles warmly and walks out of the room.

    ¡± Oh my God¡­¡± I breathe in and take a proper look at Alexa.

    ¡± Please be safe. I can¡¯t imagine loosing a person that treats me like a sister.¡± I sigh and take a seat next to her bed.

    Brandon stands close to the door with his hands in his pocket while Piper sits on the little space on the bed. We stay quiet and watch Alexa for what seems like minutes.

    ¡± So she won¡¯t be at school for this next week ? This is so sad. I trust Alexa. She¡¯s so strong and she can easily fight out of any situation.¡± Brandon says and Piper and I nods at once. Brandon¡¯s sorta right. Alexa barely goes to the hospital because she¡¯s allergic to the smell.

    I grab her wrist and and rub her hand. Calling her parents wasn¡¯t a bad idea but of course they will freak out. Her mom might have a panic attack since Alexa is the only child after Ace left and decides not to show his face for his own reasons .

    ¡­..

    I quietly open Gray¡¯s bedroom door and shut it. He¡¯s nowhere to be found and Kennedy¡¯s getting prepared to leave for her mom¡¯s. She¡¯s been whining about her stay at her mom¡¯s since I return. I hear the sound of the shower and I was certain Gray was taking his bath. I stop by at the full length mirror and stare into my reflection. It¡¯s almost evening and I¡¯ve been in Alexa¡¯s hospital room since morning. She hasn¡¯t showed any signs or even made a move. I stalk to the bathroom and lean against the door. Gray stands under the shower with both his hands on the wall while his head looks down.

    I remove my clothes and underwear as I keep them aside. I remove the hairband from my hair and let it fall as I make my way to the shower. I step under the shower behind Gray. He tenses to his new presence but didn¡¯t bother to look around. I raise my hand and run it down his perfect sculpted tanned back. He breathes in as I move my hand down his back.

    I slowly trail my hand down his lower back and to his stomach. I could feel his body tense to every of my touch. The water rinse down my skin as I touch every of his muscles and abs. I swipe my tongue against his wet back and lick him up. I nt soft kisses on his back and move my hand down his chest. I slowly run my hand down his region as I slowly wrap my hand around his already hard sex.

    He groans and breathes in sharply.

    ¡± Tinkerbell¡­¡± He moans when I move my hand up and down on him.

    It feels so warm in my grasp as I begin moving my hand up and down against him. Gray moans and continues to breathe in deeply. I kiss his back and pick up my pace on his sex. My tongue kisses his back as I continue to stroke him. He cusses , groans and moans my name. Right now , I¡¯d do anything to listen to his moans. It¡¯s the best music to my ears right now.

    I make him turn around to look at me and his eyes are crowded with lust. He grabs my ass and pulls me to him. His hand move up my back and cup my chin in his grasp. I raise my chin upwards a bit to look into his eyes. His tall build tower above me and his thumb pad moves gently on my bottom lip. I stroke him onest time and a quiet moan escape from his mouth. He leans down to my height and kisses me. I kiss back and let go of him to wrap my arms around his neck. The kiss turns from gentle to desperate. Our tongues move together and he pulls me closer to himself.

    Goosebumps rise on my skin and I want him so badly. The fire in my body travel down my stomach and settles in my core. I break from the kiss and kiss his neck. His eyes flutter shut as I kiss down to his corbone. The warm water flow down his body making me wetter. I kiss him slowly to his chest and nipple and he moans my name. I move down to his abs and his lower region as I squat to his lower heights. He looks down at me and his eyes almost drive me to orgasm. They are lidded and dark with lust.

    ¡± Fuck , Tinkerbell.¡± He moans as I slowly take him into my mouth.

    He grabs my wet hair and guide me into him. I caress his back to his butt as I take him deeper into my mouth. He moans and holds my hair to thrust into my mouth. I support my mouth with my hand and hold him at the end to pick up the pace. I stroke him at the end and let my mouth work the rest.

    ¡± Oh my God¡­ fuck princess.¡± He moans.

    I slowly take him out of my mouth and swipe my tongue around his shaft.

    ¡± Shit.¡± He gasps and I could almost feel him twitch in my mouth. I swipe my tongue around it¡¯s head again and wrap my lips around his shaft.

    ¡± Damn , I¡¯m close¡­¡± He moans.

    I stroke him a bit faster and take him into my mouth. He bites his bottom lip and groan when he twitches inside my mouth. His orgasm spill inside my mouth and I smile at him. He looks satisfied as he breathes in.

    ¡± You¡¯re fuckin driving me insane.¡± He smirks down at me.

    I stand on my feet as Gray pulls me to himself. He turns me around and leans me against the wall. He looks into my eyes and kisses me again. He spreads my leg still kissing me as I feel his finger thrust into me.

    I moan in his mouth and let him kiss me as he wants.

    ¡± I don¡¯t have a condom.¡± He smirks and kisses my cheek slowly down to the corners of my mouth.

    I¡¯m too close to my orgasm and I barely could reply. His fingers slide out of me as he kisses my neck to my corbone. My feets are already weak due to his assualt.

    ¡± Are you taking the pills ?¡± He asks in between his assault.

    I moan and nod.

    ¡± Good.¡±

    ¡± I won¡¯t be easy on you.¡± He whispers and licks my nipple. I shiver and moan to his touch. He kisses my breast and wraps his warm lips around my nipple.

    ¡± Oh my God..¡± He nips on my nipples , suck and lick while his fingers slide in and out of me.

    He pulls out his fingers and turn me around so my back is facing him. He pulls my waist to himself and thrust into me slowly. I bite my lip and shut my eyes.

    My stomach clenches as he feels himself inside me from behind. I moan as he thrusts in and out of me. I throw my head back and moan out his name. His hand turns my head to look at him above my shoulders as he kisses me. I strain my neck a bit as he thrusts in and out of me. We break from the kiss as Gray fills my ears with his dirty swearing.

    ****

    Kennedy sing me a song as I help her braid her hair. Her mom¡¯s step sister , Meghan is supposed to be here and I¡¯m wondering why she hasn¡¯t arrived. It¡¯s almost nightfall.

    ¡± Kennedy.¡± A female voice knocks gently on the door and opens her door.

    ¡± Mommy.¡± She jump from her bed and run to hug Jhene.

    Jhene squats to Kennedy¡¯s height and hugs her kid. Despite her crazy personality she still cares about her daughter. I¡¯m literally drunk right now , I mean who won¡¯t care for their daughter. Yeah ¨C my mom.

    Jhene hugs her baby and caresses her hair. I bet she hasn¡¯t noticed me cause she will be freaking out right now.

    ¡± Did Gray swear in front of you ?¡± Jhene asks Kennedy who giggles.

    ¡± I made a lot of dors from him because he would never stop swearing.¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s my girl.¡± Jhene grins and high five Kenny.

    ¡± Mom , meet my friend.¡± Kennedy says and turns around.

    Jhene raises her head as her eyes lock with mine. She blinks her eyes and stand to her feet. Jhene is really ssy. I mean she¡¯s rich and really pretty. She looks naturally pompous from a wealthy family. Basically, she goes to spa in Paris because of her personality.

    She¡¯s popr and owns her own cosmetic line called mour. She should bepeting with the Kardashians right now. She¡¯s rich and far older than me. She is probably 27 or 28 and she looks twenty three. Why would she sleep with Gray when she¡¯s older than Gray. So much for having fun with the Carter¡¯s.

    ¡± You ? What are you doing here with my daughter ?¡± She scowls at me and walk past Kennedy to where I¡¯m sitting.

    ¡± I don¡¯t get it.¡±

    ¡± You took Gray and you wanna take my daughter too ? What¡¯s wrong with you ? What exactly do you really want ? Fame ?¡±

    ¡± Mom..¡±

    ¡± Quiet Kenny. Stay away from my kid.¡±

    ¡± Sorry to disappoint you , I¡¯m her babysitter.¡±

    ¡± What the fuck is wrong with Gray ? So he couldn¡¯t look for someone to look after Kennedy and it has to be your cheap ass. I fuckin hate you bitch.¡±

    I scoff and roll my eyes.

    ¡± Kenny , go get your bags and let¡¯s get out of here.¡± Jhene orders and res at me.

    ¡± Kenny , go get your bags.¡± Shemands again.

    ¡± Mom , that¡¯s not fair.¡±

    Jhene rolls her eyes and begin packing up for Kennedy.

    ¡± Slut.¡± She mutters and arrange Kennedy¡¯s clothes.

    ~MEGHAN~

    I look around Gray¡¯s Mansion and it hurts I missed it. I even missed him despite his ugly attitude. I can¡¯t believe he had settle for that tiny college student. Jhene was taking Kennedy home but I decide to stop by at the kitchen to have a word with Reid. Unfortunate best friend of Gray. I bet Gray doesn¡¯t see him as his best friend. He would pick that ugly bitch over anyone. Ugly truth is , Reid would do anything for Gray. What an idiot. I hated her. She made me go back to the strip club and I had to loose my job because of her.

    ¡± You look wasted.¡± I say and collect Reid¡¯s cigarette from his finger. I stick it into my mouth and inhale the stick.

    ¡± Why are you back Meghan ?¡±

    ¡± To check on you. You don¡¯t look bad yourself. Except the fact that your so called buddy used you to be on top. You¡¯re living under his shadow and it¡¯s pitiful. You¡¯re just one of his little minions. Oh Gray.¡± I chuckle and puff out the smoke.

    ¡± I hate the girl.¡±This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    ¡± Everyone hates her. She stole away everyone¡¯s joy and maybe I hate her more.¡±

    ¡± She¡¯s fuckin annoying. I bet when she gets to find out , she¡¯s gonna run her mouth and talk shit about everything. She¡¯s so fucked and I hate her.¡±

    ¡± You know you don¡¯t hate her Reid. You¡¯d kill to have her in bed , you just don¡¯t wanna admit it.¡±

    Reid turns to look at me and scoffs.

    ¡± I see the way you look at her when no one¡¯s watching. You¡¯re just hurt she doesn¡¯t look at you the way you want her to. You like her Reid but now you¡¯re pissed she prefers Gray¡¯s dick.¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±

    Men. So easy to understand. Reid likes the girl or maybe he likes to get under her panties. The shit is , he looks at her like she¡¯s thest girl on Earth. So stupid. I bet he¡¯s willing to give the bitch anything. So unfortunate she chose Gray.

    ¡± Is that why you brought your girlfriend, Sarai to work for Gray. To take your ce ?¡±

    I chuckle and flick the ash of the cigarette.

    ¡± I¡¯m not yet tired eating from Gray. I don¡¯t see anything wrong in bringing Sarai.¡±

    I wanted more and that tiny little girl is standing on the way. The only way to get her out is to manipte Reid into getting her out. And he¡¯s easily manipted by just mere words. Gray is someone you can¡¯t easily take on. He notices the slight thing and it¡¯s so annoying. He would fuck you up once you tried to do shit to him.

    ¡± What are you plotting this time around ?¡± Reid asks.

    ¡± I want the girl dead.¡±

 Chapter 50

    I watch Jhene help her baby with her bags. She won¡¯t stop ring at me and it¡¯s totally annoying. What¡¯s her problem ? Yeah , because I¡¯m dating Gray and she couldn¡¯t make him look at her.

    I ruffle Kennedy¡¯s hair and smile at her before slipping out of her room. I open Gray¡¯s bedroom door and walk in. He sits on his bed with aptop on hisp and he¡¯s typing. I roll my eyes and shut the door.

    ¡± I thought you will stand there forever.¡± Gray says as I walk to his bed.

    ¡± Howe you notice everything ? Even the slightest thing ?¡± I ask and stand in front of him beside the bed.

    He chuckles and push theptop aside from hisp. He grabs my waist and pulls me down on hisp.

    ¡± Where have you been ?¡± He whispers into my hair. ¡± I¡¯ve been looking for you all my life.¡± He continues , caressing my thighs.

    I chuckle at his flirty attempt and smirk at him. He raises his brows and tilts his head to the side waiting for an answer.

    ¡± I was right here my prince charming.¡± I smile and brush his hair off his face.

    ¡± You¡¯re such a bad poet.¡± Heughs. I bite my tongue and jab my elbows on his hard stomach.

    ¡± Come on , I¡¯m just joking.¡± He says and wraps his hand around my waist.

    ¡± I¡¯m serious. Where did you go ?¡± He asks calmly this time. My head rest on his shoulders as I trail my fingers up on his arms that¡¯s curled around my waist.

    ¡± I was with Kennedy. You know she¡¯s leaving today.¡±

    ¡± I thought she isn¡¯t leaving. It¡¯s 6pm and Jhene or maybe Meghan isn¡¯t here either.¡±

    ¡± Jhene¡¯s here. She was really mad because she saw me with her kid.¡±

    ¡± What ? Is she fuckin¡­¡± He stops as the door swings open. Jhene smiles as she walks in. Her smile turns into a scowl once her eyes settles on me on top of Gray¡¯sp. What don¡¯t she understand ? She has a baby for Damon , Gray¡¯s older brother. Why can¡¯t she move on ? The idea of Jhene having an affair with Gray before irritates me to the core. I just don¡¯t like her attitude.

    ¡± Why didn¡¯t you knock Jhene ? Where are your manners ?¡± Gray growls at her. She had to smirk and cross her arms.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry , I left them at home.¡± Jhene shrugs and move her gaze from Gray to me. She had to re at me.

    ¡± Jhene , get out. You should go home and get your manners back.¡±

    She winces and bats hershes surprisingly. ¡± I should get out ?¡±

    ¡± Get out and knock.¡±

    She sighs and eyes my form before leaving. She shut the door furiously and knock gently. Clearly she¡¯s embarrassed and angry.

    ¡± Why¡¯s she acting all angry ?¡± I ask and the knockes again.

    ¡± Come in.¡±

    She slowly opens the door and walks in. She bites her bottom lip and close the door.

    ¡± We need to talk.¡± She says and scowls at me. Now I feel like stabbing her eyes with a fork.

    ¡± What ? Kennedy¡¯s leaving today. What more do you want to talk about ?¡±

    ¡± Gray it¡¯s private. I don¡¯t get it , I mean you¡¯re acting all weird because of her. You seem to forget I was once your proper girlfriend before she walked in.¡± Jhene says .

    Gray chuckles and caresses my back.

    ¡± Is that what you wanna talk about ?¡± He asks.

    Jhene rolls her eyes and shove her hands in her pea coat pockets. ¡± So we can¡¯t talk private ?¡±

    ¡± No. You can say whatever thing you wanna say in front of her.¡±

    ¡± Why did you introduce my kid to your girlfriend ? Even made her Kennedy¡¯s babysitter ? Why would you do that ?¡±

    Gray stares at her and stay quiet. I try to pry off his grasp around my hips to get off hisp, but Gray won¡¯t let me. He looks down at me and give me his warning eyes.

    ¡± Look, I don¡¯t care about you dating her , what I care about is you trying to make my daughter like her. Why would you do that ? She¡¯s your niece and you thought it was a nice idea by introducing your¡­¡± She looks me down.¡± Toys to my kid..¡± Toys , jeez. I puff out my breath and bite the inside of my cheek.

    ¡± Jhene , you should leave. She¡¯s not my toy and you know about it. You need to learn to ept the fact that I¡¯m not interested in you and I¡¯ll never be. She¡¯s my girlfriend. Now get yourme ass out of my room now. I don¡¯t wanna force you to leave , so just get out.¡± I can feel the angerced in his voice. He¡¯s angry and it¡¯s obvious he hates to hide it.

    Jhene shoves her hands out of her coat pockets and chuckles darkly. She looks at me and nod before turning to twist the doorknob.

    ¡± It¡¯s a pleasure talking to you , Mrs Carter.¡± She gives me a mocking grin and step out of the room. She shuts the door and all I heard is her boots fading away.

    I take a deep breath and get off hisp. Thank God , he didn¡¯t stop me this time. I sweep my hand down my hair and turn to look at Gray.

    ¡± Why¡¯s she that way ? I thought it wasn¡¯t a rtionship.¡±

    ¡± You know it¡¯s not. Why would I date her ? It was just sex. You should understand you¡¯re my first date.¡±

    I roll my eyes and pick up the TV remote to switch on the TV.

    ¡± Tinkerbell.¡±

    ¡± Gray , I¡¯m fine. I hate going through this. Jealous ex¡¯s and whatever thing you wanna call them.¡± I say and skip through the channels.

    Gray scoots close to me and wraps his arms around my waist. His head nuzzles my neck as he inhales me. I giggle at his act and he¡¯s already tickling me.

    ¡± Gray , don¡¯t¡­¡± Iugh and fall t on the bed.

    ¡± Just please stop.¡± Iugh as he tickles me endlessly.

    Iugh till my ribs hurts. He stops and rest both his hands at the side of my head since he¡¯s on top of me.

    ¡± You¡¯re so beautiful.¡± He smiles and kisses my cheek.

    ¡± Jhene isn¡¯t your type and don¡¯t let her bother you. She¡¯s just a jealous fuck head. We¡¯re cool?¡± He muses and licks his bottom lip. Did he have to do that ?

    I stare right into his eyes and they are filled with emotions. I nod and wrap my legs around his waist to pull him into me. I run my fingers through his hair and ruffle it. It¡¯s more longer than usual.

    ¡± You need a haircut.¡± I tell him.

    ¡± I know. I¡¯ve been too upied.¡± He mutters and peck my lips.

    ¡± Jamal.¡± Kennedy knocks on the door before she gently twist the doorknob and opens the door. I can¡¯t believe she¡¯s leaving today and I¡¯m already missing her.

    I bet Jhene won¡¯t be bringing her back.

    ¡± Busy l?¡± She smirks and cocks her brows at our position.

    ¡± Uh¡­¡± I gently push Gray off my body. He groans and sits up.

    ¡± You¡¯re leaving?¡± I ask as Gray gets off the bed.

    ¡± Yeah. I don¡¯t wanna go.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯ll be back soon.¡± Gray tells her.

    ¡± Mom doesn¡¯t like Ariel. What if she refuses to bring me back?¡±

    Gray smiles and squat to her height. ¡± Then I¡¯ll get awyer.¡± He winks at her and caresses her hair.

    ¡± You wanna send my mom to jail or what?¡± Kennedy inquires.

    ¡± You know I won¡¯t do that. Come on , let¡¯s walk you out.¡± Gray stands up and take her hands as they walk to the door.

    I get out of bed and follow them downstairs. Kennedy thought it was nice to start singing one of her favorite Disney songs.

    ¡± Thank God you¡¯re leaving. I¡¯ve been trying to survive your terrible singing.¡± Gray mutters still holding to her wrists.

    ¡± What type of uncle are you? You¡¯re supposed to be helpful and encouraging. Right, Ariel ?¡± She asks and turns her head to look at me.

    ¡± She¡¯s right Jamal. Kennedy is one of the best vocal singers I¡¯ve ever heard.¡±

    ¡± So much for lying.¡± Gray chuckles.

    Kennedy snatches her hand from Gray¡¯s grip and pinches his arm.

    ¡± Woah¡­¡± He exims. But Kennedy is already gone.

    Iugh and almost choke on myugh. Gray turns around and yfully res at me.

    ¡± Don¡¯t even think about it.¡± I smirk and roll my eyes as I walk past him. He grabs my arm and pull me back gently pinning me against the wall.

    ¡± Don¡¯t even think about what?¡± He smirks and leans his head close to my ears. We¡¯re right at the stairs and anyone might walk in.

    ¡± Gray. Not here.¡±

    ¡± I own this house and I have every right to touch you anywhere I want.¡± He smirks and slowly rubs his hands up my expose thighs because I¡¯m wearing his t-shirt and just panties. ¡± You¡¯re so fuckin pretty¡­¡± He says and runs his hand up my thighs to my butt.

    He kisses my neck and grab my ass. I moan. Kennedy¡¯s waiting for us downstairs and we¡¯re here making out. Gray snap my panties against my skin and move back to stare at my face.

    ¡± Pretty viin.¡± He smirks and turns to climb down the stairs.

    I breathe out and climb down the stairs too. Gray¡¯s arguing with Kennedy again. I walk into the living room and I¡¯m faced with Meghan and Jhene. Meghan , again. She smirks and chews her gum as she winks at me. Seriously.

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna miss Ariel and not you. You sedated me , remember.¡± Kennedy whines.

    ¡± Gray why would you do that?¡± Jhene asks.

    ¡± You becareful okay. If your mommy acts crazy, you call me and I¡¯lle get you. Okay.¡± Gray says.

    ¡± Yeah. Bye Ariel.¡± She runs to my figure and i had to squat a little considering I¡¯m with just t-shirt. Kennedy pecks my cheek and wave at me before she goes back to her mom.

    Jhene res at me and walks out with Kennedy in her hand.

    ¡± Meghan.¡± Gray calls her as he watches her. She tenses and sighs.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry I fucked up. I really miss my job and everything. I thought she was one of this bitches , but it¡¯s obvious she¡¯s different.¡± Meghan sighs and turns to look at me.

    ¡± I¡¯m just gonna leave.¡± She says.

    ¡± Sure.¡± Gray replies tly as Meghan walks out.

    I fiddle with my fingers and look at Gray. He smirks and walks to my build. I giggle when his hands wrap around my waist to lift me up. My legs are wrapped around his waist as my arms drape around his neck.

    ¡± I miss her already.¡± I whine as he takes the stairs.

    ¡± I know. Me too. She reminds me of Damon.¡±

    His hands hold tight to my waist as we walk to his room. I look so littlepared to this man. He opens his door with one hand and shut it. He walks to his bed and ce me on the bed close to the edge. He caresses my stomach and push the t-shirt I¡¯m wearing up. I giggle as he pecks my cheek.

    ¡± Gray , don¡¯t.¡±

    ¡± Don¡¯t what ?¡± He whispers and leans closer to me. His growing bulge presses gently against me as he raises his brows.

    ¡± We should talk.¡±

    ¡± Alexa? Nick followed you to the hospital and he told me everything. I think dimir shot her because of you or probably me.¡±

    ¡± Why do you always have people escort me around town?¡± I ask.

    ¡± Because , you¡¯re my princess.¡± He says and kisses my chest to my already hard nipples and he had to bite it. I exim and squirm out of his hold.

    ¡± You¡¯re such a jerk.¡± I chuckle and scrunch my face at him.

    ¡± Your cute jerk.¡± He grabs both my legs and pull me to himself.

    ¡± I didn¡¯t get to taste you today.¡± He says and y with the waistline of my panties.

    I whimper and shudder. He trails his forefinger down my core as he rubs me through my panties.

    ¡± Maybe I¡¯m just gonna wait till I get back.¡±

    ¡± Where you going ?¡± I ask him.

    ¡± Some ce.¡±

    ¡± Gray , it¡¯s Sunday.¡± I groan.

    He hums and move his right hand down my ankle.

    ¡± Don¡¯t do that. We¡¯re talking , don¡¯t try to distract me.¡± I scoff.

    He chuckles and leans forward to press his body against mine. He holds both my wrists in his one hand and use the free one to caress my bottom lip.

    ¡± You missed me already , don¡¯t you ?¡±

    ¡± You know I won¡¯t let you leave.¡± I say and squirm once his hands rub circles around my nipple.

    ¡± Don¡¯t try to bribe me.¡± I manage to say. His gentle touch on my nipples already made me wet.

    His lips licks on it through my shirt and he bites it gently this time. I gasp and moan.

    ¡± I need to handle business.¡±? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    ¡± It¡¯s almost 7:30 and it¡¯s Sunday. Where are you going ?¡±

    He sighs and let go of my hand. ¡± It¡¯s a bit important and it¡¯s a club. I need to meet up with someone.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯ming with you. You don¡¯t expect me to sit at home and do nothing. It¡¯s not like Kennedy¡¯s here.¡± I whine and cross my arms.

    ¡± You can¡¯te. It¡¯s a bit dangerous and not good for you.¡±

    ¡± As long as you¡¯re not going to kill anyone then I¡¯m fine. I¡¯ve seen you do dangerous and I¡¯m getting used to it. I wannae.¡± I sit up and pull my knees close to my chest.

    ¡± Fine.¡± He groans and get off the bed.

    ¡± Go get ready and please don¡¯t dress sexy. I¡¯m just going to meet up with someone.¡±

    ¡± Whatever.¡± I roll my eyes and he huffs. Gray walks to the closet to change and I did same too.

    ****

    Gray halts his car outside an abandoned warehouse. I thought he said it¡¯s a club. This ce looks quiet except for the luxurious cars that designs the lot.

    ¡± Where¡¯s this ce ?¡±

    Gray smirks and chuckles and he unfasten his seatbelt. I did same too. I decide to wear a simple orange colored t-shirt and ck jeans and sneakers because , Mr grumpy doesn¡¯t want me to wear a dress because he thinks i look hot. Gray steps out of his car and open my side door for me. I get out and look around. It¡¯s so dark outside and I can¡¯t hear a single sound or even music.

    ¡± Gray , are we lost ?¡± He chuckles and once again ignores me and shut the doors.

    He takes my hand and we begin walking to the abandoned warehouse. Gray¡¯s ck leather jacket is no different from the night. So dark. His boots rocks against the gravel as we reach the door. He knock once as the doors lifts upwards slowly. A huge tatted man stands inside the dark warehouse. I grip tightly to Gray¡¯s arm as he leads me inside without talking to the man. He didn¡¯t even ask for any ID. Obviously he knows Gray.

    We walk down a quiet hallway that¡¯s a bit dark except for a dark red bulb that illuminated the hallway. A man opens the door for Gray as we walk closer. We pass the door and begin down the stairs. Maybe I should have stayed at home. I don¡¯t ever listen.

    ¡± This ce is weird. Gray where are we?¡± I mutter beside me.

    ¡± Breathe princess.¡± He assures me. I hear a faint sound of musicing from the door at the end of the stairs. There stood another man with ck suits as he opens the door for us. The blue disco lights was the first thing that attacked my eyes as we step in.

    ¡± Woah¡­¡± I blink my eyes and look around. It¡¯s really a club but you¡¯ll never know.

    ¡± Got your answers yet?¡± Gray asks and smirks at me.

    ¡± Are you the owner ?¡± I ask.

    ¡± Work that out yourself.¡± He leads me to the bar and I won¡¯t stop gawking around. This ce is filled to the brim. The leather seats are upied with rich business people with ck and blue suits. Most of them havedies on theirps.

    There are also strippers too , dancing around the pole. Alexa have taken me to a lot of clubs but I¡¯ve never been to a strip club before. Especially one like this. With expensive people and maybe popr people.

    ¡± What should I get you sir?¡± The bartender asks and smiles at me. I bet he owns it. Gray owns this ce. It¡¯s just like his life. Mysterious.

    ¡± Give the girl Sprite and keep an eye on her.¡± Gray says to the bartender.

    ¡± Where are you going?¡± I ask loudly enough for him to hear it because of the music.

    ¡± Some bad ce. Stay here and don¡¯t leave the bar. Any person tries to flirt with you , tell them your man is Gray Carter. Daniel¡­¡± he jab his head to the bartender.¡± Will keep an eye on you.¡±

    ¡± What type of bad ce?¡± I ask ignoring his long sermon. He sighs and groans.

    ¡± That¡¯s why I want you to stay at home. I need to settle some issues. Please stay here okay.¡± He says. I didn¡¯t say a word so he pulls me to him.¡± Please¡­¡± He whispers. I nod and he gives me a smile.

    He kisses my cheek at once.¡± Thank you.¡± I roll my eyes and turn to the bartender who¡¯s still watching patiently.

    ¡± Keep an eye on her. If anything happens to her , you¡¯re loosing your job.¡± Gray tells Daniel sh the bartender.

    ¡± Sure sir.¡±

    Gray gives me onest kiss on the cheek and saunters out of my presence. Now I feel bored despite the fact that it¡¯s a club. Why¡¯s Alexa not here. Daniel offer me the Sprite but it¡¯s on a ss with a straw too.

    ¡± Do you want anything else ?¡± He asks nicely.

    ¡± Thank you Daniel. I¡¯m fine.¡± I sit on the stool and take my drink.

    ¡± Sure.¡± He goes back to attending to other customers but he won¡¯t stop checking on me every second. Gray!

    I sip my drink with the straw and look at the dance floor. Ady with little clothing walk past the crowd with a tray on her hand. The thing that catch my eyes isn¡¯t the tray but the white substance on the tray. She lowers the tray on the table. Men on ck suits surrounds the table as they begin to take this white substance. I have watched a lot of mob movies and i obviously know what¡¯s on that tray.

    ¡± First time here?¡± Daniel asks pouring a bottle of tequ in two sses.

    ¡± Yeah.¡± I turn my head to look at him and smile. He¡¯s good looking. He has his lips pierced and ears too with his natural messy bed hair.

    ¡± And you¡¯re Mrs Carter?¡± He smirks and push the ss to two girls who looks obviously drunk.

    I chuckle.¡± We¡¯re not married.¡±

    ¡± I know. It¡¯s nice to meet you.¡± I nod and he goes back to attending to customers.

    ¡± Daniel?¡± I call him. He quickly walks back to me despite the fact that he was just taking someone¡¯s order.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry to disturb. Who owns this ce?¡±

    ¡± You don¡¯t know?¡± He asks , pretty baffled. I pout and shake my head sideways.

    ¡± Your boyfriend owns it.¡± I nod and slurp on my drink.

    Daniel chuckles and refill my ss before going back to work. A man appears beside me. He leans his elbows on the counter and snap at another bartender. This one is less cute as Daniel. He has dark blonde hair and he doesn¡¯t have any piercings.

    ¡± Brandy wine , please.¡± The guy says beside me. He has a deep voice and I¡¯m force to turn to my side to take a good look at him. Surprisingly his eyes lock with mine and he smirks.

    I gulp as we stare at ourselves like we¡¯ve seen each other before. Okay he¡¯s the one who stares at me like he has seen me before. I look down at his figure and take in his looks. He has brown hair that¡¯s slightly tousled. His eyes are deep green and his lips is pierced at the top. He wears a ck leather jacket and his neck looks tatted. Yeah he¡¯s sort of good looking but bad. Gray might be bad but this weird green eyes guy is worse.

    ¡± I know you.¡± Was the first word thates out of his mouth.

    ¡± Ariel.¡± He continues and smirks. How did he know my name? He looks down at me and he¡¯s checking me out.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry I don¡¯t know you.¡± I politely turn my head and look elsewhere. Daniel looks at me and goes back to his customers.

    ¡± Of course you don¡¯t.¡± His deep voice answers. He¡¯s so close I didn¡¯t notice.

    ¡± I¡¯ve been searching for you all my life. Where have you been?¡±

 Chapter 51

    Danieles back to me and look at this new upant. The other bartender already give him his drink.

    ¡± You want something?¡± Daniel asks the guy.

    ¡± How much did Gray pay you to look after his little girlfriend?¡± The guy asks Daniel.

    ¡± What do you really want , Cage ?¡± Daniel asks.

    ¡± Mind your business man , or I won¡¯t hold back to fuck you up.¡± He threatens Daniel.

    ¡± If he do shit , call me okay. I¡¯d better have Gray kill me or fire me than have you throw a punch at me.¡± He directs hisst statement to the guy before leaving.

    Cage or whatever his name is, chuckles and turns to look at me.

    ¡± Why did Gray have to bring you here , Ariel?¡±

    ¡± How did you know my name?¡±

    He chuckles again and chug half his drink.¡± You are Gray¡¯s. Who doesn¡¯t know you. You shouldn¡¯t havee here in the first ce . The fact that you¡¯re in his club doesn¡¯t mean they can¡¯t hurt you.¡± He winks and smirks.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know what you want with me.¡±

    ¡± Maybe I want the same thing Gray wants from you. You¡¯re pretty and will make a good mistress.¡± He looks into my eyes and shift his gaze to my lips.

    I roll my eyes and remove the straw from my drink and chug down the entire beverage down my throat.

    ¡± Cage.¡± I hear Gray¡¯s voice beside me. He looks at me and res at Mr Cage.

    ¡± What the fuck are you doing with my girl?¡±

    For some awkward reasons Cage doesn¡¯t look frightened or even threatened.

    ¡± Sorry dad , i was telling her she¡¯s hot.¡± Cage smirks and lift his ss to his lips to chug down the remaining content of his wine.

    ¡± Get out Cage.¡±

    ¡± I should get out because I told your girlfriend she¡¯s hot ? Don¡¯t cause a tantrum Gray. Look around , everyone¡¯s got eyes on her.¡± Cage says and smirks. Okay he¡¯s a little creepy but cute.

    Gray clenches his fist and I had to hold his arm. I¡¯m already on my feet and I¡¯m in between them.

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna leave bro.¡± Cage says and stands up.

    ¡± Don¡¯t just leave , get out of my club. Don¡¯te back , cause I won¡¯t be this friendly next time.¡±

    Cage chuckles and straightens his ck jacket. He has a gun too , cause I see it in his jacket. Cage smirks at me and leave. Gray licks his bottom lip and look around the club. It seems nobody notice what happened between Gray and Cage , except for these men on ck suits whom thatdy gave them the white powder. They look at me and go back to talking.

    Gray turns back to me and lock eyes with me. He didn¡¯t say a word and I¡¯m bothered.

    ¡± Daniel.¡± Gray calls out to the bartender as he rush to him.

    ¡± Gray please don¡¯t. It wasn¡¯t his fault. He truly looked out for me , don¡¯t fire him.¡±

    ¡± I wasn¡¯t going to fire him. Just wanted to punch him.¡± Gray res at Daniel and takes a deep breath.

    ¡± Fuck off.¡± Gray orders.

    Daniel nods and go back to work. Gray grabs my arm and walk me out of the club. We step out to the dark night as Gray opens the passenger door for me to get in. I slide in and he shuts the door. He turns around and enter the driver¡¯s seat. The drive was terrible cause none of us decide to start a conversation.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay?¡± He breaks the silence.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    ¡± Yeah. Who was that?¡±

    ¡± Who? Cage?¡±

    ¡± Yeah , Cage. He said he¡¯s been looking for me. He had to use the crazy line you used today. What¡¯s up with him ?¡±

    ¡± Just some random person.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re always lying.¡± I mutter and look out the window.

    ¡± I¡¯m always lying? Oh really? Fuck.¡±

    ¡± Then tell me who he was. Why did he act like that towards me. Like he wanted me.¡±

    ¡± Everyone wants you Ariel.¡±

    ¡± Why?¡± I yell.

    ¡± Why?¡± He yells back.¡± Oh you want me to tell you? Fine I¡¯ll tell you.¡± He yells even louder than usual. I flinch and move back to hit my side against the door.

    ¡± You make me mad sometimes.¡± He says calmly and turns to look at me. He sighs and look back at the road.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry that I yelled at you.¡± That wasn¡¯t even an answer to what i needed. Why was Cage so weird.

    ¡± He¡¯s a dick like dimir.¡±

    ¡± And you did business with him too? Outsmart him and took what belongs to him as well?¡±

    He chuckles and looks at me. He smirks and bites his bottom lip.

    ¡± That¡¯s bad. You must have hurt a lot of people.¡± I mutter.

    ¡± You basically don¡¯t trust me , do you ?¡±

    ¡± You know you¡¯re being¡­. I don¡¯t know what to call it. If I don¡¯t trust you then, I don¡¯t see reasons on why I¡¯m in a rtionship with you. I trust you Gray.¡±

    ¡± Then why did you just assume that i overshadowed Cage too. What happened between me and dimir is not what you think. I wanted that Chinese affiliation. But then it wasn¡¯t possible because they weren¡¯t searching. dimir went behind my back and took it . I can¡¯t just sit back and let him keep it. I took what¡¯s mine.¡±

    ¡± Now look at us. dimir won¡¯t stop till he hurts me. Now Cage.¡±

    ¡± Cage shouldn¡¯t bother you including dimir. As long as you stay in my house nothing¡¯s gonna happen to you.¡±

    ¡± So what happens once i step out of your house? They are gonnae after me as usual.¡± I scoff .

    Gray ce his right hand on my thighs and squeezes it gently.

    ¡± You know I won¡¯t let no one hurt you right?¡± I doubt that sometimes.

    ¡± That doesn¡¯t matter Gray. Your enemies are too much.¡±

    ¡± You don¡¯t have to freak out because of that. They want what I have. Something they couldn¡¯t work for.¡±

    ¡± And what¡¯s that?¡±

    He sighs , clearly bored of the conversation.

    ¡± Ariel, I don¡¯t want you to hate me. I¡¯ve done a lot of bad things with bad people and sincerely I don¡¯t want you to get involved with it. I care about you too much to let anything happen to you.¡± He says and briefly nces at the rearview mirror.

    ¡± What type of bad things Gray ?¡±

    ¡± Can you drive ?¡± He asks at once.

    ¡± Uh¡­¡±

    He nces back at the rearview mirror again and open hispartment to bring out a gun. God no , not again. I mentally freeze and look behind me. There¡¯s a car on our tail and it¡¯s almost close to ours. Why can¡¯t they just give up!

    ¡± Drive , Tinkerbell.¡± He says and shove out another gun from his jacket. So when am I supposed to get used to this ?

    He lets go of the steering wheel and motion for us to swap seats. Now I¡¯m freaking out. He push his seat back and lift me off my seat for me to take over the wheel. In less than few seconds we swap seats and I¡¯m driving.

    ¡± Why are they always after us? When is this ever going to end?¡± I yell. My hands tremble against the wheel and I¡¯m already whimpering. It¡¯s obvious if I continue this game with Gray then maybe I¡¯lle out dead.

    God , why can¡¯t I hate him already ?

    The car behind us appear beside us and I¡¯m already loosing my mind.

    ¡± Ariel , breathe. Swerve to the left and slow down the speed.¡± He says calmly. ¡± Anxiety is gonna take you out if you keep on driving like that.¡± He winks and even smirks.

    Seriously , like this is the time to wink or even smirk. I forgot sometimes that he¡¯s a crackhead.

    I take several deep breaths as Gray pushes a button. His side mirror rolls down as Gray turns to look at the driver. The car is tinted but I can bet there are more than two people in that car. Out of nervousness , i swerve the car to the left as Gray pulls the trigger at the driver. I gasp and almost loose control of the wheel. I tried my best not to look at the bloody mess. Gray¡¯s stunt seems to alert the other upants of the vehicle because they started shooting back.

    ¡± Ariel , duck.¡± Gray says through gritted teeth as he shoots endlessly at the other vehicle.

    This isn¡¯t helping. The bullet almost hit me and that made me panic. I sob and my eyes are already blurry. I swear , bullet sounds are louder in real life than movies. I barely can hear a thing and my hands are going weak because of shock. The shooting didn¡¯t end and I can hear both shooters groan. I swerve and speed up , same time I had to slow down because they won¡¯t stop shooting at each other. I need to go to church and plead for forgiveness. I don¡¯t know why my life is filled with violence and danger.

    ¡± Fuck , babe.¡± I turn to my side as Gray smirks at me.

    He pulls thest trigger at the rivals and I had to look at the mess he created. The car¡¯s windows are design with bullet holes and blood. I believe all the upant are dead but Gray¡¯s bleeding. He was shot.

    ¡± Gray you¡¯re bleeding.¡± I remind him.

    ¡± Can you increase the speed?¡± He asks calmly and shrug off his jacket. His in white t-shirt is blood stained. He was shot in his arm and he¡¯s not bothered.

    ¡± Gray , you¡¯re bleeding and you need to go the hospital.¡±

    ¡± Tinkerbell , I¡¯m fine.¡±

    I whimper and grip tightly to the wheel. I¡¯m really fed up of all this crazy stunt. How am I supposed to behave normal with a bleeding boyfriend by my side.

    ¡± My penthouse.¡± He says tly and hold tight to his bleeding arm.

    I roll my eyes and bite my lip. A tear slip out of my eyes and I didn¡¯t notice I¡¯m crying.

    ¡± Tinkerbell.¡±

    ¡± Just leave me alone.¡± I sob and halt the car in front of his penthouse building.

    I quickly hop out of the car to help him out but just like the annoying man he is , he gets out of the car before I even get to his side. He shuts the door and flung his jacket over his shoulder. He release the grip on his arm that was shot as he wraps his non injured hand around my waist.

    ¡± Gray , this isn¡¯t the time.¡± I whine and unwrap his hands from me.

    ¡± This isn¡¯t even a hospital. You¡¯re bleeding.¡± I panic.

    He groans and holds my elbow as we walk into the lobby. We ignore thedy at the lobby as we take the elevator. I pressed the button to his penthouse as the elevator ascend. I whimper and turn to look at him. He still grips to his bleeding arm and shoot me a smile that simply says ¡®i¡¯ll be fine.¡¯

    How can I not panic. First we were attacked and he was shot. When is this ever ending? The elevator slides open and I help him out. He chuckles and type in his house code. The door opens and we get in.

    ¡± Damn¡­¡± Gray pushes his jacket off his shoulders and pull the shirt above his head. It¡¯s obvious this isn¡¯t the first time he was shot.

    ¡± What are we supposed to do? You don¡¯t even have any kits at all. No Band-Aids , no scissors , nothing. Gray..¡±

    ¡± Tinkerbell , just calm down.¡± He hisses in pain and leads me to the kitchen.

    He asks me to go to his room and retrieve a first aid kit. I never knew he had that. I search through his room and finally found one. I¡¯m already panicking and sooner thanter I¡¯m freaking out. Gray sits on the kitchen stool still holding to his bleeding arm. Seriously , i never thought Gray would ever be shot.

    ¡± I¡¯ll be fine. Stop panicking.¡±

    I roll my eyes and sit the first aid kit on the counter. I open it and rummage through the items.

    ¡± Take the scissors first. You can remove the bullet with that.¡±

    ¡± What?¡± I panic. ¡± I can¡¯t remove a bullet. I don¡¯t even know how to do it.¡± I breathe and try to calm my panic state.

    ¡± Look at me.¡±

    I blink my teary eyes and look up at Gray¡¯s. He cup my cheek and run his blood stained thumb pad on my cheek.

    ¡± I¡¯m the one who¡¯s shot okay. Just take the scissors and pull out the bullet. Except you want me to die of excess bleeding.¡± He says.

    I shake my head and sob. He pulls me to himself and kisses my forehead.

    I take several deep breaths and pick up the scissors. My hand trembles and my feet are already wobbly. I can do this. Breathe Ariel. I raise my head to look at his eyes. He smiles at me and motions for me to go on. I pierce the scissors inside his skin and he didn¡¯t even wince. After several battling, I remove the bullet.

    Damn , I¡¯ve never seen a bullet before. This one is tiny and weird. I drop the bullet on the counter and clean his wound with alcohol. He watches every single move of mine and I¡¯m ufortable. I treat the wound and stitch it and bandage his arm. I put the instruments back inside the first aid kit and wash my hands. I¡¯m still angry at him. I don¡¯t even know when this will ever stop. Each time we step out , we¡¯re always supposed to be vignt because of some psychotic assholes who won¡¯t leave me alone. Or probably us alone.

    I take a quick shower and put on his t-shirt under my panties. I go back to the living room and Gray¡¯s watching TV. He doesn¡¯t even look bothered that he just got shot. Maybe I¡¯m just overreacting. I cross my arms and lean against the doorway as i watch him. I think he hasn¡¯t notice my presence or maybe he chose to pretend not to notice me.

    ¡± Ariel.¡± He calls out and dart his head to my form.

    I breathe out and push myself off the doorframe and stalk to the couch opposite the TV that he¡¯s sitting. He grabs the hem of his shirt I¡¯m wearing and pulls me to himself. I fall on hisp and straddle him.

    ¡± Are you still angry?¡± He asks and pinches my nipple. Like this is the time to flirt with me.

    I bite my lip and look down at my hands that rest on his chest. My gaze move to his bandage arm that was shot.

    ¡± You know I¡¯m angry.¡± I scoff and swat his hand off my nipple.

    He chuckles and grab my hips to pull me closer to him.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡± He says and wraps his arms around my waist. His head nuzzles my neck as his thumb caresses my lower back.

    ¡± I hate seeing you angry.¡± He whispers and kisses my cheek.

    ¡± How are you feeling?¡± I ask and thread my fingers through his hair.

    ¡± You¡¯re here , that¡¯s what matters.¡± He kisses my cheek and then peck my lips.

    I sigh and trail my fingers on his body. My finger graze gently on the bullet wound.

    ¡± I was scared. Thought I was gonna loose you.¡± I mutter and raise my head to look into his eyes. He leans his head on the headrest of the couch and look into my soul.

    His eyes always hold so many emotions that I barely could fathom. We stay quiet as he lock eyes with me. Goosebumps rise on my skin as he slowly trails his fingers on my leg to my thigh. His eyes not breaking from mine. My heart beat hammers against my chest and he¡¯s making me want him.

    ¡± Who are those people? Why are they after you?¡±

    He smirks and sits up. He runs his fingers down my back and pull me to him. His lips slightly brush against mine and he¡¯s not saying a word. He¡¯s avoiding my question. He nt soft kisses down my neck to my chest. He holds the back of my neck and sp his lips on mine. He¡¯s my weakness. No matter how hard I¡¯ve try to shut out all this crazy doubt about him , it¡¯s not always working. I mean we got attacked and he¡¯s not bothered or even answering my questions.

    I hopelessly wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him back. His hands move up my hips as he desperately kisses me. I trail my fingers on his body making sure of his bullet wound. After our desperate make out , we stop kissing as he leans his forehead against mine. Our breathing mix with the temperature of the room and the sounding out from the TV.

    He slowly opens his eyes to lock eyes with mine. I raise my hand and trail my middle finger on his jawline.

    ¡± You¡¯re cute when you¡¯re scared.¡± He says.

    Seriously. I was expecting an exnation of what happened and he had to tell me I¡¯m cute when I¡¯m scared. I roll my eyes and drop my hands on my side.

    ¡± Who are they, Gray? Why where they after us? Was it some of your enemies? Who¡¯s Cage?¡±

    He stays silent and bites his lips without saying a word.

    ¡± Gray.¡±

    ¡± What?¡±

    ¡± Who are they?¡± I ask getting impatient with his sickening attitude.

    ¡± You know who they are Ariel. They are gangsters.¡±

    ¡± Gangsters?¡± I ask and he didn¡¯t say a word.

    ¡± Gray , are you also one of them ?¡±

    ¡± Tinkerbell , drop it.¡± He says dryly.

    ¡± I should drop it?¡± Now I¡¯m getting offended. I mean we were attacked and he was shot. So i should just sit back and drink Coke and also assume everything¡¯s fine when clearly nothing is fine.

    I get off hisp and stand up.

    ¡± Gray , I need exnations. Why can¡¯t you just tell me you¡¯re also part of it.¡± I yell. He didn¡¯t answer and I¡¯m irritated.

    God , why can¡¯t I hate him already. I bite my lip and watch him. His nk expression that¡¯s glue to the TV. He looks up at me and yet he didn¡¯t say a word. Now I hate him. I turn my back and walk out on him. I wish I can just leave him alone , but it¡¯s so hard and nearly impossible.

    He¡¯s got me wrapped around his fingers.

 Chapter 52

    I wake up to an empty bed the following morning. I rub my eyes and blink them. The bustling and rustling of the busy city below us can be heard. I mean this is New York , what am I supposed to expect.

    I push the nket aside and sit up on the bed with my feet not even close to the floor. I sigh and walk to the floor to ceiling ss walls that view the city. I itch my eyelids and push the white drapes aside. I look down at the city below the penthouse and they look tiny.

    I go to the bathroom to brush my teeth and yesterday¡¯s incident flows into my head. Gangsters. Gangsters who wants him dead and also they want me as bait to get whatever thing they need from Gray. I don¡¯t even me them that much. What ever shitty business Gray did , I¡¯m sure he hurt a lot of people. And this stupid shooting stunt isn¡¯t ending any time soon. I drop the toothbrush and stare at my reflection. I look a bit weird because ofst night¡¯s stunt. I walk out of the bathroom and wonder where Gray is. I look around the living room and the sight of smoke almost made me panic. Faint music ys in the living room and there¡¯s smokeing from the kitchen.

    ¡± Jesus¡­¡± I cough. Gray just burnt an entire breakfast.

    ¡± What are you doing ?¡± I ask him and cough slightly.

    He pouts and shrugs. I chuckle and look around the kitchen. He was trying to cook and obviously , he burnt the kitchen.

    ¡± What did you do ?¡± I ask and pick up the spat to point at him.

    He chuckles. Thank God the smoke is almost out.

    ¡± You were sleeping and I wanted to be a good boyfriend , so i thought I should prepare you something. I¡¯m sorry , it¡¯s stupid , I burnt it.¡± He shrugs and run his fingers through his hair.

    I throw my head back andugh. Now he¡¯s amused cause I justughed at him.

    ¡± Jesus , Jamal.¡±

    He rolls his eyes and watch me carefully.

    ¡± You look pretty when youugh at me.¡± He says dryly.

    I roll my eyes and help him clean the table.

    ¡± I should be at school today. Today is Monday.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re skipping ss.¡±

    I raise my head to look at him. He winks at me above the rim of his ss as he drinks the water. I sigh and bite my tongue.

    ¡± What about work ?¡±

    ¡± Same thing.¡±

    ¡± Gray , really. I won¡¯t go to school today and i won¡¯t go to work. What am I supposed to tell Theo.¡±

    ¡± That your boyfriend , Gray Carter ask you to skip work today because he wants to have alone time with his girlfriend. He doesn¡¯t have a choice.¡±

    I sigh and drop the napkin.¡± But that¡¯s not fair. It¡¯s like you¡¯re intimidating him.¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s exactly what I¡¯m doing. He¡¯s a dick.¡± He scoffs and drops the ss on the counter.

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna think about it. I can¡¯t stay at home all day with you.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m not hot enough ?¡± He leans his elbows on the counter and watch me with his seductive smirk.

    I chuckle and bite my bottom lip.¡± You¡¯re such a jerk. I didn¡¯t say that.¡±

    ¡± Then what are you saying?¡± He asks softly as he make his way to my side of the counter.

    ¡± Yes , Tinkerbell.¡± He whispers in my ears and wraps his hands around my waist. I breathe into the new feeling and blush.

    The closeness of our body makes my body want him so badly. I lean against his chest as he kisses my neck. Now i forgot I¡¯m supposed to be asking about his arm.

    ¡± How¡¯s your arm?¡± I ask.

    ¡± Better than ever.¡± He answers against the skin of my neck.

    I turn around to inspect his wound and he presses me against the counter so I can¡¯t escape. I trace my fingers along the wound careful and he looks better. I mean he always looks better. He doesn¡¯t even act like someone who got shot.

    ¡± This got me scared.¡± I murmur and trace my fingers on the bandage.

    ¡± Thank God you¡¯re fine.¡± I breathe out and wrap my arms around his torso.

    ¡± So you care about me this much?¡± He asks and furrows his brows.

    ¡± Shut up! You know I will always care about you. You make me happy Gray.¡± I say and rest my head on his chest still holding his waist.

    ¡± You make me happy too.¡± He replies , barely above a whisper.

    His right hand runs through my hair and he kisses my temple. I trace my fingers down his spine and he gently lift me off the ground and sit me on the counter.

    ¡± I¡¯m going home today , Gray.¡±

    ¡± You know I won¡¯t let you.¡± He says softly.

    I chuckle and roll my eyes. ¡± I have to. I¡¯ve stayed with you more than two weeks now. Don¡¯t you think I should go back to the apartment.¡±

    ¡± What if someonees after you and I¡¯m not there to protect you?¡±

    I sigh and look up at his face.

    ¡± Gray , how long am i supposed to hide from all this drama. I¡¯m serious , I¡¯m tired of it. You don¡¯t expect me to go around town being self cautious because of this stupid gangsters. I¡¯m tired Gray. I don¡¯t mean to sound selfish but I want my normal life back.¡± I sigh and hop out of the counter.

    I set out the bowl and ingredients to make pancakes for Gray and i. He isn¡¯t saying a word and I¡¯m in need of a word from him. I want him to say something. If he¡¯s not tired of this awkward situation whereby any minute from now, some men are just gonna barge into our privacy just to shoot at us. I swear , I¡¯m already tired.

    ¡± Is Cage part of yesterday¡¯s shoot out ?¡± I ask mixing the ingredients.

    ¡± You ain¡¯t giving up , are you ?¡±

    ¡± Gray , if you want us to work out , you need to start telling me everything about you.¡±

    ¡± I thought you know almost everything about me.¡± He says sarcastically.

    I huff and tap my finger on the countertop. He¡¯s being annoying right now.

    ¡± Are you also a gangster ?¡±

    He looks irritated and bored.

    ¡± I don¡¯t wanna talk about it.¡±

    So that¡¯s it? He doesn¡¯t wanna talk about it. It¡¯s no longer dimir now it¡¯s Cage. A green eyed freak who¡¯s also his rival. How did I get myself in this mess? I wasn¡¯t thinking obviously. Now I¡¯m a bait to everyone. To everyone who thinks it¡¯s smart toe after me just to get at Gray. I mix the items on the bowl and ce the pan on the stove to start cooking.

    After taking out the pancakes on two different tes. I swirl syrup over my pancakes and little on Gray¡¯s. I carry both tes to the living room and drop them on the ss table close to the couch opposite the TV. Gray¡¯s watching a football game with the volume low. I bet he¡¯s not even concentrating on it. It¡¯s obvious his mind has traveled to God knows where.

    I ignore himpletely and eat my breakfast in silence. He hasn¡¯t touched his yet and seriously , I¡¯m bothered. I look at him at the corner of my eyes and he looks deep in thoughts. I wanted to ask him if he¡¯s okay and then i remembered I¡¯m supposed to be angry at him. He owe me an exnation and also an apology for making my lifeplicated.

    ¡°So you¡¯re not asking me if I¡¯m eating or not , hmm?¡± He asks and turns to look at me. Damn , that smirk. It literally makes my heart beat.

    I look straight at the TV and bite the inside of my cheek to keep me from blushing.

    ¡± What happened to the syrup? Mine is empty.¡±

    ¡± I thought you don¡¯t like it.¡± I reply dryly , making sure I don¡¯t make eye contact with him. I feel him smirk and he leans closer to me on the couch. I swallow and try to keep up with my angry facade. Of course it¡¯s not possible. Gray¡¯s my addiction and my distraction.

    He gently snatches my te from me and chuckle at my yful re at him.

    ¡± I can¡¯t believe you try to stay angry at me?¡± He muses with a smirk and eat my pancakes.

    ¡± Gray that isn¡¯t yours.¡± I whine.

    ¡± I see nothing wrong in wanting your food.¡±

    I roll my eyes and take a slice from his and eat. He only chuckles beside me and finish both tes.

    ~~~

    I wipe the tes with the napkin and arrange them back to their ce. Gray walks into the kitchen and I¡¯m still mad at him. I ignore him and turn on the tap of the sink to wash my hands. Suddenly , Gray wraps his arms around my waist from behind and kiss my nape. I shudder , trying not to get tempted with his seduction.

    He kisses down my nape to my shoulder de as he kiss up to the side of my neck.

    ¡± Gray , don¡¯t.¡± I warn but he doesn¡¯t listen.

    He smirks against my skin and gently bites my neck. Surprisingly , I shut my eyes and copse to his touch. I bite my tongue to stop me from moaning but it¡¯s fruitless.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡± He whispers and kiss my hair.

    ¡± Sorry , for?¡±

    ¡± Everything that I¡¯ve put you through. I¡¯m such an idiot for wanting something as beautiful as you. And maybe I¡¯m selfish for keeping you.¡± He sighs and turns me around leaning me against the counter.

    His hands stays at the sides of my body as he kisses me. I part my lips giving him more entrance and I moan.

    ¡± Take a shower with me?¡± He asks after breaking from our intense make out.

    I roll my eyes and swat his hands. He chuckles and lift me off the ground as my legs curl around his waist. I squeal when he pinches my hips all the way to the bathroom. I¡¯m visiting Alexa today and Piper and Brandon texted me to ask if I¡¯ll be checking up on her. I rest both hands on the cold wall of the bathroom as Gray sponge my skin gently. He kisses my hair from behind me as the warm water rinse our skins. I get out of the shower while Gray stay back to rinse himself off thether.

    .

    ***

    .

    I sing along the song from the radio as Gray drive us to the hospital. He chose to follow me for security reasons. Said he doesn¡¯t want me to get hurt.

    ¡± You are sounding like Kennedy right now.¡± He says.

    I scrunch my face and jab my elbows on his ribs. Heughs to my crazy attempt of hurting him. He didn¡¯t feel it at all.

    ¡± Why would you say that ?¡± I whine.

    ¡± Your voice.¡±

    ¡± I sing great.¡± I protest.

    ¡± I know. You sing really good but right now you¡¯re sounding like Kennedy.¡±

    I roll my eyes and cross my arms.

    ¡± Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re mad.¡± Gray says and ce his hand on myp.

    I smile and swat his hand off myp and I pull my knees to my chest.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡± He says. I bite my bottom lip and burst intoughter.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± You¡¯re cuter when you care.¡± I smile and turn to look at him. I poke his cheek and pinch it.

    He res yfully at me. I watch him handle the wheel as we pull up at the hospital. We walk inside the hospital and I¡¯m nervous again. Most times i can¡¯t believe the fact that Alexa got shot. It¡¯s so hard to believe. I open the door to her room and peek my head inside before stepping in. She look just the same , pale and not even responding. Gray shuts the door and lean against the wall close to the door with his hands tuck in his pockets.

    ¡± Why would dimir shoot her?¡± I ask no one in particr. I sit on the chair close to her bed and sigh. Probably I¡¯m the reason for herying in the hospital. Maybe he wanted me dead and she didn¡¯t want it to happen.

    ¡± Manny. Where are you?¡± Gray speaks on the phone.

    I didn¡¯t hear the other voice from the background. With one hand holding his phone , his other hand smooth his hair.

    ¡± dimir is not in the country?¡± Gray sighs and hangs up , shoving his phone in his jacket.

    ¡± What happened?¡± I ask.

    ¡± d flew out of the country. I think he¡¯s in Russia. Maybe he shot her afterwards and left the country. He¡¯s such a pussy.¡±

    I sigh and look at the monitor. She¡¯s not even showing any sign of survival.

    ¡± Oh my God. I¡¯m sorry we¡­.¡± I dart my head to the door to see Piper and Brandon. I don¡¯t know what made them freeze but I¡¯m certain it¡¯s Gray.

    I chuckle and shake my head sideways.

    ¡± Oh. Hey , hi.¡± They say to Gray. Gray smiles warmly and nods.

    ¡± When did you arrive?¡± Piper asks sitting next to me on Alexa¡¯s bed.

    ¡± Not quite long.¡±

    ¡± Have you seen the doctor?¡± Brandon asks.

    ¡± No. Haven¡¯t seen any doctor since I arrive.¡± I heave a deep breath and slide my hand down my face.

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna wait outside. Gotta take this.¡± Gray waves his phone at me and walks out.

    ¡± We didn¡¯t expect you¡¯d bring your boyfriend , girl.¡± They muses.

    I roll my eyes and cross my arms.

    ¡± You skip school today. Are you gonna go to work?¡±

    ¡± Gray won¡¯t let me. I can¡¯t protest on that. He called Theo and told him I¡¯ll not being to work today.¡±

    They giggles and ruffles my hair.

    ¡± Stop it.¡± Iugh and swat their hands away.

    The doctor from the other day walks in holding her clipboard. She smiles at us and walks to the other side of Alexa¡¯s bed. She¡¯s still breathing through oxygen.

    ¡± How¡¯s she?¡± We ask the doctor.

    ¡± Same. We hope she¡¯s gonna get better though.¡± The doctor sighs and holds Alexa¡¯s wrist to check her pulse .

    She scribbles something on her clipboard and look back at her heart rate on the monitor. She sighs deeply andstly move her gaze back to Alexa.

    ¡± You should keep on hoping. She might get better. She bled so much before she was brought here. It¡¯s one of the reasons she¡¯s barely responding.¡±

    I nod and the doctor walks out. I look at Brandon and Piper who looks speechless as well.

    ¡± So what¡¯s gonna happen if she doesn¡¯t make it?¡± I ask.

    ¡± Ariel , I thought you wanted to be a nun. Where¡¯s your faith?¡± Piper asks and smirks.

    I chuckle and stare at her in awe.¡± Piper , you¡¯re not religious.¡± Brandonughs too and shakes his head.

    ¡± Sincerely , I believe she¡¯ll will be fine. She¡¯s gonna fight it out. She¡¯s a strong woman.¡± Brandon says.

    ¡± So who else thinks Brandon should be a therapist or maybe a motivational speaker?¡± I ask. Piper and Brandon throws their head back andugh.

    ¡± I support.¡± Piper adds. Brandon rolls his eyes and shove his hands in his pockets.

    ¡± How was ss ?¡±

    ¡± Terrible as fuck. I also need to copy from your statistics paper.¡± Piper says.

    ¡± You¡¯re tripping.¡±

    ¡± I ain¡¯t fuckin kidding , boo. I can¡¯t think about anything actually. So tomorrow whening to school , bring it to school.¡±

    ¡± Yes , mother.¡± I huff and bite my tongue.

    ¡± What¡¯s up with Jamie?¡± I ask.

    ¡± Damn girl. That nigga is a virgin.¡± Piper burst out.

    ¡± What the fuck!¡± Brandon exims.

    ¡± Can you please be easy? You don¡¯t wanna wake her up.¡± I utter. The guys chuckles.

    ¡± fuck , Ariel she¡¯s ina. And by the way, we want her to be awake.¡±

    ¡± Whatever. Back to that Jamie. Piper you took his virginity ?¡±

    ¡± fuck , yeah.¡± She smirks and shuts her eyes trying to fantasize whatever thing she did with Jamie.

    ¡± You need to see his face when I go down on him. shit.¡± Piper emphasizes.

    ¡± Okay , that¡¯s gross. It¡¯s enough.¡±

    ¡± Yeah , totally gross.¡± Brandon adds and burst intoughter.

    ~~~

    We left after spending hours at Alexa¡¯s hospital room. I had to argue with Gray countless times about sending me home but he didn¡¯t listen. After taking some strange call he decides to take me back to my apartment. I walk into the apartment and shut the door behind me. This feels like forever. I hear chattersing from the kitchen and i know that voice. Leslie and her best friend , Hazel.

    ¡± Look who decides to show up.¡± Leslie smirks at me.

    ¡± Hi , Ariel.¡± Hazel grins and stuff her mouth with baked beans.

    ¡± So you got rid of it? And you¡¯re celebrating it? ¡± I cross my arms and lean against the doorframe.

    ¡± Yeah , Hallelujah.¡± Leslie res at me and rolls her eyes.

    ¡± You¡¯re such a shitty disgrace.¡± I retort.

    ¡± I beg your pardon! bitch mind your business.¡± Leslie fires back.

    ¡± I wish you can also listen to your dumb advice of minding your business. It¡¯s stupid your precious parents didn¡¯t find out about it.¡± I scoff and turn to go to my room.

    ***

    .

    Piper and I walk quickly down the hospital hallway the following day after school. Gray as usual asked Nick to drive me to school even if I¡¯m hanging around my apartment now. My parents called earlier today , saying I shoulde home with Leslie for family dinner that she misses us and would love to see us.

    We open the door and step inside the room. I shut the door and stare at Alexa¡¯s supposed room. It wasn¡¯t the same as yesterday. Piper and I look around and it¡¯s obviously her room. But something is wrong , she¡¯s missing.

 Chapter 53

    Okay Ariel.

    Don¡¯t panic. Think positive. Maybe the doctor¡¯s took her out for some treatment and they couldn¡¯t do the treatment in her room.

    What if they shot her again?

    What if she¡¯s kidnapped?

    What if she¡¯s dead?

    What if-?

    Jesus , for Christ sake think positive. If anything happens to her , her parents will never forgive me. No matter how hard I try to apologise.

    ¡± What the fuck! Where the fuck is she? She was right here , right?¡± Piper rambles.

    I think I¡¯m the only one who¡¯s panicking.

    ¡± Okay. We should look at the bright side. She might be around. Let¡¯s check under the bed. Maybe she was attacked by some weirdo and she was pushed under the bed.¡± I say.

    Piper looks at me weirdly and blink her eyes. God , why¡¯s this even happening in the first ce. Obviously I know why , I said i don¡¯t want a college student as a boyfriend and then I chose to date a mystery man called Gray Carter. So much for falling In love. Piper and I made a mistake by looking under the hospital bed and then we freaked out.

    ¡± What the fuck!¡± Piper scream out panicking.

    The doctor Ka , rushes in as she stares at us totally baffled.

    ¡± What the hell is going on in this hospital of yours? Where¡¯s she?¡± I ask and point to Alexa¡¯s bed.

    ¡± What are you talking about?¡± The doctor stutters.

    ¡± There¡¯s a fuckin dead body under her bed and she¡¯s no where to be found.¡± Piper yells.

    Another doctor walks in and it¡¯s a man. He looks at us totally bewildered. It¡¯s like he heard our conversation.

    ¡± What¡¯s going on?¡± The male doctor asks.

    ¡± Our friend was admitted here and she¡¯s ina. We came in to check on her and she¡¯s no where to be found. There¡¯s a dead man under her bed. What is wrong with this hospital?¡± I cross my arm and whimper.

    I just saw a dead body and just a little hope is the only thing that¡¯s keeping me from panicking. Infact I panicked. The male doctor squat to look under the bed as he gasp. He drags the body out and his face was covered with his suit jacket. I look the other side as the doctor removed the jacket from his face.

    ¡± Holy fuck.¡±

    I dart my head back to the body and it¡¯s a man. He has tattoos because few are seen around his neck. He was stabbed in the eyes and it¡¯s obvious it was a syringe andstly he looks pale.

    ¡± He was overdosed.¡± The male doctor says and stand to his feet.

    ¡± Overdosed?¡± Piper and I ask.

    ¡± Yes. Maybe he came here to hurt her and probably overdose her but he couldn¡¯t seed. Now the question is , who overdosed him instead? And where¡¯s the patient?¡±

    ¡± We¡¯re not dectectives. You should be answering that , not us.¡± Piper replies , sarcastically.

    I walk to the body to take a proper look at it. It¡¯s a Russian man. My mind snap to one person. dimir. He sent him to kill her but someone else killed him and kidnapped her body. But who?

    ¡± Look , we don¡¯t care who did it but , you should look for our friend. She can¡¯t go missing just like that. What¡¯s even wrong with your staff? Your jobs was to look after your patients and not to get busy while intruders try to murder them.¡± I scoff and drag Piper out of Alexa¡¯s hospital ward.

    ¡± Who do you think would wanna kill her again?¡±

    ¡± Same person who shot her?¡±

    ¡± dimir.¡±

    I nod.

    ¡± But why? I mean he shot her once and why¡¯s he trying to kill her again?¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s obvious. He didn¡¯t seed in taking her life and he found out she¡¯s still alive. He needs toplete the mission.¡± I sigh as we step out of the hospital.

    Nick rolls down the window of my car and step out.

    ¡± Everything okay princess? How¡¯s Alexa? Is she okay?¡± He asks.

    I sigh and cross my arm and shake my head sideways. ¡± She¡¯s missing.¡±

    ¡± The fuck! What you talking about?¡±

    ¡± We checked in , in her ward and she¡¯s no where to be found. We saw a dead Russian man under her bed and he was overdosed.¡± I exin.

    ¡± dimir?¡± Nick asks. I nod.

    ¡± He¡¯s out of the country , right?¡±

    ¡± Exactly my point. If someone tried to overdose her and he couldn¡¯t. Then who took her body? She¡¯s ina right?¡± Nick asks and I nod again.

    ¡± Ariel , you¡¯re not safe if she¡¯s missing. Someone who took her body mighte after you. You should skip work today.¡±

    ¡± And get fired ?¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re Gray¡¯s girlfriend , no one¡¯s gonna fire you.¡±

    I scoff and walk past him to get in the car. I slide into the passenger seat and shut the door.

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna take the cab.¡± Piper says from outside.

    ¡± Get in Piper , Nick¡¯s gonna drop you off.¡± I turn to look at her and motion for her to get in. She shrugs and get in the backseat.

    Nick huffs and enters the driver¡¯s seat and ignite the engine. I turn on the radio as he begins driving.

    ¡± So what are you nning to do Ariel?¡± Piper asks.

    I nce briefly at her through the rearview mirror. I sigh and look back at the window.

    ¡± I swear I don¡¯t know.¡± Maybe I just want my normal life back. Not some hard life where I can¡¯t be free from psychotic shooters.

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna talk to Gray about it. Manny¡¯s gonna look through the ward for any suspects.¡± Nick utters.

    ¡± But howe they don¡¯t have surveince cameras around the hospital? For fuck¡¯s sake , they are supposed to be watchful of their patients not the other way round.¡± Piper says.

    ¡± I¡¯m scared.¡± I mutter to myself.

    I give Piper¡¯s direction to Nick and he stops in front of her apartment.

    ¡± Bye , Ariel. Becareful okay.¡±

    ¡± Sure. Regards to Brandon.¡± I smile at her and she nods.

    She gets out of the car and shuts the door.

    ¡± I need to be at work today.¡± I say to Nick once we¡¯re at the road.

    ¡± Ariel your cousin is missing. The least you could do is stay guarded.¡±

    ¡± So you¡¯re saying I¡¯m not allowed to go to work? Nick, I skipped work yesterday.¡±

    ¡± And you¡¯re not gonna die if you skip today. I need to take you to Gray¡¯s house. It¡¯s my responsibility to see to your safety or I¡¯m gonna pay with my life.¡±

    ¡± Fine. Can we go to her apartment ?¡±

    ¡± No. I need to drop you off first. I¡¯m sorry Ariel.¡±

    I chew on my bottom lip and look out the window. After several attempts of talking to Nick to take me home so I can I go to work , it was fruitless. He halts the car in the garage and we get out. God I¡¯m back to his house again. I shut the car angrily and walk ahead of him to the house. I cross my arm and nce around the living room. Gray¡¯s talking with Reid and Manny is at the corner with his hands in his cks pockets.

    Gray smokes his cigarette while Reid is smoking a pipe. Gray hasn¡¯t noticed me yet. He¡¯s busy talking about Cage¡¯s arrival and I¡¯m left to wonder who¡¯s really this Cage.

    ¡± Boss.¡± Nick appears from beside me.

    He turns around and his eyes falls on my form. I sigh and walk past them to his bedroom upstairs. I shut the door and fling my bag on the couch. I crouch next to it and turn the TV on.

    ¡± Tinkerbell.¡± I hear that all too familiar voice.

    He sits next to me on the couch and kisses my temple.

    ¡± Gray, I skipped work today. ¡±

    ¡± I know. Nick told me.¡± He says, barely audible as he kisses my hair again.

    ¡± Alexa is sorta of missing. We visited the hospital and she¡¯s not there except for the dead body of a Russian man whom I believe dimir must have sent him. Why¡¯s this happening Gray? Will this ever end?¡±

    ¡± Come here.¡± He coo¡¯s and bring me to sit on hisp.

    ¡± I don¡¯t want you to worry okay. She will be fine. I already send Carl and Nick to check out what happened. dimir is out of the country. I wanted to give him a single message and the bitch is no where to be found. And about your internship , I¡¯ll take care of that. Theo won¡¯t say a word , i promise you.¡± I sigh and nod.

    ¡± Happy now?¡± He asks and caresses my hips. I chuckle and shake my head sideways.

    ¡± What if theye after me ?¡±

    ¡± Then they have toe through me first. I won¡¯t hold back in hurting dimir this time.¡±

    ¡± Thanks , Jamal.¡±

    ¡± Don¡¯t call me that.¡± He whispers and spank my hips. I giggle and thread my fingers through his hair. I raise my head to look at his face and his eyes.

    ¡± You¡¯re supposed to be at work today.¡±

    ¡± I left afterwards. I wanted to make sure you¡¯re okay.¡± He whispers and kisses my cheek.

    ¡± How was ss?¡±

    ¡± Great.¡± I sigh and rest my head on his shoulders.

    ¡± How¡¯s Kennedy?¡±

    ¡± I think she¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    ¡± You think? Gray , you¡¯re her uncle. It¡¯s your responsibility to know if she¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡± God i know. I have a lot of things to handletely.¡±

    ¡± Killing people?¡± I ask and sit up properly to look into his eyes.

    ¡± Part of it.¡±

    ¡± Must you kill people?¡± I ask and try to get of hisp. His hands grabs my waist and pulls me down.

    ¡± You should know me better by now. It¡¯s part of my job.¡±

    I roll my eyes and trail my fingers down his chest. His bullet wound is already healed and the stitches is also healed a bit leaving behind a pink scar that¡¯s fading gradually.

    ¡± Are you hungry? Should I order McDonald¡¯s?¡± He asks.

    ¡± Okay.¡± I kiss his cheek and kiss down to his jawline. His eyes flutter shut as I kiss down to his neck. I kiss the corner of his mouth and fully take his lips into mine. At first he didn¡¯t kiss back but his eyes are shut. I nibble on his bottom lip and suck on before kissing his upper lip. He opens his eyes and kiss back. He takes charge of the kiss and next moment I¡¯m already moaning in his mouth.

    We stop kissing and we break from the kiss.

    ¡± Reid¡¯s waiting downstairs.¡± I say.

    He smirks and chuckles.

    ¡± I¡¯ll tell Manny to order food.¡±

    I nod and get off hisp. I fall on the bed and pick up the TV remote control. Gray walks to the edge of the bed and leans his hands at the edge hovering over my face.

    ¡± Once all this shit¡¯s over , we¡¯re gonna go to Hawaii.¡± He kisses my forehead and walk out of the room.

    I smile and bite my lip nervously. When this is over. So when will this be over? Cause I¡¯m already fed up.

    ????

    Later in the evening , I drive back to my apartment. Or let¡¯s say Gray actually drive me to my apartment in my car. Nick pull up behind us so he would drive Gray back to his house. He leans closer to me and tuck my loose hair behind my ear. We stare at each other for seconds and no one¡¯s willing to break the silence.

    ¡± I think we should teach you how to shoot a gun. Or maybe how to punch.¡± He smirks and runs his thumb pad on my lips.

    ¡± I can punch.¡± I defend myself.

    ¡± You sure about that?¡± He asks , calmly still rubbing his thumb on my bottom lip. His thumb graze against my teeth and he smirks. Just his little attempt automatically turns me on. His eyes watches me carefully and we¡¯re so close.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    I gently bite his thumb and licks it. His gaze move from my eyes to my lip and I can tell he¡¯s getting hard.

    ¡± Not the time Gray.¡± I bite his thumb and take it out of my mouth.

    ¡± Fuck.¡± He cusses and sit properly , leaning his head against the car seat.

    ¡± I dont want you to go. Spend the night with me.¡± He says.

    ¡± You know I can¡¯t. I¡¯ve been pretty upiedtely. I need to focus on school. I have like three school work I haven¡¯t done yet. I will stay the weekend.¡± I kiss his cheek and poke it.

    He chuckles and nod.

    ¡± Goodnight.¡±

    He smiles and cups my cheek to kiss me. I run my fingers down his hair to his nape as we kiss. He bites my bottom lip and smirks between his devilish bite.

    ¡± Dream about me ?¡±

    ¡± Yes , daddy.¡± I wink at him as we step out of the car. Great , my bottom lip hurts a bit.

    He throws my car key at me and I catch it. That wasn¡¯t easy though. He pulls me to give me a hug and kiss my hair. We pull away from the hug and I turn to walk into my apartment building. I turn around and his other car that Nick¡¯s driving already drove out. I take the elevator to my floor and step out. I unlock the door and open it. I shut it and the living room is a bit dark except for the TV light. I walk to the living room and see Leslie sitting next to a guy on our couch opposite the TV. They are watching a movie.

    She jolts in shock when she sees me. The guy adjusts the nket over his groin and that¡¯s when I noticed it¡¯s her ex boyfriend , Hayden. She was giving him a handjob obviously. I chuckle and shake my head sideways as I walk down the hallway to my room. I drop my bag on the chair of my dresser and undress my self to take a shower. After taking my bath , I arrange the few books I¡¯ll need at school tomorrow on my nightstand as Iy down to sleep.

    ~~~~~~

    My rm woke me up the following morning. I hit the snooze button and brush my teeth. I have ss in less than a hour and I¡¯m really exhausted. Alexa is missing and some freak holes are after my life. This isn¡¯t how I nned college. I brush my teeth and go to the kitchen to prepare toast , since it¡¯s the easiest thing to make as breakfast. The doorbell rings and I stalk to the door.

    Leslie is still sleeping or probably she must have gone out. Who must that be? I twist the doorknob and open the door only to see who I didn¡¯t expect to see. She smiles at me and caresses her puppy¡¯s fur. I look down at her and she¡¯s fine , even dressed in her savage attire and ready for school.

    ¡± Alexa ?¡±

    ¡± Hi, cousin.¡±

 Chapter 54

    ¡°Alexa!¡± I squeak surprisingly and pull her into a bear hug.

    She giggles and hug me with one hand while the other holds Blue firmly.

    ¡± Jesus.¡± I smile and shut the door.

    ¡± Sup girl! You look pretty. Damn , whenst did I saw you?¡± Alexa asks sitting on the couch.

    ¡± Last week.¡± I sigh and sit next to her to observe her.

    ¡± How are you? What happened? We checked on you yesterday at the hospital and then boom , you¡¯re gone except for a dead man underneath your bed.¡± I exin.

    She exhales sharply and drops Blue on the floor.

    ¡± dimir sent someone to kill me after he discovered I made it. I woke up froma yesterday and I saw him , he wanted to inject me to death and make it look like an overdose.¡± She shrugs her shoulders and rub her palms down her hair.

    ¡± So what happened?¡±

    She smirks and cocks her brows.¡± You know I¡¯m a good fighter. I punched him and stabbed his eyes with the needle. Andstly inject him with the stupid drug.¡±

    ¡± Damn , I thought i lost you again.¡± I pull her into a hug and sniffle her hair.

    ¡± So where did you go from there?¡±

    ¡± I went home. Told my parents that I got shot at a club. It was a mistake and they treated me. I still feel weak though. Just decide toe back to school to see how you¡¯re faring. How¡¯s Piper and Brandon?¡± She asks and stands on her feet.

    ¡± They are fine. You know we have school today.¡± I say and follow her behind. Blue alreadyy close to the couch.

    ¡°Yeah , I know. I would have love toe to school.¡±

    ¡± You have to. You¡¯ve skipped ss for long you know.¡± I smile at her and sit on the ind stool.

    ¡± Where¡¯s Leslie?¡± Alexa asks , opening the fridge to collect a bottle water.

    ¡± Must be sleeping or maybe she might be out.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s morning. She should be at home.¡± Alexa says as she drinks the water.

    ¡± So what¡¯s gonna happen now? Why where you shot?¡±

    She breathes out and closes the cap of the bottle water before sitting on the countertop.

    ¡± dimir wanted you as bait. He asked me to lure you toe see him so that Gray woulde for you. I refused and I was shot. Thankfully , I¡¯m alive. I¡¯m special.¡± She grins and pours cereal on a bowl. She add milk and stir with a spoon. I forgot I¡¯m supposed to be getting ready for school and I¡¯m hungry.

    ¡± What if hees back?¡± I ask putting two slices of bread inside the toaster.

    ¡± He won¡¯t. I believe if hees after you again there will be a gun fight between dimir and Gray. He would never want that because of a bullshit business.¡±

    ¡± My point is why doesn¡¯t he want money?¡± I ask. Then I remembered Gray said dimir wants me as possession.

    ¡± You don¡¯t understand. What ever thing they did doesn¡¯t really need money as payback. dimir want something that¡¯s gonna hurt Gray and then he discovered Gray likes you a lot.¡±

    ¡± So what if I wasn¡¯t avable? Like , what if Gray doesn¡¯t like me?¡±

    ¡± Then he would have gone for Kennedy.¡± Alexa replies. My heart beat stop for a moment before beating again. So they know he¡¯s got a niece.

    The toaster pop up my toast and I take it out. I make scrambled eggs and make tea. I stare at my food contemting.

    ¡± Is this ever gonna end?¡±

    ¡± Maybe it will. You shouldn¡¯t get worked up. dimir won¡¯te after you anytime soon.¡±

    ¡± You know , i followed Gray to his warehouse club the other day.¡±

    ¡± What? You¡¯ve been there? That ce is expensive. I went there twice and Jesus it¡¯s fuckin meant for wealthy people.¡± Alexa squeaks. I roll my eyes and shove the content of my fork inside my mouth.

    ¡± Can you let me finish?¡±

    ¡± Yeah , I¡¯m sorry.¡± She waves her spoon and stuff her mouth with cereal.

    ¡± Thank you. I saw this guy at the club. He was so weird and his name was Cage.¡±

    ¡± Cage? Cage Eduardo?¡±

    ¡± Do you know everyone? Like literally every hot guy?¡±

    ¡± Shut up. He¡¯s a mobster so basically he¡¯s fuckin popr and cute.¡±

    ¡± Wait a mobster? Did you sleep with him?¡±

    ¡± Bitch , seriously.¡± She rolls her eyes.¡± I didn¡¯t. I¡¯ve seen him. And yes , he¡¯s a mobster. Son of a Mafia boss in Italy. Father owns a Cartel.¡±

    ¡± What!¡±

    ¡± What? You should get used to this type of stuff sooner. He¡¯s cute. I bet he picked an interest in you?¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t know. He tried to flirt with me. Gray almost punched him but he hold back and ordered him out of his club. My problem is , why¡¯s Gray involved with so many illegal people?¡±

    Alexa looks at me and chuckles. ¡± You think too much sweetheart. You know Gray¡¯s not a bad person. Andstly this is New York , a lot of shit happens. I mean it¡¯s filled with shitty people.¡±

    I nod and quietly eat my meal.¡± I¡¯m d that you¡¯re back. I can¡¯t ever imagine what¡¯s my life gonna taste like if you leave.¡±

    ¡± So literally you¡¯re telling me you have a crush on me?¡± Alexa jokes.

    Iugh and smirk. I¡¯ve missed her so much and I¡¯m d she¡¯s back.

    ***

    With Blue on Alexa¡¯sp, we drive to school after breakfast and Alexa won¡¯t stop singing to the song ying from the radio. I park my car at school¡¯s lot and we step out of my car. Attention. Most students who were chattering at school¡¯s lot turn to look at us. They still aren¡¯t used to the fact that I¡¯m driving a Ferrari.

    I shut the door as Alexa flip her hair stylishly as we walk into school. Who cares to look , look as we walk past students.

    ¡± You can¡¯t believe I brought no books.¡± Alexa mutters loudly for me to hear.

    I chuckle and shake my head at her.

    ¡± Oh my God. Is that Alexa?¡± Brandon squeals attracting other students on the hallway.

    I smile and roll my eyes as Brandon and Piper hug her. She winces a bit as they pull from her.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡± They flinches and pouts. Alexa shrugs and smiles.

    ¡± It¡¯s fine guys. Let¡¯s get out of here.¡± Weugh and walk to our first ss.

    ?????

    We settle on our usual booth at Sands & winches. Piper and I sit across from Brandon and Alexa. Jay , a real cute nerdy waiter walk to our booth to take our orders. I think he has a huge crush on Alexa. He takes our orders and leaves.

    ¡± Haven¡¯t you noticed the way Jay looks at you?¡± Brandon starts a conversation and points his chin to Alexa who¡¯s caressing Blue. She huffs and roll her eyes.

    ¡± I don¡¯t do nerds.¡± Alexa grimaces.

    ¡± Talking of nerds , Piper took Jamie¡¯s Virginity.¡± I say and grin.

    ¡± What the fuck. Bitch.¡± Alexa smirks at Piper and she blushes.

    ¡± Give me details now.¡± Alexa winks at Piper. Brandon and I stares at each other and chuckle.

    ¡± Jeez. He was shy when I wanted to give him a BJ. Thenter he confessed he had never slept with any girl before and he was nervous¡­¡±

    I roll my eyes and look around the restaurant.

    ¡± Fuck , it was great. Jamie is a mega piece even if he¡¯s a nerd.¡± Piper ends her story.

    ¡± So you¡¯re in love?¡± Alexa asks. I reach to take Blue from her and she willingly give her to me.

    ¡± No , but I really like Jamie. There¡¯s a family dinner at his family house on Thursday and I¡¯ming with him.¡±

    ¡± No way.¡±This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    ¡± I don¡¯t have a choice. You guys know how I hate family bullshit. I don¡¯t want him to feel bad.¡± Piper says and shrugs.

    ¡± So how are you Alexa ?¡± Brandon asks. ¡± What happened? I heard that you went missing yesterday.¡±

    ¡± Yeah.¡± Alexa sighs as the waiter walks in and ce our items on the table. He shoots a warm smile to Alexa before leaving. I bet Alexa didn¡¯t notice that.

    Alexa go on exining to them how that Russian man tried to kill her by injecting her. I slurp my Sprite noisely and listen.

    ¡± Fuck. What¡¯s wrong with this dimir guy?¡± Piper mutters as she eats her Pizza.

    ¡± What if hees back?¡± Brandon ask.

    ¡± He won¡¯t.¡± Alexa shrugs keeping Gray out of it and I was grateful. They really don¡¯t know I¡¯m the reason she was shot. She skipped that part. My phone buzz and I take it out of my bag. I swipe the screen and see it¡¯s a message from Gray. After that conversation with Freddie in Molly¡¯s , he hasn¡¯t texted me or even call. Most times I wonder what Gray must have threatened him about.

    FROM GRAY; Drop by at my ce?

    I chuckle. That¡¯s certainly not a question it¡¯s an order.

    ¡± What you smiling at?¡± Piper who sits next to me snatches my phone from my hand. I tried to take it back but Brandon swats my hand away. I scrunch my nose and groan.

    ¡± Drop by at my ce? Damn girl. This is seducing. He misses you.¡± Piper says and give me back my phone.

    ¡± Shit! She¡¯s fuckin lucky. It feels like you¡¯re dating Zayn Malik. Fuck!¡± Alexa chuckles.

    Iugh and roll my eyes. I type on my keypad to reply his text.

    TO GRAY; I¡¯ll think about it. Later.

    I drop my phone on the table and feast on my meal. My phone buzzes again. I bite my lip and look at the guys whose eyes are already pointing to mine with their crazy smirk.

    ¡± Go on. Reply it , don¡¯t keep him waiting.¡± They say.

    I sigh and look at the text.

    FROM GRAY; I have a surprise for you. And also get a dress , we¡¯re going out.

    I roll my eyes and sit my phone back.

    ¡± What did he say?¡± They asks. Alexa already leans her elbows on the booth. They are all grinning at me.

    ¡± He¡¯s taking me out. So i should get a dress.¡±

    ¡± Fuck. I bet it¡¯s an expensive club or probably a restaurant. You should get pregnant already.¡± Alexa points out.

    ¡± Seriously , no way. Why would you say that?¡± Iugh.

    ¡± Because he is in love with you. And getting a baby for him is gonna be awesome.¡± Brandon answers and Piper nods.

    I huff and shake my head sideways. ¡± I also need to be at work. He made me skip work for two whole days. I¡¯m just wondering what¡¯s gonna be Theo¡¯s reaction.¡±

    ¡± He won¡¯t say shit. I mean your boyfriend is Gray Carter. He¡¯s just Theodore Sterling. Some random ass nigga.¡± Alexa scoffs and sips hertte.

    ¡± Fact.¡±

    ¡± And also , since i just got back from hell..¡±

    ¡± Hell?¡± Brandon stops Alexa.

    ¡± Yeah , hell. That ce is ugly as fuck. You know I thought I was gonna die so as a thank you to God, I¡¯m thinking about that Florida sh Miami weekend vacation.¡± She says.

    ¡± Damn. That¡¯s a hit.¡± I mutter.

    ¡± You know I ain¡¯t saying no. I¡¯ming.¡± Piper says.

    ¡± Me too. Sup Ariel?¡± Brandon asks. Of course I wannae. But what if Gray doesn¡¯t me wants? Damnit.

    ¡± I¡¯ming.¡± I say and they all squeal.

    ¡± That¡¯s the spirit.¡± Alexa giggles.

    Leslie walks in with Hazel. They didn¡¯t look at our booth and maybe they didn¡¯t notice us. They walk to the counter and Leslie stops. She sees something. We follow her eyes and it¡¯s her boyfriend , Hayden. Same dude she was giving a hand job in our apartment yesterday. Howe I didn¡¯t notice him in here.

    ¡± Fuck. Shit¡¯s about to go down.¡± The guys mutters.

    She walks to his booth with Hazel by her side. I mean she justmitted an abortion , doesn¡¯t she needs to rest. Hayden is with Madison and her special goth best friend. Madison sits close to Hayden and without being told they look like they are dating.

    ¡± Hayden.¡± Leslie calls his name. He looks startled. Madison , her goth friend , Hayden and his friend that sits close to Madison¡¯s goth friend all turn to look at Leslie and Hazel.

    ¡± Damn , this will obviously hit thousands of views on Snapchat.¡± Alexa giggles. I turn to look at her and she¡¯s recording the scene.

    ¡± Hi, Leslie.¡± Hayden replies , not even looking concerned that his girlfriend just saw him with another girl. Madison to be precise.

    ¡± Madison, what are you doing with my boyfriend?¡± Leslie asks.

    ¡± Boyfriend?¡± Madison chuckles including her friend.

    ¡± Hey, babe, please tell her whose boyfriend are you.¡± Madison says to Hayden as she caresses his hair.

    ¡± You of course.¡± Hayden replies as he kisses Madison.

    Leslie paled out. I didn¡¯t notice other customers from their booths are already watching. Madison smirks and looks down at Leslie who¡¯s already feeling dejected.

    ¡± You¡¯re a looser bitch. Why don¡¯t you get yourme ass and take your slutty best friend with you.¡± Madison scowls.

    ¡± Get out bitches.¡± Her goth friend adds.

    Alexaughs loudly and that made others turn to look at Alexa who hasn¡¯t stopughing.

    ¡± Fuck¡­¡± She squeaks and continuesughing. Crazy part , Brandon , Piper and few others join in theughter. Now i feel sorry for her.

    ¡± Hey everyone , look , Leslie is standing in the way of love.¡± Alexa squeaks and everyone burst intoughter Including Madison and Hayden. Oh God.

    Leslie sniffles as she burst into tears. She facepalms herself and runs out of the restaurant. Now i wish I ran after her to console her. That hurts.

 Chapter 55

    I stand up from my chair and rush after Leslie.

    ¡± Ariel.¡± Alexa calls out but i ignore them.

    ¡± Leslie.¡± I call out her name once I¡¯m outside the restaurant.

    She stops walking down the sidewalk with Hazel. She turns to look at me and crosses her arms. I stalk towards her and sigh. Her mascara already smudge her eyes and she looks pale. I take a step forward and stuff my hands in my back pockets.

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry about what happened.¡± I say.

    She raises her brows andughs. Hazel chuckles and res at me.

    ¡± Stop acting like I¡¯m the cause of whatever thing that happened back there. I wanted to make sure you¡¯re okay.¡±

    ¡± Why should you care?¡± Leslie asks.

    ¡± Maybe because we¡¯re sisters and we should always look out for each other.¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t fuckin care about you. I mean you¡¯re this little tiny girl who¡¯s got popr and almighty Gray wrapped around her fingers. And you have a fuckin Ferrari too. Don¡¯t act like you care about me , you don¡¯t fuckin care about anyone.¡±

    ¡± Oh yeah really? You think if I don¡¯t care about you I won¡¯t be out there telling Mom you got pregnant for Reid? Reid , Leslie. Gray Carter¡¯s closest friend. And then you secretly abort it because what?¡±

    ¡± Fuck you, bitch. Don¡¯t think you¡¯re better than me. You¡¯re still a slut who got lucky for having to sleep with Gray.¡±

    ¡± Really? Why are you hard on yourself? Why are you even jealous of me? You¡¯ve always wanted everything I have and thankfully you¡¯ve got it. Our parents liked you more than me and hopefully they listen to your bullshit.¡± I scoff and turn to walk away from her. I stop and turn to look at her. She¡¯s still standing there and Hazel is whispering something to her.

    ¡± And also, I¡¯m d Hayden dumped your cheap ass.¡± I say and leave. I walk into sands and winches and sit down on our booth. I¡¯m so angry right now and I regretted ever going after her.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay?¡± They asks.

    I nod and sip my drink.

    ¡± She¡¯s annoying. I wanted to be sure she will be fine and then she just blow out on me. What an ass.¡± I groan and bite my lip.

    ¡± You shouldn¡¯t have followed her. You and I know Leslie is a lunatic.¡± Alexa scoffs and rolls her eyes.

    ¡± Damn you really uploaded this on Snapchat.¡± Brandon mutters and turn his phone to face us.

    ¡± Alexa?¡± I scowl at her. She winks and stuff her mouth with tacos.

    ¡± Woah. A lot of views. Leslie standing in the way of love.¡± Piper smirks andughs.

    I shake my head and scoff. We finish our meal and leave the restaurant. I attend myst ss and drive home with Alexa. We get out of my car and walk into the building. She¡¯ll be staying at my apartment for the day because of whatever thing that happened. I¡¯m also driving her to the hospital to change her bandage and make sure the gun shot wound Is well treated.

    ¡± I can¡¯t believe Hayden will leave me for that ugly brte.¡± Leslie cowers as we walk in.

    Alexa slumps on the couch and drops Blue on the floor.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay , Leslie?¡± Alexa asks with her taunting smirk.

    Leslie doesn¡¯t look okay. She looks like she¡¯s been crying. Her knees her pull up to her chest with her arms around her knees.

    ¡± Why don¡¯t you mind your business.¡± Leslie says through gritted teeth.

    ¡± Damn , you¡¯re already famous on Snapchat.¡±

    ¡± You uploaded that?¡± Hazel asks.

    ¡± Yeah. You have issues with that?¡± Alexa asks.

    ¡± You¡¯re so annoying. I mean why would you do that?¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t know. Maybe I just thought it¡¯s a nice idea to let the worldugh at you.¡± Alexa says calmly. She points at Leslie and burst into squeals ofughter. This is so embarrassing.

    ¡± Why are you here in the first ce?¡± Leslie asks.

    ¡± Fuck you.¡± Alexa spits and pick up the TV remote. She crosses her legs and tune the television.

    I sigh and go to my room. I¡¯m really exhausted right now and what I want is a good sleep and maybe a massage. I quickly shower and clean myself off the water. I open my closet and decide against skirt and dress. I put on a ck y dress with sleeves and white cor. It drops on top of my knees as I step inside my ts. I brush my hair and curl it. I stare at my reflection and sigh. Ib the curls and it turns to waves. I smile at my reflection and pick up my bag. I walk back to the living room and stop in my track. Alexa is exchanging words with Leslie.

    ¡± Jesus , Alexa. Let¡¯s get out of here.¡± I grab Alexa¡¯s elbow and drag her out of the apartment.

    She breathes in once we step inside the elevator and brush her ck hair off her face.

    ¡± What was that all about ?¡± I ask.

    ¡± She¡¯s a hoe.¡± Alexa replies and scoffs.

    ¡± She¡¯s so fuckin lucky. If not for this stupid bullet wound , I would have beat her up so bad.¡± She sighs.

    Blue whimpers on the floor. I bent down and pick her up as I caress her.

    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry about that.¡± I say. She nods and tucks her loose strands behind her ear. We walk out of the elevator and slide into my car.

    I drop her off at the hospital and she ask me to leave that she¡¯ll be fine and she¡¯ll hail a cab. I give her Blue and leave. I ignite the engine and start driving. 10 minutester , I arrive at Sterling Corp. Now I¡¯m nervous. What am I supposed to tell him ? I remember his coffee and drive back to the Cafe to get it. Thank God , there¡¯s no que. I paid for his espresso and walk back to my car.

    I pull my car close to other cars and step out. I rush into the building and greet thedy at the reception. She reply as I walk past her. Most workers stare at me for some awkward reasons but I¡¯m sure it¡¯s because of my outfit.

    ¡± Hey , there.¡± The manager greets as she stands in front of me.

    ¡± Hi. Good afternoon.¡±

    She smiles weirdly and nods.

    ¡± I like your dress. Where did you get it?¡± She asks.

    ¡± At the store.¡±

    ¡± What store?¡± I roll my eyes at her ridiculous question as i walk past her.

    ¡°Sleeping with Gray Carter shouldn¡¯t make you feel special. You¡¯re still a slut.¡± I hear the manager mutters.

    I bite my tongue and breathe in. I¡¯m not gonna reply that. I take the elevator and press Theo¡¯s floor button. I lean against the wall and wait till it ascend. It stops and the doors slides open. I drop my bag on my desk and knock on his door.

    ¡± Who¡¯s there? Whatever juste in.¡± He says from inside.

    I open the door slowly and walk inside. I shut the door and turn to face him. He has a visitor and they seems to notice my presence cause they stop talking. Both men turns around as I stare at Freddie. What¡¯s he doing here?

    ¡± Miss Peterson.¡± Theo looks down at me. I gulp and shift my gaze to Freddie who won¡¯t stop looking at me.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡± That¡¯s the first word that escape from my mouth.

    ¡± Wait outside.¡± Theo says and dismisses me. I nod and drop the coffee on his desk.

    I give Freddie onest look before leaving. I take a deep breath and rx on my chair. I switch on my system and I¡¯m guilty that I haven¡¯t used it for ages. Not too long Freddie walks out with his hands inside his pants pocket. He walks to my desk and leans on it.

    ¡± Hi.¡±

    ¡± Freddie. Hey.¡±

    ¡± I never knew you worked here.¡± He says and look down at my face.

    ¡± Oh , I¡¯m actually an intern.¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s great. Why Sterling? Why not Summit?¡±

    I shrug. I can¡¯t just tell him my reasons.

    ¡± It¡¯s been so long. You look different, beautiful actually.¡±

    I nod and give him a fake smile.

    ¡± Thank you.¡± I stand up to go to Theo¡¯s office.

    ¡± Your boyfriend warned me to stay away from you. I missed you though.¡± He says.

    I sigh and bite my lip. Yeah maybe I missed him too. The old him. The him that will never take advantage of me because he liked me and couldn¡¯t tell me he liked me.

    ¡± Later , Freddie.¡± I sh him a tight lip smile and knock on Theo¡¯s office door.

    Freddie sighs deeply and walk to the elevator. I open the door and walk into Theo¡¯s office.

    ¡± Your boyfriend told me why you skipped two days.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry. It was an emergency.¡±

    ¡± Sex emergency?¡± He smirks and furrows his brows.

    I look everywhere but him.

    ¡± Why are you dressed like that?¡± What¡¯s wrong with my outfit? God , not again.

    ¡± Is it that bad?¡±

    ¡± You look hot.¡± Hepliments. I mentally roll my eyes and stand still.

    ¡± You will have to work past your normal closing time.¡± He motions his head to his shelves.

    ¡± Take the files at the top , you know what to do with that. And also order me McDonald¡¯s.¡± He says. I nod and walk to the shelf stack with files.

    I carry the top files from the top shelf and it¡¯s a lot. I groan and sh him a fake smile before leaving. I order the McDonald¡¯s and begin working. It took it about 30 minutes before it arrive. I take the delivery and take it to his office. The day rolls by and I¡¯m already done. I pick up my bag and inform Theo that I¡¯m leaving. He asks me to get him coffee before leaving. I groan and shut his door before rushing to the elevator. Gray already filled my phone with missed calls including Alexa.

    I shove my phone out and dial Alexa¡¯s number. She pick up at the second ring.

    ¡± Ariel.¡± She drawls.

    ¡± Are you okay? How are you feeling? Did the doctor check the wound?¡± I ask walking down the sidewalk to the Cafe.

    ¡± I¡¯m fine. Leslie had been sulking like forever.¡± She chuckles.

    ¡± Yeah , she just got her heart broken and it¡¯s all over the inte.¡± I say sarcastically and walk into the Cafe.

    ¡± Where are you?¡± Alexa asks.

    ¡± In a Cafe , to buy coffee for Theodore.¡±

    ¡± Aww. Is he asking you out already?¡±

    ¡± Really Alexa.¡± Iugh. Theodore always checked me out and that¡¯s obvious but ask me out , I bet he won¡¯t dare.¡±

    The waiter gives me my coffee and i paid. I walk out of the Cafe and hurry back to thepany.

    ¡± There¡¯s nothing wrong with that. You¡¯re gonna leave for Gray¡¯s right?¡± She asks.

    ¡± Yeah. You know he wants me toe over.¡±

    ¡± Ooh. I can already hear you moaning his name.¡± She muses on the phone and I¡¯m already blushing.¡± Yes Gray , that spot Gray¡­¡± she fake moans on the phone.

    ¡± Alexa , please stop.¡± I bite my lip and walk faster to take the elevator. I can¡¯t believe I had to imagine us making out.

    Sheughs on the phone.¡± Whatever. Enjoy yourself okay. He¡¯s all yours , do to him whatever you want.¡±

    ¡± Yes, mother.¡± I roll my eyes and press the top floor button on the elevator.

    ¡± Take care , will you?¡±

    ¡± Sure.¡± I smile and hang up.

    I knock gently on Theo¡¯s door and he orders me in. I walk in and drop his coffee on the table. He leans back on his chair and eyes my form.

    ¡± I¡¯m just gonna leave sir.¡±

    ¡± Sure.¡± He answers softly and watch me walk out of his office. He¡¯s always a pervert. I quickly rush inside my car and drive out of the lot.

    I stop by at the store to buy a dress. My phone buzzes in my bag and it¡¯s a text message from Gray. Telling me he¡¯s waiting for me and he misses me. I drop a quick text , telling him I¡¯m close as I shut the door. I walk into the store and the salesgirl wees me. I look through her closets and mannequins. I settle for a silver colored strap dress with glitters and it¡¯s mid thigh too. It has a choker too. I bought a strapless ss stilettos and pay. I decide to buy a new set of bikinis since Alexa wants us to visit Miami. I need to tell Gray about it. I bought three different colors of bikinis and paid before leaving. I fasten my seatbelt and drive out of the store.

    I halt my car in the garage and step out of it. I walk into the living room and everywhere looks quiet as usual. Manny walks out of the kitchen and smile slightly at me.

    ¡± Where¡¯s Gray?¡± I ask Manny.

    ¡± Rush out with Reid. He¡¯s gonna be back soon.¡± I nod and climb up the stairs. I walk into his bedroom and keep the items i bought in his closet.

    I look around his room and walk to the balcony. I lean on the rails and look at the swimming pool. It¡¯s bright blue waters sparkles and it¡¯s inviting. Maybe I can just take a swim. I walk back to his room and change into a yellow bikini. The clothing is so tiny and it fits perfectly. I pick up a blue towel and rush down the stairs. Manny look up from his phone and he¡¯s checking me out.

    I sit on the deck and slowly get inside the water. I shut my eyes and duck under the water. The water is a bit warm and it soothes my skin. I bring my head out of the water and sweep my hand through my hair. I swim from one edge to the other and dive beneath the water. I stay there for minutes till I heard voices. I swim to the top and bring my head out of the water.

    Gray stands next to Reid and they stand afar from the pool. Not that far though but it isn¡¯t close either. He is always hot in every simple clothing. He wears a red colored hoodie and ck Nike sweatpants. A cigarette dangles between his lips as he stares at me while Reid talks. His hands are tuck deep in his pockets as he takes out one hand to puff out the smoke.

    I smile at him as Reid turns to look at me. Reid looks at me and bites his bottom lip. His eyes are dark and different this time from the eyes I¡¯vee to get used to. I get off the water and wring out water from my hair. They talk some more and both men are always staring at me. Reid sighs and looks down at my body through the tiny little bikini that I¡¯m wearing. I can¡¯t believe he is checking me out.

    Gray say something to Reid and he shrugs. He hands his half cigarette to Reid as he puffs out the smoke. Gray looks at Reid and then tells him something. They are too far from me and I can¡¯t hear a thing. It sound as if they are murmuring. Reid looks at me onest time before walking away. Gray walks slowly to the deck with his hands in his pockets. He squats beside me and turns to look at me. Great! He smells like who just passed through hell.

    ¡± What are you wearing?¡± I raise my brows and smirk at him , wiggling my feet inside the water.

    ¡± Don¡¯t like it?¡± I smirk and wink, and stylishly tuck my damp hair beside my ear.

    ¡± Don¡¯t try to seduce me.¡± He says calmly.¡± Come on. Let¡¯s get inside.¡± He stands up and shove his hands in his hoodie pockets.

    ¡± I¡¯m not yet tired.¡± I dive back into the water and swim to the middle.

    ¡± Tinkerbell , you¡¯ll get cold.¡±

    ¡± Why don¡¯t you get in with me?¡± I ask.

    ¡± Is that why you decide to wear that. That¡¯s so tiny and too exposed.¡± He whines.

    ¡± I thought you like exposed.¡± I taunt him.

    He leans closer to the deck and squat. ¡± Exposed for only my eyes. Nowe on , let¡¯s go. You¡¯re going out with me tonight.¡±

    ¡± Is it a club ?¡± I ask.

    ¡± It¡¯s a surprise.¡±

    ¡± Will you tell me?¡± I pout and push my hair to the side.

    ¡± Swim closer.¡±

    I smirk. I know he¡¯s trying to y naughty and I like it. I swim to the deck and get in between his legs. He grabs my waist and pulls me out of the water.

    ¡± Jamal.¡± I squeal. He ignores my ranting and tosses me on his shoulder.

    ¡± Shit¡­¡± he groans when he touches my butt. The bikini bottom covers the up of my butt while the bottom is exposed.

    ¡± Why did you wear this?¡± He groans as he walks into the house.

    ¡± Where did you go with Reid?¡±

    ¡± We went to handle business.¡± He simply states. I roll my eyes as he walks into the living room. Reid is the first person I see, before Nick and Manny and two other weirdos that work for Gray. I don¡¯t even know their names. I¡¯m still on his shoulders as he takes the stairs.

    ¡± Did you see their eyes? They were staring at you. Checking you out.¡± He whines and shuts the door to his bedroom.

    ¡± Gray, it¡¯s just a bikini and girls wear this at the beach.¡± He drops me on the floor with his hands around my waist.

    ¡± You are wet.¡± He smirks and trace his hand down my spine to my waist and then he grabs my butt. My hands tten on his chest and I bite my lip.

    ¡± Is it one of your clubs ?¡±

    ¡± No. Just a random club. I¡¯m meeting someone and I want you toe so i won¡¯t get bored.¡± He leans down a bit to kiss me. I stand on my toes and wrap my hands around his neck to kiss back.

    He grabs my thighs and wrap my legs around his waist as we kiss. Gray walks me to his table and sit me on it. He stands between my legs and kisses down my neck. I moan as he adores my neck with his lips. He kisses down my corbone and then in between my breasts.

    ¡± Gray.¡± Reid¡¯s voice calls from outside with a knock.

    He groans in between the kiss and bites my bottom lip. He gives me onest kiss and walk to his door to answer Reid.

    ¡± Busy?¡± I hear Reid¡¯s voice from the door.

    ¡± Maybe. Called him?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. We gotta leave.¡± Reid says.

    Gray groans and turns to look at me. I¡¯m still sitting on his table with my bikinis.

    ¡± Hold on a minute.¡± He walks back to me and wraps his hands around my waist. His head nuzzles my neck and he smirks in between my neck.

    ¡± I¡¯ll be back. Need to settle business with someone.¡±

    ¡± And you¡¯re going with Reid?¡±

    He moves his head back to look into my eyes. ¡± Yeah. And I won¡¯t be long. We¡¯ll skip the party for tomorrow , I¡¯m really sorry.¡± He kisses my forehead and bites my earlobe.

    ¡± What¡¯s my surprise?¡±

    He smiles and shove out a ne from his hoodie pockets. It¡¯s a pendant.

    ¡± I saw it yesterday and I liked it. Thought you might like it.¡± He says and wear me the ne

    I hold the pendant and smile. It¡¯s a gold pendant and without doubts this is gonna be expensive.

    ¡± Thanks Jamal.¡± I kiss his cheek.

    He bites his lips and pinch my hip. I swat him and chuckle.

    ¡± It¡¯s beautiful. Thank you.¡± I say and smile.

    ¡± I¡¯m d you like it. You¡¯re just gonna change into something less sexy and wait for me. I won¡¯t stay long.¡± He says.

    I nod and pout.

    ¡± Don¡¯t look at me like that or, I¡¯ll bend you on this desk and take you right here.¡± He whispers and runs his forefinger down my spine.

    ¡± That won¡¯t be a bad idea.¡± I smirk and rub my palm down his chest.

    He leans closer and whisper.¡± Stay awake for me tonight , will you?¡± He kisses down my neck and pinches my hip again.

    I suck in a deep breath and nod.

    ¡± That¡¯s a good girl.¡± He kisses my cheek onest time and turns to leave.

    ¡± Be careful.¡± I tell him as he leaves the room.

    I look down at the pendant and hold it. I hop out of the table and saunter to the bathroom to take a shower. I change into his t-shirt and oversized sweatpants before going down the stairs to prepare dinner in the kitchen. After making dinner, I go back to his bedroom and text the guys till I fall asleep.

    .

    ????

    I hurriedly prepare for work since I don¡¯t have sses today. Gray is still not yet back. I microwave the remaining of yesterday¡¯s dinner after Nick ate some. I got dressed on my previous clothes and drive to my apartment. I was a bit angry. I mean he told me he was gonnae home and he¡¯s not yet back. His phone number isn¡¯t going through and it¡¯s annoying.

    I quickly take the elevator once I arrive in my apartment. I shut the door and go straight to my room , Alexa is not around. I change my dress and rush out of the house. I drive straight to Sterling Corp and park my car. Today will definitely be stressful for me. Mom called that she missed us and she wants us toe visit. Deep down, I don¡¯t feel like going but i have to. I round up work for the day and go back to the apartment. Gray hasn¡¯t called or even reply my texts.

    ***

    .

    Leslie and I help my mom in the kitchen as we take the food to the dinning table. Leslie has been shooting me unending res and I don¡¯t even care about her right now. We sit down to eat after dad said a prayer.

    ¡± Ariel , who owns the Ferrari you brought?¡± Mom asks.

    ¡± Mine.¡±

    ¡± Yours?¡± Dad asks and looks at me.

    ¡± It¡¯s mine.¡± I say and look around the dining room. Leslie smirks and snarls at me.

    ¡± Who bought you a Ferrari? That¡¯s a lot of grand Ariel and you¡¯re in college. You can¡¯t afford a Ferrari.¡± Mom says.

    ¡± Gray bought it. You¡¯re okay now?¡±

    ¡± Gray bought you a Ferrari? Your mom and I don¡¯t even have a Ferrari.¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s because you chose not to have one.¡± I sigh and roll my eyes. This conversation is disgusting.

    ¡± I thought you guys are done. I mean we advised you to focus on school and get a better man and you still had to date Gray? You¡¯re aware of what you¡¯re dealing with right? If you get pregnant before marriage, you¡¯ll have to deal with it alone. Because i and your father won¡¯t have nothing to do with whatever thing you decide to bring. I mean it Ariel and that goes for you Leslie. I won¡¯t tolerate fornication in our family , not even a stupid pregnancy with or without the father.¡±

    What on Earth am I really doing here in the first ce. First of all, Gray didn¡¯te homest night , and he¡¯s not picking my calls or replying to my texts. And now my mother. It¡¯s really funny they didn¡¯t find out about Leslie¡¯s pregnancy and abortion. I¡¯m too annoyingly nice.

    ¡°So how¡¯s school?¡± Dad asks diverting from mother¡¯s rantings. I didn¡¯t reply , not sure of who he¡¯s talking to.

    ¡± School¡¯s great.¡± Leslie replies.

    ¡± What about you Ariel?¡± Dad asks.

    ¡± Fine.¡± I reply tly.

    ¡± Of course it¡¯s fine , you¡¯re sleeping with Gray Carter.¡± Leslie hisses.

    I drop my fork and turn to look at her. ¡± And what¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±

    She chuckles.¡± Seriously , Ariel. Why can¡¯t you tell our dear parents you got pregnant for Gray Carter and you aborted it because he told you he never liked you and he¡¯s just using you for sex.¡±

    ¡± What!¡±? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

 Chapter 56

    ¡°What!¡± I exim.

    I mean I didn¡¯t expect Leslie to be this wicked. I tried not to make her feel hurt by always covering up for her and she has the nerve to turn the table around.

    ¡± Ariel.¡± Mom and dad turns to look at me as they drop their forks.

    I look at Leslie who scowls at me. I bite my tongue in order to stop myself from punching her. If she¡¯s not lucky , I don¡¯t mind sending her to the hospital again. I am trying not to flip right now.

    ¡± Ariel is it true? You got pregnant?¡± Mom asks.

    ¡± This is crazy. First you asked me if it was true and secondly your beloveth daughter thought it was nice to turn the table around.¡± I chuckle.

    ¡± What do you mean? Youmitted an abortion?¡± Dad asks with rage.

    I ignore their questions and look at Leslie .

    ¡± You¡¯re such a coward. You¡¯re just jealous of me because you¡¯ve never been with anyone who¡¯s willing to give you everything. Why don¡¯t you be mature and tell our parents you slept with Gray¡¯s best friend and he got you pregnant.¡±

    ¡± Leslie.¡± They exim.¡± Did you?¡±

    ¡± Really mom? You believe Ariel? What with i want with someone who¡¯s associated with Mia Carter¡¯s druggie son. Gray asked her to abort it and she did. She was ashamed to tell anyone but I heard them talking about it.¡± Leslie says. I re at and give her a p.

    ¡± Ariel!¡± Mom yells as she stands up. I¡¯m already on my feet too.

    ¡± You¡¯re an idiot. You¡¯re getting back at me because your college sweetheart Hayden, dumped your ugly ass in front of everyone at school , huh? You¡¯re such a stupid bitch.¡± I yell and turn to look at my parents. ¡± She got pregnant for Gray¡¯s best friend and he dumped her. He threatened her to get rid of the baby or he¡¯s going to fuck her up. She was scared and ashamed.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re a shameless liar. You know Gray used your ugly ass and asked you tomit abortion , you slut.¡± Leslie says through clench teeth.

    I groan and punch her making her fall on the floor.

    ¡± Ariel.¡± Dad grabs my arm while mom rush to hold Leslie who¡¯s already faking whimpers.

    I snatch my hand from my dad and walk out of their presence. I pick up my bag from the kitchen and walk back to the dinning.

    ¡± Karma will surely fuck you up more , you dirty, lying, whore.¡± I smack my bag across her face and walk out of the house. I slide into my car and drive into the road without fastening my seatbelt. I am upset and Gray¡¯s not even helping matters too.

    I speed through the streets and it¡¯s almost evening. I dial Gray¡¯s number again and it went straight to voicemail. After about an hour of reckless driving , I pull in front of the apartment. I breathe in and out and lean against the car seat. I so hate Leslie. Did she have to? I¡¯ve been too good for her and she doesn¡¯t even deserve it. I get out of the car and walk into the lobby. I take the elevator and lean against the wall. The dress and bikinis that I bought yesterday are still in Gray¡¯s house. My phone rings in my bag and I pull it out , hoping it¡¯s Gray.

    ¡± Ariel.¡± That tiny voice chimes on the background. I roll my eyes a little disappointed that it¡¯s not Gray and also happy it¡¯s Kennedy.

    ¡± Kennedy?¡±

    ¡± Aww , girl. You sound okay. How are you?¡± She asks. The elevator slides open and I step out.

    ¡± I¡¯m fine. How are you?¡± I ask her and open the door.

    ¡± I¡¯m fine. I missed you. How¡¯s Gray? How¡¯s college?¡±

    ¡± College is great and we¡¯re fine. How did you manage to steal my number?¡± I smile and drop my bag on the couch before sitting down.

    ¡®Regr show¡¯ ys on the TV and there¡¯s no Alexa.

    ¡± I¡¯m a genius. I can¡¯t wait toe back to Gray¡¯s. I miss you a lot and I¡¯m sorry my mom treated you poorly. Forgive her yet?¡±

    ¡± Yeah , i forgave her.¡±

    ¡± Birdie¡­¡± Alexa squeals from the hallway. She halts and leans against the wall smirking. She¡¯s actually wearing my t-shirt and sweats.

    ¡± Who you talking to?¡± Alexa asks and sits close to me.

    ¡± Maybe I¡¯m just gonna call you back.¡± Kennedy says on the phone and hangs up.

    ¡± Did I end something?¡± Alexa asks eating a twizzler.

    ¡± Seriously. Why did you scream like that?¡±

    ¡± Maybe because I¡¯m getting better from the shot and we¡¯re traveling to Miami tomorrow.¡± She exhales and slumps on the couch.

    ¡± Oh that.¡± I sigh.

    She turns to look at me and sit upright.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m not. Something happened.¡±

    ¡± Don¡¯t tell me you saw Gray with Jhene kissing.¡±

    ¡± Eww , Alexa, that¡¯s gross. I didn¡¯t , it¡¯s something worse. Leslie got pregnant for Reid.¡±

    ¡± Reid? As in Reid Hughins? Gray Carter¡¯s cute closest friend?¡±

    ¡± Howe you know everyone?¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s a question for another day. Leslie got pregnant for whole fuckin Reid. Tell me he denied it and threatened her to abort it.¡± Alexa furrows her brows and bites her twizzler.

    I blink and nod. How did she know that?

    ¡± Boom! I knew it. She can never be a good girlfriend. I might be a bitch but trust me , sweetie , Leslie is a big bitch. What happened?¡±

    I sigh and cross my legs.¡± I think she aborted it after Reid threatened her to get rid of it.¡±

    ¡± She what!¡±

    ¡± Alexa , yes , she aborted it. Today at my parents house , she told my parents I got pregnant for Gray Carter and Gray threatened me to get rid of it and I did.¡±

    ¡± What the fuck! Okay breathe Alexa.¡± Alexa mutters to herself.¡± Fuck! I¡¯m gonna murder Leslie and give her body to her parents for bringing up a child like that.¡± Alexa yell.

    Leslie walks in with Hazel chattering amongst themselves.

    ¡± Don¡¯t stop me.¡± Alexa whispers to me. She stands up and walks to Leslie and a punch follows.

    ¡± Fuck.¡± Leslie mutters holding her already bleeding nose.

    ¡± Bitch , get out.¡± Alexa says to Hazel.

    ¡± Fuck , bitch , i ain¡¯t leaving.¡± Hazel protests.

    ¡± Yeah, you¡¯re leaving. You stupid best friend of this slut.¡± I say and open the door to the living room and push her out.

    ¡± What the fuck is all of this?¡± Leslie spits out with blood dripping out of her nose.

    Alexa grabs her hair and drag her to the couch.

    ¡± Fuck , Alexa , are you fuckin crazy?¡± Leslie yells. Alexa pushes Leslie on the couch and sits next to her while i sit on the other side so Leslie is in between us.

    ¡± Leslie, why would you do that?¡± Alexa asks calmly.¡± I mean , I understand the fact that you¡¯re envious of Ariel and you don¡¯t have a Ferrari. You don¡¯t even have a Lexus or a Mercedes and you¡¯re jealous of her , we get it. We are sorry you¡¯re tied up with college boys and you can¡¯t get a good guy to look at you¡­¡± Heaven¡¯s sake, Alexa , get to the point.

    ¡± Why did you lie to your parents that Ariel was pregnant for Gray and she aborted it when it¡¯s obvious Reid fucked you wrong and deposited his bad seed in you. You know you¡¯re the one who got pregnant and you aborted it , why did you lie?¡± Alexa asks.

    Leslie wipes her nose.¡± You¡¯re fuckin crazy , bitch.¡±

    Alexa punches her again. She hisses in pain and grunts. ¡± When are you ever gonna learn your lessons? When are you going to stop this jealous attitude of yours? Why did you lie?¡±

    ¡± Maybe because she deserves to get hurt again. Look I¡¯m not sorry that I lied to our parents okay. I just wanted to have fun.¡± She smirks.

    ¡± Have enough fun already?¡± I ask.

    ¡± Not enough.¡± She grimaces. Alexa raises her hand to punch Leslie again but I stop her.

    ¡± Don¡¯t worry Alexa. Let her be.¡± I chuckle.¡± Just an advise , if you want a Ferrari , why don¡¯t you try the strip club again, whore.¡±

    ¡± Did you just call me a whore?¡± Leslie asks and stands up.

    ¡± Fuck yeah, bitch, you know you¡¯re a whore. A fuckin prostitute who got pregnant for Reid. Fuck Leslie.¡± Alexa says and grins at Leslie.

    ¡± Alexa , you act like you¡¯re fuckin better than me.¡± Leslie protests.

    ¡± Of course i am better than your cheap ass. I¡¯m not a jealous psychopath like you. You need a therapist Leslie , cause you are fucked up in the head. Why can¡¯t you let go and understand the ugly truth that you can¡¯t be like Ariel no matter how hard you try. Face it Les, you¡¯re a looser.¡±

    Leslie aggressively bites her lip. Her nose res in rage. She shuts her eyes and opens them. She smiles like an Insane person and leaves.

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry about that.¡± Alexa says and turns to face me.

    ¡± It¡¯s okay. I don¡¯t really care about my parents. I have you , Piper , Brandon and Gray, including Kennedy and Lucifer.¡±

    ¡± Fuck , talking about Lucifer.¡± She drawls and stretch her feet on the coffee table.

    ¡± Still seeing each other?¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t see men for a whole month. I get bored.¡± She winks and starts eating her twizzlers.

    ¡± I never knew you liked twizzlers.¡±

    ¡± I got a soft spot for this candy. Go change over and get back here while I beat you up in Xbox.¡±

    I chuckle and stand up to go to my room. I change into my pajamas bottom and a t-shirt and return to the living room. I y Xbox with Alexa till we both got tired. We watch a movie with popcorns on ourps. Leslie isn¡¯t out from her room since that interrogation with Alexa. My parents filled my phone with missed calls and I didn¡¯t get one from Gray. The doorbell rings. Alexa and I turn to look at ourselves waiting for who to get the door. I chuckle at Alexa who¡¯s already faking illness because she¡¯szy. I get off the couch and open the door.

    My heartbeat is rapid again at just his sight. He smirks and looks above my head to look inside the house.

    ¡± You missed me, didn¡¯t you?¡± He asks and shoves his hands out of his jacket pocket.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡± He says when I didn¡¯t reply him.

    ¡± You¡¯re sorry? You made me wait for you all night and you couldn¡¯t call.¡±

    ¡± I was at Chicagost night. I got busy and i couldn¡¯t make it home. Forgive me yet?¡±

    I shake my head and turn to leave. He pulls me back by my elbow. I turn around and tten my hands on his chest.

    ¡± Ariel , who¡¯s at the door?¡± Alexa shouts from the living room.

    I roll my eyes and cross my arms to re at Gray.

    ¡± Don¡¯t keep her waiting.¡± Gray quietly says.

    I groan.¡± Alex , it¡¯s just Gray.¡±Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± What!¡± She squeaks.¡± Are you guys nning to make babies by the door. Bring him in.¡± She shouts again.

    ¡± Never mind, he¡¯s just leaving.¡± I say.

    ¡± Really?¡± Gray asks and smirks.

    ¡± I¡¯m still angry at you. I can¡¯t believe you couldn¡¯t drop a text that you¡¯re busy and can¡¯t make it home.¡±

    ¡± Forget about the club shit , let me take you to dinner. I¡¯ll make it up to you.¡± He smirks and pulls me to himself with the hem of my t-shirt.

    He wraps his hands around my waist and looks down at me. I missed him and with his act of seduction, he¡¯s making me miss him more.

    ¡± I¡¯m not hungry , Jamal.¡±

    He chuckles.¡± Is that a no? Cause I brought your dress.¡±

    I chuckle and swat his chest.

    ¡± Fine.¡± I groan.

    ¡°That¡¯s a good girl.¡±

    He picks up a bag , same bag the salesgirl gave me yesterday to bag my items. Gray hands it to me and I take it.

    ¡± I¡¯ll be waiting downstairs.¡± He says and turns to leave.¡± Nice bikinis though. They are hot.¡± He smirks and disappears down the hall.

    I blush and shut the door.

    ¡± Did you cum?¡± Alexa asks once I reach the living room.

    ¡± Seriously.¡±

    ¡± I thought you guys were fucking each other¡¯s brains out by the door. Howe I didn¡¯t hear you moan?¡±

    ¡± Alexa.¡± I groan.¡± And please stop swearing , that¡¯s gross.¡± I say and walk to my room.

    I hear her say something but it wasn¡¯t audible. I roll my eyes and shut my room door.

    .

    ***

    I walk out of the lobby and Gray¡¯s leaning against his car. He looks up from his phone and he just literally drool.

    ¡± Damn. You¡¯re pretty.¡± He smiles and wraps one hand around my waist to kiss me gently. The kiss was short but passionate.

    He opens the passenger side door for me and I get in. He shuts the door and slide into the driver¡¯s seat.

    ¡± Trent¡¯s treating me on dinner today. Hope you don¡¯t mind with the extrapany.¡± Gray says on our way to the restaurant.

    ¡± It¡¯s fine. Does he work for you?¡±

    ¡± No , works with me.¡± He turns to look at me briefly before looking back at the road.

    ¡± We can go to any ce you like after the dinner.¡± Gray says and I nod.

    We step out of the car as I look up at the magnificent building. This is too pretty for a restaurant. Gray wraps his right hand around my waist and walk me inside. The bright light meets with my dress and it glitters more.

    ¡± I can¡¯t wait to take this dress out.¡± Gray whispers against my ear and my skin tingles. He¡¯s gonna be my downfall obviously.

    Trent waves at us from his table. A blond haired girl sits close to him. She looks a bit older than me , maybe Gray¡¯s own age or Gray might be older. Gray draws out a seat for me and I sit down. Gray sits next to me so we¡¯re opposite Trent and his date. She¡¯s got a cute Arabic line up tattoo beneath her corbones since she¡¯s wearing a strap dress. She¡¯s pretty.

    ¡± Gray. Hi to you Ariel.¡± Trent greets.

    ¡± Hi.¡±

    ¡± Hello.¡± The blond says. She has a Mexican ent. I smile and reply to her greeting. A waiter walks to our table before leaving. He returns with a bottle of wine and two sses. He pours the wine on our sses and leaves.

    ¡± How did business go at Chicago?¡± Trent asks Gray.

    ¡± Great. How are you holding up?¡±

    ¡± Excellent. I heard the Chinese are paying off well. That¡¯s a huge establishment Gray.¡± Trent tells Gray. He nods in reply.

    I collect my wine and drink almost all the content. The blond looks bored but she didn¡¯t say anything.

    ¡± I saw Cage. D Luca¡¯s son. Fuckin italians.¡± Trent says and chug his own wine.

    ¡± Yeah. He visited my club few days back.¡± Gray replies. ¡± I think the dick is up to something.¡±

    ¡± He¡¯s not a match for you Gray. He¡¯s still a kid.¡± Trent says and chuckles. Okay now I¡¯m bored too.

    ¡± I heard you were shot by someone. An anonymous?¡± Trent says.

    ¡± Louise. I sort him out.¡± Yeah , he killed someone again. Always killing people.

    The waiter brought in the food and ce them on the table. The blond and I begin to feast on our meal.

    ¡± So Ariel , I heard you¡¯re in college. What¡¯s your major?¡± Trent ask me.

    I swallow my food content before telling him.

    ¡± That¡¯s great. Did you grow up in New York?¡±

    ¡± Not really. I grow up in Georgia.¡± I say and turn to look at Gray. He doesn¡¯t look pissed or upset to Trent¡¯s interrogation.

    ¡± You look familiar though.¡± He mutters and sh me a smile. I swallow and turn to look at Gray and then the blond.

    ¡± Sinir. She¡¯s got his eyes.¡± The blond mutters under her breath but I heard it.

    ¡± Are you his daughter?¡± The blond asks me.

    Who the hell is Sinir? I think I remembered him but I haven¡¯t seen him before. I was supposed to be an intern there , but he wasn¡¯t searching. Probably the owner of Sinir¡¯s. Gray clears his throat and res at Trent , probably telling him the conversation should stop.

    She¡¯s got his eyes.

    Are you his daughter?

    What¡¯s that supposed to mean?

    What are they even talking about?

 Chapter 57

    ¡± So who¡¯s this Sinir ? And what does he look like ?¡± I ask Gray on our way to God knows where.

    ¡± He¡¯s nothing Ariel. Just a mob boss and don¡¯t take that personal.¡± Gray answers.

    Another mob boss. First it was Cage and now Sinir is also involve with the mobs.

    ¡± Why did you re at Trent to stop talking ?¡±

    ¡± I notice you were being uneasy and ufortable. Imagine someone asking if you¡¯re a daughter to some weirdo. You didn¡¯t like the choice of topic , I had to help.¡± He says.

    He¡¯s right. I was ufortable. Yeah , I didn¡¯t like the topic at all. Why did he have to ask me such questions. It¡¯s irritating.

    ¡± Are you also a mob boss ?¡± I ask and turn to look at Gray. He doesn¡¯t look tense or even bothered.

    ¡± Why are you asking me that ? You should know me better than the others. I¡¯ve given you a lot of information about me that I haven¡¯t given anyone.¡±

    ¡± Pfft.¡±

    ¡± Tinkerbell.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m fine, Jamal. You worry too much about me.¡± I sigh.

    ¡± Where do you wanna go ?¡± He asks and I¡¯m grateful he chose to change the topic.

    ¡± A bridge.¡±

    He nods and speeds into the night. I stay quiet and look out the window. Gray parks his car close to the bridge and we get out. My feet already aches because of these killer heels.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay ?¡± Gray asks beside me and wraps his hand around my waist.

    ¡± Not really. Leslie told my parents I was pregnant for you and you threatened me to get rid of it. She had to make me look like I¡¯m the one who got pregnant and aborted it.¡± I sigh and lean my hands on the railing. The water flows gently and i bite back the urge to jump inside.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± What did your parents say ?¡± He asks and leans against the railing too.

    ¡± I didn¡¯t wait for a reply , I punched Leslie. Alexa had to punch her earlier and she almost beat her up.¡±

    Gray chuckles. I chuckle and smile.

    ¡± She¡¯s crazy and i like her.¡± Gray says referring to Alexa.

    ¡± Yeah. She¡¯s been like that since we were in highschool and she¡¯s always protective of me. Most times I wish she was my sister instead of Leslie.¡±

    ¡± Do you want me to have a word with your parents ?¡±

    I smile and turn to look at Gray.¡± I¡¯ll be fine. I just wanna be far from them. They just bring out the worst in me.¡± I say as a matter of fact.

    Gray sighs and look down at me.

    ¡± Did Alexa tell you what happened ? At the hospital.¡±

    ¡± Yeah. dimir sent someone to kill her. She fought the man and took his life.¡± I exin.

    Gray nods and stays quiet.

    ¡± Why did you choose toe to the bridge ?¡±

    ¡± I love to watch the water at night. It¡¯s pretty.¡±

    He smiles and nods.

    ¡± What happened to your father ?¡±

    Gray looks irritated at the choice of topic.

    ¡± Why are you asking ?¡±

    ¡± I see nothing wrong in knowing about your father. What killed him ?¡±

    ¡± He was shot.¡± He replies dryly.

    ¡± Who shot him ? A mobster or maybe a mob boss ?¡±

    He looks at me and raises his brows. He smirks and bites his lip before looking down at the water.

    ¡± Have you ever thought about changing your major ? I have a list of good ones that suits you. Journalism ?¡±

    I chuckle and swat his hands. Seriously , journalism.

    ¡± You make me look like I¡¯m snooping.¡±

    ¡± I didn¡¯t say that. He was a bad man and maybe he made so many bad decisions and he got shot for it.¡±

    ¡± You missed him right ?¡±

    ¡± Fuck , no. Shit , why would I ?¡±

    ¡± I mean he¡¯s your father. Bad decisions or not.¡± I say.

    He nods and doesn¡¯t say a word.

    ¡± Alexa wants us to visit Miami.¡±

    ¡± Florida ?¡±

    I nod. He scoffs and looks away from me.

    ¡± Why ?¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s just for the weekend. She wants us to visit the beach and have a girls time.¡±

    ¡± And when¡¯s that ?¡±

    ¡± Friday ?¡±

    ¡°Tomorrow? Fuck. I don¡¯t want you to go.¡± He sighs and watches me intensely.

    ¡± You miss me already ?¡±

    Heughs and run his hands down his hair.

    ¡± Sort of and I don¡¯t want anything to happen to you. You mean a lot to me Ariel.¡±

    I move closer to him and wrap my hands around his torso from behind. He smells so good and I¡¯m never getting enough of him. I rest my head on his back still hugging him and he stays still.

    ¡± It¡¯s just the weekend and nothing¡¯s gonna happen to me.¡± I whisper audibly for him to hear.

    ¡± Gray.¡± I bite his back when he doesn¡¯t answer. Heughs and turns around to look at me.

    ¡± I like your hair.¡± He smiles and runs his fingers down my hair.

    ¡± And I like your eyes.¡± He whispers and pulls me to himself.

    He cups my cheeks and rubs his thumb on my bottom lip.

    ¡± You¡¯re cold ?¡± He asks. I shake my head and smile.

    He looks into my eyes and pulls me into his arms. He caresses my back and hugs me firmly like I¡¯m gonna slip away. We¡¯ve been together for so long and Gray has never voice out ¡®i love you¡¯. I might find it weird but he treats me better , like I¡¯m the most important thing in his life.

    ****

    Iy on his bed in only his t-shirt and panties. I feel weak , like feverish. I open my eyes and turn to my other side. Gray¡¯s not around and I¡¯m alone. It¡¯s morning and I don¡¯t feel like going to ss. I feel sick and too weak. I shut my eyes and try to go back to bed. God , today is Friday.

    Someone shut the room door and I¡¯m certain it¡¯s Gray. His cologne fans my nose and I smile. Hey beside me and feel my temperature.

    ¡± Are you okay?¡± He asks and kisses my temple.

    I open my eyes and shake my head sideways.

    ¡± Are you on your period?¡± He asks again.

    I chuckle and turn around to look at him. He caresses my hair and tucks every loose strands of hair from my face.

    ¡± I already passed that time of the month. I think it¡¯s fever. I can¡¯t stand up because I feel weak.¡±

    ¡± Want me to cook something for you ?¡±

    I bite my lip to hold back myughter.

    ¡± Thanks. Thest time you tried , you almost burn down your kitchen.¡±

    He rolls his eyes and leans down to kiss me. He bites my bottom lip when i didn¡¯t kiss back.

    ¡± I need to use the bathroom.¡± I push him back gently and try to sit up. I feel so weak and dizzy.

    Gray groans and carry me on his back to the bathroom. I smile and cling unto him as we walk to the bathroom. He help me with my toothbrush and allow me brush my teeth while i stay on his back. He leans against the washbowl while I stare at our reflection in the mirror.

    ¡± Thanks.¡± I murmur and begin brushing.

    ¡± Yeah ?¡± He rolls his eyes and pull out his phone from his sweatpants pocket.

    I rest one hand on his shoulder as the other brush my teeth. Gray switches on the water and I spit out the toothpaste from my mouth.

    ¡± Hmm¡­¡± I hum and look at his phone , he was scrolling down his contact.

    ¡± So who¡¯s Catherine ?¡± I smirk and try to rinse my mouth which made the water drip down his chest.

    He looks up at me through the mirror and smile.

    ¡± A worker.¡±

    ¡± You have too many female workers.¡± I whine and squirm a bit to rinse my toothbrush.

    He groans and keep his phone before snatching my brush from me and he rinses it.

    ¡± I didn¡¯t ask you to do that.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re too slow.¡± He says and keep my brush.

    ¡± Really ?¡± I whisper and trace my forefinger down his chest to his torso.

    ¡± Ariel , you¡¯re sick.¡± He mumbles and watch me through the mirror.

    ¡± I didn¡¯t say that. I¡¯m weak actually.¡± I bite my bottom lip and trace it down to the waistline of his sweatpants.

    I look up the mirror and our eyes meet. I snap the waistline of his sweatpants against his skin and kiss the spot below his ears. He shudders and bites his lip. I kiss down his neck to his shoulder de as I trace my fingers on his sex. He¡¯s already getting hard. Since I¡¯m on his back , my hand is being limited because he¡¯s carrying me on his back.

    ¡± I want soup.¡± I say and kiss his temple.

    He breathes out at my seduction and nod. We go back to his bedroom and hey me down on his bed.

    ¡± Are you skipping school today ?¡± Gray asks.

    ¡± Yeah. Happy now ?¡± I pout at him. He chuckles and turns to leave.

    ¡± What about Florida ? Still leaving today ?¡± He asks and turns to look at me.

    I pout and shake my head. He smirks and walks to the door. He opens the door and shut it once he¡¯s out.

    I pick up my phone and go through it. Missed calls from my parents and friends. Alexa sent me a message too.

    FROM ALEXA: are youing to school today or you are stuck with Daddy ?

    Daddy ? Did she really have to call Gray, daddy ? I chuckle and reply her text.

    To Alexa; sorry , I¡¯m a bit sick and maybe feverish. I¡¯ll skip this one out.

    In less than a second she reply my text.

    FROM ALEXA; Damn. Was he that hard on you ? Please don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re pregnant.

    To Alexa; Jesus , no. I¡¯m not. Alexa I have fever and maybe I¡¯ll be home tomorrow or even today. How is your stitches. Does it hurt that much.

    FROM ALEXA; you¡¯re making me fall in love with you. You care too much about me and I¡¯m loosing my mind already. Yeah , I¡¯m fine. After ss, I¡¯m getting my meds. See yater muffins.

    I scoff and reply her text.

    To Alexa; sure. Tell Piper and Brandon too.

    I drop my phone on the nightstand and switch on the TV. Gray returns with a te on his hand and a bottle water. He drops it on top of the nightstand. I sit up at once. ¡± Don¡¯t tell me you made this.¡± I say and smirk at him.

    He chuckles and sits next to me on the bed. ¡± I learnt my lessons , Tinkerbell. My maid is downstairs , she prepared this. And these¡­¡± He drops the pills on the nightstand next to the soup.¡± are¡­ for your fever. Eat up.¡± I roll my eyes and pout.

    He looks at me and pick up the te to feed me. I smile and poke his cheek.

    ¡± Thanks.¡±

    ¡± Open your mouth , will you ?¡±

    I nod like a kid and open my mouth. He shove the content inside my mouth and I swallow. Gray feeds me till I¡¯m full. He drops the te back on the nightstand and give me the bottle water. I take it and gulp down the water.

    ¡± Don¡¯t forget about your drugs.¡±

    I smile.¡± Ooh.¡±

    Gray frowns and watch me take it. I¡¯m not a fan of drugs so, i literally act like a stroke patient just to swallow these. Gray forces me and I luckily swallow everything.

    ¡± Seriously.¡± He chuckles and picks up the te and walks out with it. Iy on the bed and watch a movie.

    Gray returns and pulls me closer to himself. I wrap my arms around his torso as we watch the movie in silence.

    ¡± So what¡¯s gonna happen once you return from Florida ? What about my trip proposal ?¡±

    ¡± You know I¡¯m not turning that proposal down. I can¡¯t imagine us being alone.¡± I smirk and trail my forefinger down his stomach.

    Gray bites his bottom lip and look down at me. My cheeks flush to his smirk and i know the meaning of that.

    ¡± I wasn¡¯t kidding about what I nned on doing to you. Take as much pills as you want because I won¡¯t be easy on you.¡± He smirks and turns to his side to look at me with his hands on my waist.

    ¡± I¡¯m sick.¡± I whine and pretend to shut my eyes as my hand trace down on his spine.

    ¡± You¡¯re sick ?¡± He chuckles. I open my eyes and pinch his back. He pinches my hips and caresses my legs.

    ¡± Where do you n on going ?¡± I ask.

    ¡± What about a boat ride ? A yacht.¡±

    ¡± No way.¡± He chuckles and pulls me closer to himself.

    ¡± Don¡¯t worry , just get better already. Go to sleep , you need it.¡± He says. I smile and nod and snuggle into his arms.

    ***

    It¡¯s evening when I wake up. I rub my eyes and look around the room , there¡¯s no Gray. I feel better than usual and I¡¯m grateful. I get out of bed and open the door to go downstairs.

    ¡± You wanna give me an exnation for what you did ?¡± I hear Gray¡¯s voice and it¡¯sing from the living room.

    ¡± Howe you¡¯re just asking me that ?¡± That¡¯s Reid.

    ¡± Maybe I thought you might develop some decency and tell me about it.¡± What the heck are they talking about ?

    ¡± It was a mistake Gray and I don¡¯t want to talk about it.¡± Reid scoffs.

    ¡± A mistake ? You got her pregnant Reid. You knew they were sisters and you thought it was nice to hit it bare. Now what ? You asked her to abort it right ?¡±

    ¡± What was I supposed to do huh ? Tell her to keep it and tell her i love her. Fuck , man , you know i won¡¯t y that dumb shit. I don¡¯t need a fuckin kid. Even if I want one , it shouldn¡¯t be from a slut. I picked her from a fuckin strip club man.¡±

    ¡± Why did you have to hit it bare if you see her as a slut ? Man , you fucked her without a fuckin condom , what¡¯s that supposed to mean ?¡±

    ¡± Maybe I just wanted to have fun. We¡¯re over this issue a long time ago. You know what we¡¯re involved with , kids aren¡¯t part of it.¡± Reid says and I think he walks out.

    I shake my head and go back to his bedroom.

    ¡®You know what we¡¯re involved with , kids aren¡¯t part of it.¡¯ what does that even mean ? I walk to the balcony and lean against the railing. I need to be at home and check on Alexa. The door to the balcony opens and I feel his presence behind me. His strong arms wrapped around my waist and his head nuzzles my neck. Thank God I feel better.

    ¡± Hey.¡± I say.

    ¡± Feeling better ? Or you want more soup ?¡± He teases and I chuckle.

    ¡± Thanks , I¡¯m fine. I heard you fighting with Reid again. You guys act like ex¡¯s sometimes.¡±

    ¡± Yeah ?¡± He chuckles and rest his chin on my head. ¡± I confronted him about Leslie.¡±

    I sigh and nod.

    ¡± I wanna go home today.¡±

    ¡± Stay the night.¡± He demands. I turn around in his grasp and tten my hands on his chest.

    ¡± I need to look out for Alexa today. She got shot remember. I need to be with her today. And also we might not visit Miami this week. Maybe we¡¯ll go next week since today is already Friday¡± I tell him and bite my bottom lip.

    ¡± Next week ?¡±

    I nod and wrap my arms around his torso. ¡± I will drop by tomorrow.¡± I whisper. He caresses my back and kisses my temple.

    ¡± I might travel tomorrow.¡± He says.

    I disengage from the hug and look up at him.¡± Again ? For what ?¡±

    ¡± Business. I¡¯m visiting Chicago. But I¡¯ll back before Sunday.¡± He smirks and cups my cheek to kiss me. I turn my face to the side so he kisses my cheek instead.

    ¡± Why did you have to do that ? You¡¯re going to Miami and you¡¯ll be fine. I¡¯ll check on you by the way. And maybe if you return we¡¯ll be going on our ship ride.¡±

    ¡± Miami isn¡¯t possible until next week. We¡¯ve not even made arrangements.¡± I tell him.

    ¡± Breathe, I won¡¯t stay long.¡± He trails his forefinger down my jawline and lean closer to kiss me.

    I wrap my arms around his neck to kiss him back. He grabs my thighs and lift me off the ground, so my legs are around his waist. He walk back to his bedroom andy me down on his bed as we kiss. I¡¯m already missing him and it¡¯s annoying i don¡¯t want him to leave tomorrow.

    ¡­¡­

    I tap my hands on my wheel as I drive to my apartment. I dial Alexa¡¯s number and she picks up immediately.

    ¡± Arie. Where the fuck are you ? Are you driving home ?¡± She asks on the phone. She sound so giddy.

    ¡± Yeah. Where are you ?¡±

    ¡± In my apartment. Gotta check things out and maybe pick up few things. I¡¯ll be home soon.¡±

    ¡± Sure. I¡¯ll be waiting.¡± I sigh and hang up. I toss the phone on the dashboard and steers the wheel.

    My phone rings in my dashboard and it¡¯s my mom. I mute the call and park my car. The call ends and my phone rings again, this time it¡¯s my dad. Yeah , they wanna talk about me being pregnant for Gray. So pathetic. I shut my car and walk inside the building. I take the elevator and press my floor button and wait till the elevator reach my floor. The door slides open and i step out. I open the door and walk in. I shut the door behind me and switch on the light. Where on Earth is Leslie ? She¡¯s never at home.

    I toss my bag on the couch in my room and undress myself. I take a quick shower and change into my night ware. I go to the kitchen and look through the fridge , Alexa thought it was nice not to prepare anything. I groan and shut the fridge furiously. The door swings open and Leslie storms in with a guy whose arms is around her waist. They both look drunk and wasted. She giggles to nothing and they walk down the hallway to her room. The next thing that follows Is their loud moaning.

    I need to have a word with her to stop bringing men in here. A soft knockes from outside the door and i wonder who it is. I stalk to the door and open it wide for whosoever. My heart drops to my feet at his sight. How did he find me ? I thought he was gone. I thought he flew back to Russia. How did he ever find me ?

    ¡± Surprise ?¡± He smirks. I quickly shut the door but he beat me to it. I scream but he covers my mouth with his hand. I feel a sharp sting on my neck and I feel weak.

    Please don¡¯t tell me he just drugged me. My feet go weak and I¡¯m gradually going numb.

    ¡± Gray¡¯s gonna miss you by the way.¡± dimir says.

    I see two other guys but I can¡¯t identify their faces. My vision is already blurry and I barely could feel my feet. One of his men toss me on his shoulder as they shut my door. I try to scream but I couldn¡¯t.

    I ck out.

 Chapter 58

    I feel weak and not numb anymore. My feet aches and my body aches too. I try to move my hand but I can¡¯t. I think I¡¯m restrain. I slowly open my eyes and look around my new environment. Everything looks dark. No windows but I can see a small door at the end. I try to sit up , but my feet are being tied together Including my hands.

    ¡± Oh my God!¡± I panic.

    I hear distant chattering and I¡¯m pretty sure it¡¯s not too far from here. I look down at my hands that are tied and it¡¯s handcuffed. Both my legs are chained together with a chain built to the wall. God why did I chose to keep my hair up without a pin. Of all the days really. I don¡¯t even know what¡¯s the time? What if I¡¯ve been out for few days or maybe a week. Where¡¯s my phone? Alexa. What must have happened to her? I look around the cold floor and there¡¯s nothing I can do about this chain. I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m gonna die like this. I can¡¯t believe I didn¡¯t get to visit italy before dying. And my yacht ride with Gray. I¡¯ve always loved ships and look at me , stuck in some abandoned warehouse and I¡¯m not sure about escaping.

    I won¡¯t even visit Paris and also London before dying miserably or Canada too , I¡¯m just being emotional right now. Maybe I should look on the bright side , he just wants to use me as bait again. Maybe he wants to use me to get to Gray. If that¡¯s the point maybe there¡¯s a chance. I won¡¯t panic but hell I panicked when someone tried to open the door. I¡¯m already whimpering and the dust from this cold floor already stained my pajamas bottom.

    I hear footsteps and the door opens revealing a tall build. I know that person. That Russian demon who won¡¯t leave me alone. Why do I have to suffer for all the things Gray did to him?

    ¡± Look who¡¯s awake.¡± His Russian ent beams around the emptyrge room and it echoes.

    ¡± What do you want from me?¡± I voice out , cleary petrified. I look at the other two men with bigger riffles and I almost pee my pants.

    No, jokes apart , i think i wanna pee.

    ¡± You¡¯re so little and pretty. Gray would kill anyone who tried to hurt you. What did you give him?¡± dimir asks and leans closer to me.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡± I scoff. ¡± How did you find me ?¡±

    He smirks and runs his forefinger down my jawline to my chin. He cups my chin and grins.

    ¡± It¡¯s so easy. I¡¯ve got my men follow you about after I shot Alexa. So painful I should have kidnapped you since , but your boyfriend won¡¯t let you breathe without him following you like a puppy. And then , they saw you driving back to your apartment without Gray. I heard he¡¯s going to Chicago.¡±

    ¡± Who told you that?¡± I whimper. He smirks and rubs his thumb on my bottom lip.

    ¡± I have my ways, sweetheart.¡±

    ¡± Stay away from me.¡± I move my face so he could remove his finger from my lips.

    ¡± Gray. You¡¯re too innocent for his dirty games. Your boyfriend hurt a lot of people to be on top and I guess I¡¯m one of those people. I would love you to watch me kill your boyfriend and maybe im you after.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re such a psychopath coward. You shot Alexa because of your cowardice and what now? You¡¯re gonna shoot me too? Why don¡¯t you go to Gray.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re so pure and you know nothing. With you in my custody, Gray would do anything I want.¡± He says and stands up.

    ¡± You¡¯re an idiot and a stupid coward.¡± I yell.

    He res at me and grabs my hair and he raises my head upwards to look into his blue eyes. What¡¯s with this cute demons?

    ¡± Now you¡¯re gonna be a good girl okay.¡± He pats my cheek and stands up to leave.

    ¡± Unlock her chains and bring her to me.¡± dimir says and walks out of the room.

    One of the guys holding a gun , squat close to me and unlock my chains. He grabs my leg aggressively and i angrily kicked his manhood.

    ¡± Fuckin bitch.¡± He groans and cup his generation.

    ¡± Are you fuckin crazy!¡± The other guy yells and shoots my arm.

    ¡± God¡­¡± I scream and fall on the floor wincing in pain. I¡¯m already bleeding. God I¡¯m bleeding.

    ¡± Are you crazy? Did you have to shoot her?¡± The guy I kicked yell at hispanion.

    They are not helping. I can¡¯t feel my left arm. I grit my teeth but I end up screaming.

    ¡± She fuckin kicked you on the dick man.¡± The asshole who shot me defends himself.

    The man i kicked hisses in pain and unlock the chains around my wrist. I waste no time but grab my upper arm that¡¯s already bleeding.

    ¡± Fuck¡­¡± I wince to the pain. Who knew being shot hurts like hell. It¡¯s like I can¡¯t feel my arm and it burns inside.

    ¡± What the fuck is happening?¡± dimir walks into the room but halts when he sees me bleeding and in tears. Where the heck is Gray?

    ¡± Who fuckin shot her?¡± dimir growls. Why should he care?

    The guy I kicked answer.¡± Rick did.¡±

    dimir pulls out his gun from his coat pocket and shoots Rick on the head. He falls t on the ground dead. I gasp in shock and wince in pain . I¡¯m loosing too much blood right now. dimir walks to my form and grabs my good arm as he pulls me up to my feet.

    ¡± Tell Francesco to clear that shit up.¡± dimir says to the man.

    We walk pass a dark hallway and he opens another door. This one looks better than the other room. It¡¯s clean and has two chairs. There¡¯s a vent window at the top and I obviously can¡¯t escape through that. Not with my arm that¡¯s shot. Three men are in the room , all of which are harmed with riffles. dimir pushes me to a chair and removes his jacket from his body. He tosses it to another guy who I didn¡¯t notice just walked in with a first aid kit. Why should they have that. dimir rolls up the sleeves of his ck dress shirt and his tatted armse on disy.

    ¡± You were supposed to be okay , why the fuck did Rick have to shoot you?¡± He yells.

    The guy who holds dimir¡¯s jacket give it to another guy as he takes it. The first aid guy squats in front of me and tear out the short sleeve of my t-shirt that¡¯s already covered in blood. I whimper and cry. I¡¯ve never been shot before. I can¡¯t believe I¡¯ll ever get shot because of anyone. Gray owe me for this. Imagine being shot in the arm , i should be expecting more from them. I shut my eyes when I noticed this weirdo who squats in front of me is about to remove the bullet.

    ¡± Don¡¯t you have any drugs that can make me feel numb.¡± I protest but no one answers.

    dimir sits on the other chair and watches me intensely. What a ruthless bastard. I scream when the scissorse in contact with my skin. I wanted to fight him off of me but another man joined him and they hold my other arm.

    ¡± Holy Jesus. ¡± I whimper when I see the bullet. He drops it on the floor and begin cleaning me. Why are they treating me in the first ce? Aren¡¯t they supposed to be the bad guys? I shut my eyes when I feel the needle pierce through my skin to stitch me up. I scream again and shout and scream till I lost my voice.

    I feel a sharp sting on my neck again and it didn¡¯t take long for me to ck out.

    ?????

    I open my eyes and blink them several times. I look around this unfamiliar room and we¡¯re not in the warehouse. It¡¯s a bedroom and my feets are tied again. The other good hand was handcuff against the headboard of the bed and I¡¯m still on my pajamas. What time is it? Is the day over? Where am I? I look at my arm that was shot and it¡¯s better and stitched. dimir walks in slowly. His hands are tuck in his pants pocket.

    ¡± Where am I? What did you do to me?¡±

    ¡± What? You think I fucked you? Or do you want me to?¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re so gross. Where am I? Why can¡¯t you let me go?¡± I begin to sob , again.

    He chuckles and smirks.

    ¡± You¡¯re in Chicago and this is my bedroom. You¡¯ve just been out for a day.¡±

    ¡± Chicago? New York to Chicago?¡± I never nned to tour the world like this.

    ¡± What do you want from me?¡± I ask calmly.

    He chuckles and walks to the side of the bed where iy. He takes out a seat and sits next to me.

    ¡± Gray doesn¡¯t deserve you at all. I bet he deserves no one.¡± He says.

    ¡± Have you ever wondered how Gray rose to fame in such a short period of time?¡±

    ¡± It took him eight years.¡± I reply. dimirughs.

    ¡± Nobody builds a Mafia like his in less than eight years , except they get greedy and do a lot of bad shit.¡±

    ¡± A Mafia?¡± I ask. I can¡¯t believe this. I don¡¯t wanna believe it. A Mafia?

    dimir furrows his brows.¡± Fuck , he didn¡¯t tell you? He¡¯s such a pussy.¡± dimir pulls out a cigar from his nightstand and lights it. I¡¯m still getting use to the smell of cigarettes and now cigar.

    ¡± Lemme tell you a story.¡± dimir puffs out the smoke through his nostrils. ¡± Gray worked with a man called Sinir Daxton. Ten years ago, Sinir happens to be the biggest and richest American Mafia boss. Gray¡¯s father was his right hand man and he was loyal to Sinir. Gray usually clears out his dirty deals and most times do the delivery. Gray was more often Sinir¡¯s Hitman. But do you know what happened?¡± dimir pause. I swallow and didn¡¯t answer. First, ex Hitman. Ex cocaine delivery man and also a present Mafia boss. Oh Ariel , what have i gotten myself into.

    ¡± Gray got greedy.¡± He continues.¡± He wanted to build his own empire. He wanted more money and he wanted to be called boss. A step his father never took. Take that hint , that¡¯s one of the reasons he was respected. Because he stood up to Sinir , outsmart him, take on his most biggest client along with 50 kilos of coke.¡± No way.¡± He got away not after shooting Sinir¡¯s men and he left the city and never showed up. And he didn¡¯t tell you.¡± dimirughs and smokes some more. He shakes his head and flicks the ash on the nightstand.

    ¡± He never trusted you enough to tell you. Scared you were gonna run your mouth. Now let¡¯s get down to business. The Chinese wanted a drug deal. They wanted someone who¡¯s willing to ship arge scale of drugs to Asia. Your boyfriend got greedy again , outsmart me behind my back and took it. One shipping was supposed to give me a fuckin billion. But your greedy boyfriend took it. His fuckin Summit is built with greed. He¡¯s got a lot of rivals because he hurt a lot of people to be on top. He¡¯s the youngest American Mafia boss in history and he¡¯s never been caught , you know why¡­¡± dimir pauses again and puffs out the smoke. I¡¯m sobbing. How could he lie to me? You know the funny part I¡¯m already sweating.

    ¡± I¡¯ll tell you why. Because, he¡¯s got politicians under him. Connections and a lot of properties around the globe. Gray got almost three thousand men who works for him, including shameless politicians and even the government. Do you know your boyfriend¡¯s got goldmines? Damn , he must be a trillionaire¡­.¡± Heughs with so much humor. ¡°And now¡¯s he got a soft spot and that¡¯s you. You¡¯re the only person who can move Gray sweetheart.¡± He stands up and sits on the edge of the bed. I scoot far but the chains limit me.

    ¡± He¡¯s got an underground warehouse which i discovered. Nobody knows where it is. That warehouse contains a lot of shit. Billions sweetheart. A lot of fuckin coke and other shit. I want it. That¡¯s why you¡¯re here.¡±

    I sniffle and sniffle again.¡± What makes you think he has an underground warehouse. I should have known about it.¡±

    ¡± Because he doesn¡¯t trust you. You¡¯re just his little minion. Probably for distraction and pleasure. Forget about the stupid Ferrari that you drive. He¡¯s manipted you so fuckin long.¡± dimir chuckles and stands up.

    ¡± Get dressed , we¡¯re leaving the country.¡±

    ¡± The what!¡± I exim but he¡¯s already gone. ¡°You can¡¯t do this to me.¡± I scream and try to fight this bounds.

    ¡± I won¡¯t do that if i were you.¡± A voice says. I look up and it¡¯s a girl with barely no clothing. She smirks and walks into the room holding a piece of clothing on her hand.

    ¡± Don¡¯t try to fight it , breathe while I dress you up.¡± She smirks and drops the clothes on the bed.

    She uncuffs the handcuff and i try to run. She chuckles and drags me back by my hair. She punches me and pushes me on the bed.

    ¡± I warned you to behave.¡± She hisses and punches me again. I ck out.

    ?????

    I open my eyes and I¡¯m faced with dimir who¡¯s sitting opposite me. The whole interior is white and fancy and I wonder where are we. My hands are handcuff again and I¡¯m pretty sure my wrist already got a mark. I look down at my outfit and I¡¯m wearing a sweatshirt with sneakers and ck jeans. Damn. dimir smirks at me and I¡¯m forced to look out the window. Holy hell , we¡¯re flying.

    ¡± Where are we going?¡± I ask.

    ¡± Sit back and enjoy the ride.¡±

    I sob silently and bite my lips. I wish I had the promise ring on. Gray wouldn¡¯t hurt me right? But why did he have to lie to me? Why would he manipte me? I can¡¯t believe he¡¯s using me as a distraction. That can¡¯t be true. I look down at the pendant on my neck. Tinkerbell is spelt across it and the writing is tiny.

    I look up at dimir and he¡¯s watching me. Why can¡¯t I escape? Yeah it¡¯s not possible. I shut my eyes and think about every details dimir told me about Gray. Drugs , Mafia. So what is Summit? It¡¯s just a cover? A tear slide down my cheeks and i couldn¡¯t stop it before it slip out. After several hours of crying, the jet slows down. He¡¯s also one of them , reasons he could afford a private jet. I open my eyes when I feel a hand on my hands. dimir releases the seatbelt and the handcuff as he drags me up.

    I follow behind him and his hold on my upper arm isn¡¯t gentle at all. My other arm still hurts a bit from the shot. We step on the steps as the country¡¯s breeze sent my hair flying. I look around and it¡¯s a bit warm here. Two ck Mercedes Benz awaits us and the windows are tinted. Two men stand beside it with ck suits and guns. I whimper and try to free from dimir¡¯s grip. He is stronger and it¡¯s futile.

    ¡± Where are we?¡± I whimper.Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    dimir smiles as we step on the ground.

    ¡± Wee to Italy.¡±

 Chapter 59

    GRAY

    ¡°Boss , he¡¯s here.¡± Manny says and I nod.

    ¡± Be alerted.¡± I tell him.

    He nods and I take the stairs below. We¡¯re at the top of a casino building. I take the flight of stairs down and I appear at an empty passage. I worry about Ariel , I actually told Carl and Spencer to keep an eye on her once i leave just to be sure she¡¯ll be safe. First thing , I actually didn¡¯t travel with a mobile phone because of this shitty business stuff.

    After I left Chicago , I had to fly to italy to sort out an asshole who thought it was nice to rat me out to a goddamn dectective.

    I shove my hands in my jacket pocket and stalk past the empty passage. The faint music from the club st through the passage. I sigh once i arrive at the club. Gamblers were everywhere. They chant andugh with shots of tequ in their grasp.

    ¡± The infamous Gray Carter.¡± He smirks and stops in front of me.

    ¡± You¡¯ve grown.¡± He snickers.

    ¡± Sinir , what do you want?¡± I ask him. He chuckles and looks down at me.

    ¡± Who are you nning to kill this time? Who¡¯s the unfortunate soul Gray?¡± He asks and lights his cigar.

    ¡± Mind your business , Sin.¡±

    Heughs again and he¡¯s wasting my time. Sinir was my father¡¯s friend or probably my father worked for Sinir and he made me clear his dirty deals for Sinir. He¡¯s never getting old.

    ¡± You still owe me Gray. I haven¡¯t forgotten your sins yet.¡± He says and this time I¡¯m the one who¡¯sughing. He¡¯s so fuckin hrious.

    ¡± Fuck , Sinir. I¡¯m passed that bullshit level.¡±

    ¡± I wonder how many people you killed just to be on top. I took you as a son but your greedy inner man thought it was nice to go behind my back. What type of shitty man are you?¡± He says , reminding me what happened years ago. Fuckin hell. I didn¡¯t even regret killing his so called biggest client. A desperate man will have to do anything to get what he wants even if you have to hurt some people.

    ¡± You know the rules , Sin. You take out the ones on top to be on top. Move out of my way.¡± I push past him and walk deep into the club. The braless strippers entertain this horny men with their drunk friends.

    ¡± Boss.¡± I scoff at Meghan. What¡¯s she doing here? Now I remembered , I picked her up from a strip club.

    ¡± It¡¯s been so fuckin long. What are you doing here?¡± She smirks. Always trying hard to be seductive.

    ¡± Later Meghan.¡± I need to meet with someone. Someone who thought it was nice to tell on me.

    I see his guard at the corner of the dark club. He pushes himself from the wall and begin walking to the direction of a door. He twists the doorknob and we enter before he shut the door. I walk behind him in this empty passage till we arrive in front of another door. He tap his knuckles on the door as someone orders us in. He opens the door for me and I enter. There he was , stupid fucker.

    ¡± Gray , please sit and y chess with me.¡± I draw out a seat and sit opposite him. My eyes scan around his room to his guard that stand beside him.

    ¡± Tell him to leave.¡± I say.

    ¡± What? He¡¯s not a threat and he¡¯s my guard.¡±

    ¡± No one¡¯s trying to kill you. I want him to leave.¡±

    He sighs and motions for his guard to leave. The guard walks out and shuts the door.

    ¡± So Mr Carter¡­¡± He begins as he moves his chess piece.

    ¡± We were doing fine before you decide to introduce Romeo to me. You know what happened at Chicago three weeks ago. I lost a lot of shit. 30 kilos to be precise.¡± I say and move my chess piece.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know Gray. It was a coincidence I think.¡±

    ¡± It wasn¡¯t. Someone had to tell on me and they nned it with Romeo. Stole my shit and rat me out. You knew he was an Italian but you promised everything was gonna be okay. I worked hard for everything. Everything asin out of the cops sh CIA. You¡¯re a politician and you know your duty.¡± I keep my eyes on him and move my piece.

    ¡± I know Gray. Like i said it was a coincidence.¡±

    ¡± And I¡¯m telling you it was a set-up. Someone sold me out to a fuckin detective. That wasn¡¯t supposed to happen , Tucker.¡± I re at him. I quietly shove out my gun and load it calmly. It has a silencer , probably it won¡¯t alert the others.

    ¡± Did you tell on him?¡± I ask him calmly.

    His face pales out once. Such a fuck face. He tenses and chuckles to regain his guilt filled face.

    ¡± I would never do that Gray.¡±

    ¡± You did it , Tucker. Can I know why?¡±

    His pulse moves rapidly and it¡¯s obvious. I nod and continue the game.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry if you think I would betray you , Gray.¡± Fuckin politicians. Lying thieves.

    I look up at him and meet eyes with his. I pick up my chess piece and kick his own piece with mine.

    ¡± Checkmate.¡± I pull out my gun and shoot him on the head. He falls back on his chair and dies with blood oozing out of his head.

    ¡± Bitch.¡± I cuss and stand up.

    I walk to the side of his desk and draw out his drawers. There are bunch and list of different files. I scamper through the files and see what I wanted. I pick up the shdrive and stuff it in my pocket. I take onest look at his corpse and bring out another gun from my Jacket pocket. I check the bullet on the gun and cock the gun. I twist the doorknob and open the door. Before his guard could make a move , I shoot him. The gun shot alerted the others as they pile in with their guns. I aim at their heads and shoot at each one of them as they rush in.

    ¡± Damn , Carter.¡± Another man cuss as he tries to pull his trigger. I m my gun across his face as the man groans and crash on the floor hissing In pain. I scoff and shoot him.

    ¡± Fuckin bastard.¡± Another of Tucker¡¯s men yells as he shoots at me. I duck and shoot him. He falls down on the floor in his pool of blood.

    ¡± Damn¡­¡± I breathe out and look around the passage. Lots of Tucker¡¯s dead men. He¡¯s such a traitor. And i hate traitors. And then I have one mole to deal with too. I¡¯ve always suspected Meghan with Sarai. Even if she isn¡¯t working with me anymore , that bitch has something up her sleeves, especially when I found out Meghan is dating Sarai. I thought they were both straight.

    The guy I shotst whimpers. His hand moves slightly as he tries to open his eyes. I shake my head and shoot him on the head.

    ¡± Dick.¡± I chuckle and shove my guns inside my Jacket and walk out of the casino. I took the stairs to the top of the building where Manny and Nick is waiting.

    ¡± Romeo is dead. Reid shot him.¡± Nick says.

    ¡± Boss , you shoulde look at this.¡± Manny who¡¯s leaning on the edge of the building with a sniper rifle in his hand, says. He motions to me as I take the sniper rifle. I look into the telescope and the sight made me gasp.

    ¡± Ariel. Fuck.¡±

    dimir¡¯s right hand man drags her out of his car aggressively. I see dimir at the corner smoking his stupid cigar. The total of them are four , including dimir.

    ¡± Take out the two on mymand.¡± I say to Manny and rush down back into the building.

    This is all my fault. I¡¯m always getting her into trouble and seriously I feel selfish. It¡¯s just a billion dors and I have more than that. I¡¯m giving him back his money if that¡¯s gonna end this bullshit fight. How did he even fine her? I thought I ask Carl and Spencer to look after her. I take the backdoor through an abandoned room in the casino and it leads to the warehouse.

    She means everything to me. I¡¯d give my life to see her happy. She makes me happy and anyone who tries to hurt her will make me loose my mind.

    ARIEL

    ¡± Leave me alone.¡± I thrash at the huge man to free from his grasp , it¡¯s fruitless. I¡¯m tired of this stupid game. And if i walk out alive this time , I¡¯m moving away from him. But that¡¯s impossible. He makes me want him despite his shitty act. This ruthless fe drags me out of the car and he shuts the door. dimir smiles at me and inhales his cigar. The odor is so suffocating and I feel like puking.

    Where¡¯s Gray? I feel like I¡¯ve literally lost it.

    ¡± Look who decides to join the party.¡± dimir chuckles with his cigar in between his lips. I look up and my eyes meet with that one man who makes me want him. That same man who I just can¡¯t avoid. I breathe out and silently whimper. Why did I have to be in the middle of their mess.

    Just seeing him so close to me makes my heart melt. He¡¯s always so dangerously perfect. Why do I have to fall in love with him. I knew his world was dangerous but I didn¡¯t care. I saw through his ws and saw a man who deeply cares about me. A man who always wanna make me happy. A man I¡¯vee to fall in love with. The huge man push me to dimir as the three men point their guns at Gray. dimir has his own gun against my temple. I¡¯m already whimpering as usual. I¡¯m sobbing and this isn¡¯t funny. Am I gonna die miserable? What if I die¡­ Oh God Ariel, think positive. He cocks his gun against my temple and that¡¯s it. My spirit left my body and I can¡¯t feel my feet. I panick.

    ¡± Drop your gun Gray.¡± dimir orders. I look at Gray and he¡¯s obviously holding a hand gun. I actually know a hand gun when i see one. Thanks to Alexa.

    Gray nods his head and slowly squats down to drop his gun. He stands up and exhales sharply.

    ¡± Kick it over.¡± dimir says with his gun still pressed against my temple. This isn¡¯t funny , i want to get the hell out of here.

    ¡± Gray , kick the gun away.¡± dimir says through gritted teeth and I¡¯m sure he¡¯s ring right at Gray from behind me.

    Gray quickly nods and kick the gun away.

    ¡± dimir , don¡¯t do this. I will do anything you want, just don¡¯t hurt her. Please.¡± Gray pleads.

    dimir chuckles.¡± This is so unusual. He just said please¡­¡± dimir shakes his head. I sob and lock eyes with Gray. His eyes are soft and he¡¯s apologising through them.

    ¡± Let her go. I¡¯ll give you the money you want. Don¡¯t touch her.¡± He warns.

    ¡± What if I don¡¯t want the money? What if I need something else?¡± dimir asks.

    ¡± What do you want?¡±

    Please don¡¯t say you want the girl. Cause I¡¯m not liking this game anymore.

    ¡± Your underground warehouse.¡±

    Gray chuckles.¡± Fucker.¡± He quickly pulls out another gun from his jacket and shoot dimir¡¯s hand including the man closest to him. The two other men falls on the ground dead and I think someone else shot them.

    dimir chuckles and winces to his bleeding arm. He already drops his gun due to his already bleeding arm that Gray shot.

    ¡± We shouldn¡¯t do this.¡± Gray says walking to my frame that¡¯s already huddled in a corner whimpering. I¡¯ve seen too much dead people in this twenty years of my life.

    ¡± Don¡¯te after her again and I¡¯m giving you your one billion I got from the fuckin contract.¡± Gray says.

    ¡± And the money you¡¯ve been making from it?¡±

    ¡± That shit¡¯s passed.¡±

    ¡± You know if I don¡¯te after her , others will. You¡¯re just a desperate fuck. Why don¡¯t you save your little princess and let her go.¡±

    ¡± Shut the fuck up.¡± Gray yells.

    ¡± I bet you didn¡¯t tell her you killed¡­¡±

    ¡± Don¡¯t.¡± Gray cut him short.

    ¡± Oh I see. You didn¡¯t tell her¡­¡± dimir chuckles.

    ¡± dimir , shut up.¡± Gray res at him. And this is making more sense. Who did he kill again.

    ¡± Yeah. You know you killed your father.¡± He says as Gray pulls the trigger. I sob and cover my ears as Gray continues to shoot at him. I didn¡¯t notice I¡¯m curled up on the floor. My eyes meet dimir¡¯s dead body on the floor with several bullets on his body. Holy baby Jesus.

    ¡± Are you fuckin crazy?¡± I yell at him.

    ¡± Let¡¯s get you home.¡± He grabs my arm but I snatch it away from him.

    ¡± Don¡¯t touch me. You just killed him.¡±

    ¡± I have to.¡±

    ¡± Yeah? You¡¯re just a sick head. You¡¯re not okay , you need a psychiatrist.¡± I yell with tears filled eyes and begin to walk away from him. I hear a loud gun shot and I run back to Gray.

    ¡± Tinkerbell,e on.¡± Gray groans and tosses me on his shoulder.

    I sob and shake my leg but that didn¡¯t stop the sudden shootout. Gray points his gun at the two new shooters and pulls the trigger , both men falls down dead.

    The shot didn¡¯t end there. I shut my eyes and cover my ears already crying like a six years old. Who knew falling in love could be this hard , especially with someone like Gray. Gray groans and cusses and I think he run out of bullets.

    I open my eyes and obviously as expected , he killed all of them. He was really an Hitman before. A ruthless one at that.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    ¡± Let¡¯s get out of here.¡±

    ¡± Drop me now.¡± I order but that was fruitless. He hurry pass a door with me on his shoulder. I cuss and smack his back till I got tired. We arrive at the top of a building and a chopper is waiting for him at the top.

    I am ced inside the chopper with Gray. I already lost my voice and my face is covered with tears. Gray helps me with my seatbelt and i totally ignore him. I look worn out and empty. I lean against the window totally frustrated. Manny and Nick get in as the chopper take off. I don¡¯t bother to look at Gray or the others. I lean against the window through out the ride. He has done a lot of things. I can¡¯t believe dimir is dead already. Part of me appreciated it but same time I hated it. He was fighting for what¡¯s his and Gray took it. He even killed his father. What type of man does that? After several hours, the chopper begins tond on an empty space. I slept all through the ride and it¡¯s evening. I think we¡¯re in New York.

    ¡± Tinkerbell , let¡¯s go.¡± I didn¡¯t reply him.

    I step out of the chopper with Gray and the others. Two cars already awaits us. Nick and Manny entered one of the cars with the driver. Gray motions for the other driver to follow them and he obliges. The chopper takes off including Manny and Nick¡¯s car. Now I¡¯m left alone with Gray.

    ¡± Gray , I don¡¯t wanna be with you anymore.¡± I say.

    ¡± What if I wanna be with you? What are you gonna do about it?¡± He asks, walking slowly to my frame that¡¯s still scared. I¡¯m scared of him already.

    ¡± You¡¯re not Gray.¡± I silently say.

    ¡± You make me crazy , Ariel. You drive me crazy if that¡¯s what you wanna know.¡±

    ¡± Why did you kill your father?¡± I ask suddenly. He stops in front of me with his eyes lingering over mine. My heart is hammering against my chest. He¡¯s the only person who always makes me feel this way. Only him.

    ¡± He was an asshole.¡±

    ¡± Why? That¡¯s not even an answer. Who even killed their own father.¡± I sniffle.

    ¡± I don¡¯t wanna talk about it.¡±

    ¡± Oh yes!¡± I yell.¡± You don¡¯t wanna talk about it. dimir told me everything. So Summit is a Mafia? Gray a Mafia. What am I supposed to do with you?¡±

    ¡± What ever you want.¡± he takes a step closer to me and we¡¯re so close that I could literally feel his pink lips against mine , kissing me. You know the funny part, he didn¡¯t deny anything.

    His eyes flutters and I¡¯m just hypnotized by just staring into his grey orbs. My heartbeat is so fast right now. His right hand wraps around my neck and he pulls me to him. Our eyes are locked against each other. His thumb caress slowly against my cheek and that surprisingly soothes my skin. Ariel , breathe. Buddy killed his father.

    ¡± Gray why didn¡¯t you tell me? Do you know how it feels to hear something like that from someone else. Your damn rival! Gray a Mafia, not even some tiny criminal organization but some shitty organization with smuggling and drugs. You¡¯re even their boss. A mob boss. I asked you if you were a mob , you lied to my face. You couldn¡¯t even tell me. You made me look like a fool. A stupid nerdy teenage girl. Fine I get it, i knew you¡¯re criminal , but a mob boss , blood of God. When did you n on telling me? When you must have gotten tired of me!¡± I yell.

    ¡± Ariel , it¡¯s not what you think. I¡¯m sorry i lied, even if I really didn¡¯t lie to you. I have my reasons for withhelding such information from you.¡±

    ¡± What reasons? What stupid reasons? You have no reasons at all. If I didn¡¯t see you pull out a gun the first time , you wouldn¡¯t even tell me you¡¯re a criminal. Why did you have to keep everything from me. I¡¯m tired of being in the middle of your shitty games. dimir had to shoot me.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. For the shot. I¡¯m sorry I wasn¡¯t there to save you.¡± He mutters and cups my cheek with his thumb pad stroking my cheek.

    ¡± Why did you kill your father?¡± I ask.

    ¡± He was an asshole, don¡¯t bug me about it.¡±

    The fuck! I shouldn¡¯t ask why he killed his father? How did I get into this mess. I swat his hands off my face and wipe my eyes with my fingers.

    ¡± I can¡¯t do this. I can¡¯t do it anymore. He was right. Even if he doesn¡¯te after me , your other enemies will. Gray you¡¯re a Mob boss. I might be timid but I¡¯m not dumb. I know what¡¯s a Mafia. The fights never end. I can¡¯t , just leave me alone.¡± I sigh and step away from me.

    ¡± Stop walking out of my life. What am I supposed to do with it?¡±

    ¡± Do whatever thing you want. Leave me alone. Fuckin rich people¡­¡± I hiss and kick his car.

    Damn. Pain travel through my shin at the impact of the kicking. He shoves his hands in his pocket and watches me.

    ¡± Do note after me. Don¡¯t stop at my apartment. Don¡¯t call me. Leave me alone. Stay away from me. I can¡¯t deal with someone like you. Why did you kill your father? Nothing. You¡¯re always too hard to deal with.¡± I groan.

    ¡± Tinkerbell, I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡± Don¡¯t call me Tinkerbell. Are you happy? Always running from enemies and guns.¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t run , princess. A bullet don¡¯t fuckin scare me. You¡¯re the only thing that makes me runtely. You don¡¯t even know how much you mean to me. You¡¯ve made me done a lot of shit that i don¡¯t even think I would do. I can¡¯t watch you walk out of my life after you gave it meaning.¡±

    ¡± Really? You¡¯ve got enemies everywhere. Now ask yourself , is it worth it? You¡¯re always on the chase. And you wanna risk my life because of your shitty games. What¡¯s with you wealthy people?¡±

    ¡± Don¡¯t act like being broke is pretty cute. I¡¯m sorry and i mean it. I want you Ariel. You can¡¯t just steal my heart and walk away with it.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re a crackhead , Gray. You lied to me. Manipted me. Put my life in danger and I had to fall in love with you. I¡¯m in love with you how am I supposed to deal with that. I advised myself, but I wasn¡¯t ready to listen because, you¡¯re a god at making people do what you want. Stay the fuck away from me.¡± I poke his shoulders as I say these words.

    ¡± You¡¯re in love with me?¡± Damn. Is he okay? I mean out of all the things I said , the only thing he could ask me is if I¡¯m in love with him. Oh my God. He needs a psychiatrist.

    ¡± Answer me , Ariel.¡± He says and step forward.

    ¡± Don¡¯te any closer. You asshole. Manipting asshole.¡± I hiss and turn to walk away from him.

    ¡± Fuckin rich people.¡± I mutter and begin walking. I don¡¯t even know where I¡¯m going but I keep on walking anyways.

    And it hurts to watch him let me walk away. And part of me hated the fact that he didn¡¯t stop me. Why?

 Chapter 60

    GRAY

    I never thought I could feel heartbroken or even feel forsaken. I never thought I was ever gonna fall in love with a girl or even care for someone so much. Ariel fuckin made me feel weak. When you get involved with dangerous shit like the Mafia or even decides to do narcotics , you gotta be sure you got nothing to loose. No lover , no kid , nothing , so they won¡¯t hit you back expecting you¡¯re gonna loose something. When Kennedy was born, I made sure she stays far away from me because, I wanted to make sure she¡¯s okay. But why can¡¯t I let Ariel stay away from me.

    Manny sighs after he stiitch up the bullet wound. I got shot when I was trying to save her.

    ¡± You¡¯re in love.¡± Manny says and close the first aid kit. I look down at my bandages around my arm.

    ¡± Yeah?¡±

    ¡± She¡¯s pretty and a nice person. I might not be good with this but, I see the way you look at her. She likes you a lot.¡± I look up at Manny and sigh again.

    ¡± Thanks for the bandage.¡±

    ¡± Sure thing boss. Do you need a break?¡±

    ¡± No , I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m paying Mr Brown a visit.¡±

    He nods and walks out of my bedroom. I thought about her through out the day and how I fucked up. It pains to watch her walk away from me. I wanted to go after her , but certainly I couldn¡¯t. I feel guilty.

    Why did dimir had to tell her that? I nned on doing that myself and he had to spoil everything. I run my fingers through my hair. She¡¯s fuckin driving me insane.

    ¡± Gray.¡± Reid walks in and I didn¡¯t bother to look at him.

    ¡± You killed dimir?¡±

    ¡± What ? Is he your boyfriend?¡± I ask sarcastically.

    ¡± Did you really have to do that?¡±

    ¡± I have every right to do what I want. He wanted to shoot my girl.¡±

    Reid scoffs and tuck his hands in his pockets.

    ¡± I told you she was gonna bring nothing but trouble but you don¡¯t wanna listen.¡±

    ¡± Reid , give me ten feet , okay.¡±

    ¡± Do you know what you did ? I¡¯m not sure you know. You just killed a Russian Mafia boss. Things won¡¯t go easy this time and it¡¯s because of a girl. A girl , Gray.¡±

    I stand up and walk to my ss wall. I feel Reid¡¯s presence slowly walks to my form.

    ¡± Why don¡¯t you give her up and let her go? You know what you need to do, why don¡¯t you do the right thing.¡±

    ¡± And neglect love like you? Fuck , man , I should make my own decisions.¡±

    Reid chuckles.¡± You know dimir¡¯s got a brother , right? Once he finds out you light his brother out, he¡¯s gonna start a war.¡±

    I chuckle and shove my hands in my pockets. I turn around and smirk at Reid.¡± Let him bring the fucking war. I don¡¯t fucking care about anyone right now.¡±

    Reid scoffs and turns to leave. He stops and turns around.¡± Hope you know what you¡¯re doing?¡±

    I don¡¯t answer but pick up a cigarette to light it. He shakes his head and walks out of my room. I light it up and tilt my head back to spur out the smoke.

    ***

    Carl opens the door to Brown¡¯s office as I walk in with my hands in my pocket. He looks up clearly baffled. Manny walks in with Carl and they shut the door before they walk to stand behind Brown. Fuckin traitor. He thought it was nice to work with Tucker and rat me out to a damn dectective. Dude¡¯s got balls. They just wanna ruin me and I don¡¯t even know why.

    ¡± Mr Carter.¡± He says my name and swallow like he knew I brought trouble.

    ¡± Tell your guard to get out.¡± I say, referring to his guard who stand close to him holding a gun.

    ¡± And why please? He means no harm.¡±

    ¡± I want to talk private.¡±

    ¡± And you brought your men? I don¡¯t want him to leave.¡±

    ¡± Okay.¡± I reply and pull out my gun from my jacket. I point it at his guard and shoot him. He falls down dead.

    Mr Brown flinches and tries to sit up. Manny and Carl holds his shoulders and forces him to sit back down on the chair.

    ¡± Breathe Brown , I¡¯m not here to hurt you.¡± I smirk and sit on his opposite chair.

    ¡± Tucker is dead.¡±

    I see the fear in his face as he flinches again. Carl pats his shoulder telling him to calm down.

    ¡± Including Romeo , the detective.¡± I add. His breathing is rapid and he¡¯s masking his shivering state.

    ¡± Now I want us to talk. How much did the CIA pay you to rat me out? I thought you wanted to work with me and you ratted me out? How much did they pay you Brown?¡±

    ¡± Nobody paid me. I didn¡¯t work with anyone. Tucker did it , not me. I would never rat you out to a detective Gray.¡±

    I raise my brows and chuckle. I tap my gun on his desk and he¡¯s making me angry.

    ¡± How much did they pay you Brown?¡± I ask him.

    ¡± Nobody paid me Gray. Believe me.¡± He lie. What a dick. I look up at Manny. He smirks and press his gun against Brown¡¯s temple. He shivers and throws his hands in surrender.

    ¡± Are you gonna talk or not?¡±

    He nods immediately.

    ¡± 5 million.¡±

    ¡± Fuck man. 5 million? Jesus , and you¡¯re a business man. Nigga , are you hungry?¡±

    ¡± I was forced and he threatened my goddamn family. What was I supposed to do?¡±

    ¡± Rat me out. And broke the Omert¨¤. You know the punishment once you decide to open your mouth to a fuckin detective.¡± I help himplete his statement.

    ¡± So what did you do with the money? Did you visit Paris? Or maybe Mexico?¡± I ask.

    He gulps. I motion for Manny to take away his gun , cause he¡¯s frightened already.

    ¡± Answer me Brown.¡± I yell.

    ¡± It¡¯s in my ount.¡±

    ¡± Sure.¡± Carl drops a file in front of him. He looks down at the file and looks up at me.

    ¡± Open it.¡±

    He opens the file and flip through it. He looks at me surprised as he gulps.

    ¡± That¡¯s the documents to your hotels and your Mexican restaurant. You¡¯re signing it out.¡±

    ¡± Gray you can¡¯t do this to me. I can¡¯t sign this.¡±

    ¡± Oh , yeah , you will. Take the pen.¡± Manny gives him a pen but he didn¡¯t take it.

    Carl grabs his hand and force the pen in his grip.

    ¡± Sign it , Brown.¡±

    He shakes his head sideways. I rub my temple and point my gun at his left arm. I pull the trigger and he winces , gripping to his already bleeding arm.

    ¡°Fuck¡­¡± He screams and shudders in fear and pain.

    ¡± Are you gonna sign it or not?¡± I ask him still pointing my gun at him.

    ¡± Why are you doing this , Gray?¡±

    ¡± Because you ratted me out. Now sign the fuckin paper now or I¡¯ll shoot you in the head.¡±

    ¡± Please don¡¯t kill me.¡±

    ¡± I won¡¯t if you sign it.¡± Manny smirks at my fake promise to Brown.

    He nods in fear and pick up the pen. With his shaky hand, he signed it. Manny takes it and closes the file.

    ¡± Please don¡¯t harm me.¡±

    ¡± Of course I won¡¯t.¡± I shoot him a fake smile and stand up and walk to his door. I halt and turn around.¡± I¡¯m sorry I lied.¡± I point the gun at him and shoot his head countless times.

    ¡± Bitch.¡±

    ARIEL

    I slumpzily on Alexa¡¯s couch. She asked us to go grocery shopping after i convinced her that we should spend sometime in her house instead of mine. I don¡¯t want Gray looking for me. Just his sight and I¡¯m head over heels falling for him again.

    Alexa was totally worried about me. After i walked out on Gray that day and that¡¯s like three days ago , he won¡¯t stop calling me. I angrily switch off my phone and avoided him. It wasn¡¯t easy because I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about him. How did he manage to steal my heart and make me fall crazily in love with him. No day goes by that I don¡¯t think about us. He lied and keep such a huge secret away from me. I mean , i knew he was a criminal and I actually overlooked it but finding out such dirty secrets from someone else is painful. I¡¯d never thought I would fall in love with a murderer not even a criminal to be precise and it has to be a mob boss. A Mafia boss. How did I get involved in such a mess. I¡¯ve watched a lot of mob movies and i know what¡¯s involved with such people.

    Guns , drugs , fights ,rge scales of narcotics and even smuggling. Everything that¡¯s involved with illegal. How am I supposed to keep up with that. I can¡¯t even have my normal life back. He brought nothing but trouble and I stupidly took it.

    Alexa drops the item on the counter andes back to the living room. Her apartment is far different from mine and it¡¯s pretty. The walls are like milk , so creamy and it¡¯s fancy.

    ¡± You know you¡¯re not helping yourself if you stay quiet. You¡¯ve been acting weird ever since you got missing. What¡¯s happening to you?¡± When I got home that day , she won¡¯t stop hugging me. She exined to me how she freaked out when I didn¡¯te around till almost midnight. She actually thought I was with Gray and barely could believe I got kidnapped.

    I sigh and look at her. She smiles warmly at me and sits next to me. If there¡¯s anyone I should trust with my whole life , then it should be Alexa.

    ¡± You didn¡¯t even tell me who kidnapped you.¡±

    I heave a deep breath and pull my knees to my chest.¡± dimir did.¡±

    ¡± The fuck!¡±

    ¡± Yes. He took me to italy and told me a lot of crazy things about Gray. I knew he was a criminal but I didn¡¯t expect Gray to be involved with a Mafia. He¡¯s even the boss of this so called organized crime.¡±

    Alexa blinks her eyes and presses her lips together. She doesn¡¯t look surprised.

    ¡± And what happened next?¡± She asks calmly.

    ¡± Gray showed up at the warehouse and shot dimir.¡±

    ¡± He¡¯s dead?¡±

    ¡± Gray killed him. I confronted him about what dimir told me and I also found out that he killed his father.¡±

    ¡± Oh my God. Shit! That¡¯s deep. Who pulls a trigger at their parents? Did he tell you why?¡±

    ¡± Didn¡¯t say a word.¡±

    Alexa sighs deeply.

    ¡± So what¡¯s your n?¡±

    ¡± Stay very far away from him. I got shot and i obviously thought I was gonna die. I never thought he could ever get involved with narcotics.¡±

    ¡± I knew about it.¡±

    ¡± You what?¡± I look up at Alexa. No , this can not be true.

    ¡± Yes , i do. Last year , I dated a man called Massimo. He was the leader of the Sicilian Mafia. We got serious and afterwards he took me to a party. It was a Mafia party. At first i was scared just like you , but I really liked him. That was the first time I met Gray. I found out he was also a mob boss too. Few months after , Massimo was killed by a drug dealer in Mexico. So that was how we parted. I came back to college and decided to stay away from crimes. You also know about dimir , so there¡¯s no need to tell you about that one.¡±

    ¡± Alexa you didn¡¯t tell me. All of this , you didn¡¯t say a word to me.¡±

    ¡± I wasn¡¯t in the ce to tell you. What am I supposed to say , take you to a corner and rat Gray to you. Ariel nobody rats a drug Lord out.¡±

    ¡± What are you saying? You¡¯re my cousin , you could have just told me.¡± I say. Everything is weird. Nothing makes sense to me.

    ¡± Gray didn¡¯t tell you about the code of silence. The Omert¨¤.¡±

    ¡± What the hell is that?¡±

    ¡± Fuck , Ariel. Once you decide to get involved with the Mafia, you get marked. It¡¯s a symbol which means a code of silence , it¡¯s called the Omert¨¤.¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t get it. What¡¯s that supposed to mean? I mean how does this concern the situation I¡¯m in right now.¡±

    She sighs and pulls her crop top above her head. She turns around and asks me to nce at her back. I did and there¡¯s a tattoo on her back and it¡¯s so little. Omert¨¤ is tattooed on her back. Gray got that tattoo , I¡¯ve seen it on Nick too. She turns to look at me and put on her shirt.

    ¡± When I got involved with Massimo , I got that. I got sworn in. No matter what ever situation you find yourself in , don¡¯t ever rat them out. Don¡¯t tell anyone Gray¡¯s involved with illegal drugs. Including the cops , not even your family. Don¡¯t tell Piper and Brandon.¡±

    ¡± Why?¡±

    ¡± Death. You¡¯re just gonna get yourself killed. Sooner orter , you might get marked you know.¡±

    ¡± I won¡¯t even let that happen.¡± Now I¡¯m getting scared.

    She chuckles and snorts.¡± Do you even love him? Like really love him? Because I know he fuckin loves you so damn much.¡±

    ¡± You know I love him.¡±

    ¡± Then give him a chance and hear him out. He cares about you too much and I believe he won¡¯t let anyone hurt you. That¡¯s love , Ariel.¡± She stands up and walks down the hall to her room.

    That evening , I make dinner for Alexa and i. She¡¯s not around , drove to the store to get something which I believe it¡¯s tampons. I dance to Selena Gomez ¡®Souvenir¡¯ as I flip the pancakes on the pan. The doorbell rings and i groan. I switch off the stove and wipe my hands and make my way to the door. Alexa is not around and I¡¯m pretty sure she¡¯s single and doesn¡¯t have a boyfriend who woulde looking for her. I look through the peephole and there¡¯s no one.

    ¡± Who¡¯s there?¡± I ask and get no reply. The doorbell rings again and I look through the peephole. No one.

    I take a deep breath and open the door. At that moment , i couldn¡¯t breathe. My heart beat is rapid again and I can¡¯t find my voice. What¡¯s he doing here? How did he find me? Did Alexa tell him where I am. I look down at him and he looks breathtakingly gorgeous. He¡¯s got a haircut and he looks so good looking. Oh God what am i thinking. I¡¯m supposed to be mad at him.

    ¡± Gray.¡±

    ¡± Hey.¡± He says. I¡¯ve missed this voice for a very long time.

    ¡± What are you doing here? How did you find me?¡±

    ¡± Can Ie in?¡±

    I shake my head sideways.

    ¡± You should leave.¡±

    He smirks. I proceed to close the door but he stops me. He walks me inside and shut the door behind him. I lean against the wall as i try to catch my breath. Of course he had stole it.

    ¡± How did you find me?¡± I ask. I look everywhere but him. Just looking into these gray orbs of his and I¡¯ll be hypnotized. He¡¯s gonna be the down fall of me if I don¡¯t steer clear.

    He looks down at me. That¡¯s when it dawn to me I¡¯m wearing loose clothing. My cotton shorts is really short and it barely covers my butt. The white crop tank top i wear is really visible, because I¡¯m not wearing a bra.

    ¡± Damn, I missed staring at you.¡± He whispers. He trails his forefinger down my jawline to my corbone. He continues close to my boobies but I swat his hands away. He had no right to seduce me. He owes me an exnation.

    I proceed to walk past him, but he grabs my waist and pulls me to him. I fight him but it¡¯s fruitless.

    ¡± Gray leave me alone.¡±

    ¡± And why should I listen to you?¡± He asks calmly and leans me against the wall. He always smells so good. I shut my eyes at our close proximity.

    I didn¡¯t even notice him trail his hands on my expose thighs to my butt. I need to stop him but I can¡¯t. He smiles and looks down at my lips.

    ¡± I miss you.¡± He whispers to the skin of my neck and kisses my neck down my chest. I bite my lip to stop me from moaning but it¡¯s fruitless. He has stolen my senses.

    His right hand caresses my skin to my butt and i moan.

    ¡± I miss touching you.¡± He mutters against my skin and bites my shoulder de.

    I squeeze my eyes and curse myself for getting wet at his gentle assualt.

    ¡± Gray stop.¡± He needs to exin things to me and he owes me an exnation. He nods and moves back.

    ¡± How did you find me? Did Alexa tell you where to find me?¡±

    He chuckles and shakes his head sideways. He grabs the pendant on my neck and raise it to my face.

    ¡± This did the trick.¡±

    ¡± What?¡±

    ¡± I put a bug in it.¡±

    ¡± You what? You put a tracker in my pendant? How could you do that?¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s not what you think. In case you get into trouble and i wanna look for you. Please don¡¯t give it back and don¡¯t ever take it out.¡±Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    I look away and sigh.

    ¡± So howe you couldn¡¯t track me with this when dimir took me away ?¡±

    ¡± I wasn¡¯t with a system or even my phone. I don¡¯t travel with those.¡±

    I scoff.¡± So what do want?¡± I ask not looking at him.

    He grabs my waist and pulls me into his build. Our lips are close and it feels like we¡¯re about to make out. I wanna push him , punch him and tell him to leave me alone and stay far away from me, but right now I can¡¯t. He always knows my buttons and when to press them.

    ¡± I want you Ariel.¡±

    ¡± Why do you keeping back? Why don¡¯t you just move on?¡± I ask.

    ¡± Because , I fuckin love you. You¡¯ve made me fall in love with you and i won¡¯t let you walk out of my life just like that.¡±

    ¡± What are you saying?¡±

    Both hands wraps around my waist and he kisses my neck. I shudder and copse to his gentle assualt. He kiss down my neck. I breathe in and out as he kisses to my earlobe.

    He whispers.¡± I love you, Tinkerbell.¡±

    At that moment, my world stop moving. I can¡¯t breathe and I didn¡¯t say a word. He loves me! Yeah , i know he loves me but I didn¡¯t expect him to say those words any time soon.

    ¡± You love me?¡± I ask silently , barely audible.

    He smiles and cups my cheek with one hand. My eyes are glue to his and we¡¯re not breaking the eye contact anytime soon.

    ¡± I do. I fucking love you , Ariel. Take my heart , take my soul. Take everything but , just don¡¯t leave me.¡±

 Chapter 61

    Why¡¯s he always doing this to me. I always stop thinking each time he¡¯s around me. It¡¯s like my brain just stop working automatically. He loves me and I love him too. But then I remembered what he is. Gray kisses me. I didn¡¯t kiss back at first. He wraps his hands around my waist and presses me gently against the wall. I hopelessly wrap my arms around his neck and kiss back. Maybe I shouldn¡¯t be kissing back right now.

    I should be thinking about the mess he¡¯s trying to get me involved with. And if I don¡¯t back out now, then I can¡¯t back out anytime soon. I stop kissing him. He stays still with his hands around my waist. I raise my hand and ce my hand on his face. His eyes peel apart and they look into mine.

    ¡± We need to talk.¡± I say. He sighs and looks at me for seconds before nodding.

    He lets go of me and tucks his hands in his jacket.

    ¡± Ask whatever thing you wanna ask , I¡¯ll tell the truth.¡±

    I nod and cross my arms. Where am I supposed to start from. There are a lot of things in my mind right now.

    ¡± Why didn¡¯t you tell me? Why hide it?¡±

    He looks around the apartment and runs his fingers through his hair.

    ¡± It¡¯s not that easy.¡±

    ¡± And why¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡± Because I thought it wasn¡¯t the right time. I can¡¯t just tell you I run a Mafia. You¡¯re just gonna wake up in the morning and run away.¡± He sighs again.

    I heave a deep breath. Thank God I switches off the cooker beforeing here.

    ¡± What were you doing in Italy that day?¡±

    ¡± I got a job to handle. Some asshole ratted me out and i needed to sort his shit out.¡±

    ¡± Murder?¡±

    ¡± Murder.¡± He answers. When am I ever getting used to all of this. This is too hard to take in. I remembered i wanted a normal life once i resumed college but then , a really cute mystery man barged into my car. How can I ever forget that day?

    ¡± Why did you kill your father?¡±

    He didn¡¯t expect I¡¯d asked that. He looks tired all of a sudden. He looks away from me and mutter something under his breath.

    ¡± He was an asshole , I told you.¡± He says.

    ¡± That didn¡¯t exin anything Gray. Why did you do it? You said you were closest to him or was that a lie?¡±

    ¡± It wasn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡± Then what happened? dimir told me how you cleared a man named Sinir¡¯s dirty deals and most times do his delivery. And you killed a lot of people to be on top so your father was part of those people too?¡±

    He takes a deep breath and leans against the wall close to me.

    ¡± He was right. Sinir was my father¡¯s friend. They were close and my father was Sinir¡¯s right hand man. I was a part of his Mafia. I cleared the dirty deals and most times deliver their drugs. No one suspects a teenage boy with drugs actually. I wanted more. My father was a coward , he couldn¡¯t build up his own organization and he¡¯s just tied to Sinir like a puppy. I hated calling someone boss and I needed to make my own money and i nned ahead¡­¡± he stops and takes a deep breath.

    ¡± Then Sinir¡¯s Mafia was American¡¯s most powerful mob. He¡¯s got a lot of men and clients. And then his biggest of them all was Harold. He was a Columbian. He made a deal with Sinir for arge amount of narcotics and almost 50 million was involved with it.¡±

    ¡± Things got messier.¡± He turns to look at me.¡± Remember I said I make the delivery , I took the drugs to him that day after I killed the guy who was supposed to deliver them. I took the money and killed Harold. I made sure I leave no trace behind. Only my father knew about it because I told him about my ns. Sinir discovered Harold was dead and he got furious. He didn¡¯t get the money and his drugs either. My father ratted me out to Sinir and¡­¡±

    ¡± You shot him.¡± I say and turn to look at him. He couldn¡¯t meet my eyes and he just nods.

    ¡± You killed your father because he ratted you out?¡±

    ¡± I have to. He was a coward. He was supposed to support me since we were always close. Even when my mother threatened to leave his life because he was involved with the mafia , I didn¡¯t leave. I always supported him, including the countless times he cheated. The grief of having a mistress and Freddie and the guilt of what he did , I had to kill him.¡±

    I didn¡¯t say a word. I pace around the room and cross my arms. Gray¡¯s so much. I¡¯m too innocent for him. All of this is too much. So his mother tried to leave his father too when she found out.

    ¡± Did your mother knew from the start he was involved with drugs.¡±

    ¡± She didn¡¯t. It was when I turned fifteen she discovered and it was through Damon. Damon went to rehab actually because of his drugs intake. She med me for it because i knew about it and didn¡¯t tell her.¡±

    ¡± Why did you not tell her?¡±

    ¡± Because I was also involved. I liked it and I loved the lifestyle. It was a choice I made when I was a teenager.¡±

    ¡± So it was when Damon left rehab he joined the army. Why not SWAT? I think their major jobs is to fight against illegal drugs.¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t know. We had issues when he knew i was with dad. Nobody knew I killed my father.¡±

    ¡± Till date?¡±

    ¡± Yes. I didn¡¯t tell anyone. I flew out of town and came to New York that was how I started Summit. Or maybe I actually started it secretly before I killed my father. I just wanted to make sure Sinir get out of the way.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯ve done a lot of shit.¡±

    ¡± I know and I¡¯m really sorry I didn¡¯t tell you.¡±

    ¡± If no one knew you killed your dad , then who told dimir?¡± I ask.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know. I bet he guessed that just to make me look bad in front of you.¡±

    I turn my back against him and sigh. I really want a break from all of this. Maybe visit Miami with Alexa and my friends this weekend. It¡¯s gonna be worth it. I need to be far from all of this heavy secrets. Now I¡¯m wishing I didn¡¯t ask in the first ce. It¡¯s better to be kept in the dark , than to carry this heavy secrets.

    ¡± Why did you do all of that? What you did to Sinir was wrong. Your type of game is shitty and too dangerous.¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s how the Mafia works , Ariel. You have to take out the people on top to be on top. That¡¯s the ugly shit.¡±

    ¡± And you thought it¡¯s nice to take out your boss and every other unlucky souls. Do you even have a soul?¡±? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    He sighs deeply.¡± I¡¯m sorry. For everything that I¡¯ve put you through. The problems, the trauma. Everything , I¡¯m really sorry.¡±

    ¡± Sorry? Sorry won¡¯t bring back my normal life , Gray. I lost my normal life the very day you barged into my car. You know most times , I wished i didn¡¯t meet you. I wish we didn¡¯t even cross parts. Maybe I¡¯ll be concentrating in school and going to therapy so I can fight my depression. Not running from gun-men and mob people who wants to kill me because my so called boyfriend is a Mafia boss and he did a lot shit to a lot of shitty people. The fights never end Gray and you know it. But yet , you had to put me in between your mess. I got shot because of you.¡± I yell and turn to look away from him. He¡¯s turn me into a mess. Maybe I¡¯m the cause. I had time to back out from his world but I thought i could stick in because he¡¯s unavoidable.

    ¡± You have a right to yell at me. Do whatever you want to do to me , i deserve it.¡± He says behind me.

    ¡± So what if I rat you out too?¡± I ask and turn around to look at him. He watches me closely with his hands in his pockets.

    He stays quiet like forever before answering.¡± You won¡¯t.¡±

    I chuckle. He knows me too well. I bet I don¡¯t even know myself that much.

    ¡± Why would you say that? What if I go to the CIA or maybe the SWAT team and tell them popr Gray Carter is a Mafia boss and he¡¯s involved with narcotics. What you gonna do Gray?¡±

    He push himself from the wall and walks slowly to my form. He stops in front of me and we¡¯re so close. He raise his hands and tuck my loose strands of hair behind my ear. His forefinger seduce my neck with it¡¯s slow trails. Gray lifts my chin to look at him.

    ¡± You won¡¯t.¡±

    ¡± Why so confident?¡± I ask. I really wanna hear him say it. Tell me he¡¯s gonna shoot me like his father.

    ¡± Because you care so much about me and you don¡¯t wanna admit it. You love me , Ariel.¡±

    I swat his hand off my chin and re at him.

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna call the cops and tell them that you¡¯re a criminal.¡± I say.

    ¡± Why are you doing this? Why are you trying to step on my shoes?¡±

    ¡± Step on your shoes? I really wanna see what you can do when I tell on you. Cause I will Gray.¡±

    He takes onest step and we¡¯re breathing the same air.

    ¡± I dare you Ariel.¡±

    ¡± You know I will.¡±

    ¡± Then I will fuckin kill you.¡± He says with so much seriousness that my heart forgets to beat.

    He shuts his eyes and opens them. He looks weak and crowded with lots of emotions.

    ¡± You know I will never hurt you. I love you too much to try.¡± He says with lots of emotions.

    ¡± Don¡¯t you care about your father? Is it even worth it?¡± I inquire.

    ¡± Yes and yes.¡±

    Jesus , he¡¯s obviously a psychopath. He needs to visit a therapist.

    I turn around and cross my arms. ¡± I need a break , Gray.¡± I bite my lip to stop me from crying. I made sure my voice doesn¡¯t fail me.

    I continue when he didn¡¯t answer.¡± We need a break. I need time and space to process everything and I want you to grant me that request. I won¡¯t tell anyone if that¡¯s what you¡¯re scared of. But I wanna be far from you for now. I need to breathe properly. This is too much to handle. I¡¯m tired of being a bait to blood thirsty criminals who want you dead and I want you to leave me alone for now. Please.¡±

    I hear him sigh behind me. I don¡¯t really know what I did but I just wanna be away from him. I don¡¯t know when , but, I¡¯m not sure I¡¯m getting on with him anytime soon.

    ¡± You¡¯re breaking up with me?¡± He asks. His voice is so quiet and calm.

    ¡± Call it whatever thing you want Gray. I wanna be far from you. Far away from your mess. Far away from your world. I don¡¯t wanna be in the middle of your crimes. Gray I can¡¯t handle them. I really love you but I can¡¯t. This is too much for me to handle. We need a break , Gray.¡± I turn to look at him. He looks so cold without emotions.

    ¡± Okay.¡± That was hisst statement as he leaves.

 Chapter 62

    ¡± You fuckin¡¯ did what!¡± Alexa shouts.

    She just returned from where ever ce she went to and I told her what happened.

    ¡± You broke up with him? Why would you do that?¡±

    ¡± I didn¡¯t break up with him. I just needed a break.¡±

    ¡± So what¡¯s the difference?¡±

    ¡± There¡¯s a difference. I still love him but I can¡¯t fit into his lifestyle. It¡¯s too much for me to handle. How long will I stop running?¡± I sigh and run my palms down my arms.

    ¡± Running? Ariel , you just hurt his feelings , you broke him.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re not getting it Alexa. I can¡¯t keep up with this dangerous side of Gray. He¡¯s the best thing that has ever happened to me , yes but¡­¡±

    ¡± You can¡¯t ept his dark past and his dark world huh?¡± Alexa asks and crosses her arms. She chuckles and bites her bottom lip.

    ¡± I don¡¯t mean to sound annoying, but you should stop being the hero here. Don¡¯t try to be the good girl who¡¯s trying to tame the bad guy. Why can¡¯t you ept him for who he is and love him with your whole life. Why do you want the bad guy to change for you when you can actually love him with all his ws. I believe partners stick together and fight and not run away like cowards.¡±

    ¡± You don¡¯t get it. I¡­¡± I sigh and facepalm myself. Yeah , I wanted the break but now I¡¯m the one hurting.

    Alexa sighs and sits down on her couch.

    ¡± Come here.¡± She coos.

    Iy on the couch and rest my head on herps. My hair sys on herp and she runs her fingers through my hair.

    ¡± Love is crazy. You need to sacrifice a lot of things for each other. I believe he sacrificed so much for you too. I just wanna let you know that , what ever decisions you make , it¡¯s okay.¡±

    ¡± Thanks.¡±

    ¡± But , don¡¯t keep too far from him. You guys are so fuckin in love with each other. I see no reasons in fighting over things like this. Okay I get it , it¡¯s sort of hard to take in. And you¡¯re that good girl who wanted to serve in a convent and you find yourself in a romance circle with the bad guy. That type of shit is really tough and hard to take in. To talk the worse , he even killed his father.¡± Alexa sighs.

    ¡± It¡¯s really annoying. Why does it have to be a criminal. You know i actually never thought I would ever be in a normal rtionship with someone not even Gray. Alexa he already stole my heart.¡±

    Alexa smiles and runs her fingers on my hair.

    ¡± You wanna travel?¡± She raises her brows and smirks.

    ¡± Miami?¡±

    ¡± Yup. Since we couldn¡¯t make itst week , we could check in this week. It¡¯s gonna be fun and it¡¯s gonna help you think.¡± She says. I dare not stay back or I¡¯ll die of depression.

    ¡± Sure. I ain¡¯t dropping this one.¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s my girl. Now let¡¯s go eat dinner. I¡¯m sure the pancakes are already cold. Piper and Brandon areing over for sleepover.¡± I sit up and follow her to the kitchen.

    I sigh and sit on the stool. Alexa takes the pancakes as she microwaves them.

    ¡± We¡¯re gonna discuss about you and Grayter. I¡¯m not dropping that topic.¡± She says and I chuckle.

    I pick up a cookie from the jar and take a bite.

    ¡± Did you ever withneesed any sort of fights when dating Massimo?¡± I ask Alexa.

    ¡± A lot. Including one that almost took my life.¡±

    ¡± And you stayed?¡± I ask and lean my elbows on the counter.

    ¡± I liked him. I really love him. When my parents found out I got involved with the mafia , they panicked.¡±

    ¡± Damn. Who wouldn¡¯t panic? The guns, drugs and every other illegal things. They wanted to be sure you¡¯re safe since Ace is out.¡±

    ¡± Yeah , true. But most times , love is crazy. It makes you do stupid things even if you¡¯re gonna get hurt. My own opinion is, no matter the circumstances , you should stand by Gray. No one¡¯s gonna take your life because Gray would be there for you.¡± Alexa says.

    I shut my eyes and take a deep breath. I open them and sigh. This is tooplicating. I can¡¯t fit in. I¡¯m not the bad girl everyone is scared of. I was the one bullied in highschool. How am I supposed to act like everything¡¯s fine when I can¡¯t breathe properly. They won¡¯t stop shooting because they are all criminals. dimir is gone , so who¡¯s gonna be next? Cage?

    ¡± Who¡¯s in the house!¡± Piper screams from the living room as she walks to the kitchen with Brandon.

    ¡± Damn¡­¡± She sniffs the air and smiles.¡± I love pancakes.¡± She smiles widely and sits close to me. Brandon sits on the other side opposite us while Alexa drops the pancakes on two different tes.

    ¡± Hey guys.¡±

    ¡± Hi , Arie. Ready for vacation?¡±

    Iugh and nod.

    ¡± You¡¯ve been acting super weird these past days. Are you okay?¡± Brandon asks and picks up a cookie.

    ¡± Yeah. Alexa said you got the flu. Are you pregnant?¡± Piper grins and smirks.

    ¡± Guys , no. I¡¯m not pregnant. I¡¯ve got no flue either. I¡¯m just sick , that¡¯s all.¡±

    Alexa raises her brows and swirls syrup all over the pancakes. She pushes my te to me as I pick up two forks. I give one to Piper.

    ¡± No , I¡¯m fine. Eat up while we n Vacation.¡± Piper says.

    I shrug and drop one fork as I begin to feast on my pancakes.

    ¡± What did Jamie say about your vacation?¡± Alexa asks Piper.

    ¡± Same thing everyday. He¡¯s gonna missed me but he¡¯s gonna endure and wait.¡± Piper chuckles.

    ¡± What about you Tinkerbell?¡± Brandon asks and grins.

    ¡± Tinkerbell?¡± Alexa asks as she looks between me and Brandon. Why would Brandon call me that.

    ¡± Your pendant. So don¡¯t freak out.¡± Brandon utters.

    ¡± Oh that. Is that what Gray usually calls you?¡± Piper asks.

    I really don¡¯t wanna talk about Gray right now and they are not ready to drop it.

    ¡± Yes.¡± I say with a tight lip smile.

    They smiles and nods.

    Thankfully Brandon talks about school and I am grateful. We talked about winter and also Christmas even if it¡¯s far. The semester is almosting to an end. My phone beeps and it¡¯s a text message from my mom. She said she¡¯sing over tomorrow and she really wants to speak to us. Same pregnancy rumor.

    We scatter around the couches in the living room as we watch pretty little liars.

    ¡± So who do you think it¡¯s A?¡± Piper asks as she stuff her mouth with popcorns.

    ¡± Maybe some weirdo who decides not to show his identity. But seriously who do you think it¡¯s A?¡± I ask and look amongst the guys. Brandon huffs at our disturbance and he dramatically shoots himself.

    ¡± Guys , please let¡¯s watch in silence.¡± Alexa shushes us.

    Piper and I roll our eyes at the same time. We turn to look at each other as weugh.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    ¡± Really.¡± Brandon speaks.

    We zip our mouths and pretend to throw away an imaginary key. I curl my legs and watch the series in silence. My mind drift to Gray again. Why¡¯s rtionship alwaysplicated. I wanna run into his arms and hug him and hold him all night but I guess I¡¯m restricted. We watch the series till I fall asleep.

    ¡± So we¡¯re gonna need sexy little bikinis and some lotions and sunscreen. That¡¯s a must. I nned on shopping for new clothes once we reach Miami.¡± I hear Alexa¡¯s voice.

    I open my eyes and it¡¯s morning. I¡¯m the only one still sleeping.

    ¡± Oh , she¡¯s awake.¡± Alexa says as they turns to look at me.

    I run my fingers through my hair. ¡± God , morning guys.¡±

    ¡± Morning sunshine. I think your mom called.¡± Brandon says.

    ¡± Oh God.¡± I think she¡¯s already on her way to the apartment.

    ¡± Thanks , Brandon. Alex , do you have any extra toothbrush.¡±

    ¡± Sure. There¡¯s a bathroom down the hall. You¡¯ll find one there.¡±

    I smile and nod. I pick up my phone and turn to walk down the hallway.

    ¡± Do you think she¡¯s okay?¡± I hear Piper asks.

    ¡± Yeah.¡± Alexa replies.

    I sigh and shake my head. I open the door to the bathroom and shut it. What¡¯s Gray doing to me? I lean both my hands on the edge of the washbowl and stare at my reflection on the mirror. I go through my missed calls and Gray didn¡¯t call. Part of me liked the fact that he respected my decision. The other part hated the fact that he didn¡¯t call. Truth is i expected him to call. I spread toothpaste on my brush and begin brushing my teeth. I wash my face when I¡¯m through and my phone starts to ring.

    I groan. I pick up my phone without looking at the dialer as I press it against my ear.

    ¡± Mom , I¡¯ll be home soon.¡±

    ¡± Mom?¡± I freeze at the voice. I bite my tongue and me my inner self for being so attached to him.

    ¡± Gray.¡±

    ¡± Tinkerbell.¡± He sighs on the phone.

    My heart drop to my feet and I literally can¡¯t think. I mean yesterday , I told him i wanted a break and he gave me the worst reply ever. OKAY.

    ¡± I missed you.¡± He mutters after a long silence. I look down at my fingers and look up at the mirror. I missed him too. I really wanna tell him that i missed him so badly and I wish he could adore my neck with lines of kisses and whisper his promises to my ears. But I didn¡¯t tell him.

    ¡± Thanks.¡± I say.

    He chuckles tiredly on the phone.

    ¡± You¡¯re wee.¡±

    ¡± Gray , look , I¡¯m really sorry about how I spoke yesterday. But , I meant what i said. I wanna stay away from you.¡±

    ¡± I bet you¡¯re doing just that. You¡¯re not around me.¡± He says sarcastically. I blush and brush my hair with my palm.

    ¡± Gray stop joking about. I need to be far from you so i can think.¡± True. I can¡¯t seem to think around him. He has stolen my senses and I can¡¯t just avoid him.

    ¡± Okay. Have fun in Miami.¡± He says and before I can reply, he hangs up.

    I sigh and go back to the living room. Piper and Brandon were cooking.

    ¡± Oh, here you¡¯re. We were thinking on where to stay for the weekend. I suggested a beach house but Piper thought maybe a suite will be better.¡±

    ¡± A beach house is expensive , Alexa.¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t fuckin care. I need to make sure we have fun.¡±

    ¡± We can still have fun in a suite. Alexa , a beach house is expensive. I already budgeted on the food , I¡¯ll handle that.¡± Piper says.

    ¡± I¡¯m paying for the club we¡¯re storming on Friday and Sunday. I have a beach house in a Miami.¡±

    ¡± You do?¡± We ask Alexa. She shrugs.

    ¡± My father bought it for me or let¡¯s say it¡¯s my possession and part of my inheritance even if he¡¯s not dead. So food and shelter, check.¡± Alexa says proudly.

    ¡± What other expenses are we supposed to take?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯ll pay for the clothes shopping.¡± I dere.

    ¡± Fuck, Mrs Carter.¡± They give me a ear deafening scream.

    I roll my eyes at thest name.

    ¡± Did Gray give you his credit card?¡± Alexa asks as the guys watches me. I chuckle and shake my head sideways. I have made a lot of grand from babysitting Kennedy even if Gray won¡¯t stop paying me. The money in my ount right now can buy a house. Hopefully.

    ¡± Don¡¯t worry guys , I¡¯ll handle it.¡± I say and cross my arms.

    ¡± Fuck , girl. Aww , Brandon there¡¯s nothing left.¡±

    ¡± Can I handle the beach side? I don¡¯t wanna look left out. Since Piper is taking the food and refreshments then i could book for a swim in a hotel and also to visit the beach.¡±

    ¡± Damn , i already got that checked before , but don¡¯t worry I¡¯m giving it to you.¡± Alexa tells Brandon.

    We chuckle.

    ¡± Guys , I need to rush home. My mom¡¯sing over today. I need to be at home.¡±

    ¡± Is everything okay? Your mom don¡¯t visit for nothing.¡± Piper asks with concern. Alexa already knows why she¡¯sing. To confirm if I reallymitted an abortion for Gray.

    ¡± It¡¯s fine guys. I¡¯ll be back soon.¡± I wave at them and pick up my key from the coffee table as I leave.

    I take the elevator and rush out of it. I slide into my car and drive into the busy road. Today is Thursday and tomorrow we¡¯re traveling. I touch my forehead and sigh , I¡¯ve been thinking too much. I park the car at the lot and get out. I walk inside the lobby and take the elevator. I press my floor button and it ascends. My phone buzzes. I slide the screen and look at my mom¡¯s name. She just sent me a text that she already arrived. The doors slides open and I step out. I twist the doorknob to our apartment and I walk in.

    I smellsagna and garlic bread. I shut the door and walk inside.

    ¡± Hi kiddo. Mind joining us?¡± I drop my keys on the table and walk to the kitchen. Leslie res at me. Now I remembered what she said to our parents. I feel like reaping out her hair extensions.

    ¡± Hi Mom.¡± I greet and sit on the stool across from mom and Leslie. They already arranged the food on the counter.

    ¡± Hi Arie. Where were you?¡±

    ¡± Alexa.¡±

    She nods and sits down close to Leslie. Leslie picks up a fork as she starts eating.

    ¡± So how have you been?¡± Mom starts a conversation as she eats her bread.

    ¡± Fine. You can also go straight to the point and ask me about the pregnancy.¡±

    ¡± Ariel. Listen , I want you to understand that however I treat both of you isn¡¯t partial. I wanted to make sure you both have a better life.¡± Mom says.

    Leslie rolls her eyes and res at me.

    ¡± Where you pregnant?¡± There. That¡¯s what I¡¯ve been waiting for.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know.¡± I say.

    ¡± Leslie told me everything. How you got pregnant for Gray and he asked you to get rid of it. And you did? What happened to all the teachings in church? No sex before marriage. No abortions or even getting pregnant. Ariel, what happened to you! You went to college and started being wayward.¡±

    ¡± Wayward.¡± I chuckle.¡± Wayward seriously. I¡¯m not pregnant ma and I was never pregnant. Leslie got dumped by her college sweetheart Hayden after she basically gave him a handjob in the living room. She got jealous of me and decides to bring the hate back. I don¡¯t really know what she told you but I¡¯m not discussing this issues.¡±

    ¡± Really Ariel? I got dumped?¡± Leslie snorts.

    ¡± Yes. And every night you keep on sneaking men into our house. Getting drunk anding home with different men. You know Reid picked you up from a strip club as a one night stand. You thought since you couldn¡¯t attract Gray , you decide on using his best friend. You thought he was gonna buy you a fuckin car and he got you pregnant. He dumped you and abandoned you , even called you a bitch to your own face. Why don¡¯t you admit you¡¯re a looser Leslie. You¡¯re a goddamn looser. You knew Freddie was my best friend. You had a crush on him in highschool and you never told mom the truth. You knew I was raped but your jealousy made youugh at me. Karma is gonna fuck you real hard , you dirty bitch.¡±

    ¡± How dare you.¡± Leslie stands up as she looks down at me in rage.

    ¡± Enough. Leslie would never sleep with an enemy¡¯s friend.¡± Mom defends.

    ¡± Oh really? But I can?¡± I ask andugh.

    ¡± You¡¯re just a whore. You¡­¡± Leslie stops and touches her stomach.

    ¡± Leslie are you okay?¡± Mom asks at once.

    ¡± Yeah.¡± She waves it off. She opens her mouth to speak again but halts at once. She grips to her stomach and runs out of the kitchen.

    ¡± Leslie.¡± Mom and I chase after her. She runs straight to the bathroom at the end of the hall. We follow her as she squats close to the toilet and begins to throw up.

    I widen my eyes and blink them. Hope it¡¯s not what I¡¯m thinking. She aborted it.

    ¡± Leslie , are you okay?¡± Mom rushes in as she holds Leslie¡¯s shoulders.

    ¡± Yeah , I¡¯m fine. Maybe I got the¡­¡± she throws up again. I scrunch my face and lean against the doorframe of the bathroom.

    She throw up onest time and flush it. She stands up slowly and wash her mouth. Wow this isn¡¯t the flu. I can¡¯t believe she¡¯s pregnant. She touches her abdomen and bite her lip.

    ¡± What¡¯s wrong with you Leslie?¡± Mom asks.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m¡­¡±

    Mom touches Leslie¡¯s forehead and she stops at once. She looks down at Leslie and scans her up and down. She turns around and walks out of the bathroom. I look at Leslie and her stomach before following mother.

    ¡± I fuckin got rid of you. Why are you still in my stomach.¡± I hear Leslie mutters.

    Mom paces around the living room. She¡¯s finding it hard to believe that her precious daughter is pregnant for Gray Carter¡¯s druggie friend. Oh karma , take kisses.

    ¡± Mom¡­¡± Leslie calls.

    ¡± You¡¯re pregnant?¡± Mom asks as she turns to look at Leslie. I slump on the couch and watch the show.

    ¡± I¡­¡±

    ¡± Oh my God. You got pregnant after all my teachings. So you were the pregnant one and you lied. Leslie what¡¯s wrong with you!¡± Mom yells.

    ¡± Yes , I¡¯m pregnant. I was pregnant and I got rid of it because I wasn¡¯t ready to bear the shame. How am I supposed to know the baby didn¡¯t get out even after i bled.¡± Leslie yells .

    I bet Reid¡¯s gonna be happy he¡¯s expecting a child. A really stubborn one at that.

    ¡± Leslie what¡¯s wrong with you! Why can¡¯t you be like Ariel?¡±

    What the heck is she talking about.

    ¡± Oh I should be like Ariel now.¡±

    ¡± Yes! Because she¡¯s better than you. I brought you to college to go to school and not spread your legs apart for anything with a manhood. You¡¯re a disgrace Leslie.¡±

    ¡± How¡¯s it my fault? What type of mom are you? You act like you¡¯re perfect. You cheated on dad even with all your fake life.¡±

    ¡± I cheated? Oh my God you¡¯re such a fool. Because I cheated on your dad five years ago you thought it was nice to open your legs and do whatever thing you want. I tried to caution you but you¡¯re this little slut i tried to mould into perfection. But you¡¯re so dumb , really dumb. Who the fuck is responsible!¡± Mom yells even louder. So mom also swears. Damn, i wish I can hold them apart , hell no , we ain¡¯t done. I wish there¡¯s a popcorn.

    ¡± Leslie I said who¡¯s responsible?¡± Mom yells.

    ¡± She won¡¯t tell you. She¡¯s ashamed. Its Mia Carter¡¯s druggie son¡¯s best friend called Reid. They met in a strip club.¡± I answer.

    ¡± Gray¡¯s friend. You really slept with the enemy? You knew what transpired between your father and his mother five years ago and you still have to spread your legs for him. Because of what! A stupid car .¡±

    Oh I get the logic. The cheating happened same year. Dad cheated first and mom found out. She felt betrayed and then her boss picked an interest in her and then they had sex. Wow. I love this story.

    ¡± Reid isn¡¯t responsible.¡± Leslie burst out.

    YOU. SAY. WHAT?

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, what did you say?¡± Mom asks.

    ¡± Reid isn¡¯t the father. I lied. I couldn¡¯t tell the real father. I was scared of being rejected. The day Reid and i had an affair the second time I was already pregnant.¡±

    I blink my eyes and stare at Leslie with wide eyes. If Reid isn¡¯t the father then who. Hayden?

    ¡± Leslie, who¡¯s responsible?¡± Mom asks calmly this time.

    ¡± It¡¯s¡­¡± she stutters. She¡¯s already crying. I pity her.

    ¡± Leslie talk. Who got you pregnant.¡±

    ¡± My¡­ it¡¯s Lawson. My philosophy professor at school and he¡¯s married with a kid.¡±

    Oh. My. God!

    Mom fainted at once.

    ¡± Mom..¡±

 Chapter 63

    Leslie and I sit my already conscious mom on the couch as she looks down at Leslie. Rage , anger and lots of emotions spread across her face. I sit on the single couch and stare at mom. Leslie stands at a corner with her hands cross.

    ¡± What were you thinking? Getting pregnant for your professor. You had to sleep with a professor Leslie. A married one with a kid.¡± Mom leans her elbows on her knees and holds her head.

    ¡± Is he aware?¡± Mom asks. Leslie bites her bottom lip and shakes her head sideways.

    ¡± He¡¯s not aware?¡± Mom res up. She stands to her feet and almost rushes after Leslie.

    ¡± Mom , calm down.¡± I hold her.

    ¡± You¡¯re gonna suffer Leslie. We made sure you had a good life. I always advised you after I noticed you sleep around. We talked to you. But no , you¡¯re this wayward freak who always wants a penis. Make sure you don¡¯te home for holidays or even Christmas. I and your father will stop paying your tuition fee and I hope your professor boyfriend will see you though college.¡±

    ¡± Mom , you can¡¯t do this to me.¡± Leslie burst out.

    ¡± Really? You¡¯re a disgrace Leslie. You brought nothing but disgrace to our family. Family we¡¯ve been keeping it¡¯s good name for a long time. I don¡¯t want to see you and your disgrace of a baby around my house. You have the guts to ruin the family¡¯s reputation. Don¡¯t ever call me mom and I don¡¯t want to see you around my house , you cheap slut.¡±

    ¡± Mom , don¡¯t do this to her.¡± I say.

    Mom ignores me and continues.¡± You¡¯re not a part of our family anymore. I cut you out and I don¡¯t want to see you around the house. Whore.¡± She picks up her cardigan and bag as she stands up.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    ¡± Mom. She can¡¯t cope. She¡¯s pregnant , mother.¡± I try to convince my mom. Maybe I¡¯m not supposed to be doing this but I can¡¯t stand suffering even if Leslie gave me that in hundred folds.

    ¡± Don¡¯t worry Ariel , she will be fine. Maybe she needs to pick well before spreading her legs like a damn rumor. I bet he¡¯s not gonna take you in because he¡¯s got a wife and a child. I advise you don¡¯t go knocking on his door to tell him about your stupid pregnancy if you don¡¯t wanna get disgraced.¡± Mom looks down at Leslie in disgust as she walks out.

    ¡± Fuck.¡± I mutter.

    Leslie breaks down as she cries. I watch her with so much pity. Maybe she deserves it same time she doesn¡¯t deserve it.

    ¡± Leslie I¡­¡± She raises her forefinger up.

    ¡± Shut your mouth and mind your business. I don¡¯t need your pity because it¡¯s useless and fake. Don¡¯t try to preach to me that you¡¯ll talk to Mom and give me your terrible pity speech.¡± She wipes her eyes and sits on the floor.

    The door slowly opens as Hazel walks in. She walks in slowly with her eyes all over Leslie as she shuts the door.

    ¡± So Reid wasn¡¯t responsible?¡± Hazel asks at once. So she heard everything.

    Leslie doesn¡¯t reply but focus on the floor in tears.

    ¡± You stoop so low and slept with your professor without a fuckin condom. What the fuck is wrong with you? I thought we were friends , why did you have to lie to me?¡± Hazel asks.

    ¡± Fuck , I¡¯m so screwed.¡± Leslie sobs more. ¡± How could I be so fuckin stupid.¡±

    Poor thing.

    ¡± You¡¯re fucked up Leslie. I¡¯m just gonna leave.¡±

    ¡± Hazel wait , you can¡¯t leave too.¡± Leslie stands up at once.

    ¡± The fuck girl, you lied to me. That Reid was responsible. You couldn¡¯t even tell me the truth and you expect me to be here with you. Fuck it¡± she opens the door and walks out as she ms the door.

    ¡± Oh fuck¡­¡± Leslie screams and slouches on the couch.

    ¡± Leslie.¡± i call out to her.

    ¡± Leave me the fuck alone, you depressed fuck.¡± She yells at me and stands up to her feet as she walks away.

    I puff out my breath and pick up my phone and car keys as I walk out of the apartment. I slide into my car and turn on the radio to help me forget about what happened. I need to talk to my parents especially my dad. He¡¯s sometimes better than my mom . He listens sometimes and he¡¯s a soft hearted person. Mom¡¯s this African woman with a hot temper. She controls dad and makes the decision. It seems whatever thing she says stays and no one¡¯s changing that.

    I¡¯d never thought mom would kick Leslie out of her life after everything. She supports Leslie. Assists Leslie. Loved Leslie more and would always believe any shit she says. Why did she have to kick out Leslie? So all this was just pretence. Pretends to believe every shit Leslie says, but why? I halt the car outside Alexa¡¯s apartment and I step out. I shut the door and stalk inside the lobby. I¡¯m tired as hell and I don¡¯t feel okay. This is too much. Leslie is pregnant for her professor and she¡¯s been cut out from the family. I need to speak to my parents after this vacation. If they don¡¯t take her back , Leslie is gonna suffer. She¡¯s already dropping out of college.

    ¡± Hey guys.¡± I smile as I shut the door behind me.

    They are watching a movie and arguing at the same time. They stop arguing as they grins at me.

    ¡± What¡¯s going on ?¡±

    ¡± We¡¯re arguing over money heist.¡± Brandon answers for them.

    Damn that series.

    ¡± I said Tokyo is the worst character ever because she¡¯s self centered and rude. Annoying , too showy, and to top it all selfish. She uses your problems tough in your face.¡± Piper says.

    I cross my arms and look amongst them waiting for another debate.

    ¡± You see. Piper is just a liar. I believe Tokyo is one of the best. She¡¯s fearless.¡± Alexa protests.

    ¡± Fuck fearless¡­¡± Piper cuts in.

    ¡± Let¡¯s be sincere , Berlin and professor is the best characters here. Tokyo or whatever is really shit.¡± Brandon says.

    I smile and chuckle.

    ¡± Are you guys done?¡± I ask. They look at themselves as they shift their gazes to me. Joining them in this conversation, then we ain¡¯t getting out of it. I really don¡¯t watch it that much but if I had to pick the best characters then I¡¯m choosing professor and Berlin. I don¡¯t wanna argue with them either.

    Suddenly they raise up their voices and starts arguing again. Their voices fills the living room and it¡¯s so loud. I drop my keys and leave them to their argument. I go to the kitchen and sit on the counter to eat cereal , i really haven¡¯t eaten anything. They made omelette and even meatballs. I drop the cereal and serve the omelette on my te. Their argument hasn¡¯t stopped yet and I¡¯m enjoying it. I stuff meatballs in my mouth and pick up a fork and bottle water.

    I eat and they are still arguing. I¡¯m already tired of their nuisance. I drop the te and wash my hands. I go to the living room and switch off the TV. I connect my phone to the speakers in the house and y a song on my ylist. They stop at once.

    ¡± You guys are gonna like this song.¡± I sway to the song as they rx.

    God , so much for having friends.

    ¡± Did you really have to stop our argument this way?¡± Alexa asks.

    I roll my eyes and sit in between Piper and Alexa.

    ¡± I have news and it¡¯s bad.¡± I announce.

    ¡± Is it gonna stop us from traveling?¡± Brandon asks.

    ¡± It depends. You wanna hear it?¡± I ask and look at each of them.

    ¡± Okay.¡±

    I turn down the volume of the music and sigh deeply.

    ¡± Leslie is pregnant.¡±

    Silence.

    Alexa don¡¯t really look surprised , i already told her the truth. Brandon looks at Piper and then Alexa.

    ¡± Hayden got her pregnant?¡± Piper asks.

    ¡± It¡¯s a damn long story. She got pregnant and she said Reid was responsible. Reid threatened her to get rid of it and she did. Today at breakfast, Leslie threw up after she lied against me that i got pregnant for Gray and he threatened me to get rid of it¡­¡±

    ¡± Wait , she turned the table around?¡± Brandon and Piper asks at once. Alexa still stays quiet. I sigh and nod.

    ¡± She threw up today and we discovered she¡¯s still pregnant.¡±

    ¡± Oh my God¡­¡± Alexa squeals.¡± She¡¯s still fuckin pregnant. I knew Reid got a bubblegum seed. It can¡¯t easily get out.¡± She grins.

    We turn to look at her. She¡¯s a weirdo and act like who smokes weed sometimes.

    ¡± Reid isn¡¯t responsible. Leslie lied.¡± I say.

    Silence for minutes.

    ¡± What the fuck! She lied. What exactly is wrong with Leslie? Is she a psychopath?¡± Alexa asks.

    ¡± Why did she have to lie?¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s obvious. Gray is Reid¡¯s closest friend and maybe she could gain a lot from him. She wanted to prove a point to me and the world that she can also get loaded guys.¡± I exin.

    ¡± So who¡¯s responsible?¡± They finally ask.

    ¡± Lawson. Professor Lawson.¡±

    ¡± Holy fuck.¡± They exims.

    ¡± No way. That man is too quiet and polite. He has a daughter and she¡¯s thirteen.¡± Piper says. I have seen him but I know nothing about him. He doesn¡¯t tutor me actually.

    ¡± Oh my God. Leslie fucked up real bad. What was your parents reaction?¡±

    ¡± They cut her out of the family.¡± I answer.

    ¡± Damn , baby Jesus. She deserves it big time. She¡¯s fuckin annoying. If Ace is around, Leslie would be dead by now. He¡¯s a fuckin crackhead worse than me.¡± Fact. Ace is worse. He doesn¡¯t tolerate Leslie¡¯s bitchy attitude at all.

    ¡± What¡¯s gonna happen to her? I pity her.¡± Brandon asks.

    ¡± It¡¯s easy. She¡¯s gonna drop out of college. Move out of the apartment cause I¡¯m gonna make sure you don¡¯t renew the rent on the apartment. She¡¯s gonna suffer and maybe move to the countryside because of shame and start farming.¡± Alexa says with a smug grin. She picks up her box of twizzlers and slip out one.

    ¡± Okay , that¡¯s heartless Alexa.¡±

    ¡± Damn, when we were eighteen , close to prom and graduation in highschool , she fucked my boyfriend after I introduced both of them. Since then , i despise her. I fuckin hate traitors. Look at her, stuck between a fuckin child and a professor baby daddy in sophomore year. She¡¯s just getting started.¡± Alexa replies and turn up the volume of the music. Drake¡¯s ¡®toosie slide¡¯ ys next as Alexa stands up and begin dancing.

    She picks up the bottle water from the coffee table and raises it upwards.¡± To Leslie.¡± she cheers.

    Brandon, Piper and I stare at in awe. Did she really have to make a toast. I understand the fact that Leslie made a lot of bad decisions and let jealousy lead her but she deserves better. She fucked up yeah and I get it , she wanted better. She wanted to feel love ¨CIn a slutty way.

    ¡± Well no one wants to cheers. Thanks to Drake for toosie slide.¡± She opens the water and drinks from the content.

    ¡± Damn. I love you karma.¡± Alexa mutters.

    .

    The following morning , Alexa¡¯s loud voice wakes me up. She¡¯s always too loud. We¡¯re driving to Miami today and I¡¯m still in bed.

    ¡± Ariel wake up.¡± Alexa shouts my name. She¡¯s a damn lunatic.

    I get up from the bed and saunter to the bathroom down the hall. I think her bedroom is the only bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. The remaining two rooms share the bathroom down the hall. I wash my face and brush my teeth with the extra toothbrush. I go back to the kitchen to see Brandon helping Alexa cook. Piper¡¯s watching TV. It¡¯s actually a yoga ss on tv. I roll my eyes and lean against the doorframe of the kitchen.

    ¡± You¡¯re awake. So I¡¯m thinking if we¡¯re gonna drive to Miami then we¡¯re thinking about using your car.¡±

    ¡± Can we drive to Miami? Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s gonna be too far.¡± Piper says and I nod. That¡¯s like a thousand miles.

    ¡± Fine¡­ we¡¯re flying. Not a private jet though , we¡¯re using an airne.¡±

    The doorbell rings. I roll my eyes and walk to the door. I look through the peephole and I couldn¡¯t believe it¡¯s her. I twist the doorknob and open the door. She looks really pale. Maybe she cried a lotst night because it¡¯s obvious on her face.

    ¡± Leslie.¡±

    ¡± Hi.¡± Oh! her voice is croak.

    ¡± What are you doing here?¡±

    She fiddles her fingers and looks down. I blink my eyes and hold her hand to bring her in.

    ¡± No please , I can¡¯t. I need your help , i want to talk to you private.¡± She plea.

    ¡± Ariel , who¡¯s at the door? Oh¡­ Leslie.¡± Alexa appears beside me. I turn to look at her and she¡¯s grinning. Good God let her keep her mouth shut.

    ¡± I heard you¡¯re still pregnant after you tried to killed the baby and professor Lawson is the father. Jeez¡­¡± Alexa says with a big smile.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. She¡­¡± I try to speak.

    ¡± It¡¯s fine.¡± Leslie chews on her bottom lip and sob.

    ¡± Damn , Leslie. Hayden wasn¡¯t enough and you wanted more.¡± Alexa chuckles. Leslie couldn¡¯t meet our eyes.

    ¡± Alex, that¡¯s enough , please.¡± I say.

    ¡± Whatever. Don¡¯t bring her in here.¡± Alexa warns me and go back to the living room.

    I look back at the living room. How could Alexa say that? I turn to look at Leslie and she¡¯s trying to muffle her sob. I sigh and step outside and shut the door.

    ¡± Ariel , I need your help.¡±

    I cross my arms and motion for her to go on.

    ¡± You know mom cut me out of the family because I ruin the family¡¯s reputation¡­¡± she Inhales sharply and avoid my gaze.

    ¡± I called Lawson and told him i was pregnant. He denied it. Ask me to get rid of it and forget about whatever thing we did. He said he can¡¯t ept whatever thing I¡¯m carrying because he¡¯s married and he doesn¡¯t want me.¡±

    ¡± But why your professor?¡± I ask.

    She sighs.¡± I don¡¯t know. Maybe because I wanted someone older.¡±

    ¡± Like father, hmm?¡±

    She bites her lip and keeps quiet.

    ¡± I visited the hospital to get rid of it. The doctor warned me not to try or I might haveplications.¡±

    ¡± Why did you have to get rid of it again? Haven¡¯t you tried enough?¡±

    ¡± I can¡¯t keep up. That¡¯s why I am here. I don¡¯t wanna drop out of college. What am I supposed to do with myself. Mom already said I shouldn¡¯te to the house and I¡¯m pretty sure dad already agreed to it. You¡¯re my only savior Ariel.¡± She sob as tears slide down her tears.

    ¡± What about Hazel?¡±

    ¡± She¡¯s still angry at me. I can¡¯t ask her to talk to Mom. You¡¯re the only one who can help. Please Ariel¡­¡± she drop to her knees and that caught me off guard.

    ¡± Leslie please stand up.¡± She shakes her head sideways and holds my hand.

    ¡± Please Ariel. Beg mom to take me back. Ariel i can¡¯t cope, i¡¯m broke. She ceased my card and freezed everything. I don¡¯t know what to do anymore. I don¡¯t wanna drop out of college and I can¡¯t cope with a baby without a family. Ariel please help me. If I leave the apartment I have nowhere to go. He doesn¡¯t even want me or the baby. Please beg mom , please Ariel, help me¡­¡± She burst out crying as she buries her wet face on my stomach.

    Damn this is unbelievable.

 Chapter 64

    ¡± Ariel don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re gonna talk to your parents. She couldn¡¯t develop the decency to apologise for all the wrong things she did to you. I¡¯ve been tolerating her shit for too long. Leslie deserve to taste the bad side of life.¡±

    I sigh and sit on Alexa¡¯s sofa. After Leslie left , Alexa decides it¡¯s nice to drag me to her room so we can talk about Leslie. I promised her I was going to talk to my parents. I really nned to before she even got here.

    ¡± Alexa , she¡¯s gonna suffer.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m not saying you shouldn¡¯t help. But let her taste suffering first. I want her to feel all the bad shit she did . She couldn¡¯t even apologize for the things she did to you. She couldn¡¯t let go of her ego because of what? She was jealous of you. She bullied you, lied against you and even made you feel vulnerable and to top it all , she enjoyed your pains. Now what, your parents cut her out and shees running to you because you¡¯re this nice girl who always want people to be happy. Leslie don¡¯t even deserve to be happy.¡±

    ¡± The semester is almost out and Christmas is close. By next year , the rent on the apartment is gonna expire and I¡¯m certain, my mom won¡¯t even renew the rent because of Leslie. I can¡¯t kick her out either so I¡¯ll have to renew the rent myself.¡±

    ¡± No , you¡¯re gonna move out and Leslie should get a job. She¡¯s fuckinzy. She needs to enjoy motherhood. Breathe sister , Leslie isn¡¯t dying. Maybe your mom might pity her and ask her toe back to the family.¡±

    I shake my head and sigh. My mother would never. I don¡¯t even know what to say. Except my father decides to act like a father and orders my mother to bring Leslie back or else, Leslie isn¡¯t getting anything.

    ¡± She¡¯s still gonna talk to your mom though. You know they are sisters , they listen to each other.¡± I say.

    ¡± Then I¡¯m gonna call my mom and tell her not to dare. The fuck! I don¡¯t wanna talk about Leslie. Go get ready , we¡¯re leaving soon.¡± Alexa smiles and walks out of her room.

    I lean my elbows on my knees and facepalm myself. I run my fingers through my hair and get up. I had to switch off my phone because of Gray. I take my bath and get dressed. I pick up the things I¡¯m gonna need and zip my bag. I brush my hair and tuck some strands behind my ear. I sigh and look at my reflection. I feel my family is broken and we¡¯re already tearing apart. I can¡¯t even imagine what¡¯s going on in my parents house right now.

    I hang my bag and go to the living room. They are all ready. I hope by Sunday we should be back because I¡¯m not nning to skip ss on monday including work.

    .

    ****

    At the airport, they scan our IDs and luggage before we take them back. I sit close to the window after keeping my bag. Alexa sits next to me. Piper and Brandon already take the other sit and Piper is already reading a book. The ne already left the ground and we¡¯re flying.

    Truth is , i really don¡¯t know why I¡¯m traveling. I am trying to avoid Gray or maybe learn to live without him but it¡¯s so imposibble because I already zoned out on the music ying through my earbuds. I can¡¯t live without him but i need to try. He¡¯s everywhere in my head, even my brain. I take a deep breath and shut my eyes. I want to call him , tell him I missed him but i just can¡¯t. I can¡¯t fit into his world.

    ¡± Ariel.¡± Alexa pokes my shoulder. I remove my earbuds and turn to look at her. Piper and Brandon already fell asleep.

    ¡± Are you okay? Are you thinking about him again?¡±

    I sigh and nod.

    ¡± You¡¯re so silly. Then why don¡¯t you just call him? You know you can¡¯t break up with him. You¡¯re so vulnerable around him.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s crazy, i just want a break. Break from running away from gun-men and hitmen, plus drug dealers and arms smugglers.¡±

    ¡± How did you know all that?¡± Alexa asks with a grin. So funny.

    ¡± You¡¯re silly. You know who I am with.¡±

    ¡± And you can¡¯t even shoot a gun. Fuck me.¡± She retorts. I scoff.

    ¡± Can you even shoot a gun?¡± I ask her.

    She turn to look at me andughs quietly.

    ¡± Before i dated two drug Lord¡¯s , I sold weed in highschool.¡±

    ¡± You did what?¡±

    ¡± You heard me sweetheart. I just love the bad side of life. I was in tenth grade. Ace was also involved too. I wanted more cash and I caught him that day, he was smoking weed in his bedroom. I said i was gonna rat him out if he doesn¡¯t tell me who sold him weed. It¡¯s not like I wanted to smoke them , I wanted to sell , just like him. That¡¯s how it all started. I shot a fuckin gun Ariel. The world isn¡¯t safe so you need to have one.¡± She tells me.

    I breathe out and lean myself into thefort of the seat. I have a lot of strangers in my life. Gray and Alexa.

    ¡± What you thinking?¡± Alexa breaks the three minutes silence.

    ¡± You selling weed and shooting a goddamn gun.¡± I say. She chuckles.

    ¡± Yeah , yeah, whatever. Your boyfriend is an international drug smuggler , you should get used to that and learn how to shoot a damn gun. You¡¯ll thank meter.¡± She rolls her eyes and shuts them.

    I exhale and put back my earbuds. I look back at Piper and Brandon , they are still sleeping.

    The ne slows down after several hours as ites to a stop. We pick up our bags as we step out. I look around the airport and it¡¯s crowded. We walk outside and I breathe in the warm air.

    ¡± Damn..¡± Piper mutters.

    ¡± Come on guys.¡± Alexa leads the match to a blue Ferrari across the road. A man leans against the car with sunsses.

    ¡± Alexa?¡± He asks her once we reach him. She smiles and nods.

    ¡± Here.¡± He gives her a key and she takes it.

    ¡± Thanks.¡± She tells him.

    ¡± See ya around.¡± He adjusts his suit jacket and leaves.

    ¡± Your boyfriend?¡± Brandon asks.

    ¡± No , I rented this car and probably he works for thepany who rent cars. We¡¯re gonna need this for the weekend.¡± She giggles and slides into the driver¡¯s seat.

    ¡± Hop indies and gentleman.¡± I roll my eyes and enter the passenger seat.

    Piper squeals and she takes the backseat with Brandon. Alexa pushes a button and the sunroof opens.

    ¡± Your seatbelt , cause I¡¯m a crackhead driver.¡± She says and ignites the engine.

    She¡¯s right cause the speed was terrible. My hair flies to different direction because of the breeze that apanies the speed. I open my bag and bring out a hairband to hold my hair still. I lean my head on the window sill as I stare at every single building and cars.

    ¡± Where are we visiting today?¡± Piper ask from the backseat.

    ¡± The store. We getting new clothes.¡± Alexa replies and nudges me with her shoulders.

    Piper and Alexa sing to Tinashe¡¯s ¡®2 on¡¯ from Alexa¡¯s ylist. I already zoned out with their loud singing. Alexa slows down the car close to the gate. She presses the buzzer outside and the gate opens. She drives inside and parks the car in the garage. I sigh and get out of the car with the others.

    ¡± Wow. Is this the beach house?¡± Brandon asks.

    ¡± Yup. Come on.¡± Alexa says and walks ahead of us.

    ¡± You¡¯re being awkwardly quiet.¡± Brandon whispers.

    I turn to look at him and shrug. Piper already rushes after Alexa and they are not in sight.

    ¡± Are you okay?¡± He asks as we climbs the steps.

    ¡± Yeah. I¡¯m sick.¡± I lie.Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± Take any medications yet?¡±

    I smile and nod and open the door. Brandon steps inside with me.

    ¡± Thanks Brandon , I¡¯m fine. You¡¯ve been awkwardly quiet yourself.¡± I tell him as I drop my bag.

    Alexa and Piper were already at the backyard staring at the beach.

    ¡± I¡¯m just thinking.¡± He chuckles as we step on the sand.

    I cross my arms and nod.

    ¡± So , do you guys like it?¡± Alexa asks as she stares at Brandon and i.

    ¡± Yeah.¡± We say in unison.

    ¡± Damn. This ce is pretty. I can¡¯t wait to visit the beach. It¡¯s like I¡¯m in Hawaii.¡± Piper emphasizes.

    ¡± Let¡¯s get settled and order for food. We can tourter since it¡¯s afternoon. We¡¯re visiting the beach tomorrow.¡± She says and walks ahead of us.

    I slump on my temporary bed and look up at the ceiling. Damn Gray for making me this way. Weak and I¡¯m missing him terribly.

    ¡± Who¡¯s hungry?¡± Alexa shouts from the living room.

    I don¡¯t answer but stay quiet. My door swiftly opens as Alexa peeks her head inside. She grins and walks in as she shuts the door.

    ¡± Are you okay? Or are you horny?¡± She smirks and crosses her arms.

    ¡± Shut up Alexa.¡± I chuckle.

    ¡± You look like someone who¡¯s sexually frustrated. Do you need a hot massage? Cause we¡¯re gonna visit the spa if you don¡¯t mind. Or maybe I can call Gray right now and tell him you¡¯re seriously sick and you can¡¯t walk. He¡¯s gonna be here in less than a minute.¡±

    I smile and sit up.¡± Alexa , I¡¯m fine. I just miss him , that¡¯s all.¡±

    She nods and sits next to me.

    ¡± What can I do to help?¡± She asks and tucks my loose hair behind my ear.

    ¡± Let¡¯s go to dinner and maybe we can visit the store or the spa. That¡¯s a really great idea.¡± I say and smile brightly.

    ¡± Let¡¯s get out of here.¡±

    ¡­..

    ?Bitch better have my money?

    Piper and Alexa as usual sings to the song from her ylist. The bass from the stereo takes over the small space of the car. God I can¡¯t even feel my ears right now. Brandon goes through his phone and rolls his eyes at Alexa and Piper. I look at him through the rearview mirror. Our eyes meet as weugh at their poor performance.

    Alexa slows down the car as she parks in front of an Italian restaurant. We get out and the valet man takes the key. I look around the restaurant and this ce is fancy. Piper¡¯s gonna pay a lot today. Since her budget is food and refreshments. Ady greets us and takes us to a table. Piper and I sit across from Alexa and Brandon.

    ¡± Is that a twizzler?¡± Piper asks Alexa who just bring it out of her bag.

    ¡± Yeah. It calms down my sexual frustration.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re sexually frustrated?¡± Brandon asks.

    Alexa rolls her eyes.¡± I¡¯m horny. Hmm¡­¡± she touches her neck and giggles. I roll my eyes and Brandonughs.

    ¡± I¡¯m not excluded.¡± Piper adds.

    A waitress approaches us to take our orders. We order for italian dish, most that I¡¯ve not eaten before.

    ¡± Damn , someone¡¯s checking Piper out.¡± I mutter.

    They dart their heads to the table at the end of the restaurant. A guy with well tailored suit winks at Piper obviously.

    ¡± Damn , I¡¯m gettingid.¡± Piper mutters under her breath.

    Alexa chuckles. The waitress returns with our food as she ce them on our table. She smiles politely and leaves.

    ¡± I heard they cook good food.¡± Brandon says and picks up a fork.

    ¡± Yeah. This is one of the best italian restaurant in Miami.¡± Alexa answers.

    ¡± Been here before?¡± Piper asks briefly looking at the stranger who won¡¯t stop staring at her either.

    ¡± Yeah. Thrice I think. My mom and I. Me and my ex boyfriend came here twice.¡±

    ¡± Ex boyfriend that we know?¡± I ask and grin. The guys chuckles as Alexa shakes her head sideways .

    We talk and eat and Piper won¡¯t stop eye-flirting with the stranger. The waitresses back with the bill and Piper gives her her card as the waitress leaves.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know if you forgot Piper but you¡¯re dating Jamie.¡± I say. She shrugs and drinks her wine.

    ¡± Yeah. Jamie is in New York and I just want a weekend fling. No harm in trying. Right Alexa?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. She said they are not in love.¡± Alexa says.

    ¡± So, it¡¯s like you¡¯re gonna hurt him if he finds out.¡± Brandon speaks up.

    Piper rolls her eyes and smiles.¡± It¡¯s just a fling. A weekend fling.¡± She protests and Alexa nods. Yeah , she doesn¡¯t like nerds , I get it.

    The stranger stands up and walks to the restroom direction.

    ¡± Alright. We understand, go to him.¡± I say as Piper giggles. She drinks her water and smiles at us before leaving.

    Two men walks into the restaurant as they sits at the end. A bit far from ours.

    ¡± Can I take this?¡± Brandon asks waving his ringing phone at us.

    ¡± Sure.¡± Alexa says. He smiles warmly and walks outside to take his call.

    ¡± Damn. De Luca is here.¡± Alexa mutters above the rim of her ss as she drinks her wine.

    ¡± Who the hell is that?¡± I ask and lean forward.

    ¡± Cage¡¯s father. He¡¯s the one with the blue suit.¡± She says and sit back her ss. I turn to look at the two men and they look deep in their conversation. De Luca or whatever look ruthless , really a Mafia boss.

    ¡± And the other?¡±

    ¡± Sinir Daxton.¡± Damn. This same man again. Whom Gray betrayed and outsmarted him. Also same man they believe I look like.

    ¡± Remind me how you know this people? It¡¯s like you know every single criminal in the entire world.¡±

    ¡± I told you i dated Massimo. A Sicilian Mafia boss and it¡¯s an ally to the Italians. I also had sex with dimir , so you get it. I¡¯ve also attended their Mafia party once. It¡¯s usually upied with lots of mafia bosses around the world. It¡¯s like a ball , they are throwing one this year. Get ready to apany Gray.¡± She says and winks at me.

    I sigh and drink my wine. I¡¯m not willing to attend any dumb party and if I can remember , Gray¡¯s mother¡¯s birthday is around the corner. I turn to look at these men as they slowly turn their heads to look at me. Sinir¡¯s eyes falls on my form and for some reasons I freeze. He furrows his brows at me. Cage¡¯s father smirks as he whispers something to Sinir.

    ¡± Alexa .¡±

    ¡± Huh.¡± She replies. I think she feels the tension. Something isn¡¯t right about the two of them. I sit up and try to look away from them. But I can¡¯t , i can¡¯t just look away , i don¡¯t even know why. They talk some more and Sinir stands up.

    ¡± He¡¯sing¡­¡± I mutter to Alexa.

    ¡± Let¡¯s get out of here¡­¡±

 Chapter 65

    ¡± Okay, can someone tell me why you guys left the restaurant just like that?¡± Piper asks from the back seat of the car as we drive to the store.

    Brandon cross his arms as they stare at us. Yeah , that was a bit weird. I couldn¡¯t even look into his eyes because they were just looking into my soul. His eyes sparks in recognition and a glint of emotions that I barely could decipher. I look at Alexa as she turns to look at me. She smiles awkwardly and shrugs as she steers the wheel like a maniac she is. She¡¯s obviously a crackhead driver like Gray.

    ¡± Some weirdo was staring at us awkwardly , so we had to leave.¡± Alexa answers.

    ¡± Some weirdo? Staring? I mean why?¡± Piper asks.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know. They look wealthy and unpredictable. We weren¡¯t ready for any shitty games and we left.¡±

    ¡± What shitty game?¡± Brandon asks this time.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know guys. They look weird.¡± Alexa answers and exhales.

    ¡± What¡¯s up with your restroom hookup?¡± I change the topic. I look at Piper through the rearview mirror and her cheeks already flushes. She rolls her eyes and bites her lip.

    Brandon chuckles and looks out the window.

    ¡± Sup Piper¡­¡± Alexa calls out and grins at her through the rearview mirror.

    ¡± Okay , fine, we did nothing cause I freaked out at his boner. Fuckin hell. He wanted us to hook up this Sunday and I actually thought about what Ariel said¡­¡±

    ¡± What did I say?¡± I smirk and turn around to look at her.

    She sighs.¡± Jamie.¡± She slyly smiles and picks on her nails.

    ¡± I thought you said you¡¯re not In love with Jamie.¡± Brandon retorts.

    I chuckle with Alexa.

    ¡± I know okay. But we¡¯re literally in a rtionship and it¡¯s unfair to cheat.¡±

    ¡± Howe you didn¡¯t think about that before running after his boner to the restroom?¡± Alexa asks.

    ¡± Shut up , you advised me.¡± Piper huffs and rolls her eyes.

    ¡± Yeah , yeah, you said you wanted a weekend hookup and i talk you in. I see nothing wrong with that.¡± Alexa defends and dance to Justin Bieber¡¯s ¡®Intentions.¡¯ ying slowly from the stereo.

    ¡± Fucking bitch.¡± Piper hisses and scowls at Alexa.

    ¡± Whatever. You¡¯re still hanging out with him this weekend. You horny fuck.¡± Brandon says and weugh.

    ¡± Seriously , I thought this Miami weekend is for us. Like no hook-ups or weekend sex.¡± I say.

    ¡± Boom. Piper didn¡¯t think about that.¡± Alexa says as she sways to the song.

    ¡± Okay , can someone tell Alexa to put her hand on the damn wheel. Bitch the speed is deadly and I¡¯m too young to die.¡± Piper says.

    Alexa squeals and throws her hands in the air.

    ¡± Alexa , hands on wheel please.¡± I tell her.

    ¡± Whatever, scaredy cats.¡± She says and slows down the car. She parks the car in front of the store as we get out. Alexa pushes a button and the sunroof closes.

    I look around the busy city. The tall buildings and fancy cars. This looks like New York. She gives the valet man the key and we walk in. Dresses on mannequins decorates the store. A tall brown skinned girl walks to us as she greets politely. She leads us to a closet covered with dresses. Piper giggles with Alexa as they scamper through the wares.

    I roll my eyes and rub my temple. I¡¯m really not in the mood for shopping. That awkward meeting with Sinir is never getting out of my head anytime soon. I look at my phone for a missed call but I got none. You know it¡¯s funny sometimes I wished Gray would call. Like i always want to call him so that I can listen to his voice. Brandon stuck his hands in his pocket at the end of the store and mutters ¡®women¡¯ as he takes a seat.

    ¡± Ariel , you ain¡¯t buying?¡± Piper asks as she and Alexa turns to look at me.

    ¡± Not really. I¡¯m fine guys.¡± I shove my hands in my hoodie pockets and stalk to Brandon who look busy with his phone.

    ¡± Damn.¡± I breathe out and sit next to him.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay?¡± He asks.

    I sigh and rest my head on his shoulders. I nod slightly and shut my eyes. Maybe I shouldn¡¯t have suggest this weekend Miami trip if i was gonna end up thinking about Gray. I look like a sad wife whose husband ran away. Brandon wraps one hand around my shoulders and stroke my hair. I smile and snuggle into him.

    ¡± Seriously Ariel.¡± I hear Alexa¡¯s voice. I puff and and open my eyes.

    ¡± I thought we nned to shop together. What¡¯s up with you two? Brandon did you get a heartbreak?¡± Piper asks.

    ¡± Fuckin hell. We took a long trip and it has really worn me out.¡± Brandon answers.

    I smile.¡± Credit card?¡±

    They scoffs. I open my clutch and give Alexa my credit card. She takes it and drag Alexa to a corner. Brandon and I talk for several minutes and they won¡¯t stop trying out several dresses. Damn, I¡¯m bored. I look down at my phone , not a single call from Gray. Why do i want him to call me so badly. Each time I close my eyes , all i could think of is Gray and just Gray. He has finally turn to my addiction and I can¡¯t get him out of my head. Finally, Alexa returns with Piper with each of them holding three separate bags. Great , I¡¯m going broke.

    They grins as she gives me my credit card. I take it and we get up to leave.

    .

    ??????

    ¡± Damn¡­¡±

    I remove my sunsses and look around the beach. Obviously a lot of people visit Miami today because the beach looks crowded.

    ¡± Come on. I¡¯ve seen a spot.¡± Piper calls out to us as she walks ahead of us. Brandon goes to the bar to get us drinks. I spread my towel on the sand below my umbre. I remove my shirt andy on the towel. Pipery next to my right while Alexa sleeps on the left.

    ¡± Okay. This is fun.¡± I say and we giggles.

    ¡± Where¡¯s the sunscreen?¡± Alexa asks.

    I point to the bag close to Alexa. She opens it and brings out the sunscreen. She asks me to to help her apply on her back. I press the sunscreen on her body and massage it on her back.

    ¡± Piper you need some?¡±

    ¡± Thanks, babe. I¡¯m good.¡±

    I give the sunscreen to Alexa and motion for her to apply on my back. Iy on my belly as she rubs the sunscreen on my back. She rubs down to my back and smack my butt before covering the bottle.

    ¡± Silly.¡± I mumble and sleep on my back as i stretch my body on the towel.

    ¡± So what¡¯s gonna happen once we go back to New York?¡± Piper asks.

    ¡± Simple , we gonna read for exams all night.¡± Brandon says and rolls his eyes at us.

    He gives us our drinks and we sit up. I fold my legs and nce around the beach. My phone rings and I look down at the dialer. Gray. I stand up and excuse the guys to answer.

    ¡± Gray.¡±

    ¡± Seriously , a white bikini? Why did you have to dress that hot?¡±

    What the! I look around the beach and I¡¯m pretty sure Gray isn¡¯t here. Did he fly down to Miami. The sea breeze made my hair fly to different directions as i stuck it behind my ear. Just his voice and I¡¯m wishing he¡¯s here. I¡¯m fucked up already and i don¡¯t mind.

    ¡± Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re in Miami.¡±

    ¡± What if I am in Miami?¡± And i could literally feel him smirking right now.

    ¡± You¡¯re not in Miami , are you?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m not.¡± He sighs. ¡± Look at your right.¡±

    I look at my right as Nick waves at me with his right hand that¡¯s holding a beer.

    ¡± Really? A spy?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. I wanna make sure some dickwad don¡¯t ask you out.¡± He says on the phone.

    ¡± Seriously. Why did you have to ask Nick to look after me?¡±

    ¡± Not just Nick. There¡¯s Spencer at the bar and Toni too.¡±

    ¡± And who the hell is Toni and Spencer?¡±

    ¡± Breathe. I just wanna make sure you¡¯re safe. I like your bikinis though. You look hot. And it has to be white.¡±

    ¡± You said you¡¯re not in Miami, Jamal. How did you know what I¡¯m wearing?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m staring at you right now. Nick sent me a photo.¡±

    ¡± What!¡± I turn to look at Nick and he winks at me.

    I stomp my feet on the sand and walk to his direction.

    ¡± I thought we agreed on something. I¡¯m still angry at you.¡±

    ¡± I know. And I¡¯m really sorry.¡± He says and hangs up.

    I re and cross my arms as I stand in front of Nick.

    ¡± Lucifer.¡±

    ¡± Hi , Mrs Carter.¡± I cringe at his choice ofst name for me.

    ¡± What are you doing here?¡± I ask him.

    ¡± Checking on you. I need to be sure you¡¯re safe or Gray¡¯s gonna cook me for breakfast.¡± He shrugs and smirks.

    ¡± Nick.¡± Alexa says from behind me. Nick and i turn to look at her as she smiles at Nick. Yeah, crazy sparks.

    ¡± Damn. Those bikinis.¡± Nick says as he bites his bottom lip checking out Alexa. She¡¯s wearing a red bikini while Piper choose to go with ck.

    ¡± What you doing here?¡± She crosses her arms.

    ¡± Looking out for her majesty.¡± He motions to me.

    Alexa nods and smiles at me. I scoff and walk out of their flirty conversation. I dial Gray¡¯s number and he¡¯s not picking up. I seriously don¡¯t know why I called back but deep down i just wanna listen to his voice. I tuck back my loose strands of hair behind my ear and go back to Piper and Brandon.

    ~GRAY~

    I light a cigarette and stare at the photo Nick sent me. Now I wished I was with her , to probably cover her naked body which is supposed to be seen by only me. The white bikini bottom hugs her skin and she looks irresistible. The thought of some horny fuck face wooing her irritates me. I couldn¡¯t risk her safety and I had to send Nick and the others to look after her.

    It¡¯s nearly a week after her deration that i should stay away from her and I¡¯m missing her badly. This past week was terrible for me. I feel like a high school dork who got dumped by the hottest girl in school. Love is so fuckin annoying. I tried to fight the feelings but I couldn¡¯t. She¡¯s gonna be the downfall of me and i don¡¯t really mind. I¡¯m an asshole. Probably a big asshole who don¡¯t even deserve her. I feel selfish for putting her in between my mess. Mess that i tried to fix but yet nothing¡¯s happening.

    I remembered what happened years ago. How I fucked Sinir up and lived under the shadow for a year. Running and hiding from rivals. I had to hide underground and return whatever thing I took from him before he willingly left me. I¡¯m such a fucker. Like I usually fuck people up and now I had to spoil everything with Ariel.

    I aggressively toss the half smoked cigarette on the ashtray and remove my tie. I throw it on my couch and walk out of my room. I need to sort out Sarai. She¡¯s been snooping around for too long. She walks in with a file as she smiles. Fuck , I hate her smile. Reid appears from the kitchen with a pipe in his lips as sarai gives me the files. I hand it to Reid and grabs her wrist.

    ¡± Um , is everything okay?¡± She asks as she walks behind me.

    ¡± Yeah. Need to tell you something.¡± I tell her as we take the stairs to the basement.

    Reid follows behind slowly. We climb down the stairs and the basement as usual looks dark except for the white bulb that illuminates half of the basement and it looks a bit bright. Sarai turns swiftly to look at me. Fear is written all over her face. She knows what happens in the basement. Torture.

    I pull her to stand in front of me. Manny ce a chair in the middle of the room and she panics.

    ¡± Breathe.¡± I tell her and tuck her blonde strands behind her ear.

    ¡± What did i do?¡±

    ¡± Nothing.¡± I say to her and gently grab both her hands behind her back. She tries to fight it and i re at her.

    ¡± Don¡¯t fight it Sarai. I don¡¯t wanna hurt you , don¡¯t let me change my mind.¡±

    She sobs silently and nods. Manny gives me a handcuff and I take it. She tries to panic again. I walk her to the chair and make her sit.

    ¡± Look at me. Do you trust me?¡±

    She blinks her eyes and looks at me. She nods once and breathe in sharply. Damn, how dare she trust me? I look into her eyes and cuff her hands behind her and cuff it against the chair. She yelps in fear. I lean both my hands on the armrest and look down at her.

    ¡± What did i do?¡±

    ¡± Nothing. I¡¯m gonna ask you some questions and you¡¯re just gonna answer. Can you do that for me?¡±

    Her breathing is rapid as she nods.

    ¡± Good. How did you meet Reid?¡±

    ¡± What! Seriously , Gray.¡± Reid says as he scoffs.

    ¡± I¡¯m not talking to you , Reid. Sarai, how did you meet Reid?¡±

    She twists her lips before answering.¡± Through Meghan.¡±

    I nod and look at Reid. ¡± Did you fuck Meghan , Reid?¡±

    ¡± You shouldn¡¯t be asking me such questions.¡±

    ¡± And I¡¯m asking you and you¡¯re gonna answer. Did you fucked Meghan or not !¡± I yell at him.¡± I thought I made rules. No sexual rtionship with an employee and you had to sleep with Meghan.¡±

    He scoffs and res at me.¡± You know it¡¯s irritating when you try to treat like Kennedy.¡±Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    I roll my eyes and look at Sarai.

    ¡± What¡¯s your rtionship with Meghan?¡± I ask Sarai .

    She sobs silently and blinks her eyes. Her fakeshes flutter.

    ¡± I know she¡¯s your girlfriend. I thought you were both straight. How long have you guys been dating?¡±

    ¡± A year.¡±

    ¡± A whole year.¡± I sigh and lean both hands on her chair.

    ¡± Why did she ask you to work for me? If I could remember very well , Reid brought you to me. And you Reid, why did you bring her to me and advise me to take her in?¡±

    ¡± Are you interrogating me!¡±

    ¡± Yeah. That¡¯s exactly what I¡¯m doing. Where did you find her?¡± I ask Reid.

    ¡± If you wanna ask me some damn questions , don¡¯t do it in front of her or even Manny. I¡¯m not your worker, Gray. I¡¯m your friend.¡±

    ¡± Then get out. Leave , Reid.¡±

    He bites his lip and walks out of the basement. I look at Manny who crosses his arms at the corner as i shift my gaze to Sarai.

    ¡± I need an answer. I want you to tell me why your girlfriend asked you to work for me.¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t know.¡±

    I shut my eyes and open them.

    ¡± I don¡¯t wanna hurt you Sarai. You¡¯re gonna tell me everything I need to know and that includes what you and your girlfriend nned with dimir.¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. Reid and Meghan are friends. He told her you needed someone who¡¯s gonna take her ce and I¡¯ve always wanted to work with the Mafia. Meghan have no connection with the Russians.¡± She says.

    I snap my fingers at Manny. He brings another chair and a tool box. I take the chair and sit in front of her. I collect a switchde and smirk at her.

    ¡± You¡¯re pretty and I bet you won¡¯t be happy to have a scar. I will spare you if you tell me the truth.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m telling the truth.¡±

    I nod and trail the de on her jawline as blood drips from her face. She whimpers and cries. I trail the de to her ears and blood drip along with each trails.

    ¡± Can I cut out one ear?¡±

    ¡± Please don¡¯t. I don¡¯t know anything. I swear.¡±

    ¡± Alright. Maybe I should cut one ear then.¡± I trail the knife along her ear as the de slice into her skin. She let out a loud wail and I stop.

    ¡± Are you willing to talk or not?¡±

    She nods her blood filled face swiftly.

    ¡± I¡¯ll tell you what I know. Few months ago , Meghan found out about your underground warehouse through Reid. She drugged him and he told her about it. Painfully, he doesn¡¯t where it is. It seems no one knows about it. She told me you fired her because of your girlfriend and she hated her. She nned to hurt her and make her feel the pains of loosing her job. Reid told her you needed someone and she decides I take her ce. He doesn¡¯t know about her ns. So he brought me to you.¡±

    ¡± Why?¡± I ask.

    ¡± Because she wanted me to continue with whatever ns she had. She found out dimir wanted same thing after you took his drug deal. Then she worked with him.¡±

    ¡± Wow¡­¡± Iugh and rub my temple. Why are they making a story out of whatever thing that happened between me and that Russian prick. It¡¯s like I stole the deal when he¡¯s the one who sabotaged me in front of the Chinese just so he could get the deal. I had to take back what¡¯s mine.

    ¡± About a week ago. Ariel got kidnapped. Who told them I was traveling to Chicago and where to find Ariel.¡±

    ¡± I told Meghan you¡¯re leaving. She¡¯s been keeping an eye on your girl for a long time. She wanted her dead.¡±

    ¡± And the Queen¡¯s attack? Also the first attack?¡±

    ¡± It was all Meghan. I never wanted to n with her. I didn¡¯t have a choice , trust me.¡± She whimpers and shudders in fear.

    ¡± So she used you as a mole to steal informations from me¡­¡± I look at her andugh. This is so hrious. And Meghan had to manipte Reid. He¡¯s such a pussy.

    ¡± So all this is because of money?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. Please don¡¯t kill me. I¡¯ll never hurt anyone. I just had to do it.¡±

    ¡± And seduce me too.¡±

    ¡± She ask me to seduce you. Maybe you might fall for my seduction and tell me where to find it. I¡¯m really sorry , I didn¡¯t n to hurt her I swear. Meghan hated her and nned to kill her in order to carry on with her ns. She tried to manipte Reid to kill her but Reid refused.¡± She says. I nod and stand up.

    ¡± Manny go get Meghan. Tell her i got a job for her. If she refuse toe , shoot her¡­¡±

    ¡­

 Chapter 66

    ~GRAY~

    I unbutton my dress shirt and shrug it down my arms. I toss it on the couch and undress myself. I saunter to the bathroom and switch on the shower. I stand under the shower with both my hands on the cold wall. The warm water rinse down my skin and all I could think is her. How I fucked up.

    How I put her life in danger and how she makes my heart beat with just a smile.

    I missed looking at her.

    I missed staring at her deep brown eyes, and I missed waking up next to her. I can¡¯t even think about anything else but her.

    I badly wanted to stop calling her. Grant her the space she wanted but I can¡¯t. My mind has never been at ease after she told me she wanted to stay away from me.

    I clean myself and put on a t-shirt and sweats. I pick up a cigarette and light it. Someone knocks on my door and I order the person in. Reid. Most times he acts like my father, while other times he acts like my nagging boyfriend. But truth is, Reid¡¯s a full straight man. He¡¯s too annoying sometimes and I hate the way he looks at Ariel when no one¡¯s watching. Like he liked her a lot.

    ¡± We need to talk.¡±

    ¡± Yeah. You probably need to exin to me why you chose to fuck Meghan.¡± I scoff and puff out the smoke.

    I walk to my bedroom swimming pool and look into the water.

    ¡± She¡¯s hot. And we never dated.¡±

    ¡± And she drugged you. Who even told you I¡¯ve got an underground warehouse?¡±

    He chuckles and shoves his hands in his pockets. I didn¡¯t even tell Ariel.

    ¡°You im we¡¯re best friends and you had to lie about that. You couldn¡¯t even tell me. Are we still friends?¡± He asks.

    ¡± Reid , who told you about it?¡±

    ¡± No one. I guessed it and it was even true. What type of friend are you?¡±

    I turn to look at him and puff the smoke in his face.

    ¡± You do some shitty mistakes sometimes. Things like what you did with Meghan are themon reasons I didn¡¯t tell you. I built that has a back up for summit¡¯s future. And you want me to tell you. So you could go out and party with girls like Meghan and let them get you drunk so you could spill out my fortunes. The fuck man. You would have done the same if you were in my shoes. I¡¯m just being careful and not secretive. I have a reason for calling you my closest friend. And that¡¯s because you¡¯ve been for me since i was a boy.¡± I scoff and inhale the stick.

    Reid sighs and stands next to me as we look into the water.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry about Meghan. We only fucked three times. I stopped when she started acting weird and pushy. She¡¯s always corny.¡± Reid exins.

    ¡± And you decide not to tell me?¡±

    ¡± I have my reasons Gray. I can¡¯t just tell you I fucked Meghan and she started acting corny.¡±

    ¡± That bitch had been working with dimir because I fired her ass. Who does that?¡±

    Except a desperate hoe.

    ¡± Are you gonna kill her?¡± Reid asks.

    I chuckle and walk to my table where the ashtray sits. I butt the cigarette on it and drop the already smoked stick. I stuff my hands in my pockets and puff out the smoke.

    ¡± Reid you know the rules.¡± I say and walk to his form.

    ¡± I know she fucked up because of jealousy and anger. You should spare her.¡±

    ¡± And why? For wanting my girl dead or for working with an enemy who sabotaged me to the Chinese because of a fuckin drug deal.¡±

    ¡± Do you have feelings for her Reid?¡± I ask when he doesn¡¯t answer.

    ¡± Of course not. She¡¯s worked with you for a long time.¡±

    ¡± And that¡¯s the reason she needs to die. She went too far. Rat me to dimir. Work with him and spie on me.¡±

    ¡± Boss.¡± Manny knocks on my door.

    I look at Reid and walk to the door. I open it and step outside.

    ¡± Down the basement.¡± Manny says and I nod.

    ¡± Go, I¡¯ming.¡± He nods again and looks at Reid before leaving.

    ¡± Gray , there are other punishments you can give to her.¡± Reid says on our way to the basement.

    ¡± Punishments like what?¡± I scoff.

    ¡± What if it¡¯s Ariel. What if your so-called girl rat you out to the cops.¡±

    Fuck , she won¡¯t even do that. I can¡¯t ever imagine hurting her. It¡¯s like I¡¯m hurting myself. I stop and re at Reid.

    ¡± Why don¡¯t you stay back and don¡¯t follow me to the basement. You said you stopped fucking her , why are you being emotional?¡±

    ¡± Don¡¯t forget she¡¯s Jhene¡¯s sister.¡±

    ¡± Like I give a fuck.¡± I say and climb down the stairs.

    Meghan is tied to a chair with a duct tape on her mouth. She tries to fight the restrain but it¡¯s fruitless. Sarai already passed out due to the sedative. I walk to Meghan¡¯s front and remove the tape.

    ¡± Fuck Carter , what do you want from me? Why did you have to tie up Sarai?¡±

    ¡± So you know each other?¡± I ask and smirk at her.

    She blinks her eyes and stays quiet. Damn , she just fucked up. I snap at Steve and he gives me a chair. I take it and sit in front of Meghan.

    ¡± Meghan. You worked with me for so long. Two years right? And then you abused Ariel and made Jhene tell her shit in Malibu. I fired you and you thought it was nice to work with dimir to get back at me by hurting Ariel and also hurting me. You even had to drug Reid to get informations about a fuckin underground Warehouse. Fuckin hoe. You¡¯re so dumb. What makes you think I wouldn¡¯t find out.¡±

    She didn¡¯t say a word. Her face and breathing do the talking. She¡¯s about to panic.

    ¡± I bet I pay you a lot. You were a fuckin slut when I picked you up from the strip club. I gave you a job , made you and I fuckin paid you. Why would you think of betraying me?¡±

    She twists her lips and bites her bottom lip before answering.¡± I did what I have to do.¡±

    ¡± Because you didn¡¯t get me to sleep with you or because you didn¡¯t get me to fall for you?¡±

    She looks at me briefly and stares at Sarai before looking at me

    ¡± Oh, please. Jhene liked you a lot. Maybe I liked you too. Before you employed me , I liked you. Let¡¯s say I wanted you and luckily I get to work for you. I tried to hit on you because i wanted to be your queen. Your mafia queen. It hurts when you didn¡¯t even blink at me. I was furious. And then some tiny little college student walked into your life and stole your heart. I was hurt. She made me loose my job. A job that changed my life , I was fuckin hurt. And then i thought of a way to hurt her. Yes , I drugged Reid , he told me you¡¯ve got a warehouse. I talked to dimir and I told him the way to get at you after the Chinese deal gone wrong for him. I wanted her to suffer and then i told him you¡¯ve got a girl. And we became partners with major objectives to hurt you both.¡±

    ¡± Because I refused your pussy. You thought you should work with someone who hates me to get at me. Now tell me what should I do to you.¡±

    Her chest rises and falls as she tries to mask her scared state. I stand up and walk behind her. Her breath caught up her throat as I lean my hands on the armrest behind her.

    ¡± What should I do to you? Youmitted a really huge sin. You nted a mole in my business. Try to fuckin take me out and you had to rat me out because of your stupid reasons. If I shoot you , you ain¡¯t gonna feel pain and I want you to feel a lot of pain.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re fuckin crazy Gray. I¡¯m not sorry that I broke the Omert¨¤ and I¡¯m not sorry that I try to hurt your precious little girl.¡± She cackles.

    ¡± Okay.¡± I smirk and look up at Manny. He gives me a syringe and i take it. Meghan whimpers and shakes on her chair.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Sarai already wakes up. She looks at Meghan and begin sobbing. She looks so innocent and it¡¯s a pity she¡¯s gonna get hurt because Meghan had to manipte her.

    ¡± I thought you weren¡¯t scared.¡± I whisper to Meghan who won¡¯t stop shuddering. I trail the needle on her cheek to her neck.

    ¡± This will make you bleed to death.¡± I tell her and she panics.

    ¡± Don¡¯t fight it. It¡¯s just bleeding but you¡¯ll feel a little pain.¡± I chuckle and pierce the needle on her neck.

    ¡± No , please don¡¯t.¡± She plea as i inject the fluid into her system.

    I toss the empty needle on the ground and pat her cheek nicely. I walk to stand in front of her.

    ¡± Now take a deep breath. In less than thirty minutes , you¡¯ll feel uneasy and you¡¯ll start bleeding. I¡¯m not sorry that i injected you.¡± I whisper and smile.

    ¡± You¡¯re a such a fucker.¡± She screams.

    I turn to walk to Sarai but stop. ¡± I lied by the way. The fluid was heroin. And you¡¯re gonna die of an overdose anytime from now. Your family won¡¯t suspect a thing. At least you won¡¯t bleed but you¡¯ll die.¡± I smile at her.

    ¡°No!¡± She wails.¡± You can¡¯t do this to me.¡± She screams and tries to fight her shackles.

    I turn around and meet eyes with Reid. He stands at a corner with his hands in his pockets.

    ¡± Once she pass out , get rid of her. I¡¯ll handle Saraiter.¡± I say and look at Sarai before leaving.

    .

    ~ARIEL~

    .

    Today¡¯s Sunday. After the beach visit yesterday , Alexa took us to a clubst night. And they are all hungover including me. My head aches and it pounds. It feels like someone just run a marathon on my head. I groan and roll on the bed. I open my eyes and search for my phone. Hopefully I didn¡¯t get a call from Gray but my parents called. I look at the time on my phone and it¡¯s afternoon.

    I sigh and get up. I search the nightstands for any aspirin, luckily I found it. I swallow it dry and saunter to the kitchen with only a single t-shirt that belongs to Gray as I pick up a bottle water. I never knew I brought his t-shirt along untilst night. I sit on the stool and drop the bottle water. I¡¯m so hungry and my head beats really badly. I pour cereal on a bowl with milk and i begin eating.

    ¡± Did you even brush your teeth?¡± Alexa asks as she walks in. She rounds the counter and sits opposite me. She wears a Nike sport¡¯s bra and rip shorts with the button out.

    ¡± I¡¯ll do thatter.¡± I shrug and eat. Alexa chuckles and pick up a spoon to eat from my cereal.

    ¡± Today¡¯s Sunday and we¡¯re leaving tomorrow. Let¡¯s storm a party tonight. It¡¯s gonna be fun.¡± She suggests.

    I roll my eyes.

    ¡± I¡¯m still suffering fromst night¡¯s hangover.¡±

    ¡± Oops. That wasn¡¯t my fault. We wanted to loosen up a bit. I feel dehydrated right now.¡± She gulps the bottle water and sit it back.

    ¡± Alright. I¡¯ll check my bag for a dress.¡± I say.

    ¡± Thought about your decision once you reach New York?¡±

    ¡± Maybe. Focus on my job at Sterling¡¯s. Talk to my parents about Leslie and I don¡¯t know¡­¡± I shrug.

    ¡± What about Gray?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m still on a break.¡±

    ¡± Ariel.¡±

    ¡± Don¡¯t worry Alexa. I¡¯ll be fine and I know what I¡¯m doing. I miss him badly , yes but I need time to think. I really wanna live with his choices but I¡¯m thinking about the circumstances thates with it.¡±

    Alexaughs.¡± This is not the time to think. You were supposed to think of this decision the very first day he barged into your car or maybe the first day he pulled out a gun like you exined to me. That was the time you were supposed to make these decisions not now. You¡¯re already deep into this. You¡¯re in love with him and you can¡¯t even fight it.¡±

    I bite the inside of my cheek and take in a deep breath.

    ¡± I can¡¯t spend my life running from criminals.¡±

    ¡± Pft. It won¡¯tst forever. I believe dimir is dead. So who¡¯s gonnae after you? No one.¡±

    ¡± People who hates Gray. People who are jealous of him. People who wants him down. You know what¡¯s a mob Alexa. There are lots of rivals.¡±

    ¡± And yet they still live the way they want. Rivals doesn¡¯t matter. They won¡¯te after you. They won¡¯t dare. No one starts a war with Gray. They end up loosing everything , except you don¡¯t know the man you¡¯re dating.¡±

    ¡± What about Cage?¡±

    ¡± Cage?¡± She blinks her eyes and crosses her arms.¡± What happened to De Luca¡¯s son?¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t know. Maybe rivals.¡±

    ¡± Cage isn¡¯t a bad person honey. He would never hurt you because of Gray. So forget about Cage.¡±

    I sigh and nod.

    ¡± What¡¯s for breakfast?¡± Brandon asks as he walks in.

    Alexa motions to the cereal. I smile and chuckle.

    ¡± I¡¯m hungry as fuck. My head pounds.¡± Piper says as she walks in.

    ¡± We should order for food.¡± Brandon says and looks at Piper. ¡± Miss refreshments and food.¡±

    We grin and smile at Piper. She rolls her eyes and pick up her phone.

    ¡± Alexa said we¡¯re partying tonight.¡± I tell them.

    ¡± I¡¯m in.¡± Piper squeaks with her phone pressed against her ears.

    Brandon rolls his eyes and picks up the bowl of cereal. He sits next to Alexa as Piper returns.

    ¡°I just ordered taco Bell.¡± She says and picks up a spoon to join Brandon.

    ???????

    Alexa parks the car in front of the club as we step out of the car.

    ¡°This is one of the best clubs in Miami.¡± She says and starts walking. I look at the parking lot and it¡¯s covered with expensive vehicles.

    We step on the club as the loud music attacks my ears. I look around and every corner is covered with leather seats and wealthy men. We find a seat and we sit down. I look around the club for Nick or maybe Toni and Spencer. But there¡¯s no one.

    ¡± I¡¯ll go get the drinks.¡± Brandon says and stands up.

    ¡± Have you been here before?¡± I ask Alexa loudly because of the music. She sways to the rock music and nods.

    ¡± You travel a lot.¡± Piperpliments loudly.

    ¡± I¡¯m a freak , I get that a lot.¡± She giggles.

    Brandon returns with shots and a bottle of vodka including three sses of cocktails. We pick up the shots and throw our heads back to chug down the shots. The liquid burns my throat as I swallow. I pick up a ss of cocktail while the others get wasted on the vodka. I sip slowly and zone out of their conversation as i scan the club. I see Nick. I bet he smirks at me from where he¡¯s sitting with two girls.

    We drink and I¡¯m already tipsy. Piper drags us to the dance floor and we dance. We giggle and dance for a long time. I excuse the guys and saunter to the bar. I sit on the stool and lean on the counter. Being drunk is so annoying.

    ¡± Fancy meeting you here.¡± A familiar voice says beside me. I turn to my right and I¡¯m staring at these familiar green orbs.

    ¡± Cage.¡±

    ¡± Hi. What are you doing in Miami?¡±

    I sigh and remembered what Alexa said. I wanted to move away from him but i remembered she said Cage isn¡¯t the enemy.

    ¡± Vacation.¡± I reply.

    He smiles and orders the attention of the bartender.

    ¡± What do you want to drink?¡±

    ¡± Um¡­¡± I sigh and finally answer.¡±cocktail will do.¡±

    ¡± Just a shot will do for me.¡± Cage tells him.

    The bartender nods and leaves.

    ¡± You look beautiful.¡± He turns around to look at me.

    ¡± Thanks. Can I ask a question?¡±

    ¡± Sure.¡±

    ¡± Our first meeting, you said you were looking for me.¡±

    He smirks and nods.¡± You look familiar.¡± He says vaguely.

    ¡± Seriously. ¡± I chuckle. The bartenderes back and gives us our drinks.

    ¡± Why¡¯s Gray not with you? I saw his men around the club.¡±

    ¡± Like I said I¡¯m on vacation with my friends.¡± I say and sip my drink after disposing the Lemon from the rim.

    ¡± And I heard that.¡±

    I roll my eyes. The air feels thick and I feel uneasy again. I take out the straw and gulp the drink.

    ¡± You¡¯re gonna get drunk , Ariel. You need water?¡± Cage asks with concern.

    ¡± No I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m just gonna go back to my friends.¡± I turn around to look for my friends. Alexa sits with a guy and i couldn¡¯t see Nick except Spencer or whatever. Piper is flirting with a guy and she¡¯s drunk. I can¡¯t see Brandon. A guy with a ck jacket and jeans walks into the club.

    Oh not just a guy. Another guy follows. And another guy follows. Now they are three. All with ck jackets.

    ¡± Fuck.¡± I hear Cage mutters.

    ¡± What!¡± I ask above the music.

    Cage looks alerted all of a sudden. I look back at the party as one of this strangers pulls out a gun and shoots Spencer. That was all it took for the atmosphere to change. The crowds wails and I don¡¯t know i stop thinking. This stranger turns swiftly and our eyes meet.

    ¡± Ariel , down now.¡± Cage orders and drags me down.

    Bullets flies to my direction as i panic. What do they want? Why are they aiming at me. The sses and bottles at the bar shattered as people screams. At every bullet that¡¯s shot , this strangers approach Cage and i. Nick and Toni shoot back at this strangers and it was deadly to watch. Cage hold tight to my arm and look at me assuringly. Why¡¯s he acting like he knows me or something.

    ¡± Come on. Let¡¯s get you to safety.¡±

    ¡± No.¡± I whimper and look at Nick. He looks busy because they won¡¯t stop ducking and shooting at each other. Nick is already bleeding on his arm as he winces.

    I can¡¯t find my voice. I can¡¯t even see properly. Everything¡¯s blurry and the atmosphere is different as people wail and scream. Blood and bodies fill the ground and I can¡¯t see my friends.

    Before I could decipher what I¡¯m doing , I¡¯m already leaving the club with Cage.

 Chapter 67

    I hug myself as I whimper. Why can¡¯t I live life like every normal adult. Always running from gun men who wants me as captive to get to Gray. It¡¯s almost midnight and I¡¯m inside Cage¡¯s car. We drove out of the club to some isted area and he parks his car there. At first I thought he was gonna kill me. I still don¡¯t know why he tried to save me.

    The tension between us is so thick and I barely can look at me.

    ¡± Are you cold?¡± He asks.

    I swallow and nod. He smiles and turns on the heater of his car.

    ¡± Better?¡±

    ¡± Better.¡± My voice croak out.

    ¡± Who were those people?¡± I ask.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know. Maybe gangsters.¡±

    ¡± Why were they after me?¡±

    He chuckles.¡± Your boyfriend is a dickhead maybe.¡±

    I scoff and look away.

    ¡± Look, this always happens as long as you¡¯re a Mafioso. He¡¯s popr, he¡¯s powerful and people like that always attract rivals. Maybe they wanna hurt him and since they can¡¯t hurt him , they have to hurt you to hurt him. They were Russians¡± He exins.

    Same Russians again. I thought since dimir is dead , this should be ending.

    ¡± Why did you save me?¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t know. Considering the fact that I don¡¯t really have a good rtionship with Gray.¡±

    ¡± And why?¡± I ask and look at him.

    ¡± You ask a lot of questions.¡± He smirks.

    I shrug and sigh.¡± I¡¯m just curious. You could have left me to those gun-men but yet you chose to save me. Thanks though.¡±

    I take a deep breath and pick up my phone to call Alexa again. I¡¯ve been calling since we left the club and they are not picking. I dial Piper¡¯s number and after several rings she picks up.

    ¡± Ariel.¡± Her voice panics on the phone.

    ¡± Piper. Are you guys okay?¡±

    She sounds weak and out of breath on the phone.

    ¡± Is that Ariel?¡± I hear Alexa¡¯s voice on the phone.

    ¡± Ariel¡­¡± Alexa says on the phone.

    ¡± Where the fuck are you?¡± She asks on the phone.

    I sigh and turn to look at Cage.

    ¡± Cage.¡±

    ¡± Cage? Come home right away. We need to talk and n our departure tomorrow morning. Are you safe? Are you okay?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. Yeah , I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡± Good. We¡¯re waiting.¡±

    I nod slyly and hang up. I exhale sharply and toss my phone on myp.

    ¡± Can you please take me home?¡±

    ¡± Sure.¡± He smiles warmly and starts the car.

    He drives into the dark night. I feel nervous and a bit scared. I couldn¡¯t call Gray because I wasn¡¯t ready to face him right now. I turn on his radio because I¡¯m badly in need of sound. I lean into his car seat as he speeds into the night. I give him the direction to the beach house till we arrive. He parks in front of the gate and I turn to look at him.

    ¡± Thanks.¡± I tell him.

    ¡± Goodnight.¡± He answers.

    I open the door and step out. My phone rings in my hand and I look down at the caller ID. I turn and wave at Cage. He smiles warmly at me and drive away. I swipe the answer icon and press the buzzer.

    ¡± Who¡¯s there?¡± Alexa¡¯s voice asks from the inte.

    ¡± Alexa, it¡¯s Ariel.¡± I say as the gate opens.

    Gray hasn¡¯t said any word to me on the phone. I sniffle gently and walk in.

    ¡± Ariel , are you okay?¡± His voice says on the phone and that literally melts my heart.

    ¡± I¡¯m not fine Gray.¡± I sob and climb the steps.

    ¡± Where you shot? Where are you?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m safe , I wasn¡¯t shot. Cage saved me.¡± Maybe that might sound nice to Gray¡¯s ears. There¡¯s a long silence on the phone as I walk into the house.

    Brandon , Piper and Alexa turns to look at me at once.

    ¡± Cage? Did he touch you?¡± Gray yells on the phone.

    ¡°Hell. No , he didn¡¯t. He saved me.¡± I roll my eyes and puff out.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry for risking your life Ariel. I¡¯m sorry that I hurt you and I¡¯m sorry I wasn¡¯t there to save you.¡±

    I scoff and bite my lip. I¡¯m angry and stressed right now. How am I supposed to act like my life isn¡¯t in danger and just go back to Gray and hug him. Tell him I¡¯m fine with this non-stop shooting. I really don¡¯t know what I¡¯m supposed to do with my life. I don¡¯t even know what I¡¯m supposed to do with Gray. No matter what ever drama or risk he puts my life into , I just can¡¯t forget the fact that he barged into my car almost six months ago and he stole my heart along with him.

    ¡± Ariel , are you there?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. I gotta go Gray. Talkter.¡± I sigh and hang up.

    Alexa looks at me as she sighs deeply. Thank God none of them was shot and they are all fine.

    ¡± Okay , the silence is done. Someone is telling me what the fuck happened in that club? Who were those gun-men?¡± Brandon asks.

    I take off my shoes and rx on the couch. I¡¯m not feeling too well and seriously I can¡¯t even feel my feet. These shooting incidents are not leaving my head anytime soon. The bloods are too much.

    ¡± Alexa.¡± Piper calls out, motioning to us for an exnation.

    Alexa exhales sharply and sits down. She leans her elbows on her knees and ruffles her hair.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know guys. You guys were there , some men walked into the club and started shooting at people.¡± Alexa says.

    ¡± Okay. I know I was scared and I hid under a table but I could swear this shooters were aiming for Ariel. Nick was even there and they were exchanging bullets. I believe Nick works for Gray.¡± Piper says.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know what to say. I don¡¯t even wanna think about it. This is so fucked up.¡± She stands up and walks to the bar to get a drink.

    She opens the alcohol and chug down the content.

    ¡± Ariel , say something.¡± Brandon pressures.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know what to say either. I¡¯m d none of us was harmed and also I had no idea they were after me. I don¡¯t know guys.¡± I say and rub my palms down my arms.

    I need a long bath.

    ¡± Fuck. I¡¯d never thought maybe I was ever gonna witness a gun fight. Tonight was like a war zone and I thought I was gonna die.¡± Piper says.

    ¡± Thankfully we weren¡¯t shot. Some people died at spot. I almost puke at the sight of blood and injured people.¡± Brandon says. And I thought i was the one overreacting at the sight of blood.

    ¡± I need a bath and a long rest. We should be leaving early tomorrow morning.¡± I say and pick up my shoes and stand up.

    I stalk to my room and throw my shoes aside. I rub my temple and I¡¯m feeling a throbbing headache. I fall t on my bed with arms spread on the bed as I stare at the ceiling.

    My life has turned into a movie. A messed up , fucked up movie. This is just too much for me to handle. I shut my eyes and all I can see is that shootout. The guns , blood and few people that was hurt. What must have happened to Lucifer or maybe the other guys who Gray sent to look out for me. I can¡¯t believe they get hurt just to save my ass.

    I scurry to the shower and get undressed. I step under the shower and let the warm water kiss my skin. I shut my eyes and images of Gray sneak right into my head. His soothing voice and touch and I deeply wish he was here. I step out of the shower after taking my bath. I search through my bag for something to wear and i finally settle for Gray¡¯s t-shirt. It drops at my mid thigh and hopefully it covers my panties. Iy on the bed and pull theforter to cover my body. I¡¯m hungry. I step out of the bed and stalk to the kitchen.

    Brandon sits at the kitchen. He looks quiet just like the first time we arrived here.

    ¡± Shit.¡± he jolts when he sees me. ¡± You scared me Ariel.¡± He says and smiles.

    ¡± Sorry.¡± Iugh softly and sit opposite him.

    ¡± Are you okay? Or you¡¯re thinking about the shootout?¡±

    He shrugs and shakes his head.

    ¡± I¡¯m fine Ariel.¡±

    ¡± You can talk to me if you want.¡± I assure him. He nods and rub his temple.

    ¡± Who broke your heart?¡± I ask as he turns to look at me. Brandon is cute and always so in. But since we got here, he has been acting all broken just like me.

    ¡± He¡¯s an asshole and maybe a coward.¡± He scoffs.

    ¡± What happened?¡±

    ¡± Mom¡¯s homophobic. Cautioned him to give me ten feet and he cowardly did. Is that what if feels to like someone?¡± He inquires sadly.

    ¡± Is he your first serious date?¡±

    Brandon nods.¡± Yeah. Always wanna mess around and focus on college. Turns out I wanted more.¡±

    I breathe out and hold his hands.¡± I¡¯m sorry about that. You¡¯re gonna find someone who worth you.¡±

    ¡± Thanks. Did you fight with Gray? You¡¯ve been awkwardly sad too.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m fine Brandon. Family issue is eating me up.¡± I say half the truth.

    ¡± Leslie being pregnant?¡± I nod and tap my fingers on the countertop.

    ¡± Sort of.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re gonna talk to your parents right?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. I have to. She¡¯s broke and she needs a family.¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s so sweet. I mean after everything she did to you , you still wanna help. That¡¯s pretty cute.¡± He chuckles and smiles.

    We talk andugh till we retire to bed. I look at the bedside clock and it reads 12:am. I take a deep breath and shut my eyes to sleep. The bullet sounds sh through my brain as I open my eyes at once. I switch off the bedsidemp and say a silent prayer.

    I barely could sleep. I turn and turn till I couldn¡¯t take it anymore. I had to go through the texts Gray sent me. Our old conversations. This made me think of him the more and it¡¯s aching. I toss my phone on the bed and close my eyes to sleep. Thankfully I fall asleep but it didn¡¯tst because I jolt up at a nightmare. I push the duvet aside and get off the bed. I saunter out of my room to the kitchen and everyone¡¯s fast asleep. I sit on the kitchen stool and pour a ss of water for myself. I¡¯m still wondering why Cage saved me. Clearly enough, most people don¡¯t like Gray. And he had to save me. A rattling noise snap me out of my thoughts as I look around. The next thing I heard is a silent scoff from a male voice and footsteps follows. I jump up from the stool and go to the living room. The wall clock says; 3:am.

    I hurry silently to the kitchen , half delighted that the lights are out except for the kitchen.

    ¡± God , what if those killers who attacked us at the club decides to pay us a visit.¡± I thought.

    I turn to rush to the living room but I stop on my track when the footsteps get closer to the front door. I panic and rush to the kitchen and scamper for any weapon. I try to muffle my scared whimpers and I pick up a knife. I tiptoe to the windows and pull down the blinds and all I can see is a shadow. I barely could tell what it looks like but it¡¯s a man. He wears a hoodie and the hood covers his face. He pulls out his phone and pace around as he dials a number. I see that as an opportunity toe out and so I did. I quietly open the front door still deciphering if I should wake the others. I close the door and hide the knife behind me as I walk to this invador. He looks busy with his phone as he paces to the backyard. I hastily follow and thought of a way to attack a trespasser without hurting them. I walk closer and he swiftly turns around when I am about to charge at him.

    ¡± Whoa.¡± He grabs the arm that¡¯s holding the knife as he spins me around so my back is pressed against his chest. How can I ever forget this cologne. What¡¯s he doing here at 3:am.

    ¡± You don¡¯t want to kill your boyfriend.¡± He says quietly.

    ¡± Gray.¡±

    ¡± Yeah?¡± I can feel him smile against my skin. He takes the knife from me and turns me around.

    ¡± What are you doing here? How did you get passed the gate without pressing the damn buzzer. Why were you roaming around like a thief?¡±

    He smirks.¡± I believe the word you¡¯re missing Is, you miss me.¡± He taunts.

    I groan and turn to walk into the apartment. He follows behind. What¡¯s he doing here at past midnight. How dare he makes me think a thug or maybe one of this dreadful mobs are here again. I walk into the house silently so i won¡¯t wake up the others. I cross my arms once we arrive at the kitchen and I spin on my heels to look at this man who¡¯s cause me nothing but trouble.

    He drops the knife on the countertop and remove his hood. I so much missed him. I can¡¯t believe he had flew to Miami to make sure nothing happens to me. He walks to my form and stop in front of me. His eyes travel down my body and he smirks. I get it , I¡¯m wearing his t-shirt after ranting about him leaving me alone.

    ¡± That looks good on you.¡±

    ¡± Gray , cut it. What are you doing here? It¡¯s past 3 in the morning.¡±

    He sighs and nods.¡± I was worried. The Russians shot Spencer , including Nick. They are receiving treatments. I couldn¡¯t stay back and hope that you¡¯re safe. I wanted to see you. I wanted to make sure nothing happens to you and no one hurts you.¡±

    ¡± And you decide to fly to Miami.¡±

    ¡± I have to. I can¡¯t stand the thought of something happening to you.¡± He looks down at me for any scar as I roll my eyes.

    ¡± I¡¯m fine Gray. I¡¯m fine and nothing happened to me. It was fruitless cause I¡¯ll be home by morning.¡± I scoff and drop my hands at my sides.

    ¡± You¡¯re stressed.¡±

    ¡± Of course I am stress.¡± I say trying to bite back the anger.

    ¡± Gray , I¡¯m tired. Why can¡¯t I have my normal life back? Is it too big to ask for. I wanna be that girl who¡¯s not a target to some mobsters who can¡¯t afford to see you progress. I¡¯m tired of being in the middle of your mess. I decide toe to Miami to have a proper thought about my life and yet they found me. I almost got shot again.¡± I yell at him.

    He takes a deep breath and wraps his hands around my waist.

    ¡± Gray stop.¡±

    He smiles and pulls me to him as he embraces me. For once I feel safe. I feel happy. I missed him and it¡¯s strange I¡¯ve not wake up to hate him yet. No matter the circumstances I found myself with him , I can¡¯t stop loving him.

    ¡± Tinkerbell.¡±

    My heart melts to his voice close to my ear. He kisses my temple and run his fingers down my hair.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. I wanna make it up to you.¡±

    ¡± I should be far from you Gray.¡±

    ¡± I know. I¡¯ve brought you nothing but pain and I¡¯m selfish. I get it , I¡¯ve hurt you too much. Let me make it up to you.¡± He whispers still hugging me tightly.

    ¡± I love you so much and I can¡¯t stand to loose you.¡± He mutters.

    ¡± Come with me.¡± He says and release me from the hug.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    ¡± Gray , i ca..¡±

    ¡± Please. I want you toe with me and I¡¯ll drive you back at dawn.¡±

    ¡± Why should I leave the house with you? I¡¯m already a mess and I just want to breathe properly.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯ll do anything you want and I promise I¡¯ll stay away from you if that¡¯s gonna guarantee your safety.¡±

    What¡¯s he saying. Yeah , I want him to give me some break but I didn¡¯t want him to give me up like that.

    ¡± I¡¯ll stay away from you , and tell the world we¡¯re not together if that¡¯s gonna make you happy. If me staying away from you is gonna stop them froming at you, then I¡¯ll stay away. Far away.¡± He tells me.

    ¡± And then get another girl?¡± I ask. My voice is about to betray me. His he giving up on me. I¡¯m about to cry.

    ¡± I want you to be safe. And I want you to be happy. Come with me?¡±

    ¡± Gray you¡¯re not giving me up are you?¡± I ask and sob. I¡¯m so vulnerable.

    He smiles and lifts me up to sit on the countertop. He stands in between my legs and trails his fingers on my expose thighs. He grabs my waist and nuzzles my neck.

    ¡± I so fuckin missed you. I¡¯d do anything to have you back. I¡¯m really sorry for everything¡­¡± he whispers and kisses down my neck.

    How¡¯s he making me feel all this emotions in one piece. I bite my lip and let him caress my skin with kisses.

    ¡± What makes you think giving me up will stop the attack ?¡± I ask. He didn¡¯t stop kissing me.

    His hands trails under his shirt that I¡¯m wearing as he caresses my bare back. I shut my eyes and throw my head back as i squirm on his hold.

    ¡± I want you back Ariel.¡± He whispers and pulls his head to look at me.

    ¡± Then I¡¯m here. I don¡¯t want a break anymore. My world is already fucked up and I don¡¯t care. I wanna be with you , Gray.¡±

    I barely could believe we departed. Of course we didn¡¯t , cause he was always calling.

    ¡± Kiss me Ariel.¡±

    I cup his cheek and kiss him at once. He wastes no time but kisses me back desperately. When was thest time we make out. The pit of stomach burns in desire as I moan in his mouth. One whole week without him was stupid. I can¡¯t live without him no matter how hard I try. He has messed up my world and I don¡¯t care. No matter the mess he created, I¡¯m always gonna be with him because i can¡¯t be without him.

    We stop kissing and our foreheads lean against each other. We stare into each other¡¯s eyes and our breathing mixes.

    ¡± I¡¯m traveling.¡±

    ¡± What?¡± I pull away from him.

    ¡± Did youe to Miami to tell me you¡¯re traveling ?¡±

    ¡± No. They try to hurt you and I if I don¡¯t give them a message they won¡¯t leave you the fuck alone.¡±

    ¡± Why did the Russians want me dead?¡±

    ¡± dimir¡¯s got a brother. He¡¯s pained and wants to take revenge by taking you out. Ariel I need to be far from you.¡±

    ¡± No , you¡¯re not leaving. One whole week and it was shit. What now , you wanna travel.¡±

    ¡± They¡¯ve started a war by trying to kill you. I would have loved to ask you to leave the country but you won¡¯t agree. I need to leave and make this right.¡±

    ¡± When will you be back?¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡± You don¡¯t know? You wanna leave me and you don¡¯t know when you¡¯reing back?¡±

    ¡± This is dangerous. My world is dangerous. I don¡¯t even know what¡¯s gonna happen to me the next minute. You¡¯ll be fine and no one¡¯s gonnae after you when I leave. I wanna solve this mess. And if i don¡¯te back after a month always remember the day I gave you that promise ring. I¡¯ll always be back for you¡­¡± he pulls me to himself and leans his forehead against mine.

    ¡± I don¡¯t want you to leave. They won¡¯t hurt me anymore.¡± I mutter.

    He chuckles softly.¡± I can¡¯t watch them hurt you. It¡¯s better they take me out instead. I can¡¯t loose you , not for anything. They¡¯ve started a war and I want you out of it. Don¡¯te to my apartment , I won¡¯t be there¡­¡±

 Chapter 68

    ~LESLIE~

    I take a deep breath and look at my reflection in the mirror. I¡¯ve lost everything. Friends , family and even school. I hate my life. How can I make such a terrible mistake? Ariel was the least person I ever thought I was gonna beg. I can¡¯t believe i had to kneel down before her because mom cut me out of the family.

    I wipe my eyes and look down at my stomach. There¡¯s no baby bump yet and I¡¯m grateful. Most times I sit down and ask myself what made me sleep with a professor. I don¡¯t really know. Maybe I wanted to prove a point to the world. I forget the fact that you can¡¯t really please this miserable world. I shut my eyes and remember what Lawson told me.

    ¡® you¡¯re pregnant? Now what do you want me to do? Divorce my wife and marry you?¡¯ he yelled at me.

    I stood like a moron in front of him that day. I look stupid and foolish.

    ¡® so what do you want me to do?¡¯

    ¡® do what every girls do to things that you¡¯re carrying. What makes you think I would wanna have anything to do with you or even that thing.¡¯

    He called my baby a thing. A fuckin thing. And i can¡¯t even me him. I made a lot of bad decisions and this was one of them. I couldn¡¯t bring myself down to apologise to Ariel for what I¡¯ve done.

    ¡® Lawson , i can¡¯t abort it. The doctor said i was gonna getplications if I n to take it out this time.¡¯

    ¡® I don¡¯t fuckin care about you, Leslie. Stay the fuck away from my house and my family. Go get yourself useful and get rid of that thing you¡¯re carrying. I warned you. I told you if you ever get pregnant I¡¯ve nothing to do with.¡¯

    ¡® how Is it my fuckin fault? You fucked me bare and you got me pregnant.¡¯

    ¡® goddamnit Leslie , you told me you were on the pills.¡¯

    True , but because of irresponsibility , I skipped it. How pathetic i am. I wipe my tears and walk out of the bathroom. I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m already dropping out of college. How am I ever gonna cope. I don¡¯t even have a job. Who¡¯s willing to hire a pregnant girl without a certificate. I knock on Ariel¡¯s door and open it. She turns to look at me and smiles. She just returned from Miami and she looks so fancy. It hurts I envy her. She¡¯s got everything. Family , a boyfriend like Gray Carter and Alexa. Alexa was closest to me but now she¡¯s with Ariel.

    We¡¯re visiting my parents today and Ariel wants to talk to my dad. He listens and he¡¯s soft hearted just like Ariel.

    ¡± Sorry , Les , give me a minute.¡± She says as she brushes her hair.

    ¡± Sure, take your time.¡±

    I hate this world, it¡¯s so small sometimes. I never knew I was ever gonna need help from Ariel anytime soon. All thanks to karma , I¡¯m now a walking piece of shit without a family or a job. God I hate my life. Ariel stands up as she picks up her car keys. She looks lively and pretty. Dumb me , she¡¯s dating Gray Carter . Who won¡¯t look lovely. A lot of women will kill just to be in her shoes.

    ¡± Come on.¡± She says and escorts me out of her room.

    We take the elevator together in silence and I don¡¯t stop praying for my parents to take me back. We slide into her Ferrari and I fasten my seatbelt. I admire the interior of her car and sigh. I¡¯ve never been inside before. This is so beautiful and expensive. I envy her. I still wish I had her life.

    ¡± Breathe Leslie , everything is gonna be fine. Even if they don¡¯t take you back. You can still get a good job , give birth , hire a nanny and go back to college.¡± Ariel says and sh me a smile

    She just said it like it¡¯s the easiest thing in the world. I mean if she gets pregnant she will never be stranded even if our parents choose to cut her out. Gray would get her a job in one of the biggestpany in New York even if she doesn¡¯t have a degree. She¡¯s gonna travel to Spain for vacation, and he¡¯s gonna buy her a penthouse. That¡¯s the gig for getting a wealthy man who loves you a lot. Most times I wish they break up. But hell no , karma has a way for making me eat my own shit.

    I had to give the baby to Reid because i thought he could be normal like his friend Gray. Apparently , he¡¯s a freak psycho.

    ¡± Can I switch on your radio?¡± I ask Ariel calmly.

    ¡± Sure.¡±

    I nod and turn it on. The tension Is too much. I can¡¯t take it. I feel ufortable. I don¡¯t even fit into this type of leather seats. Hazel refused to take my calls. I don¡¯t me her. I¡¯m a fuckin bad friend. A bad sister and maybe a bad daughter. I lean my head against the window and doze off. Before I open my eyes , I¡¯m already at my parents house. Ariel parks the car and sighs. She turns to look at me and gives me a reassuring smile.

    We step out and I¡¯m already about to panic. I shove my hands inside my jacket pockets and stride behind Ariel. We step on the front porch and Ariel rings the doorbell. I still can¡¯t meet Ariel¡¯s eyes. I feel like a burden and a disgrace. I hear footsteps at the other side of the door. The door opens and s, dad stands in front of us. He smiles warmly at Ariel. He scans the porch and his eyesnd on me behind Ariel. I was once the daughter they were d to meet. But what happened? I fucked up.

    ¡± Ariel?¡±

    ¡± Can Ie in?¡± She asks and walks inside without waiting for my dad¡¯s reply. Dad looks at me sadly and walks in. I enter and shamelessly shut the door.

    I take a deep breath and walk to the living room. I hear mom singing to her favourite countryside music.

    ¡± Ariel. What you doing here? You¡¯re supposed to be at school and also ss.¡± Mom speak up. She hasn¡¯t seen my yet.

    ¡± Mom we need to talk.¡± Mom looks around the living room and her whole demeanor changes.

    ¡± You slut. What are you doing here?¡± Mom yells at me. I start to sob.

    ¡± Mom , stop. Calm down and sit down.¡± Ariel tells her.

    Dad looks sad and his eyes is fill with pity. Mom¡¯s the dad here. She makes the decisions and my dad dares not to interfere. Mom clicks her tongue and sits down. I dare not sit down. I fiddle with my fingers and stand at a corner. Ariel sits close to dad as she sighs.

    ¡± She¡¯s sorry. She regrets everything and she¡¯s deeply sorry. This is the time you guys should be for her. She needs a family because she regrets everything.¡± Ariel says. I keep my eyes on my dad.

    ¡± She¡¯s sorry?¡± Momughs.

    ¡± Why¡¯s she sorry?¡± Mom asks. Her voice isce with humor.

    Ariel turns to look at me, urging me to talk. ¡± For ruining the family¡¯s name. It was a mistake. I swear I¡¯m sorry. Mom please forgive me. I don¡¯t know what do with myself. Daddy.¡± I sob.

    ¡± Do you remember Laureen?¡± Mom asks with a smirk.

    ¡± Your senior in highschool back then. The mayor¡¯s daughter. The one you usually liked to party with. Do you remember her?¡±

    Who doesn¡¯t know Laureen?

    She was my friend. Senior and cheer captain. Her father¡¯s a mayor and everyone likes her. I made friends with her so I can also be recognized too. She¡¯s also dating school¡¯s most popr boy and she secretly had a crush on Freddie. Ariel¡¯s bestie. I would sneak out every weekend to go party with her. We bullied Ariel together.

    ¡± Yes.¡± I reply nodding.

    ¡± She graduated from Cambridge on top of her ss and not on top of her professors, like you.¡± Mom scowls at me.

    She was bright and also rich so she can easily work that out.

    ¡± Leslie , what were you thinking?¡± That¡¯s dad.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry dad.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re sorry? Don¡¯t try to act wussy and sob like a virgin because you want me to take you back. You ruin the family¡¯s name Leslie and you thought I¡¯m gonna spare you. Because you¡¯re what , my precious daughter. You need to learn your lessons. If you don¡¯t taste the hard side of life you won¡¯t learn how to take care of the thing you¡¯re carrying. I just hope it¡¯s not a girl , because you¡¯re gonna rub your slutty existence on her.¡±

    ¡± Mother please.¡± Ariel plea with me.

    ¡± Ariel take her out . I don¡¯t wanna get angry at you. Don¡¯t beg for her. She¡¯s not getting back to this house and also you¡¯re moving out of the apartment at school because I ain¡¯t paying a dime on that apartment, except your boyfriend is willing to pay¡±

    ¡± Mom, please. I¡¯m sorry I don¡¯t know how it happened.¡± I cry and drop on my knees.¡± Daddy please talk to Mom. I¡¯m sorry and it¡¯s a mistake. Please Daddy.¡±

    ¡± Mom you can¡¯t do this to her. You made her this way.¡± Ariel says.

    ¡± Oh really?¡±

    ¡± Yes , mother. You knew she was whoring around but you choose to ignore her. Because what? you don¡¯t want me to know about your little secrets on how you both cheated. You wanted me to live a perfect life when yours aren¡¯t clean. You hid yours very well. You can¡¯t just throw Leslie out because she got pregnant at sophomore year.¡± Ariel says.

    Mom chuckles.¡± Don¡¯t try to get pregnant too because you¡¯re gonna end up like her. I will not tolerate and house daughters who decides to go against the family rules and bring back bastard children. Now take your sister and leave my house.¡± Mom yells.

    Ariel res as she stands up. I sob and wipe my eyes.

    ¡± Come on Leslie , let¡¯s go.¡± Ariel says and reach to take my hand.

    ¡± Daddy please talk to Mom.¡±

    ¡± Reba.¡±

    Mom raise her forefinger to stop dad.¡± Don¡¯t. You started all of this mess when you couldn¡¯t keep your dick in your pants. You had to sleep with Mia Carter. Because of what Exactly!¡± Mom yells at dad.

    ¡± Oh really. And you had to give your cherry to your boss. Reba your fuckin boss. Because of what? You wanted to avenge a stupid mistake.¡± Ariel scoffs at their argument.

    They raise their voices and begin arguing. Ariel¡¯s already outside and i race after her. I slide into her car and turn to look at her. She looks mad probably because of what my mom said

    ¡®Don¡¯t try to get pregnant too , cause you¡¯re gonna end up like her.¡¯

    ~ARIEL~

    I watch Alexa as she makes milkshake for herself. She giggles and looks up at me. I¡¯ve been miserable without him and I¡¯m back to being depressed. This is the second week. No calls no texts. And I¡¯m extremely worried. After myst visit to my parents , I talked to Leslie to let them be. They don¡¯t deserve to have children at all.

    ¡± You missed him right?¡± Alexa asks.

    ¡± Yeah.¡± I breathe out and rest both my elbows on the counter as i cup my cheeks.

    ¡± He¡¯s gonna be back and he¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    ¡± What if something already happened to him? What if he¡¯s hurt?¡±

    ¡± Of course not. It¡¯s not even up to a month. He¡¯s fine , just think positive and stop overthinking. You¡¯ve started taking these antidepressant and i don¡¯t like it.¡± Alexa says.

    I huff. She pushes a cup of milkshake to me and I smile at her. Leslie walks in with Hazel. They are friends again andtely Leslie had been acting normal. She¡¯s got a per time job in a hotel and the pay is manageable.

    ¡± Hey guys.¡± Leslie waves at us.

    ¡± Hi Les. Hey hazel.¡±

    Hazel smiles and waves at Alexa.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± How are you Leslie?¡±

    She sighs.¡± I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡± And the baby?¡± I ask.

    ¡± All good. It¡¯s a girl.¡± Leslie answers and crosses her arms.

    ¡± Wow, a girl. That¡¯s a great news. She¡¯s quite stubborn to be a girl. But I¡¯m still wondering , howe you were pregnant thisst three months and you never knew.¡± Alexa says. I look at her and snarl.

    ¡± I always had the monthly flow.¡±

    ¡± Damn. You were pregnant and you still flow? That¡¯s like a miracle.¡± Alexa grins.

    ¡± We¡¯re gonna leave you guys. Come on Hazel.¡± Leslie says as they leaves.

    ¡± I think we should always wish pregnancy on our enemies. It changes them.¡± Alexa whispers and winks. God she¡¯s insane.

    ¡± So Meghan is truly dead?¡± Alexa asks as she slurps her milkshake.

    Meghan was found dead in her room two weeks ago. We found out on the news. She died of heroin overdose. I never knew she did drugs. Jhene was sad including their mother. She recorded a sad video on Instagram the following day Meghan died. It was emotional even if Meghan was a druggie.

    ¡± She might be a shit face but I felt sorry for her.¡± I say.

    Alexa smiles insanely.¡± You poor soul. You¡¯re supposed to be an angel not human. You care too much about people and it¡¯s fucked up. She harrased you , Ariel.¡±

    I roll my eyes. ¡± You want me to be a savage like you?¡±

    ¡± Hell no. If you¡¯re savaged, then you¡¯re gonna be worse than me. Keep doing good while I unt my ck cold heart. Fuck i need a job.¡±

    ¡± Then apply for an intern.¡± I suggest.

    She widens her eyes and chuckles.

    ¡± Hell no. I don¡¯t see myself working as an intern in the next thirty five years. I wanna work for a mob. Is Gray searching? I¡¯m a good fighter. Good shooter. Good temptress and seductress. I¡¯m a badass and¡­¡±

    ¡± Alexa. He¡¯s got Sarai.¡±

    ¡± Who the fuck is that?¡±

    ¡± Some blonde girl who works as a seductress for Gray.¡±

    ¡± Fuck.¡±

    ¡± Why the mafia?¡± I ask.

    ¡± Because that¡¯s where the fun lies. Shooting and smuggling.¡± She cackles. Oh god, she¡¯s crazy.

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna talk to Gray, don¡¯t worry about that.¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s the mob spirit. You need to learn all of these things cause you¡¯re a mob queen already.¡±

    ¡± Alexa , stop calling me that.¡±

    She rolls her eyes and turns on the faucet to wash her cup.

    ?????????

    .

    I ignore every worker at Sterling¡¯s as I hurry to Theodore¡¯s office. I¡¯ve been a mess since Gray showed up at Miami and that¡¯s like a month ago. I haven¡¯t heard or even seen him since then. I ran into Cage often times but I¡¯ve not seen Gray since then. I don¡¯t even know if we¡¯re back together or not but i badly want to see him.

    We haven¡¯t contacted ourselves for a month, and like he imed he wanted me to be happy. Like being without him was happiness. He¡¯s my happiness and I noticed that the second he left the state. He didn¡¯t tell me where he was going and as usual he said he was going to handle business. I had sleepless nights the first few weeks and I fell back into my depressed state. So much for wanting to stay away from the one man who walked into my life and changed everything. I don¡¯t even care if he¡¯s involved with the mob, I just want him back.

    One month was worse than hell.

    Each time i dialed his number, it¡¯s always switched off or maybe it goes straight to voicemail.

    I want him to hug me. Caress me. Touch me. Tell me he misses me and i want him to make love to me. I wipe the tear that slip out of my eyes as I knock on Theo¡¯s door. His deep voice orders me in and I enter.

    ¡± Miss Peterson. You¡¯re early , thanks to God. Carry the files , we¡¯ve got a board meeting to attend to.¡± He smirks at me. Always a pervert.

    He¡¯s always checking me out but never had the balls to ask me out. Of course he won¡¯t dare.

    ¡± Sure thing Sir.¡± I smile at him and carry the files.

    We walk out of his office to the board room. Most of the board members are already seated. The manager smirks at me and finally res at me. We¡¯re never going to like each other. I see Belinda. She stands close to the ountant , Brooke. Theo sits on the head seat and I stand a bit far from him still holding the files. He outstretch his hands out for me and i give him the files.

    Their meeting begins and they talk about their business progress and clients. I zoned out at the manager¡¯s piercing re.

    ¡± There¡¯s a big business deal that will help thispany¡¯s fortune. The thing we need is a bigger amount of money or maybe we actually need apany who would wanna support us.¡± Brooke says. He¡¯s the ountant.

    ¡± Why should we need money to strike some random deal?¡± Theo asks.

    ¡± Because this will definitely change Sterling corp. And your father suggests we talk to Gray Carter.¡± Kevin , one of the board members says.

    ¡± Gray Carter?¡± Theo scoffs and briefly looks at me.

    ¡± Yes. I understand you¡¯re not in good terms with him but i think we need a loan or maybe a fundraiser.¡±

    ¡± No. We¡¯re not getting a fuckin loan from Gray.¡±

    ¡± Theo calm down. It¡¯s just a loan. But if you don¡¯t want a loan because of thepany¡¯s ego then maybe we should ask for a fundraiser.¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s like charity.¡± Theo yells.

    I swallow and sigh.

    ¡± It¡¯s not. Children Cancer research also needs a fundraiser and if you wanna know we¡¯re the host behind it. We can¡¯t fail them and we need this business deal , Theo.¡±

    ¡± So what are you suggesting?¡± Theo asks.¡± As long as I¡¯m concerned , I¡¯m not calling Gray Carter for some damn cancer research fundraiser. I¡¯m Theo Sterling for fuck¡¯s sake. We¡¯re not even in good terms and i don¡¯t even know how to support this type of decisions.¡±

    ¡± We know. Summit and Sterling aren¡¯t in good terms, yes, but he¡¯s gonna give us this fundraiser and we won¡¯t even end up paying.¡± Brooke says.

    ¡°So you¡¯re expecting Gray to throw away 50 million dors at Sterling.¡±

    ¡± Maybe he will. This is were your internes in.¡± The manager says as she smirks at me. They all turns to look at me.

    Okay this isn¡¯t good.

    First I haven¡¯t seen Gray for over a month and I haven¡¯t even heard from him.

    Now they wanna use me to get some fundraiser for what?

    Is he even back?

    ¡± Yeah, that¡¯s a good idea.¡±

    Everyone smiles and nods at me.

    ¡± Miss Ariel Peterson , this is were youe in. He¡¯s your boyfriend and we want a fundraiser. You¡¯ll have to help us.¡± Kevin adds.

    ¡± Why me?¡±

    ¡± Because he¡¯s your boyfriend and like I heard he values you a lot.¡± The manager snarls at me.

    I scoff.

    ¡± So it¡¯s settled. Miss Peterson is helping us out and Brooke is gonna apany you.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m not sure he¡¯s around.¡± I say.

    ¡± Of course he¡¯s around. I bet I saw Gray yesterday.¡±

    They saw Gray.

    And he didn¡¯t even check on me.

    One whole month and I¡¯m about to see the man who left me for a whole month without a single ¡°Hello¡± I feel like passing out.

 Chapter 69

    We take the elevator to Gray¡¯s office. I¡¯ve not been here since the day we had sex in his office. I¡¯m never looking at that office differently again.

    ¡± You look nervous.¡± Brooke tells me and i ignore him. Fundraiser. Children Cancer research. Fuckin hell.

    The elevator dings and we step out. Cassandra raises her head to look at me with a sneer. So he¡¯s back and he didn¡¯t bother to call me. I feel the pit of my stomach twitch and I¡¯m uneasy. What¡¯s he gonna look like after a month. He always looks hotter each time i see him after a long time.

    ¡± Is Gray in?¡± I ask Gray¡¯s PA, Cassandra.

    ¡± What? Go on and check for yourself Mrs Carter.¡± She scoffs.

    I re at her and walk to Gray¡¯s office door. I raise my hand to knock but i halt. My heartbeat is rapid and i can see myself freaking out with just looking at him. I¡¯m nervous and afraid. What if he has finally given me up. Then I¡¯mmitting suicide. I knock and wait for a response.

    ¡± Cassie what?¡±

    It¡¯s really him. That voice. I bite my lip and twist the knob to walk in. My mouth is already dry and my feet are week.

    ¡± Cassandra.¡± He calls out from the inside.

    I take in a deep breath and walk in. His swivel chair is facing the ss wall that views the city. Brooke shuts the door and adjusts his tie.

    ¡± Cassie , I¡¯m on a break. I told you to skip¡­¡± He turns around and halts.

    Oh God.

    He looks so good looking. Better than I can ever imagine. His ck dress shirt is without a tie and the top buttons are out. He looks surprised and he blinks his eyes in surprise. God , my heart flutters and I wanna run to him and hug him. Howe he¡¯s around and he refused to check on me. He smirks and looks down my form. It¡¯s like we¡¯re just meeting for the first time and I look like that nervous naive girl again.

    ¡± Ariel. Who¡¯s this?¡± He asks looking down at Brooke.

    ¡± Good day Mr Carter.¡± Brooke greets. Gray doesn¡¯t reply.

    His eyes are lock with mine and I can¡¯t find my voice.

    ¡± Sit.¡± He says.

    I nod and help Brooke with a sit. I didn¡¯t sit.

    ¡± I¡¯ll stand. Thanks.¡±

    He takes a deep breath and looks between me and Brooke.

    ¡± So¡­¡±

    ¡± We need a fundraiser.¡± I rush out.¡± I¡¯m sorry. I um¡­ he¡¯s Sterling¡¯s uh.. I..¡±

    ¡± Sterling¡¯s ountant.¡± Brookepletes for me as he looks at me weirdly. I know that was a bit weird. I swallow when my eyes scan the desk.

    Memories drift into my head and I¡¯m already getting wet. He notices my uneasiness and he knows I¡¯m already getting sexually frustrated with just his lustful grey eyes. He smirks and looks down at the desk. I gotid on that desk few months ago.

    ¡± Fundraiser?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. For cancer research and for the kids. Sterling needs a support and you¡¯re the best option.¡±

    ¡± Why?¡± Gray asks as he looks at me.

    Brooke gulps and looks at me.

    ¡± Well. Uh¡­ you¡¯re a nice person and we¡­¡± Brooke looks at me and urges me to continue.

    ¡± How much?¡± Gray asks and bites his lip.

    I¡¯ve been biting my bottom lip like forever. He notices my movement and the way I clench my legs tightly. I badly want him to touch me right now and i also wanna yell at him for abandoning me for over a month without a hello.

    ¡°Fifty million. Please we¡¯ll be grateful if you¡­¡±

    ¡± Okay. Go to the front desk. My PA will send the transfer.¡± Gray says.

    ¡± Oh my God. Thank you very much sir.¡± Brooke stands up and thank Gray repeatedly.

    ¡± Come on Ariel.¡± Brooke motions for me to follow him.

    ¡± Ariel wait. You can go Brooke. I wanna have a word with her.¡± Gray tells Brooke and my heart stop working.

    ¡± Uh..¡± i stutter.

    ¡± Leave Brooke.¡±

    ¡± She¡¯s Theo¡¯s intern and she will be needed at work.¡± Brooke says. He¡¯s trying to ruin everything with his crazy persistence.

    Gray rubs his temple and shove out a gun. He pulls the hammer and point it at Brooke. Brooke panics and swallows.

    ¡± Are you leaving or not?¡±

    ¡± Sure sir. See yater Ariel.¡± Brooke says and turn to rush out of Gray¡¯s office.

    ¡± On a second thought.¡± Gray says as Brooke stops to look at him.

    ¡± Tell Theo he owes me and I want an interest too.¡±

    ¡± What?¡± Brooke asks surprisingly as he looks at me. Breathe ountant, I also thought the 50 million was free.

    ¡± I¡¯m not a charity organization, Brooke. I¡¯ll never throw away fifty million to Sterling fuckin Corp. I¡¯m expecting 56 million in return. He shouldn¡¯t keep me waiting when I might need it. Leave.¡± Gray orders Brooke.

    He swallows nervously and runs out of Gray¡¯s office.

    Gray looks at me and sighs. He drops his gun and stands up. His hands bury deep in his cks pockets as he walks to my nervous form. One whole month and I feel like I was gonna die. I can¡¯t live without him. It¡¯s impossible. I lied to myself that I can live without Gray but hell no , I can¡¯t. I lean against his desk and try as much to stay angry at him. He just point a damn gun at my colleague. What type of man does that?

    ¡± Miss me?¡± He asks and smirks.

    I don¡¯t reply.

    I just stand nervously opposite this grey eyes delinquent. I remember no matter how hard i tried to avoid him , he¡¯s alwaysing back to me. He has stolen my heart , everything.

    ¡± Damn. I miss you.¡± He breathes out.

    I don¡¯t a say a word. He just left a month ago because he wanted to make sure I¡¯m fine and now he¡¯s back telling me he missed me. Who does that?

    ¡± You left.¡± I say barely above a whisper.

    ¡± I know.¡± He replies calmly.

    My breath hitch the more he leans closer to me. He smells so good. Like always. My back leans against his desk as his eyes locks with mine . He is something words can¡¯t describe. Beautiful , sweet, dangerous , cold and finally he¡¯s got me wrapped around his mighty fingers.

    ¡± You look nervous.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not¡­¡± I stutter. He¡¯s right. He¡¯s just about to freak me out with those damn eyes of his. We¡¯re so close right now and i don¡¯t even remember if we actually had issues a month ago. I can¡¯t breathe properly with just his delinquent figure in front of me.

    ¡°What if I kiss you right now?¡± He asks and that seems to make my heart beat skip.

    What the fuck is he waiting for?

    We¡¯re just inch apart and all i could feel is his hot breath against my neck.

    He wraps his hand around my waist and whisper against my neck. I swallow and fight the urge to run my fingers through his locks and trail my fingers down his body. How did he do this to me? I¡¯m hypnotized and it feels like I can¡¯t find my voice.

    God Ariel , he owes you an exnation. Right now he¡¯s acting like he didn¡¯t just abandoned me for over a month without a damn ¡®Hi¡¯. I should be angry at him but hell I can¡¯t stay angry at Gray. He¡¯s my worse distraction. And yes , he¡¯s gonna be the end of me and i don¡¯t even care.

    ¡°I¡¯m not feeling very well¡­¡±he tells me, trailing his fingers on my naive form.

    ¡°Why are you telling me this?¡±

    ¡°I want you to be my nurse. Kiss me till I feel better. Or maybe¡­¡± He whispers leaning closer to me so i could feel him .

    ¡°Babysit me tonight.¡±

    I scoff and stare at him. Is he serious? What is he , ten? How do you even babysit a man like Gray. Oh I get it , put on a sexy lingerie. Let himy on yourps while you tell him a cute romantic story. Good God.

    ¡± Gray you owe me an exnation. One month. Four whole weeks. You said you¡¯re leaving the city and you refused to call me or even text me. Have you gotten a new girl?¡± I ask bitterly.

    ¡± And why should I get a new girl?¡± He smirks and looks down at me.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know. Maybe because you¡¯re Gray Carter.¡±

    He chuckles and trails his fingers down my hair.

    ¡± I miss you so damn much.¡±

    I shake my head.¡± No you don¡¯t. I was worried and scared. You didn¡¯t even check on me Gray.¡±

    ¡± I know. Come over tonight and we¡¯ll talk it out.¡±

    ¡± So what if I didn¡¯t show up at your office?¡±

    ¡± I was gonna pay you a surprise visit. Come over tonight.¡±

    I sigh and cross my arms. Gray wraps his hands around my waist and sits me on his desk.

    ¡± Gray , Brooke might be waiting.¡± I ce my hand on his shoulders to stop him from what ever n he has in store for me.

    ¡± Fuck him.¡±

    He stands in between my legs with his hands firmly around my waist.

    ¡± I¡¯m so sorry. For everything. One month was stupid without you. I missed you.¡± He says and looks into my eyes.

    ¡± I missed touching you so badly¡­¡± he whispers as he runs his fingers up my curves.

    ¡± And I¡¯m sorry that I brought you troubles. They won¡¯te after you ever again.¡± He assures me as his eyes rakes me down.

    I can¡¯t find my breath. My heart beat is rapid and it hammers against my chest.

    ¡± How much do you miss me?¡± He asks. His forefinger trails down the buttons on my white dress shirt.

    ¡± A lot. I was depressed.¡± I admit, avoiding his eyes.

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry.¡±

    I look up at his facials and it is sincere.

    ¡± Why didn¡¯t you call?¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s a story for tonight. I wanna feel you while i tell you. Be my babysitter?¡± He smirks and leans down to nt a soft kiss on my neck.

    My eyes flutter shut as I heave out a deep breath. He takes out one button on my shirt as he kisses my neck. My fingers grace his back through his dress shirt. His left hand work out on my buttons. He smiles at my body and that made my core clench. He makes me wet with just his seductive stares. Gray kisses down my neck , he trails it down to my boobies. I moan when his teeth graze my skin. He¡¯s marking me.

    ¡± I miss you so damn much.¡± He says in between the kiss.

    ¡± Are you still on the pills?¡± He whispers and kisses my earlobe.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    ¡°Yes..¡± i squeak out.

    ¡± Good. You¡¯re spending the night.¡±

    The thought of us making love after this long break makes my panties wetter. He notices my nervousness and he smirks. He cups my cheeks and kisses my lips. I wrap my arms around his neck as I kiss back. His arousal press against my heat and I moan in his mouth. We kiss desperately as my hands tug gently on his hair. He makes me want him , love him and even hate him sometimes.

    ¡± Fuck , I love you so much.¡± He says and bites my bottom lip.

    ¡± I love you more , Jamal.¡±

    ¡± Don¡¯t call me Jamal.¡±

    ¡± Jamal.¡± I say and chuckle.

    He smiles widely and look up at me.

    ¡± Thanks for loving me through my worse shit.¡±

    I stay quiet as we stare at each other. Mob boss , criminal, murderer and I don¡¯t fuckin care. He has stolen my heart and I don¡¯t mind.

 Chapter 70

    I lean against the bathroom washbowl as I brush my teeth. It¡¯s almost 6:30 pm. I rinse my toothbrush and look at my reflection. My ck locks are braided into pigtails and I¡¯m nervous. One month was like a nightmare for me. I¡¯m nervous and i don¡¯t even know what to do with myself.

    ¡± Ariel.¡± Alexa shouts my name. She¡¯s always visiting since Gray left. Brandon and Piper knew he traveled but they don¡¯t know the story behind it. I can¡¯t tell them what Gray is and why he left.

    They always made sure I¡¯m okay and they are always visiting. She knocks on my bathroom door and I open the door for her. She looks down at my towel form and smirk. I¡¯m just with only my towel.

    ¡± Oh , shit. Expecting someone?¡± She grins.

    I chuckle and step out of the bathroom as we go to my room.

    ¡± Gray¡¯s back.¡± I say and sit on the chair of my dresser.

    ¡± Oh my God.¡± Alexa slumps on my bed.¡± And you guys are nning to make babies tonight. I¡¯ve got two condoms in my purse¡­¡± she says as she opens her purse.

    ¡± God , Alex. What are you doing with condoms ?¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re going to fuck your boyfriend and you don¡¯t want a condom?¡±

    ¡± You don¡¯t have a boyfriend , what are you doing with a condom?¡± I ask. She stops her search and pouts.

    ¡± Wait! Are those birth control pills? God Ariel.¡± I quickly pick up the pills and throw them inside the drawer.

    ¡± You¡¯ve not had sex with Gray for over a month plus but yet you keep contraceptives. I bet that answers your questions about why i keep condoms.¡± She chuckles.

    I take a deep breath and smile.

    ¡± I¡¯m nervous.¡±

    ¡± Why? You don¡¯t know how to smash again. I¡¯ve got good tips. How to ride a boner and how to give a really good head.¡±

    ¡± God , Alexa stop. I don¡¯t wanna hear it. Thanks for your terrible speech. I¡¯m just nervous because it¡¯s been a month since ist saw him. And¡­¡±

    ¡± You¡¯ve been horny since then.¡± She winks. I groan and roll my eyes. Such a dickhead.

    ¡± Make sure you don¡¯t wear panties. Or you can pick out a really sexy lingerie. I like red , it turns the mood on.¡±

    Iugh and get up.

    ¡± I need to take my bath.¡±

    ¡± Whatever. I¡¯m out to disturb Leslie. She¡¯s got a baby bump already. I can¡¯t believe she¡¯s really expecting a baby. Professor Lawson. I¡¯ve been suggesting names for her but she doesn¡¯t like anyone.¡±

    ¡± Alexa. Seriously , the baby is not even out yet.¡±

    She scoffs and stands up.

    ¡± Do you have food in this house? I¡¯m hungry.¡±

    ¡± Check the kitchen.¡± I tell her and go to the bathroom.

    ¡± Oh Ariel.¡± Alexa shouts my name.

    ¡± Yes , Alex.¡± I groan as I remove my towel.

    ¡± Don¡¯t forget to shave your legs and wax. You wouldn¡¯t want Gray to get lost in those fountains of pubes down there.¡±

    ¡± Shut up Alexa , I always wax.¡± I say and turn on the shower.

    ¡± I¡¯m just trying to be a good cousin.¡±

    I chuckle and step under the shower. Afterthering my skin , I rinse off thether and step out. I clean my skin and my hair. The braids are already out. I snake through my closet and decide to wear a ck strap dress with a V-neck. I blow dry my hair and decide to straighten it. I step on my shoes and pick my purse. I go to the living room and stop at the kitchen to see Alexa. She¡¯s cooking.

    ¡± Be safe and have fun.¡± She says. I nod and walk out of the house.

    *****

    I take a deep breath and step out of my car. I shut the door and look at this house I¡¯vee to miss. A month ago , Gray wasn¡¯t here including the men who guard the house and work for him. It was dead. I smile at Carl and he help me with the door. I look around and see Nick with Manny in the kitchen.

    ¡± Oh god. Whenst did I saw you?¡± Nick asks when he sees me.

    ¡± A month ago.¡± I tell him.

    ¡± Damn. You look beautiful.¡±

    ¡± Really Nick? She¡¯s your boss¡¯s girlfriend.¡± Manny tells him.

    ¡± My bad , he¡¯s upstairs. In his room.¡± He smiles as I nod. I give them a small smile and take the stairs and i almost bump into someone. God Reid. We can never be in good terms.

    He¡¯s always cold around me and it¡¯s obvious we can never be in good terms.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡± I say and walk past him. He didn¡¯t reply or look back at me.

    I exhale and knock on Gray¡¯s door. I twist the doorknob and walk in. The drapes are push to the end so the room isn¡¯t that dark. There¡¯s no Gray in here. A song ys through the stereo and it¡¯s a little low. I drop my purse on the couch and look around. The swimming pool in his bedroom bubbles as Gray swims out. He sweep his hair back with his palms and smiles at me.

    ¡± Hey.¡± I say and look down at him.

    His eyes rake down my body taking in my outfit. He¡¯s making me feel naked.

    ¡± You know nothing¡¯s gonna happen if you stand there with your clothes on, right?¡±

    I bite my lip and smile.

    ¡± Lock the door whening in.¡± He tells me and I nod.

    I walk to the door and lock it. I remove my shoes and keep it aside.

    ¡± Ariel.¡± Gray calls my name as I walk to the pool.

    ¡± I wanna watch you take it out. Stop being shy.¡± He says and smiles widely.

    I nod and take a deep breath. This feels like our first time. I hold the hem of my dress and pull it above my head. His eyes stay focus on my body that¡¯s d with red lingerie.

    ¡± I¡¯m waiting.¡± He says. His eyes are already dark and it burns with desire.

    I unsp my bra and take it out. His seductive stares is making me wet more than normal. I toss it away and slowly pull down my panties. My eyes lock with his as I take it out. Now I¡¯m naked. He swims to the edge and motion for me toe in. I slowly sit on the deck as Gray wraps his hands around my waist. I shudder to his touch as goosebumps rise in my skin. My nipples are already hard as I clench my legs together. Gray grabs my waist and pull me into the water with him. I swallow when his fingers touch down my back.

    ¡± Why are you nervous?¡± He whispers and swims to the middle with me.

    ¡± I still can¡¯t believe you¡¯re real.¡± I answer. Gray smiles.

    ¡± I thought about you through out the day and night. I couldn¡¯t wait to run into your arms again.¡± He says and wraps his hands around my waist.

    ¡± What took you so long?¡± I ask and rest my hands on his shoulders.

    ¡± I was handling business.¡±

    ¡± Murder?¡±

    He nods.

    ¡± Why¡¯s it alwayspulsory?¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s how the Mafia works. You can¡¯t change it. Moscov , dimir¡¯s brother refused money. It was a shitty battle.¡±

    ¡± Did you kill him?¡±

    He stays quiet and sighs.

    ¡± Don¡¯t tell me you did Gray.¡±

    ¡± I didn¡¯t. But I dropped a message. If he everes near you again. I¡¯m hitting him real hard.¡±

    ¡± How?¡± I ask Gray.

    ¡± He¡¯s got a baby mama.¡± He shrugs and trails his hands down my back to my butt. I shiver.

    ¡± You¡¯re beautiful. More beautiful than I can remember.¡± He smiles and I blush.

    ¡± Why didn¡¯t you call me?¡±

    ¡± I told you I don¡¯t handle business with my device on. I just got back and I really wanted to pay you a surprise visit.¡± He tells me.

    ¡± I¡¯m supposed to be angry at you. You know that right?¡± I ask him.

    ¡± Yeah. And I¡¯m really sorry.¡± He whispers and kisses my cheek.

    ¡± I won¡¯t be easy on you though.¡± He mutters and smirks before continuing.¡± I miss you so much. Everything about you. I miss how you make me feel when I¡¯m inside you.¡± He whispers and pulls me closer to him and I feel his arousal press against me.

    He kisses my neck to my corbone as my eyes flutter shut. My arms rest around his shoulders and I moan. His fingers travel down my spine to my butt cheek and he grabs it.

    ¡± I miss how you moan my name.¡± He says in between the kiss.

    He pulls back to look at me as he sp his lips on mine. Our mouths move in slow desperate moves and that makes my core clench. He lifts me up and sit me on the deck of the pool. He stands in between my legs and we resume kissing. I tug on his wet hair while he grabs my hips. He runs his fingers on my thighs as our lips move.

    ¡± Fuck , Tinkerbell.¡± He breathes out and leans his forehead against mine.

    I run my fingers through his damp hair. His wetshes flutters and he kisses me again. I moan in his mouth and kiss him deeply and so desperate. It¡¯s been long we kissed. How dare he abandoned me for a month? Gray kisses down my neck to my corbone. I throw my head back and moan. His teeth graze slowly down my skin as he tastes me. His warm lips wraps around my nipples and I gasp out a moan. His tongue flicks on my hard nipple as he swap to the other.

    I squirm and run my fingers down his tone back. He bites my nipple and kiss down my stomach. Gray looks up at me and smirks. He raises my legs and rest them on his shoulders. I breathe in to what he¡¯s about to do. I rest half my weight on my elbow that¡¯s lean on the floor of his room while Gray stays inside the water. He kisses my stomach again to my abdomen as his fingers run down my slit. I shiver and breathe in sharply. Gray kisses my inner thighs and swap to my other thighs.

    ¡± Oh God¡­¡± I moan and look down at him.

    He smirks andps his tongue on my core as I moan out profanities. He reaches to my chest and grabs my boob. His warm tongue works me out and I moan out his name. I squirm and cuss as Gray rubs his thumb around my hard nipple. He stops assualting my core as I try to catch my breath. Before I could take in deep breaths , Gray¡¯s finger slides into my wet entrance.

    ¡± Fuck . Oh shit. ¡±

    I look down at him with lidded eyes as he thrusts his fingers in and out of me. I throw my head back and squirm as his fingers work me to the edge. His thumb rub circles on my core and i nearly give up.

    ¡± Oh God.. I¡¯m close.¡±

    He slides his fingers out andtch his tongue on my slit.

    ¡± Oh my God¡­¡± I moan as I feel my stomach twitch.

    ¡± Fuck¡­¡± Gray groans. He looks up at me and smirks. He grabs my waist and pull me out of the deck with him.

    My legs wrap around his waist as he walks me to his bed. He tosses me on his bed and I giggle. That¡¯s what happens when you miss someone too much. He climbs on the bed like a predator and get in between my legs. His lipse in contact with mine and we kiss. He tastes like me . Gray spreads my legs with his knees without breaking the kiss. He stops kissing me and I feel him thrust slowly inside me.

    I moan silently as my walls stretch to amodate him. Gray groans as he thrusts deeply inside me.

    ¡± Fuck, i missed you so much.¡± He moans.

    ¡± God, i missed the way you make me feel. You¡¯re so damn tight. You feel so damn good.¡± he moans against my neck as he slowly thrust out and glides back.

    He kisses me again as he prates in and out of me. I moan and throw my head against the pillow. This feels too good.

    ¡± Look at me baby.¡± Gray whispers as he continues to prate in and out of me.

    I moan and nod as I lock eyes with him. My hands caress his tatted arms to his back. My nails dig into his skin as we make love. He groans and moans and it feels like music to my ears.

    ¡± Fuck. You¡¯re driving me crazy.¡± He continues the pace and leans down to flick his tongue on my nipple.

    I moan loudly ignoring the fact that there are people in his house. His tongue licks my nipple as he moves to the other.

    ¡± Fuck. Oh God.¡± I cuss.

    He pulls out and swiftly turns me around so I¡¯m on my fours. I arch my back a bit as he thrusts inside me. He leans down to nt a kiss on my shoulder de to my back. I press my face on the pillow and it muffles my moan. He groans my name as he increases the pace. He grabs my waist to meet his thrust. I breathe out and cry out moans as I lean against the pillow.

    ¡± You don¡¯t know how much i missed you Tinkerbell.

    I¡¯m already close to my orgasm as Gray continues in his faster pace. He cusses and groans and moans as he thrusts into me from behind. My legs feel week and they almost betray me to give up. Gray leans down to kiss my back. With every thrust of his , he¡¯s pushing me to my edge. I feel my stomach twitch and I¡¯m already close. My legs weaken as I reach my edge. I feel him twitch inside me.

    ¡± Fuck¡­¡± he groans loudly and release himself inside me.

    My breathing is rapid and ragged. I take in several breaths to catch my breath. He pulls out and i turn around. He smiles and press his build against me to take my lips. We kiss as I wipe the line of sweat off Gray¡¯s forehead.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡± He mutters in between the kiss.

    ¡± It¡¯s fine. You¡¯re here that¡¯s what matters.¡± I tell him and bite his bottom lip.

    He chuckles and kisses my forehead.

    ¡± Come on. You need to clean up.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m tired.¡± I whine.

    He huffs and carries me off the bed to the bathroom. I giggle and try to fight away from his grasp. He¡¯s stronger and he didn¡¯t budge. Gray turns on the shower and he step under it with me on his grasp. He slowly drops me on my feet as I turn around to shower. The warm water rinse down our skin. I rest both hands on the wall as Gray nt soft kisses on my neck. He kisses my neck down my shoulders as he gently bites it. I moan when I feel his arousal press against my back. He¡¯s hard again.

    I turn around and run my fingers down his chest. My eyes lock with his as I trail my hands to his lower region. I wrap my fingers around his length as he shudders. I kiss his chest and taste his skin to his nipple.

    ¡± Fuck , Tinkerbell.¡± He moans and grabs my ass.

    I bite his nipple and he groans. I stroke his length slowly and kiss his defined tone torso. I go on my knees and look up at him. His grey eyes are dark and covered in desires. He thread his fingers through my hair and look down at me. I give him onest stroke and take him into my mouth.

    ¡± Shit¡­¡± he breathes out. I guide him inside my mouth and slowly take him out. I stroke the end of him as I take him in and out of my mouth. Gray grabs my hair and thrust into my mouth.

    He throws his head back and moans. Gray pulls me up and lift me off the ground with my legs around his waist. He press my back against the wall and lean to kiss down my neck. I¡¯m pretty sure there are countless hickeys around my neck. I shudder when he thrusts inside of me. I wrap my arms around his neck and moan countless profanities.

    .

    ??????

    I blink my eyes and slowly open them. The bright ray of sunshine attack my eyes. I rub my eyelids and blink my eyes several times to get use to the sunlight. It¡¯s morning and I¡¯m still naked on Gray¡¯s bed. I barely could have any little amount of sleep. Gray wouldn¡¯t let me cause we made love till dawn. I throw the nket aside and get out of bed. I see Gray¡¯s shadow at the balcony and he¡¯s smoking. It¡¯s like he doesn¡¯t know about lung cancer.

    I stalk to his closet and put on his ck t-shirt without panties. I can¡¯t even find my clothes. I stop by at the full length mirror and I look like shit. My neck is covered with several love bites and my hair look like bird nest. I sigh and rub my palms down my hair to keep it still. I walk to the balcony and wrap my arms around his torso. He smells like hell. I kiss his shirtless back and smile.

    ¡± Hey.¡±

    ¡± Morning.¡± He responds.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    ¡± Morning.¡±

    ¡± Slept well?¡± He asks.

    I giggle. ¡± You know you deprived me of sleep Mr Carter.¡±

    ¡± Sorry about that Mrs Carter.¡± He says and I can feel him smiling even if his back is against my chest.

    ¡± You know there¡¯s a word called lung cancer right?¡±

    ¡± Yes. What about it?¡± He asks and looks down at me. So much for being petite. Gray flicks the butt of the cigarette on the ashtray that sits on the railing.

    ¡± It¡¯s caused by smoking, Gray.¡± I tell him. He chuckles and turns around to look at me.

    God he looks so handsome in his morning Glory. His hair is a bit messy and I did that because of too much tugging. He smirks with his cigarette between his lips. He takes the cigarette out and puff the smoke above my head. He drops the half smoked cigarette on the ashtray and wraps his hands around my waist.

    ¡± You shouldn¡¯t worry about me princess.¡± He says and kisses my forehead. I shut my eyes and breathe in.

    ¡± You know it¡¯s my duty to worry.¡±

    ¡± Yeah. And i want you not to worry.¡±

    I nod and smile.¡± What¡¯s up with Kennedy?¡±

    ¡± She¡¯s fine. I ask Jhene not to bring her. I¡¯ve too much to handletely. You miss her?¡±

    ¡± A lot. She¡¯s like your twin but the younger version.¡± I tell him.

    He shrugs and nods.

    ¡± I wanted to ask something.¡± I say.

    ¡± Go on.¡±

    I take a deep breath and look up at him. ¡± Meghan. You know how she died? Report said it was a heroin overdose.¡±

    Gray rolls his eyes and look above my head. Did he do it?

    ¡± Gray?¡±

    ¡± I injected her.¡±

    ¡± What? Why would you do that?¡± I re and remove my hands from around his torso.

    He scoffs and pulls me back to himself so i won¡¯t run.

    ¡± She had been using Sarai to steal informations from me. nned with dimir to hurt you and all that.¡±

    ¡± What?¡±

    ¡± Yes , Ariel. She wanted you dead. And she decides to use Sarai to get informations from me. It¡¯s passed Ariel.¡±

    ¡± What about Sarai? Did you kill her?¡±

    ¡± I fired her with ast warning. I¡¯m keeping an eye on her. I bet she left the country to start afresh.¡± Gray says and tuck my loose strands of hair behind my ear.

    I sigh and rest my head on his chest.

    ¡± You don¡¯t have to kill everyone Gray.¡± I mutter.

    ¡± I don¡¯t kill everyone. I would never hurt any innocent soul. That¡¯s wrong. She was a mole and moles don¡¯t get to live in a Mafia.¡±

    I sigh and nod.

    ¡± I miss you so much , Jamal.¡± I tell him and wrap my arms around his torso. I rub soothing circles on his lower back.

    ¡± I miss you too.¡± He says and kisses my temple.

    ¡± Alexa wants a job.¡±

    ¡± What?¡± He asks and looks at me. I chuckle and shrug.

    ¡± She¡¯s a freak and can possibly fit in for Sarai¡¯s position. She would never hurt me or even steal from you. She likes your mafia.¡±

    He chuckles and bites his bottom lip.

    ¡± She dated dimir remember and also a Sicilian mob boss.¡±

    ¡± Reasons why she¡¯s fit for it. She won¡¯t tell anyone and she was sworn into the code of silence. The Omert¨¤.¡±

    ¡± Wait. Who told you that?¡± He asks surprisingly.

    Iugh and pout.¡± I¡¯m a genius. I know about it and you got it inked on your skin. Your back. Who gave you that?¡±

    ¡± Sinir.¡± He replies. I smile and nod.

    ¡± I¡¯ll ask Nick to bring Alexa. And you my queen , I¡¯m teaching you how to shoot a gun.¡±

    ¡± No way.¡±

    ¡± Yes way. You¡¯re dating a mob boss Ariel , you have to learn how to shoot a gun.¡±

    I can¡¯t even hurt a fly and he wants me to shoot a gun.

    ¡± It¡¯s not a request , I¡¯m teaching you. Today.¡±

    I roll my eyes and huff. I can¡¯t fight it. It¡¯s just learning I¡¯m not gonna kill anyone.

    ¡± I heard you¡¯re on vacation. Semester is over.¡±

    ¡± Yes. I¡¯m totally happy.¡±

    ¡± Hawaii?¡± He asks and smiles at me.

    We¡¯re traveling to Hawaii?

    ¡± Hawaii.¡±

 Chapter 71

    I quickly take my bath and brush my teeth. I can¡¯t believe I¡¯ll be shooting a gun. A damn gun. I clean my body and put on his t-shirt and boxer briefs. I blow dry my hair and wrap it up in a messy bun. I decide to cook something but Mr Carter thinks it¡¯s nice he ordered for food.

    I text Alexa on my way to the kitchen that Gray would love to recruit.

    From Alexa; No fuckin way. You mean he said yes?

    I roll my eyes and reply her back.

    To Alexa; kinda. Juste over today. I¡¯m learning how to shoot a gun. How terrific.

    I chuckle and drop my phone on the kitchen counter. The house looks quiet than usual. I open the kitchen cabs and decide to make tea since Gray decides to order food. My phone chimes and I grab it.

    From Alexa: you¡¯re shooting a gun. Gray wants to teach you how to shoot a gun. OMG. Finally he¡¯s done something useful.

    I chuckle and boil water.

    To Alexa; I¡¯m nervous. I¡¯ve never done this before.

    From Alexa; breathe. It¡¯s easy. Just imagine you giving him a blowjob. I bet you weren¡¯t that nervous when you wanted him that day.

    Good God. I thought we were talking about shooting three seconds ago. I switch off the stove and make tea.

    To Alexa; Thanks cousin. You¡¯re so terrible.

    I stir my tea and bring it to my lips. Someone wrap their hands around my waist and that startles me to the extent I almost pour tea on my shirt. Gray chuckles beside me and lean his head on my shoulder.

    ¡± Did I scare you?¡± He asks.

    I scoff and drops the mug on the counter.

    ¡± That was a bit hot. It almost burnt my lips.¡± I whine.

    ¡± Oh , I¡¯m really sorry. Lemme take a look.¡± He turns me around and sits me on the counter next to my tea.

    He pushes the tea aside and stand in between my legs. His thumb caresses my lower lip seductively.

    ¡± Gray stop turning me on.¡± I giggle.

    ¡± You¡¯re so unholy. Who said I¡¯m turning you on?¡± He asks and caresses my lips slowly. His thumb pad graze my teeth and I bite it.

    ¡± Fuck.¡± He retreat his thumb and bites his bottom lip. He doesn¡¯t even look hurt.

    ¡± Are you hurt?¡± I ask and smirk.

    He smirks devilishly at me and wraps his arms around my waist. His nose nuzzles my neck as he bites my skin gently. I gasp and bite my bottom lip.

    ¡± You¡¯re so evil , Tinkerbell.¡± He whispers and kisses my neck. He nts trail of kisses down my neck to my shoulder and he bites my shoulder de through his t-shirt I¡¯m wearing.

    I moan and wrap my arms around his neck. His right hand caresses my thighs to my hips to my back. He seduce my skin with his hand to my chest and he cups my boob. I¡¯m not wearing a bra.

    ¡± Gray¡­¡± I moan in his ear and kiss his earlobe. Gray groans against my neck and let his thumb rub circles on my already hard nipple.

    I forget the fact that there might be people around the house. But this feels too good to stop. I leave a trail of kisses down his neck as he continues to twist my nipple. I moan against his neck and kiss the line of tattoos on his neck. I pause when I see something familiar close to his shoulder bone. My name. He tattooed ny name on his neck. When did he get this? This doesn¡¯t look new.

    Gray pulls his face back to look at me.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay?¡± He asks with concern.

    I smile and trail my forefinger on the ink. He looks down at his shoulder and shrugs.

    ¡± I got that the week you wanted a break. I missed you terribly.¡± He says as his fingers caress the side of my boob.

    I run my fingers through his hair and kiss him at once. He smirks in between the kiss and kiss back. His hand grabs my hips and the waistline of my panties. Gray¡¯s lips move with mine and I moan into his mouth. His tongue glides against mine and his fingers trail my skin.

    ¡± Fuck , i wanna take you right here.¡±

    I smirk and bite my bottom lip.

    ¡± You¡¯ve got people around.¡±

    ¡± I can ask them to leave. I want you badly right now.¡± He mutters against the skin of my neck.

    I giggle as he kisses my neck. I shut my eyes and smile.

    ¡± We¡¯re traveling tomorrow. In my yacht. You shouldn¡¯t bring clothes cause you won¡¯t be needing it.¡± He says.

    ¡± What?¡±

    ¡± Cause I¡¯ll be fucking you every minute. And I wanna look at your body every day.¡± He smirks and snaps my panties against my skin.

    I moan at his dirty talks as my core clench. My panties is already wet due to his ever seductive words.

    ¡± And you¡¯re gonna moan so loud. Cause I want the sea to listen.¡± He mutters against my skin and kiss it.

    ¡± You¡¯re gonna make me cum with your words.¡± I mutter and shut my eyes.

    I feel his lips tug at the end of my skin as he smirks. His finger slides down my wet slit through my panties.

    ¡± I was miserable without you , Ariel. I couldn¡¯t sleep without you creeping into my dreams. I missed the way you feel around my fingers and how you taste in my mouth.¡± He whispers as two fingers slide inside my wet core.

    ¡± Gray¡­¡± I moan and grip to his shoulder.

    ¡± Fuck¡­¡± he groans and begins to fasten his fingers inside me. I throw my head back and moan loudly. Wherever Nick , Manny or Reid is right now , i bet they are sprinkling the house with holy water.

    Gray kisses my neck to my throat. My legs are already weak and I can feel my orgasm. Gray pulls out his fingers and smile at me. Wait! What? I¡¯m not even done yet.

    ¡± Seriously , Gray.¡± I groan and re at him.

    He chuckles and locks the kitchen door. Oh , I didn¡¯t see thating.

    ¡± Off your shirt.¡± He tells me.

    ¡± Wish this was my penthouse.¡± He mutters and helps me with my shirt. My tea is already cold because of Gray. He tosses my shirt on the counter and made me lean on my elbows.

    My legs rest on his shoulders as I shudder. His hot breath fans my heat and I¡¯m already anticipating for more. Heps his tongue on my wet entrance and I moan out loudly. He grabs my boob in one hand while the other hold tight to my waist to keep me still. He sucks and licks and that made me moan louder than usual. He rubs my nipple and eat me out.

    ¡± Oh my God , Gray.¡±

    I try to lean on my elbows but I¡¯m already loosing it. I tug on his hair and throw my head back at the wonders of his lips.

    ¡± Gray , I want you.¡± I moan out and run my fingers down his shirtless back.

    He looks up at me and stands upright. He leans closer to me and kisses me.

    ¡± You¡¯re sure about that?¡±

    ¡± Yes.¡± I breathe out.

    ¡± Tell me how you want me babe?¡± He mutters and kisses my nipple.

    I moan. ¡± I want you inside me.¡± He looks up at me and smirks. I sit up and run my fingers down his chest to the waistline of his sweatpants. His breathing quickens as he watches my every move. I rub his erection through the thin material of his sweatpants and he sucks in a deep breath. I help him pull down his sweatpants to reveal his Calvin Klein briefs. I touch him through the boxers as I slide my hands inside. Yeah , too much bravery when ites to do this and I¡¯m scared of a gun. I need God.

    I drag his briefs down and wrap my little finger around his arousal.

    ¡± Boss. The food delivery is here.¡± Manny knocks on the kitchen door.

    ¡± Fuck¡­¡± Gray groans and re at the door. ¡± Keep it. I¡¯m busy.¡±

    ¡± Sure.¡± Manny says and I hear his footsteps disappear.

    Gray looks back at me and kisses in between my boobies. I shudder when I feel him thrust inside me. My right hand grab his shoulder while the other hold tight to the counter for dear life. He groans when he stretches my walls and I¡¯m already moaning. He thrusts out and thrust back in. I roll my eyes into my head and moan his name over and over again.

    ***

    ¡± Come on. You ain¡¯t getting hurt.¡± Gray reassures me for the hundredth time today.

    I roll my eyes and sigh as we walk to the basement. We climb down the stairs to an open space. I¡¯ve never been down here before. His hands circles round my wrist as I nce around. He pulls me to himself and smiles at me. He raises his right hand and tuck back my loose strands of hair.

    ¡± Are you okay?¡± He asks.

    I nod and give him a small smile.

    ¡± Just nervous. Never handle a gun before. If you didn¡¯t walk into my life, I¡¯m not sure I¡¯m ever gonna see a gun.¡± I tell him.

    ¡± You¡¯ll be fine. Cause you might gonna need it. You¡¯re dating a mob boss and that automatically makes you his queen.¡± He says and kisses my temple.

    He turns me around and walks me to a long table. The lights are on and it looks extremely bright down here. Like an underground parking lot. The table has two guns and they are all unloaded. I can do this. It¡¯s no big deal. The tables are covered in ssic tin cans that¡¯s amount to five.

    ¡± These are gonna be your target.¡± He says and point to the cans.

    He picks up a hand gun and hand me the other one.

    ¡± This is the ammo. It¡¯s also called bullet , i know you know that.¡± He says and smirks at me waving the bullet in my face. It¡¯s so little.

    ¡± Yeah , I watch countless crime movies.¡± I huff and look down at the bullet in my hand.

    ¡± And you still can¡¯t shoot a gun. Damn.¡± He chuckles and smiles at me. How am I supposed to concentrate with him wearing just sweatpants and no t-shirt. I can¡¯t believe he would ink my name in his skin. I didn¡¯t see thating.

    ¡± Tinkerbell.¡± Gray snap me out of my eye raping session.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡± I chuckle and motion for him to go on.

    ¡± This is how you load a hand gun. It¡¯s simr to loading a Glock too and every other hand guns.¡±

    I nod and watch him load his gun. I did same too but I was extremely slow. He asks me to take the bullet out and I did.

    ¡± Reload. And stop being nervous.¡± I smile and nod. I wasn¡¯t nervous when I was taking his sweatpants out. Why being nervous with handling a gun?

    I reload the gun this time faster and he smiles

    ¡± Don¡¯t ever stand close to the target , always give them like four feets. That¡¯s how you shoot.¡± He tutors and ask me to move back from the cans.

    He drops his gun and stand behind me. He position my right hand and help me put my forefinger on the trigger. I watch him pulls the hammer and I take that note down.

    ¡± Who¡¯s your worst enemy?¡± He asks behind me still holding my right hand to shoot.

    ¡± I¡¯m not sure I¡¯ve got one.¡± I answer.

    ¡± Really?¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡± Do you think everyone likes you?¡± He asks. His voice is calm against my neck.

    ¡± Well no. What you gonna do if Meghan wants to shoot you in the heart?¡± Meghan? God he¡¯s unbelievable.

    ¡± Stop being the good girl for a second. What are you gonna do? If she bullies you in public , shot you and made you feel weak.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna shoot her ass?¡±

    ¡± Good. Breathe and aim.¡± He smirks against my ear. I didn¡¯t even know when I pull the trigger on the first can without missing. I shoot the second , the third and every single can without missing.

    ¡± Easy?¡± He asks andes to stand in front of me with his usual smirking.

    ¡± Maybe.¡± I breathe out.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    ¡± I want you to be brave. You¡¯re gonna shoot someone too.¡±

    ¡± What?¡±

    ¡± Yes.¡± He gives me another gun and change the cans.

    ¡± Let¡¯s try two guns at a time. Go on. Imagine the cans to be your worst enemies.¡± He instructs and stands at a corner.

    I load the two guns and aim at the six cans. Damn I missed two.

    ¡± Go on. You¡¯re on a lesson Ariel. We ain¡¯t leaving till you are a good shooter.¡± He tells me and changes the cans again.

    I groan and reload both guns. This is kinda fun. I aim and shoot each cans without missing a damn one. I never thought I can ever shoot a gun. Gray smiles at me and asks me to keep on shooting each cans he changes till I¡¯m good enough. He walks to a corner and return with a bigger gun. I think it¡¯s an assault rifle. Dumb me it is.

    ¡± Where did you get it from?¡± I ask and drop the two guns.

    ¡± Same basement. I have a load of them here.¡± He says and hand it to me.

    ¡± You¡¯re shooting a target chart instead.¡± He says as he walks me to another corner. It has three charts.

    ¡± You¡¯re aiming at the bullseye. It helps better when learning how to shoot this.¡± He says and ce my hand properly to hold it.

    I take a deep breath and look at him.

    ¡± You¡¯ll be fine.¡± He tells me.

    ¡± Something is bothering me Gray.¡±

    ¡± What?¡± He asks and takes the gun from me.

    ¡± Do you think Sinir is my father?¡±

    ¡± Why would you say that?¡± He asks looking at me like I¡¯ve suddenly grown two heads.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know. Maybe when I saw him in Miami , I feel this tension that I can¡¯t really point my fingers at. It¡¯s weird.¡±

    ¡± Did your mom tell you that?¡±

    ¡± No. I couldn¡¯t look away from him when we met in Miami.¡± I say.

    Gray runs his fingers through his hair and looks at me with concern.

    ¡± Why didn¡¯t you look away from him?¡± Gray asks.

    I turn to look at him and take a deep breath.

    ¡± I saw myself in him.¡±

 Chapter 72

    I grip tightly to the gun as I shut my eyes. Gray walks slowly to me and hug me. I smile and lean into his hug.

    ¡± Breathe , okay?¡±

    I nod and wrap my arms around his torso. Damn this gun is a bit heavy.

    ¡± Stop thinking the impossible, okay? Sinir can¡¯t be your father. My father was his best buddy and he never mentioned he had a daughter.¡±

    ¡± What about a wife?¡± I ask, still hugging tight to him.

    ¡± Didn¡¯t get married. He was a hot head and powerful and there were rivals. He couldn¡¯t deal with a wife. But I think he got a mistress then.¡±

    I release myself from his grip and look up at him.

    ¡± What happened to her?¡±

    ¡± Got shot in a Mafia war. With the Russians too. dimir¡¯s father and she died.¡±

    I sigh and take a deep breath. Got shot and she died. What if things go wrong and I¡¯m six feet under the earth? God.

    ¡± It¡¯s okay. He¡¯s not your father. Don¡¯t let that Trent shit get into your head okay.¡±

    ¡± Trent isn¡¯t the only one who said that same thing. Cage said I looked familiar.¡±

    Gray scoffs.¡± Forget about Cage. He¡¯s a shit head. Have you seen your blood sample? Does it match with your parents?¡±

    ¡± My mom. We¡¯ve got same blood sample. I don¡¯t even know why I¡¯m thinking about this.¡± I chuckle.

    Gray smiles and kisses my forehead.

    ¡± I¡¯ll be fine. Don¡¯t worry.¡± I smile at him and pick up the cartridge. I carefully load into the gun and point at the chart.

    ¡± Wait who thought you how to load that?¡± He asks.

    I chuckle.

    ¡± Once in a while , i release my inner demon. I sort of like watching stuff like this on the inte.¡± I say and squeeze the trigger and shoot. I missed.

    ¡± And you freaked out when you saw me pull out a gun.¡± He chuckles behind me and straighten my hand.

    ¡± I never thought I would see that in real life. Didn¡¯t even dream about falling in love with a mobster.¡± I tell him and shoot the bullseye. Almost close.

    Gray nods and stands at a corner to watch me.

    ¡± Are you okay with Alexa working for you?¡± I ask and shoot the chart.

    ¡± As long as she doesn¡¯t cause me more trouble , yes. Take a deep breath Ariel and aim before pulling the trigger.¡± He tells me.

    I look at him and smile. I rx my shoulders and take a deep breath as I aim.

    ¡± So what if she causes you troubles?¡± I ask and focus on the bullseye.

    ¡± What type of troubles?¡± Gray asks calmly.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know. Mafia trouble.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m not sure about that. She dated dimir and Massimo. I bet she knows a lot about the mob and how it works.¡± Gray says.

    I smile and nod and then squeeze the trigger. Yes , it hit it.

    ¡± Don¡¯t stop shooting because you aimed at it. Keep going.¡± He says and smiles at me.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    I huff.¡± Yes , boss.¡± I reply and continue shooting at the target.

    ¡± She¡¯s a fun person and always have my back.¡± I tell him as I keep on shooting. Most times i missed while often times I aimed at the bullseye.

    Gray didn¡¯t answer. He stays quiet and watches me shoot.

    ¡± I wanted to ask. That day at Sandy¡¯s when you walked in to order for something. Alexa lend your phone and dialed in her number. You didn¡¯t call her , why?¡± I sigh and turn to look at him. This just remembered me of Vickie.

    My first friend. Blonde and really nice. We don¡¯t usually talk often but we texts sometimes. Thest time we talked , she said she was in Australia. Her parents got a divorce and she left with her mom.

    ¡± I knew she was your cousin. And I truly liked you then. I can¡¯t decide to fuck your cousin for fun while I¡¯m into you.¡± He says. That melts my heart.

    Before, I never really knew that was his reason. I thought maybe Alexa wasn¡¯t really his type. I mean she¡¯s naturally hot. She¡¯s sexy and always beautiful. I wondered why he didn¡¯t like her but a naive me instead. I smile and throw the used cartridge at Gray. He catches it while i take another one and insert it.

    ¡± And Freddie? He stopped calling or texting. What did you tell him , Jamal?¡± I ask and aim. I look briefly at him before looking back at the chart.

    I take a deep breath and squeeze the trigger. Yes! It was a perfect shot.

    ¡± I said I was gonna kill him.¡±

    ¡± What!¡± I turn to look at him.¡± You were joking right? You wouldn¡¯t kill Freddie.¡±

    ¡± Yeah. But if he tried toe after you ever again , I¡¯ll. For fuck¡¯s sake Ariel , he fuckin took advantage of you. I overlooked it because of you. I didn¡¯t want you to feel bad.¡±

    ¡± What else did you tell him?¡±

    Gray sighs and rubs his temple.¡± That i was gonna tell Manny to fuck his mom.¡±

    ¡± First, stop swearing.¡±

    He chuckles and bites his lips.¡± Second , that was crazy. You were gonna tell Manny to take advantage of his ma. That¡¯s like inhumane.¡±

    ¡± Fuck, no way. I would never do that. She always likes to look young and pretty. She likes younger guys sometimes. I was gonna make it look like a date. She¡¯s always gonna fall.¡± He scoffs.

    God. He¡¯s unbelievable.

    Why would he think of such ns?

    That¡¯s like suicide.

    I can¡¯t even imagine Gray pulling a trigger on Freddie. I¡¯m not sure I can withstand that.

    I shake my head sideways and drop the gun on the table.

    This is devastating.

    Gray sighs and walks to me. I roll my eyes and re at him. He smirks and pulls me to himself for a hug.

    ¡± Breathe, Tinkerbell. I am looking out for you. You¡¯re my priority and no one¡¯s gonna hurt you. I won¡¯t let that happen. Not for anything okay. I love you so much.¡± He mutters against my hair as he hugs me.

    I sigh and wrap my arms around his torso. I bury my face against his chest and breathe in his cologne. How can someone smell this good.

    ¡± Thanks Gray. Freddie is an ass , yes. But sometimes I can¡¯t watch him get hurt. Despite everything that happened , I still can¡¯t forget the other Freddie. The one who looked out for me. Please don¡¯t hurt him. Even if he tries to talk to me again , please don¡¯t ever hurt him , I¡¯m begging you Gray.¡±

    Gray sighs deeply , totally hopeless. He hugs me tighter and kisses my temple.

    ¡± Okay.¡± He answers.¡± Can I torture him a bit?¡±

    I chuckle and pinch his waist.¡± Please don¡¯t.¡± I smile, looking up at him. He shrugs and nods.

    He brings his face down and kisses me. It was short , quick but passionate. Just one man stole my heart , stole my breath, and always have a way of making my toes curl.

    ¡± Let¡¯s go back to ss. Shall we?¡± He asks and tilts his head to the side. I giggle and nod.

    ¡± Yes boss.¡± I stand on my toes and peck his lips.

    ¡± If you keep on doing that , I¡¯ll have to postpone lessons and bend you over that table.¡± He warns cheekily with a smirk.

    I smile and roll my eyes.

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna go back to ss.¡± I wink and pick up the gun.

    I take a deep and look up at the charts. They almost look worn out.

    ¡± Now shoot baby.¡±

    ???????

    ¡± So you¡¯re his best buddy?¡± Alexa asks Reid.

    ¡± And you¡¯re.¡± Reid asks.

    ¡± Alexa. Your new tormentor.¡± She answers. I climb down the stairs with Gray.

    The living room looks busy. Lots of men with ck jackets and ck dress shirts. Most of them talk amongst themselves with cigarettes on their lips. They look busy. Like they are drawing out a map. Alexa was talking to Reid when we walked in. Manny walks in with Nick as these men stop working.

    ¡± Alexa.¡± Gray says.

    ¡± Hi , Mr Carter. This is really weird despite the fact that we¡¯ve met before.¡± She takes a deep breath and smiles.

    Gray smiles warmly at her and nod. His whole demeanor always changes each time he¡¯s around employees. Not that cheeky , flirty, boyfriend. But cold , intimidating and serious. I like both I think. I tuck my hair behind my ear and stand next to Manny.

    ¡± Your cousin huh?¡± Manny whispers to me.

    ¡± Yes. A crazy one.¡± I whisper back.

    ¡± How crazy. On the scale of one to ten.¡± Manny whispers with his hands tuck in his pockets. He¡¯s one of the few ones with no tattoos.

    ¡± Ten.¡±

    ¡± Holy fuck.¡± He exims. Gray turns to look at us. I smile and zip my mouth as I give Manny the invisible key. Manny pretends to take it and yfully res at me.

    Gray shakes his head and resumes talking to Alexa. I never knew they¡¯ve been talking.

    ¡± You¡¯ve shot someone before right?¡± Gray asks Alexa.

    ¡± Yeah. Several scum bags.¡± She replies innocently with her hands behind her.

    ¡± Okay. I hope you¡¯re gonna be different from the others.¡±

    ¡± Of course. I would never hit on you considering the fact that you¡¯re my sister¡¯s sweetheart. You guys are in love, I¡¯ll never try to break it.¡± She smiles and look my way.

    ¡± Sure. And one more thing. No sexual rtionship with anyone at all. I won¡¯t take it.¡± Gray says.

    ¡± Deal. Wait! What? And Nick?¡± She asks and looks at Nick.

    ¡± No one. You can like anyone outside but not a fellow colleague.¡±

    ¡± Wait up. She¡¯s the new Sarai?¡± Reid asks. Gray sighs but didn¡¯t answer.

    ¡± Okay. I have a question. Reid are you gay?¡±

    Okay that was a little weird. Alexa¡¯s question made everyone cackles and chuckles.

    ¡± Bitch , seriously.¡± Reid res at her.

    ¡± You don¡¯t like me I know. I¡¯m sure you like no one except your best buddy. You¡¯re sure you¡¯re not gay. Have you explored your sexuality? You might be gay you know.¡± Alexa rambles.

    Gray huffs and turns to leave. I palm my forehead and watch Alexa and Reid.

    ¡± Okay , that¡¯s enough. Everyone go back to work. Alexa, Manny will tell you what to do. And you Nick , don¡¯t try to fuck her. I sense the fuckin sexual tension between you two.¡± Gray points at them as he looks back at me.

    Alexa huffs. Gray stops beside me and asks if I wanna follow him back to my room. I tell him no that i wanna talk to Alexa. She now works for the mob , basically making her a mobster, if that¡¯s even a thing. He kisses my temple and climbs the stairs. We¡¯re traveling tomorrow. I cross my arm and turn to look at Alexa talking to Manny. She giggles like a teenager. Reid walks to stand next to me as he lights a cigarette.

    ¡± What¡¯s with your sisters? Why did you talk her to work for Gray.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re being irrational.¡± I scoff.

    ¡± Huh! It¡¯s gonna take the Lord¡¯s doing to make me and you like each other. You¡¯re too unpredictable.¡± Reid tells me.

    ¡± Yeah? Because you tried to hit on me and make me sleep with you and you didn¡¯t seed , you then turn it to hate? What type of adult does that? You should be thanking me i didn¡¯t tell Gray what you did. How you pped my butt and threatened my life.¡±

    ¡± What!¡± A familiar voice says behind us.

    We turn around swiftly to see an annoyed and raged Gray. He looks between me and Reid as he res at Reid.

    ¡± You smacked her butt?¡±

 Chapter 73

    ¡± You smarked her butt?¡± Gray asks.

    The room turns quiet as everyone turns to look at us. I bet they didn¡¯t hear a thing. Just wondering what¡¯s got Gray worked up.

    ¡± Come on Tinkerbell.¡± Gray grabs my wrist and take me upstairs.

    He opens the door of his bedroom as we enter. I lean against the door and cross my arms. Gray spin on his heel and res at me.

    ¡± Why didn¡¯t you say a fucking word?¡± He yells.

    I chew on my bottom lip and rub my palm down my upper arm.

    ¡± Ariel, why did he fuckin smacked your butt and you didn¡¯t tell me. When did that happen?¡±

    ¡± I didn¡¯t wannae between you and your friend.¡±

    ¡± When did that happen?¡± He asks calmly and walks slowly to my tense form.

    ¡± That party with Trent. The day I had to put on a blonde wig.¡± I tell him and sigh.

    ¡± What did he do?¡±

    ¡± Look it¡¯s passed. I really¡­¡±Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± Ariel, what did he do?¡± Gray yells , louder than usual.

    I flinch backwards and hit my back against the door. He sighs and shut his eyes.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡± He apologizes. I nod and look away from me.

    ¡± What happened that day? Tell me the truth.¡± He pressures.

    ¡± He followed me to the bathroom that day. Tell it to my face that he doesn¡¯t like me and I¡¯m a slut. He asked me how much you paid me to sleep with me and he would also want to sleep with me too.¡± I take a deep breath , remembering that day. I hated myself that day. He made me feel like a whore and a cheap one at that.

    He reminded me of Whatever thing Freddie did to me. It was so aweful. I always try not to think about it each time I see Reid. I didn¡¯t even n to tell Gray anytime soon. I can¡¯t ruin their friendship and I don¡¯t want Gray to overreact.

    ¡± I ignored him and tried to walk past him , that¡¯s how he smacked my butt. I pped him and he threatened me that , if i tell you , he¡¯s gonna kill me and my family.¡± I say and rub my nape. This feels so awkward.

    ¡± Why didn¡¯t you tell me Ariel?¡±

    ¡± It¡¯splicated. I wanted to but I was extremely hurt. I thought you didn¡¯t like me that much. I thought you wanted to have your way with me. He made me feel like a slut. And also he was your best friend , I never want toe between you two.¡±

    Gray looks really angry. He¡¯s trying so much to hold back the urge to kill someone. He takes a deep breath and pulls me to himself for a hug.

    ¡± It¡¯s okay. I would never wanna use you , you know that right?¡±

    I nod against his chest. Gray rubs small circles on my lower back and kisses my temple.

    ¡± You mean everything to me and i mean it. I¡¯m sorry if he did that to you.¡±

    ¡± What are you nning Gray? Please forget about it.¡±

    He chuckles and looks down at me.

    ¡± And why should I forget about it?¡±

    ¡± You¡¯ve known him for ages.¡±

    ¡± That doesn¡¯t give him a fuckin right to touch you Ariel. He doesn¡¯t even have a right to look at you.¡±

    ¡± Gray, forgive him okay. I wouldn¡¯t me him that much , he thought I¡¯m one of these golddiggers.¡±

    Gray smiles and leans down to kiss me. He pulls back and pecks my cheek.

    ¡± Need to have a word with him.¡± He sighs and motions for me to move from the door.

    ¡± Are you gonna fight?¡±

    He smirks and shakes his head sideways. That didn¡¯t look satisfying.

    ¡± Gray , please don¡¯t start a fight.¡±

    ¡± Breathe , Tinkerbell. He¡¯s my friend and I know how to handle him. Alright?¡± He says softly and kisses my forehead.

    I nod and move out of the way. His grey eyes are dark and I¡¯m pretty sure Gray is gonna cause a scene. He opens the door and walks out. I made the sign of the cross and cross my arm. I pace around the room till I couldn¡¯t hold back my nervousness. I storm out of the room and walk down the hall. I hear Gray¡¯s voice and I am pretty sure he¡¯s talking to Reid. Reid doesn¡¯t even stay here , yet he¡¯s got a room here. God I¡¯m so crazy. I stop beside the door and listen to their conversation.

    ¡± Really Reid? You had to smack her fuckin butt because you want to fuck her.¡±

    ¡± Fuck me Gray. You¡¯re gonna me me now? You even believe the shit your bitch said.¡±

    ¡± Call her a bitch one more time and I swear to God , I¡¯ll fuckin make you pay. Now tell me why the fuck did you smack her butt. You knew i liked her and you had to go after her. What the fuck is wrong with you.¡± Gray yells.

    ¡± You gon¡¯ me me now? The fuck dude , i thought she was one of your whores.¡±

    ¡± One of my whores? When did we start fucking the same girl? Even if you thought she¡¯s a whore why would you wanna fuck my whore? I thought we were friends. You knew i was into her and you couldn¡¯t keep your dick in your pants. What the fuck is wrong with your dumbass.¡±

    ¡± My dumbass? Nigga what makes you think she loves you so much? What makes you think she¡¯s not gonna ruin you. She¡¯d already ruined you man. I¡¯ve been for you since we were teenagers. And now what , you¡¯re picking a bitch over our friendship. You¡¯re acting like a pussy. ¡± Reid yells back.

    The next thing I hear is a loud punch. Oh my God.

    ¡± One more word I dare you.¡± Gray growls. I shudder and bite my lip nervously.

    ¡± Don¡¯t you fuckin talk to her like that again. I¡¯mma beat your ass right here right now. Stay the fuck away from her. I ain¡¯t kidding.¡± Gray spits out.

    I hear Reid chuckles and scoff.

    ¡± Fuck you bro.¡± Reid tells him.

    Another growl follows and a punch. I swiftly open the door and race inside the room. Reid looks like shit. Gray grabs his shirt and continuously ms his fist against Reid. Reid tries to fight back but Gray looks like a beast. I run to the fight and try to stop Gray.

    ¡± Gray , stop this.¡± I shout as I try to separate them.

    He didn¡¯t listen or stop. Gray¡¯s got him press aggressively against the coffee table.

    ¡± Gray¡­¡± I yell louder. Gray groans and let go of Reid. Oh Jesus , Reid¡¯s face looks battered and bleeding. He¡¯s got a torn lip and a broken nose.

    ¡± Please stop.¡± I hold his forearm with both hands as I look up at Gray with almost watery eyes. This is what I¡¯ve been avoiding. Dissing and fighting.

    ¡± Satisfied huh?¡± Reid taunts and spits out blood.

    Gray res at him but I hold him back. I never thought I would ever see this side of Gray anytime soon. He runs his fingers through his hair and look down at me. His face softens and his eyes are bright.

    ¡± Stay away from every activity that pertains to the mob till you learn how to treat women with respects. You fucked her sister and got her pregnant. You didn¡¯t have no dignity to correct your shit , now my girl. Don¡¯t try to talk to me except you¡¯re ready to apologize to her. You can get the fuck out of my house when you¡¯re ready.¡±

    ¡± Gray.¡± I call his name. That decision is too much and really hurtful. They are best friends for goodness sake.

    Gray grabs my wrist and walks me out of the room.

    ¡± You can¡¯t do that to him.¡± I tell him on our way to his room.

    ¡± Do what?¡±

    ¡± Beat him up and ask him to leave your house. You even asked him to stop working for the Mafia. You¡¯re hurting him.¡±

    ¡± He hurt you Ariel. What am I supposed to do? Apud him and tell him I¡¯m fine with whatever shitty attitude he pulls up. I won¡¯t fuckin take it.¡± He scoffs and pulls me into his room.

    ¡± But asking him to stop working for the mob Is unfair Gray. I believe he¡¯s your right hand man.¡±

    ¡± Fuck him , I don¡¯t fuckin care.¡± He scoffs and sits on the couch.

    I cross my arms and scoff. Gray draws me to himself with the hem of my shirt to sit on hisp. He wraps his arms around my waist as my back press against his chest. His head nuzzles my neck and he smiles against my skin.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡± He mutters against my skin and sighs.¡± I just hate the way he always try to control my life and make decisions for me. As friends he should always try to ept my rtionship and not try to ruin it. He¡¯s a fucker.¡±

    I chuckle and fiddle his fingers.

    ¡± I feel his pain. It¡¯s like you don¡¯t care about him anymore since I walk into your life. He¡¯s hurt because he thinks you don¡¯t care about him anymore.¡±

    ¡± He knows that¡¯s a lie. He likes you and he wished he could have you.¡± He whispers and kisses my neck.

    ¡± You know that¡¯s not possible.¡±

    He chuckles and kisses my neck. I shudder and shut my eyes. He kisses my earlobe and bites it. I squeak and chuckle. Heughs and tickles me.

    ¡± Gray , stop it.¡± Iugh and try to squirm away from his grasp.

    ¡± You know I¡¯m ticklish , stop it.¡± Iugh and he stops.

    ¡± I love you.¡± He says and bites my shoulder de.

    ¡± I love you too.¡±

    I smile and trail my fingers down his tatted arms.

    ¡± Reid wasn¡¯t responsible for Leslie¡¯s pregnancy.¡± I say out of the blue.

    ¡± What!¡±

    ¡± Yes. She¡¯s still pregnant after she tried to abort it. It was her lecturer that got her pregnant.¡±

    ¡± Fuck. Why did she lie?¡±

    I sigh and turn to look at Gray above my shoulders.¡± She wanted to be like me.¡± I simply say.

    .

    ***

    ¡± What happened?¡± Alexa asks that same day. We walked to the backyard as she crosses her arms.

    ¡± Reid , Gray¡¯s best friend smacked my butt months ago at that party I put on the blonde wig.¡±

    ¡± Yeah. Why did he do that?¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t really know. I didn¡¯t tell Gray about it. He just found out today and he was pissed. Beat up Reid and asked him to leave his house.¡±

    ¡± Whoa. Do you think he¡¯s gay?¡± Alexa asks.

    I chuckle and shake my head.

    ¡± Why would you say that?¡±

    ¡± You know a man can be fucking women doesn¡¯t mean he can¡¯t be gay. He might have a huge obsession over Gray. What if he¡¯s bisexual.¡±

    ¡± God , Alexa he¡¯s not. Reid sorta likes me a lot. He wants me and obviously Gray got me. And then it turned to hatred.¡±

    ¡± That doesn¡¯t make any sense.¡± Alexa points out.

    ¡± Seriously.¡±

    She scrunches her face and nods. I scoff and stand on the patio of the pool.

    ¡± Are you happy you¡¯re with the mob?¡± I ask. She smiles widely and nods.

    ¡± Fuck, yeah.¡± She giggles.¡± I literally feel like the luckiest girl alive.¡± She tells me. I scoff.

    ¡± So how was tutorial? Did you aim well?¡±

    I nod and smile at her.¡± Yeah. M16 and a handgun. A Glock I think.¡± I huff.

    ¡± Damn. You¡¯re going bad.¡± She says and Iugh.

    ¡± Don¡¯t forget the fact that you ain¡¯t having sexual rtionship with Nick any time soon.¡±

    ¡± Yeah. I can hold unto that. And you know Gray¡¯s got so many hot workers. There¡¯s one called Spencer. Fuck he¡¯s hot.¡±

    ¡± Alexa , Jesus. Did you really have to.¡±

    Sheughs and smirks.

    ¡± Breathe, I ain¡¯t tryna fuck anyone your highness.¡± She defends.

    I chuckle and nod.

    ¡± I¡¯m traveling tomorrow.¡±

    ¡± Where are you going?¡±

    ¡± A ship ride. And maybe Hawaii too.¡±

    ¡± No way.¡± She squeals loudly and I had to look around.

    ¡± Breathe sister. I guess we¡¯re gonna cruise on his yacht and visit Hawaii this weekend.¡±

    ¡± Oh my God. Please don¡¯t get pregnant. I know you¡¯re gonna have fun but please take it easy.¡± She smirks.

    I roll my eyes and chuckle.

    ¡± Sure thing captain.¡±

    ?????????????

    The sea breeze soothes my skin as the stewardesses serves us lunch. We¡¯re on his yacht in the middle of nowhere. After that crazy fight with Reid and Gray , Reid truly left Gray¡¯s house and didn¡¯t return till we traveled. Deep down I¡¯m still hoping Gray forgives him. Reid doesn¡¯t look like anyone who¡¯s ready to say sorry any time soon. Gray leans against the railings making a phone call. He¡¯s shirtless with only his ck jeans. His back is against me as he talks non stop.

    I sip my sparkling water and lean my elbows on the table. This is the third day since we left New York. Just like he promised , I don¡¯t wear real clothings. Most times I¡¯m with just his t-shirt under my panties. Or sometimes Calvin Klein sport¡¯s bra and panties. Right now I¡¯m with just a white bikini top and rip Jean shorts. And like he promised we always have sex. I really appreciate this vacation. The sea breeze is cold and really soothing. The water is blue and really beautiful. I eat whatever I want and sleep when ever I want.

    The stewardesses returns with the countless food and ce them on the table. It¡¯s nice they are the decent ones who don¡¯t try to seduce Gray. There are just two of them and I appreciate their distance. They smiles politely and leaves. I pick up a blueberry and stuff it inside my mouth. I watch Gray still on the phone. His tone back got a scar and it¡¯s obvious it¡¯s a bullet wound. There are few nail scratches on his back and I did that yesterday night. His tatted hand run down his hair as he looks at me. His grey eyes sparkles and he smirks at me. That made my heart flutter. I can¡¯t believe I also had shooting tutorials in his ship. I¡¯ve been trying a lot and I¡¯m grateful.

    Gray ends the call andes back to the table. He leans over the table and kisses me, biting into my blueberry. I bite his bottom lip but that didn¡¯t stop him from kissing the fruit out of my mouth. He pulls away and looks right into my eyes. He sits down and smiles at the food.

    ¡± Damn. Hope you¡¯re willing to finish all of this?¡± He asks.

    I roll my eyes and smile.

    ¡± This is the biggest turkey I¡¯ve ever seen.¡± I tell him and begin eating.

    ¡± Finish it.¡±

    I chuckle and roll my eyes again.

    ¡± My mom¡¯s birthday ising up.¡± He says out of the blue.

    ¡± Is she the one you were talking to?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. I told her I¡¯ve got a girl. She¡¯s eager to meet you. And you¡¯reing with me to Canada.¡±

    Alright , I¡¯m nervous. Meeting Mia Carter. Gray¡¯s mom and dad¡¯s ex. So splendid.

    ¡°What you thinking about?¡±

    ¡± What i¡¯m gonna get her for her birthday.¡± I shrug and stuff sd into my mouth.

    ¡± You don¡¯t have to.¡±

    ¡± Of course I have to, it¡¯s her birthday. I know I bought you nothing and that wasn¡¯t really my fault because you didn¡¯t tell me , so i need to get her something.¡± I smile.

    Gray smiles at me and looks down at my food.

    ¡± Go on , eat Mr. Carter.¡± I tell him and bring a forkful of sds to his lips. He chuckles and opens his mouth as he takes it.

    ¡± That¡¯s a good boy.¡± I tell him.

    He res yfully at me and chews the sds.

    ¡± A Mafia ball ising up.¡± Gray says after swallowing.

    ¡± Mafia ball?¡± I ask and stop eating. Alexa told me this and I thought she was joking as usual.

    ¡± Yeah.¡±

    ¡± What¡¯s it like?¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s like a party just for people who deals with organized crime. Mob bosses and mobsters around the world are gonna be there.¡±

    ¡± Including the Russians?¡±

    ¡± Yes. Sinir will be there too. And you¡¯re gonna apany me as my date.¡±

    Is he serious? Sinir too.

 Chapter 74

    I walk out of the bathroom wearing Gray¡¯s white dress shirt under my ckce panties and bra. I didn¡¯t bother to button the shirt. I smile at Gray¡¯s sleeping form on the bed. It¡¯s almost afternoon and he¡¯s still sleeping. I couldn¡¯t get enough sleep because Gray didn¡¯t let me sleep. We talked almost through out the night. The stewardess knocked on the door few minutes ago if we are ready to eat. But Gray isn¡¯t ready to get out off the bed. After he woke up pretty early to brush his teeth , he came back to bed.

    His ck hair spread all over his face and he looks beautiful. Not that dangerous man he showed to the world. The yacht has been moving and i don¡¯t even know where we¡¯re going. I watch Gray¡¯s peaceful form. I smirk and silently walk to the dresser. I rummage through the drawers and pick up a red lipstick. I climb on top of the bed slowly and silently. He¡¯s the type of man who takes notice of every single sound and movement. I open the lipstick and keep the cover aside. I straddle him so my knees are on either side of his body. He squirms but didn¡¯t bother to open his eyes.

    I gently brush his hair off his face and begin to trace patterns with the lipstick. I trail it from his forehead down his nose to his lips as I apply it on him. He smirks with his eyes closed as he slowly opens his eyes. I startle and almost jump of off but Gray hold me back.

    ¡± Damn princess. A lipstick?¡± He inquires holding tight to my waist.

    ¡± You¡¯ve been sleeping sincest year.¡± I scold him.

    ¡± Last year?¡± He chuckles. I suck my bottom lip and swat his hard chest.

    ¡± Nice bra sets.¡± He teases and helps me out of his dress shirt.

    ¡± Thanks. You want no clothing.¡±

    ¡± Never knew you listen sometimes.¡± He says and smirks.

    ¡± Seriously Jamal.¡±

    ¡± Why do you like calling me Jamal?¡± He asks and takes the lipstick from me.

    I lean down to press my body against his.

    ¡± Why do you call me Tinkerbell?¡± I ask calmly as I cross my arms on top of his chest.

    ¡± Because you¡¯re my princess.¡± He simply answers and swiftly flip me on my back so he¡¯s the one straddling me instead.

    He looks like a predator on top of me. His lipstick free hand , brush my strands off my face.

    ¡± I like Jamal. It fits your hot headed personality.¡±

    Gray widens his eyes and smiles.

    ¡± So what are we gonna do to this hot head¡¯s lipstick? I really want you to take it off with your lips.¡± He says seductively as he leans down to slightly brush his lips against mine.

    Goosebumps rise on my skin and I giggle. I raise my hand to wipe the lipstick off his lips but Gray swat my hands away.

    ¡± Hey, that¡¯s rude.¡± I whine and pout.

    ¡± Kiss it out babe.¡± He says casually.

    ¡± No.¡±

    He furrows his brows and looks down at my body. His eyes shamelessly eye rape me as he bites his bottom lip.

    ¡± No? Or yes?¡± He taunts slowly and looks down at my lips.

    I roll my eyes and cup his cheek to kiss him. He smiles against the kiss and press his body against mine. I wrap my arms around his neck to pull him into me. My legs part further on it¡¯s own to apany Gray as we kiss. His lips move against mine and his tongue savor every part of my mouth. I moan on his lips and run my fingers through his hair. He stops and bites my bottom lip.

    ¡± Clean?¡± He asks with a smug grin. I swipe my thumb pad on his bottom lip and show it to him.

    ¡± Now my turn.¡± He winks and raise the lipstick to my face.

    I re yfully at him and begin to squirm.

    ¡± I¡¯m not tryna cut off your ears.¡± Heughs and grabs both my hands in one hand as he cages my thighs with his leg. Iugh and stop squirming when it turns out fruitless.

    He draws a line from my forehead down my nose to my lips. The red lipstick decorates my chest to my cleavages and Gray stares at me lustfully. He smiles at my choice of panties and bra and apply the lipstick on my lips. Now I¡¯m gonna take my bath again for the second time. He drops the lipstick and press his lips against mine slowly. This time it was smooth and not in rush. I part my lips and kiss him passionately. The kiss was slow and filled with emotions.

    I grind my hips upward to gain some little friction as our lips move against each other. We stop kissing and he smiles at me.

    ¡± What time is it?¡±

    ¡± Almost noon. You¡¯ve been sleeping like forever.¡±

    He sighs and let go of my hand.

    ¡± So where do you like to visit in Hawaii? I bet we¡¯re close to the shore.¡±

    I grin and think of any good ce at all.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know. You¡¯re gonna lead. But I¡¯m expecting a really good restaurant should be first. I wanna taste their food.¡±

    ¡± Sure princess.¡±? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    ¡± Are weing back to the ship after touring?¡± I ask and rub my fingers through his hair to tame his wild hair.

    ¡± Yeah. Except you want a hotel. I¡¯m fine with anything you want. As long as you¡¯re happy.¡±

    I smile and cup his cheek with both hands. He kisses my wrist and bites it gently. Surprisingly that turns me on. He notices the way my body responds to that and he smirks.

    ¡± Come on. We need a bath.¡± He says and lift me off the bed with me on his shoulder.

    I giggle and try to squirm from his hold. He huffs and smacks my butt. I smile and rx on his shoulder as we walk to the bathroom.

    .

    ~LESLIE~

    .

    I shove a pin on my bun and run my hand through my hair. I¡¯m looking awkwardly different. I look down at the little baby bump that¡¯s a little too obvious because I¡¯m wearing a tank top. I¡¯ve been thinking about abandoning college and focusing on child birth and bad luck. I lost my hotel job because I sometimes doze off at work. All thanks to being pregnant.

    Sometimes i gote because I getzy or tired to finish up house chores since Ariel isn¡¯t around. She¡¯s living her best life traveling around the world with Gray Carter. Most times I can¡¯t help it. I¡¯ve always wanted that life. Drive a luxurious sport¡¯s car and travel around the world, not getting stuck with a baby without a father. This is frustrating and embarrassing. I thought about moving out to some small town where no one knows me. I can¡¯t stand the shame around college because of the way i am.

    I hate my life.

    Mom didn¡¯t take me back. Thought she might change her mind but it¡¯s one month and two weeks yet she didn¡¯t call. Dad visited, dropped a little cash and asked me to take him to the baby¡¯s father. I couldn¡¯t. I don¡¯t wanna be disgraced again. Right now i just want a job or I¡¯ll find myself envying Ariel again.

    I remembered running into Hayden in a restaurant. He¡¯s still dating Madison. I truly liked Hayden. He was those typical college cute boys who are lucky with rich parents. Our first month was memorable. He made me happy. Promised me love and he¡¯s likely loaded. I believe every girl wants a boy who can also pay half their bills. But then I started getting jealous. Ariel dating Gray and they look like they are in love. Gray¡¯s a billionaire or even a trillionaire. He¡¯s got everything. He¡¯s a CEO , Hayden isn¡¯t. Ariel started wearing expensive clothes and shoes and even a Cartier bracelet. I couldn¡¯t take it , I had to leave Hayden after Reid and I met at that strip club.

    He was pretty cool , even in bed. But he wasn¡¯t the love type. He isn¡¯t the type who would cuddle you after love making. I¡¯m such a looser.

    ¡± Hey Les.¡± Hayden greeted me that day. I ignored him and focused on the counter waiting for a reply since I came to apply for another job after loosing the one at the hotel.

    ¡± Ignoring me isn¡¯t best for you.¡± He taunted. God I hated him so much after he embarrassed me at Sands & winches.

    ¡± What the fuck do you want? We¡¯re done Hayden. Now be an adult and get the fuck away from me.¡±

    Heughed and walked out. I won¡¯t me him sometime. I dumped him for Reid. A man without no heart. I walk to the living room as I try to shut out some terrible past mistakes i made.

    Thest time i ran intowson , he asked if I¡¯m still pregnant. I told him yes. He yelled at me and threatened me to get rid of it and stay away from him. And i should never mention him as the father to anybody or I¡¯m going to regret it.

    ¡± Leslie.¡± Hazel calls my name as she shuts the door to the living room. I¡¯ve also thought about where to go if Ariel decides not to renew the rent. Fuck me!

    ¡± Hey.¡± I smile at her and cross my arms. She waves the grocery bag and walks to the kitchen. She acts like she¡¯s the pregnant one sometimes. And often times, I wished we swap positions , so she would be the pregnant one. I¡¯m not ready for a baby , I can¡¯t even keep one.

    I wanna go to college.

    I wanna graduate.

    I want to travel around and like it seems , this baby already ruined everything.

    I can¡¯t afford college and a job won¡¯t be able to settle most of my bills.

    ¡± How are you feeling. I decide to drop by at the grocery shop to get some food items and prepare something for you. I really can¡¯t wait to see that little angel inside you.¡±

    I scoff and round the counter to sit on a stool.

    ¡± I¡¯ve thought about so many names. Alicia , Belinda, Vanessa , Ellie or even Mandy. They sound pretty nice. As your daughter¡¯s future God mother and a friend, it¡¯s my duty to look after you.¡± She says and go through the grocery bag.

    I stay quiet, not really interested with the topic. My life¡¯s ruined and it¡¯s caused by a baby without no father. It hurts I couldn¡¯t get rid of it. She doesn¡¯t even deserve to suffer because I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯m one of those bad moms.

    ¡± What are you thinking?¡±

    ¡± A lot. Not going to school , being jobless and a big time hustler. I wish I was as lucky as Ariel.¡±

    ¡± Leslie stop, you¡¯re lucky. Everyone¡¯s lucky. You wanted to have fun like every normal girl and you¡¯re expecting a baby. Be good for her.¡±

    ¡± You wanted me to get rid of this before , do you remember?¡±

    ¡± Yes. Because, I thought it was Reid¡¯s. It turns out to be Lawson¡¯s and you couldn¡¯t get rid of it because of some fuckinplications. What am I supposed to do? Advise you to take your life? Hell no.¡± She smiles.

    ¡± You know i got fired right?¡±

    ¡± Yes. Because you¡¯re pregnant and you sleep at work hours.¡±

    ¡± Now tell me where am I gonna get a suitable job that¡¯s gonna provide for this.¡± I point to my belly.¡± Where am I gonna get a good job that can take care of me and the baby. I don¡¯t even have money to register for yoga ss. I can¡¯t even afford a nursery or some little things babies might need. How will I give her a better future?¡±

    Hazel sighs.

    ¡± So what are you nning?¡± She asks

    ¡± i can¡¯t keep her. I don¡¯t even want her. The life I¡¯ve always wanted I need to live it. This baby stole everything. I just need to give birth and give her up for adoption¡­¡±

    ¡± What!¡±

 Chapter 75

    ARIEL

    I step out of the room and climb the stairs that leads to the deck of the yacht. It¡¯s evening already and the sea breeze is cold. I feel like jumping into the water and stay there till dawn. Alexa FaceTime me as I look around the yacht for Gray. I slide the answer icon on my phone and lean my elbows on the railing as I stare down at the water.

    Piper¡¯s face appears on my phone and she¡¯s grinning.

    ¡± Seriously Ariel.¡± She smirks at me. I see Alexa on the other side on the background dragging something with Brandon.

    ¡± They¡¯re fighting over twizzlers. Is that a yacht. Wait , you really travelled , and you couldn¡¯t tell us.¡± Piper rambles on the phone.

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry Pipes.¡± I plea.

    ¡± Yeah , she¡¯s been taking a lot of Gray¡¯s juicestely and it affected her brain.¡± Alexa says and twists her twizzlers. She¡¯s insane.

    ¡± Your bikinis are hot. And it has to be white.¡± Brandon says as he smiles widely.

    Gray brings his head out of the water as he looks up at me. I can¡¯t believe he decided to have a swim in the middle of the sea. I¡¯d freaked out.

    ¡± You look hot seriously. What¡¯s up with you?¡± Piper asks.

    ¡± I¡¯m good. I missed you guys a lot.¡± I tell them and climb down the stairs that leads to the swim tform. Gray already leans his elbows on it, grinning at me.

    ¡± She¡¯s lying. She doesn¡¯t miss us at all. Damn , you look pretty as fuck. I bet Gray did wonders down there¡­¡± Alexa says as she starts to fake moans.

    Gray widens his eyes at Alexa¡¯s loud moansing from my phone. He chuckles and shakes his head. My cheeks are already flushed and I¡¯m finding it hard not tough.

    ¡± Alexa, that¡¯s enough.¡± Brandon holds her shoulders as theyugh. I truly missed them.

    ¡± Where are you guys?¡± I ask as Gray motions for me to sit. I can¡¯t imagine sitting on that ce and throwing my legs inside the water.

    I¡¯ve watched a lot of vacation movies where sharks and other gruesome fish attacks people.

    ¡± My house. We decide to call you to say hi. Whoa this ship is so fuckin beautiful.¡± Piper ogles.

    I chuckle and jolt as Gray wraps his hands around my waist to sit me on the swim tform. The cold water soothes my skin and I forgot I¡¯m supposed to be face timing with Alexa, Piper and Brandon. I pout and look back at the phone. They stares at me as they crosses their arms.

    ¡± Did you got fingered?¡± Alexa asks and raises her brows.

    ¡± Alright , please stop being dirty.¡± I tell her.

    She tilts her head and raises her brows. I feel Gray¡¯s arms around me as I almost tense. He¡¯s about to make me want him again.

    ¡± Okay , are those male hands. For the record , your boyfriend¡¯s got tatted arms.¡± I blush as Piper continues. ¡± That means you were being fingered.¡±

    ¡± Seriously Piper.¡± I huff and try to keep up with my demeanor.

    I shudder when Gray hold unto the waistline of my bikini bottom.

    ¡± Alright. Breaks over, let¡¯s give them a time to be together. She¡¯s about to throw her head back and probably roll her eyes into her head.¡± Brandones to the rescue as he tries to end the call.

    ¡± Thanks , B. Later guys.¡± I giggle and almost choke on my breath when Gray¡¯s lipse in contact with my stomach.

    As soon as they end the call I keep my phone aside out of water reach.

    ¡± Really?¡± I say .

    Gray smirks like an innocent kid who stole candy.

    ¡± This isn¡¯t a swimming pool.¡± I look around therge blue waters around us. Gray shrugs inside the water and pulls me inside with him.

    I squeal and try to swim back. His hold tightens around my waist as he pulls me beneath the waters. I swat his chest and try to bring my head out for air. Gray chuckles with his mouth close and arms around my waist. The inside looks a bit dark and still blue. I can¡¯t hold my breath for long and this tatted man don¡¯t even look bothered. He smirks and shove our heads out. I breathe out heavily and swat his chest.

    ¡± What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± I whine and slide both my palms down my face.

    Gray chuckles and brushes my damp hair behind my ears. I actually thought he was naked inside this water.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay?¡±

    ¡± I almost died.¡±

    ¡± But you didn¡¯t.¡± He says and smiles.

    ¡± I could have died. What if there are sharks inside this waters.¡±

    ¡± Of course there are sharks. Saw one before you got here.¡±

    What! I scream and try to remove his hands around my waist.

    ¡± Seriously , Tinkerbell.¡± Grayughs at me.

    ¡± Let go of me Gray. I don¡¯t wanna die young.¡±

    ¡± Take a deep breath and chill. There¡¯s no sharks. Even if there¡¯s one , don¡¯t you trust me? We¡¯re gonna kill it together.¡±

    ¡± Kill it together. What¡¯s that a joke?¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s safe. No sharks.¡± He smirks and chuckles at me.

    His strong arms curls around my waist as he pulls me closer.

    ¡± You got me scared.¡± I tell him and wrap my arms around his neck.

    ¡± You don¡¯t have to be scared. I am here.¡± He says and caresses my back.

    ¡± I¡¯ve been thinking.¡±

    ¡± About what?¡±

    ¡± Reid.¡±

    He scoffs and puffs out air.

    ¡± Jamal , he¡¯s your best friend. You¡¯ve known him for so long and it¡¯s really crazy to see you fight with him.¡±

    ¡± You knew what he did.¡±

    ¡± I know. He was trying to look out for you. Maybe in a wrong way but he cares for you. You should call him.¡± I say.

    ¡± What! No way Ariel. What am I supposed to tell him? That I am sorry? For what exactly?¡±

    I sigh and run my fingers through his hair. I trace my fingers along his hairline. He looks calm for once as he takes in a deep breath. My right hand wraps his nape and I kiss him. He looks taken off guard but he kisses back in no split second. I wrap both arms around his neck and kiss him gently and passionately. Gray runs his right hand down my spine to my butt and grabs it. I moan in his mouth and nibble on his upper lips. His tongue teases my mouth as he bites my bottom lip.

    I stop kissing and lean my forehead against his.

    ¡± Please.¡±

    ¡± Why?¡±

    ¡± Because you care about him too. I understand that he¡¯s really annoying sometimes and all that but he cares for you. He wanted to look out for you. I feel like I¡¯m the cause of this.¡±

    ¡± You know you¡¯re not.¡±

    ¡± Yes , i am.¡±

    Gray sighs and looks away from me.

    ¡± It¡¯s simple. I believe you guys normally fight right?¡±

    ¡± A lot of times.¡±

    ¡± See? You just have to do what¡¯s right. How do you normally settle your fights?¡±

    Gray chuckles and looks back at me.

    ¡± I would never want his girl no matter what. If I did shit to him i always try to amend it and act like an adult. He couldn¡¯t even say sorry or feel guilty. What¡¯s his shit? I hate his fuckin ego sometimes.¡±

    ¡± You shouldn¡¯t have ask him to stop working for the mob.¡±

    ¡± I didn¡¯t ask him to stop. Told him to take a break and get his shit together. Forget about Reid , once we go back to New York, we are gonna talk.¡±

    I nod.

    ¡± Is itpulsory I go with you to that party?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. Everyone alwayse with a date. Either whores , mistresses , girlfriends or bride. You don¡¯t wanna be left out.¡±

    ¡± So who did you tookst year?¡±

    He twists his mouth like who¡¯s thinking.

    ¡± Some girl. I don¡¯t even remember her name.¡± He scoffs. ¡± No one¡¯s gonna hurt you if that¡¯s what you¡¯re thinking. I¡¯m gonna be there and precise shooting is not allowed.¡±

    I smile and nod. I run my finger tip slowly down his nape as I lock eyes with him. His long ckshes are wet, his red lips are full because of our hot make out.

    ¡± Do you have ever think that maybe Reid¡¯s into his same sex?¡± I ask.

    He looks baffled as he chuckles.

    ¡± Why would you say that? He¡¯s straight and only wants women.¡±

    ¡± Yeah , i know. Most times people hide their sexuality because they are afraid to be judged by the world. Even if he¡¯s not , he¡¯s always protective of you , like an older brother.¡± I say. Gray sighs and rub circles on my lower back.

    ¡± I bet he looked out for you when Damon wasn¡¯t even looking.¡±

    Gray blows out a breath and nods.

    ¡± Reasons you need to forgive him. I don¡¯t wannae between you guys. He thinks you don¡¯t care about him anymore and you¡¯re choosing me over him.¡±

    ¡± I forgive him already. I just want him to apologise and realize his mistakes. You¡¯re mine, he should respect that and stay the fuck away from you.¡±

    I smile.¡± Maybe , you just need to remind him more often.¡±

    He chuckles and bites his bottom lip. It¡¯s almost dark out here and I bet it¡¯s almost 8 pm.

    ¡± You¡¯re getting cold , let¡¯s get you inside.¡± Gray says and carries me out of the water. He picks up my phone as we climb the stairs to the cabin.

    .

    ****

    After dinner , Iy on my belly with only bra and panties. Gray¡¯s wishes. I watch a movie with hisptop and crunch on the cookies on a bowl close to theptop. Gray isn¡¯t around. He¡¯s being making preparations for a car once we arrive Hawaii. The door to the room opens as I feel his presence walks in. He¡¯s always without a shirt and that¡¯s sorta seductive. The edge of the bed dips as Gray climbs on it. His strong arms rests at either side of me as he crawls foreward.

    ¡± What are you watching?¡±

    ¡± Pretty little liars.¡±

    He scoffs. He hates it because he thinks it¡¯s too mysterious and not worth wasting time. Also I had to patronize him and whine several times before he allowed me download Netflix on his phone or even watch a movie with hisptop.

    ¡± Found A yet?¡± He chuckles and kisses my bare shoulder.

    I roll my eyes and look at him from my shoulder.

    ¡± Close.¡± I say with a smirk as i look back at theptop.

    He hums against my skin and gently bites my shoulder de. He kisses down my back slowly as his lips sucks on my skin. He trails it down my back leaving trails of kisses as he goes. I bite my bottom lip and moan. My back is already arch from the pleasure that follows each of his slow seductive kisses.

    He motions for me toy t with my head on the pillow. I gently push theptop aside after clicking the pause icon. He kisses my back to the hook of my bra and he stops. His fingers messes with the hook as he unsp it with one shift motion. He pushes the strap aside and kiss that spot. I breathe out to his slow torments and grip to the sheets. He slides the strap down my shoulders while I push my elbows back to take it out. Gray cups my boob with one hand and kisses my shoulder as he sucks my skin.

    He gives my boob a gentle squeeze and I moan. His thumb pad swirl around my nipple as he kiss down my spine. He pinches my nipple and twists it.

    ¡± Oh my God.¡± I gasp out and look at him from my shoulders.

    His dark eyes meet mine. He smirks and let¡¯s go of my boob. He sits up with his knees on either side of me on the bed. Gray spanks my butt and i squeak. He massages the spot he spanks with his eyes train on mine. He spanks again and I bite my lip. He leans down and presses a soft kiss on the spot. My core is already drench, also my panties.

    ¡± Already wet for me?¡± He asks and slide his forefinger down my slit through my panties.

    I breathe out a moan as he kisses my butt again. I feel his finger slide inside my slit as a low growl escape from his throat.

    ¡± Fuck¡­¡± he mutters as he slides out his finger. He flips me so I¡¯mying on my back.

    He crawls back so he¡¯s looking directly at my face. His handsy at the sides of my head and he smirks.

    ¡± You look beautiful.¡± He says and tosses my bra away. Seriously. After turning me on and he¡¯s telling me i look beautiful.

    ¡± Stop sleeping with a bra. I wanna look at you.¡± He says and kisses me. It was short and not really intimate like the others. Gray smiles andy t next to me on the bed. Really? After all the back kiss.

    Fuck you Gray.

    ¡± So what did you do that for?¡±

    He turns on his side and wraps his arms around my waist , smirking like he did nothing.

    ¡± Do what?¡±

    I roll my eyes andy on my belly again. He made me pause my series after turning me on. What type of man does that?

    ¡± Tinkerbell.¡± He whispers , his hands still around my waist.

    ¡± I ain¡¯t talking to you , Jamal.¡± I tell him and y what I¡¯m watching.

    Gray chuckles and caresses my back.

    ¡± Stop doing that.¡± I whine and swat his hands away.

    ¡± Are you angry?¡± He smirks and spanks my butt.

    I whip my head to his direction and I feel like spanking him.

    ¡± Don¡¯t get angry or you¡¯re sleeping naked.¡± He says and smirks.

    ¡± God , I hate you.¡±

    ¡± You wish.¡±

    I scoff and look back at hisptop.

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry.¡± He whispers and kisses my shoulder. I roll my eyes and nod.

    His phone rings at once and he groans. I help him take it from the nightstand and give it to him.

    ¡± Reid?¡±

    I pause the film and look at Gray. Gray presses the answer icon and put it on loudspeaker.

    ¡± Gray.¡± Reid voice calls from the background.

    I re at Gray so that he should behave.

    ¡± Reid.¡±

    Reid takes a deep breath , finding it hard to say whatever thing he wants to say.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Gray¡¯s eyebrows shoots up as he looks at me.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry for calling your girl a bitch. For pping her butt and trying to pay her for sex.¡± Reid says on the phone.

    That¡¯s a bit hard for Reid to say. I bet if we can see each other¡¯s face right now , Reid is gonna find it hard to apologise. They¡¯ve got that inmon. It¡¯s like a habit , when ites to apologies. I pinch Gray¡¯s bicep and re at him.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry for fighting with you. I shouldn¡¯t have , i know and I¡¯m really sorry. But you should apologize to Ariel. You owe her that not me.¡± Gray says.

    Reid blows out a breath and I bet he¡¯s running his fingers through his hair.

    ¡± Can¡¯t you tell her yourself? You know¡­¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s fine Reid. I am not angry with you. You were trying to look out for him like every good friend should , i understand.¡± I cut in.

    Gray looks at me and I smile at him.

    ¡± Thanks. Never knew you were listening.¡±

    ¡± Yeah , i know right. I¡¯m sorry for everything. Even if I don¡¯t remember a lot.¡± Gray says and Reid chuckles.

    ¡± Yeah , yeah. Friends?¡±

    ¡± We¡¯ve always been friends and you know that.¡±

    ¡± Thanks.¡± Reid says and sighs.

    ¡± And Reid¡­¡±

    ¡± Yeah. You¡¯re still my right hand man.¡±

    The background is silent as Reid chuckles before answering.

    ¡± Have fun with your girl.¡± Reid says and hangs up.

    ¡± So was that hard?¡± I ask Gray as he drops his phone on the bed.

    He chuckles and starts to tickle me.

    ¡± Gray , not again..¡± iugh and try to roll away from the bed.

    ¡± Gray please¡­ ¡± Iugh harder as he stops. My eyes are already watery at the sides because of too muchughter.

    ¡± You¡¯re taking advantage of my ticklish.¡± I tell him and flick his nose.

    ¡± You can always tickle me back if you want.¡±

    My eyes widen.¡± Howe I¡¯d never thought about that?¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s because I¡¯m not ticklish. I¡¯m not a girl.¡±

    I roll my eyes and sit up. I carry his foot and begin to tickle the bottom.

    ¡± Whoa.¡± Heughs and fights away from my grasp.

    ¡± Fuck. How did you find that spot? I¡¯ve never been tickled before.¡± He says and grabs my waist to make me straddle him.

    ¡± I¡¯m a genius.¡± I smirk and peck his lips. Iy on top of him and begin to draw circles on his pec.

    His right hand rest under his head while the other caresses my back. We stay that way as I listen to his heartbeat.

    *****

    ¡± Really? How the fuck did that happen? What happened to the men i put in charge?¡±

    I open my eyes and look at Gray¡¯s shirtless form. He looks pissed. His yelling woke me up and for once I forgot it¡¯s morning.

    ¡± Stay low , I¡¯ll be back in a few days. Stupid fuckers.¡± Gray scoffs and run his fingers through his hair.

    ¡± Are you okay?¡± I ask and sit on the edge of the bed.

    He sighs and shakes his head.

    ¡± What happened?¡±

    He slides his right hand down his face and groans.

    ¡± Fuck. Can¡¯t I have a peaceful life for once?¡±

    ¡± Can you just calm down? What happened.¡± I try to calm him down.

    ¡± The Russians..¡±

    ¡± What happened to them?¡±

    ¡± They are back¡­¡±

 Chapter 76

    ¡± What do you mean by they are back?¡± I ask.

    Gray sits close to me on the bed and brush my hair off my face.

    ¡± I don¡¯t want you to bother about the Mafia. I¡¯ll handle it.¡± He tells me. I shake my head and cup his cheek.

    ¡± Gray , tell me what¡¯s going on. We¡¯re together on this and it¡¯s my duty to also look out for you.¡±

    He smiles and wraps both his hands on my hands that cup his cheek. He removes it from his cheek and kisses my knuckles.

    ¡± A drug trade gone wrong. The Russians ambushed my men and took my shipment after killing the five men I sent. Spencer was the only one who returned back alive. Moscov shot him in his leg , said it¡¯s a message from him to me. That he won¡¯t stop until he takes out every single thing that I love.¡±

    I gulp at this message.

    ¡± I thought this was over.¡±

    ¡± Me too. I knew he was gonnae back , i never knew it was sooner. Reid told me his so called baby mama wasn¡¯t his. The bitch lied. He found out and killed her including the child.¡±

    ¡± Oh my God. That¡¯s cruel. What are you nning?¡±

    ¡± Shoot him in his balls.¡± Gray chuckles.

    ¡± You won¡¯t do that.¡±

    ¡± Don¡¯t worry about that. Once we return to New York I¡¯ll handle it. And also I don¡¯t want you to think too much. I don¡¯t mind skipping my mom¡¯s birthday in other to handle things.¡±

    ¡± Seriously Gray. You wanna skip your mom¡¯s birthday? For what exactly? She¡¯s all you¡¯ve got aside Kennedy. She¡¯s your mom and you¡¯re not skipping her birthday for anything.¡± I tell him sternly.

    He bites his bottom lip and nods.

    ¡± Sure thing boss.¡± He says and I smile. I hug him at once and run my fingers through his hair.

    ¡± Now let¡¯s go take our bath. We¡¯re in Hawaii.¡±

    ¡± Really?¡± I ask and pull back to look at him.

    ¡± Yes , princess. I wanna take you on a tour.¡±

    I giggle and kiss his cheek.

    ¡± Damn , that makes me feel like a girl. Fuck me.¡± He mumbles.

    He grabs my waist as i curl my legs around his waist. He leads me to the bathroom and opens the ss door. He shut it and put me down on my feet. Gray stands in front of me and remove my panties since I didn¡¯t sleep with a bra or t-shirtst night. He kneels down as he slips my panties down. He looks up and smirks at me. I roll my eyes and rest one hand on his shoulders as support as I take my feet out of my panties.

    He runs his hands up my legs to my thighs as he stands on his feet. Gray turns me around and sit me on the bathroom counter as he stands in between my legs. His arms circle my waist as he kisses me at once. I kiss back and wrap both arms around his neck. He moans in my mouth and grabs my hips. I tug on his tousled hair and let my tongue survey his mouth. My right hand roam down his hard chest to his stomach. He caresses my thighs and grabs it. I break the kiss and kiss the side of his mouth. Gray shut his eyes as I kiss his neck.

    ¡± Fuck.¡± He mutters.

    I kiss down his neck to his corbone and down his chest. I look up at him and he looks down at me with lidded eyes. My tongue tastes his skin as I lick it. I swipe my tongue on his nipples and a silent groan escapes from his mouth. My lips wraps itself around his nipple as I taste him. I loose the drawstring on his sweats and slip my hands inside and touch him through his boxer briefs.

    He moans silently and increases the grip of his hands on my hips. His nails dig into my flesh as i continue to rub him through his boxers. He leans down and capture my lips desperately. I kiss back as he urges his sweats down along with his briefs. He pulls me closer to feel his arousal and I choke out a moan. The kiss was intense and i didn¡¯t notice Gray thrust inside me. I gasp out a moan as my walls stretch to amodate him. He moans ln my mouth as he slowly slides in. He pulls out slowly and rams back inside.

    I moan as he begins to ram in and out of me.

    ¡± Fuck , or my God.¡± I cry out.

    Gray breaks from the kiss and begins to kiss down my neck. I rx on his hold and heat surges down my core. He lifts me off the counter and walk us out of the bathroom. He goes back to the room and sits on the couch so I¡¯m straddling him. He grabs my butt and kisses me again.

    ¡± Ride me baby.¡± He says and lifts my hips to meet down on his length.

    I grip to his shoulders and lift my hip as I lean down on him. Gray groans as i moan. I pick up the pace and continue to bounce up and down. I cup his cheek to kiss him as I continue to ride up and down , back and forth.

    ******

    I stare at my reflection as I drape my red suit jacket around my shoulders. I decide to go semi casual with red suit shorts , a white sleeveless crop top and sneakers. I run my fingers down my hair and sigh. The fact that these Russians are back is freaking me out. Gray acts like it¡¯s no big deal. Of course it¡¯s a big deal. The shootings are about to begin and I¡¯ll always be the target and bait.

    Gray appears behind me as he adjusts the hood of his ck hoodie. Jamal is spelt across his chest in boad white letters. I chuckle and turn around.

    ¡± Yeah , yeah , i get it. Kennedy gift it to me on myst birthday. I sorta liked it.¡± He smiles and turns around.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    There¡¯s a ghetto like picture at the back. It¡¯s just a head shot and he¡¯s got Arabic tattoos on his neck and a stick of cigarette on his mouth. Carter is spelt on top of the picture. Its beautiful and I bet that picture is kinda Gray. Gray turns around and shrugs.

    ¡± She¡¯s a psycho.¡± He says.

    ¡± It¡¯s awesome. The best self art hoodie I¡¯ve ever seen. Howe you¡¯ve not been wearing it?¡±

    ¡± Don¡¯t even know. Each time I wear it , it increases her tiny little rep.¡± Gray chuckles and pulls me to himself with my jacket around my shoulders.

    ¡± You look hot. How about a third date?¡± He winks and smirks.

    ¡± Whatever.¡± I swat his hand and turn to look at the mirror.

    ¡± Feisty now , huh?¡± He asks and wraps his arms around my waist as he kisses my temple.

    I chuckle.

    ¡± You look so beautiful. You should wear this more often. Come on let¡¯s get you out of here.¡± He turns me around and gives me a quick kiss as he leads me out of the room.

    We climb the stairs to the deck as I stare at the shore. The dock looks empty except for two cars. One is a Maserati while the other a Lamborghini. Both ck and tinted. We climb down the boat to the shore as Gray leads me to the two cars. I turn around to look at the boat. Carter is spelt boldly on it.

    ¡± Wee boss.¡± One of the guys says. They are two of them, both in ck suits. This feels like men in ck. I¡¯ve seen too much ck in less than a second.

    The other greets Gray and hands him a car key. Gray walks us to the Lamborghini after pressing a button. The wing doors spring upwards and I quickly step in. Gray rolls his eyes and shut the door. He motions for the guys to get going as he enters the driver¡¯s seat.

    ¡± So you¡¯re in Hawaii too , huh?¡± I ask and fasten my seatbelt.

    ¡± Kinda.¡± He says and ignites the engine.

    The car roars to life and i giggle like a teenage girl. Gray steps on the pedal and we¡¯re already speeding down the street.

    ¡± Wow.¡± I smile at the trees and moving objects as Gray speeds past them.

    ¡± What do you normally get your mom for her birthday?¡± I ask and unfasten my seatbelt to pull my knees to my chest.

    I turn to face him on my seat as i rest my leg on the console.

    ¡± Jewelries. She likes it diamond.¡±

    ¡± Specific brand?¡±

    ¡± I really don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡± Don¡¯t tell me that all she likes is just diamond. I¡¯m thinking about what to get her.¡± I say and turn to look out the window to stare at the people.

    Gray sighs as I whip my head to look at him. ¡± I swear I don¡¯t know. Just think of anything good modern mothers are gonna like. Bracelets , nes, and so on.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re so terrible.¡± I tell him and put on my jacket.

    Gray smirks and looks down at me.¡± I never thought you would look hot on suit.¡± Hepliments and rests his free hand on my bare thighs as he steers the wheel.

    ¡± Here goes Gray Carter. Kindly slow down , i want ice cream.¡± I say.

    Gray hums and slows down. There¡¯s an ice cream truck close to a restaurant as few kids surrounds it.

    ¡± You really wanna buy here?¡± Gray asks.

    ¡± I see nothing wrong. Just wait in the car kitty. No one¡¯s gonna bite you.¡± I wink and push a button as my side door opens.

    Gray rolls down his side window and rest both arms on it to watch me. I walk to the truck and wait for the other girls to buy. I hear Gray huffs as he honks the car horn. That attracted the ice cream man as he raises his head.

    ¡± Pretty girl in red wants an ice cream please.¡± Gray calls out of the car. I facepalm myself and chuckle.

    The Ice cream man looks at me as he blinks his eyes. Damn , i never knew I look this pretty. He smiles and quickly sells for me. I paid him and quickly walk to the car before he calls out to me that my money is over. I shut the door and eat the brim.

    ¡± God. This feels good. You should taste this.¡± I say to Gray. He huffs and begin driving.

    We drive for another minutes with me singing to the song on the radio and humming nonstop at the ice cream taste. I finish eating as I lick my mouth. Gray pulls up in front of a restaurant and breathes in.

    ¡± You¡¯re hungry?¡±

    I smile and nod. We step out of the car and Gray gives the valet man the key. He wraps his hand around my wrist as we walk in. Ady walks to us and Gray books a table for us. We take our seats at the end of the restaurant as a waitress walks in with the menu. We both order for lobsters and pasta as the waitress returns with two sses. Two bottle water and a wine to go with the food. I pick up my chopsticks and twirl the pasta around it.

    Gray looks up at me as I shove the food inside my mouth with a smile. This tastes good. Gray¡¯s phone starts to ring as he looks at the dialer. His food is still untouched. He picks up the device and presses the phone against his ear. I watch him as he listens to the caller. I grab the ss water and gulp as i watch him.

    ¡± Seriously. In Hawaii?¡± He looks stressed and also angry as he smooths his hair.

    ¡± Sure, I¡¯ll take care of it.¡± Gray drops the device on the table and stares at me.

    ¡°Is everything alright?¡± I ask.

    Gray sighs and chugs down the water.

    ¡± Remember what I told you earlier today. About the drug trade gone wrong?¡±

    I nod.¡± Yeah. What happened?¡±

    ¡± The Russians are shipping their shipment to New York this week but we don¡¯t know where and when ?¡±

    ¡± So?¡±

    ¡± A man with the name Sinister will be visiting Hawaii today. Someone needs to seduce him to steal informations from him. I need the shipment for the shit they did.¡±

    ¡± I wanna get something straight.¡± I puff out a breath and continue. This mob issues is giving me more headache that i could ask for.¡± Aside Sarai , do you have any other female workers who are seductress?¡±

    ¡± Tons of them. One for each state.¡±

    ¡± So you¡¯re just gonna call one in Hawaii.¡±

    He chuckles and shakes his head.¡± I don¡¯t have a female employee in Hawaii. Too much of them is like a gue.¡±

    ¡± Then how are you nning to steal informations from this so called Sinister about their shipment if you have no female workers in Hawaii.¡±

    Gray taps his fingers on the desk and looks up at me.

    ¡± Ambush , kidnap and shoot his brains out. The point is he won¡¯t say shit as long as he finds out it¡¯s me. And I don¡¯t wanna kill him. He¡¯ll be visiting Hawaii tonight. ording to a source, he¡¯ll be highly guarded since he¡¯sing to meet a fellow mobster.¡±

    I tuck my loose strands of hair behind my ear and shrug. An idea pop up in my head and i know this will be dangerous but i need to help. I want to help him. This might be new for me but I¡¯m getting involved. I¡¯m doing this. It¡¯s no big deal. Dress pretty and act seductive and steal informations from a Russian mobster. Easy right?

    ¡°I¡¯ll go.¡±

 Chapter 77

    ¡± I¡¯ll go.¡±

    It seems everything went silent as Gray watches me in awe. Truth is , i actually watched myself in awe too. Thest time I checked , i was a naive , timid girl who grew up in a Christian home with parents who cared about their reputations only. And then a cute grey eyes delinquent walked into my life. He brought changes along with him and truly I like who I¡¯m bing.

    ¡± No.¡± Gray states as he begins to eat.

    ¡± Why? Is it because he¡¯s a mobster or because he¡¯s actually dangerous and would be guarded.¡±

    ¡± All of the above. You¡¯re my girl and you¡¯re not a mobster. I don¡¯t want you getting involved with the mob okay.¡± He says calmly.

    I rests my elbows on the table and push my face forward so that I¡¯m staring right back at him. ¡± No, Gray. Why can¡¯t you just let me help for once. Fine I agree I¡¯m not a mobster but you made me shoot a gun and thanks to you , I aimed good.¡± I tell him looking into his grey orbs.

    He looks around and lean forward too as he says softly.¡± I thought you how to shoot because I want you to defend yourself. You can¡¯t seduce a mafioso and i won¡¯t let you.¡±

    ¡± Why?¡±

    ¡± Because you haven¡¯t done it before , you¡¯ll surely get hurt and I can¡¯t stand it.¡±

    ¡± What makes you think I¡¯ll get hurt? Are you calling me weak?¡±

    Gray rolls his eyes.

    ¡± Yes, if that¡¯s gonna stop you from thinking about going on a dinner date with Sinister.¡± He says and leans back on his seat.

    What¡¯s the big deal? It¡¯s not like he¡¯s not gonna be there to watch me.

    ¡± You¡¯re so fuckin annoying.¡± I hiss and pick up my fork as I cut the poor lobster angrily.

    ¡± You didn¡¯t just swear, right?¡±

    ¡± Yeah? I just fuckin cussed, what?¡± I scoff in a fake British ent. He smiles and bites his cheek.

    ¡± You look beautiful when you¡¯re angry. You know I¡¯m doing this for you right? I don¡¯t want you to get hurt?¡±

    ¡± Really? I bet you¡¯re gonna be there.¡± I say.

    ¡± And you¡¯re not even a temptress. How do you want him to fall? He¡¯s a mobster remember? You can¡¯t just trick a mobster into telling you a secret like that with just the look. You need the skills Ariel.¡±

    I smirk and lean forward. I motion for him toe closer as I trail my forefinger down his cheek slowly and lock eyes with him. I run my finger on his bottom lip and smile.

    ¡± Why are you afraid? Or you don¡¯t wanna watch me seduce another man , huh ?¡± I wink. I look down from his eyes to his lips and back to his eyes.

    ¡± One of the reasons.¡± I roll my eyes and fall back on my chair.

    ¡± Do you have a better n aside killing him?¡± I ask as I pick up my fork to eat.

    ¡± I don¡¯t mind flying someone here , maybe Alexa.¡±

    ¡± Gray , New York is far from Hawaii. She¡¯s out of the country. Whoever you¡¯re nning to bring here is a thousand miles away. Just let me do this , you¡¯re gonna be there and if things go wrong, I trust you to kick a lot of asses.¡±

    Gray huffs and shakes his head. What¡¯s the big deal seriously? I know being a seductress takes a lot and I have never done something like that before. What does it even take? Wear a skimpy red dress , guys like red a lot. Nice stilettos that will bring out the legs , a blonde wig because it fits every female version of a criminal really good. Smile , flirt and smirk and tease. Bad point , I¡¯ve never flirt with anyone before , never teases anyone. Damn , Gray¡¯s got a point.

    ¡± What are you thinking?¡±

    ¡± Sinister. I¡¯ming up with good hot ns that will make him cooperate.¡±

    Gray rolls his eyes. He leans back on his seat and watches me like I¡¯m some experiment meant to be toy with.

    ¡± You can¡¯t even flirt.¡±

    ¡± What makes you think so?¡±

    ¡± You know it¡¯s the truth. You¡¯re shy Ariel and you can¡¯t tease someone.¡±

    ¡± But I flirt with you sometimes.¡± I say as i pout my lips.

    ¡± Yeah, when you¡¯re horny.¡±

    Fuck you Gray Carter. I hiss and kick him under the table.

    He chuckles.¡± Really Tinkerbell.¡±

    I faint sadness as i clutch my chest.¡± You just bruised my ego.¡±

    Gray chuckles. He smiles and leans forward.

    ¡± Alright , let¡¯s do it this way. Go to the bathroom ande back. Pretend like you¡¯re my date and we¡¯ve never met before. I want you to seduce me and flirt with me.¡±

    ¡± What! You know that isn¡¯t possible.¡±

    ¡± Reasons why I can¡¯t let you cause you know that isn¡¯t possible.¡±

    I bite the inside of my cheek and re at him. God he just called me weak indirectly. It¡¯s just a pretend fake date. I¡¯m just gonna ignore the fact that this man in front of me is my boyfriend and a ruthless mob boss. I stand on my feet and smirk at him before I walk to the bathroom direction. This won¡¯t be easy. I am not an actress and even if I choose to be one , I¡¯m those terrible ones who sucks. I stare at my reflection and my hands are sweaty. How am I supposed to withstand a mob boss with sweaty hands.

    I run my fingers through my ck hair and look down at my outfit. I remove my jacket as I stare my white sleeveless crop top and my high waist red suit shorts. I put on the jacket back and walk back to the table. Gray stop eating as he rests one elbow on the table and leans on his fist. He looks up at me as I walk slowly to the table. How am I supposed to pretend I don¡¯t know him when his eyes won¡¯t stop raking down my body. Gray¡¯s pinky finger slide up and down his lips as he watches me. I stop by at the table and sh him my most cutest smile.

    ¡± Mr Carter right?¡± I ask and look him down. He smirks at my act and nods.

    ¡± Yes. Please sit.¡± I smile and sit down. I take a deep breath and watch him closely.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry I already ordered for food before you arrived. It¡¯s a pleasure meeting you princess.¡±

    I fake blush and smile.¡± The pleasure is all mine, Mr Carter. Never knew you visit Hawaii often.¡±

    He smirks and bites his lip.¡± I love the weather. The ces and especially their food. What are you doing in Hawaii? You look foreign.¡±

    I bite my lip to stop me from chuckling, this is fun.

    ¡± Yeah. I¡¯m from New York and I¡¯m a nurse. What do you do?¡±

    He stays quiet and looks at me.¡± I thought you already know what I do.¡±

    I shrug.¡± The mob. You look pretty hot yourself.¡±

    He chuckles and smirks.¡± And you look fascinating. Just can¡¯t stop thinking how you¡¯re gonna taste down there , Miss Peterson.¡± Just like that my whole body went on fire.

    I curl my toes and clench my legs together. So this is what he was talking about. Imagine hearing this from someone else. He leans forward and looks down at my lips.

    ¡± Now tell me miss Peterson , have you fucked a mobster before? Because I can¡¯t stop thinking about you and how you¡¯re gonna make me feel. I wanna watch you ride my face with that pretty little pussy of yours.¡±

    Oh my God. He¡¯s making me wet. What am I supposed to say? Oh god, I¡¯ve literally lost my mind. He tilts his head to the side with a smirk as he waits for my reply. With all courage , I lean forward so that our faces are inch apart.

    ¡± Make sure you make me cum thrice, big boy.¡±

    Gray¡¯s eyebrows shoot up as he chuckles.

    ¡± Fuck Jesus.¡± He says in between chuckles. Yeah , i didn¡¯t expect I¡¯d say that. My cheeks are already hot.

    ¡± Did you just say that?¡± Heughs. Thank God this side of the restaurant is secluded or else people will be staring at us right now.

    ¡± Okay , chill Jamal. You wanted me to be flirty.¡±

    He stopsughing and smiles.

    ¡± That was pretty hot. Expect more if you¡¯re going to such dates. The way you flirt and tease them will determine if they¡¯re gonna tell you what you need to hear. They like sexy women with dirty words. Imagine I had to sit at a corner and listen to you flirting with someone else. That¡¯s hard , babe.¡±

    ¡± I know. I just wanna try. You¡¯re gonna have my back and also I¡¯m the only avable options.¡± I wink at him and sit back.

    ¡± Fine.¡± He groans.

    ***

    Gray took me to the store after that breakfast. I go through the aisle filled with expensive bracelets and wrist watch. I pick up a silver colored bracelet with tiny white gems. It¡¯s beautiful and maybe Mia Carter might like it. I bought a dress and shoes for whatever thing I¡¯m about to do this evening. Weter walk out of the store as Gray drives through the busy street. I didn¡¯t ask him about his gift for his mother and I¡¯m pretty sure , he got that settled. We stopped by in a mall and I step out. I needed to buy gift cards for Mia and also gift wraps. I watch Gray as he looks around the mall.

    Some people who always get themselves busy with business magazine notices Gray as they throw him nces. Gray didn¡¯t notice any of those. He looks up at me and smirks. I roll my eyes and pick two Amazon gift cards and gift wraps as I walk to the counter. All this while Mr Carter wished to pay but I didn¡¯t let him. It¡¯s a birthday gift and I need to pay for it. The girl at the counter bag my items and I take it after paying. We walk out of the mall and Gray helps me keep the items inside the trunk. It closes and we enter the car.

    ¡± Changed your mind yet?¡± Gray asks.

    I scoff.¡± I wanna help and it¡¯s final.¡±

    ¡± Thought about a name you wanna use?¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t really know. Zoey , Sharon or even Alicia. It sounds perfect right?¡± I ask and turn to look at him from my seat.

    ¡± Sharon¡¯s pretty. Last name? Cause we¡¯re gonna get you a fake ID.¡± This will be fun.

    ¡°William, Stone, Miller or even Smith.¡±

    ¡± Smith is great.¡± He says and sighs.

    ¡± I¡¯ll be needing a blonde wig.¡±

    ¡± Yeah, yeah. I¡¯m still notfortable with that. But I trust you though , you can take care of yourself.¡±

    After several minutes of driving , Gray halts the car outside a hotel. We step out of the car. I look up at the luxurious building. Gray likes fancy things a lot. He opens the trunk and brings out the item. He gives the valet the key as we walk inside the hotel. Gray asks me to sit as he books a room for us. I look around the lobby and back to Gray. He collects the key card and walks back. He takes my hand and lead me to the elevator.

    Gray opens the door to our supposed room and shut it. It¡¯s a suite and really beautiful. He drops the item and grabs me by my waist as he leans me against the door. His lips taste mine and I kiss back. He hastily shrugs off my jacket as it drops to the floor. I wrap my arms around his neck and move my lips with his. I help him get out of his hoodie and toss it on the floor. Gray caresses my skin to my thighs and behind.

    ¡± Fuck , you look so beautiful and I barely could take my eyes off you.¡± He toss my crop top above my head and I¡¯m braless. He kisses my neck down my chest and my cleavage. I moan as he roam delicately and expertly on my skin.

    ??????

    I fit into the sleeves ck dress as it hugs everyyer of my body. It¡¯s mid thigh and it has a straight slit up my my thighs. I put on the blonde wig and arrange the bang that falls on top my eyebrows. The wig drops down my back close to my waist as I brush it. I put on the long eyesh and make up myself. I¡¯ve been doing greattely. I smile and apply nude lipstick on my lips. I top my looks with blue contact lens and vi , I look different. The girl staring back at me isn¡¯t Ariel. I look different, wild and the name Sharon Smith fits this personality. I step on the silver colored stilettos and smile at my reflection.

    Gray appears from behind me as his eyes widen at my new form. He pokes my cheek and blink his eyes.

    ¡± Who the hell are you? What did you do to my girl?¡± He murmurs and kisses my earlobe. I chuckle and giggle.

    ¡± How do I look?¡± I ask.

    He wraps his arms around my waist and nuzzles my neck.

    ¡± Hot. Pretty and so fuckin sexy.¡± He whispers. He brings out a switchde and gives it me and a garter. ¡± Wear this around your thighs and stick the switchde there. In case he acts stubborn and begins to suspect you , stab him.¡±

    I take a deep breath and nod. He kisses my temple and push my hair to the side. I watch him ce a wire around my ear.

    ¡± There.¡± He arranges my hair back and look at me through the mirror.

    ¡± I¡¯ll be able to hear your conversation and you¡¯re gonna hear mine too. Be guarded. I¡¯ve got a few men around the club , they¡¯ll be watching you.¡±

    I take a deep breath and nod.

    ¡± You sure you wanna do this?¡±

    ¡± Yes.¡± I turn around and peck his cheek.

    ¡± Shall we?¡± He arch his elbow out for me to take it. I hook my arm around his as we walk out. Three men stands close to two tinted Mercedes. They open the first car as we entered the backseat. I don¡¯t even recognize any of these men.

    The car speed up as I look out the window. I can do this , I¡¯ll do this. I silently give myself a pep talk. I turn to look at Gray as he loads a hand gun. He shoves one inside his suit inner pocket as he loads another.

    ¡± Is that gonna be necessary?¡± I ask, looking down at the second as he shove that inside his suit jacket.

    ¡± As long as they are Russians, yes it¡¯s necessary.¡± He tells me and sh me a genuine smile.

    The car slows down close to the supposed club and they stop.

    ¡± You gotta take it from here.¡± Gray says.

    ¡± Alright.¡±

    ¡± You will be careful right?¡±

    I smile and nod. I cup his cheek and peck him.

    ¡± See ya.¡± I open my side door and get out of the car. I watch the car take off. I take a deep breath and begin walking to the club.

    There¡¯s a bulky man at the entrance. I smile at him and showed him my ID. He opens the door and I walk in. The loud music wee my ears as I stride in. I look around the club and strippers with barely no clothing dance around to entertain this men.

    ¡± Mic check Tinkerbell.¡± Gray¡¯s voice whispers against my ear from the earpiece.

    ¡± I¡¯m in. On my way to the bar.¡± I whisper as I stalk to the bar.

    ¡± He¡¯s gonna walk up to you. He¡¯s among those horny fuckers being entertained by the strippers. He¡¯s wearing a white dress shirt. You know what to do from there.¡±

    ¡± Seen.¡± I whisper and sit on the counter.

    I turn to look at Sinister as our eyes meet. I smirk and look away and snap my fingers at the bartender.

    ¡± Whiskey , please.¡± I tell the bartender. He nods and leaves.

    ¡± Are you in here?¡± I whisper to the earpiece.

    ¡± No. But I¡¯m watching you. I¡¯ve got my men scattered around. You¡¯ll be fine.¡± I nod.Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    The bartender returns as he slides the drink to me. I slowly slide it to the bartender and ask him to give the drink to Sinister. The bartender looks at me briefly and nods. He rounds the counter and walk to Sinister. I watch him squat and gives the drink to Sinister as he whisper something to him. Sinister raises his head and smirks at me. The bartender stands upright and walks to his bar.

    ¡± Thanks.¡± I tell the bartender. He nods with a smile and go back to duty.

    I see sinister standing up as he walks to my seated form.

    ¡± Hot.¡± He says casually as he leans his elbows on the counter. I turn to look at him and smirk.

    ¡± Like what you see?¡± I ask and turn to face him properly and cross my legs.

    He licks his lips after chugging down the alcohol and smirks at my exposed thighs.. Sinister looks me down and he liked what he sees. He drops the ss and stands upright.

    ¡± Wanna hang out?¡±

    I smirk and bite my lip. I never knew I could have such effect on men. I stretch my hand out and he takes it.

    ¡°Yes, please.¡±

 Chapter 78

    Sinister holds my hand and walks me to the VIP club. I look around and meet eyes with ruthless men in suits. I swallow and look ahead.

    ¡± You¡¯re really beautiful you know.¡± He says as he gives my hand a gentle squeeze.

    ¡± Thank you.¡±

    We entered the VIP club and it¡¯s actually empty except the blue light that illuminates the small room as we sit across from each other. Sinister leans against the chair and snap his hands at one of his men.

    ¡± Tequ for me , take the girls order.¡± Sinister tells him.

    ¡± Water. Thanks.¡± The emotionless man nods and leaves.

    I look at the other man at the end of the room. I thought we were gonna be alone.

    ¡± Don¡¯t drink it.¡± Gray says sternly on the mic.

    I smile at sinister and stare at his physique. Mobsters are always handsome and it¡¯s annoying. The top buttons of his dress shirt are out. A snake or probably a dragon tattoo snake out from his skin. He¡¯s well built and looks barely intimidated by anyone.

    ¡± So what¡¯s your name?¡± He breaks the silence.

    ¡± Sharon. And you¡¯re?¡± I ask.

    ¡± Why don¡¯t we just cut it out. Let¡¯s talk about what I¡¯d like to do to you.¡± He smirks and leans his elbows on the table between us.

    I smirk. He¡¯s frightening.¡± I like that. You don¡¯t like introductions i see. Maybe we should also talk about what I¡¯d like to do to you.¡±

    ¡± Fuck , this shit is crazy.¡± Gray mutters on the mic.

    The guard returns with our orders and sits them on the table. I really want water despite the fact that Gray doesn¡¯t want me to drink any.

    I smirk.

    ¡± What are you doing in Hawaii? You¡¯re on a tour?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m a model. Flew down here for a shoot and amercial..¡± I lean forward and whisper.¡± I saw you and I liked what i saw.¡± I wink and he smirks.

    He liked my performance while I¡¯m finding it hard to breathe. This is difficult than i thought.

    ¡± Enough about me , let¡¯s talk about you, daddy.¡±

    He grabs his ss of tequ and gulps a little.

    ¡± I¡¯m sinister.¡±

    I already know that asshole. Tell me something I don¡¯t know. Who knew Russians can be so stressful.

    ¡± You work around here or you¡¯re here on a vacation?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m here for business?¡±

    ¡± Wow. You¡¯re on trade?¡± I ask him and bite my bottom lip. I had to lean closer so he could stare at my cleavage. This is awkward.

    ¡± Trade? What type of trade?¡± He asks and leans forward.

    I raise my hand and run it through his hair. Okay, this literally feels like cheating. I run my forefinger down his stubble to his bottom lip as i cup his cheek.

    ¡± I like the way you feel under my touch.¡± I whisper. Buddy already got turned on.

    ¡± Fuck , let¡¯s get this party started. I want you now baby.¡±

    Ouch!

    This doesn¡¯t sound right?

    He was supposed to tell me about his trade.

    ¡°Needy now? Can¡¯t wait to have me on your bed already?¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re so fuckin pretty.¡±

    ¡± And you look hot. I might choose to take you all night. You sound like a stranger. I don¡¯t even know what you¡¯re. I know you¡¯re mobster. I¡¯m Interested in working with you.¡±

    He blinks his eyes and tilts his head. He looks down at me andposed himself.

    ¡± How did you know?¡±

    ¡± Your tattoos , sweetheart. I don¡¯t bite. I can be under you and be a dealer and also be your toy.¡±

    His eyes trace around the room. He rests his hand on the table and leans forward. Alright he¡¯s a bit smart. I think mobsters don¡¯t like when they are asked questions.

    ¡± Who sent you?¡±

    Boom. Busted!

    I try to lookposed as I search for my knife around my corset as I slip it out silently.

    ¡± Why would you say that?¡±

    ¡± Bitch, I¡¯m gonna ask for the second time , who sent you? Tell me now or I¡¯m gonna shoot both your legs after fucking your little pussy. Slut.¡±

    And that¡¯s what it takes as I start to shudder Internally.

    ¡± Breathe baby , use the knife. I¡¯m in and I¡¯ll take it from there. ¡± Gray tells me through the mic.

    ¡± One¡­¡± Sinister begins to count.

    ¡°Fine , I¡¯ll talk.¡± I bring out my hand from under the table as I stab sinister¡¯s hand against the table and he screams.

    Before his men tries to pull out their guns from their belts. Gray shoots both of them.

    ¡± You stupid fucker.¡± Sinister says as he tries to pull out the knife from his hand since it¡¯s stucked between his hand and the table.

    Gray walks behind him and m his head on the table as he grabs a fistful of his hair. Sinister shrieks in pain and curses in Russian.

    ¡± You¡¯re gonna breathe and calm down. Tell me where¡¯s your next shipment and which harbour.¡± Gray tells him.

    ¡± Fuck you , I ain¡¯t telling you shit. ¡± Gray grabs the body of the knife and pierce it deeper into his hands and the table. He screams and I shudder.

    ¡± Talk.¡±

    I turn away from the torment and look at this dead guys. I pull out their guns and check the bullet.

    ¡± I am not saying shit.¡±

    I turn to look at Gray as he pulls a gun from his jacket and shoot sinister¡¯s ankle. He screams in pain. I think his torment attracted his fellow mobsters as two rushes In. With the adrenaline rush in my system, i point the gun at the two men and shoot them before they pull the trigger. They fall down dead and i almost freaked out. I just killed someone.

    Gunshots erupte from the other side of the club as people screams and shrieks.

    ¡± Fucking piece of shit.¡± Gray scoffs and pulls sinister¡¯s head from the table. He draws out the knife and tosses sinister¡¯ bleeding body on the floor like a rag doll.

    ¡± Did he tell you?¡± I ask Gray fighting so hard not to freak out at the people I just killed.

    I¡¯m no longer a mobster¡¯s girlfriend , I¡¯m now a murderer. Oh god.

    ¡± Yes he did.¡±

    ¡± We should leave soon.¡± I say.

    ¡± Stupid fucker.¡± Sinister yells and tries to pull the trigger. Gray scoffs and shoots him on the head.

    Oh god , double death.

    ¡± Let¡¯s go.¡± Gray grabs my arm and leads me out of the room.

    The gun shot didn¡¯t stop. We storm out as bullet flies in from every corner.

    ¡± Take cover.¡± Gray drags me to a corner with his back against the fight.

    ¡± I know you freaked out. I never wanted you to watch me kill someone.¡± He says.

    The sound from the guns increases as people grunts and cusses.

    ¡± And I killed someone too.¡±

    ¡± Breathe. You killed the bad guys and saved your boyfriend from being murdered.¡±

    ¡± God , really. I literally feel like a sinner before God.¡±

    He narrows his eyes and swiftly ducks a bullet as it hits the ss table. How did he see the bulleting. Gray turns around and shoots at the supposed person who fired that shot. He scoffs and turns to look at me.

    ¡± We shouldn¡¯t be talking about this right now cause there¡¯s a gun fight just few feets away from us.¡±

    ¡± I know, right?¡± I say sarcastically. What did I just did? I wasn¡¯t even thinking before shooting the ¡®Bad guys¡¯ as Gray put it.

    ¡± One rule of the Mafia; kill or get killed. It¡¯s your choice. No one gives a fuck about anyone. You break the Omert¨¤, you get killed. All of that shit is what builds the Mafia. We¡¯re gonna go out there and shoot some fuckers.¡± He smiles as bullet hits the wall behind me.

    Gray pulls us deeper into the corner to avoid being shot. He cups my cheek and smiles.

    ¡± You can do this , okay? You see the bad guys shoot them.¡± He smiles and gives me back the switchde I used in stabbing sinister. I still can¡¯t believe I seduced that freak.

    I nod and look down at the guns in my hand.

    ¡± What if I don¡¯t recognize the enemy? What if I shoot your men?¡± I ask and pout.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± Please don¡¯t shoot my men.¡±

    ¡± I know, I¡¯m just kidding. Be careful out there.¡± I tell him.

    ¡± Sure, baby. I¡¯ll go first, follow my lead.¡± Gray pecks my cheek and stomps off.

    I cock my guns and walk back to endless gun shots. The tables are already turned as people used them as shields. I hide behind a table and look at Gray. He¡¯s shooting back at the Russians like the monster he is. I aim both guns at the Russians who rushes inside the club as I pull the trigger. Boom! They fall down dead. Perfect head shot. I shut the good girl side of me as I shoot at every enemies that rushes in. This Russians are more than us and they ain¡¯t giving up cause they always rushed in.

    A Russian maniac rushes in with an assualt rifle as he screams and shoot.

    ¡± Oh shit.¡± I skip out of the table and run to a safer ce. A guy from nowhere wraps his strong arms around my neck as he begins to choke me from behind. I can¡¯t see Gray because this ce looks empty. I didn¡¯t know I ran away from the rifle and find myself in an empty space. I can still hear the gun shots as i try to breathe. I try to pry his arms of off me as I shake my legs. I drop one gun as I fight to take his hands away.

    ¡± Die, you fuckin cunt. Gray won¡¯t miss you except your fuckin pussy.¡±

    I choke out and try to breathe. I bent my knees backwards and kneel him in the balls.

    ¡± Fuck¡­¡± he cusses and let go of me at once.

    I point the gun at him and shoot him in between the eyes. He falls backwards in his pool of blood. I cough and hold my throat for reflex. This bastard almost killed me. The gunfire already ceases when I walk to the scene still holding my neck. Gray lost few men while the Russians lost a lot. Gray sees me and smiles at me. I chuckle and massage my neck as I scan the bloody floor. This was a bloody fight. The mob is shit , too much fights and countless fights.

    Gray looks around his remaining men as they sighs.

    ¡± Bitch.¡± Someone says from behind me.

    I slowly turn around as a bullet pierce through my stomach. That was all it takes for the whole world to stop moving. My mouth drip out blood as Gray rushes to hold me before I crash to the ground. The shooter escaped. I touch my stomach and my dress is covered with red liquid. Blood.

    Gray gently taps my cheek and keep on talking. I can¡¯t hear a thing. The world is slow before my eyes as I fight to pry them open. I close my eyes and open them. Everything is upside down and I can¡¯t keep my eyes open. Gray already tolls me on his arms as he rushes out of the club. I can¡¯t see further. I peel my eyes open again as it finally closes.

    Darkness.

 Chapter 79

    CAGE

    I walk through the big double doors as I walk into my father¡¯s mansion. As usual it looks busy with different mobsters working their ass off. I huff and look around the mansion. The men greeted me. I ignore them and climb upstairs. I walk down the hall and stop in front of my father¡¯s office. I knock once and twist the door. I step in to see Sinir and my father.

    I shut the door behind me and slump down on the sofa inside his office. After Gray fucked Sinir up , he became an ally to my dad. Nobody loves going broke after being powerful. Gray is such a dick. Fucked him up and ran away. Later find out he stayed underground for almost a year. You know the worst part about this story , dude took that step when he was eighteen. Killed a Columbian drug dealer when he was eighteen. Later on we found out his father was dead. He was shot and till date no one knows who killed him. Sinir still suspects Gray as his father¡¯s murderer. I bring out a packet of cigarette and slip a stick inside my mouth.

    ¡± We heard about what you did in Miami.¡± My father states. I look up at him and puff out the smoke.

    ¡± And what¡¯s that?¡± I ask.

    Sinir sits at a corner as he watches me.

    ¡± That you rescued Gray¡¯s girlfriend from the Russian hit men.¡±

    I roll my eyes. Seriously, i thought that happened a month ago.

    ¡± Why? You like the girl?¡±

    I roll my eyes and inhale the smoke.

    ¡± Answer me Cage.¡±

    ¡± Fuck¡¯s sake, what was I supposed to do? Watch them kill her? You know i can¡¯t do that.¡±

    ¡± You don¡¯t even know her. Or are you part of Sinir¡¯s theory which states she might be his daughter. Fuck¡¯s sake , Cage.¡±

    I really didn¡¯t know why I saved her. That could start a war between the Russian mafia and ours. She was pure and really pretty. I barely don¡¯t know why I saved her but I was sort of attracted to her the very first day we met. And also , she look a little like Sinir.

    ¡± Gray is a fucker, you shouldn¡¯t have saved his pompous little brat.¡± Dad spits.

    I scoff and flick the butt of the cigarette on the ashtray on the table close to me.

    ¡± What if she¡¯s my daughter?¡± Sinir asks.

    ¡± Sin, you don¡¯t have a daughter. You lost your daughter when she was barely two. What type of fuckin theory is this?¡± Dad says.

    ¡± Herst name is Peterson.¡± Sinir says.

    ¡± If I could remember, Peterson is Ariana¡¯s sister¡¯s husband¡¯sst name. She¡¯s not yours but someone else.¡± My dad says.

    ¡± But what if she¡¯s Sinir¡¯s? So what¡¯s gonna happen?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna take her back of course. And I¡¯ll make sure she stays the fuck away from Gray.¡±

    If he ever get opportuned , Sinir will put a bullet right through Gray¡¯s head. He hates the fact that Gray made him miserable. I would hate him too if I was Sinir.

    ¡± And how are you nning on proving a point that she¡¯s yours?¡± Dad asks, getting purely irritated with the discussion. He doesn¡¯t like Gray too. Most mob bosses are most likely envious because Gray grew to fame in such a short period of time.

    ¡± The mafia ball. I¡¯m sure he¡¯s gonna bring her. And if she ever turns out to be mine , I¡¯ll make sure the Peterson¡¯s pay for lying to me and what ever thing she had with Gray will be put to a stop. That fuckin kid is so fuckin annoying.¡± Sinir says with rage and stands up.

    ¡± I see no damn reason why you¡¯re acting all worked up. You act like you¡¯re desperate for a child. You¡¯ve got Sasha.¡±

    Fuck , really?

    Sasha is a crackhead. She¡¯s addicted to crack and waster admitted to rehab. She¡¯s a freak and a drug addict. Her mom is Aisha , Sinir¡¯s present wife. They got married few years after Ariana , Sinir¡¯s girlfriend got shot in a Mafia war with the Russians. Then dimir¡¯s father was in charge of the mafia. ording to the story Ariana¡¯s daughter was just two years old. The kids no more. After Gray fucked his ass , he got engaged to Aisha , Sasha¡¯s mom. Sasha¡¯s real father is dead. So Sasha isn¡¯t worth talking about. She¡¯s a freak and can never lead Sinir¡¯s organization with her shitty attitude. Always like to hit on me and would sneak into my room to watch me sleep. She¡¯s creepy as fuck.

    ¡± So what am I supposed to do with Sasha?¡± Sinir asks. ¡± She takes things less serious. Always forgetting the fact that the mob is the family. Thank God she¡¯s not my real blood.¡± Sinir says and picks up a cigar as he lights it.

    I chuckle and toss my already smoked cigarette on the ashtray.

    ¡± Cage , go get Ace. You¡¯ve got a job to handle.¡± Dad says.

    I nod and stand up. I straighten my jacket and step out of the room. First person I saw was Sasha. She looks normal than usual. Her ck hair is in a ponytail. She wears a blue rip shorts and sweatshirt and it matches her ebony skin , she looks like her mom a lot. I stalk past her but she stops right in front of me. She¡¯s always trying to be super seductive.

    ¡± Sasha , I got work to do.¡±

    ¡± Really?¡± She asks and crosses her arms. ¡± Or you got someone to kill and drugs to dispose.¡±

    ¡± Have you been taking cracks again?¡±

    She scoffs.¡± What do you see me as?¡±

    ¡± A fuckin drug addict. Bitch get the fuck out of my way.¡± I stalk to the right and she follows my step. Good God , how did Aisha give birth to someone like this?

    ¡± Why are you acting all feisty, huh? Seriously Cage, I thought you liked me. I like you , you like me , I see no reasons why you¡¯re postponing our fucking.¡±

    Wait, what?

    Is she fuckin okay?

    Why will I ever want someone like her?

    ¡± Sasha , step out of my way.¡±

    She huffs.¡± I get it dude , you don¡¯t wanna fuck. You¡¯re missing out you know. I need 50 dors.¡±

    ¡± Do I look like your father? What do you even need fifty dors for? Just get the fuck out of my face.¡± I say and she refuses to budge.

    ¡± Where the fuck is Ace?¡±

    ¡± Ooh, maybe in his room. We fucked you know , he¡¯s a really big piece.¡± Sasha says.

    ¡± Why the fuck are you telling me this?¡±

    ¡± Just so you should know what you¡¯re missing.¡± She snickers.

    God she¡¯s so gross. I grab her waist and tug her to the side. I walk past her as she grabs me by my jacket. I swat her hand and re at her. Who would wanna bed with such a person. I knock on Ace¡¯s door as I walk in. Truly enough he slept with her. God they are both crazy.

    .

    ~GRAY~

    .

    I pace around the waiting room of the hospital. I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about her. I did this. I caused this. I shouldn¡¯t have allowed her go on that stupid date with a Russian. Oh I¡¯m so screwed.

    I sit on the hospital chair and hold my hair. She was taken to the emergency room after I rushed her here. Her blood soaked my shirt and I didn¡¯t care. I just wanted her to be okay. I stand up and pace around. Diego walked in with my three other men.

    ¡± Did you find the fucker?¡± I ask.

    ¡± No boss.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re gonna go back and find me that motherfucker. Make sure you kill him and I wanna see his head. If you don¡¯te back with his head don¡¯t bothering back , cause you¡¯re gonna hate it. Do i make myself clear?¡± I ask with rage.

    ¡± Yes , boss.¡± They answer.

    ¡± Get the fuck out.¡± I yell as they rush out.

    I look around the waiting room and thankfully it¡¯s not upied. Just a little girl who¡¯s asleep and a boy with a headphone on his ears. I shove my hands inside my pockets and continue to pace around.

    I slide my hands down my face and run my fingers through my hair. This is so frustrating. I waited close to two hours before a female doctor walks in.

    ¡± Mr Carter?¡± I nod and look down at her name tag which reads Fiona.

    ¡± Pleasee with me.¡± She says and starts walking.

    At every single step i take to her room , i prayed and wish she¡¯s okay and safe. She doesn¡¯t deserve any of this. None of this. My world is too dark for her and yet I chose not to let her go. I feel selfish. I caused all of this. I should have stopped her from going to that club. I should have stopped her from even shooting. I shut my eyes and exhale sharply as the doctor opens the door to her room.

    She step in and I entered too. At that minute I find it hard to breathe. She looks pale even with a skin like hers. She looks peaceful. I watch her heart rise up and down and she¡¯s not making a move.

    ¡± Is she okay? Will she be okay?¡±

    ¡± She will be fine with time. She lost a lot of blood but she will be fine.¡±

    I smile and sit on a chair close to her bed. I hold her small hand and it¡¯s cold. I run my thumb on the back of her palm and thank whosoever that lives above us for sparing her and keeping her safe.¡±

    ¡± But¡­¡± I look up at the doctor at once. What¡¯s but. I might not be a psychic but the word ¡®But¡¯ means bad news.

    ¡± But what?¡± I ask.

    ¡°She lost a lot of blood and that might dy her recovery. She¡¯s fine and hopefully she should be up and active anytime from now. I don¡¯t really know.¡±

    ¡± Are you saying you don¡¯t really know when she¡¯ll be awake from this unconsciousness?¡± I ask.

    ¡± Sort of.¡± Fiona answers.

    ¡± fuck me.¡± I mutter and stand up.

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry Mr Carter.¡± Fiona says and walks out of Ariel¡¯s room.

    My phone starts to ring. I scoff and pull it out as I press the device against my ear without looking at the dialer.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    ¡± What!¡± I snap at the caller.

    ¡± Really Gray? Have you been taking drugs?¡± My mom asks on the phone. I mutter ¡®fuck.¡¯ as i look at the caller ID. I press it against my ear and pace around the hospital room.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry mom. I¡¯m in a really tight situation right now.¡± I sigh.

    ¡± What type of situation?¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s fine , I can handle it. How are you?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m happy. Birthdays are one of my favorite moments. And also I can¡¯t wait to see this youngdy that finally stole your miserable heart.¡± She says.

    ¡°Mom , that¡¯s like an insult to me . You know that, right?¡± I huff.

    ¡± Like I care. Are you still in the mob?¡±

    I roll my eyes. God this isn¡¯t really the right time for this type of conversation. I¡¯m not really in the mood.

    ¡± You know I can¡¯t leave the mob and I¡¯m not ready to leave yet.¡±

    ¡± Really? Do you enjoy watching the ones you love getting hurt? How did she even fall in love with you if she knows that you¡¯re a criminal.¡±

    ¡± She understands me.¡±

    ¡± Really? You know you¡¯re putting her life in danger with your illegal business.¡±

    I bite my lip and look down at Ariel¡¯s unconscious body.

    ¡± Mother why did you call? I told you I¡¯m in a messed up situation and you¡¯re trying to make it more messed up. You¡¯re married and you¡¯ve moved on. Leave my mob life alone.¡±

    ¡± Do you even care about me?¡± She sobs on the phone. God she¡¯s not about to do this.

    ¡± Mom, please don¡¯t.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re just like your father. That¡¯s why I wished Damon was here. He¡¯s not a dick like you. I don¡¯t care if you¡¯re in a miserable situation , just do yourself a favor and bring the girl that made you finally fall in love.¡± She scoffs on the phone as she hangs up. I call Reid immediately as he picks up.

    ¡± Reid.¡±

    ¡± Yes?¡±

    ¡± The Russians are shipping in their shipment tomorrow at the West coast harbour. No one should survive , I want them dead. All of them.¡±

    ¡± Whoa. Everything okay? Thought you said you aren¡¯t ready to give them a taste of their own medicine.¡±

    ¡± I changed my mind.¡±

    ¡± Is everything okay?¡±

    ¡± They shot Ariel but she¡¯s gonna be fine. She¡¯s in the hospital.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry , man.¡±

    ¡± You shouldn¡¯t. They¡¯ve started a war they won¡¯t be able to finish. Just secure the shipment tomorrow with the other men and make sure no Russian survive.¡±

 Chapter 80

    ~REID~

    Alexa walks in holding a file. She just returned from a date from one of these unlucky horny assholes. She smirks and hands me the file. I look down at her outfit as i give Manny the files.

    ¡± The Russian shipmentnds at the wind coast harbour five hours from now.¡± I address the guys.

    ¡± Nick, you¡¯ll go alert the others. Make sure no Russian survive. Kill everyone, it¡¯s an order from your boss.¡± I say as Nick nods.

    ¡± Manny will take the roof. Alexa you¡¯reing with me.¡± I say as she rolls her eyes.

    She¡¯s always so feisty. Annoying part is, she¡¯s pretty but too annoying. Maybe I just have issues , probably I don¡¯t really like a lot of people.

    .

    ****

    I shove my hands in my pocket as we look at the restaurant not too far from the building. I look through the binocr as i watch Francesso , a Russian mobster who sits at the restaurant opposite a brte. They seem to be having fun cause the girl won¡¯t stop giggling. I turn to look at Alexa as she arranges the sniper rifle on the floor of the roof. She stands up and turns to look at me.

    ¡± Why did you ask me toe with you?¡± She asks.

    ¡± Because I don¡¯t fuckin like you.¡± I snap at her.

    She cackles and snorts. ¡± You bet.¡± She scoffs and looks away. I sigh and look down at her outfit. She¡¯s busty and kinda pretty. No wonder she fucked two mob bosses.

    ¡± Dude, what you staring at?¡± She asks as she snaps her fingers at my face. Is she fuckin insane.

    ¡°My eyes are up here. Not here , asshole.¡± She says as she scoffs.

    ¡± Why would you think I was fuckin staring at you?¡±

    ¡± Cause you were. Don¡¯t try to fuck me with your eyes.¡± She hisses. God, Ariel¡¯s kinda better. At least she¡¯s not sassy.

    ¡± Why don¡¯t you have a girlfriend?¡± She asks and turns to look at me. ¡± I mean look at your close buddy , Gray. He¡¯s got a girl. Not just a girl , a girlfriend and if you don¡¯t stop acting nosy they are gonna get married anytime soon.¡± She says and crosses her arms.

    Fuck me!

    She just literally called me nosy.

    I bite my lip and tend to ignore her.

    Gray¡¯s got a girlfriend, congrattions. I¡¯d never thought he was ever gonna fall in love with someone. He¡¯s just too mysterious. Firstly, I thought she was one of his normal sluts. Turns out she was something more. Lucky for him.

    ¡± You know¡­¡± Alexa says. I actually thought she would never speak up again. She¡¯s just a talker

    ¡± You¡¯re one of these weak men who tries to pull up a hard man facade. You¡¯re these type who acts like they don¡¯t need love. And obviously you do. Most times you wish you find love too but you don¡¯t wanna believe the fact that you actually really want an emotional sex not these countless emotionless sex with whores. You¡¯re scared of love Reid , you¡¯re just trying to act biggy.¡± She huffs and chuckles.

    Did she really just said that. I stare at her in awe. I don¡¯t mind abandoning this mission and teach her a fuckin lesson on my bed.

    ¡± And stop looking at me like that.¡± She says.

    ¡± Like what exactly.¡±

    ¡± Like you wanna fuck me.¡± She smirks and looks away.

    I stare at her in awe and bite my bottom lip. Her camouge pants fits her body perfectly. Her ck tank top hugs every illegal areas on her upper body. I hate to admit , she¡¯s fuckin hot.

    ¡± You know there¡¯s a word called ¡®i wanna fuck you¡¯ inside a fuckery dictionary.¡± She winks and looks through the binocr.

    ¡± Why would I wanna fuck you?¡± I ask and light a cigarette.

    ¡± Because you know I¡¯m pretty hot.¡± She says as she brings the binocr down her face to look at me. I pull out the cigarette from my mouth and puff the smoke directly on her face.

    ¡± Bitch , I don¡¯t want your pussy.¡± I tell her and she chuckles.

    She swipes her tongue along the insides of her mouth. She smirks and stands face to face with me so that we¡¯re staring at each other eye to eye. She runs her hand down my chest to my lower body. I grab her hand with my free hand that¡¯s not holding the cigarette.

    ¡± Stop.¡±

    ¡± Should I?¡± She asks and tilts her head to the side. I drop her hand off of me and puff the smoke on the opposite direction.

    She bites her bottom lip and raises her hand to run down my body. Christ¡¯s sake , what exactly is wrong with her. I grab her wrist and re at her.

    ¡± Stop.¡±

    ¡± And why?¡± She asks.

    I bend her wrist slightly to make her feel a little pain. She winces and snatches her wrist from my grip.

    ¡± Caution.¡± I tell her and raise my binocr to my eyes to nce.

    Francesso looks really busy. They¡¯ve been flirting like forever.

    ¡± Why did Gray ask for a fight against the Russians. I thought he wanted to wait for a perfect strike.¡±

    I chuckle and drop my binocr.

    ¡± They shot your cousin.¡± I tell her and flick the butt of the cigarette.

    She went pale all of a sudden. Who knew she liked her cousin this much. She feels weak all of a sudden as she bites her bottom lip.

    ¡± When was that? Is she okay?¡±

    ¡± Yesterday and I think she¡¯s okay. Just unconscious and maybe lost a lot of blood.¡±

    She wraps her arms around herself. I look at her and fight back the urge to confront her. I don¡¯t like that type of girly shit. Probably she might think I¡¯m beginning to like her and I also want to have sex wih her. She¡¯s hot and got a great body and will possibly make a good fuck. I just can¡¯t deal with her. I yed that terrible shit with Meghan and I hated it. She yed me. I thought I was beginning to like her dumb ass , never knew she got a girlfriend and even liked Gray. Fuckin bitch. I aggressively toss the cigarette away and clench my jaw.

    ¡± Do you have feelings for Gray?¡± She asks. What the fuck! Why would she ask me that? I¡¯m a straight man and why would i want a man¡¯s ass.

    Gray¡¯s like a twin brother I never had. My father was a dick. He wasn¡¯t a criminal. Just a broke fuck who would get drunk ande home useless. I got tired of his shitty attitude. Mom started messing around. Got a lot of boyfriends. She would travel without telling me and she would nevere back till when ever she wants. At fifteen , I met Gray. Some stupid street fight and we became friends. He was more than a brother to me. Never judged me and we were kinda alike. Found out he was part of the Mafia. Not just any Mafia. The American Mafia. I joined after I found out he was part of it and his father was the right hand man to Sinir Daxton.

    And after he broke out of Sinir at eighteen , Gray truly fucked his ass up. I followed him and then boom, summit. Never knew he¡¯d been nning that since he was seventeen. Now a girl walked in and he¡¯s been acting awkwardly. I probably understand , he¡¯s In love. I can¡¯t stop that.

    ¡± Reid.¡± Alexa snaps her fingers at my face. I can¡¯t believe I zoned out.

    ¡± I¡¯m not gay , Alex, if that¡¯s what you wanna know.¡±

    She shrugs.¡± Find you clingy sometimes.¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t even know why I¡¯m talking to your dumbass.¡±

    ¡± You didn¡¯t just call me a dumbass , did you?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. I just fuckin did. What you gon¡¯ do?¡±

    She res at me for what feels like thy kingdome. She chuckles and licks her bottom lip.

    ¡± You¡¯re horny , you should getid.¡±

    I roll my eyes and sigh. This is taking too long. When are we supposed to shoot Francesso for fuck¡¯s sake.

    ¡± You know your brother Ace works for the italian Mafia right?¡± I ask and turn to look at her.

    ¡°What?¡± She blinks her eyes and turns to face me.

    ¡± Gray knew about it. I wonder why he refused to talk about it. I think he trusts you. You are supposed to get a bug in your body.¡±

    ¡± What are you fuckin saying?¡± She yells.¡± How did you know I got a goddamn twin brother?¡±

    ¡± We work for the damn mob , what¡¯s your shit?¡±

    She sighs and breathes out as she tucks her strands of hair behind her ear.

    ¡± I can¡¯t believe this. Ace left home almost three years now and he¡¯s working with the mob. Italians? Holy fuck.¡± She palms her forehead as she drops her hands and cross it.

    ¡± I¡¯m not forgiving him anytime soon.¡± She mutters to herself.¡± When are we supposed to start shooting. You¡¯ve filled my brains with shitty messages. Christ¡¯s sake i should be enjoying September.¡± She sighs.

    I activate the earpiece in my ear and I motion for her to do the same.

    ¡± Manny , are you there?¡± I speak through the earpiece.

    ¡± Check.¡±

    ¡± Nick.¡±

    ¡± Positive. We¡¯re at the harbour.¡±

    ¡± Alright.¡± I bring my phone out of my pocket and dial Gray¡¯s number. He¡¯s being emotional sincest night.

    ¡± Where are you?¡± Gray asks once he picks up the call.

    ¡± On top of a roof staring at Francesco flirting with a busty brte.¡±

    ¡± Then shoot him.¡±

    I roll my eyes and motion to Alexa. Sheys on her belly as she looks through the telescope of the rifle.

    ¡± How¡¯s she?¡± I decide to ask.

    ¡± Same thing. Not awake.¡±

    I nod and sigh.¡± Sorry about that. She¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    ¡± Thanks, Reid. See ya.¡± He hangs up.

    ¡± Got a perfect view?¡± I ask and keep back my phone.

    She smirks and nods as she squeezes the trigger. I raise my binocr to my eyes as people scream at Francesco¡¯s sudden attack. He¡¯s slump against the booth bleeding through the side of his head.

    ¡± Nice shot.¡± I tell her.

    ¡± You don¡¯t have to tell me.¡± She retorts.Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    I roll my eyes and drop the binocr. The restaurant already scattered as people panicked and run around. Few customers already flew from the restaurant.

    ¡°Nick. Did you guys need back up?¡± I ask as i heard gun shots through the mic.

    ¡± No , Reid thanks. We got it covered.¡± He replies as gun shot follows.

    ¡± Sure. Be safe.¡± I say.

    ¡± Manny you¡¯re cool?¡± I ask on the earpiece.

    ¡± Positive. I¡¯m good.¡±

    ¡± Make sure you guys secure that shipment. It almost got someone killed.¡± I say and remove the earpiece.

    I bring out another sniper rifle from the duffel back as I set it on the edge of the building. I load the ammo and look through the telescope.

    ¡± Get ready. We¡¯ve got entourage.¡± I tell Alexa as she looks through her telescope too.

    A ck range rover pulls up as five Russians rushes out of the car fully armed with rifles and hand guns. Another car pulls up and the Russians get out.

    ¡± Party time Alex. Go.¡± I tell her and shoot at a Russian who was about to enter the restaurant.

    I smirk as confusion and panic appears on their broke faces. I aim at another guy who¡¯s already inside as he falls down dead. We shoot as they panic and hide. I see two guys hide behind their cars as they look around the tall buildings. I chuckle and aim at him as i pull the trigger. Alexa shoots the other guy. People screams as they panic. Girls shrieks as we shoot at every bloody Russians.

    .

    ~GRAY~

    .

    I pace around the hospital room. I haven¡¯t had a good sleep since yesterday. I¡¯ve not even taken my bath and all that don¡¯t even matter to me right now. She¡¯s all that matter and she¡¯s not waking up. The thought of loosing her freaks me out and I hate to admit it. I rest both my hands on top of the chair as I watch her peaceful body. She looks beautiful even lying on a damn hospital bed d with their blue dresses.

    I sit on the chair and hold her hands on mine. It¡¯s cold and I¡¯m scared if she¡¯s even alive. She¡¯s breathing perfectly well but not awake yet and I¡¯m scared. I kissed her knuckles and rub my thumb pad on the back of her palm. The room door opens and doctor Fiona walks in. Her smile is always wide and for some crazy reasons, it annoys the shit out of me since Ariel isn¡¯t waking up. She carries a notepad as a nurse apanies her.

    ¡± Mr Carter, I think you need to take good care of yourself. You¡¯ve not eaten a thing since yesterday.¡±

    Like the fuck I¡¯mining. Fuckin doctors , always so nosy.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡± You know you¡¯re not. You need a bath and food. You¡¯re gonna get sick Mr Carter.¡± She says and write something on the clipboard.

    ¡± Will she ever be okay?¡± I ask.

    ¡± Do you believe in God?¡±

    Fuck me. Really? I don¡¯t even know what to tell her.

    ¡± Yes I do. Is he gonna wake her up?¡± I ask getting pissed.

    ¡± Obviously yeah , if you believe fully. You¡¯ve got a little doubt around your tongue.¡± She smiles. I stare nkly at her.

    Sheposes herself and pushes back her sses.

    ¡± She¡¯ll be fine¡­ with time¡­¡± she says and smiles faintly.

    I rest both my elbows on my thighs and run my hands down my hair. I hear the doctor sighs. The nurse takes out a syringe as she injects it in Ariel. She drops the used syringe on a tray as she leaves with Fiona. My phone rings in my pocket. I slide the answer icon and press it against my ear.

    ¡± Boss.¡±

    ¡± Yes.¡±

    ¡± We got the killer.¡±

    ¡± Dead or alive?¡± I ask.

    ¡± Dead. We got his head.¡±

    ¡± Send it to the Russians, tell him it¡¯s a message from me. And also send me proof it¡¯s the bastard.¡± I say.

    ¡± Sure thing boss.¡±

    I heave a deep breath and hang up. I turn to look at her and she¡¯s still the same. I sigh and rest my head on the edge of the bed as I hold her hand. I don¡¯t how long I tried to stay awake but I fall asleep. I feel a hand run through my hair to my cheek and down my jawline. I blink my eyes and slightly open them.

    My vision is a bit blurry. I shut my eyes and reopen them to see the face I¡¯ve dreamt to see for almost two days. She smiles at me and runs her forefinger down my jawline. I sit up at once and look down at her. Fuck , she¡¯s real.

    ¡± Ariel.¡±

 Chapter 81

    ~GRAY~

    ¡± Ariel¡­¡±

    She smiles awkwardly and raises her eyebrows. She watches me like someone who just saw me. What¡¯s happening to her?

    ¡± Who are you?¡± She asks. Oh fuck. Wait , this can¡¯t happen. It wasn¡¯t even a damn car ident , she can¡¯t just forget me so soon.

    ¡± You don¡¯t remember me?¡± I ask waiting patiently for the shocker.

    ¡± No.¡±

    Oh no. This isn¡¯t really happening. The doctor didn¡¯t tell me she was gonna suffer brain issues to the extent of memory loss.

    ¡± Wait, you don¡¯t really remember me?¡± I ask , hoping and praying she remembers me.

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry. How did you get here? What¡¯s your name?¡± She asks. I thought she was caressing my hair few seconds ago.

    ¡± Where the fuck is that damn doctor?¡± I mutter and stand up.

    ¡± Jamal , wait!¡± She says my name.

    I halt and turn to look at her.¡± How did you know my name?¡±

    She chuckles weakly.¡± You really wanna beat up the doctor?¡±

    I bite my bottom lip and sit back down.

    ¡± Seriously. That was a prank?¡± I ask. How could she make me think she¡¯s suffering memory loss all of a sudden. She chuckles and holds my hand in hers.

    ¡± Why would I suffer memory loss? You should have seen your face.¡± Sheughs quietly. I let out a huge breath I didn¡¯t know I¡¯ve been keeping.

    ¡± That was painful. I can¡¯t imagine you not remembering me. That¡¯s more than death.¡± I say.

    ¡± How have you been? How long was i admitted?¡±

    ¡± Since yesterday. I was really worried and scared. Thought I¡¯ve lost you already.¡± I rub my thumb pad on the back of her palm and smile.

    ¡± It¡¯s nice to know you really care about me.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re shitting me right now. You know i cared about you. Had to hunt down the motherfucker who shot you.¡±

    ¡± You shouldn¡¯t have.¡±

    ¡± Really? He tried to kill you I can¡¯t forgive him easily. I¡¯m just d that you¡¯re fine.¡±

    ¡± How much havock did you cause?¡± She asks.

    ¡± A lot. I couldn¡¯t watch anyone hurt you and just walk away with it.¡±

    ¡± I was gonna be fine.¡± She scolds me.

    ¡± I don¡¯t fuckin care, they shot you. Tried to kill you at miami and italy. I can¡¯t just sit and watch them try to hurt you.¡± I say.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    She smiles and y with my fingers.

    ¡± Did you secure the shipment?¡±

    I nod.¡± Yeah. And I hurt a lot of these bad guys too.¡±

    She sighs and tries to sit up. I push a button at the sides of the bed as it straightens up.

    ¡± Are you hurt?¡± What type of question is that? Of course she¡¯s fuckin hurt. I just feel miserable and guilty.

    ¡± A little. This feels worse than the first shot. But I think I¡¯m fine , no more pain.¡± She says and smiles. That melts my heart. At least she¡¯s fine. That¡¯s what matters.

    ¡± I still wanna help the mob when matters arises.¡± Is she fuckin kidding me?

    ¡± No.¡± I tell her sternly.

    ¡± No? But why?¡±

    ¡± We shouldn¡¯t be talking about this anymore. You¡¯re my girlfriend and not a mobster. I can¡¯t get you involved with my bad business. And I won¡¯t let you get involved.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m not trying to get involved. I just wanna help. And that was a little bit fun.¡±

    ¡± Fun? Really? What type of shitty fun is that? That dumb fun caused you a bullet and sent you right to a hospital bed. I caused half of it. I couldn¡¯t resist your instant whining and pouting and persuading.¡± I scoff. Where on Earth did shee from?

    ¡± You¡¯re just being adamant.¡± She whines. Oh god not again. I can¡¯t resist those doe eyes of hers and her pouting.

    ¡± Ariel , please stop. I¡¯ll go get the doctor. You need to be sedated , i think you got your head hit.¡± I tell her as she res at me under her longshes.

    Fiona walks in with that usual smile of hers. She smiles too much , it¡¯s like she¡¯d never seen the bad side of life before. People barely smile these days. But this doctor , she¡¯s fuckin weird.

    ¡± You¡¯re awake. Good God. Now your boyfriend can take a bath and a nap. He¡¯s been staying here since you got admitted.¡± The fuck , she¡¯s also nosy.

    ¡± Really Gray?¡± Gray asks as she turns to look at me.

    I roll my eyes and nods.

    ¡± I had to make sure you¡¯re safe and awake. I couldn¡¯t leave your side.¡±

    ¡± Aww¡­ that¡¯s really cute. Wish all guys could be this caring.¡± Fiona smiles .

    I scowl at her. She shes a sly smile and push back her sses.

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry. I was a little concerned and worried about you since you refused to take a nap.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯ve not been spying on me, have you?¡± I ask her and raise my brows. Ariel chuckles.

    ¡± Not really. That¡¯s a little creepy, don¡¯t you think?¡± She asks and moves to Ariel¡¯s side.

    ¡± Please be sure she¡¯s fine and there¡¯s noplications.¡± I say. The doctor nods and examines Ariel.

    ¡± How are you feeling?¡± Fiona asks Ariel.

    ¡± Good. A little weak.¡±

    ¡± Yeah , you were shot , you can¡¯t be strong all of a sudden. It takes time. You¡¯ve got a caring boyfriend so it won¡¯t take long for you to recover.¡± She says. Ariel raises her brows at Fiona and tilts her head to the side to smirk at me.

    ¡± Do you feel hungry?¡±

    ¡± Yeah , I want water.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯ll get and some pills for the weakness. You¡¯ll be up and strong in the next three days. I assure you that.¡± Fiona says.

    ¡± Thanks.¡±

    ¡± When will she be discharged?¡± I ask.

    ¡± When she¡¯s okay to leave, we¡¯re gonna discharge her. At least by tomorrow or next she¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    I sigh and nod.

    ¡± See yater Ariel. A nurse is gonna bring water and pills for you. She¡¯ll also have to change the drip.¡± Ariel nods as Fiona leaves.

    ¡± Am I the only one who finds her weird? She cares too much.¡± Iment.

    ¡± You¡¯re just being mean. You should take a good nap Gray. You need it.¡± She says as she smiles.

    ¡± I will when I¡¯m ready.¡±

    ¡± Your hair is tousled. You need a bath.¡± Oh god , will she even drop it.

    ¡± Fine, I¡¯ll.¡±

    She huffs and touches her hair. She¡¯s still wearing the blonde wig. I really don¡¯t like blond¡¯s but Ariel made me admire blond¡¯s. It looks stunning on her. She rocks blond hair more than any otherdy I¡¯ve seen.

    ¡± Can¡¯t believe I¡¯m still wearing this.¡± she hisses and starts to remove her wig. It made her look different and still beautiful.

    ¡± You need help with that?¡± I ask her.

    She smiles and shakes her head sideways. She starts with the bangs and then the hairline till she removes it finally. She breathes out and gives me the wig. Women. She runs her free hand down her ck hair and breathes out.

    ¡± I look terrible in blond.¡±

    ¡± You look hot.¡±

    ¡± Jamal , you don¡¯t like blond¡¯s.¡±

    ¡± You rock it better. But I still like your hair.¡±

    A nurse enters with a bottle of pills , probably for the pain and weakness. She gives Ariel a bottle water and two pills. Ariel takes it and swallows as she pushes the pills down with water. She injects something inside Ariel¡¯s drip.

    ¡± This is gonna help with the blood loss and you¡¯ll be fine.¡± The nurse says and take out another syringe.

    I watch her inject the liquid right inside Ariel¡¯s upper arm.

    ¡± I hate shots.¡± Ariel mutters and pouts. I chuckle silently as the nurse drops the used syringe on her tray.

    ¡± That¡¯s gonna make you sleep by the way. You¡¯ll be stronger by tomorrow.¡± The nurse says and leaves.

    ¡± Damn , can¡¯t really believe I got shot for the second time.¡± She mutters andy her back down on the bed.

    ¡± And I¡¯m really sorry about that. I caused it.¡±

    She chuckles.¡± Come on , you didn¡¯t. I¡¯m just gonna be guarded next time and always be on guard.¡± She says and yawns silently.

    That¡¯s if there will be another next time. I won¡¯t risk it no matter how much she pouts or whines.

    ¡± Heard from Jhene and her baby?¡±

    ¡± No.¡± And that was the truth. I haven¡¯t even called to hear from Kennedy. I feel like a bad uncle, of course I am.

    ¡± But why? She¡¯s your niece and you always need to check on her.¡±

    ¡± Yeah , I will once we go back to New York.¡±

    Ariel nods and fights back the urge to sleep.

    ¡± And you need to stop this Russian blood bath. It¡¯s really not cool. People are getting hurt and that includes both innocent and bad.¡±

    ¡± They aren¡¯t innocent Tinkerbell. Every mafioso is bad and I¡¯m included.¡±

    She chuckles and nods.¡± Please just stop it and forget about everything. Sinir was merciful when you fucked his ass. He didn¡¯t really hurt you.¡±

    I chuckle as I try to recall what happened almost eight years ago.

    ¡± I was actually smart that¡¯s why I didn¡¯t get my ass whopped. I stayed underground Tinkerbell and paid him back.¡±

    ¡± That doesn¡¯t justify what you did to him. He liked you I think , that¡¯s why he really didn¡¯t brought war. You should also be a little ruthless and stop this crazy Russian fight.¡± She says and closes her eyes.

    She don¡¯t get it. I think this won¡¯t stop until they see me dead or people that i loved disappear out of earth. I sigh and look at her. She¡¯s already asleep. I press the button at the sides of her bed and it went back to normal. I stand up and kiss her forehead as I walk out of her hospital room. I really deserve a nice bath and sleep.

    .

    *****

    Ariel got discharged today. She sits at the edge of the bed inside the cabin of my yacht as we sail to New York. I watch as shey down on the bed. I stalk to the bed and sit on the edge.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. I just want a foot massage.¡± She says and plops her head down on the pillow.

    I grab her feet and ce them on myp as I run my fingers slowly on her shin. She wears my t-shirt under herce panties as I slowly caress her ankle. I look up at her and her eyes are shut. I continue to caress her feet slowly. She opens her eyes and sits up.

    ¡± I just remembered something , am I gonna apany you to that criminal ball?¡±

    I sigh and run my fingers up her ankle.

    ¡± If you wanna stay back , I¡¯ll be fine. It¡¯s really not a big deal.¡±

    ¡± Then who are you gonna take as your date?¡± She asks.

    ¡± I¡¯ll go alone. I want you to be fine. Also I want you to stay out of these bad business and mob shit. I can¡¯t watch you get hurt again.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re acting like it¡¯s not normal to get hurt. Gray I¡¯m fine and I¡¯ll be more watchful. Fine , i don¡¯t wanna be a mobster because I don¡¯t want to. But I still wanna help when it¡¯s useful.¡±

    ¡± What are you even saying?¡±

    She sighs and removes her legs from myp to sit on myp.

    ¡± Ariel , you¡¯re not strong.¡±

    She giggles and rests her head on my chest as she let her fingers trail on my chest.

    ¡± I wanna go with you to the Mafia ball. You said no guns , so I¡¯m gonna be fine.¡± She says and looks up at me.

    ¡± Please stop pouting , I can¡¯t resist that.¡± I mutter. She chuckles and sits up so she¡¯s straddling me.

    ¡± Don¡¯t do this right now , please. You¡¯re still not strong.¡±

    ¡± I know right.¡± she wraps her arms around my neck. My hands secure her hips to keep her still. She¡¯s trying to turn me on and I don¡¯t want this right now. For God¡¯s sake, she just got out of the hospital three days ago.

    ¡± Thanks.¡± She says.

    ¡± For?¡±

    ¡± For looking out for me. Not everybody could do that.¡± Her hand runs down my spine as she tugs at my hair.

    ¡± You¡¯re more than important to me.¡± I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her closer so that our chests are touching each other. I can feel her hard nipples pierce through the t-shirt.

    My left hand trace her curves as I caress her hips and nuzzle her neck. She¡¯s always so beautiful and pretty. I nt soft kisses on her neck to her earlobe as I continue to trail my hand down her spine. I pull my head back to look into her dark brown eyes. I tuck her strands of hair behind her ear as I cup her cheek. She pushes her face forward and ims my lips. I smile between the kiss and kiss her back. It¡¯s been long I kissed her and it feels like eternity. My mouth moves with hers as her fingers tug at my hair.

    She moans in my mouth as her tongue explores my mouth. She makes me feel a lot of things and every single day I¡¯m always grateful I got her.

    .

    ~ARIEL~

    .

    We arrived New York as Gray¡¯s usual entourage brought the vehicles. Gray and I slide into one of his expensive sports car as we drive out of the dock. I missed my apartment , school , friends , even frat and i kinda missed Ryan too. I look out the window and sigh. I obviously got shot. Most times it¡¯s hard to believe that I¡¯m ever gonna get shot after my first shot. I think that¡¯s the price you have to always pay for dating a criminal. Gray¡¯s mother¡¯s birthday is this weekend. I¡¯m nervous because of so many reasons.

    She¡¯s my father¡¯s ex and I can¡¯t even imagine her reaction when she finds out who I am.

    ¡± What are you thinking?¡±

    ¡± Nothing.¡± I say. dly this Russian gun fight ended for a while. I think they got the message Gray sent them. I know the fights aren¡¯t ending anytime soon because they will be back sooner except Gray decides to kill moskov too.

    Gray pulls the car to a stop in his garage and he steps out of the car. He opens my side door and help me out like I was actually pregnant. The thought made me chuckle as Gray shuts the door.

    ¡± And why did youugh?¡± He asks and holds my wrist to walk me inside. I can¡¯t even tell him why iughed. It¡¯s gonna sound like I¡¯m in badly need of a baby. I really nned on graduating from college before getting a baby. Talking about baby , i really haven¡¯t seen Leslie.

    ¡± Nothing. I¡¯m fine. I need to check on my apartment today. Also I haven¡¯t seen Leslie and i really wanna meet with my friends. It¡¯s been like forever.¡±

    I look around this familiar house and I¡¯m seeing new faces again. They greeted Gray and smiles at me. I hear voices from the kitchen and Alexa¡¯s own voice is quite louder.

    ¡± Alex.¡± I call her name and lean against the kitchen door. She¡¯s talking with Manny and Nick. I¡¯m still thinking how she normally cope around Nick with Gray¡¯s ¡®no sexual rtionship¡¯ rule.

    ¡± Oh my God.¡± She screams as Nick covers his ears. I get it , she¡¯s worse than a trumpet.

    She sprints from the counter stool and hug me. My feet inches away from the floor. Gray shakes his head and walks out. She drops me on the floor after breaking my ribs.

    ¡± You¡¯re safe. Gray¡¯s lucky.¡± She says releasing me from her bone cracking hug.

    ¡± How are you? Never thought i was gonna see you here.¡±

    ¡± Work with them now and I always end up with lots of jobs.¡± She sighs and hug me again.

    ¡± I miss you so fucking much. The guys too. I didn¡¯t tell them you were shot , don¡¯t wanna answer a lot of questions.¡± Alexa says and tucks my hair behind my ear.

    ¡± Hey guys.¡± I smile at Manny and Nick.

    ¡± Damn , I thought we were ghosts few seconds ago.¡± Nick says and we chuckle.

    ¡± You¡¯re just being dramatic. We were having a sister¡¯s time.¡± Alexa says and rolls her eyes.

    ¡± Psycho.¡± Nick mutters and I hear it.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry what?¡± Alexa asks and turns to look at the two men.

    ¡± He said psycho.¡± Manny says and pretends not to see Nick.

    ¡± Dick.¡± Alexa curse.

    ¡± I know I¡¯ve got a Dick and a big one at that.¡± Nick says.

    ¡± You¡¯re so gross.¡± Alexa scoffs and turns to look at me with her wide smile.

    ¡± So princess , how are you? I hope you had a lot of fun in Hawaii?¡± Nick asks.

    ¡± We also heard you were shot.¡± Manny says.

    ¡± Howe I didn¡¯t know that?¡± Nick asks.

    ¡± That¡¯s because you¡¯re a Dick.¡± Alexa retorts. How did they know?

    ¡± Not a lot of people know about it. I bet just Manny.¡± Alexa says and I nod.

    ¡± I¡¯m fine and strong guys. Thanks.¡± I say and sigh.

    ¡± Later gents ,e on Ariel.¡± Alexa hooks her arm around mine as we walk out of the kitchen to the backyard.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay?¡± She asks.

    ¡± Yeah , I¡¯m fine. And you?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m fine too. Howe you were shot?¡±

    ¡± Long story. After the stupid hang out with the Russian , I stabbed his hand and Gray shot him afterwards. Later on , a fight burst out and some asshole shot me.¡± I tell her and breathe out.

    ¡± Damn. Why did you agree to seduce that freak?¡±

    ¡± I wanted to help. Gray was stranded and he didn¡¯t wanna cause a scene by shooting and killing someone. There weren¡¯t anyone to do it and so I volunteered.¡± I shrug.

    ¡± That shit ain¡¯t easy at all. I had to drug them sometimes after showing them my tits and touching them real good. They like it when the girl is slutty.¡± She says.

    I stay quiet and cross my arms.

    ¡± Heard from Leslie?¡± I ask.

    ¡± She¡¯s got a cute baby bump. You know most times i still can¡¯t imagine Leslie is expecting a baby. Wow. My mom talked to yours about Leslie and your mom is still adamant. She wants Leslie to taste life the difficult way before taking her back. And I hate to admit it, but I think I support your mom on that. Leslie is too pampered , she needs to learn. Life isn¡¯t really easy. She won¡¯t know that if she doesn¡¯t taste it.¡± Alexa says.

    ¡± I know right? But sometimes everyone needs a good second chance to reshape their lives. That¡¯s what Leslie needs. Support , family, friends and also a therapist.¡±

    Alexa chuckles.¡± Howe I didn¡¯t think of therapy. Yeah , she needs someone who¡¯s gonna advise and talk to her about her shitty attitude.¡± Alexa scoffs.

    ¡± What about you? I see you and Nick¡­¡±

    ¡± No way. I can¡¯t have anything to do with him. I know he¡¯s your boyfriend and my future iw but I can¡¯t break his rules. And also Nick¡¯s a good friend.¡±

    I roll my eyes andugh.

    ¡± Ariel¡­¡± A familiar voice shouts my name. I turn around and smile at her. What¡¯s she doing here?

    ¡± Kennedy.¡± I squat to her height and hug her.

    ¡± Woah. Mom fed you real good. Add a lot of weight.¡± I smile at her and caress her hair.

    ¡± God , you look pretty.¡± She coos and brings out her phone.

    I see Jhene and Gray walk side to side as they watches us. The shutter of a camera snaps me out of my thoughts.

    ¡± You look so pretty.¡± She giggles and shows me the picture she took of me on her phone.

    ¡± Howe they like each other so much?¡± I hear Jhene whispers. I raise my head to look at her and she scowls at me.

    ¡± Is she the pretty little Kennedy?¡± Alexa asks.

    Kennedy turns to look at her like she just notice Alexa was standing beside me all this while.

    ¡± Hi. Who are you?¡± Kennedy asks.

    ¡± I¡¯m her cousin. You¡¯re truly a badass, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡± Really? You shouldn¡¯t curse in front of my daughter.¡± Jhene says as she grabs Kennedy¡¯s hand.

    ¡± Mom¡­¡± Kennedy whines.

    I stand up as Alexa eyes Jhene.

    ¡± Jhene, you don¡¯t have to do that?¡± Gray butts in.

    ¡± Her so called cousin just curse in front of her. This is one of the reasons I don¡¯t like bringing her here. You curse in front of her , including your workers and now this one too¡­¡± Jhene snickers and looks down at Alexa. Alexa is about to snap at her and it¡¯s taking everything in her not to flip.

    ¡± I¡¯m inside.¡± Alexa says and walks out.

    Kennedy snatches her wrist from her mom and rushes to me.

    ¡± I have a lot I need to tell you.¡± Kennedy giggles and snatches my hand as we begin to walk back inside.

    Jhene won¡¯t stop ring at me.

    ¡± Why are you here?¡± Gray asks her as they walk behind us.

    ¡± I told you not to bring her here. I¡¯ve been busy and I have a lot of shit to handle.¡± Gray says.

    ¡± Oh yeah. Maybe you should also deal with this one too.¡±

    ¡± Deal with what?¡± I hear Gray asks.

    ¡± Damon is back.¡±

 Chapter 83

    ¡°Ace.¡±

    ¡± Wait , is that your brother?¡± Brandon asks.

    Alexa stands on her feet and stalks to the counter.

    ¡± Ace.¡± He turns around as Alexa connects her fist on his cheek.

    Everyone gasps as I hurriedly rush to the scene. The girl with skimpy clothing whom I think must be his girlfriend blinks her fakeshes at us. Ace turns to look at us and Alexa backhands him right on his cheek.

    ¡± Oooh¡­¡± The customers gasp again.

    ¡± Alexa , what the fuck!¡± He cusses and massages his cheek.

    ¡± Damn, you remember.¡± Alexa says and grabs him by his jacket.

    ¡± Hey, that¡¯s my boyfriend.¡± The girl says.

    ¡± I¡¯m just gonna shut up if I were you.¡± Alexa says to the girl as she drags Ace outside. Piper and Brandon follows us outside and Alexa won¡¯t stop throwing punches at Ace.

    ¡± Ariel, are you gonna stop her not?¡± Brandon asks.

    ¡± Fuck me, he¡¯s an idiot.¡± I mutter and lean against my car.

    The girlfriend rushes to pry Alexa¡¯s hand away from Ace. Alexa res at her and pushes her away.

    ¡± This is enough.¡± Ace yells as he breathes in and out in a rather fast pace. Damn , the looks from ps and blows. Piper stands next to me as she smirks.

    ¡± Damn, he¡¯s so fucking hot.¡± Piper whispers and I chuckle. Kinda true. He looks better than his normal self. And he¡¯s a little taller than usual.

    ¡± You should leave.¡± Ace says to the supposed girlfriend.

    ¡± What? I ain¡¯t leaving? Who¡¯s she? One of your flings?¡±

    ¡± Get the fuck outta here bitch.¡± Alexa res at the girl.

    ¡± I ain¡¯t leaving.¡±

    ¡± Bitch get out. I¡¯m through with you, move your ass outta here.¡± Ace says.

    The girl bites her lips and I bet she¡¯s trying to bite back her tears. She sniffles and walks away in haste.

    ¡± That was mean.¡± I mutter.

    Ace¡¯s staresnds on me and a big smirk sters on his face.

    ¡± Damn, miss Gray Carter.¡± He chuckles and stalks to my form.

    ¡± Ace move away.¡± I warn him.

    ¡± I know you¡¯ve got a boyfriend but I still remain your first love.¡± He chuckles and hugs me.

    ¡± Damn, you look hot.¡± He whispers against my ear.

    ¡± Alright, hugging time¡¯s over. Get yourself away from me. Alexa I need help here.¡± I call out.

    Alexa rolls her eyes and pulls Ace away from me through the sleeves of his jacket.

    ¡± We have a lot to talk about.¡±

    ¡± Alright. You should stop acting like my girlfriend, sister.¡± He straightens his jacket and looks at Brandon and Piper. God, Piper blushes and tucks her loose strands of hair behind her ear.

    ¡± Hi.¡± Ace greets both of them.

    ¡± Hi. I¡¯m Piper.¡±

    ¡± Brandon.¡±

    Ace nods curtly and smiles.

    ¡± I missed her more you fuckface.¡± Ace tells Alexa as he points to me. I roll my eyes and cross my arms.

    ¡± Are you gonna tell me what happened to you and why did you leave?¡± Alexa asks as she continuously taps her right foot on the pavement.

    ¡± Uh. Guys , we¡¯re just gonna leave you guys to your family reunion.¡± Brandon says and holds Piper¡¯s hand.

    ¡± We¡¯re gonna call¡­¡± Piper says smiling at Ace. God someone should please remind Piper she¡¯s got Jamie.

    ¡± Get into the car.¡± Alexa says and points to my car.

    ¡± A Ferrari. Don¡¯t tell me you own this.¡±

    ¡± Ariel.¡± Alexa hisses as I open the doors.

    ¡± Gray got you this? You know everyone¡¯s just talking about you and Gray. I was pained you moved on.¡± Ace says and I roll my eyes.

    He didn¡¯t drop this attitude of his. I open the car and slide into the driver¡¯s seat. Ace beats Alexa and enters the passenger seat.

    ¡± Get in the back.¡± He tells her.

    ¡± That wasn¡¯t fair you know that right?¡± I ask.

    ¡± Want to ride with you babe.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m not your babe , Ace.¡± I huff and ignite the engine once Alexa enters and the doors shut.

    ¡± Where are we even going?¡± Ace asks and pushes the button to wind down his side window.

    ¡± To murder your stupid ass. The fuck, you annoy me to the core.¡± She huffs.

    ¡± I did nothing wrong.¡±

    ¡± Oh really?¡± Alexa asks from the back.

    ¡± Yes, really. Dad wants me to be like him. Take over the automobilepany and i fuckin¡¯ hate it.¡± He says and takes off his jacket. Oh great, he¡¯s got tattoos too. Tons of them on his arms to his wrist.

    ¡± Stop checking me out princess.¡± Ace smirks at me.

    ¡± Ace, you¡¯re my cousin, why would i check you out?¡±

    ¡± Nothing wrong in checking your cousin out, you know that. Are you sure you¡¯re our cousin? Cause I want us to get married.¡±

    I chuckle and swat his arms.

    ¡± You should stop being flirty.¡± I scold him.

    ¡± Yeah, yeah. You look more pretty. Like I barely didn¡¯t recognized you. Gray did a lot of great job. Nice Ferrari.¡± He says and looks around the vehicle.

    ¡± Alright , I think we should go back to our previous conversation before you try to flirt with your cousin.¡± Alexa says and i nod.

    ¡± Fucker.¡± Ace hiss out.

    ¡± Is that why you left? Because dad wants you to go to college and be a graduate?¡±

    ¡± And I fuckin¡¯ hate school. I left the country, move to italy.¡±

    ¡± And joined the Mafia.¡±

    He turns to look at Alexa at the mention of the mob. ¡± Who told you that?¡± He asks.

    ¡± Maybe because I also work for the mob and I found out you¡¯re with the Eduardo¡¯s. De fuckin¡¯ Luca, you moron.¡± Alexa says.

    ¡± What¡¯s going on here? Alexa works with the mob now? For Gray?¡± He asks.

    ¡± Yeah, Summit.¡± I give a half smile and shrug.

    ¡± You know i thought you didn¡¯t know your boyfriend is a Mafia boss.¡±

    ¡± I know about that.¡± I answer.

    ¡± And you stayed? Wow.¡±

    ¡± They are in love Ace. Why don¡¯t you fall in love with someone too.¡±

    ¡± Are you even in love?¡± Ace asks Alexa.

    ¡± That makes both of us in one ship.¡±

    ¡± This is bullshit. The entire family is with the mob now. What did our parents say?¡±

    ¡± My mom isn¡¯t aware Summit is a Mafia.¡± I say.

    Ace chuckles.¡± Holy fuck. Who told you that shit? Of course your mom knows about it. She knows Gray is a mob boss.¡± Ace says.

    ¡± What? How did you know that?¡±

    ¡± You should ask her yourself. I have nothing to say.¡±

    I sigh and try to digest what Ace said. My parents knew Gray is in the Mafia? Is that why she asked me to quit my rtionship with him because he¡¯s a criminal? But how did she know about all this? Is it through dad who cheated with Gray¡¯s mother and she identally told Dad , her son and ex husband is a criminal. This is so confusing. Right now, I need answers.

    I halt the car on the empty parking space as we get out of the car. Ace looks up at the building and chuckles.

    ¡± You stay here?¡± I nod and begin walking.

    ¡± What are you doing in New York?¡±

    ¡± The family stays here too. I work with Cage and his father and they¡¯ve got a house here. Criminal matters.¡±

    ¡± What if you get shot and you died?¡± Alexa asks as they strides behind me.

    ¡± At least i didn¡¯t die broke. I should also ask you that? What if you get shot?¡±

    ¡± You know i won¡¯t. I¡¯m a woman, I don¡¯t smuggle drugs. I seduce men and it¡¯s not that dangerous like yours.¡± She says as a matter of fact.

    The elevator arrives and we enter. Alexa go awkwardly quiet.

    ¡± Do you know Gray owns this ce?¡± Ace breaks the silence with another shocker.

    ¡± What are you saying?¡± Alexa asks with a scowl.

    ¡± Fuck. Really, Ariel, you don¡¯t know?¡±

    Okay I¡¯ve heard enough. First, my parents knows Gray is in the Mafia and they didn¡¯t tell me about it. And now I¡¯ve been dating Gray for a long period of time now , he didn¡¯t tell me he owns this building. I think that exins the day we crossed paths when I resumed college. He owes me an exnation now including my parents.

    ¡± How did you know that?¡±

    ¡± You should ask him sweetheart. He owns it.¡± Ace says and leans his back against the elevator walls. Alexa and I look at each other as we look away.

    ¡± So why didn¡¯t youe back home? Mom was worried. She was afraid, Ace.¡±

    ¡± I didn¡¯t wanna bring trouble. Most times when you¡¯re a mobster, it¡¯s nice to keep your family away from your life in other to y safe. It¡¯s not always safe out there. Especially for you Ariel. Gray¡¯s leading on the drug trade. Drug dealers and mob bosses are fuckin¡¯ envious and they might wanna hurt you.¡±

    The elevator slides open and we step out.

    ¡± They already tried to hurt me , thrice now.¡±

    ¡± Holy fuck. What!¡±

    ¡± Ace it¡¯s fine. It¡¯s not new. I understand you just have to be strong to get involved with criminals. If you¡¯re weak , you¡¯ll be easily used as a pawn and I won¡¯t let that happen again.¡± I shrug and insert the key to the apartment door.

    ¡± Who made the attack?¡± Ace asks.

    ¡± Russians.¡± I say and open the door.

    ¡± Don¡¯t talk about the mob in front of Leslie, she doesn¡¯t know.¡± Alexa whispers to Ace.

    ¡± Yeah , yeah.¡±

    We walk to the living room. Hazel is standing and she didn¡¯t acknowledge us , since she¡¯s talking to Leslie who¡¯s sitting. I clear my throat as bothdies turns to our direction. Their mouths slightly opens in shock.

    Okay , Hazel isn¡¯t in shock. She¡¯s gawking over Ace who looks extremely hot and Leslie is kinda surprised her cousin who always bullied her is back from nowhere.

    ¡± God where¡¯s the kitchen.¡± I mutter and walk to the kitchen. I open the fridge and take out a bottle water and a box of chocte.

    ¡± Nice.¡± I drop the item on the countertop and sit down.

    ¡± What the fuck! You¡¯re pregnant?¡± Ace yells from the living room.

    Alrighty, here we go. Alexa chuckles and walks into the kitchen. She sits opposite me and opens the box of chocte. My phone rings inside my jacket and I bring it out.

    ¡± Jamal.¡±

    ¡± You always make it sound better when you say Jamal. How are you? Are you okay?¡±

    ¡± Yeah, I¡¯m good. I¡¯m in my apartment.¡±

    ¡± What are you doing?¡± He asks on the phone.

    ¡± Hanging out with family.¡±

    Alexa eats the chocte as she nods to the taste.

    ¡± I missed you. I hope you are not feeling pains. The doctors advised you take a lot of rest , you shoulde home soon.¡±

    Iugh.¡± But I¡¯m in my house.¡±

    He huffs on the phone.¡± Sure. Don¡¯t stay long.¡±

    I roll my eyes and nod. God he can¡¯t see me.¡± Thanks, I will be home soon.¡± I tell him.

    ¡± I love you.¡± He says. Seriously, the L-word sounds foreign in his mouth each time he says it. Obviously, it¡¯s new to him, I get it.

    ¡± I love you.¡±

    I yfully re at Alexa as she shoots herself. I chuckle and drop my phone.

    ¡± Why shooting yourself?¡±

    ¡± I love you¡­¡± she says in her fake voice trying to mimic mine. Oh God , she¡¯s insane.

    Iugh.¡± Shut up.¡±

    ¡± You guys make love sound beautiful, I swear. I should look for love too.¡± She rests both her elbows on the counter and cups both her cheeks.

    ¡± And who the fuck is looking for love? Leslie got pregnant and no one told me? Who the fuck is responsible?¡±

    ¡± Do you wanna beat up the moron?¡± Alexa asks.

    ¡± If it¡¯s worth it , yes.¡±

    ¡± You should ask her yourself then .¡± Alexa says and motions to the living room.

    ¡± You shouldn¡¯t emphasize on it too much. She¡¯s not happy. My mom cut her out of the family and froze her ount. No money , no job, and no University.¡± I say and eat the chocte.

    ¡± Leslie, who¡¯s responsible?¡± Ace calls out.

    ¡± Professor.¡± Leslie squeaks out.

    ¡± This ain¡¯t money heist. Who is responsible?¡± Ace asks again.

    ¡± My professor, Ace. Don¡¯t try to mock me about it. I¡¯m getting used to this badluck in form of a baby.¡±

    Ace slowly turns to look at us.

    ¡± Is it true?¡± He asks calmly and we nod.

    ¡± Why would you fuck your professor Leslie? Because you were bored?¡± Ace asks.

    I facepalm myself and shake my head.

    ¡± Ace, forget about it. It¡¯s the past. She¡¯s trying to mould her life over again.¡± Alexa says.

    Ace nods and looks around the kitchen for once.

    ¡± Wow, how were you guys able to afford this?¡±

    ¡± Our parents. You should see Alexa¡¯s ce.¡± I say and smile.

    ¡± Damn. You have your own ce too. Mom really cares about you¡± He picks up a chocte and shoves it in his mouth.

    ¡± It¡¯s really hard to believe she¡¯s pregnant¡­¡± Ace whispers. God, I thought we were passed that topic. ¡± She was the crazy wild girl like Alexa. Sister, are you pregnant too?¡±

    ¡± Shut up, you freak. I¡¯m not and I¡¯m not ready. Why are you here?¡±

    ¡± I came to drop delivery shits, you understand. Decide to hook up with that crazy bitch whom you guys chased away. We fucked and she wanted me to get her something to eat. We decided to drop by at sands & winches and I saw you two witches. I should be leaving soon. De Luca don¡¯t tolerateteness. And you Alexa, why Gray?¡±

    ¡± He pays good and he¡¯s my cousin¡¯s boyfriend.¡± Alexa whispers.

    ¡± Are you guys like enemies now? Since De Luca and Gray don¡¯t really agree?¡± I ask.

    ¡± I don¡¯t give a fuck.¡± Alexa says.

    ¡± It¡¯s not like they don¡¯t agree. They don¡¯t like each other because of Gray¡¯s sess and Sinir¡¯s beef with Gray.¡±

    ¡± Yeah. Sad.¡± I mutter and uncap the bottle water and drink.

    ¡± I should get going. My car is at that restaurant.¡± Ace stands up and shes me his usual smirk. I roll my eyes and sit back the bottle water.

    ¡± Are we supposed to drive you there? I¡¯m going home from here. Got stuff to handle and college too. I¡¯m way pass sophomore and I need to handle this new semester.¡± Alexa stands up too.

    ¡± Fine , I¡¯m gonna drop you guys.¡± I huff and pick up thest chocte. We walk to the living room. Leslie looks sad as Hazel talks. They are really silent.

    ¡± Leslie¡­¡±

    ¡± Yeah?¡± She looks up at me and she looks pale.

    ¡± Are you okay?¡± I ask.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know. Maybe. I just missed my ex life. This present one is killing me. I lost my job.¡± She exins.

    I sigh and check my pocket. God I have no money with me.

    ¡± I¡¯m leaving but I¡¯ll transfer something to you. I have no cash with me.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s fine. I understand.¡± Leslie says and smiles. That isn¡¯t genuine cause she is sad.

    I return the smile and leave. Ace smiles at her and pat her hair like she¡¯s six before following behind us. I drop Ace at sands & winches. We exchange numbers and he promised to check on us and maybe visit their parents. I drive Alexa to her apartment andter drive back to Gray¡¯s. I get out of the car and walk into the house.

    I climb upstairs and open his room door. Heys down on his belly as he types on hisptop. I walk in and shut the door. I remove my jacket and toss it on the couch, before walking to the edge of the bed. Gray stops typing and turns to look at me. Iy next to him on the bed and wrap my arm around his torso. He¡¯s shirtless as he wraps his arm around my shoulder. I run my fingers on his tan stomach and up his chest.

    ¡± How¡¯s your stomach?¡±

    ¡± Fine.¡± I sigh .

    He raise my tank top up a little to stare at the bandage on my stomach.

    ¡± By weekend this should be gone.¡± He trails his fingers on the bandage and kisses my forehead.

    ¡± Does it hurt?¡±

    ¡± No.¡± I smile and shake my head sideways.

    He drops down my tank top and runs his fingers through my hair.

    ¡± Who owns my apartment building?¡± I ask.

    He raises his brows and shrugs.

    ¡± You?¡±

    He sighs and rest on his back.

    ¡± Who told you that?¡±

    ¡± Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± I ask .

    ¡± Tell you? What was I supposed to tell you? Ariel, I own this ce. For fuck¡¯s sake, it doesn¡¯t make any sense.¡± He says and looks down at me.

    ¡± You should have. I had to find out from Ace.¡±

    ¡± Ace? Alexa¡¯s twin?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. We met him at our usual restaurant around college. He told me you own my ce of living. Can¡¯t believe my mom knew you¡¯re a mob boss and yet I still can¡¯t digest that story.¡±

    ¡± Wait? What makes you think he¡¯s telling the truth about your parents?¡±

    ¡± My parents don¡¯t like you Gray.¡±

    He rolls his eyes and sleeps on his sides so he¡¯s facing me.

    ¡± I thought the reason behind their hate is because my mom dated your dad.¡±

    ¡± I thought so too. Ace said they knew you¡¯re a mob boss. How could they know? God I¡¯m so confused. I need to speak with them.¡±

    Gray wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me to him.

    ¡± It¡¯s okay. I¡¯m sorry i didn¡¯t tell you about that ce. I really didn¡¯t see any reason to mention it to you.¡± He says and brush his hand up my hip.

    I chuckle and nod.

    ¡± Have you eaten?¡±

    ¡± Yes , Nick did the cooking since I couldn¡¯t call the house help.¡±

    ¡± Nick can cook?¡± I chuckle.

    ¡± At least he cooks better than me.¡±

    ¡± Yeah , right. You almost burnt your kitchen.¡± I chuckle.

    ¡± Damn. I was trying to make something for you. I actually did. Got a call and I forgot I was actually making pancakes.¡± He says and frowns.

    Iugh. That was hrious.

    ¡± I¡¯ll try better. You¡¯ll be surprised , i promise you.¡±

    ¡± Oh yeah. Can¡¯t wait for that day then.¡± I run my fingers down his hair and trail it down his nape and to the side of his neck.

    ¡± Thanks.¡± I whisper and look down at his lips.

    ¡± For?¡±

    I smile and rub my thumb pad on his cheek. His hand secures my hip as he slowly caresses my waist.

    ¡± Everything.¡± I whisper. Our lips are already a inch apart.

    ¡± And thanks too.¡± He says back. ¡± For loving me and looking out for me.¡± He whispers and i chuckle. I cup his cheek and im his lips same time he was about to im mine. We smile in between the kiss as he takes over the kiss.

    ******

    I stare at the full length mirror and brush my hair. I curl my hair carefully till I¡¯m through. I drop the curling wand and run my fingers through the curls. We¡¯re traveling to Canada today and as always I¡¯m still nervous. Gray walks in almost dressed. His white dress shirt fits his well built body as he stands behind me.

    ¡± Need help?¡± He kisses my hair and wraps his arms around my waist.

    ¡± Yeah. Zipper.¡±

    He chuckles and nods. He looks down at my back and move my hair to the side so my back is bare before him. He kisses my shoulder and hold the zipper. He slowly zips the dress and wraps his arms around my waist again.

    ¡± You look pretty.¡± He mutters against my neck and bites my shoulder de gently.

    ¡± Wish I can take this dress off you right now.¡± He whispers and kisses my neck. His right hand caress my thighs up to my panties. I bite my bottom lip and breathe out.

    ¡± Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re wearing a thong.¡±

    I chuckle and nod.

    ¡± Fuck. I¡¯ll be removing this soon , in my jet.¡± He kisses my earlobe and trails his finger down my panties right in between my legs.

    ¡± Fuck, you¡¯re wet and we¡¯re gonna bete if I don¡¯t stop.¡± He smirks at me through the mirror.

    I feel his hand slip inside my panties as he kisses my neck again. I shut my eyes and shudder to his assualt.

    He snaps my panties against my skin and slips his hand out of my dress.

    ¡± Shoes?¡± He asks and looks down at me.

    ¡± Yeah¡­¡± i stutter and catch my breath. How could he seduce me and turn me on just like that.

    ¡± Save it for the birthday.¡± He whispers and kisses my temple before helping me with my shoes. He squats a little as I hold his shoulder forfort. I step inside my shoes and smile at him for his gesture. He stands up and holds my arms to walk with him. He picks up his suit jacket from the bed as we walk out.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    ?????

    The jet slows down as it finally stops. Gray wraps his arms around my waist and walks me out of the jet. I gently climb down the steps as I look around. As always two cars were already waiting for us. How did he manage to set this up each time we travel. Gray doesn¡¯t drive this time. His guard or whatever opens the backseat of the car and we enter. He shuts the door once we¡¯re settled. I take a deep breath and the driver ignites the engine.

    ¡± Where are we going?¡± I ask.

    ¡± To the dock. She wants a yacht party. I can¡¯t even imagine what she looks like. It¡¯s almost two years since ist saw her.¡±

    ¡± No way. You didn¡¯t attend her birthdayst year?¡±

    ¡± No. Just sent her gifts.¡± He says and shrugs.

    I sigh and look out the window.

    ¡± That was a little unfair.¡± I mutter.

    ¡± I know. I¡¯m a bad kid. You¡¯re one of the reasons I choose toe.¡±

    ¡± If not you wouldn¡¯t have? Gray she lost Damon. You¡¯re the only kid she¡¯s got.¡±

    ¡± And hopefully, Damon might be back. She¡¯s gonna be happy if it¡¯s true.¡± He says and scoffs.

    We drive in silence till we arrive at the dock. The driver gets out of the car and opens the door for us. Gray get out of the car and I step out too. I tuck my hair behind my ear as I look up at the ship. It¡¯s beautiful, fancy and obviously expensive. This looks like Gray¡¯s but Gray¡¯s looks quite bigger.

    ¡± You¡¯re ready?¡±

    I smile and nod and hold his arm. This will be fun hopefully. That¡¯s if i don¡¯t puke. I¡¯m allergic to wealthy people and their parties. It¡¯s always filled with people dressed in expensive dresses and loumboutin shoes. Once we arrive inside the ship , it is beautiful and decorated. This looks like a hall but covered with people holding champagne sses and chattering amongst themselves.

    ¡± Oh my God , Gray.¡± A girl says as she flings her arms around Gray almost knocking me off. She hug him. Gray hold tight to my hand when i try to slip it away from him. Okay , she¡¯s taking forever to disengage from her hug. Gray pulls away as she smiles widely at him. She wears a really short dress that barely covers her thighs. Her blonde hair fits her pale cream skin and she¡¯s pretty. Clearly she¡¯s older than me. 23 or even 24. Most times I wonder how Gray end up dating a twenty year old when his girls and flings are twenty four , five , some even older than him. I feel like i don¡¯t belong.

    ¡± Wow , I can¡¯t believe you¡¯d showed up.¡± The Blondie says.

    ¡± It¡¯s my mom¡¯s birthday, i¡¯m supposed to be here.¡± Gray tells her. Her eyesnd on me and her smile drops to a smug look.

    ¡± Your girlfriend?¡±

    ¡± Yes. Ariel meet Samara , she¡¯s Antonio¡¯s daughter.¡±

    ¡± Nice to meet you.¡± I tell her without stretching my hand to shake hers. She nods and ster a fake smile on her face. I¡¯m pretty sure she had something for Gray.

    ¡± Where¡¯s my mom?¡±

    ¡± Right there.¡± Samara motions behind her as she begins walking. A woman walks into the gathering. Her red burgundy dress has a split to her thigh. Her long ck hair is finely maintened and in waves. Okay , she looks thirty. Is that Gray¡¯s mother.

    ¡± Hey mom.¡± Gray hugs her with one arm and kisses her temple.

    Alright I lost my voice. Mia Carter looks like Kim Kardashian. They disengage from the hug as she looks at me. Her bright smile makes me envious of her.

    ¡± You must be the girlfriend.¡±

    I nod and stretch out my hand for a handshake.

    ¡± I¡¯m Ariel¡­¡± I didn¡¯t say thest name. Her perfectly carved brows raises up and she pulls me into a big hug. Alrighty I didn¡¯t expect that. My eyesnd on Samara behind Mia and she looks displeased. We pull away from the hug as she shakes my hand.

    ¡± I¡¯m Mia¡­¡±

 Chapter 84

    ¡± So how did you meet my son?¡± Mia asks as she gives me a ss of champagne. We¡¯re in a private cabin inside the yacht and it¡¯s so beautiful. The designs, chairs and everything is incredibly expensive.

    She stole me away from Gray after we exchanged pleasantries.

    ¡± It¡¯s a long story.¡± I tell her and take a sip from the champagne.

    ¡± And the chemistry is really nice. He cares about you. Most times I thought he would never care about someone like the way he cared for you.¡±

    I blush and smile, trying to think of a proper speech to keep up with the conversation.

    ¡± I¡¯m happy he¡¯s in love. You¡¯re pretty and young.¡± She says , again I don¡¯t reply.

    ¡± Nice party by the way. Happy birthday. Oh and I got you a gift.¡± I say and drop the ss of champagne on the ss table as I reach to collect my bag. I bring out the box and give it to her. She smiles and takes it.

    ¡± Am I supposed to open this now?¡± She giggles and looks up at me.

    I shrug.¡± If you want.¡±

    She smiles and giggles as she tears out the wrap. I watch as she giggles. I wish my mom was like her. Free, open hearted and weing. She opens the box as her mouth slightly parts. She blinks her eyes and looks up at me from her thickshes.

    ¡± Oh my God.¡± she gasps and drops the box.

    ¡± This is beautiful.¡± She smiles and pulls me in for a hug. One thing I mustmend , I love her ent. She¡¯s got a really cute British ent, one of the best.

    We disengage from the hug as she stretches out her hand and asks me to wear it on her. I take the bracelet and put it around her wrist.

    ¡± Wow.¡± She raises her left wrist to her face and smiles widely.

    Again, she pulls me into her arms for a warm embrace.

    ¡± I got you gift cards too.¡± I show her the two gift cards as she kisses my temple.

    ¡± Thank you so much for this. I love this bracelet so much.¡± She says and admires the bracelet again.

    ¡± Aww , Gray¡¯s so lucky. Thank you.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re wee. Happy birthday once again.¡±

    ¡± How did you even do it? Drag Gray to my birthday. He¡¯s a stubborn one. Always ims he¡¯s busy.¡± She shrugs sadly.

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry. I had to scold him and also I really wanted to see you.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re pretty and I¡¯m really d he brought a girl. Not just any other girl , a really good one too. How old are you?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m twenty.¡± I reply shyly.

    ¡± Wow , you¡¯re really young. It¡¯s nice to have you in my family.¡± She says and caresses my hair.

    ¡± Tell me more about yourself.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m in college and I¡¯m majoring in business.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re in college?¡± She asks surprisingly.

    I nod. ¡± Yes.¡± I breathe out.

    ¡± Gray looked really well. And your parents¡­¡±

    Oh damn. What am I supposed to tell her? Your ex is my daddy.

    ¡± Is Sinir your father?¡± Wait what? Not again.

    ¡± Why would you say that?¡±

    ¡± You look like him. I mean your eyes¡­¡±

    ¡± No way¡­¡± Iugh it out.

    ¡± Mia.¡± Samara calls out as she walks in.

    Her gazends on me as she cocks both her blonde eyebrows. She¡¯s so intimidating and annoying.

    ¡± The guests are waiting for you and Gray wants his date back.¡± Samara says not taking her eyes off of me for a second.

    ¡°Oh gracious. Escaped my mind.¡± Mia runs her hands down her hair and hugs me again before running out of the cabin. Samara¡¯s eyes follow Mia out of the room as she returns her gaze back to me.

    ¡± She likes you huh?¡± Samara scowls at me.

    ¡°You got issues with that?¡± I scoff as Gray walks in.

    He looks between me and Samara . I sh him a smile as he takes my hand in his. We walk out of the cabin to the gathering and Mia is giving a speech. Gray wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me to his side.

    ¡± What did she tell you? My mom?¡± He whispers against my ear.

    I chuckle.¡± She¡¯s nice. Really friendly too.¡±

    He shakes his head.¡± Did she tell you any silly stories about me growing up?¡±

    I chuckle and turn to look up at him.

    ¡± Not really. We talked about me and nothing about you.¡± I say.     He nods and caresses my waist.

    ¡± I really can¡¯t wait to take this dress off of you.¡± He whispers.

    I gulp and bite my bottom lip.

    ¡± It¡¯s your mom¡¯s birthday, Jamal.¡±

    He huffs and looks ahead as his mom starts to cut her cake.

    ¡± What difference does it make? You should see what you¡¯re doing to me right now.¡± He pinches my waist and looks down at me.

    I breathe out and tighten my legs.

    ¡± Stop flirting with me, Gray.¡±

    ¡± You know I¡¯m not. You¡¯re so fuckin hot.¡± He whispers and kisses my temple.

    I fiddle my fingers and breathe out. He¡¯s really doing this on purpose.

    We apud Mia once she finally cuts the cake . Guests cheer and drink up as stewardesses begin to share more drinks. Mia walks us to a table as we sit. ssical music ys through the speakers as we take our seats. Gray and I sit directly from Mia and Antonio. He¡¯s got brown hair and I wondered where Samara got hers from. Maybe her mom. Fried, baked , cooked foods and desserts covered the table. It smells so good.

    ¡± Wow. We really haven¡¯t introduced ourselves actually.¡± Antonio speaks up.

    ¡± I¡¯m Antonio by the way. Mia¡¯s husband.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m Ariel.¡± I tell him.

    ¡± It¡¯s really nice to have you here. I¡¯m really d you brought Gray.¡± Mia says.

    I smile and nod.

    ¡± Please eat up.¡± Mia says and motions us to the food.

    ¡± So who are your parents Ariel? You know you looked a little like Sinir Daxton. He was Gray¡¯s father¡¯s close friend. Are you kinda rted to him? I won¡¯t really mind , he¡¯s not really bad.¡±

    Antonio¡¯s phone rings and he kisses Mia on her temple and walks out to take the call.

    ¡± Mom, she¡¯s not Sinir¡¯s daughter. They¡¯re not rted and I don¡¯t really get the reason why people see her as one.¡±

    ¡± There¡¯s nothing wrong if she belongs to Sinir.¡±

    ¡± You know something is gonna be wrong.¡±

    ¡± Oh really? Because of your dad. I¡¯m the one who¡¯s supposed to be angry since he was partially the reason your father died.¡±

    Gray scoffs. I get the memo now , since Gray fucked Sinir up , me being Sinir¡¯s daughter won¡¯t be good. Of course I¡¯m not his daughter , what am I even thinking? My blood group matches my mom and I¡¯ve got my mother¡¯s hair. Same dark brown hair. I really wanna talk to my mom. About Gray being in the Mafia and this crazy rumor of being rted to a mob boss. I am about to fall sick.

    ¡± Myst name¡¯s Peterson.¡± I say at once cutting their intense argument.

    ¡± Peterson?¡± Mia asks at once.

    ¡± Yes, your ex.¡± Gray grits out.

    ¡± Oh my God. This is such a small world. David¡¯s daughter. How did¡­ this is weird.¡±

    I sigh and look down at the food covered table.

    ¡± How¡¯s your father? He was a good man and a really good lover too.¡±Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± He¡¯s fine. I¡¯m really sorry about what happened between you two.¡±

    She sighs and nods.

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry too. It wasn¡¯t on purpose dear. I didn¡¯t really know he was married.¡±

    Alright , this was supposed to be a happy birthday not a moment of sad reconciliation..

    ¡± It¡¯s okay ma.¡±

    ¡± Mom, it¡¯s enough. It¡¯s nothing really.¡± Gray cuts in. Antonio returns and sits down. Mia sighs and smiles. She¡¯s trying to get used to her new discovery.

    I look up and meet eyes with a set of Gray orbs. His hands are stuck in his pocket as he strides to the table. He wears a ck two piece suit. Hate to admit , he looks like the older version of Gray.

    ¡± Wow¡­¡± He says as he finally reaches our table.

    All attention on the table turns to look at this guest. Mia¡¯s spoon drops off her hand as she stands up at once. Wait, is this Damon? He looks down at Gray and then me.

    ¡± Hi, mom.¡±

    Wow, this will be fun.

 Chapter 85

    ¡± Damon.¡± Mia calls as she looks at this new guest.

    Finally he looks at Mia as she sighs. Mia wraps her arms around the tall man and hugs him.

    ¡± Damon?¡± I whisper to Gray. He sighs and shrugs.

    ¡± Obviously.¡± He scoffs. Okay , I remembered he doesn¡¯t like his brother. He was one of the first reasons Damon went MIA.

    ¡± Oh my God.¡± Mia cries on her son¡¯s shoulder.

    Damon caresses the petite woman¡¯s hair and smiles. He looks at Gray and me. Hate to admit , he¡¯s super cute. Like an older version of Gray. But Gray¡¯s kinda hotter. How old is he now , twenty eight? They disengage from the hug as Damon kisses Mia¡¯s temple. We stay put and watch in awe.

    ¡± What happened to you?¡± Mia asks in tears.

    ¡± Favorite son is back , hallelujah.¡± Gray mutters. I nudged him in his ribs. He turns to look at me as I re at him.

    Samara walks in suddenly. She stops on her track when she sees Damon. It¡¯s like she knows every single son Mia gave birth to. She bats hershes dreamily and smiles. I really don¡¯t understand her, who¡¯s she crushing on? Gray or Damon?

    ¡± Wow. What¡¯s this? A grand surprise?¡± She asks.

    ¡± Happy birthday¡­¡± Damon tells Mia and kisses her temple.

    ¡± What happened to you? Are you okay? How did you find me here?¡± Mia bombards Damon with questions.

    All he did was just shrug.

    ???

    Three minutes into Damon¡¯s arrival. We eat in silence as we share nces at each other. This is awkward. Damon hasn¡¯t said anything. Just stare at Gray and then me. Samara sits next to Gray, while Damon sits next to his mom.

    ¡± This is really delicious.¡± I mutter to help with the awkward silence.

    ¡± It¡¯s nice you like it.¡± Mia replies with a smile. She looks tripple happy at Damon¡¯s arrival. Antonio hasn¡¯t said a word.

    ¡± So Damon , what happened to you? Thought you were dead.¡± Gray starts a conversation.

    ¡± Did you want me dead?¡± Damon asks.

    I roll my eyes and raise the ss of water to my lips.

    ¡± And why will I want you dead?¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t know. Just wondering.¡± He shrugs. Gray chuckles and smiles.

    ¡± Wee. Mom missed you a lot. It¡¯s nice you¡¯re back.¡± Gray says and ces his right hand on my thigh.

    I turn to look at him swiftly. He smirks and winks.

    ¡± So Damon what happened to you?¡± Antonio asks.

    ¡± I was in aa for over three years. The military didn¡¯t know about it. I found myself in Europe and I don¡¯t even know how. I woke up finally and I held the news of myself in Europe. It was a little town and some people took care of me. And then I battled PTSD for over two years. I was in Europe all these years. The family was nice, they helped me heal.¡± Damon narrates as he looks between me and Gray again. Wow it¡¯s like Gray¡¯s looking at me. But just the older Gray with really nice stubble. Damon¡¯s cute and he looks pretty young to be twenty eight.

    ¡± But how did you went MIA?¡±

    ¡± Still no idea mom. A crazy shootout and I copsed. One of these people who saved me said I was found at a riverbank not too far from the military camp.¡± He sighs and grabs a ss of water. I watch him raise it to his lips as he gulps it.

    ¡± Are you gonna go back?¡± Mia asks.

    ¡± No.¡± He says and sits back the ss.

    Now I¡¯m barely concentrating. Gray slowly trails his hand up my thighs. I dart my head to his figure and he¡¯s not even staring back at me. He gently rubs me through my panties and that¡¯s all it takes , I almost gave out.

    ¡± Wanna take them off?¡± Gray whispers, his warm breath against my ear gives me goosebumps. I turn to look at him wondering what he¡¯s talking about but he snaps the tiny waistline of my panties against my skin. Oh shit. I don¡¯t mind taking this blockage off. But it¡¯s gonna be embarrassing if Mia or the others find me taking off my panties because I¡¯m about to get fingered in a family dinner with a birthday celebrant. Oh Gray, what hath thou turned me into.

    I look back at the others and they look busy with their discussions. Thank God I¡¯m not pale , everyone could easily see the effect Gray¡¯s got on me. He gently pushes my knees apart as he slowly trails his fingers on my inner thighs. Oh God. My hands are already fisted. Imagine moaning out , this is so embarrassing.

    ¡± So Gray, who¡¯s the girl? You¡¯re married now?¡± Damon asks as Mia smiles at me. I smile back , grateful that a discussion is gonna stop Gray from this heated session.

    Gray looks at me seductively , his middle finger already slips inside my entrance and I gasp out.

    ¡± Are you okay?¡± Mia asks with concern.

    ¡± Yes. I¡¯m fine.¡± I say with a stutter.

    Gray looks rxed , like he isn¡¯t doing something to me under the table of a family dinner. Thank God for the white table cloth on the table.

    ¡± So are you guys together?¡± Damon asks again.

    ¡± Yes. We¡¯re in a rtionship.¡± Gray answers for me.

    Damon nods and looks my way. I can barely meet his eyes. He¡¯s too mysterious. Gray¡¯s fingers slip in and out of me and I can¡¯t hold back.

    ¡± And she¡¯s a really good girl.¡± Mia says.

    I shrug and sigh. How could Gray do this right now?

    ¡± What¡¯s your name?¡± Damon asks me. Gray doubles the finger.

    ¡± God¡­¡± I mutter.

    ¡± Are you sure you¡¯re okay?¡± Mia asks again. Gray turns to look at me and asks if I¡¯m okay.

    What¡¯s wrong with him? How am I supposed to think properly with those perfect fingers deep inside me?

    ¡± I¡¯m fine. Ariel. My name¡¯s Ariel.¡± I speak out and breathe in.

    ¡± What do you do?¡± Damon asks again.

    ¡± I¡¯m in college.¡± I reply. Shit. Gray¡¯s finger increases his pace and I¡¯m near the verge of panting out.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay babe?¡± He whispers.

    ¡± Fuck you.¡± I whisper back to him.Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    He chuckles and turns his gaze back to his family.

    ¡± You¡¯re in college? No wonder you looked young. How old are you?¡± Samara asks.

    ¡± What¡¯s your business, Sam?¡± Gray asks her and I¡¯m totally grateful. His fingers already halt their assault.

    ¡± Nothing , I¡¯m just¡­¡±

    ¡± Ignore that Ariel. So where do you live? How did you meet each other?¡± Mia asks.

    He sighs and leans his back against the chair.

    ¡± We live together in New York. We met in New York mom.¡± Gray replies rather too harshly. He slips out his hand and looks at me briefly with a smile which simply means ¡®we will continue thister.¡¯

    ¡± Were you born in New York?¡±

    ¡± No. I grew up in Georgia. That¡¯s where I was born.¡± I tell them and they nod.

    I look around the countless guests as they dance and talk with the ssical music ring through the speakers.

    ¡± What are you nning to do Damon since you¡¯re back? Are you gonna get together with Jhene? She misses you, including your daughter.¡± Gray says.

    Damon¡¯s features change at once. I can barely read emotions , obviously he¡¯s not angry. Sad , pissed.. Damon doesn¡¯t respond. He picks up another ss of champagne to drink.

    ¡± Wow Jhene. How¡¯s my grand daughter? Why¡¯s she not here? You know thest time I saw her she reminds me of Damon but got a mouth of Gray.¡± Mia teases.

    I chuckle. Yeah , everyone¡¯s saying that. Kennedy¡¯s like Gray in everything. Imagine getting into a fight with a ten years old in a funfair and she was least affected. I love that kid. If I ever get a kid , i want it to be like Kennedy.

    ¡± What did you teach her, Gray?¡± Damon asks.

    ¡± You should be grateful to me, man. You left when she was two and I took her as mine. What¡¯s the big deal if she swears?¡± Gray asks and res at Damon.

    ¡± You taught my daughter how to swear? What the fuck is wrong with you!¡± Damon yells at Gray.

    Gray bites his bottom lip and clenches his fist. No way , he¡¯s not about to go hulk man on his older brother.

    ¡± So fuckin ungrateful , you fuckin cunt.¡± Gray hisses.

    Damon chuckles. Mia holds his arms and tries to calm Damon down while I did the same to Gray. His brother just returned and he wants to fight him. What in God¡¯s name is wrong with Gray.

    ¡± Boys , calm down. No fighting on my birthday.¡± Mia warns her sons.

    ¡± But Kennedy is too young to swear.¡± Mia says calmly.

    ¡± I didn¡¯t teach her. She likes it.¡± Gray says half the truth. Kennedy likes the vulgar lifestyle and even wants to shoot a gun and that¡¯s because she lived with Gray.

    ¡± Fuck , I need to see my daughter.¡±

    ¡± Are you nning to get back with Jhene?¡± Mia asks.

    ¡± She¡¯s a good girl.¡± Mia adds.¡± Even if she tried to smash both of you.¡±

    ¡± Tried or she did.¡± Damon scoffs.

    Gray¡¯s muscles rx as I sigh. Thank God. Thought he was gonna start a fight with his brother.

    ¡± I don¡¯t want her. I just want Kennedy back.¡± Damon says.

    He¡¯s just like Gray in terms of anger. I think they look like their father and maybe took his eyes. Mia¡¯s eyes are blue. They¡¯ve got the same ck hair as their mom. But the looks aren¡¯t there. Antonio saves the tension in the table as he changes the topic.

    I feel unusual as my stomach twitches. Great , I feel the food I ateing out. I wanna throw up.

    ¡± Where¡¯s the bathroom?¡± I ask.

    ¡± Are you okay?¡± Gray asks with concern. Oh shit, I quickly stand on my feet as Mia follows me.

    I walk fastly as I push the door to the bathroom open. I kneel close to the toilet with my face inside as I bring out every food I¡¯ve eaten. I feel nauseous and weak all of a sudden.

    ¡± Are you okay?¡± Gray asks.

    He helps me up as I walk to the sink to rinse my face. I look up at the mirror and Mia won¡¯t stop smirking. What¡¯s that supposed to mean?

    ¡°I will get Samara to lend you a PT. She¡¯s got tons of them.¡± Mia says with a smirk as she scurries away.

    Pregnancy test?

    When did I get pregnant?

 Chapter 86

    I smile in victory as I stare at the pregnancy test in my hand. Negative. Oh mercies. I can¡¯t believe Mia wants me to be pregnant. I mean she¡¯s got Kennedy for now and I¡¯m not ready for one. I¡¯m too young for that and plus Gray doesn¡¯t even want a baby. I get rid of the two pt which I used just to be sure as I wash my hands.

    Maybe I¡¯m just getting the flu or the food doesn¡¯t match my stomach. I look at my reflection and walk back to the gathering. People are already dancing and Gray is having a conversation with Damon. Both of them ring at each other as they talk. I see Mia with Antonio as they dance. Samara is talking with a friend. She had to scowl at me when Mia went to collect PT from her. She got those in her bag. So weird. Gray looks my way and walks out on Damon. Damon raises his ss of wine to his lips and looks at me.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay?¡±

    ¡± Yeah.¡±

    ¡± My mom gave you a PT.¡±

    I sigh and roll my eyes. Gray wraps his arms around my waist and walks me out of the gathering and to a room. It¡¯s a bedroom. It looks like the one Mia took me to the first time but it¡¯s quite different. My feet ache so I step out of my shoes.

    ¡± Are you pregnant?¡± He asks and shuts the door.

    I roll my eyes and cross my arms.

    ¡± I¡¯m not. Maybe I¡¯m stressed or the food. It was negative.¡±

    He lets out a deep breath of relief and pulls me to himself.

    ¡± Tinkerbell¡­¡± he says softly as he looks down at me. His grey eyes lock with mine as it falls to my lips.     His arms stay around my waist as he rubs small circles on the small half of my back.

    ¡± We don¡¯t want a baby now.¡± He states. I also don¡¯t want a baby now , but hearing it from Gray makes me feel a tinge of sadness.

    What if I identally get pregnant? Is he gonna ask me to get rid of it?

    ¡± I know.¡± I say, trying to sound calm.

    He sighs and smiles.¡± I wanna walk you down the aisle first before we should think about getting a baby. Don¡¯t see it the bad way. I want a baby with you, a son and a daughter. But it can¡¯t be now.¡± He says.

    I had hope all of a sudden. He wants a baby with me. But not now. He wants us to get married first. I don¡¯t even know about marriage. I know he doesn¡¯t know about marriage either. Getting pregnant now is gonna be a distraction. For Christ¡¯s sake he¡¯s in the mob. One of the reasons I can¡¯t get pregnant. I nod once and look up at him. He takes my lip by surprise as he kisses me. He kisses my bottom lip with so much passion and I kiss back. I wrap my arms around his waist and let my eyes flutter shut on their own. His hands grips around my waist and he lifts me off the ground so my legs are wrapped around his waist.

    He turns around so that I¡¯m leaning against the door. I run my hand through his hair and let our tongues glide against each other. I moan in his mouth as his lips im mine. He tastes like champagne and I like it. Gray¡¯s right hand seduces my thighs as he caresses my thighs right to my hip. He loop his finger around thecey panties as he proceeds to take it down my thighs. He stops and opens his eyes to stare into mine.

    ¡± There¡¯s a party out there. If you don¡¯t mind.¡±

    I chuckle and shake my head. Mia won¡¯t mind right? But it¡¯s her birthday. He drops me on my feet with his hands still around my waist. He tucks my hair behind my ear and kisses me again. His left hand cup my cheek as we kiss. We stop and pull away to look into each other¡¯s eyes. His forehead leans against mine as he looks right into my eyes.

    ¡± I love you, you should never forget that.¡± He mutters.

    ¡± And I love you too.¡± I tell him.

    He smiles and kisses my forehead as we walk out of the room.

    ¡± Are we going back today?¡±

    ¡± No. Till dawn. That¡¯s why it¡¯s a yacht party and right now this ship is moving. We¡¯re in the middle of nowhere.¡± He says.

    ¡± No way.¡±

    He chuckles and walks me to the deck. The outside is cold and he¡¯s right. We¡¯re in the middle of nowhere. Blue dark waters surround the environment since it¡¯s already nightfall. I lean my arms on the railing as I stare at the dark night. I¡¯d like to take a tour before going back to New York. Gray looks deep in thoughts as he stares afar.

    ¡± Why did you have to fight with Damon?¡± I ask him.

    I hear the faint sound of music from down the deck. Gray sighs as he looks at me.

    ¡± He¡¯s a dick and really annoying sometimes. He always likes to me me I was the reason he went to rehab.¡±

    ¡± But that wasn¡¯t really your fault.¡±

    He shrugs.¡± Maybe I¡¯m partly at fault. I mean dad¡¯s a mob boss¡¯s right hand man. He smuggled drugs and his younger son likes the job. And then his older son wanted to try some and he ended up as an addict. Thank God for rehab.¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s still not your fault. He liked it and wanted to try it.¡± I say and look back at the waters.

    ¡°Are you happy he¡¯s back?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. Mom is happy , I have to be happy that she¡¯s happy. Nobody enjoys the loss of a family. So¡­¡± he shrugs again.¡± I¡¯m happy.¡± He looks back at me as our eyes meet.

    ¡± Are you cold?¡± He motions to my dress.

    ¡± I¡¯m fine. Thanks.¡±

    ¡± What¡¯s up with Samara?¡± I ask him.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    He scoffs.¡± We attended the same high school. Never knew my mom was ever gonna marry her dad.¡±

    ¡± And you had sex with her?¡± I ask. I hate to think he slept with Samara too. I¡¯ve seen too much of his ex¡¯s sh sluts.

    ¡± No. She had a crush on me and Damon too. I think they had sex. Don¡¯t even care. Don¡¯t forget she¡¯s a blondie. That¡¯s like a total turn off for me.¡±

    Iugh. That¡¯s kinda funny. He¡¯s one of the few people I have seen who likes girls for their hair color.

    ¡± What¡¯s with you and Blondie¡¯s?¡±

    He looks at me and bites his bottom lip. Damn that¡¯s always kinda cute.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know. It¡¯s like a trait. My dad doesn¡¯t like blonde¡¯s either. They barely attract me.¡± He says. ¡± Just like when most girls don¡¯t like short guys. It¡¯s the same thing as the hair stuff.¡±

    I chuckle and nod. I tap my fingers on the railing.

    ¡± Do you think your mom would be worried about us?¡±

    ¡± Nah. She¡¯s got Damon. She will be fine.¡±

    I nod and sigh. My mind drifted to the day Gray gave me a promise ring. That scares me each time I remember his words.

    ¡± Why did you give me that promise ring, Gray?¡±

    He stays quiet for seconds and even minutes before looking my way. His grey eyes sparkle at night. One thing I loved about those eyes of his.

    ¡± For a man who¡¯s got snipers pointing at his head 24/7, I think his girlfriend needs a promise ring. To always remember that no matter what happened, he¡¯s gonnae for her. And death can¡¯t take her away from him.¡±

    Damn that got my heart.

    He¡¯s gonna leave me one day. The thoughts of him leaving or even getting shot churns my stomach and I hate to think about it. I can¡¯t lose him. He made me realize I can be loved. He treats me like a Queen. And the way he looks at me , I can trade the world for him to never stop looking at me like that. If he leaves me , then I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m going to do with myself. I don¡¯t say a word but swallow. I can¡¯t look at him or I¡¯m gonna rain down my pending tears.

    I feel his arms around my waist as he leans his head on my shoulder. I feel him smile against my neck and he bites my earlobe. He¡¯s trying to get me out of my moody situation.

    ¡± I¡¯m not gonna die, if that¡¯s what you¡¯re thinking. No one¡¯s gonna take you away from me.¡± He says and kisses my neck.

    ¡± I¡¯m just thinking about what you¡¯re gonna look like with a tattoo on your neck.¡± He says.

    I giggle and look at him from my shoulder.

    ¡± Maybe I¡¯m gonna think about that too.¡± I say and weugh.

    He rests his chin on my head and secure his arms around my waist.

    ¡± You always look beautiful.¡± He says. ¡± And I badly wanna take this dress off of you.¡±

    I blush and bite my bottom lip. He¡¯s making me hotter in every corner and I can¡¯t wait anymore. He kisses my temple to my neck as I moan. I turn around to face him and he kisses me at once. I kiss back and grip to his suit jacket.

    ¡± Let¡¯s take this off.¡± He says in between the kiss tugging at the hem of my dress.

    ¡± Aye aye captain.¡±

    ***

    We hastily shut the door without our lips separating from our desperate make out. I struggle with his jacket and shrug it out of his body. I fondle with the buttons of his dress shirt as we kiss. He runs his fingers up my thighs to the inside of my dress. He grips my booty and I moan in his mouth. I¡¯m still stuck with the second button since we aren¡¯t breaking out from our intense make out.

    He helps me with his buttons as he uncuffs the buttons on his wrist. I quickly help him out of his shirt as we go back to kissing. My hands roam his body as I feel each muscles and abs. Damn, who made this man. I run my fingers down his body as I remove his belt and toss it away. He grips my zipper and zips it down. He stops kissing as his eyes watch mine. He slides the strap down my shoulders and I let it fall to the ground. I step out of my dress as he looks down at my body. I¡¯m braless just with panties. Thong for that matter.

    He kisses me again and cups my boob in one hand. I moan in his mouth when his hands slide down my spine to grope my butt. He kisses my neck to my shoulder de and down my chest. He looks up at me as he circles his lips around my already hard nipple. I moan out his name and run my fingers through his hair. He loops his fingers around the waistline of my panties and pulls it down my hips. He kisses my other boob and slides his tongue on my nipple.

    He kisses my cleavage down my stomach as I watch him squat to my lower self still holding my panties. He pulls it down my ankle and I step out of it. His arms settle around my hips as he kisses me all over. He stands up to tower over me and lifts me off the ground. His hands grips to my butt as we walk to the bed. He kisses me and lie me on the bed. He holds my thighs and pulls me to the edge of the bed so that he¡¯s kneeling in between my legs.

    He kisses my inner thigh, a slow treacherous pace that made me more wetter. He kisses my other inner thigh close to my entrance as I grip to the sheets anticipating the feeling. His tongue slides up my slit and I curse. This feels too good. He reaches to grab my boob as he eats me out. I squirm and moan as I throw my head back on the sheets. I lean on my elbows and squirm against his mouth while my fingers run through his hair.

    ¡± Oh god¡­¡± I moan and bite my bottom lip.

    He licks my walls and lets his thumb rub circles around my nerves. My fingers tug on his hair as I throw my head back and await my orgasm. I moan and cuss till my stomach twitches and I cum undone. Gray stands on his feet and unbutton his pants. I help him with the zipper and he tugs it down. He undresses himself andy me back down on the bed. My legs parts to wee him and he leans down to kiss me again.

    I wrap my arms around his neck as he prates me. I feel my walls stretch to amodate him and I moan in his mouth.

    ¡± Fuck¡­¡± he cusses in between the kiss.

    He pulls back again and ram back inside me. We break from the kiss as he locks eyes with me. I moan and cuss and moan his name at each strokes he takes. He kisses my neck again making sure to leave love bites on my skin. My hands wander his body as he thrusts in and out of me. I run my fingers down his back as he looks at me. Every feeling I feel about him makes me hotter.

    Gray moans my name at each thrust and he increases his pace. He kisses me onest time till we both climax. I catch my breath as he smiles at me. He breathes in and out as he stays still inside me. He finally pulls out and crashes next to me. He covers our body with theforter and pulls me to him. Iy on my side and watch him. He rubs circles on my back and kisses my forehead.

    ¡± I love you so much.¡± He tells me.

    I wrap my arms around his torso and raise my head to kiss his lips.

    ¡± I love you.¡± I tell him back.

    I snuggle into his arms around my waist and close my eyes. He caresses my hair as I listen to his heartbeat. I breathe and start to drift off to sleep before I hear him mutter.

    ¡± Even if Sinir turns out to be your father and he doesn¡¯t want us to be together. Then I don¡¯t mind hurting him again to keep you¡­¡±

 Chapter 87

    I blink my eyes and look down at this tatted arm around my waist. I look at my side and Gray¡¯s innocent face sleeps next to me. He holds me like I am gonna fall off or probably get kidnapped by some kidnappers. I turn toy on my side as Gray¡¯s hand absently slides down my waist and stops right on my butt.

    My heady on his other arm like a pillow and my leg is in between his. We¡¯re both still bare , barely covered by the white covers. I can¡¯t believe we sneak out of Mia¡¯s party toe have sex. I run my hand down Gray¡¯s bed hair as he squirms. I kiss his forehead and carefully unwrap his arms around me. I need a bath and I need to brush my teeth.

    I carefully slip my foot from between Gray¡¯s. I turn to get out of the bed but a strong tatted arm pulls me back as I let out a loud giggle. Gray presses a light kiss at my nape and then my shoulder.

    ¡± Sneaking out?¡± He asks and kisses my neck again.

    ¡± No. I wanna take a bath and brush my teeth. And plus you¡¯re getting a hard-on.¡±

    He chuckles against my skin and purposely pulls me closer to his front to feel him properly.

    ¡± Like that?¡± He taunts seductively and bites my shoulder de.

    ¡± Gray, it¡¯s early.¡± I whine and try to pry his arms off of me.

    He turns me around so I¡¯m facing him and run his other hand through my hair. His other handy on my hips as he slides it down to my butt.

    ¡± Good morning?¡±

    I smile.¡± Good morning.¡±

    I feel his fingers run through my body as he kisses me. He bites my bottom lip when I don¡¯t kiss back. I giggle in his mouth and kiss him back. He grabs my waist andys on his back so I¡¯m straddling him. His hands curl around my waist as we kiss. He groans between the kiss when I absently grind on his erection. I chuckle and peck his lips before climbing off the bed.

    ¡± What am I gonna wear? It¡¯s morning?¡± I ask, looking at our clothes on the floor.

    ¡± Wear mine.¡± He says covering his body with the covers.

    I smile and chuckle deeply as I walk to the bathroom. I shut the door and take a deep breath. I look around the sink for a toothbrush that hasn¡¯t been used. I see one inside it¡¯s pack as I tear it out. I spread toothpaste on the brush and look up at my reflection.

    ¡± Gray¡­¡± I smile at my reflection on the mirror. Hickeys around my neck and corbone and it¡¯s so obvious. I don¡¯t even have a makeup bag or whatever to cover this. My eyes roam down my stomach at my bullet injury that¡¯s already healing.

    I rinse off my toothbrush and take a bath. I walk out of the shower and clean my wet self. I keep back the towel and go back to the cabin. Gray¡¯s still tucked in bed with the duvet covering just his lower self. I smile and run my fingers down my damp hair. I put on my panties and pick up his ck dress shirt. I button the dress and it drops almost close to my knees. So much for being petite. I roll up the sleeves and walk out through the door.

    If I had known we¡¯re staying till dawn, I should have packed and prepared for it. I look around the boat and it seems everyone¡¯s sleeping because no one¡¯s around. I decide to check on Mia and apologize for sneaking out of her party with her son to have sex. And she¡¯s not even aware I¡¯m negative.

    ¡± Ooh, look who¡¯s awake.¡± Mia¡¯s voice speaks from behind me.

    I turn around and she¡¯s holding two mugs of coffee with steam fuming all over.

    ¡± I made this for you.¡± She says, giving me one.

    ¡± Thanks.¡± I take it and smile at her.

    She looks down at the dress I¡¯m wearing and chuckles.

    ¡± That looks good on you.¡± She says and begins walking and motions for me to follow her.

    I chuckle at her hriouspliment. I know I look weird wearing Gray¡¯s dress shirt with no shoes or slippers.

    ¡± Is he awake?¡±

    ¡± Still sleeping.¡±

    ¡± Oh. Pretty great job you did on him.¡± She smirks as we walk up the deck.

    Oh God. I bite the inside of my cheek to stop me from smiling.

    ¡± It¡¯s fine. I looked around and my son and his girlfriend were missing. I knew you might need privacy.¡± We walk up the deck as the sea breeze blows my hair. I tuck my hair behind my ear and bite my bottom lip.

    I smile and look around as I gulp the coffee. We¡¯re close to the port because I can see it from here.

    ¡± Are your guests gone?¡± I ask and sip the coffee again till it¡¯s almost done.

    ¡± Yeah.¡±

    ¡± Thought we were in the middle of nowhere.¡± I say.

    She chuckles and nods.

    ¡± Most of them lived in Canada here and we dropped them off. Decide to float a little while longer before going back to shore again. How did you sleep? Good?¡± She asks.

    I nod with a smile.

    ¡± I totally forgot I was in a boat.¡± I chuckle and she chuckles too.

    I look back at the waters and consume my entire coffee.

    ¡± So how did you find out he was in the mob?¡± Mia asks out of the blue.

    My breath almost caught up against my throat. I sigh and tuck my strands of hair behind my ear as we lean our elbows on the railing of the ship.

    ¡± It was¡­ uh, I got kidnapped by a Russian drug kingpin. He wanted me as bait to get at Gray. He told me Gray was in the mafia.¡±

    ¡± Did you believe him at that instant?¡± Mia asks. I nod.

    ¡± I¡¯ve seen him pull out a gun before.¡± I tell her.

    She sighs and looks back at the water.

    ¡± I¡­¡± she starts and sighs again.¡± It¡¯s a dangerous world my dear. I was also like you too. Naive, young and full of life. I found out through Damon. He was taking drugs and I was shocked. We don¡¯t have a druggie in our family and I was kinda surprised how he ended up taking drugs. I confronted Vince and he decided to exin things to me. I threatened to leave him. Did you do the same?¡±

    I chuckle sadly and nod.¡± We went apart for a week.¡±

    ¡± A weak? You¡¯re a really good girl. I left for almost three months. That was after i sent Damon to rehab. I thought I was gonna lose my son. I came back to him three monthster after I realized I can¡¯t leave without him.¡± She sighs deeply.¡± The mob is deadly , you know that right?¡±

    I nod again.

    ¡± And you can¡¯t walk out of it. You¡¯re just gonna end up dying useless. I thought Gray was gonna be a doctor. Things changed when he started getting into fights.¡± Sheughs and I chuckle. That¡¯s kinda funny.

    ¡± He told you he got kicked out of school right?¡± Mia asks and I chuckle.

    ¡± Yeah. Multiple times. He was really stubborn I think.¡±

    ¡± Very. He was like his father and they were a great pair.¡± She stays silent and stares at the water. I think she just thought about how Mr Carter died.

    ¡± He was shot. Right on the head. I was scared and confused and I really didn¡¯t know what to do. We couldn¡¯t even catch the killer. I even suspected Sinir too. They were all deadly men. I thought Gray would use that opportunity and focus on life and school, he left the city to focus more on the mob. Something I didn¡¯t want for him.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry Mia.¡±

    She chuckles sadly and wipes her tears.¡± It¡¯s fine. I shouldn¡¯t bore you with sad stories. I just want you to be careful. He might be my son but I want you to be careful and be watchful. The game is really dangerous.¡±

    I smile and nod.

    Yeah , I¡¯m in love and I don¡¯t even know what I¡¯m gonna do to myself if Gray isn¡¯t part of my life.

    It¡¯s kinda sad, she didn¡¯t know her son killed her husband.

    That¡¯s really absurd and sad.

    ¡± Enough of sad stories. How many months?¡± she asks giddily.

    How many months?

    Months like what.. wait , she thinks I¡¯m pregnant. I widen my eyes and she smiles widely. No way.

    ¡± Mia , I¡¯m not pregnant.¡±

    Her smile falters as she blinks her eyes.

    ¡± You¡¯re not!¡±

    ¡± It was negative. Plus , Gray and I don¡¯t want a baby.¡±

    She crosses her arms and looks at me like I¡¯m a statue.

    ¡± No way. I thought something wasing. A baby would have made Gray serious with his life. You should give him one.¡±

    ¡± Mia, I wish I could. I¡¯m in college and I can¡¯t really handle one right now.¡±

    She smiles and nods.

    ¡± I understand. You¡¯re probably too young to have a baby. I¡¯m already imagining you with a baby bump.¡±

    Iugh and shake my head. Hell no. A stewardess walks up the deck and we give her the mug.

    ¡± Hey Mom.¡± Damon walks in and hugs Mia with one hand and he kisses her hair. Mia smiles and taps her son¡¯s back. He¡¯s wearing just his white dress shirt and pants.

    ¡± Good morning son.¡±

    Damon turns to look at me as he looks me down. I get it bro , I look hrious with an oversized dress shirt. I should have tied it.

    ¡± Hi.¡± I greet him with a smile.

    He nods. ¡± Hi. Gray is still sleeping?¡±

    ¡± Yeah.¡± I reply him.

    ¡± What? You miss me already?¡± I hear Gray¡¯s voice ask.

    We dart our head to the end of the railing and there he is, lighting a stick. He pulls it out after inhaling it as he puffs out the smoke before looking at us. He¡¯s shirtless, and his tattoed body is so irresistible.

    ¡± Really son. You don¡¯t have to smoke now. Howe you haven¡¯t ended up with lung cancer before.¡± Mia scolds Gray.

    ¡± Really mom. I¡¯m fine and nothing¡¯s wrong with me.¡± He sighs and turns to look at me.

    ¡± Hey babe.¡± He winks at me with the cigarette between his lips.

    I chuckle.

    Damon scoffs and walks back inside the ship.

    ¡± Gray, toss the stick away, please.¡± Mia says.

    ¡± But why should I do that?¡± Gray asks.

    ¡± Gray, toss it away. A day without smoking won¡¯t kill you.¡± I smirk and cross my arms.

    He holds out the stick and looks between me and Mia. He huffs and tosses it inside the water.

    ¡± That¡¯s the son I gave birth to.¡± Mia smiles and leaves.

    Gray looks down at me as I shift from one foot to another. I tuck my hair and look up at him. He¡¯s making me shy.

    ¡± Come on , babe. I won¡¯t eat you.¡± He smirks and I walk to him.

    He holds the hem of his shirt I¡¯m wearing and chuckles.

    ¡± Are you this tiny?¡± He asks, still chuckling as he pulls me to him with the hem of his shirt.

    He wraps one hand around my waist and runs his other hand on my hair.

    ¡± Were you gonna throw it away? The cigarette?¡±

    ¡± No.¡±

    ¡± Then why did you?¡± I ask him as I look up at him.

    ¡± My mom and those eyes of yours. I feel like falling over the rails.¡±

    I bite my bottom lip and chuckle.

    ¡± I have a surprise for you once we leave the country.¡±

    ¡± Really?¡±

    He nods and leads me back inside the ship.

    ¡± I¡¯m starving and I know you¡¯re starving too.¡± He says as we walk inside.

    ***

    We had breakfast with the family as we talked. Samara was always flirting with Damon. I mean she kinda forgets the fact that Damon is like her half brother. We got dressed and Mia won¡¯t stop hugging me and telling me to always take care of Gray. Of course I will. He¡¯s like my little baby.

    We bade them goodbye and entered the already awaiting car. Damon didn¡¯t leave. Probably he¡¯s got something to settle and he needs to bond with his mom.

    ¡± Can we tour?¡± I ask Gray on our way to his private jet.

    ¡± We¡¯lle back another time. I promise.¡± He curls one hand around my waist and pulls me to him and presses a kiss on my forehead.Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± Have you ever thought about moving out of your apartment?¡± He asks as he turns to look at me.

    Yeah. Especially those days when Leslie would bully me and make me feel less of myself. I really want an apartment of my own or a space of my own.

    ¡± Yeah. Kinda. Wait! You want me to move in with you?¡± I ask him and turn to look at him on my seat.

    ¡± Something wrong with that?¡±

    I chuckle deeply and cross my arms. I look out the window and bite my bottom lip. I am not trying to risk that. Grayughs and shakes his head.

    ¡± What?¡± I chuckle and turn to look at him.

    ¡± Nothing.¡± He assures me and intertwine our hands together.

    ¡± We¡¯re gonnae back here soon I promise.¡± He says. I smile and nod.

    I rest my head on his shoulder and shut my eyes.

    ****

    After the long jet trip we arrived in New York. I ask Gray to drop me off at my apartment because I need to change my clothes. And plus he said he had a surprise for me. I shut the door once I¡¯m inside and look around the house. Leslie walks out of her room to the living room. She smiles when she sees me.

    ¡± Hey. Heard you visited Canada.¡± Leslie says.

    I smile.¡± Yeah. Just got back. I¡¯m really tired. How have you been?¡± I ask her and look down at her baby bump that¡¯s pretty obvious on her baggy t-shirt.

    ¡± I¡¯m great.¡± She sighs and rubs her belly.

    ¡± Have you been feeding great?¡± She walks round the couch and sits down.

    ¡± Thanks , Ariel. I¡¯m pretty great myself. I¡¯ve just been thinking too muchtely. The rent, and yoga money. I don¡¯t even have a job. I need to start buying things. I just hate myself.¡±

    I sigh and sit next to her. Talking about jobs, I owe Theodore Sterling an exnation. He won¡¯t get angry that much considering the fact he owes Gray over 50 million. That¡¯s a whole lot of money. I rub my hand down Leslie¡¯s ponytail and hug her carefully because of her baby bump.

    ¡± You¡¯re gonna be fine, I promise you okay. You have to be strong for her. She needs you the most and you also need you the most.¡± I pull away from the hug and pat her cheek. She nods and chews on her lip.

    ¡± You should forget about the rent. I¡¯ll handle that.¡± Considering the fact Gray owns this ce, and it¡¯s really expensive, I¡¯m definitely gonna talk him into letting Leslie stay here and not pay a dime.

    Leslie pulls me to a hug after telling her I would handle the rent. She cries in my arms as I pat her hair.

    ¡± It¡¯s okay , Les. We¡¯re sisters , we¡¯re supposed to look out for each other.¡± I smile as we disengage from the hug.

    ¡± Thank you very much.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s okay. You used the money I sent you, right?¡±

    She nods and smiles.¡± Thank you for that. It went a long way.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m barely with cash, so I¡¯ll transfer another. You need it.¡±

    She hugs me again as I breathe out.

    ¡± Thank you very much , Ariel. I can¡¯t stop thanking you. I¡¯m really grateful.¡± She mumbles as we pull away.

    ¡± It¡¯s okay. Heard from Mom?¡±

    She sighs and shakes her head. I nod and sh her a small smile as I pick up my bag.

    ¡± I need to freshen up and change my clothes.¡± I say to Leslie as I stand up.

    ¡± Sure. You¡¯re hungry? I wanna make something.¡±

    ¡± Okay.¡± I giggle and walk down the hallway to my room.

    Leslie needs a family and a friend. And moving out is gonna make her more lonely and depressed. I drop my bag on my bed and strip. I head to the bathroom and take a bath. It¡¯s almost evening and I¡¯m really tired. I get out of the bathroom after cleaning myself. I put on a t-shirt and cotton shorts as I pick up my phone to text Gray that I¡¯m fine and also tell Alexa, Brandon and Piper that I¡¯m back.

    I go back to the living room to assist Leslie in the kitchen. The doorbell chimes loudly as I huff.

    ¡± Don¡¯t worry Les, I¡¯ll get it.¡± I shout and walk to the door.

    I twist the doorknob and open the door for my guest. I narrow my eyes at the visitor. I never expect her to show up anytime soon. Considering the fact that Leslie is pregnant and she despises her after cutting her off the family¡¯s name. Her face holds no emotions as she stares back at me.

    ¡± Mom.¡±

    ¡± We need to talk.¡±

 Chapter 88

    ¡± We need to talk¡­¡±

    I blink my eyes at her as she walks in.

    ¡± Ariel, who¡¯s at the door?¡± Leslie asks and peeks her head out to the living room. She freezes when she sees mom.

    ¡± Mom.¡± Leslie mutters.

    My mom sighs and looks around our house.

    ¡± Ariel, where¡¯s your room?¡± She asks.

    ¡± Everything okay?¡±

    ¡± No. Now where¡¯s your room?¡± She asks and stalks down the hallway.

    I follow behind her and point to my room. She opens it and we enter. I shut the door behind her and lean against it as I cross my arms.

    ¡± I¡¯ve been calling you for over a week now. You didn¡¯t respond to any of my calls.¡± Mom starts.

    ¡± Probably because I didn¡¯t see any calls.¡±

    ¡± Where did you go? I came here almost a week ago to check on you guys and Leslie told me you went on a trip. What type of trip?¡±

    I sigh.¡± Mom, I went on a trip to Hawaii with Gray that week. And this past weekend we visited Canada for Mia¡¯s birthday. Why are you here mom?¡±

    ¡± Mia¡¯s birthday? You¡¯ve seen Mia?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. And she¡¯s extremely nice and not judgemental despite the fact that she dated dad. I told her about it and she didn¡¯t even freak out.¡± I snarl at mom.

    ¡± Why did you choose to follow Gray?¡±

    She¡¯s beginning to piss me off.¡± Maybe because we¡¯re in a rtionship and I see nothing wrong in apanying my partner to see his mom.¡±

    ¡± Ariel, you need to quit this.¡±

    ¡± And why should I do that?¡±

    ¡± Maybe because he¡¯s too dangerous and you¡¯re gonna get hurt. Can¡¯t you think?¡±

    I chuckle deeply and re at her.¡± Oh so you know he¡¯s in the mob right?¡± I question, as she widens her eyes.

    She looks at me with surprise as she finds it hard to speak.

    ¡± Mom, who told you? Why didn¡¯t you even tell me? Why do you even want me to quit my rtionship with Gray just to please you?¡±

    ¡± Ariel, you¡¯re gonna get hurt. I didn¡¯t know he was part of a mob. I found out through someone.¡±

    ¡± Who¡¯s that someone?¡±Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    ¡± Mia told your father the reason she left her husband was because he was a mobster. Eventually he died. She told your dad.¡±

    ¡± If you don¡¯t get out of it , they are gonna kill you. And you¡¯re weak Ariel. You can¡¯t fight for yourself and you¡¯re just gonna end up as a burden to your so-called lover. I won¡¯t stand and watch the son of a woman who destroyed my marriage to destroy your life in the name of love. Why don¡¯t you walk out when you have the chance. The mob isn¡¯t something you try to live with. Mia couldn¡¯t. Nobody can, I can¡¯t watch them take away your life like it¡¯s a toy. Why don¡¯t you do what¡¯s right and make a good decision for once.¡± Mom says calmly. She should be yelling by now.

    ¡± I can¡¯t.¡±

    ¡± Of course you can and you will.¡±

    ¡± Mom, don¡¯t tell me what to do.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m not telling you what to do. I¡¯m telling you what a real parent is definitely gonna tell their kid who thought it¡¯s nice to start sleeping with someone in the Mafia. They are gonna start using you as bait to hurt Gray. You might be lucky because you didn¡¯t get hurt , but you know the ugly truth , you won¡¯t be lucky all the days of your life.¡±

    I stay quiet and bite my bottom lip. If I should look at the bright side , mom¡¯s right. Sinir even lost his wife sh mistress because of a crazy fight. Gray¡¯s mom was just extremely lucky. Maybe she even traveled out of the country. But I¡¯m already way past that bridge, and I can¡¯te back to start thinking about a decision that I¡¯ve already decided on. I can¡¯t leave Gray. We¡¯ve already gone far with this and I¡¯m not turning back.

    ¡± Mom, it¡¯s already toote. I¡¯m already deep in this. Leaving him is not a choice. Almost every single Mafiosos knows me as Gray¡¯s girlfriend. Leaving him will change nothing. They are still gonnae after me if they want to.¡±

    ¡± No honey , they won¡¯t. Don¡¯t be stupid because of love. If you even care about your parents , you shouldn¡¯t have thought about being in a rtionship with Gray despite their family¡¯s bad reputation.¡±

    ¡± Mom, stop okay. I get it , I understand everything, but I¡¯m not leaving Gray.¡±

    She narrows her eyes at me as she walks toward me. She stops in front of me and smirks.

    ¡± These are one of the reasons I wanted you to be a sister in church. Falling in love with some crackhead and living wayward. Why can¡¯t my kids show good examples for once. Look at Leslie, pregnant for her stupid professor and she¡¯s already dropping out of college cause she¡¯s fuckin pregnant. And you , I thought you would be different, make us proud and live better , hell no. You decided to date a tatted drug dealer and a crackhead. What¡¯s wrong with you both? What happened to the ¡®you¡¯ who wants to be a nun. The ¡®you¡¯ who would never sleep with a drug dealer and smuggler.¡±

    I bite my bottom lip to keep me from crying as I take one step so we¡¯re looking at each other eye to eye.

    ¡± You broke that ¡®you¡¯ mom. You looked down on that ¡®you¡¯ and treated her like she was a piece of garbage. You bullied me as a parent. You know what you did. My decisions don¡¯t ever matter. Each time I tell the truth, you always don¡¯t wanna believe me. You were busyparing me to Leslie. Reminding me each day how she¡¯s better than me. Now what? Your precious Leslie got pregnant and you¡¯re here trying to make me look bad because I¡¯m in love with someone who never judged me. Who loved me like I¡¯m the only girl in the world. I should leave him because of your selfish reasons? You know I won¡¯t. Stop wasting your breath.¡± I tell her.

    She doesn¡¯t say a word but just stares.

    ¡± Who¡¯s Sinir mom?¡±

    She freezes and suddenly she turns pale.

    ¡± Who told you about Sinir?¡± She asks.

    ¡± Maybe because I¡¯ve met him too. There are rumors going around that I¡¯m his daughter. What do you have to say about that?¡± I ask and cross my arms.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡± She says in a rush.

    ¡± Mom, you know what I¡¯m talking about. If I find out he¡¯s rted to me in one way or another I will never forgive you.¡±

    I open my room door and walk out leaving her behind.

    ***

    ¡± So Leslie, how¡¯s it ¨C being a mom?¡± Mom asks Leslie.

    Leslie looks down and avoids my mother¡¯s gaze.

    ¡± I can tell it¡¯s terrible considering yourck of voice. I hope you learn your lessons and teach them to your baby.¡± Mom looks my way as she walks to me.

    ¡± I might not be a great mom but i made sure I did my best. You know Gray isn¡¯t good for you and he¡¯s just gonna hurt you.¡± She whispers and opens the front door and leaves.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay?¡± Leslie asks.

    ¡± Yeah. I should be asking you that too. Are you okay?¡±

    She nods.¡± Yeah. I¡¯m good.¡±

    I sigh.

    She smiles and stands up.¡± Come on, let¡¯s go eat.¡± She says and I smile.

    Who knew she could be sweet like this?

    ~GRAY~

    ¡± Maybe you should shut up and let me teach you how to aim. You¡¯re the worst shooter I¡¯ve ever seen.¡± Manny tells Nick as he aims at the targets.

    I chuckle and lean on the rails of my balcony and look down at the guys. I light a cigarette and rub my temple as I inhale the stick. My phone rings.

    ¡± Speak.¡±

    ¡± Gray.¡±

    ¡± Yes?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯ve seen one. It¡¯s pretty and well designed. She might like it.¡±

    ¡± Hmm¡­¡±

    ¡± Distance from her school? Is it that far?¡±

    ¡± Not really. And it¡¯s kinda expensive.¡±     Kinda expensive. Nothing should be kinda expensive for her. She deserves it. And I¡¯m willing to get her anything within my power to make her happy.

    ¡± How much.¡±

    ¡± Fifteen million.¡±

    ¡± Mmm¡­¡± I pull out the stick and puff out the smoke.

    ¡± Send a picture of it to me. We¡¯lle check it outter.¡±

    ¡± Sure thing boss.¡±

    I hang up and keep back my phone inside my pocket.

    ¡± Nick , what the fuck!¡± I yell at Nick who finds it hard to make a perfect target. I can¡¯t believe he can¡¯t shoot real good.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry boss.¡±

    ¡± I thought you shot really well? Who recruited you in the first ce?¡±

    ¡± Damn. You did. I can shoot , just not good with far range. Manny is just exaggerating things.¡± He mutters.

    I roll my eyes and watch them. Nick reloads the gun and aims at the stic cans. He pulls the trigger and shoots them out but misses one. Ariel wasn¡¯t even that terrible.

    ¡± Gray.¡± I turn around to see Reid. He leans against the doorframe with his hands in his pockets. I raise my brows at him.

    ¡± Damon¡¯s here.¡±

    What the fuck. I thought he wasn¡¯ting back from Canada anytime soon.

    ¡± Isn¡¯t he supposed to be dead? Dude went MIA right?¡± He asks.

    ¡± Yeah, yeah. He¡¯s back. Showed up at my mom¡¯s birthday like he was Jesus. Where the fuck is he?¡±

    ¡± Downstairs.¡±

    I drop the half smoked stick on the ashtray and walk out of my room. I climb down stairs and he¡¯s right there. Standing and observing my house like a goddamn CIA. He looks at the boys in every corner , most of them with guns. Spencer and Drake thought it¡¯s nice to sniff coke in my house.

    ¡± What the fuck Is all of this?¡± Damon asks once I get down thest stairs.

    Spencer raises his coke face to look at Damon like he¡¯s just seeing my lost older brother.

    ¡± Take that shit out of here. Why would you fuckin do that in my fuckin house?¡± I ask Spencer and Drake.

    ¡± Sorry boss.¡±

    He¡¯s high as fuck. They pick up the other packet and the dor bill as they saunter away. I motion for Damon to follow me and we walk out of the living room to the backyard where Nick had been giving terrible aiming and wasting my bullets.

    ¡± Hi Damon.¡± Reid greets him and walk past us.

    ¡± You¡¯re still in this?¡± He asks like he¡¯s a fuckin saint.

    ¡± What¡¯s your shit old man? Are you here to ask me if I¡¯m still in the mob?¡±

    ¡± Gray coke. Those crackheads of yours were sniffing coke.¡±

    ¡± Am i supposed to give a fuck? Why are you here Damon?¡±

    ¡± Howe the cops aren¡¯t on your tail yet?¡±

    I chuckle and shake my head. Of course they won¡¯t dare. Except they don¡¯t value their jobs anymore.

    ¡± Why are you still doing this? Wealth? I thought you graduated from college? How did you even do that?¡± He asks and looks around my property.

    ¡± Damon what the fuck do you want?¡±

    ¡± You shouldn¡¯t talk to me like that, Gray. You¡¯re just acting like a sick fuck right now.¡±

    I bite my bottom lip and chuckle quietly.

    ¡± I¡¯m here because of Kennedy.¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t have her, you of all people should know that.¡±

    ¡± Does she normallye here?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. Two weeks in, two weeks out.¡±

    ¡± And she sees all of this? The drugs, the guns, and you smoke in front of her too?¡±

    ¡± Bro, we don¡¯t do coke here and yes she has seen me smoking and shooting a fuckin¡¯ gun. What?¡±

    ¡± Why would you do that in the presence of my daughter? Gray, she¡¯s young and knows nothing. You had to rub your bad habit on her. What the fuck is wrong with you Gray? Because she¡¯s not yours?¡± What!

    ¡± Seriously Damon. What is your shit! Because she saw me smoke or see my men shoot a gun? This a fuckin¡¯ Mafia house for fuck¡¯s sake. I paid your daughter¡¯s fees, you idiot. I took her as mine and I looked after her when you weren¡¯t even there. Now you¡¯re trying to go all hulk and get angry because of guns? What the fuck is your problem? Maybe I should break it to you , she even wants to shoot a damn gun.¡±

    Manny and Nick stop shooting as they stare at us. Reid included.

    ¡± Get the fuck out of here. Both of you.¡± I point to Manny and Nick.

    They nod and walk out one after the other. Reid walks to stand in between the two of us.

    ¡± Calm down , Dame. You¡¯re taking this far. Gray was a good dad even when her mother was a bitch. Forget the gun part , it¡¯s in her blood. She liked it. And also you shoot guns too. You were a soldier and in the army.¡± Reid says.

    Damon res at me and looks away.

    ¡± You¡¯re taking me to Jhene. I need to see her.¡±

    ¡± Is that like an order?¡± I ask Damon.

    ¡± Gray, you¡¯re gonna take me to her. I need to see Kennedy.¡±

    ¡± I won¡¯t. Except if you drop your big brother act, and talk like a normal person.¡±

    Reid rolls his eyes.

    ¡± Really Gray?¡±

    ¡± Yes. And i will be inside when you¡¯re ready. And one more thing.¡± I stop and turn to look at him.

    ¡± Don¡¯t think about going against me to talk shit about my business to anyone. I will kill you Damon and I won¡¯t even blink.¡± I tell him and walk inside.

    ***

    I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m doing this. Driving this fucker in the form of my brother. He¡¯s always annoying. Controlling and annoying again. How dare he judge me after everything I did for him? So ungrateful. I can¡¯t even imagine Kennedy¡¯s reaction when she sees him. She doesn¡¯t even know what her daddy looks like. I bet she sees me as her daddy despite calling me by my name.

    ¡± Was that a threat?¡± Damon asks as I ignore him. He¡¯s always talking and he¡¯s trying to piss me the fuck up.

    ¡± I wasn¡¯t threatening you Damon. I would fuckin kill you if you try to act good citizen. Fucker.¡±

    I took my father out because he was a rat and Damon is trying to test me. He knows I would do it and I won¡¯t even care as much as blink. I put so much effort to get to the point I am today. And a crazy fuck called a brother won¡¯t take that away from me.

    ¡± The fact that you¡¯re rich doesn¡¯t give you a right to threaten people.¡±

    I chuckle and stop for a red light. I turn to look at Damon and smirk.

    ¡± I wouldn¡¯t go back to the military if I were you. Cause you suck. Quit talking about my business and mind yours. That¡¯s if you have any.¡± I scoff and resume driving.

    I park my car in the parking lot and get out. Jhene lives in a penthouse in Buffalo. That¡¯s like a long drive for me. We enter the elevator once it arrives. I lean against the transparent walls of the elevator and i was grateful Damon didn¡¯t start a conversation.

    ¡± So , did you continue your fling with Jhene when I left?¡± He¡¯s annoying. He would never stop talking.

    I ignore him and internally pray for the elevator to reach the top floor. I¡¯m getting bored of this ride. Finally we arrive at the top as the elevator slides open. I step into the hallway and ring Jhene¡¯s doorbell. The door opens as Jhene looks down at me. She didn¡¯t see Damon because he stays at the other side of the wall. Don¡¯t even know why?

    ¡± Gray. What do I owe this visit? It¡¯s been a long time since you checked on me.¡±

    I roll my eyes and huff.¡± Come outside fucker.¡±

    Damon peeks his head out as Jhene freezes. Yeah. Long time memories. Can¡¯t believe Damon fell in love with her. She¡¯s a psycho.

    ¡± Oh my God.¡± She flings her arms around Damon, almost knocking me out. Fuckin bitch!

    ¡± I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re real.¡± She begins to sniffle. I bet those are fake. Or maybe she¡¯s been single for a long time and she needs love. Or maybe she hadn¡¯t had an orgasm for a long time and she¡¯s acting all emotional. Fuck her!

    ¡± Where¡¯s she?¡± Damon asks and disengages from the hug. Damn there¡¯s still that chemistry there.

    ¡± Kennedy?¡±

    ¡± Yeah.¡± Jhene smiles and hurriedly walks inside her house.

    I sigh and watch Damon enter.

    ¡± Are youing in or not?¡± Damon asks and turns to look at me.

    ¡± Yes, dad.¡± I re at him and walk in. I shut the door and look around her living room. There are so many whites and peach colors here. Ladies.

    ¡± Jamal¡­¡± Kennedy calls out as she runs to me.

    ¡°Whoa.¡± I squat to her height and lift her off the ground.

    ¡± You¡¯ve added a lot of weight..¡± I tell her and she giggles. She didn¡¯t even look at Damon.

    Damon watches us as different emotions shes through his face. Defeat? I drop Kennedy on the floor and hold her hand. She turns to look at Damon as the smile on her face falls.

    ¡± Um¡­ Kennedy , this is uh..¡± Jhene stutters.

    ¡± That¡¯s your dad, Kenny.¡± I tell her and ruffle her hair.

    She doesn¡¯t say a word or make a sound. She looks at Damon and looks down at him. Yeah, she¡¯s weird.

    ¡± Can you take me out to buy me ice cream, Gray? I don¡¯t wanna be here.¡±

 Chapter 89

    I can¡¯t believe I¡¯d sit in a park eating ice cream because of any reason. How do people feelfortable eating this? Kennedy made mee to the park after she dismissed her father¡¯s arrival. I bought her ice cream and she forced me to buy it for myself because she doesn¡¯t wanna be the only person eating ice cream.

    Fuck me.

    I frown and force myself to eat my ice cream as we sit in silence. She¡¯s been awkwardly quiet as she eats her ice cream.

    ¡± Why the park Kenny?¡± I ask her.

    ¡± It¡¯s pretty.¡±

    I sigh and nod.

    ¡± Am I expected to finish this?¡± I ask, referring to my ice cream. I haven¡¯t taken a lot. Just a little.

    ¡± Yes. Let¡¯s be sad together.¡± She smiles at me and looks away.

    I serve the ice cream and let it stay on my tongue before swallowing. How do people eat this?

    ¡± You¡¯re gonna get ugly if you keep on frowning like that.¡± She tells me.

    I roll my eyes and try to smile. This taste like shit. And it has to be strawberry ice cream. I can¡¯t take this anymore.

    ¡± You know, I got into a fight at school.¡± She states.

    ¡± Did you beat him or her up?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. Almost broke her nose. And she was blonde.¡± She says. I turn to look at her and smirk.

    At least I wasn¡¯t a terrible uncle. I did a great job in bringing her up.

    ¡± Fist bump.¡±

    ¡± Fist bump¡­¡± she smiles as we fist bump.

    ¡± So tell me, what did she do?¡±

    ¡± She called me a bitch. And then i told her to quit cursing, she didn¡¯t listen. I punched her.¡±

    ¡± Damn. That was fuckin crazy.¡± I mutter.

    ¡± Five dors , Jamal.¡±

    I swiftly turn to look at her. Five dors for swearing again. I thought she gave up that shit. I pull out a ten dor note from my jacket pocket and give it to her. She takes it.

    ¡± Can I throw away the ice cream now?¡± I ask nicely.

    She cackles with an evil grin.¡± No. Don¡¯t waste it.¡±This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    Good God. We sit in silence as I battle with my ice cream. I think someone needs to sue whoever thinks it¡¯s nice to make ice cream. This is fuckin terrible. I just feel like falling off a bridge right now.

    ¡± You know¡­ your dad is a great dad.¡± I say. She didn¡¯t bother to look at me so I decided to continue.

    ¡± He was in the military and something happened. He was in aa for a long time. He also battled PTSD. I don¡¯t really know if you know what that means.¡±

    ¡± Post traumatic stress disorder. Of course I know what that means.¡±

    I look down at her. How old is she again? ¡± Has anyone told you you act eighteen?¡±

    She rolls her eyes and pulls her knees to her chest. She rests her small body against me as I wrap an arm around her shoulder. I take that opportunity and toss the ice cream in the trashcan.

    ¡± I saw that.¡± She mutters.

    ¡± I know and I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    She giggles silently and nods.

    ¡± He missed you. He got back yesterday and he madly wanted to see you. He wants you back.¡±

    ¡± You know , my mom didn¡¯t tell me that. She said he traveled. For work.¡± She says.

    ¡± You¡¯re too young to know the truth though.¡±

    She chuckles and nods again.

    ¡± What if you had the opportunity to adopt me , would you?¡± She asks and looks up at me.

    ¡± Of course. Who wouldn¡¯t.¡±

    Yeah. And Damon¡¯s gonna freak out.

    She chuckles.¡± Gray , you don¡¯t even like children.¡±

    ¡± Who told you that?¡±

    ¡± I know a lot of things about you that you didn¡¯t even know.¡±

    How did she even know that? It¡¯s not like I behave weird around them. They are cute when they are older. But infants , they are annoying as fuck. Their cries, their whining, their wailing, their screaming. It¡¯s fuckin annoying. The annoying part is , they take the mom away from you. She won¡¯t even care about you that much except for the wailing child. She won¡¯t give you that attention she always gives you because of the child. It¡¯s so annoying. And sex , I don¡¯t wanna go there.

    ¡± So are you gonna forgive him now?¡±

    ¡± What if he¡¯s not like you?¡±

    Damn. Of course Damon can¡¯t be like me. He doesn¡¯t smoke weed and he curses with caution. Who does that? He¡¯s not a mobster but aw abiding citizen, except for the rehab part.

    ¡± Does it really matter?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯ve grown up to get used to you. What if he doesn¡¯t swear? How will I get five dors?¡±

    I raise my brows and chuckle. Five dors? Really?

    ¡± You¡¯re still gonnae over to my ce if you¡¯re worried about making five dors. Lucifer swears a lot. Drake too and even Reid. Manny and Spencer and a lot more of them. So the five dor case is settled.¡± I tell her and she smiles widely.

    ¡± Thanks Jamal. You¡¯re good. Are you gonna get married to Ariel?¡±

    What the!

    When did we switch from talking about her daddy to marriage? I¡¯m scared of that , I don¡¯t even know why.

    ¡± It¡¯s gettingte, Kennedy. Let¡¯s take you back.¡±

    ¡± You just dodged my question. I will remind you though.¡± She gets up from the bench and starts walking. I smile and look down at her as I shove my hands in my jacket pocket and follow her tiny little steps.

    ????

    ¡± Really Damon ?¡±

    I shut the door to Jhene¡¯s apartment as they turn to look at us. Her face looks flush like someone who just recovered from a hot make out session. Oh, I get it. They were making out. Damon is such a bad fucker.

    ¡± Did we interrupt something?¡± I ask and lean against the door. Kennedy stands close to me.

    ¡± Not really.¡± Damon replies and clears his throat. He looks at me and then Kennedy. She looks nervous.

    Imagine not having a dad for a long time and a man showed upter and announced himself as your dad. It¡¯s gonna be weird calling him dad when you didn¡¯t grow up with him.

    ¡± Hi Kennedy.¡± Damon says.

    I chuckle and look around Jhene¡¯s penthouse.

    ¡± Gray said you¡¯re my Dad.¡±

    I look back at Damon and he nods.

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry that I left.¡± He tells her as he walks to her.

    This is so annoyingly emotional and I¡¯m getting bored.

    ¡± Where¡¯s your alcohol Jhene?¡±

    Jhene res at me and points to her bar. I walk out of their reunion and sit on her kitchen stool with a ss of alcohol in my hand. I throw back my head and chug down the content.

    ¡± Are you okay?¡± Jhene asks.

    I look at her and she leans herself against the door jam.

    ¡± You shouldn¡¯t be here. Your baby daddy just arrived , you should be part of that reunion not standing here.¡±

    She smiles and walks to the counter. She stands on the opposite side and smirks at me.

    ¡± You look pretty hot yourself.¡± She mumbles and snatches the ss from me as she gulps the alcohol and sits back the ss.

    ¡± Don¡¯t try to flirt with me. You got Damon now.¡±

    ¡± He doesn¡¯t want me. He wants Kennedy and he wants to take custody of her.¡±

    ¡± And what exactly do you want?¡±

    ¡± I want my man back. And I¡¯m not giving him my daughter back if he wants to break up or whatever.¡±

    ¡± You guys never dated.¡± I remind her.

    ¡± Really? You left me because you were this sick fuck who can¡¯t keep a pussy. Your brother wanted a rtionship. Gray, we were in a rtionship.¡±

    ¡± To him, yes. But to you, you were just having fun. You wanted to get back at me and make me jealous for dumping your dumb ass. I told you we never dated. We just fucked each other. Move on , Damon doesn¡¯t want you cause you¡¯re sick as fuck.¡±

    ¡± You won¡¯t insult me in my house.¡±

    I huff and shake my head. She¡¯s crazy. I grab the bottle of drink to pour more into the ss but she snatches it away from me.

    ¡± That¡¯s enough for a day. You don¡¯t have to waste my alcohol.¡± She says.

    I chuckle and nod.

    ¡± Damon , can I leave? You can just call an Uber when you¡¯re ready to leave.¡± I shout.

    ¡± No. You¡¯re gonna wait for me.¡± He responds.

    ¡± Fuck¡­¡± I mutter and run my fingers through my hair.

    ¡± Okay. Since Damon wants me to wait for him , can I get a little privacy in your house? Don¡¯t try to bug me please.¡± I tell Jhene and walk out of the kitchen.

    I go to her balcony and watch the city below as I lean my elbows on the railings. I pull out my phone and call Ariel. She picks up after the first ring.

    ¡± Hey, Tinkerbell¡­¡±

    She chuckles on the phone and I hear anotherughter from someone else as she clears her throat.

    ¡± Where are you?¡± I ask.

    ¡± At home.¡±

    ¡± What¡¯s making you all juicy?¡±

    ¡± Mmm¡­ well I¡¯m having a sister time with my older sister. We are ying a game. It¡¯s been a long we did things together¡­.¡± She sighs.¡± That¡¯s if we ever did things.¡± She mutters and I hear it.

    ¡± Where are you?¡±

    ¡± Went out with Damon to see Kennedy.¡±

    ¡± Wow. What was her reaction. Did she freak out? Cry? Run or she might even snub him by the way.¡±

    ¡± Maybe she snubbed him. Asked me to get her ice cream and I talked to the kid.¡±

    ¡± Did she ask you to get yourself ice cream?¡± She asks and chuckles. I can¡¯t forget what Kennedy did. Made me eat ice cream. God!

    ¡± Maybe she did.¡±

    ¡± Oh my God¡­¡± sheughs on the phone.

    ¡± That¡¯s hrious. Wish I could see your face when she bought you one.¡± She giggles.¡± You would have been adorable. You know that right?¡±

    I roll my eyes.

    ¡± Stop mocking me. I looked like shit and worst of all , I can¡¯t imagine people eating ice cream.¡±

    ¡± Jamal , ice cream tastes good. You¡¯re just acting like a grumpy baby right now.¡±

    I chuckle and smile.¡± I miss you.¡±

    ¡± Really?¡±

    Fuck of course. I don¡¯t mind if she moves in with me just for me to wake up with her every morning. Look at that pretty face of hers every single day.

    ¡± Yeah.¡±

    She stays silent for a second before replying.¡± I miss you too. You owe me a surprise. Don¡¯t forget that.¡±

    ¡± I didn¡¯t. When I return we¡¯re gonna go check it out. I just hope you¡¯re gonna like it.¡±

    ¡± Hmm. Is it a gift?¡±

    ¡± You don¡¯t want me to snitch about my surprise to you right? Cause if I¡¯m right , you know I won¡¯t tell you a thing.¡±

    She giggles.¡± Sure thing boss.¡±

    ¡± My mom was here by the way. She wanted me to leave you because you¡¯re in the Mafia.¡±

    ¡± And who told her that?¡±

    ¡± Your mom told my dad when they were dating each other.¡± She says and I chuckle.

    ¡± You know she¡¯s lying right? About my mom telling your dad I¡¯m a criminal.¡±

    ¡± Maybe. I just told her a piece of my mind. I really do miss you though.¡± She says and the sound of her voice telling me she missed makes me hard.

    ¡± Okay you¡¯re filling my mind with so many bad things I wish I could do to you right now.¡± I tell her. She breathes out on the phone and I can feel her biting her bottom lip.

    ¡± You need to go to church. You owe the priest your confession. And I¡¯ll be escorting you to church too , to make mine.¡±

    I chuckle. ¡± Alright. I¡¯m gonna think about that.¡±

    ¡± Gray¡­¡± I turn around and see Damon holding Kennedy¡¯s hand. She looks less nervous.

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna call you back, Tink.¡± I hang up and turn to face them.

    ¡± I want him to take me out and you¡¯re driving us since daddy doesn¡¯t have a car.¡± Kennedy says. Hell no. I¡¯m not a fuckin driver.

    ¡± No way. I need to be at home and I have business to handle.¡±

    ¡± Business?¡± Damon asks.

    I re at him. What¡¯s his problem exactly? ¡± Yes, business.¡±

    ¡± We can¡¯t call an Uber.¡±

    ¡± But why not?¡± I ask them.

    ¡± Because my daughter won¡¯t ride in an Uber when she has an Uncle who owns a car and a mother who owns a goddamn car too. I¡¯m sorry honey¡­¡± Jhene says as she brings out a five dor note and gives it to Kennedy. Damon stares at her as Kennedy takes the money.

    ¡± She doesn¡¯t like it when people swear. If you do, you¡¯re paying five dors for it.¡± I tell Damon who breathes out and nods.

    ¡± Scared to curse daddy?¡± Kennedy asks.

    ¡± Not really, I won¡¯t even try.¡± Damon says and she smiles.

    I need to be with Ariel. I can¡¯t drive them around because they are trying to bond over their father-daughter rtionship.

    ¡± I give up.¡± I give Damon my car key. He looks at it and raises his brows asking me what he should do with it.

    ¡± You can take my car and go wherever she wants to go.¡±

    ¡± Are you gonna take the Uber?¡± Kennedy asks with a grin.

    ¡± No way.¡± I scoff and pull out my phone to call Nick.

    ¡± I¡¯m at Jhene¡¯s and stranded. Come pick me up.¡± I say once he picks up.

    ¡± Sure thing.¡± I hang up and look at them.

    ¡± What?¡± I ask.

    ¡± Thanks.¡± Damon says.

    ¡± Who taught you that?¡± I ask him.

    ¡± Shut up. Thank you for this.¡± He raises the key up and turns to leave with Kennedy.

    ¡± See ya Jamal.¡± Kennedy waves at me.

    ¡± I thought that name died.¡± Damon mutters as he leaves with her.

    ¡± I resurrected it though.¡± Kennedy replies to her daddy.

    ¡± That¡¯s really good of you.¡±

    I turn to look at Jhene. She res at me and leaves too. Thank God.

    *****

    ¡± Why are we here again?¡± Ariel asks as she unfastens her seatbelt.

    ¡± I wanna show you something.¡± I tell her and get out of the car.

    I walk to the side of her door and open the door for her. She holds my hand and steps out of the car. I close the door as she looks up at the building.

    ¡± Wow. This is beautiful.¡±

    I smile and wrap my arm around her waist as we walk into the lobby. We enter the elevator and I press the top floor button.

    ¡± The penthouse?¡± She asks and turns to look at me.

    ¡± Yup. Just wanna show you something. Since we¡¯re alone here¡­¡± I look round the elevator and kiss her neck.

    ¡± Why don¡¯t I just show you how you make me feel.¡± I tease her and kiss her earlobe.

    ¡± You¡¯re gonna ride my face today baby.¡± I whisper against her neck.

    She breathes out as I kiss down her neck. I slip my hand inside the back of her hoodie and trail my hand up and down her back. I kiss her cheek and then her nose. She opens her eyes as we stare at each other. She wraps her arms around my neck and stands on her toes to kiss me at once. My arms curl around her waist as I lift her off the floor. I press her against the wall of the elevator as we kiss. Her hands tug on my hair as our lips move against each other.

    The elevator dings and slides open. With her in my arms and legs around my waist , I walk us out of the elevator and open the penthouse door. I walk in with her and shut the door. She looks around the house and widens her eyes. She hops out of my grasp and nces at every single thing.

    ¡± Wow.¡± She mutters as she walks to the kitchen.

    ¡± You bought a new penthouse? Why would you do that?¡±

    I shrug and watch her ogle at every furniture.

    ¡± This is so beautiful and expensive.¡± She says and walks to the hallway. She opens each door and enters thest door. I follow her behind as she looks around the bedroom.

    She pushes aside the drapes of the floor to ceiling transparent window and she giggles.

    ¡± So what¡¯s gonna happen to your other penthouse?¡± She asks and opens the door to the balcony.

    ¡± You like it?¡± I ask her.

    She turns around and looks at me with a big smile.

    ¡± Yes. I love it.¡± She giggles and looks around the bedroom again.

    ¡± Then it¡¯s yours.¡±

    She pauses her stares and darts her head to me.

    ¡± You say what?¡±

    ¡± The penthouse is yours.¡±

 Chapter 90

    ¡± No way. Jamal. This is too much.¡± I tell him and look around. I can¡¯t believe he bought me a house. I mean it¡¯s beautiful and obviously expensive. He has done a lot and I really can¡¯t take it.

    ¡± Nothing is too much for you, baby.¡± He kisses my temple and wraps his arms around my waist.

    ¡± But Gray, this is expensive. A penthouse?¡±

    ¡± If you don¡¯t want it , you can just move in with me. You want that?¡± He asks and turns me around so that I¡¯m looking at him.

    ¡± No way. You know I can¡¯t move in with you.¡±

    ¡± Exactly. Reasons I bought you this apartment. You¡¯ve always wanted space and your own apartment. I had to make that wishe true. You have your own ce now.¡±

    I smile and wrap my arms around his torso and I hug him. His right hand rubs up and down my back as he kisses my temple.

    ¡± Thank you so much for everything. I don¡¯t really know how to thank you.¡±

    Gray chuckles.¡± It¡¯s nothing. You deserve all of this. You¡¯re mine and I¡¯m yours.¡± He whispers.

    Wow , he¡¯s mine huh?

    I pull my head away from his chest and look up at him.

    ¡± Talking about yours, I got you something.¡±

    His eyes brighten as he smiles. I push him gently to sit on the white couch behind him as I sit on hisp. I pull out a silver chain from my hoodie pockets and raise it up at his beautiful face. He smiles and bites his bottom lip.

    ¡± I¡¯ve been thinking your neck is quite empty sometimes. Since I¡¯m your Tinkerbell , and you¡¯re my Jamal. You deserve this. I know it¡¯s littlepared to¡­¡± I roll my eyes around the penthouse.¡±¡­ this. Actually it cost you millions, I know¡­ and¡­¡± He cut me short as he kisses me with one arm around my waist.

    I am dumbfounded and speechless as I kiss back. We pull apart to stare at each other as he looks down at the ne in my hand. He holds the chain and smiles at it. It¡¯s customized and Jamal is written on it and it¡¯s really tiny.

    ¡± You like it?¡± I ask him.

    ¡± Fuck me , yeah. It¡¯s beautiful. I never actually thought of wearing one.¡± He says and looks up at me.

    ¡± If you feel ufortable with it , then maybe you shouldn¡¯t¡­¡±

    ¡± Shut up.¡± He smiles and kisses my cheek. ¡± Now I want you to wear me.¡±

    I take a deep breath and nod. I unhook the loop and wear it around Gray. I hold the chain around his neck and smile. I feel aplished right now cause he liked it. He holds the chain too and raises my hand up that¡¯s still holding it and he nts a soft kiss on my hand.

    ¡± Thank you.¡±

    ¡± Don¡¯t ever take it out. Please.¡± I tell him.

    ¡± I won¡¯t.¡± He sighs and wraps his arms around me to kiss me.

    I smile against the kiss and let my hand run down his hair.

    ¡± Thanks a lot for this Jamal. Thank you.¡±

    He chuckles and nods.

    ¡± It¡¯s okay. You deserved it and stop calling me Jamal.¡±

    I smile and hug him. I caress his hair with my forefinger as I lean against him.

    ¡± What about Kennedy? Settled with her dad?¡± I ask him as I run my fingers through his hair.

    ¡± Yes, they settled. Finally she¡¯s got a dad. Damon wants to keep custody of the child. Jhene wasn¡¯t in support of it.¡± He says.

    ¡± Of course she won¡¯t let it. No mom will allow their baby daddy to take custody of their kid.¡±

    He nods in my arms.¡± True. I still didn¡¯t like the idea too. Kennedy fits right with her mom. You won¡¯t believe she asked me if I would love to adopt her.¡±

    I pull back andugh. I didn¡¯t expect she¡¯d say that.

    ¡± What did you tell her?¡± I ask him.

    ¡± Yes. She¡¯s pretty smart and will be a badass mobster.¡±

    ¡± No way. Is that your n for her? Gray you can¡¯t just involve everyone around you with the mob. Kennedy¡¯s too young.¡±

    ¡± But you won¡¯t believe she knows I¡¯m a criminal.¡±

    ¡± No way.¡±

    ¡± Yes way. She knows. She¡¯s a freak and too smart.¡±

    ¡± And Jhene? Is she aware you¡¯re a mob boss?¡±

    ¡± She knows. Afterall, her step sister once worked for me. Enough about others¡­¡± he says and pulls me to his chest and nts a soft kiss on my neck.

    ¡± Let¡¯s talk about what I would love to do to you¡­¡± he mutters and nts another soft kiss on my neck.

    He grips the hem of my hoodie and pulls it above my head. I squirm and giggle as he drops it on the couch.

    ¡± Gray , not¡­¡±

    ¡± Breathe. I¡¯m not fucking you right away. Let¡¯s keep the house holy.¡± He says and kisses my chest.

    ¡± Holy huh? When did you start to care about holiness?¡± I tease him.

    He chuckles and kisses my boobies. My arms are around his neck as I run my fingers through his hair.

    ¡± I care a lot if you care to know.¡± He says and nods.

    He kisses my boobies up to my chest and then my neck. He kisses my earlobe to my cheek as he look me in the eyes. I tug on his hair and kiss him at once.

    ¡± Thank you.¡±

    ?????

    ¡± Whoa¡­¡± The guys squeal loudly as they enter my new house.

    ¡± What the fuck¡­¡± Alexa shouts.

    ¡± Wow¡­¡± Piper and Leslie speak at the same time.

    They look around every single room , kitchen, the balcony and Alexa won¡¯t stop giggling. She pulls out her phone and connects it to the stereo system in the living room.

    ¡± We¡¯re getting high and drunk for this beautiful gift Gray Carter gave to you.¡±

    ¡± Oh my God. This is fancy and expensive. How are you gonna stay here alone?¡± Brandon asks as Alexa goes through her ylist.

    ¡± She will be fine because I¡¯m staying here with her. Thank God I brought booze.¡± Alexa says and finally ys one song. I don¡¯t really know who sang that but it¡¯s kinda a rap song.

    The loud music st through the walls and for once I¡¯m scared Alexa is gonna fall off the walls.

    ¡± Come on. I brought shots. There are no shot sses here.¡± Alexa says as she looks through the kitchen.

    ¡± Gray knows I don¡¯t drink and there¡¯s no need for those.¡±

    ¡± Aww. This house is big enough when hees over for sex. Don¡¯t hold back , moan aloud for Daddy to get him harder.¡± Alexa teases and winks at me.

    ¡± Shut up.¡± I mutter as the guys chuckle.

    ¡± That was gross by the way.¡± Leslie says and Alexa scoffs.

    ¡± Are you gonna drink? Considering the fact that , you know¡­¡± Alexa asks, motioning to her baby.

    ¡± Nah it¡¯s fine. I¡¯m just gonna take one shot. Don¡¯t wanna stress the baby out.¡±

    ¡± That means you won¡¯t be needing one shot then. Where¡¯s the water.¡± Alexa says and opens the fridge. She brought out a bottle of water and gives one to Leslie as she closes the fridge.

    She arranges the ss on the counter and fills each ss with Jack. What type of alcohol is that?

    ¡± Wait. I¡¯ve never drank this before.¡± I mutter.

    ¡± Yeah. New gifts need new drinks. I don¡¯t even know where I heard that from.¡± Alexa mutters and closes the drink.

    ¡± I drank this once and I couldn¡¯t feel my feet.¡± Brandon says as he scrunches his nose.

    ¡± Me too.¡± Piper says.

    ¡± Don¡¯t worry. Today is for Ariel. We gon¡¯ party like tomorrow doesn¡¯t exist. Booze up¡­¡± Alexa says as we raise our sses. Leslie raises her water.

    ¡± To Ariel¡¯s new house.¡± Alexa utters.

    ¡± To Ariel¡¯s new house¡­¡± they squeals as we throw our heads back to chug down the alcohol.

    The drink was pretty hot when I swallowed it. Alexa refills the sses as we drink. We dance to the loud music as Alexa shouts the lyrics really loud.

    ?He like e¡¯m freaky. He like e¡¯m nasty?

    Alexa slurs out the lyrics.

    In a blink of an eye, my new house turns into a nightclub. Since Leslie is pregnant she couldn¡¯t dance much. She dances for a little while and sits down. I stopped taking that Jack drink when I lost count. I¡¯m already tipsy and I don¡¯t wanna get drunk.

    ¡± Oh my God¡­¡± We mutter as we crash on the couches.

    ¡± This is too beautiful, man. Where the fuck is Damon Carter.¡± Piper asks.

    ¡± Breathe sister , what makes you think he can buy you a fuckin penthouse?¡± Alexa asks and I chuckle.

    ¡± Although he¡¯s back though.¡± I say.

    ¡± No fuckin way.¡± They all mutter except Leslie.

    ¡± Yeah. He¡¯s in New York and I¡¯ve seen him. He showed up at Mia¡¯s birthday party in Canada.¡±

    ¡± Oh my God.¡± Alexa mumbles.

    ¡± What¡¯s he like? Is he still cute? Hot? What the fuck does he look like?¡± They ask.

    Oh God. Why did I say he¡¯s back in the first ce?

    ¡± Calm downdies and gentleman. He¡¯s cute, really cute. He looks like Gray , just the older version with really nice stubble.¡±

    ¡± Aww¡­ ¡±

    ¡± Jeez.¡± I bat myshes at them and shake my head.

    Iy t on my couch and look up at the ceiling. I can¡¯t believe I own a house now. This is too hard to believe. I¡¯ll be staying alone except Alexa meant what she said , hanging here always. I will appreciate that too.

    ¡± Damn. Damon¡¯s back. I just hope the military gives him back his personal property.¡± Alexa says.

    ¡± They seized his property?¡± I ask.

    ¡± I think they did.¡± Alexa says.

    I take in a deep breath as Alexa reduces the volume of the song and I¡¯m forever grateful.

    ???

    I groan a little at my headache as I get up from the couch. Everyone¡¯s passed out on the couch except Alexa. Where the hell is she? I go to the kitchen and she¡¯s not there.

    I see her back at the balcony and I open the door that leads to the balcony.

    ¡± Wow.¡± I mutter and shut the door.

    ¡± You shoulde check this out. This is so beautiful.¡± Alexa says as she turns to look at me.

    I look around the balcony and I wonder howe i didn¡¯t check this ce. I climb down the steps and look at the two love seats here. Alexa leans on the railing holding two coffees. She gives me one cup and I take it.

    ¡± This is really beautiful. Gray¡¯s like a fuckin God. Congrats again.¡± She tells me.

    ¡± Thank you.¡± I smile at her and drink the coffee.

    ¡± The ball is tomorrow. You know that right?¡± She asks.

    ¡± God. I forgot. And Gray didn¡¯t even remind me.¡±

    She chuckles.¡± Yeah, yeah , and we¡¯re gonna need new clothes. Shopping?¡±

    ¡± Shopping.¡±

    That morning we drove the guys to their houses as Alexa drove us to the store. My car is still at Gray¡¯s and I haven¡¯t taken it yet. I pull out my phone and call Gray.

    ¡± Hey, babe.¡±

    ¡± Gray, why didn¡¯t you tell me tomorrow was the ball.¡±

    He sighs. ¡± I don¡¯t really know. Maybe I forgot. What are you doing?¡±

    ¡± Are you gonna be there?¡±

    ¡± Yeah , I have to go. If I¡¯m allowed , I don¡¯t want you toe.¡±

    ¡± Is that why you didn¡¯t tell me? Alexa told me about it and we¡¯re on our way to the store to buy clothes.¡±

    ¡± What! Why the actual fuck will she do that?¡± Gray asks and I roll my eyes.

    ¡± I wanna be there for you , with you and I won¡¯t let you be there alone , except you¡¯re nning to take a slut with you.¡± I tell him. He chuckles and I can feel him nod.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    ¡± Alright. Don¡¯t go too hot or people will start an auction for you.¡±

    ¡± An auction for you?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. The highest bidder gets to dance with you. It¡¯s like a fuckin game.¡±

    ¡± Hmm. And I like it.¡± I chuckle on the phone.

    ¡± Tinkerbell really? You know I won¡¯t let it , or I don¡¯t mind being the highest bidder than to let one of these horny mobsters touch you in the name of dancing.¡±

    ¡± And what¡¯s the fun there?¡± I ask him and he scoffs.

    ¡± Already told you. Don¡¯t go all hottie.¡±

    ¡± Yes boss. I will try.¡± I kiss him on the phone and hang up.

    ¡± Damn. He told you about that stupid game. The girl¡¯s boyfriend always makes a lot from it if she¡¯s hot as fuck.¡± Alexa says.

    ¡± Wow. That¡¯s crazy.¡±

    ¡± Yeah.¡± Alexa looks at her ringing phone on the dashboard as she picks it and puts it on the loudspeaker since she¡¯s driving.

    ¡± Alexa speaking.¡±

    ¡± Shut up bitch.¡± A voice speaks up as we both turn to look at each other. She looks at the dialer and it¡¯s not in her contact.

    ¡± Who¡¯s speaking?¡±

    ¡± So bad you can¡¯t recognize the voice.¡±

    ¡± Reid¡­¡± We mutter at the same time.

    ¡± How the fuck did you get my number?¡±

    I giggle and rest my hand on the window sill.

    ¡± Be appreciative that I called you.¡± He says.

    ¡± And I¡¯m gonna hang up if you don¡¯t tell me how you got my number and why the fuck you¡¯re calling me.¡±

    He huffs.¡± I want you to be my date for the ball.¡±

    What the hell? No way!

    Alexa looks at me and I chuckle quietly.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry what? I didn¡¯t hear you.¡±

    ¡± Are you fucking serious? You want me to repeat that? What¡¯s your shit?¡± Reid rambles on the phone.

    Alexa rolls her eyes and chuckles.

    ¡± I want you to be my date at tomorrow¡¯s Mafia ball.¡± He says and mutters ¡± fuckin¡¯ bitch.¡±

    ¡± I heard that, dick. Is that like a proposal or what?¡± She scoffs.

    ¡± I¡¯m just gonna think about it and pity your sorry ass.¡± She hangs up. Oh! I didn¡¯t see thating.

 Chapter 91

    ¡± That was harsh.¡±

    ¡± I just don¡¯t know why , but I like the bastard.¡±

    ¡± And Nick?¡±

    ¡± We aren¡¯t dating and I can¡¯t even sleep with any of them. Where¡¯s the fun in that? Why did your boyfriend make such rules?¡±

    ¡± To avoid mistakes and issues. Dating each other in a Mafia is risky and you know that.¡±

    She huffs. ¡± Reid is hot. I bet he got his dick pierced.¡±

    ¡± Whoa. Hold on , why would you say that?¡±

    ¡± His eyebrows are kinda pierced and you know it. There¡¯s nothing wrong if he decides to pierce the D¡¯.¡±

    ¡± God, I need to see the priest for confession.¡± I mutter and she chuckles.

    She parks the car and we step out. The valet man takes the key as we walk through the double doors. I look around the store and it¡¯s covered with countless mannequins with beautiful dresses on it.

    ¡± Wow.¡±

    ¡± Let¡¯s rock.¡± Alexa chuckles as she looks at each mannequin.

    I walk to the shoes rack and look at every shoe beginning from pumps and stilettos and sandals and boots. They are all beautiful. I pick a ck stilettos with a strap meant for the ankle and then i go to the jewelry aisle. I pick up an earring cause I will not be needing any ne since I have a pendant. I give it to the salesgirl and go through her dresses. Alexa walks out of the changing room as she twirls on her heels.

    ¡± What do you think? Do you think Reid will fall for this so that we can probably get a quickie?¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re insane. Why do you badly want him.¡± I ask her and look down at her dress.

    ¡± Just tell me what you think.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s pretty.¡±

    ¡± Thank you. I¡¯m buying two of these dresses.¡± She says and scurry back to the closet to take off the clothes.

    I see a mannequin at the end of the store. I walk to it and the dress on it catches my interest. It¡¯s a white V-neck dress with straps. The back is bare and it¡¯s really hot. It hugs the body of the mannequin like another skin to it¡¯s mid-thigh and it has a slit to the thigh.

    ¡± Wow.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s beautiful.¡± I mutter.

    ¡± I want it.¡± I say to the salesgirl as she nods.

    Alexa walks out of the closet holding two dresses. Ones white and the other grey colored.

    ¡± I¡¯m taking the two.¡±

    I nod.¡± Sure.¡±

    She smiles as we give it to the girl. We paid for everything and she bags our dresses. Alexa drives me to Gray¡¯s afterwards for my car. She parks her car in the garage and we step out of the car. We leave the clothes inside her car as we walk into the house. Reid¡¯s the first person I see and he¡¯s talking with Nick. I greet both guys and they answer. Reid replied with a nod.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Gray?¡±

    ¡± Drove out. Will be back soon.¡± Nick replies and I nod.

    Reid doesn¡¯t fight with me anymore after that fight with Gray. He doesn¡¯t re at me and he¡¯s been super normal. Although we don¡¯t talk to each other, I¡¯m really d he stopped giving me the cold shoulder.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± We gotta talk.¡± Alexa holds Reid¡¯s wrist and walks him to the corner of the living room.

    ¡± Are they like together now?¡± Nick whispers to me as we watch them.

    ¡± No. Just normal talk.¡± I tell him and pat his shoulder.

    ¡± Who¡¯s your date? To that mob ball?¡±

    ¡± People like us don¡¯t need dates except the boss and the right hand man. We guard and escort.¡± He says. I nod in understanding.

    ¡± But why?¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s useless. We don¡¯t need one. Our duty isn¡¯t to bring women for fancy , our job is to keep watch.¡±

    ¡± Wow. Alexa said you guys are done.¡±

    ¡± We never actually dated. She fucked real good.¡± Nick says. I jab my elbow on his ribs and he chuckles.

    ¡± I don¡¯t need a rtionship , ma¡¯am. Why don¡¯t you go upstairs and wait for your man. These two want to make out , it¡¯s written in their eyes.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re right. You¡¯re saying it like it¡¯s normal to watch your ex try to hook up with your boss¡¯s right hand man.¡± I say and he chuckles.

    ¡± She wasn¡¯t my ex and two, she can¡¯t hook up with Reid. You know Gray made these rules except they wanna fight again. Reid made the same mistake with Meghan and it was terrible.¡± He says and I nod.

    ¡± I thought there was chemistry between you two. Never saw you as a dick.¡± I say as Nick clutches his chest and fakes being pained.

    ¡± That was aggressive though. She doesn¡¯t want a rtionship either. Alexa likes to have fun.¡±

    Fact. She doesn¡¯t like to bemitted. She likes to be the boss. Have fun , let loose and bid them goodbye afterwards. Damn, that¡¯s kinda difficult. Who doesn¡¯t want love?

    Alexa still has her little hand around Reid¡¯s wrist as they turn to look at us and look away diving back into their conversation.

    ¡± Imagine your boyfriend walking into this scene.¡± Nick whispers.

    ¡± You¡¯re acting like a jealous boyfriend right now.¡± I mutter and he chuckles.

    ¡± You know I¡¯m not.¡± He says and I nod.

    ¡± I gotta leave Hermosa.¡± He says and I nod again as I look at him. Nick¡¯s got pretty eyes and seriously he¡¯s handsome.

    ¡± See ya Nick.¡± I tell him as we leave.

    Alexa didn¡¯t even notice me leaving cause she¡¯s already hooked up in Reid¡¯s dreamy eyes. Good gracious. I open the door to Gray¡¯s bedroom and enter. I shut the door behind me and walk to the couch. I drop my clutch and walk to his full length mirror. I smile at my reflection and tuck my hair behind my ear. My phone rings and I go to the couch to pull it out from my clutch.

    ¡± Ace?¡± I mutter and slide the answer icon.

    ¡°Asshole.¡± I say on the phone as he chuckles.

    ¡± Sup sweetheart. How are you?¡± He asks and i chuckle.

    ¡± I¡¯m good. How are you?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m obviously fine now. I missed this voice. I gotta chix now. What¡¯s up with you? Are you gonna storm the ball with your boyfriend?¡±

    Talking about the ball , I actually left my dress in Alexa¡¯s car. Aren¡¯t I supposed to just take my car keys and drive back to my new apartment? My clothes are still in my apartment. Haven¡¯t moved a thing to the penthouse.

    ¡± You know I will. Are youing?¡±

    ¡± Yeah, yeah. I miss you guys a lot. Especially you. Still hate the fact that we¡¯re cousins.¡±

    I roll my eyes and sit on the couch.

    ¡± Stop flirting with me Ace. I just hope you bring a girl.¡±

    He scoffs on the phone.¡± What¡¯s up with my crackhead twin?¡±

    ¡± She¡¯s fine. Flirting with Gray¡¯s right hand man downstairs.¡±

    ¡± When is she ever gonna change? Aren¡¯t you advising her? She needs to be in a rtionship. She¡¯s gottenid enough.¡±

    ¡± Should I go downstairs and give her the phone so that you can advise her?¡± I ask sarcastically.

    ¡± I hate you.¡± He mumbles.

    ¡± You wish. You still wish we are not cousins.¡±

    ¡± Yeah. And it hurts. I need to talk to her tomorrow. She needs to settle down and stop acting like a stripper.¡± Ace says and I chuckle.

    ¡°Ouch.¡± Iugh.

    ¡± Say hi to your boyfriend. Gotta go.¡±

    ¡± Sure thing Ace.¡± He hangs up as I drop my phone.

    Alexa is taking too long. I get up and walk out of Gray¡¯s room and go downstairs. The house is awkwardly silent. Where¡¯s Manny or Spencer and the others that I don¡¯t even know their names?

    ¡± Alexa, stop. You don¡¯t have to seduce me.¡± I hear Reid¡¯s voice.

    ¡± You kissed me you fucker.¡± Alexa replies.

    ¡± Because you touched my dick , fuck me.¡± I hear Reid¡¯s voice mutter.

    Alright , Alexa really needs a talk session with Ace. Why would she touch Reid on the D¡¯. I follow the direction of their voices and it¡¯s the kitchen. The kitchen again. I did shit with Gray in that same kitchen.

    ¡± You gon¡¯ beg me soon , you know that right?¡± Alexa asks.

    ¡± For sex? I never beg for sex? You are the one who wanted sex from me. Fuckin horny slut.¡± Reid says.

    Alexa giggles like someone who¡¯s horny.¡± You want me to be your slut. You want me.¡± She says , barely audible.

    God. Why¡¯s she doing this? Gray made it a rule. No sex between each other. Reid is pretty hot but I can¡¯t really imagine Alexa seducing Reid.

    ¡± Fuck¡­¡± Reid breathes out. Alexa really seeded in seducing that man.

    ¡± Hey babe.¡± I hear Gray¡¯s voice as I bite my lip.

    He stops right at the doorway of the kitchen as he turns to look at the kitchen. His eyebrows shoot up as he tilts his head to look at these two horny mobsters in the kitchen. He turns away and walks to me. He tucks my hair behind my ear and looks back at the kitchen doorway.

    ¡± What happened?¡± He whispers as he takes my hand and leads me upstairs.

    ¡± Something crazy.¡±

    ¡± Where they fucking each other?¡± He asks as we climb the stairs.

    ¡± No. They were talking. Reid wants Alexa to be his date for the party tomorrow.¡±

    ¡± Yeah? And why her?¡±

    ¡± She¡¯s pretty.¡± I reply and shrug. We walk down the hall as we stop in front of his room.

    ¡± Pretty? The Mafia¡¯s got pretty sluts who work for the Mafia. He could ask anyone else.¡± He says and opens the door.

    ¡± Breathe Gray. It¡¯s nothing serious. It¡¯s just a date for a Mafia party. Nothing too personal.¡± I tell him and roll my eyes.

    We enter the room as he shuts the door and wraps his arms around my waist.

    ¡± Okay. I just hope they don¡¯t end up fucking each other. She¡¯s gonna lose her job.¡± He says. Oh god. Remind me to tell her that.

    ¡± Yeah. They won¡¯t.¡± I say without blinking my eyes. Alexa needs a talk session seriously.

    ¡± Where¡¯s your dress?¡±

    ¡± In the car. Alexa¡¯s car.¡± I tell him and wrap my arms around his neck.

    ¡± Why the car?¡±

    ¡± I came to take my car home. That¡¯s why.¡±

    He rolls his eyes and pulls me to himself.

    ¡± You¡¯re spending the night with me in that bed. We¡¯re leaving for that stupid party together.¡±

    I huff and bite my lip.

    ¡± And Alexa? Is she gonna spend the night here?¡± I ask.

    ¡± Something wrong with that?¡±

    I shrug. He smiles and kisses my lips. I bite his bottom lip and he pinches my waist. He lifts me off the ground and I wrap my legs around his waist. We go to the bed as heys me on the bed as he hovers over me with his lips still on mine. I turn us around as I straddle him. I remove his white baggy hoodie and it smells so good. I keep it aside and trail my hand on his tatted arm. I kiss his chest and then his neck. I trail my finger on my name on his neck and it¡¯s so beautiful. Maybe I should also get a tattoo. He makes it beautiful.

    ¡± What was the first tattoo you ever had?¡± I ask him.

    ¡± On my back. And it says the heart can be darker too. And free drugs. I was seventeen then.¡± He says and I smile.

    ¡± Second?¡±

    ¡± Omert¨¤.¡± He answers.

    ¡± You know I actually thought that was supposed to be your first tattoo.¡±

    ¡± Nah. My dad never wanted me to have that in case I decided to leave the mob.¡± He says.

    ¡± And what does the Arabic tattoo mean? And why Arabic?¡± I ask.

    ¡± I like them and thenguage. And the meaning; It means ¡®my soul is darker than night¡¯. The other one is ¡®angels don¡¯t die¡¯.¡±

    ¡± So your soul is dark? What inspired the angels don¡¯t die?¡± I ask as I draw random circles around his arm.

    ¡± My soul is really dark babe. You gave me light.¡± He says as he sits up to kiss my forehead andy back down. I brought him light. Wow.

    ¡± And what inspired angels doesn¡¯t die. I got shot and was supposed to die , I didn¡¯t. Found out God loves me a lot.¡± He says and kisses my hair.

    I rest my head on his chest and kiss his chest.

    ¡± I love you so much , Jamal.¡± I tell him as I rub circles on his chest. I love him so much that I can¡¯t even imagine my life without Gray. It¡¯s gonna be stupid.

    ¡± I love you too, Tinkerbell.¡± He says and rubs my back.

    ¡± You know what I¡¯m thinking right now?¡± He asks. I look up at him and he smirks.

    ¡± That smirk is mischievous.¡± I say and bite my bottom lip.

    He brushes my hair off my face and sits up with me straddling hisps. He kisses my neck and removes my shirt as he keeps it aside. I¡¯m now d with just my sport¡¯s bra. He kisses my neck down my shoulder as he bites it.

    ¡± I want you to sit on my face. Now.¡± He smirks between the kisses as he grabs the waistline of my pants and he takes it out.

    ***

    I sit opposite the mirror as I blow dry my hair. I had to drive back with Gray to pick up my girly stuff since the party is today. I brush my hair and curl it slowly. Gray¡¯s not in the room. Went out a few minutes ago to settle ¡®something¡¯ as he put it.

    After curling my hair , I put on my dress as I stand opposite the full length mirror. Wow , I look-

    ¡± Fuck¡­¡± Gray mutters behind me. I turn around as he checks me out.

    Last night wasn¡¯t just sitting on his face. We had sex.

    ¡± Where are you going with that dress?¡± He asks as he looks me down. He wears a ck dress shirt and it¡¯s tucked in his cks. His suit jacket drapes around his shoulder as he tosses it on the couch.

    He rests his hands on my hips as he pulls me to him.

    ¡± This is too hot.¡±

    ¡± You know it¡¯s not. Several women are gonna wear a hotter dress.¡± I say.

    He raises his hand and runs it down my exposed cleavage.

    ¡± Fuck. You¡¯re making me hard with this.¡± He says and kisses my chest and then my bare cleavage.

    ¡± Alright. Enough.¡± I gently push him away and go back tob my curls to waves.

    He stands beside me and ps my butt.

    ¡± God¡­ are you even wearing panties?¡± He asks as he trails his fingers on my butt.

    ¡± Thong Gray and stop feeling me.¡± I take his hand away and smile at my reflection. I don¡¯t look bad though.

    ¡± You¡¯re beautiful.¡± He says and I smile.

    ¡± Thank you.¡± I kiss his cheek and hug him again.

    ¡± Don¡¯t be nervous. I¡¯m gonna be there.¡± He says and kisses my hair.

    ¡± Sure.¡±

    ¡± Let¡¯s go then.¡±

    He takes my hand as we walk out of the room. After a long ride , the car pulls to a stop. I look out the window and look back at Gray. He checks the bullet of a handgun as he shoves it in his suit jacket.

    ¡± Why do you always carry guns with you everywhere?¡± I ask.

    ¡± Because I¡¯m Gray Carter.¡± He kisses my hair as one of his men opens the door for us. I step out with Gray as the guy shuts the door.

    Every single entourage of Gray step out of their various vehicles and this looks like men in ck part twelve. ck suits everywhere. Alexa wears a Gray colored strap dress with a high thighs slit. She looks so sexy. Gray wraps his arms around my waist as we walk in. The bright light meets my eyes as we step inside this ce. Wow.

    It¡¯s already upied as different mobsters hold drinks in their hands.

    ¡± If it isn¡¯t Gray Carter , then who¡¯s it then?¡± A man smiles as he shakes Gray¡¯s hand. He¡¯s got a weird ent and he looks Hispanic.

    ¡± Hi , Ben.¡±

    ¡± The girl is pretty.¡± Hepliments me.

    ¡± Take your eyes off her. She¡¯s off limits.¡± Gray says as they pull away from their handshake.

    He chuckles as I look around. Brightrge chandeliers hang on the ceiling and this is beautiful. The design and chairs are covered with white and peach designs. There¡¯s also a podium here. Alexa already wanders off leaving Reid hanging. Ben talks with Gray and I zoned out. Alexa returns with two sses of wine as she gives me one .

    ¡± Fuck. You look hot as fuck.¡± She says as she sucks a lemon. God. Who sucks lemons like that.

    ¡°Thanks. Where did you get that from?¡± I ask her.

    ¡± I have my ways.¡± She says and giggles.

    ¡± This is awesome.¡± Alexa says.

    Many people on ck and blue suitse to talk and handshake Gray. These men are wild and dangerous without doubt. Their stares are dark and weird. I see Manny and Nick at a corner. They send us a smile and I smile back. How do people have fun in this type of ceremony?

    ~GRAY~

    ¡± So that¡¯s the girl everyone¡¯s talking about? You¡¯ve got great taste.¡± Ty says. He¡¯s Mexican and a dick.

    ¡± Take your eyes away from her.¡±

    ¡± Damn, you¡¯re also protective of her. She must be really important to you.¡±

    ¡± Shut the fuck up, Ty.¡± I tell him.

    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry. It¡¯s an honor to meet you here. I swear I didn¡¯t really expect you to be here. You¡¯re leading the drug business, Gray and I¡¯m jealous.¡±

    Yeah asshole, hope that jealousy kills your broke ass.

    ¡± Gray fuckin Carter.¡± Moscov greets as he smiles at me. I hate this fuckin Russians.

    ¡± Hello to you Ty. You wanna excuse us?¡± Moscov asks Ty.

    ¡± Sure thing. See ya around Gray.¡± Ty says as he pats my bicep. What the fuck dude. I re at him as he smiles and leaves.

    Fucker!

    ¡± I owe you a bullet, bitch.¡± I say to Moscov.

    ¡± And I owe you a thousand bullets. The girl¡¯s hot. I can¡¯t wait to let her watch me kill your sorry ass.¡±

    I re at him. ¡± You won¡¯t do shit.¡±

    ¡± You know what you did, Gray. I won¡¯t rest until i make sure you¡¯re six feet below the earth. I¡¯ll make sure you die slowly so that you can feel the pain you cost others. And I¡¯ll hurt every single person you¡¯ve ever loved and cared for.¡±

    I chuckle and bite my lip.¡± I hope you keep to your fuckin promise. Don¡¯t make me kill you first, you gon¡¯ hate it.¡± I tell him.

    ¡± And I¡¯ll start with the ones you love. Kennedy Carter?¡±

 Chapter 92

    ¡± And I¡¯ll start with the ones you love. Kennedy Carter?¡±

    I turn away from Alexa as I turn to look at Gray and the man he¡¯s talking to. What¡¯s I¡¯ll start with the ones you love. What is that supposed to mean?

    ¡± Don¡¯t fuckin try me bitch. Stay the fuck away from her or I swear to God, I¡¯ll kill you without thinking twice about it. What Is it with you fuckin Russians. Because I killed that fucker you called a brother.¡±

    ¡± Maybe you should feel what it feels like to loose the ones you cared for. You see that bitch of yours. I won¡¯t just kill her man, fuck no. I¡¯ll make her suffer. You¡¯ll watch me fuck her tiny little pussy every single day and I¡¯ll ask my men to fuck her afterwards. I¡¯ll make sure I send the tapes to you , so that you will have to feast your eyes¡­¡±

    Oh my God. Gray grabs the guy by his dress shirt cor as people stops their interactions.

    ¡± What the fuck is happening?¡± Alexa asks as she stands next to me.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know.¡± Of course I know. That dude whom I assume is moskov just tell it to Gray¡¯s face , he¡¯s gonna kidnap me and rape the hell outta me.

    ¡± Gray let go. Just take in deep breaths and let go¡­¡± Reid says as he holds Gray by the shoulder.

    ¡± Don¡¯t do this here. Let him go Gray.¡± Reid whispers. Gray let him go as he pushes the man to the ground.

    He runs his fingers through his hair and then looks at me. Moskov gets up and smirks at Gray as he arranges his shirt. He turns away and looks my way before walking back to the party. A man who looks like a really ruthless Mafia boss waves his hand to the music and they continue. He turns to look at Gray. He stands up and walks to Gray. His face holds no emotions or smile.

    ¡± What was that about?¡± The man asks Gray. Gray still looks angry and there is no single smile on his face. Gray shrugs and looks right back at the man.

    ¡± You know that was a dick move. You shouldn¡¯t bring your tough boy attitude here.¡± The man says to Gray.

    ¡± Stop trying to act nice , i know you don¡¯t like me. Just in case you should know , that motherfucker threatened my family in my face and you want me to do what? Ignore it?¡±

    ¡± Yes, Gray ignore it. This a ball for all the families around the world. You have to ignore their shits.¡±

    ¡± Fuckin ball.¡± Gray scoffs.¡± I have no fuckin ignorance or patience. They shouldn¡¯t test me.¡± He res at the man.

    ¡± What¡¯s happening?¡± Alexa whispers.

    ¡± I think the first man who¡¯s Moskov threatened my life and that of Kennedy¡¯s. Gray got angry.¡±

    ¡± Who wouldn¡¯t get angry? What the fuck is wrong with his stupid ass?¡± Alexa yells rather too loudly.

    The man talking to Gray darts his head to Alexa and I as he walks to us. Alexa actually.

    ¡± Damn.¡± I mutter.

    ¡± Fuck it.¡±

    ¡± You. What are you doing here?¡± He asks Alexa.

    ¡± Partying like everyone else.¡±

    ¡± You work with the Americans now. I thought you dated Massimo.¡± The man says.

    ¡± He¡¯s dead. And one of you killed him , fuckin douchebag.¡± She says through clench teeth like she just imagined her moments with the Sicilian Mafia.

    I walk out of their conversation and walk to Gray who¡¯s talking to Reid. Reid sees me and he stops talking. He looks at Gray onest time as he leaves to get Alexa I think.

    ¡± Gray.¡±

    He pulls me to a hug all of a sudden and he kisses my hair.

    ¡± Nothing is gonna happen to you alright. I won¡¯t let anything happen to you , i promise.¡±

    ¡± I know. I¡¯m not really scared of that Moskov actually.¡± I say and look up at him.

    He smiles down at me and nods. I see some set of people walk in. Ace is the first I noticed. I smile and look at the others. Sinir , De Luca and Cage. Whoa , he looks really goodpared to thest time I saw him. We pull away from the embrace as Alexa turns to look at their new guests. Seems she was having a mouth fight with Reid.

    ¡± I fuckin hate this ce¡­¡± Cage mutters as he looks at me. A big smile appears on his face. Gray wasn¡¯t really pleased as he res at the Italians.

    ¡± Hi cousin.¡± Ace smiles at me as I shake his hand. He pulls me to him and hugs me at once. I feel Gray tenses beside me. He¡¯s hot when he¡¯s jealous.

    Sinir is talking with other guests including De Luca. Sinir is with a woman maybe his wife obviously. Her smiles are big and she has an ebony skin. Cage looks busy with another girl who came with them. She looks like Sinir¡¯s wife. She¡¯s kinda brown skinned.

    ¡± You really came¡­¡± Ace says as I chuckle. He looks at Gray and extend his hand out for a handshake.

    I jab my elbows against his ribs as he shakes Ace¡¯s hand.

    ¡± I¡¯m Ace.¡±

    ¡± I know.¡± Gray tells him as he pulls away.

    ¡± Wow. That¡¯s new, can¡¯t believe Gray Carter knows me.¡±

    ¡± You fuckin idiot.¡± Alexa appears.

    ¡± You slutty stripper. You need a heart to heart talk session with your twin. I¡¯m gonna invite one therapy and mom. She needs to exin to us how you became like this.¡± Ace says as I chuckle.

    ¡± What¡¯s he talking about?¡± Alexa whispers to me.

    ¡± I obviously don¡¯t know.¡±

    I turn to look at Gray as he wraps his hands around me. I see Cage at the corner all alone. I think he dismissed the girl as he drinks from his ss of wine.

    ¡± Can I go talk to him?¡± I ask Gray.

    ¡± Cage?¡±

    ¡± Yes, Cage. Please don¡¯t say no. You don¡¯t have to hate on everyone Gray especially the Italians , considering the fact that Alexa¡¯s twin works for them. He saved my life remember.¡±

    ¡± Whatever. He shouldn¡¯t smile too much at you. He likes you.¡±

    ¡± You judge too much. I¡¯m gonna be back soon.¡± I peck his cheek and walk to Cage. Moscov ugly stares follows my movement and he¡¯s giving me the creeps. What an asshole.

    ¡± Damn¡­¡± Cage mutters.

    ¡± Hi.¡±

    ¡± Can¡¯t believe Gray brought you here. You¡¯re beautiful.¡± He says and i smile.

    Gray won¡¯t stop looking at me even as he talks with Reid. God , breathe man. I¡¯m not even trying to flirt with anyone.

    ¡± You don¡¯t look bad yourself. Heard you mutter you hate this ce.¡±

    ¡± Yeah. They are too fake. Pretends they like you but they don¡¯t really give a fuck about you.¡± He says.

    ¡± Wow.¡± I mouth.

    He smiles and takes one minute to look me down.

    ¡± You¡¯re like the most prettiest woman here. They won¡¯t stop looking at you. Up for the auction game?¡±

    ¡± Hell no. Gray won¡¯t let me.¡±

    ¡± Do you want it?¡± He asks as he drinks from his wine.

    ¡± I will risk being the highest bidder to dance with you.¡± He adds. I blink my eyes and bite my bottom lip. I don¡¯t know what to say.

    ¡± Don¡¯t see it the wrong way. I see the chemistry between you two. I can¡¯te between that.¡±

    ¡± Yeah. I just¡­ i really don¡¯t know what to expect from this type of games , so I¡¯m just gonna pass this one.¡± I tell him.

    ¡± Sure. Don¡¯t roam about. These dudes aren¡¯t really friendly with women. Especially the pretty ones.¡± He says as he drops his already drank wine on the tter of a waiter passing by.

    ¡± Thanks for that advise. I won¡¯t even dare. These guys don¡¯t even smile. They look weird.¡± I say and he chuckles.

    ¡± Cage baby¡­¡± a girl says as she walks in. She¡¯s the girl who looks like Sinir¡¯s wife or maybe mistress.

    ¡± Leave me the fuck alone Sasha.¡± Cage warns.

    ¡± Oh yeah? Because you¡¯ve got a new slut?¡± She asks as she looks down at me.

    New slut? What!

    ¡± I¡¯m just gonna leave you guys.¡± I say and smile at Cage before leaving. Alexa appears from nowhere as she grabs me by the elbow.

    ¡± Are you okay?¡± I ask her.

    ¡± Yeah. I¡¯m just¡­ Ace is just a dick.¡±

    ¡± He¡¯s kinda right you know. Gray said if you sleep with Reid or have a rtionship with Reid , you¡¯re gonna loose your job. You don¡¯t have to seduce Reid. You don¡¯t even want love. You¡¯re just gonna lead him on and make him think you have feelings for him and that won¡¯t be good.¡±

    ¡± Yeah.¡± She sighs.¡± He¡¯s pretty hot and I can¡¯t control my hormones. I fuckin hate them.¡± She scoffs.

    ¡± Then try and control them. Leave Reid alone. You can have sex with other people.¡±

    She rolls her eyes and nods. A man appears on the podium. He wears a three piece suit. He holds a ss as he taps his ss with a pen I think to attract everyone¡¯s attention. This talkatives stops talking as everyone turns to look at this man.

    ¡± Fuck me! It¡¯s not like he wants to say something useful.¡± Alexa mutters and I chuckle.

    ¡± I personally wee every single criminal and mobsters from around the world. It¡¯s nice to have you all here. Thanks foring to our mafia ball which helps to unite andmunicate with different mafias around the world. No matter what, the rivals and deaths , we¡¯re still gonna be one. I personally appreciate Gray Carter¡¯s arrival , De Luca , Pablo, Antonio and many others. Please stay calm as we entertain you all¡­.¡±

    ¡± With what exactly?¡± I whisper to Alexa.

    ¡± Fuckin dance. Just watch.¡±

    ¡± We¡¯re gonna start with the hottestdy in the house. If you¡¯re the hottest girl in here, they are gonna start an auction for you. The highest bidder is gonna dance with you and everyone¡¯s gonna watch it.¡±

    ¡± So what¡¯s the fun there?¡± I whisper to Alexa.

    ¡± No fun at all.¡± She whispers and i chuckle.

    I turn to look at Gray as he motions for me toe to him. I roll my eyes and excuse Alexa to meet Gray.

    ¡± I told you not to wear this.¡± He mutters.

    ¡± No ones gonna choose me.¡±

    No I¡¯m kidding. A man stops right in front of me and invites me to go to the podium. Everyone turns to look at me and I shake my head. I¡¯m not dancing with mobsters who are gonna touch me in the name of dancing.

    ¡± Choose someone else.¡± Gray res at the man.

    ¡± Gray, she¡¯s hot.¡±

    ¡± And she¡¯s not interested.¡±

    He shrugs and leaves. The man at the podium smiles at me and shakes his head at Gray. Alexa was chosen too and nine other girls. That Sasha girl won¡¯t stop fuming and biting her bottom lip. She hates the fact that she¡¯s not chosen.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± My gentlemen, i would allow you choose the hottest as we start the bidding.¡±

    Holy God. What if the girl is single? Like Alexa for example? She gets the cash obviously.

    ¡± The one with the red? The blue? Pink dress? Oh the one with the grey colored dress?¡± The man says and turns to look at Alexa.

    ¡± You¡¯re the hottest miss.¡± The man tells Alexa. It¡¯s obvious , she¡¯s pretty.

    ¡± Isn¡¯t she pretty.¡±

    ¡± Yeah, yeah.¡± Gray huffs. His hand still secures around my waist.

    ¡± So we¡¯re gonna start with 200 dor¡­¡± The podium man says.

    ¡± $500¡­¡±

    ¡± Anyone..¡±

    ¡± $1, 000..¡±

    What!

    For dancing?

    ¡°$10, 000.¡± Reid says at once as people turns to look at him. That was unexpected. Gray looks at Reid as Reid gives him a gentle smile.

    ¡°$10, 000! Anybody?¡± The man asks as he looks around.¡± Going once .. going twice.. and sold.¡± The man announces as Reid walks to Alexa. I¡¯m not the only one stunned , alexa too and Gray.

    ¡± You have any idea why he did that?¡± I ask Gray.

    ¡± No fuckin idea. Maybe to save her ass. Those men would want to fuck her.¡± Gray says.

    The music ys silently as they danced on the spotlight.

    ¡± Aww. And they look pretty together.¡± I mutter.

    ¡± Really, Tinkerbell.¡±

    I chuckle and roll my eyes. This is so much fun. They sway to the music as Reid¡¯s hands curls around Alexa¡¯s waist and then slides down her hips. So much intimacy and it feels romantic.

    ¡± Imagine some other dude doing that to you.¡± Gray mutters and scoffs.

    ¡± You said you don¡¯t mind being the highest bidder.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s not allowed. I can¡¯t partake in the auction if you end up being the hottest girl everyone chose.¡± He says barely audible as he trails his hands down my hips.

    That distracted me for a minute and I almost didn¡¯t see Reid¡¯s hands on Alexa¡¯s butt. This is awkward. They stop dancing and after their intimate dancing session, people ps for them. Reid whispers something to Alexa and she rolls her eyes.

    ¡± Time for general dancingdies and gentlemen.¡± The podium man announces.

    Alexa¡¯s cheeks are flush when she walks back to us. I excuse Gray and go to talk to her. Reid is already having a word with Gray.

    ¡± So¡­¡± I say.

    ¡± That was crazy , i know and¡­¡±

    ¡± Wait , you fucked that one too?¡± Ace asks from nowhere.

    ¡± Shut up you piece of shit. He¡¯s Gray¡¯s best friend.¡±

    ¡± Ten fuckin thousand dors. That¡¯s a lot.¡±

    ¡± And it¡¯s a tiny change for a mob boss¡¯s right hand man. Seriously Ace.¡± I say and cross my arms.

    ¡± You were like the hottest girl here. Why hold back?¡± Ace asks me.

    ¡± Because I can¡¯t imagine myself dancing with a stranger. Not just a stranger, a mafioso.¡± I tell Ace.

    ¡± Something wrong with that?¡±

    ¡± Boy, shut up.¡± Alexa snaps at Ace. Ace furrows his brows and looks down at Alexa.

    ¡± Thest time I checked, you¡¯re my younger twin and I¡¯m like your second father.¡± Ace says and I chuckle.

    ¡± Fuckin idiot. Please save your sermon. You owe our parents a lot of apologies for being an idiot. Now shut up or I will shove my hands inside your ass, fucker.¡± Alexa says. I blink my eyes at her and look at Ace who¡¯s also stoned.

    ¡± Wanna dance?¡± Some random guy asks me.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ve got a date.¡±

    ¡± Yeah. Gray Carter. I bet he won¡¯t mind.¡± The guy says.

    ¡± Yes, he will. Now get the fuck out.¡± Alexa says as Ace res at the guy. The guy clears his throat and scurries away.

    ¡± Dance with me sister?¡± Ace asks me. I chuckle and roll my eyes.

    ¡± No Ace. I need to dance with Gray. I told you to bring a girl.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m single as fuck.¡± He blows out his breath and runs his fingers through his hair.

    ¡± I¡¯ll dance with you , asshole. Come on.¡± Alexa takes her brother¡¯s hand as they walk to the dance floor.

    I walk back to Gray as I collect a ss from a tter of a waiter passing by. I sip the white wine and stop in front of Gray.

    ¡± You¡¯re gonna get drunk , you know that right?¡±

    ¡± I guess that¡¯s why it¡¯s called a mob party. Get drunk , dance and go home. So much for a Mafia party.¡± I tell him.

    ¡± Gray Carter.¡± A man¡¯s voice says behind me.

    I move to stand by Gray as I look at this familiar man rumored to be my father.

    ¡± What now Sin?¡± Gray asks with a bored tone.

    ¡± The girl¡¯s Beautiful.¡± He says as he smiles at me.

    ¡± Thank you.¡± I tell him genuinely.

    ¡± Can I have a dance?¡±

    ¡± No.¡± Gray answers.

    ¡± You¡¯re getting rude every single day Gray. You owe me for the shit you did to me. I was asking the girl by the way and not you .¡± Sinir says.

    I don¡¯t mind the dance. It¡¯s just a normal dance right? And also I wanna talk to him about this rumor of me being his daughter. I look at Gray and plea with him with my eyes. He huffs and res at Sinir.

    ¡± Sure thing.¡± I tell him and give Gray my ss of wine as Sinir takes my hand to the dance floor.

    I wrap my arms around his neck as his hands hold my waist in a very gentle manner. We sway to the song as i look around the dance floor. Cage stands at a corner with a ss of wine. He smiles at me and I smile back. De Luca won¡¯t stop ring at me. Probably the man don¡¯t smile , I noticed that.

    ¡± So Miss Ariel right?¡± Sinir asks.

    ¡± Yes.¡± I reply and look into his deep brown eyes. They look like mine.

    ¡± And yourst name is?¡±

    ¡± Peterson.¡± He raises his eyebrows and nods.

    ¡± You¡¯re pretty and you look like my wife.¡±

    ¡± Never knew you were married.¡± I say trying to keep the conversation going.

    ¡± Well , it wasn¡¯t really marriage. We were kinda dating and it was serious. Her family doesn¡¯t like me.¡±

    ¡± Because you were in the Mafia?¡±

    ¡± Exactly. They see me as a threat and maybe i was a threat. She died because of me. I couldn¡¯t save her.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry about that.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s fine. You remind me of her. She looks like you.¡±

    I take a deep breath and bite my bottom lip as we dance.

    ¡± So what happened to your daughter?¡±

    ¡± I really don¡¯t know. I think I lost her. If she was alive , she would be the same age as you. Twenty right?¡±

    ¡± Yes.¡± I breathe out. This is awkward. He smiles and nods.

    We stay in silence as we dance. I can¡¯t stop thinking about the information Sinir gave me. This can¡¯t be true right. And plus he didn¡¯t tell me the name of his girlfriend.

    ¡± Can I ask you one question?¡± He asks.

    ¡± Yeah, sure.¡±

    The music stops as we stop dancing.

    ¡± Do you have a birth mark behind your ear?¡± He asks as I stop breathing.

    How did he know that?

 Chapter 93

    ¡± What if moscov is serious, about his threats?¡± I ask Gray.

    After that dance with Sinir at that party , I didn¡¯t tell him I had a birth mark. I just walked out on him and asked Gray to take me home. We left leaving the others behind and that was yesterday. I haven¡¯t stopped thinking about what he said. How did he know I had a birth mark behind my ear? It¡¯s not like someone told him that?

    ¡± Then obviously he¡¯s looking for death.¡± Gray says casually.

    I finally move into my apartment and we¡¯re in my bedroom. He¡¯s shirtless because I choose to wear his dress under my panties as we cuddle. Hey on his side with his right arm safely curl around my waist drawing non-stop circles.

    ¡± Will this death thing ever stop?¡± I ask.

    ¡± Yeah. If moscov is gone. He¡¯s a dick and I hate his guts.¡± He says and caresses my back to my butt.

    ¡± You shouldn¡¯t worry about that. I won¡¯t let it happen.¡±

    I sigh and nod.

    ¡± And Kennedy?¡±

    ¡± She will be fine. If he tries to make one wrong move , I won¡¯t hold back in ending his life too.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯ve taken a lot of lives Gray.¡± I say and run my fingers down his hair.

    ¡± Just a lot of bad lives.¡±

    I chuckle and nod.

    ¡± You still haven¡¯t told me what you talked about with Sinir.¡±

    ¡± A lot. What if he¡¯s my father?

    ¡± Fuck me.¡± He mutters under his breath.

    ¡± Please don¡¯t tell me you believed that shit. And stop worrying about that. You can¡¯t be his daughter and you¡¯re not his daughter.¡±

    ¡± He asked if I got a birth mark behind my ear? How did he know that ?¡±

    Gray blinks his eyes and bites his bottom lip.

    ¡± Maybe he guessed it.¡±

    ¡± No he didn¡¯t. It was a straight question. Only someone who knows me will definitely ask me that type of question. Oh God¡­¡± I shut my eyes andy on my back.

    This is frustrating more than i thought. Imagine , finding out the man you¡¯ve always called father isn¡¯t your father. I can¡¯t take it. I might fall into depression again if that ever happens.

    ¡± Tinkerbell¡­¡± Gray coos as he pulls me to himself. I bury my face in his chest and snake my arm around his torso.

    ¡± Don¡¯t think about it. He¡¯s just messing with your head. He¡¯s not your father and you¡¯re not even sure about it. Have you talked to your mom?¡± He asks and I shake my head that¡¯s still buried against his chest.

    ¡± I have. She said she doesn¡¯t know anyone with the name Sinir.¡±

    He breathes out totally frustrated as he caresses my back through his t-shirt that I¡¯m wearing.

    ¡± Stop whimpering and don¡¯t let Sinir get into your head. He¡¯s not your father. You¡¯re not even sure.¡±

    I look up at him and rest my palm on his cheek.

    ¡± What if he¡¯s my father?¡±

    ¡± Ariel he¡¯s not.¡±

    ¡± No , i know he¡¯s not. But what if he¡¯s my father. Just assume. What is it gonna be like? Thest time I checked , you don¡¯t like each other. You ruin him and I¡¯m pretty sure he won¡¯t be pleased with us.¡±

    ¡± Is that what you¡¯re insinuating? Himing between us. You know that¡¯s not possible.¡±

    ¡± My mom don¡¯t even like you. And if for example Sinir is my dad , he doesn¡¯t like you either.¡±

    ¡± So what? I should give you up because some man I once worked with turns out to be you dad? You know I won¡¯t do that.¡±

    ¡± I know. You need a good rtionship with Sinir. The one that needs forgiveness. He¡¯s gonna forgive you.¡±

    ¡± The fuck are you saying?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m saying you need to apologise to Sinir, Gray. You wronged him.¡±

    He looks at me with irritation as he unwraps his arms from me.

    ¡± What are you doing?¡± I ask him. Did i say something wrong.

    ¡± Tinkerbell, sorry doesn¡¯t work like that. I told him that and even paid for the damages that I caused. It still doesn¡¯t mean anything to him. We don¡¯t like each other and nothing can change that.¡± He says and get up from the bed.

    ¡± Where are you going?¡±

    ¡± I need water Ariel.¡± He says and departs from my room.

    I touch my forehead and breathe out. This sucks. Please God don¡¯t let him be my dad. I can¡¯t handle it. A drug dealer as a father and a mob boss as a boyfriend. Why did my life turn out this way. My cousins all work for the mob. My mom is a lying parent. She never tells the truth. I collect my phone from my nightstand and call my mom. After the third ring she picks up.

    ¡± Ariel.¡±

    ¡± Mom.¡±

    ¡± Are you okay? Are you hurt?¡±

    ¡± Mom please stop. I¡¯m okay and I¡¯m not hurt. Who¡¯s Sinir mom?¡± Silence and all I can hear is her breathing.

    ¡± Are you there?¡±

    ¡± Why are you so obsessed with this Sinir madness? He¡¯s no one and will never be anyone. Why¡¯s he trying to im and fill your brain with bullshit stories that you¡¯re his daughter.¡±

    ¡± How did he know I got a birth mark behind my ear? Who told him that? How did he know that, mom?¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. If I were you , I¡¯ll avoid Sinir like the gue he is. For Pete¡¯s sake , he¡¯s not your father , stop asking me that.¡± She yells on the phone.

    I hang up and get out of the bed to find Gray. He¡¯s not in the kitchen and not in the living room either. I check the balcony and he¡¯s there , leaning against the railing and smoking.

    ¡± You said water Gray? I waited.¡± I tell him as I watch his back.

    ¡± I needed a smoke.¡± He replies without looking at me. I can tell he¡¯s angry. His tone and looks , i just pissed him off.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡± Why are you sorry?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry okay. I was just being¡­¡±This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    ¡± Irrational, Ariel. Stop this Sinir bullshit.¡± He says and turns to look at me.

    ¡± He¡¯s getting into your head. Stop thinking and talking about him.¡±

    I sigh and nod. I didn¡¯t expect this type of reaction from Gray though. I get it , they don¡¯t like each other. And the idea of him being my father pissed him off. I slowly walk to his form and hug him.

    ¡± Happy now?¡± I ask as I run my hand down his back.

    He doesn¡¯t reply but wraps one hand around me. He tosses the cigarette away and wraps both arms around me.

    ¡± I wasn¡¯t angry , just pissed.¡± He says and I nod.

    ¡± Ariel ¡­¡± I hear Alexa¡¯s voice and the lock of my door. How did she get a spare key? I also didn¡¯t put a passcode on the lock. I should do that soon.

    ¡± Ariel¡­¡± she shouts my name again.

    I chuckle and roll my eyes.

    ¡± I think that¡¯s my clue to leave.¡± Gray says and kisses my temple.

    ¡± You can stay if you want.¡± he shakes his head sideways.

    ¡± I¡¯m her boss remember. Can¡¯t hang around.¡±

    I sigh and look down at his shirt that I¡¯m wearing.¡± You can keep that too if you want. Add it your Gray collections.¡± He says and chuckles.

    ¡± What are you gonna wear?¡±

    ¡± I drive a tinted car. Nobody¡¯s gonna see this tatted man shirtless.¡±

    ¡± God I found you- oh, hey boss.¡± Alexa says from behind us. I turn around to look at her.

    ¡± Hi Alexa.¡± Gray says as he looks back at me.

    He kisses me on the lips quickly but passionately as he leaves. I bite my bottom lip and turn around to look at Alexa who won¡¯t stop smirking.

    ¡± Oh please, shut up.¡± I tell her and sheughs.

    We walk back into the house and Gray¡¯s already gone. We walk to the kitchen as she brings out McDonald¡¯s takeout and drops them on the countertop.

    ¡± How did you get a key?¡± I ask and open one takeout.

    ¡± I¡¯m a genius. Took one. Don¡¯t wanna ask you for it.¡± She says and winks.

    ¡± You skipped ss today , Ariel.¡±

    ¡± Good God, i forgot. I¡¯m so screwed.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s fine. I skipped too.¡± She says and Iugh. She¡¯s insane.

    ¡± Piper and Brandon areing over today.¡±

    ¡± Really?¡±

    ¡± Mmm hmm.¡± She hums as she eats.

    ¡± I need to be at work today. Sterling Corp and Theo misses me and I owe him a lot of exnation. Plus , I¡¯m driving home today.¡±

    ¡± To do what exactly?¡±

    ¡± My mom owes me a lot of exnation .¡± I say as i remember what Gray said. He¡¯s getting into my head and all that crazy stuff.

    I can¡¯t stop till I know the truth.

    ¡± About what?¡±

    ¡± Sinir being my father.¡±

    ¡± Why would you say that?¡± She asks as she stops eating.

    ¡± People usually tells me that. And then yesterday at the ball when we were dancing, he asked me if I got a birth mark behind my ear. You know I have that. The point is how did he know.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re seriously believing that. Are you trying to say your mom cheated on your dad with Sin?¡±

    ¡± It might be possible. She¡¯s avoiding any discussion that has to do with Sinir. I think she¡¯s hiding something from me.¡± I tell her.

    She grabs a bottle water and uncap it.

    ¡± What if you¡¯re just thinking things?¡±

    ¡± I know right? I¡¯m just wondering how did he found out I had a birth mark. It¡¯s not like it¡¯s visible and obvious. It¡¯s behind my ears. It¡¯s not like he has seen it before. I¡¯m so confused, I need to talk to your mom.¡±

    ¡± If she knows something?¡± Alexa asks and I nod.

    ¡± Aww you poor thing. I saw a photo frame at our housest year I think. Your mom was in it and my mom including one other woman that I don¡¯t even recognized.¡± Alexa says.

    ¡± Really? Did you ask her who the third woman is?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. Said it¡¯s nothing important, just an old best friend of theirs.¡±

    ¡± So what happened to that best friend?¡±

    ¡± Dead. My mom said she¡¯s dead and nothing more actually.¡± Alexa says as she resumes eating.

    I sigh and nod. I chew on my bottom lip and tap the bottom of my fork on the countertop.

    ¡± You should eat Ariel. I won¡¯t starve myself if i were you.¡±

    I smile and nod again.

    ¡± So am I allowed to talk about what happened with you and Reid? I can¡¯t easily overlook the fact that he paid $10, 000 for just a dance and he whispered something to you.¡±

    She rolls her eyes and smiles awkwardly. She bites her bottom lip and blushes.

    ¡± Please don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s not what I¡¯m thinking.¡±

    ¡± Look it¡¯s awkward and I don¡¯t know what to say.¡±

    ¡± Alexa. Is he asking you out? What did he whispered to you?¡±

    She blows out her breath and runs both her hands down her hair. She looks flustered.

    ¡± Gray¡¯s gonna kill me if he finds out. I couldn¡¯t control myself. It wasn¡¯t on purpose and it just happened.¡±

    ¡± What just happened?¡± I ask her. Hope it¡¯s not what I¡¯m thinking. She can¡¯t do that? I warned her about it. She can¡¯t be that ignorant. She can¡¯t just let her hormones lead her.

    ¡± What did you do Alex?¡±

    ¡± Please don¡¯t tell Gray.¡± She says at once. I blink my eyes at her and open my mouth to talk. I shut it and bite my bottom lip.

    ¡± Did you¡­¡±

    ¡± I had sex with Reid.¡±

 Chapter 94

    No she didn¡¯t?

    I thought I warned her.

    ¡± You didn¡¯t¡­¡± I tell her.

    She facepalms herself with both hands and puffs out her breath.

    ¡± You did?¡± I ask her and she nods.

    ¡± Why would you do that? Alexa I warned you, I told you to quit your sexy ns with Reid.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s not my fault. Okay it¡¯s half of my fault and the other fault is my hormones. I just can¡¯t control them around hot guys. I¡¯m so fuckin screwed.¡±

    ¡± Why did you do it? Did he asked you for it?¡±

    ¡± Not at all. When you left the party with Gray , Reid drove me back to my apartment. I ask him toe in for water at least and then the shit happened. I kissed him and sadly we fucked. Real good.¡± She shuts her eyes and bites her bottom lips like someone who just fantasized about it.

    I scowl at her and smack her head. She opens her eyes and curses.

    ¡± Why can¡¯t you control yourself?¡±

    ¡± I can control myself alright. It¡¯s just that I¡¯m sexually attracted to Reid and i always want him.¡±

    ¡± You don¡¯t even know him.¡±

    ¡± Of course I knew him. I Just don¡¯t talk to him. And then I got a job with Gray and we met. He¡¯s so fuckin hot and then we went Russian hunting the other time you got shot and he won¡¯t stop checking me out.¡±

    ¡± Do you regret it?¡± I ask her.

    She sighs and shrugs.

    ¡± Maybe, and that¡¯s because he¡¯s Gray¡¯s best friend and Gray¡¯s my boss. He made rules and I broke it because I¡¯m a horny dog. I need to go to church and talk to the priest for confession.¡± She says.

    I roll my eyes and stare at her.

    This is so wrong.

    Gray¡¯s gonna be angry if he finds out and he¡¯ll be super angry if he knows I knew about it and didn¡¯t tell him. I mean this is Reid. Same guy who slept with Leslie, her cousin and treated her like she¡¯s nothing.

    ¡± Do me a favor and don¡¯t even try this again. Cause I¡¯m gonna tell Gray if you do. You¡¯re literally attracted to every hot thing. I hope you don¡¯t admire Gray.¡±

    She looks up at me and chuckles.¡± Of course I do. He¡¯s hot.¡±

    ¡± Dang you. Jesus.¡± I exim.

    ¡± No, don¡¯t see it the hard way. Gray is hot , yes and I have eyes. But trust me, I¡¯m not sexually attracted to him. I mean he¡¯s the love of your life and I¡¯m not a slut. I can¡¯t try shit with Gray. He¡¯s yours and yours alone.¡± She says and I roll my eyes.

    ¡± You shouldn¡¯t have. This is Reid we¡¯re talking about. He slept with Leslie and treated her like shit. Even if Leslie wasn¡¯t really pregnant for Reid , his attitude toward the baby was terrible. He literally threatened her and called her a bitch to her face.¡±

    Alexa scoffs.¡± He¡¯s a changed man and you know it. Plus it wasn¡¯t really something big. It was just sex.¡±

    ¡± But it wasn¡¯t just sex for you. I bet you want more.¡±

    She sighs and crosses her arms on the countertop.¡± I hate to admit it, yes. But I¡¯m Alexa okay. I don¡¯t wanna think too much about what happened. It was crazy and so fuckin good.¡± She bites her bottom lip and rubs her temple. She¡¯s not okay.

    Her phone rings as she opens her bag to bring it out. She looks at the dialer nkly as she looks up at me.

    ¡± It¡¯s Reid.¡± She mutters and answers the call.

    ¡± Hi.¡± Alexa says on the phone.

    I watch her as Reid talks on the phone. I can¡¯t hear a thing but her mood changes all of a sudden. To sad.

    ¡± Sure. I understand. It was just sex and a mistake , we shouldn¡¯t do this next time and I won¡¯t tell Gray either.¡± She huffs and hangs up.

    She aggressively drops her phone on the counter and holds her head. She breathes out and starts to eat without looking at me.

    ¡± Alexa.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s nothing Ariel, I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡± Of course you¡¯re not fine. What did he tell you?¡±

    She drops the fork on the table and looks at me.

    ¡± He said the sex was a mistake and I shouldn¡¯t take it serious.¡±

    Oh God. I told her.

    ¡± You know the painful part about this, no one¡¯s ever told me sex was a fuckin mistake. How dare he?¡±

    She scoffs and chews on her bottom lip angrily.

    ¡± Alexa breathe. You said it was never happening again and you wished it never happened. You don¡¯t have to let Reid¡¯s words get to you. You¡¯re Alexa and you¡¯re a queen alright.¡±

    A bright smile shes on her face as she smiles and nods her head.

    ¡± I¡¯m Alexa and I¡¯m a queen. A confident one. Fuck you Reid, such a dick with really nice¡­¡±

    ¡± No, don¡¯t say the D¡¯word. Enough about Reid. It¡¯s just sex like every of your other flings and it¡¯s nothing special.¡± I tell her, pointing my forefinger at her and she nods.

    ¡± Thanks Tink.¡± She smirks and winks as she stuff her mouth with food.

    ¡± Oh great.. food..¡± Brandon says as he walks to the kitchen.

    I smile at them as Piper follows behind. They sits on the stools with Blue on Piper¡¯s hand.

    ¡± You gave her Blue?¡± I ask pointing to blue on Piper¡¯s hand.

    ¡± She stole her from me.¡± Alexa says.

    ¡± Shut up liar. I took her for the weekend. She¡¯s so cute.¡± Piper says as she rubs the puppy¡¯s fur.

    Brandon is already eating my food.

    ¡± Are you that hungry?¡± I ask Brandon, carrying Blue from Piper.

    ¡± We just got out of ss and I¡¯m starving.¡± Brandon says.

    ¡± How was ss? Piper, I need to borrow your homework. I don¡¯t wannag behind.¡± I say to Piper.

    ¡± Talking about homework, why did you skip ss?¡± Piper asks.

    ¡± She and Gray had sex till dawn. She couldn¡¯t feel her feet and she forgot she¡¯s supposed to be getting prepared for ss. They fuck like rabbits.¡± Alexa says.

    Brandon almost choke on his food as he pretends to choke as he taps his chest. I chuckle and give him a ss of water. He takes it and gulps it.

    ¡± Damn.¡± He breathes out as he sits back the ss of water.

    ¡± Fuck youdies. I just got back from church and the priest gave me holy water to wash my tongue, you don¡¯t have to corrupt my mind with your sinful words and activities.¡± He smiles and continues eating.

    ¡± Whatever.¡± Alexa huffs as we chuckle.

    ¡± Wait , you really skipped ss because of a boner?¡± Piper asks.

    ¡± No, God. I forgot because of stress and I¡¯ve been trying to get used to this.¡± I wave my fingers, gesturing to the house.

    ¡± Gray spent the night.¡± Alexa mutters as they widens their eyes.

    ¡± Really, Alex. He didn¡¯t , he visited this morning.¡± I say as a matter of fact.

    She huffs and winks at me.

    ¡± Enough about me. Piper what¡¯s up with Jamie?¡± I ask.

    Brandon pretends to cough.¡± They broke up.¡±

    ¡± No fucking way.¡± Alexa exims. I halt my rubbing on blue¡¯s fur as I stare at Piper. She didn¡¯t say a word.

    ¡± Pipes.¡± Alexa and I call out.

    ¡± It¡¯s a long story. We aren¡¯tpatible and we can¡¯t be a thing.¡±

    ¡± I thought you guys liked each other. You took his virginity right? You had family dinner with his parents?¡± Alexa asks.

    ¡± Yeah, yeah , but all these shit doesn¡¯t really matter. It¡¯s crazy I know. I kinda hurt him but I apologised.¡± She shrugs.

    ¡± You sound like you missed him.¡± I say.

    ¡± Of course she does. She¡¯s a freak.¡± Brandon mutters. Piper smacks his head and Brandon groans.

    ¡± So are you like single now and searching?¡± Alexa asks as she smirks.

    ¡± I¡¯m not searching and I¡¯m not wanting anyone.¡± She huffs as we nod.     We clear the counter as we stride to the living room to watch TV. I slump down on the couch and Alexa chooses one of her terrible movies for everyone to watch.

    ****

    I anxiously walk into Sterling Corp and it feels like ages. Damn, whenst did I visit this ce. I fiddle with my ck skirt as I take a deep breath. I walk past other employees as we exchange greetings. I see the manager and as usual she scowls at me.

    ¡± Miss Peterson right?¡± The manager asks as she stops in front of me. I choose to be early today for once and she thinks it¡¯s nice to stop me.

    ¡± Yes.¡± I roll my eyes at her.

    ¡± Did you just roll your eyes at me?¡± Oh my God, what the heck did she drink?

    ¡± I need to hurry. Theo needs me.¡± I walk past her but she grabs my arm and pulls me back.

    ¡± Don¡¯t ever , I mean ever walk out on me. This is Sterling Corp not Summit. Don¡¯t even dare roll your eyes at me. The fact that you¡¯re Gray Carter¡¯s slut doesn¡¯t make you any different.¡±

    I snatch my arm from her as I smirk at her. I take out an handkerchief and wipe the arm she held.

    ¡± Excuse me , please.¡± I huff and walk away from her. She¡¯s stoned and perhaps dumbfounded.

    The elevator arrives as the upants step out and I enter. The elevator slides shut as i lean against the transparent walls of the elevator and stare at my reflection. After the short ride, it slides open and I step out. I run my hands down my skirt and sigh. This is gonna be a stressful day for me. My boss is an annoying perv who likes making flirty remarks. I knock on his office door as a girl opens the door and steps out. She didn¡¯t look at me or bother to greet. I ignore her and enter Theodore¡¯s office.

    He looks up at me as he blinks his eyes.

    ¡± Ariel Peterson.¡± He smirks and looks me up and down. Here we go.

    ¡± What happened? What are you doing here?¡±

    ¡± Uh¡­¡± I raise my eyebrows and blink at him.

    ¡± I thought you quit.¡± He says and I sigh.

    ¡± I didn¡¯t. I uh¡­ its a em..¡± God. This is really stupid.

    ¡± Cat got your tongue?¡±

    ¡± I traveled.¡±

    ¡± With your boyfriend.¡±

    I nod.

    ¡± You couldn¡¯t give a damn call Ariel. You know sometimes you think this is Summit. Darling, this is Sterling Corp , you don¡¯t skip work for almost two weeks. What the fuck does that even mean!¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry , I was sick and i couldn¡¯t ce a call.¡±

    ¡± And you¡¯re here to resume huh?¡±

    ¡± I really didn¡¯t quit.¡± I tell him.

    ¡± Of course you¡¯re quitting.¡± He says. What does that mean? I¡¯m quitting my job? I¡¯m not even tired and I loved it.

    ¡± Ariel , you¡¯re fired. You see the girl who just left my office, she¡¯s the new Intern. I¡¯m done with you.¡±

    ¡± But I did nothing.¡± I defend.

    ¡± Oh really. You should leave and make sure you clear your desk if you even have anything to clear.¡±

    This is so unfair.

    ¡± I should¡­¡±

    ¡± Leave Ariel.¡± He dismisses offensively as he looks down on hisputer avoiding my existence.

    I turn around and begin my walk of shame. How could he do this to me? I shut his door and walk to my ex desk. The blonde haired is already settling in. She looks mean.

    ¡± If you¡¯re looking for your properties, if you have any at all , they are in that cardboard box.¡± She says without looking at me.

    Asshole.

    I look through the cardboard box and carry it. This is gonna be the worse walk of shame in history. I walk to the elevator and enter. I sigh and step out. I avoid the shameful gaze of this gossips in disguise as workers as I walk out. One thing about dating someone like Gray, is that these assholes notice everything about you. And I¡¯m even carrying a cardboard box, it¡¯s so obvious I got fired.

    I open my trunk and drop the box inside. I shut the trunk and walk to the driver¡¯s door to open it and I slide in. I drive out of Sterling Corp thinking about what to do with myself after ss. I turn on the radio as my phone rings. I look at the dialer and it¡¯s Gray. I put it on speaker and drop it on the dashboard.

    ¡± Jamal.¡±

    ¡± Are you driving?¡±

    ¡± Yeah.¡± I sigh.

    ¡± Are you okay, cause you don¡¯t really sound okay.¡±

    ¡± I got fired.¡± I say and scrunch my face.

    ¡± What?¡±

    ¡± Yeah , Gray, Theodore fired me.¡±

    ¡± And he¡¯s oweing me 60 fucking million.¡±

    I chuckle.¡± I think he forgot that , cause I¡¯m jobless right now. I missed the job even if it was an internship, because i actually skipped work for two weeks. He already got a girl to rece me.¡± I sigh.

    ¡± Are you about to cry?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m confident but yes..¡± i whimper and bite my lip. I see my enemiesughing at me right now.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna deal with him, don¡¯t worry.¡±

    ¡± Gray, don¡¯t shoot anyone.¡± I tell him as I stop right at my penthouse.

    ¡± Of course I won¡¯t. I just wanna teach him a lesson. Who gave him right to fire you after the shit I did for him? Don¡¯t worry I¡¯m getting you a new internship in a better ce.¡±

    I chuckle and smile .

    ¡± Thanks Jamal.¡± I say and unfasten my seatbelt.

    ¡± I love you. Don¡¯t think about that dick.¡±

    ¡± Yeah. I love you.¡±

    ¡± Where are you?¡±

    ¡± At home, need to arrange my stuff from my ex work. I¡¯m gonna call you back.¡±

    ¡± Becareful.¡± He hangs up and I pick up my phone. I step out of the car with my bag as I shut the doors. I open the trunk and carry out the cardboard box and I lock the trunk.

    I walk into the lobby and then take the elevator to my floor. I unlock my apartment and drop the box by the door. I walk to my room to change my clothes because I need to drive home. I need to speak with Doreen, Alexa¡¯s mom and also my mom. I change into a ck jeans and white crop top hoodie as i wear my ck boots. I rush out of my house quietly in order not to wake up Alexa.

    I drive into the streets and i hum to the backstreet boys ying through the stereo. I park my car after the long ride as I turn off the music. I stare at the strange car at the drive way. A range rover? My dad drives a weird car and he¡¯s still proud of that. I step out of my car and shut my car door. I walk to the front porch and raise my hand to knock but I stop at the voices i heard.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    ¡± Sinir, you need to leave.¡± That¡¯s mom.

    ¡± I won¡¯t leave , except you tell me why the fuck you lied to me about my daughter.¡±

    Daughter? Oh God. This should be a nightmare. It can¡¯t happen. It¡¯s not happening?

    ¡± I was protecting her from your bad and evil lifestyle. I wanted to make sure she¡¯s safe and not involve with the mob.¡± Mom replies.

    ¡± Really? You couldn¡¯t even keep her from Gray. What¡¯s the difference between me and Gray? That kid is a fuckin criminal but yet you allowed her date him. What type of person are you?¡±

    ¡± Oh you wanna me me now? Your badluck almost took everything from me. And you¡¯re gonna leave right now and I won¡¯t let you keep Ariel, if that¡¯s what you¡¯re insinuating.¡± Mom yells.

    I gulp and open the door. Both dad , mom and, Sinir turns to look at me. Mom looks scared, surprised and weak.

    ¡± What are you doing here? Why didn¡¯t you call?¡± Mom bombards me with questions as she walks to me.

    I frown at her and look at Sinir.

    ¡± Is it true?¡± I ask , biting back my tears.

    ¡± It¡¯s not what you think. I did it for you.¡±

    ¡± Is it true?¡± I yell at mom as she flinches and moves a step backwards.

    ¡± Yes.¡± Sinir answers.

    I open my mouth as a tear slip down my eyes. I look at my supposed father and then my mom.

    ¡± At the dance , I pinched out a strand of your hair and used it for a DNA test. I wanted to be sure of my assumptions.¡± Sinir exins as more tears slide down my eyes.

    No , it can¡¯t be true.

    Why does it have to be true.

    ¡± You¡¯re my daughter, Ariel.¡±

 Chapter 95

    |?Gray?|

    I stare at Trent nkly as he talks continuously. I lean against my chair as he talks about an Italian worker who¡¯s trying to double cross me after lying he wanted to work with the mob as a delivery guy. A knockes on the door followed by Cassandra¡¯s voice. I order her in and she walks in with a coffee that I ask her to get.

    ¡± Thank you.¡± I tell her once she drops it on the desk.

    She turns around and leaves.

    ¡± What¡¯s your n with the Russians? Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s time you end this once and for all before more people get hurt.¡± Trent says. I scoff and look down at him.

    ¡± I just want him to make the wrong move first. Then I won¡¯t hold back.¡±

    He nods as I drink from my coffee. I remembered what Ariel said about Theo firing her? How could he do that? He owed me over 50 million dors and he hasn¡¯t for once called to tell me when he¡¯s willing to pay. He didn¡¯t even say thank you and ording to his attitude, it¡¯s like he doesn¡¯t even care that I lent him millions. What a fucker!

    ¡± I should take my leave, Gray. What are your ns with the Italian?¡± He asks as he stands up.

    ¡± I¡¯ll call Reid. He will handle it.¡±

    He nods.¡± Sure.¡±

    ¡± Becareful Trent.¡±

    I pick up my phone as I dial Reid¡¯s number. I swivel the chair around and stare at the busy city below me.

    ¡± Gray.¡±

    ¡± Call Alexa and tell her toe to my office. You shoulde too. You need to handle something.¡±

    ¡± Sure.¡±

    I hang up and drop my phone as I gulp my coffee.

    ¡± Cassandra, I need Theodore Sterling¡¯s contact info.¡± I say into the inte.

    ¡± Sure thing boss.¡± She replies as I rub my temple.

    Few minutester, a message pops up on myputer screen as I dial the number on the telephone on my desk. I put it on the loudspeaker and wait for the bastard to pick it up.

    ¡± Theodore Sterling.¡± He says once he picks up.

    ¡± Theodore¡­¡± I smirk and run my fingers through my hair.

    ¡± Who¡¯s this please?¡± He asks , his tone sounds bored.

    ¡± Gray Carter.¡±

    He chuckles on the phone and thenughs. I bite my lip and nod. I just hope he got my money ready or I¡¯m hurting his broken ass.

    ¡± What do you want, Gray? Oh I fired your little slut and you called to scold and yell at me. You¡¯re fuckin crazy Gray.¡±

    I chuckle and rub my temple.

    ¡± My slut huh? Take it back Theo.¡±

    ¡± Why should I? She¡¯s a slut and yes I fired her stupid ass. You can¡¯t just skip work for almost two weeks and you just walk back like nothing happened. What does she see me as? A kid? Fuck you Gray. This is mypany and I decide what goes on. And if you wanna tell me shit about your fifty million dors, I¡¯m sending it to you this weekend. Goodbye.¡± He hangs up.

    I smirk and lean my head against the headrest. Sterling Corp. What should I do to that son of a bitch?

    The fucker hung up after calling my girl a whore. I chuckle and pick up my car key as I stand up from my chair. I walk out of my office and shut the door.

    ¡± Postpone every meeting till I¡¯m back. I¡¯m going out.¡± I say to Cassandra.     She nods and I leave. I enter my car and drive to Sterling Corp. I lean my elbow on the window sill while the other steers the wheel. I run my fingers through my hair and turn down the volume of the radio. I park the car outside Sterling Corp and get out. I shut the door and stuck my hands inside my pocket and stride inside. I¡¯ve never been here before. But that son of a bitch did a nice job in bringing me here. He¡¯s gonna regret this.

    These joblessdies look my way as I walk past them. I walk to the elevator and enter. I assume he¡¯s the boss here and his office must be at the top floor. I press the top button and lean against the elevator walls as It ascends. The elevator slides open and I step out. I stare at the girl at the front desk as she looks up at me. A big smile appears on her face as I roll my eyes at her.

    ¡± Where¡¯s your boss?¡± I ask her.

    ¡± Do you have an appointment with him sir?¡±

    The fuck would i be needing an appointment for?

    ¡± Is he around?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. Let me call¡­¡±

    ¡± Don¡¯t bother.¡± I interrupt her and walk straight to his office door.

    I twist the doorknob and step in. He looks up at me with shock and slight fear. He res at me and tries to keep up his hard man facade. I scoff and aggressively shut the door.

    ¡± Theodore Sterling.¡± I call his name and look around his office. I walk to his desk and smirk at him.

    ¡± What are you doing here, Gray?¡±

    ¡± To remind you who the fuck I am.¡± I tell him as he swallows.

    I grab his tie and pull him to me aggressively.

    ¡± What the fuck did you say on the phone? I was having a problem listening, you mind repeating it?¡±

    He res at me.¡± The fact that you¡¯re wealthy doesn¡¯t make you oppress everyone, Gray.¡±

    I pull him harder against his desk and re at me.¡± Why don¡¯t you work hard and try to be wealthy too, you ungrateful bastard.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna call the security Gray.¡±

    ¡± And ask them to throw me out? The fuck you won¡¯t.¡±

    He groans and tries to pry my hand off his tie. I grab his hair and press his face against his desk making sure it hurts him. He grunts silently as he cusses.

    ¡± Try touch my hand again, and I swear to God , I will cut off your fuckin hand.¡± I let go of his head and tie as he sits up at once with a red face.

    ¡± Now tell me why did you fucking fire her? You thought if it was only you , I¡¯d lend you fifty fucking million. What am I, Santa us? You couldn¡¯t even fuckin ask her what the fuck happened to her and you fired her. And you even called her a slut to my face. Who the fuck are you?¡±

    He bites his bottom lip and res at me. I¡¯m not really too offended about the firing part , but calling her a slut to my face was something I won¡¯t take. Not even from this fucker in front of me.

    ¡± Who the fuck are you looking at, you miserable dumb fuck.¡± I yell at him.

    He sighs and looks away.

    ¡± So that¡¯s how you treat your workers? They skip work for almost two weeks and you wee them back?¡± He asks.

    I ce my hands on his desk and lean across his desk.

    ¡± I ask them why, you idiot. If I find out there¡¯s no goddamn good reason , i suspend their fuckin ass. She¡¯s not even your worker , but your intern. An assistant in case your fuck head of a secretary isn¡¯t here to help.¡± I yell at him.

    ¡± So what do you want from me?¡±

    ¡± Where the fuck is my money?¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t have it, Gray. Like I said I was gonna send it to you this weekend.¡±

    I stand up and smirk. The fuck yeah? This weekend. He¡¯s so ungrateful and a stupid fuck.

    ¡± Get up Theo.¡±

    ¡± What?¡± He looks at me at once.

    ¡± Stand up Theo. Now. I should lecture you about manners , because you fuckinck it. Get up.¡±

    ¡± Hell no, I won¡¯t.¡±

    I chuckle and punch him.

    ¡± Fuck¡­¡± he grunts and holds his already bleeding nose.

    ¡± That¡¯s for calling my girl a slut. Now Get the fuck up.¡±

    He looks at me as I tilt my head.

    ¡± Why do you wanna hurt me Gray?¡±

    ¡± Because I fuckin hate you. How dare you call my girl a slut? You gon¡¯ pay for it bitch, get the fuck up , you moron.¡± I grab his tie and pull him to stand up.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    ¡± Now you¡¯re gonna listen and listen real good. Twenty four hours, if I don¡¯t see my sixty million, get ready to kiss Sterling Corp goodbye. Do you hear me?¡±

    ¡± You can¡¯t do that.¡± He argues.

    ¡± Of course I will. Don¡¯t dare me. By the end of tomorrow I need to see my money or you¡¯re going broke.¡± I push him back on his seat.

    ¡± This is so unfair and wicked.¡±

    ¡± Oh really? You are ungrateful, you dick. I had to remind you for my own fuckin money and you weren¡¯t even remorseful about it. You had to call my girl a slut in my own face after the shit I did for this nonsense you called apany. Twenty four hours, don¡¯t test me.¡±

    ****

    ¡± What¡¯s your n for that Italian? I heard De Luca sent him.¡± Reid says as he stares at me.

    I don¡¯t want a fight with the italians. Why would De Luca send a man to work for me?

    ¡± And why would he do that?¡± I ask and take out a stick of a cigarette.

    ¡± They want more Gray. More alliances and connections in the drug market. De Luca is a monster and a greedy bastard.¡± Reid says.

    Alexa knocks as she walks in.

    ¡± You sent it to me, boss.¡± She says as she shuts the door.     Reid turns to look at her as she stiffens. What the fuck is that? Are they having sex? Reid looks away as I look between him and her. He raises his brows at me and I scoff. He¡¯s gonna hate it if he tries it. Shit like this brings nothing but bad luck to the mob.

    ¡± You need to set a visit with your twin, Ace.¡±

    She blinks her eyes and looks at Reid again.

    ¡± I heard that De Luca sent a mole to work for me as a delivery guy. Found out he works with the Italians and he¡¯s actually working for us because he needs information to give to De Luca. I want you to talk to Ace. Let him tell you De Luca¡¯s ns for the Mafia because the Italians are thest people I wanna go to war with.¡±

    She sighs and slightly nods.

    ¡± What if Ace agrees to tell me nothing?¡±

    ¡± He¡¯s your twin. Make him tell you.¡±

    She nods again and turns to leave.

    ¡± This is so awkward.¡± She mutters and opens the door as she leaves.

    ¡± Have you fucked her yet?¡± I ask Reid.

    ¡± Gray don¡¯t.¡±

    ¡± Gray don¡¯t.¡± I mimic him and stare at him. He looks away and sighs. Fuck me , he has.

    ¡± Why did you do it? I thought I told you? You know what happened with you and Meghan. Nobody sleeps with each other in a fuckin Mafia except she¡¯s a slut to the mob.¡±

    ¡± We didn¡¯t sleep with each other.¡±

    ¡± Why the fuck are you lying? You¡¯re my fuckin best friend and I¡¯ve known you for over ten years now. You can¡¯t lie to me and you know that. Your expression sold you out.¡±

    He stays quiet and looks away.

    ¡± Why did you do it? What¡¯s up with your dick? Can¡¯t you keep it in your pants?¡±

    ¡± She¡¯s a different Gray. I know it¡¯s wrong and I couldn¡¯t help myself around her. We were both drunk and shit happened. Gray I liked it and she¡¯s different. I called her and told her it was a mistake because it was a mistake. I shouldn¡¯t have.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re in love with her?¡±

    ¡± Fuck no. It¡¯s something different. She¡¯s the only girl who¡¯s ever stood up to me , Ariel didn¡¯t.¡±

    I gape at him and stare at him for minutes. He couldn¡¯t meet my eyes.

    ¡± I don¡¯t wanna fuck this up. I quit it, so it¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s affecting her. She likes your stupid ass and you know it. Sort this shit out.¡±

    ~ARIEL~

    I brace myself for the worst news ever in my twenty years of living. Mom sits close to dad or let¡¯s call it supposed dad. Sinir sits opposite me as I stare at everyone. I was lied to. How could they do this to me? I¡¯ve known just one man as my dad for a long time and sadly , he¡¯s not even my father.

    ¡± Why did you lie mom?¡± I ask my supposed mom.

    ¡± It¡¯s a long story dear. I¡¯m really sorry.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re sorry? I asked you to tell me the truth. You didn¡¯t , you lied over and over again. Why did you fuckin lie?¡± I yell at her.

    ¡± I was trying to protect you alright. I wanted you to live a normal life. Nothing that has to do with the mob , that¡¯s what I wanted for you.¡±

    ¡± But you should have told me? Is that why you sent me to the convent?¡±

    ¡± The fuckin convent? Why would you do that?¡± Sinir butt in.

    ¡± Because I want her to be far from you and closer to God. I didn¡¯t n this type of life for her, I wanted something better. A life her mother didn¡¯t live. I thought if she joined the convent, you won¡¯t find her and talk her into joining your criminal ways. I failed when she got raped.¡±

    ¡± You got raped?¡± Sinir or dad now asks with rage.

    Why did she have to remind me of my rape misfortune all of a sudden.

    ¡± Who raped you? Gray?¡±

    ¡± God no. Gray has nothing to do with this and I don¡¯t want to talk about my rape incident.¡± I say and look away from them.

    ¡± Who was my mom?¡± I ask them.

    Mom sighs as she looks at Sinir and then me.

    ¡± She was my twin sister.¡± Mom says as I whip my head to her form.

    ¡± Your sister?¡±

    ¡± Yes. She¡¯s your aunt. It¡¯s a sad story Ariel. Why did you even change her fucking name? Why Ariel?¡± Sinir asks as he looks at mom.

    ¡± You don¡¯t have to find out about her. That was my n to keep her away from you and your Mafia world. Your world took everything from us.¡± Mom says as she sniffles.

    ¡± What happened? Why did you have to hide me?¡±

    ¡± Your mom, Ariana fell in love with him a long time ago. I dated him first, but I quit when I found out he was a mob boss¡¯s son and obviously he was gonna take over the Mafia.¡±

    ¡± Wait, you dated Sinir?¡± I ask mom.

    She nods and rolls her eyes.¡± We first dated at college. Your mom went to culinary school so we weren¡¯t really in the same school. Doreen, Alexa¡¯s mom, was our older sister. She really didn¡¯t like Sin too, including our mom , your grandmother. When I found out he was in the mafia , I cut ties with him to protect my family and my life. Few years after , at our 25th birthday, your mom, Ariana, brought Sinir to the party and introduced him as her boyfriend.¡± Mom exins.

    ¡± She got furious and angry at the same time, sad. The thought of seeing your twin sister with a man you once dated. She advised your mom to break up with me. And she told your mom I was a mob boss because at that time I already took over from my father. Your mother was stubborn, she refused and she really didn¡¯t know I dated Reba first before your mom. Few months into the rtionship, Ariana got pregnant with you, Ariel. She gave birth to you and we called you Scarlett¡­¡± He says and sighs. Scarlett? Damn, why Scarlett?

    This hurt more than anything I can think of. I can¡¯t believe my ears.

    ¡± My mother, your grandma warned your mother to get rid of the rtionship because they are not really deep into it then. She told your mom that if she continues the rtionship with Sinir since he was a mobster, she was gonna cut your mom off. Your mom didn¡¯t listen and your grandma cut her off from the family.¡± Mom huffs and leans against the chair.

    Yeah. It runs in the blood.

    That¡¯s how Leslie was also cut out.

    ¡± The Russians started everything. A shootout started in a club and they shot my father. That was how the war started. We fought back and it became serious we started losing everyone. They¡¯re heartless creatures. I was scared to lose you cause you were 2yrs old then. Your mom suggested she gave you to her, Reba, because of the shootout. We wanted to protect you. I decided to fly your mom to a safer ce while you stayed with her for a while before we came to get you , they shot her at the airport. Not once , not twice. It was a headshot and I couldn¡¯t save her.¡± A tear slips out of Sinir¡¯s eyes as he narrates his part of the story.

    ¡± I had to avenge her death and everything by killing dimir¡¯s father because he was in charge then. I killed his mom too and that ended everything I think. I came back for you after everything was settled, but Reba told me you were dead. That you died of a heart problem and they couldn¡¯t save you.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry Ariel.¡± Mom apologizes.

    I take a deep breath and hold my head. I should get out of here. Far away from here. Maybe travel again. I don¡¯t even have a job and I need to do something. I stand up and wipe my eyes.

    ¡± Where are you going?¡± My supposed mom asks with dad.

    ¡± Far away from you all. Please don¡¯te after me.¡± I point my finger at Sinir as I hurry out of the house.

 Chapter 96

    I sit at the church¡¯s bench and stare at Jesus on the cross. I hate my life. How did it go from perfect, to hard and thenplicated. My life¡¯splicated right now. I can¡¯t begin to think what¡¯s gonna be Gray¡¯s reaction. And soon I¡¯ll be calling Sinir daddy.

    Twenty whole years without my real parents and just like sh everything changed. A former mob boss and a present drug dealer turns out to be my father. Oh God I hate my life more again. Where am I even gonna start from?

    My phone rings as I pull it out from my jeans. I look at the dialer and it¡¯s not in my contacts. I keep my phone on the bench close to me and mute the call. I blink back my tears and wipe my eyes. My phone rings again and I¡¯m getting irritated at the caller. I pick up my phone and angrily swipe the answer icon.

    ¡± Ariel¡­¡± A male voice speaks on the phone.

    ¡± Who¡¯s this?¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s Theo.¡±

    ¡± Sterling?¡± I ask. Why¡¯s he calling me? I don¡¯t even need the job anymore. I just wanna stay indoors and grieve.

    ¡± Yeah. I want a favor from you. Your boyfriend¡¯s on my neck and he wants his money back.¡±

    ¡± Why not pay him?¡± I ask. He¡¯s adding to my problems right now.

    ¡± I don¡¯t have it. I told him this weekend and he¡¯s not listening. I want you to talk to him and maybe plead with him.¡±

    ¡± And why should I do that?¡±

    ¡± You know he listens to you. I¡¯ve never ask you for something before and I need your help. This weekend I¡¯m giving him his money back. I really can¡¯t handle Gray.¡±

    ¡± No Theo.¡± I hang up and keep my phone.

    I take a deep breath and look at Jesus hoping he¡¯d give me a sign. A sign that everything¡¯s gonna be fine. That I¡¯m gonna be fine. That every single turn and event that happened to me , happened for a reason. I shut my eyes and say a silent prayer. I open my eyes only to see the person i never thought I¡¯d see anytime soon.

    ¡± Ariel¡­¡± Freddie says as he looks at me.

    He smiles softly and sits next to me.

    ¡± What are you doing here?¡± He asks and looks at me briefly before turning to look at Jesus on the cross.

    ¡± I should be asking you that too.¡± I tell him and he chuckles.

    ¡± Confession. It¡¯s been a long time since myst confession.¡±

    I chuckle.¡± Never knew you¡¯de to the priest for confession.¡± I say and heughs softly.

    ¡± Right? I always do. The day I fucked up our friendship, I made a confession. That happened to be myst and now this one.¡± He sighs.

    I nod without looking at him.

    ¡± So you, what are you doing here?¡± Now it¡¯s his turn to ask.

    ¡± Meditating. I¡¯m just sick.¡± I say half the truth. Right now I¡¯m sick. Sick of all the drama and lies. It sucks.

    ¡± You¡¯re sick? What happened to you?¡± Freddie asks. It¡¯s nice to know that he cares. Even if our friendship is already ruined and we can¡¯t go back to being close friends, he still cares for me.

    I sigh and look at Freddie. He can see the vulnerability in my eyes. I feel like puking.

    ¡± Did Gray hurt you?¡± He asks all of a sudden.

    ¡± No, Jeez. It¡¯s not Gray. I¡¯m fine. I¡¯ll be fine. I¡¯m here because I need to listen to my thoughts for once.¡± I sigh.

    Freddie nods and smiles at me.¡± You know despite everything that happened, you still stand up tall. You proved to the world that nothing can actually break you. You can handle every single pain and you¡¯ll always be fine. You taught me that.¡± He says as we turn to look at ourselves.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    ¡± I might not really know what¡¯s going on with you, but I¡¯m pretty sure you¡¯ll be fine and you¡¯ll handle everything just fine. And if it¡¯s rtionship issues , it¡¯s not worth it. The pains , the tears and the deep thoughts and thinking less of yourself. It¡¯s not really worth it. No matter what, just remember that some people out there truly care about you.¡± Freddie says and that made me smile.

    ¡± Thanks Freddie.¡±

    He gives me a small smile.¡± Wanna have lunch? I mean it¡¯s fine if you say no. I can still understand. You¡¯ve gone through a lot.¡±

    Lunch with Freddie?

    I don¡¯t wannaplicate things more with myself and Gray.

    ¡± Stop overthinking things , Ariel. I understand. Nice ne by the way.¡± He says and tips his chin to my chest.

    ¡± Thanks.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re wee. I should get going.¡± He stands up and shoves his hands inside his pants.

    ¡± Be Careful princess. I still care about you and I still miss you.¡± He reminds me and turns to leave.

    ¡± Fred¡­¡± I call out to him as he stops. He looks at me and walks back.

    ¡± Why did you do it? Broke our friendship?¡± I ask him.

    He takes in a sharp breath and looks at the floor.

    ¡± It¡¯s funny.¡± He shrugs and looks away from me.

    ¡± I already forgave you. You can just tell me why.¡±

    He sighs and walks back to the bench to sit next to me.

    ¡± When you graduated high school, I wanted to tell you how I feel since you¡¯re out of highschool. I couldn¡¯t, I thought maybe you were gonna hate me and we won¡¯t be friends. Leslie liked me since highschool I think. She told me she liked me and she wanted me to date her one night at my house. I told her no , even if it was weird she was at my ce at a very wrong hour¡­¡± he stops and looks at the statue of Jesus before looking down at his legs.

    ¡± I told her I liked you, like I loved you. She was mad and angry but I noticed she masked it perfectly well. She said she could help me get you to like me back since I don¡¯t like her. She told me about your nun dreams. I was furious you didn¡¯t tell me about going to the convent. She said you liked me also and she told me your mom was the reason behind your going to the convent. Leslie told me you don¡¯t want to be a nun but your mom made sure you agree. She advised me to drug you. It was supposed to make you horny and maybe you¡¯ll tell me how you feel about me. And that you¡¯ll let me have you. I was wrong, it just drugged you and made you hate me more. It was a dick move , I¡¯m really sorry.¡± He bites his lip and sighs. He¡¯s still fighting the urge not to look at me.

    I can¡¯t believe Leslie would do that. She made Freddie drugged me and she didn¡¯t even tell me about it till date. Leslie didn¡¯t really apologize for even bullying me and saying shit about me. I still overlooked everything she did to me and treated her like a sister when her own mom pushed her out. Can¡¯t believe she made Freddie raped me.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. I was stupid and foolish. I confronted her about what happened and she said I deserved it. That I was stupid to think she would wanna help me.¡±

    I wipe my eyes and stand up. I can¡¯t take any more of this. I just wanna get out of here. Maybe go to a club and get drunk to numb my pains. My life sucks. I head for the church door as Freddie chase after me.

    ¡± Ariel, please I¡¯m sorry. I regretted everything.¡±

    I shouldn¡¯t have asked if I knew I was gonna get hurt more. It¡¯s like I got raped yesterday even if it¡¯s months ago. I¡¯m not really angry at Freddie as much as I¡¯m angry at Leslie. She lied to me and took advantage of me. Who knows if she hasn¡¯t really changed or she¡¯s trying to use my vulnerability against me cause her mom kicked her out.

    I stop beside my car and turn to look at Freddie.

    ¡± I¡¯m not angry at you. Leslie actually. Can¡¯t believe she¡¯d do that. I just wanna go home. Becareful Freddie.¡± I open my car door and slide into the driver¡¯s seat.

    I ignite the engine and drive into the street. I drive straight to my apartment and halt the car. I step out of the car and walk into the lobby. I enter the elevator and press my penthouse button. I lean against the wall and stare at my reflection at the transparent elevator walls. I continuously wipe my tears and thank God Gray hasn¡¯t called yet. I really can¡¯t handle him right now.

    The elevator slides open as I step out. I punch in my code and the door opens. I walk in and shut the door. Alexa isn¡¯t around I think because everywhere seems quiet. I walk to my bedroom and undress myself. I stay under the shower for God knows when, as I step out. I put on one of Gray¡¯s hoodies that I sessfully took and I wear pink cotton shorts. I go to the living room and turn on the TV as a music station pops up.

    Rihanna¡¯s music video disys on the TV as she dances to her song. I go to the kitchen and brew coffee for myself. I add cream and a little sugar and I sit on the ind stool with my elbows on the counter. I run my hand through my hair and take in several deep breaths. My doorbell rings and I groan. Who¡¯s here to visit? I¡¯m not in the mood for this.

    I stand up and walk to the door as I look through the peephole. Sinir? What¡¯s he doing here? How did he find me? I sigh and twist the doorknob open as the door opens.

    ¡± What are you doing here? How did you find me?¡±

    ¡± Sorry, that must be creepy for you. I wanted to see you.¡±

    ¡± We just saw each other almost an hour ago.¡±

    He sighs and nods.

    ¡± Why are you here?¡± I ask him and cross my arms.

    ¡± Can Ie in?¡± He asks instead of answering.

    I step aside and let hime in. I shut the door once he¡¯s inside and look up at him. He¡¯s really tall. I think I took my mother¡¯s height. Because even with heels, Gray¡¯s still taller than me.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. For everything. I know it¡¯s hard for you to take in and I understand. I just wanna let you know that I¡¯m sorry that this is happening. I want you back Ariel. I know this feels weird and new but I¡¯d like to have you back¡­¡± he says.

    ¡± Please¡­¡± He pleaded when I didn¡¯t answer.

    Where am I supposed to start from?

    ¡± Erm¡­ we can hangout all weekend to get to know each other better if that¡¯s fine with you. It will be nice of you to consider my offer.¡± He says.

    I sigh and cross my arms.

    ¡± What type of hangout?¡±

    ¡± Father-Daughter hangout. You cane spend the weekend with us¡­¡±

    ¡± Us?¡± I ask.

    ¡± The family.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re not introducing me to the mafia are you?¡±

    ¡± I won¡¯t , if you don¡¯t want me to.¡± He shrugs.

    He¡¯s kinda handsome for someone who¡¯s into this type of shitty job. My mom looked really well. Can¡¯t believe both sisters dated one man.

    ¡± We can also talk more if you want to. I just wanna hangout with you. I missed my daughter. Eighteen fuckin years.¡± He sighs.

    I take a deep breath and nod.

    ¡± I¡¯ll think about it.¡±

    ¡± Thanks. Can I call¡­ you know..¡± Sinir rambles.

    ¡± You don¡¯t have to be nervous. Phone?¡± I open my palm for him as he gives me his phone.

    I take it and type in my number. I press the call icon and it rings before I hang up. I give him back and he gives me a small smile.

    ¡± Thank you.

    I smile back.¡± Sure.¡±

    He stares at me awkwardly as he keeps back his phone. I stand on my toes and wrap my arms around him. At first he tenses butter rxes to the hug. I could barely believe I¡¯m doing this. This feels awkward. He wraps his arms around me and pat my back.

    ¡± Thanks Scarlett.¡±

    I don¡¯t really like the name Scarlett but I didn¡¯t tell him that. We pull apart and he shes me a big smile.

    ¡± See ya around.¡± I tell him.

    ¡± Nice penthouse by the way.¡±

    I chuckle and nod. I open the door for him and he walks out. Before I could shut the door , Alexa and Leslie walked in. The sight of Leslie made my stomach hurt and I hate the fact that she fucked up my friendship with Freddie.

    ¡± Hi Ariel.¡± Leslie says.

    Is it toote to hate her?

 Chapter 97

    ¡± Hi Les¡­¡± I greet her with a fake smile.

    I close the door as they walk in. Alexa looks exhausted as she carries the pizza box to the kitchen.

    ¡± So what are you doing here , Leslie?¡±

    ¡± Was passing by, just decided to drop by.¡± She says. Maybe she needs money. Obviously.

    I nod as Alexa returns. She slumps down on the couch and takes a deep breath.

    ¡± I wanna ask you something.¡± I tell Leslie. She looks at me and nods.

    ¡± Did you tell Freddie to rape me because he didn¡¯t like you?¡± I ask her as Alexa whips her head to us.

    She stands up at once and walks to us. Leslie looks pale.

    ¡± No way, did you?¡± Alexa asks.

    ¡± Uh¡­ I¡­¡± Leslie stutters.

    ¡± Oh my fuck. How could you?¡± Alexa yells.

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to. It wasn¡¯t intentional. I was¡­¡±

    ¡± Jealous. You were jealous of me. You know I never thought you could do that to me even if you¡¯re capable of it.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry , Ariel.¡± Leslie plea.

    ¡± You should leave.¡± I sigh and open the door for her.

    ¡± Ariel, I didn¡¯t mean to.¡± Leslie says.

    ¡± Leslie get the fuck out.¡± Alexa yells at her and pushes her out and shuts the door.

    ¡± God.. how could she do that?¡±

    I bite my bottom lip and sit down on the couch opposite the TV.

    ¡± How did you know?¡± Alexa asks.

    ¡± Freddie told me. We met at church.¡± I say and shrug.

    ¡± I¡¯m so sorry.¡± She says and I nod.

    I just wanna go out and party. This sucks. My life sucks.

    ¡± It¡¯s fine. What happened to you? You look wasted and depressed.¡± I tell her.

    She sighs and chuckles.

    ¡± You know i never thought seeing your ex fling will be so fuckin hard.¡± She mutters and goes to the kitchen.

    ¡± You¡¯re not okay, what happened?¡± I ask her even if I¡¯m not okay at all. I still feel like shit.

    ¡± I¡¯m not. You wanna party tonight. I need to get numb and I need a friend to hangout with.¡±

    I sigh and nod.

    I also need that. Just few drinks and I¡¯ll be numb as long as I don¡¯t think about my stupid life. Thinking about Leslie and the shit she did is impossible to forget.

    ¡± Then let¡¯s eat up.¡± She motions to the pizza box as she opens it.

    She opens her bag and brings out a gun. I look at it and sit down opposite her on the stool.

    ¡± You should have one too.¡± She says.

    I pick it up and bring out the bullet, it¡¯s loaded. I put it back and cock the gun.

    ¡± Okay Mrs Carter. That¡¯s kinda risky.¡± Alexa says.

    I shake my head and drop back the gun.

    ¡± Since we¡¯ll be partying tonight, I suggest we carry guns. We need to buy.¡±

    She said it like it¡¯s something normal. Why would I wanna buy guns when Gray got a bunch of them. And he sells those too.

    ¡± Why will we be needing guns?¡± I ask and pick up a slice of pizza.

    ¡± The Russians have gone rogue.¡± She simply states.

    ¡± Really?¡± I ask her and raise my coffee to my mouth as I drink it.

    ¡± Yeah.¡± She answers and munch on her pizza.

    ¡± Damn¡­¡±

    ¡± Yeah. But we can go to your boyfriend¡¯s for guns if you¡¯re willing to tell him you are going to a club. You know he won¡¯t let you party.¡± Alexa says and I nod.

    I really don¡¯t wanna tell him I wanna visit a club today. Tonight I need to forget the fact that people who imed they cared about me hurt me so much. I can¡¯t even tell Gray about Sinir being my father. Maybe not now. He¡¯s going to freak out.

    Alexa and I eat as we converse. I didn¡¯t tell her about Sinir and I was grateful she didn¡¯t ask. I¡¯m not ready to think about that or I¡¯m diving back to depression and depending on pills.

    I brush my hair as Alexa applies makeup. I wear ck jean trousers and a peach colored off the shoulder crop top and a peacoat. The peacoat was Alexa¡¯s idea actually. She also wears a peacoat , with a leather skirt and a crop top too. Alexa bought four handguns and I¡¯m still wondering what we need them for. We only wanna get a few drinks and thene back home.

    I shove both guns inside the pocket of the peacoat as I wear my boots and tie the strap of my coat. We walk out of my room and I promise myself that I¡¯m forgetting about my pains for tonight. Gray called. I texted him that I¡¯m in my parents house and I¡¯m helping them out. He sounded surprised because of the rtionship I had with my parents in general.

    We pull up at the club as we step out. I shut the door and we walked inside the club. You know I never thought I would ever visit a club to get numb. It¡¯s just the best idea right now to fight my problems. I can¡¯t get Gray involved with this. The loud music hit my ear as we walk to the bar. We sit at the avable stool at the bar and Alexa snaps her fingers at the bartender to draw his attention. The blonde haired man walks to us with a huge smile on his face.

    ¡± What should I get you?¡±

    ¡± Vodka and Martini, please.¡± Alexa says.

    The bartender smiles and walks out.

    ¡± So what are you getting drunk for?¡± I ask Alexa and turn on my side to look at her.

    ¡± It¡¯splicated.¡±

    ¡± Yeah?¡± I think my life¡¯s moreplicated than yours.

    ¡± Because of Reid.¡±

    ¡± Reid?¡±

    She rests her elbows on the counter and nods.

    ¡± I never knew meeting your ex fling can beplicated sometimes. I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about that terrible night. I hate to admit it, I liked it.¡± She says as the bartender returns with our drinks.

    ¡± Thank you.¡± Alexa gives him her card and he takes it.

    ¡± So, are you in love with him?¡±

    ¡± No. It¡¯s just an attraction.¡± She assures me and smiles at me as she chugs her drink.

    I sigh and gulp mine too.

    ¡± How did he react to you?¡±

    ¡± Nothing. Just stare and look away.¡± She says.

    ¡± What¡¯s your n then?¡± I ask her.

    ¡± We don¡¯t wanna talk about Reid tonight. Let¡¯s just drink please.¡±

    I giggle and gulp down my drink. I look back at the dance floor and it¡¯s covered with different types of bodies. After taking over four sses and we¡¯re already tipsy , Alexa drags me to the dance floor. For once I forgot about my problems. Leslie, my foster parents sh aunt and even Freddie. A guy danced to us and Alexa shoo him away.

    After dancing for a long time, we scurry to the bar. I ordered water, including Alexa. I feel like I¡¯ve had enough. And seriously, I have. We talk andugh at ourselves as we hear a gunshot. We looked back at the dance floor and my breath caught up in my throat. God not again. The next thing that follows is a gun fire.

    ¡± Get down¡­¡± Alexa shouts as we duck down the counter.

    ¡± Russians.¡± Alexa mutters.

    People scream as they hide. Other gun men in the club pull out their guns as they exchange bullets.

    ¡± Let¡¯s get out of here.¡± Alexa shouts as she grabs my arms.

    The gun fire doesn¡¯t stop. I cover my ears as we rush to the entrance but a gun shot made us turn back.

    ¡± Why are they here?¡± I ask Alexa.

    ¡± Running from something princess?¡± A guy asks as we stop right in front of him. He¡¯s got an eye patch and he has a gun. Obviously a Russian because his ent sold him out.

    He pulls out his gun but Alexa was smarter, she shot him right on the head.

    ¡± Go¡­¡± she shouts and picks up the Russian¡¯s gun.

    The gun-men direct their shooting at us as we hop onto the counter and hide behind it. The bullets hit the counter and I barely can hear myself. Bottles, ss scattered to the ground . I didn¡¯t expect I¡¯d witness this again. At least not now. Alexa pulls out another gun to make it two.

    ¡± Ready to shoot princess?¡± Alexa asks as she cocks both guns.

    ¡± Thest time I tried this, I got shot.¡± I tell her. The shooting got nearer and that Is when it dawned on me that they are after me again.

    ¡± Seriously.¡± Alexa hisses as she stands up and shoots at each gun-men.

    She squats down the counter and gives me a weird look. I pull out both my guns as i cock both of them. A Russian mob boss killed my mother. And then these same mobsters are after my own life. I tip my head to the top of the counter as Alexa smiles. We stand up in unison and start shooting. The screaming doesn¡¯t stop and everywhere is messed up. We use the bar counter as a shield and shoot back as they fall dead.

    ¡± Go¡­¡± We hop out of the counter and run to the entrance because the gunmen in the club are already dead.

    Girls with barely clothing scream as they run out of the club. We pursue as we rush straight to the front door. It¡¯s locked and obviously jammed.

    ¡± Back door.¡± I mutter to Alexa as we rush back to the club.

    We take the hallway that leads to the back door as three Russian mobsters rush in. We point our guns at them and shoot them before they pull the trigger.

    ¡°Fuckin bitch.¡± A man growls behind us as we turn around.

    I shoot him on the shoulder as he falls down. The hate and anger rush through my veins and I shoot him on the head.

    ¡± You fuckin dick.¡± I hear Alexa curses as I turn around swiftly.

    She fights with a Russian mobster as she punches him. She kneels on the private region and he crashes on the floor in pain. She shoots him on the head and rubs her neck.

    ¡± Dude tried to fuckin strangle me.¡±

    ¡± Let¡¯s go.¡± She sighs as we walk down the hallway. I see the back exit and hopefully it¡¯s not locked.

    I twist the doorknob and it¡¯s open. We walk out as the cool fresh air nkets our skin. I¡¯m already sweating. I squatted to catch my breath and a bullet hit the door behind me.

    ¡± Fuck go.¡± Alexa shouts as we shoot at the Russians.

    I duck at every bullet as we run to a parked car and hide behind it.

    ¡± Where the fuck¡¯s Gray?¡± Alexa shouts as bullets hit the car.

    ¡± How am I supposed to know? We¡¯re crowded and this won¡¯t end well.¡± I tell her and stand up a bit to shoot the invader.

    The bullet hit his shoulder as he falls down. Dead maybe.

    ¡± We need to get the fuck out of here. There are too many of them.¡±

    ¡± And they want me dead.¡± I say as we shoot at them.

    ¡± If I don¡¯t make it out alive, know that I love you.¡± Alexa says and winks.

    We stand up at once and begin shooting at the shooters. They fall down as we walk to their bodies. I throw away my used gun and pick up the dead Russians guns including Alexa. Alexa kicks one on the head before rushing to enter a car the Russians drove in with. She starts the car as I check the ammo. Both are assault rifles.

    Alexa drives down the pavement as I reach my pocket for my phone. God I lost it inside. I look at the side mirror and notice a car on our tail. They are obviously armed.

    ¡± Where¡¯s your phone? I need to call Gray.¡±

    ¡± Left it at your ce.¡± She answers and speeds up. I¡¯ve never been scared this much in my life.

    ¡± You know we gotpany right?¡± I ask her.

    ¡± Yeah. Ready to roll?¡± She looks at me briefly and I smile.

    She pushes a button as the sunroof opens. The Russians are close and this is getting scarier than I thought. Alexa drives through a tinyne and they chase after us. The passenger pulls out his gun from the side window and shoots at us. Alexa increases speed as she drives down thene. The road is even bumpy.

    ¡± Shoot princess.¡±Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    I sigh and pull out the gun and aim at the car behind us. I squeeze the trigger and shoot at them. Alexa swerves the car and we appear on the road. A normal road. I duck the iing bullets and shoot at them. Their car swerves dangerously and hits itself with another car , I watch it go aze. I take a deep breath and sit in my car.

    ¡± That was good.¡± Alexa says.

    ¡± Watch out.¡± I scream but it¡¯s toote. A car sped out from a tinyne and hit ours.

    Everything starts to turn violently. The windshield breaks and a broken ss pierces my shoulder. The car stops turning as everything turns ck. The car¡¯s upside down and I can¡¯t breathe.

    ¡± Fuck¡­¡± Alexa touches her ribs as she struggles with the door.

    I push open my door and stagger out of the car including Alexa. My shoulder is already bleeding and Alexa hurts her ribs. I feel a cold metal press against my head and I can¡¯t feel my feet.

    ¡± Found you now.¡± Moskov says as he pulls the hammer of the gun.

 Chapter 98

    |?SINCLAIR?|

    ¡°Why did you do that?¡± I ask De Luca for the hundredth time.

    ¡± Did what exactly?¡±

    ¡± You know what I¡¯m talking about. De Luca we work together. We¡¯re partners and family. Whatever decisions you make you should tell me first Luca. You can¡¯t just make Phillip work for Gray and use him as a mole to steal information from Gray. Why start a war with him?¡±

    ¡± Seriously Sin. What the fuck are you saying? You¡¯re scared of Gray now? That fuckin kid is leading in the drug business. There¡¯s no damn profit anymore. Now what , I use someone to steal information from him about his biggest clients that¡¯s gonna change our lives, you¡¯re getting angry? When did you start having feelings for the kid? You forgot what he did to you?¡±

    ¡± That doesn¡¯t exin the shit you did. Gray might be a kid but you can¡¯t easily outsmart him. He¡¯s got Phillip now and he¡¯s gonna kill him because of you.¡±

    ¡± At least I got one client¡¯s name.¡± De Luca says, like it¡¯s nothing.

    I m my palm on his desk and puff out my breath. This is soplicated. I¡¯ve finally found my daughter whom I think I lost and she¡¯s deeply in love with Gray. How am I gonna do that? No matter what Gray does , I just can¡¯t like him. I trusted him and he used me like a piece of shit. I walk out of De Luca¡¯s office and go to mine. I push the drape aside and sit on the swivel chair. I toss my suit jacket on the desk and lean against the chair.

    Now I need to tell Aisha that I have a daughter and she mighte over for the weekend. Ariel makes me nervous. She reminds me so much of Ariana and I can¡¯t forget the memory of how she died before my eyes. I have hated my life since that incident. Finding out I lost my daughter , made things worse for me. I hated humanity and all I wanted that period was revenge. Now I¡¯ve got her back. Hurts to think she¡¯s falling head over heels in love with Gray.

    Imagine someone who ruined your life, kissing your daughter and even in a rtionship with her. This sucks. Someone knocks on my door and i let the person in. Aisha peeks her head in and smiles at me. She can¡¯t be like Ariana. I¡¯m not even sure if I can love someone else as much as I loved Ariel¡¯s mother. She took everything away from me when she died. I don¡¯t even know what I feel for Aisha. Still don¡¯t know why we got married. She isn¡¯t really bad or annoying, she¡¯s calm , nice but her daughter is a crack addict. Little slut who likes money.

    ¡± Sweetheart, are you okay?¡± She asks and walks in. She shuts the door and sits on the desk.

    ¡± I¡¯m not.¡±

    She sighs and runs her fingers down my hair.

    ¡± What happened?¡± She asks.

    ¡± I¡­ I have a daughter.¡± I state. She blinks her eyes and stares at me nkly.

    ¡± A daughter? What daughter?¡±

    ¡± I once had a daughter. Thought I lost her but I got her back.¡±

    ¡± You had a daughter? Sin you couldn¡¯t even tell me. Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. Thought she was dead and I didn¡¯t want to talk about it. It¡¯s like bringing back painful memories.¡± I say and she nods.

    ¡± Who¡¯s she?¡±

    ¡± Her name¡¯s Ariel.¡±

    ¡± Ariel? Sin, you have a daughter?¡± Sasha asks from nowhere as she shuts the door.

    ¡°I have told you several times to always knock Sasha.¡± I scold her.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. Was passing by and I heard the loudest shocker of my life. A daughter? Is she prettier than me?¡± Sasha asks. She¡¯s a psycho.

    I ignore her and look at Aisha.

    ¡± When is sheing?¡± Aisha asks.

    ¡± Weekend, hopefully.¡±

    Aisha smiles and kisses my cheek.

    ¡± We¡¯ll be waiting for her then.¡± She gets up from my desk and drags Sasha out.

    ~ARIEL~

    My heart leapt to my feet and for once I wish I didn¡¯t go out to party. My shoulder hurts and the ss is still pierced against my skin. Alexa is also held at gunpoint. She clutches her ribs as she whimpers silently.

    I see six other guys pointing their guns at us. All looking ruthless and emotionless.

    ¡± You don¡¯t have to fuckin do this.¡± Alexa hisses in pain.

    ¡± Do what, really? Shoot your brains out? You know most times i actually wonder why the fuck did dimir picked an interest in you.¡± He says through clench teeth.

    ¡± Why don¡¯t you just go after Gray? Whye after me? You don¡¯t have to get away with everything you do Moskov.¡± I say.

    ¡± Bitch, he likes you. And killing you is like killing him emotionally. Now move your dumbass.¡± Hemands and pushes my head with his gun.

    I refuse to move but he angrily pierce the ss deeper into my skin. I shriek in pain and shudder.

    ¡± Are you gonna fuckin¡¯ move or not?¡± He yells.

    ¡± Don¡¯t fuckin¡¯ touch me.¡± Alexa warns the gun man and he aggressively kicks her already broken ribs.

    She falls down and coughs violently. I turn to run to her but Moskov holds me back. The gunman squat to grab Alexa¡¯s arm, i see her pulls out the gun from the man¡¯s belt and shoots him. Gunshots erupts from every corner and I¡¯m being tossed on the ground. I hiss in pain as I hold my shoulder. I look up and see every single mobster dead and Alexa was shot on the leg.

    ¡± Oh my God, Alexa.¡± I try to sit up to help her but Reid squats close to her. No way.

    Someone grabs my waist and pulls me to my feet.

    ¡± Gray?¡± I call out.

    He looks pissed and worst still angry. He ignores me and grabs my wrist as we start walking.

    ¡± Moskov ran away.¡± Reid mutters.

    ¡± I¡¯ll find him.¡±

    Reid lifts Alexa as a bride and they follows behind. I look back at the dead mobsters and Moskov is truly missing.

    ¡± Gray I can exin¡­¡± I tell him.

    He ignores me and opens the passenger¡¯s side door for me to enter.

    ¡± Gray it¡¯s not what you think.¡± I protest.

    ¡± Get the fuck in Ariel.¡± Hemands through clench teeth.

    Reid sits Alexa at the backseat and enters as he shuts the door. I sigh and slide into Gray¡¯s car. Gray shuts the door violently as he rounds the car and enters the driver¡¯s seat. He ignites the engine and drives onto the street. I look at Alexa through the rearview mirror as she gives me a sick smile. She was shot on the leg and obviously she¡¯s bleeding. I caused this. I got her shot and it was all my fault.

    ¡± My car is still at the club.¡± I say out of the blue.

    I hear Reid huffs at the back as he looks out the window. Gray doesn¡¯t say a word to me till we reach his house. He halts the car in his garage and Reid hurries out of the car to carry Alexa out. It¡¯s rare he cares about anyone other than Gray. That¡¯s weird. Gray gets out of the car and opens my side door for me to get out. Reid already leaves with Alexa in his arms.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡± I say as I step out of the car.

    He ignores me again and shuts the door. This is unbearable. Why the silent treatment? I know I deserve it but not to this extent. I wince at my shoulder and it hurts more than ever. I actually forget that windshield ss is still inside my flesh. Gray sighs and holds my wrist as he begins walking. For once he doesn¡¯t look angry. Calm and sad. His workers look at us as we enter.

    I ignore Nick¡¯s pitiful look and look at the floor. We walk up the stairs to Gray¡¯s room. He sits me on the couch and leaves. Why did he have to leave me? Is he even aware that a ss is stabbed to my skin? I try to take it out but I stop when I hear Gray¡¯s voice.

    ¡± I wouldn¡¯t do that if I were you.¡± He says.

    I look up at him and he¡¯s holding a first aid kit. He sits on the spot next to me and drops the kit in between us.

    ¡± It¡¯s gonna hurt a lot so close your eyes.¡± He says and I shake my head sideways.

    He rolls his eyes and starts to pull it out. It feels like my shoulder is falling off. I scream and Gray stops at once. He sighs and looks into my eyes. Tears already stained my face and I know I look like shit. He tucks my hair behind my ear and cups my cheek. Gray kissed me at once and that caught me off guard. I shut my eyes and let his mouth roam mine. I part my lips to kiss back but he stops.

    I open my eyes to look at him and he¡¯s holding the broken ss covered in my blood. He already pulled it out. How did he do that and I didn¡¯t feel a thing. He helps me shrug off the pea coat and he cleans the injury with alcohol. I scream and swat him several times as he cleans the cut. It hurts like hell. After applying treatment on it , Gray covers the cut with a band-aid.

    I take several breaths and look down at my shoulder.

    ¡± How did you find me?¡± I ask him as he takes out the first aid kit.

    ¡± Really? How could you go out to a party without even telling me? You even told me you visited your parents, I knew that sounded strange. I can¡¯t believe you will lie about something like that.¡± He scolds.

    I sigh and look at myp.¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re sorry? Ariel you almost got shot again. What if I didn¡¯t even show up? What if I didn¡¯t give you that pendant?¡±

    Maybe he should be asking what if I didn¡¯t put it on. What if I was stupid enough to take it off , forgetting the fact that Gray made sure it has a tracking device. I think i always make stupid decisions when I¡¯m in bad shape.

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry. I found out some ugly truth and I hate to think of it. I wanted to feel numb and forget about everything.¡±

    He looks calm for once. Gray sits next to me. He lifts me off the couch and ces me on hisp. His right arm caresses my hips to my lower back as he draws small circles on my bare back.

    ¡± What did you find out?¡± He asks. His grey eyes watch me and I feel terribly guilty for lying to him.

    ¡± Sinir..¡±

    His brows furrow at me as he looks at me nkly.

    ¡± Again?¡±

    ¡± Gray, look it¡¯s different this time.¡±

    ¡± What do you mean?¡± He asks with a bored tone.

    ¡± He¡¯s my father.¡±

    I feel his hand tense on my back as he clenches his jaw. His eyes look dull all of a sudden as he looks at me emotionlessly. He¡¯s pissed.

    ¡± It¡¯s true. He visited my family at home and he had a DNA test, Gray. He¡¯s my real father and I didn¡¯t see thating either.¡±

    He still looks emotionless. His facials portrays emptiness and nothing. Gray grabs my waist and sits me back on the couch. He stands up and puffs out his breath. His hands run down his hair and he¡¯s not looking at me. He walks to the nightstand of the bed and picks up a cigarette and a lighter as he walks to the balcony. I watch him struggle to light it as he keeps the lighter in his pocket. He inhales the stick and the next thing that follows is a cloud of smoke.

    I stand up and slowly walk to his form standing on the balcony.

    ¡± Ariel, not now.¡± He says when he notices I¡¯m almost close to him.

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry about that. He visited the penthouse though.¡± I say and stop moving.

    He gently taps on the railings with his forefinger and smokes.

    ¡± He wants me toe hangout with him..¡±Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    ¡± The fuck you won¡¯t.¡± He says as he turns to look at me. He¡¯s now angry.

    ¡± Gray you don¡¯t understand.¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t understand? You¡¯re serious? You go out to party and almost get yourself killed and now what? Sinir turns out to be your father and you¡¯re telling me now. Like this. What do you want me to do. Smile and then get booze and get high as fuck. You¡¯re not hanging out with him.¡±

    ¡± You are not even helping matters.¡± I yell at him.

    He steps out of the balcony and stops in front of me. He is always so intimidating as he towers over me.

    ¡± He can¡¯t just tell you you¡¯re his daughter and you wanna throw yourself at him and Hangout. What type of shitty hangout is that?¡± He yells.

    I poke his chest.¡± A father and daughter hangout. I¡¯m visiting his house this weekend and we¡¯re gonna have dinner and I¡¯ll meet his family. We¡¯re gonna talk like father and daughter and I¡¯ll be spending the weekend. If you don¡¯t like it , then let me do what I want.¡± I yell at him.

    He stares at me nkly and bites his bottom lip.

    ¡± I won¡¯t let you do that.¡±

    ¡± You don¡¯t control me Gray and don¡¯t tell me what to do. The fact that we¡¯re in a rtionship doesn¡¯t mean you have to be in control and tell me what to do. If you love me , you¡¯ll support my decisions.¡±

    ¡± Not decisions that have to do with Sin.¡± He says.

    ¡± Can you even listen to yourself? He¡¯s my father. You can¡¯t change that and you can¡¯t stop me either.¡± I tell him and poke his hard chest onest time.

    I wanna run my fingers along that chest of his but this is not the time. He¡¯s acting like a kid and I didn¡¯t expect him to act like that. I huff and pick up my pea coat.

    ¡± Where the fuck are you going?¡± He asks when i turn to leave.

    ¡± I¡¯m getting the hell outta here.¡± I tell him as I walk out the door.

 Chapter 99

    I walk out of Gray¡¯s room and walk down the hall to Reid¡¯s room. I raise my hand to knock only to find the door slightly.

    ¡± You know I never thought you¡¯d care.¡± I hear Alexa¡¯s voice.

    ¡± Shut up. I didn¡¯t tell you I cared anyway.¡± Reid says and Alexa chuckles.

    ¡± You know I cared. Even if you acted like a pussy when we had sex.¡±

    Goddamnit.

    Are they serious?

    Are they like having feelings for each other?

    ¡± Fuck , I didn¡¯t act like a pussy. I only made things easy for the both of us. You liked it.¡±

    ¡± So what about you? You acted like it was nothing to you.¡± She says.

    ¡± You need to start healing. I already called a nurse to make sure you¡¯re okay.¡±

    I tap my knuckles on the door as I hear footsteps. The door opens as Reid steps aside for me toe in. He walks out and shuts the door behind him. I walk to the bed Alexay on. I sit on the edge of the bed and hold her hand. Her leg is wrapped up in bandages and her ribs. Can¡¯t really see that. She is wearing Reid¡¯s t-shirt and Calvin Klein briefs. Oh my God.

    ¡± What?¡± Sheughs.

    I blink my eyes at her form and smile.

    ¡± His clothes. Did he help you out?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. Reid helped to get me changed. He isn¡¯t as bad as I thought.¡±

    ¡± Shut up. I see the chemistry between you two. He likes you just scared to admit it. Gray was like that too.¡±

    Talking about Gray, it hurts a lot that we fight. Maybe I was a little irrational and yelled at him when I¡¯m supposed to be calm. He¡¯s only acting selfish now. What type of boyfriend stops their girlfriend from hanging out with their long lost father. Gray of course.

    ¡± Are you okay?¡± Alexa asks. I blink at her and nod.

    ¡± You zoned out Ariel. What happened?¡±

    I sigh and fiddle with my peacoat. My shoulder still hurts terribly. I didn¡¯t even let him give me painkillers for this because I was angry at him.

    ¡± I uh¡­ you know Sinir right? Shit , of course you know Sinir.¡± I sigh and look at myp.

    ¡± Alexa , he¡¯s my father.¡±

    ¡± Oh my God¡­¡± she tries to sit up but I force her toy back.

    ¡± You don¡¯t have to Alexa. He showed up at my apartment and he told me. He did a DNA test with my hair too and my mom confirmed it.¡± I tell her.

    ¡± Wait, your mom cheated on your dad with Sinir?¡±

    ¡± Not really. She¡¯s not my mom. My mom¡¯s her younger twin sister.¡±

    ¡± Oh my God. Oh my fucking God. How did this even happen? Where¡¯s your mom?¡±

    ¡± Dead. dimir¡¯s father killed her when I was two. My foster mom , our Aunt hid me from Sin because of this whole Mafia thing. Long story short , I¡¯m hanging out with him this weekend.¡±

    ¡± Damn. This is deep.¡±

    ¡± Yeah , right? Gray doesn¡¯t like the idea. He wants me not to hangout with Sinir because he thinks it¡¯s not right and it¡¯s not safe for me.¡±

    ¡± Really? Or there¡¯s something to do with that reason.¡±

    ¡± They don¡¯t like each other. Something happened between them and they really can¡¯t get along, ever.¡±

    ¡± Okay, that¡¯s triple deep. Your new daddy doesn¡¯t like Gray and Gray doesn¡¯t like your new daddy at all. This is fucked up.¡±

    ¡± Right? I¡¯m so tired.¡±

    ¡± So you guys fought?¡±

    ¡± Kinda. I wanna go home and get some pain killers for this injury. How are you feeling?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m not fucking good. You¡¯re in deep shit Ariel.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯ll be fine, Alex. I just need a warm bath , painkillers and then think throughout the night.¡±

    She sighs and nods.

    ¡± Can I see?¡± I ask her tugging at the hem of the T-shirt she¡¯s wearing. She nods and I push it up to look at her ribs.

    ¡± The Mafia isn¡¯t really easy huh?¡± I look at her and drop the t-shirt. She shrugs and holds my wrist.

    ¡± You will be careful right?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. Thanks sis , for everything.¡± I say.

    She scrunches her face and then giggles. She¡¯s a psycho.

    ¡± See ya. I¡¯m pretty sure Reid¡¯s gonna take care of you.¡±

    ¡± Yeah.¡± She nods and I stand up holding my peacoat.

    ¡± I¡¯m gonnae check on you.¡± I tell her and head to the door.

    I open it and step out of the room.

    ¡± Ariel.¡± I stop on my track and turn around to see Nick.

    ¡± What the fuck happened to you guys?¡± He asks and motions to Reid¡¯s room.

    ¡± Russians. Club and then gunfire.¡± I answer and shrug. He looks at my shoulder and it¡¯s bleeding out.

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry about that.¡±

    ¡± Thanks Lucy.¡± I smile at him and he chuckles.

    ¡± Lucy now huh? Fuck me. Kennedy caused this.¡± He fakes sadness and Iugh softly at him.

    ¡± Where¡¯s Gray?¡±

    ¡± Drove out with Reid a few minutes ago. He wasn¡¯t really in a good mood though.¡±

    ¡± Thanks, Nick.¡±

    You know I never actually thought he would drive out after we fought. I¡¯m just overthinking things obviously.

    ¡± Later Nick.¡± I tell him and turn to leave.

    ¡± Gray wants me to drop you off at your ce since he couldn¡¯t drive you himself.¡± He says as he walks beside me.

    ¡± Thank you.¡±

    ****

    Nick parks the car as I step out.

    ¡± Wow. So you live in a penthouse now?¡± Nick asks as he gets out of the car too.

    ¡± Kinda.¡± I shrug.

    ¡± See ya Hermosa.¡± He smiles and I smile back.

    I walk into the lobby and take the elevator. The ride was terrible for me since I can barely think. I open my door and throw my peacoat on the couch. I groan in pain and walk to my bedroom. I open the nightstand and pick up the painkillers. I throw the pills inside my mouth without water as I sit on my bed.

    |?GRAY?|

    ¡± I didn¡¯t get to see your girl.¡± Damon says as we drive to his new apartment.

    Dude bought a penthouse a few days ago. d he¡¯s getting his life back and he needs a job since he isn¡¯t going back to the army.

    ¡± She¡¯s got a house Damon.¡± God why can¡¯t we act like normal brothers. We always had to fight. Maybe because he¡¯s got an ego he¡¯s not willing to bruise.

    ¡± You hired a babysitter or what?¡± I ask as I park the car outside the apartment building.

    ¡± Kinda.¡± He says as we stare at ourselves. It¡¯s like I¡¯m looking at my older reflection. Why did we have to look alike?

    ¡± You know you should get a car right? I ask you to keep the one you used in driving Kennedy the other day.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re drug dealer Gray.¡± He says sarcastically. I re at him and nod.

    ¡± Then what the fuck are you doing in a drug dealer¡¯s car?¡± I ask him.

    He chuckles and he unfastens his seatbelt.

    ¡± You¡¯re my kid brother, remember.¡± I hate it when he calls me kid. Like he¡¯s six years older than me when he is just two years older.

    ¡± Bro I¡¯m not a kid. And stop calling me that.¡± I re at him and get out of my car. ¡± Fuckin asshole.¡± I mutter and walk ahead of him.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    He follows behind as I wait for the elevator to arrive. It arrives and a blonde haired girl walks out. She shes me a smile but I ignore it. I missed her so badly and it hurts like hell. Sinir is bad news. He can¡¯t just walk back into her life and demand a hangout. Things don¡¯t even work like that. I puff out my breath and turn to look at Damon watching me.

    ¡± God you¡¯re so fuckin creepy.¡± I mutter and look away from him.

    ¡± You know you just act like someone who got dumped. You fought with her right?¡± He asks.

    Damn , is this elevator even moving?

    Why are we stuck here?

    He¡¯s making things worse for me with his frequent talking and he¡¯s not helping.

    I ignore him and look away from him.

    ¡± I ask because I care about you, Gray. You guys make one of the best couples ever. Whatever the problem is, just remember that you should always make the first move to apologise. Wrong or not. Women code.¡± He smiles and thankfully the elevator doors slide open.

    I step out and walk down the elevator. I ring the doorbell and wait impatiently for who¡¯s in there to open up. The door opens revealing a petite brte. She¡¯s so fuckin short but kinda pretty. She smiles warmly and walks back inside the house. I briefly look at Damon as we enter his house. I¡¯ve never been here since he bought it. I wanted to make sure Kennedy¡¯s fine, that¡¯s why I had to drive him back here.

    ¡± Jamal¡­¡± She calls my name as she races into the living room. The petite already disappears into the kitchen.

    I lift her off the ground and sit her on the couch. I ruffle her hair and tickle her. Sheughs and shouts as she giggles.

    ¡± God, I¡¯m so jealous. You¡¯re like her daddy.¡± Damon mutters and picks up the remote control.

    ¡± Don¡¯t change my cartoon.¡± Kennedy says betweenughter.

    ¡± You heard her dad.¡± I say and stop tickling her.

    Damon rolls his eyes and drops the remote.

    ¡± Where¡¯s your mom Kenny?¡± I ask as she crawls to sit on myp.

    ¡± At home. It¡¯s daddy¡¯s turn to look after me. Where¡¯s Ariel? Why didn¡¯t youe with her?¡±

    ¡± Well¡­¡±I trail off. Damon looks at me and shakes his dead sideways.

    ¡± She¡¯s busy Kenny.¡±

    ¡± You don¡¯t evere with her.¡± She whines.

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry, Kennedy. School and work and she¡¯s at home.¡± I smile at her and pat her hair.

    ¡± You¡¯re sure?¡±

    I nod and she smiles widely.     My phone rings as I pull it out from my pocket. I slide the answer icon and press it against my ear.

    ¡± Reid.¡±

    ¡± Wanna go Russian hunting?¡± He asks on the phone.

    ¡± Seen a target.¡±

    ¡± Yeah. You know Moskov is missing and he¡¯s probably gone MIA. Seen an idiot who can probably know his whereabouts. Where the fuck are you?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯ming.¡±

    ¡± Waiting.¡± He hangs up.

    I look down at Kennedy as she pouts. Oh God.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back , I promise. And I will personally take you out and get you all the cotton candy you want.¡±

    She beams with happiness.¡± Really?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. And also I¡¯ll get Ariel too. I know you miss her a lot.¡±

    She flings her arms around my shoulders as she hugs me.¡± Thank you Jamal.¡±

    I pat her hair and look up at Damon who is watching us. I smirk at him and give him my middle finger.

    ¡± Fuckin idiot.¡± He mutters.

    ¡± Daddy I heard that.¡± Kennedy says as she pulls away from the hug.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry honey.¡± He checks his pockets and pulls out 10 dors.

    Kennedy takes it and dash out of the living room.

    ¡± See yater dad.¡±

    ??????

    I tap my fingers on the wheel as Reid lights his third cigarette. Now I¡¯m getting bored. I badly wanted to call Ariel but I decided to y it cool. Since she left my cest night , I only called her once to check on her shoulder.

    She still sounds pissed. Making me feel guilty because I tried to make sure she¡¯s okay. I think she¡¯d choose her father over me because of what I did. I sigh and lean my head against the headrest of the car seat.

    ¡± You fought with her right?¡± Reid asks.

    ¡± Yeah. Found out Sinir is her father. So fucking stupid.¡±

    ¡± Hell no.¡±

    ¡± Hell yes. Her mother is Ariana. Samedy the Russians killed.¡±

    ¡± Did she tell you that? About Sinir being her father.¡±

    ¡± Yeah, she told me. Got DNA proof. And her supposed parents proved her right. This sucks.¡± I stretch my hand and take the stick from Reid.

    I Inhale the cigarette and exhale it out. I give it back to Reid and look out the window. There he was. One of Moskov¡¯s most trusted men. I need to end this shit once and for all. I watch him walk down the sidewalk and I get out. I push my hands inside my jacket pocket and follow him from behind. I pull out my gun and press the barrel against his back. I feel his muscles tensed as he slows down his step.

    ¡± Keep walking, Alberto.¡± I whisper, pressing the barrel into his back.

    ¡± Fuck Gray.¡± He mutters and walks slowly.

    ¡± Don¡¯t try to y smart. There are about 3 snipers on these roofs watching you. One wrong move and you won¡¯t be breathing anymore. Walk like a fuckin person.¡± I motioned with the gun still pressed against his back.

    He takes a defeated breath and continues walking. Reid drives in and slows down the car close to the sidewalk.

    ¡± The car.¡± I say.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡± Get in the fuckin car.¡± I mutter.

    He sighs and walks to the car. I open the passenger side door for him and push him. Reid points his gun at him as he freezes more.

    ¡± Be a man Alberto.¡± Reid tells him.

    I handcuff both his wrist and shut the door. I slide into the backseat as Reid starts driving.

    ?????

    ¡± I¡¯m asking you for thest time Alberto, where the fuck is Moskov?¡± I yell at this badly bruised man.

    He¡¯s got a ck eye, a torn lip and almost bruised cheek and a broken nose. Yet he isn¡¯t saying a word.

    ¡± Let¡¯s kill this fucker Gray.¡± Reid says as he cocks his gun.

    ¡± We need Moskov¡¯s new whereabouts and he¡¯s the only one who can tell us. I want him dead or he¡¯s gonna regroup.¡± I say.

    ¡± Are you gonna fuckin talk or not? I¡¯m shooting you, if you don¡¯t speak. Where¡¯s your boss?¡± Reid asks.

    Alberto smirks and spits on Reid¡¯s face. I re at him and he chuckles. Before I can stop Reid he already pulls the trigger.

    ¡± Shit.¡± I mutter and run my fingers through my hair.

    ¡± Fuckin bastard.¡± Reid cusses and wipes his face.

    ¡± How the fuck are we gonna find Moskov?¡±

    ¡± He was never gonna talk , Gray. Fuckin Omert¨¤.¡±

    |?ARIEL?|

    ¡± Mom, I don¡¯t wanna talk to you. You¡¯ve done more than enough. I get it, you were trying to protect me and I¡¯m not mad at you alright.¡±

    ¡± I didn¡¯t mean what I did. I even thought you would delete my number.¡± She says as she sniffles.

    Whoa is she crying?

    She can¡¯t cry.

    Does she even feel pain?

    Most times I think Leslie got all her attitude from my foster mom sh aunt. Her husband is like a puppet. She controls him. Still don¡¯t know why.

    ¡± Thanks. Even if you were kinda mean and ill treated me , you brought me up. You fought to protect me and I valued that. Talkter mom.¡± I hang up and toss my phone on the couch.

    I slump on the couch opposite the TV and pull my knees to my chest. I¡¯ve been feeling sick since yesterday. And I¡¯m always dizzy and I throw up once this morning. I pick up my phone and tap on Gray¡¯s contact on my phone. I miss him so badly even after telling myself I need to think about myself today after what happened yesterday. Maybe I shouldn¡¯t have yelled at me. Also he tried to stop me because he doesn¡¯t like Sinir.

    I¡¯ve been thinking all through the night and I really don¡¯t have a solution. I just wanna talk to Sinir about Gray. Their feud, dissing and their past rtionship. I click on the message icon on my phone and type a one quick message.

    To Gray; I¡¯m sorry.

    Once it reads ¡®sent¡¯ , I keep my phone close to me and hug my knees. I look down at my phone waiting for a reply and there¡¯s none from him. Is he snubbing me or what? I feel sick again. I think each time I¡¯m stressed I always throw up and that¡¯s kinda weird. My mind drift to Mia¡¯s yacht party and i remembered when I had sex with Gray on that ship.

    I stop breathing when I remember I wasn¡¯t on the pills that day.

    ¡± Oh my God. It¡¯s not true right?¡± I panic as I rush to my room to search for a PT.     I haven¡¯t missed a month and I¡¯m normal. I¡¯m not expecting, I can¡¯t expect. Not now, not even anytime soon. I search through the drawers and I find one. I take a deep breath and decide to search through my brain for any day that I took pills. I kinda did but it was after the sex. My doorbell rings at once. I drop the PT on the nightstand and walk to the living room. I look through the peephole and there¡¯s no one.

    I bite my lip , hoping it¡¯s Gray as I open the door. He always looks more handsome each time we fight.

    ¡± Tinkerbell.¡±

    I blush. It sounds new , like it¡¯s been long he called me that. I stepped aside for him to enter and he did enter. I shut the door and he surprises me by hugging me.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry Tink. Really sorry and I love you very much.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry too.¡± I tell him as he lifts me off the ground. My legs are curled around his torso as he wraps his arms around my waist.

    ¡± Wanna hangout?¡± He asks.

    I giggle.¡± Sure.¡±

    ¡± Go get dressed.¡± He drops me back on the floor. I stand on my tippy toes and peck his lips. He pulls me to himself and takes over my lips.

    ¡± Fuck, you¡¯re so pretty.¡± He mutters against the kiss.

    ¡± And you¡¯re hot.¡± I bite his bottom lip as I stand back on my feet.

    I hurry to my room and go through my closet. I quickly get dressed and look at my reflection in the mirror. My eyes meet the PT as I keep it back. I¡¯ll do thatter.

 Chapter 100

    Ice my fingers with Gray¡¯s as we walk out of the lobby.

    ¡± My car?¡± I ask eagerly as I look up at him.

    ¡± Brought it yesterday. Wanna drive? Or you want me to drive?¡± He asks and gives me my key.

    ¡± I will drive.¡± I take my key from him and open the driver¡¯s side door. I slide into the car and Gray enters the passenger side.

    ¡± Fasten your seatbelt, lover.¡± I wink at Gray and ignite the engine.

    I reversed back and identally hit a car behind me. Causing an rm from the car.

    ¡± Shit.¡± I mutter.

    ¡± Damn.¡± Gray mutters and chuckles.

    I quickly steer the wheel and drive into the streets.

    ¡± That was silly.¡± He says and I roll my eyes and chuckle.

    ¡± Where do you wanna go?¡± I ask Gray.

    ¡± I should ask you, where do you wanna go? I¡¯m the one taking you out.¡±

    ¡± And I¡¯m driving.¡± I tell him and heughs softly.

    ¡± I wanna see a movie. We¡¯ve never seen a movie together.¡± I say.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    He sighs and nods.

    ¡± And please don¡¯t choose romance.¡± He utters and taps his fingers on the window sill.

    ¡± But why not? Romance is cute. It disys the symbol of Love.¡± I tell him.

    ¡± So fuckin boring. Horror Is better, Tinkerbell.¡± He says.

    I roll my eyes and stop for a red light. I tap my fingers on the wheel and turn to look at Gray. I think we¡¯re both not used to fighting.

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry for how I acted. It was stupid I think.¡± I tell him as he looks at me.

    ¡± You weren¡¯t stupid. It¡¯s fine. And I¡¯m also sorry for stopping you. I was actually angry. I wasn¡¯t expecting that though.¡± He says.

    ¡± Wanna drive?¡± I smirk at him.

    He smirks and bites his bottom lip. I push back the car seat and crawl out of the seat over the center console as I sit on the back. Gray sits on the driver¡¯s seat and I climb out of the backseat and sit on hisp.

    ¡± Shit¡­¡± he cusses when my booty rxes on his lower region.

    I cup his cheek and give him a quick, but passionate kiss.

    ¡± Holy Christ.¡± Ady mutters as she stares at us from her car through my car¡¯s open window.

    Her son smiles at us and try to peek his head out of the window.

    ¡± Get a room , you two horny children.¡± She yells and drives away. I chuckle, including Gray, as he begins driving.

    ¡± That was crazy.¡± I say and push a button to roll up the windows.

    My windows are tinted just like every car Gray drives.

    ¡± So , as I was saying¡­¡± I trail off. Gray briefly looks at me before looking back at the road.

    I situate both my knees on either side of him as I straddle him.

    ¡± Fuckin hell¡­¡± he cusses and rests one hand on my butt while the other steers the wheel.

    ¡± You¡¯re making me hard, hope you know that.¡± He says and takes a deep breath.

    ¡± Make sure we don¡¯t get killed.¡± I tell him and grind on him. Thank God for the dress. He cusses and grabs my butt.

    I wrap my hands around his neck. I look back at the road and Gray¡¯s driving terribly slow. I smirk at him and lean closer to him to kiss him. He returns the kiss as I grind on his erection.

    ¡± Sex in the car?¡± I ask him between the kiss and bite his bottom lip.

    ¡± Then I won¡¯t be driving.¡± He winks at me and looks at the road. Thank God we¡¯re not on a highway.

    ¡± Then stop the car.¡± I whisper and kiss his neck. Gray breathes out a moan.

    I nt a soft kiss at the spot under his ear. A car drives by honking his loud horn. We pull away from each other as weugh.

    ¡± We¡¯re already close to the theatre. We should do this after your movie.¡± He says and spanks my booty.

    I lean closer to him and capture his lips on mine. He removes his free hand from the wheel and grabs both my booty cheeks as we kiss. His right hand slide inside my dress as it runs down my thighs.

    ¡± We¡¯re here.¡± He whispers and kisses my cheek.

    I roll my eyes and get off hisp. How can he just turn me off like that? Just like that.

    ¡± You¡¯re mad?¡± He asks and turns off the engine.

    I shake my head and roll my eyes.

    ¡± Come here.¡± He pulls me out of the sit onto hisp and kisses me again.

    ¡± After your movies?¡± He asks and smirks at me.

    ¡± Okay.¡± I shrug and peck his lips before getting off hisp.

    I push the buttons to the door as it opens upwards. I step out of the car and run my hands down my hair to tame it. Gray appears beside me and wraps his hand around my waist. He looks around the theatre and every single building as if he¡¯s detecting a hidden enemy.

    ¡± Looking for something?¡± I ask him as we walk in.

    ¡± Snipers?¡± He kisses my hair and I nod.

    ¡± How can you easily detect that from here?¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s a little difficult, but at the same time easy. Moskov is on the loose, any shit can happen.¡± He says as we pay for tickets.

    He was serious about the horror movie. He buys two tickets for two movies. The romance and the horror. We find our seats and we sit down. I hold tight to the big popcorn as Gray wraps his arm around my shoulder. Few minutes into the movie Gray is alreadyining.

    ¡± This shit¡¯s boring as fuck.¡± He mutters and looks at me.

    I stare at him and stuff popcorn into my mouth.

    ¡± You want?¡± I ask and sh him a smile.

    He chuckles and motions for me to give him.

    ¡± Never thought you could eat popcorn.¡± I tell him and stuff it into his mouth.

    ¡± You make everything taste good.¡± He winks and chews on the popcorn.

    ¡± Is that apliment?¡± I ask him.

    ¡± You¡¯re missing the movie Ariel.¡± He smirks at me and looks back at the big screen.

    ¡± Can¡¯t wait to take you out of here though.¡± He whispers and kisses my ear.

    I gulp and keep my focus on the movie.

    ¡± Don¡¯t try to make things worse for me.¡± I whisper without looking at him.

    He chuckles softly and I can feel him smiling at me.

    ¡± Wanna try something naughty?¡± He whispers and bites my ear.

    A breathy moan escapes my mouth. I shut my mouth and swat him on the chest. We¡¯re at the theatre and he¡¯s trying to turn me on. Who does that? He trails his right hand on my thigh as he kisses my neck. I grip onto hisp to keep me from moaning. He nts soft kisses on my neck up to my ear and he bites it. I moan and cover my mouth.

    ¡± Keep it calm Tinkerbell, will you?¡± He whispers.

    Thank God the theatre is dark and everyone looks busy and focused on the movie. He slowly pushes my dress up and touch me through my panties.

    ¡± Gray¡­¡± I moan out his name silently. His lips seduces my neck as he slowly parts my leg. I still grip on hisp for dear life.

    ¡± Shh, princess.¡± He whispers against my skin and slips in a finger. I gasp and cover my mouth.

    ¡± Yeah , they are so cute and it¡¯s emotional.¡± My next seat mate mutters. I turn to look at her but her focus is on the movie.

    He slips his finger out and slide it back. He kisses my cheek down my neck. By dawn, it¡¯s gonna leave a mark, that¡¯s for sure. He doubles his fingers and increases the pace. I cover my mouth to muffle the moans. He smirks against my neck and slows down his finger.

    ¡± Fuck baby, you¡¯re so wet.¡± He whispers and kisses down my neck.

    ¡± Wanna leave now? My penthouse.¡± He asks.

    Without thinking, I nod.

    ****

    I slowly slide down on him and lean down to kiss him. His palms squeezes my ass as we kiss. Our tongues glide together as he runs his hand down my back. I moan into his mouth and slide up and down on him. Our lips move in rhythm as I grind back and forth on him. He swiftly changes the position and he¡¯s on top.

    He kisses my lips and then moves down to my chest. His tongue swirls around my nipple as he tastes me. His thrusts are slow , gentle and then fast. He cups my boob and groans as he thrusts in and out of me. I feel my stomach clench as I near my orgasm. He leans closer to me and kisses me. I feel him twitch inside me as he breathes in and out against my neck.

    ****

    I go through his closet after taking my bath. I put on his t-shirt and boxers and climbed back on the bed. Gray is still naked in bed with theforter wrapped around himself as I cuddle next to me. He wraps his arm around my waist and kisses my hair and runs his hand down my back.

    ¡± Why get dressed?¡± He asks and furrows his brows.

    I bite my lip and trail my finger on his tatted arm.

    ¡± You know why.¡± I say and turn around so my back is against him. His right arm wraps around my waist, as he pulls me closer to him.

    ¡± What¡¯s up with Sinir? Your new dad?¡± He asks.

    Why¡¯s he asking me now? We just got out of our fight and I¡¯m not willing to fight again.

    ¡± What about him?¡± I ask him.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know. You wanted to hangout.¡±

    ¡± Yeah. He wanted me to think about it. Till when I¡¯m ready probably.¡± I shrug.

    ¡± So you¡¯re still thinking?¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t really know. I really want to hang out with him. Eighteen years Gray.¡± I say and turn to look at him.

    ¡± You know I can¡¯t stop you. That¡¯s gonna be so unfair of me. I just want you to be careful. Moskov¡¯s is insane and he wants to hurt you.¡±

    I sigh and look away from him. I trail my finger on the ink on his wrist.

    ¡± What about your feud?¡±

    ¡± We ain¡¯t beefing. Just don¡¯t like each other.¡± He says.

    ¡± So what are you gonna do about it? You don¡¯t like each other and you can¡¯t bear to hangout with each other.¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t know.¡± He sighs.

    My phone rings at once. I stretch to pick it up from the nightstand. I look at the dialer and it¡¯s Sinir. Iy on my back and rest my leg on Gray¡¯s legs as I slide the answer icon.

    ¡± Hi Ariel.¡±

    ¡± Hey.¡± I say and look at Gray.

    ¡± You¡¯re busy?¡±

    ¡± Well. Not really. I¡¯m with Gray.¡±

    ¡± I was wondering if we could go get dinner together. Aisha likes to meet you also.¡±

    Damn. That won¡¯t be bad right?

    ¡± Okay. I¡¯m gonna call you back.¡±

    ¡± Sure.¡± He hangs up and I take a deep breath. I keep my phone next to me on the bed and turn to look at Gray.

    ¡± He wants to hang out?¡± Gray asks.

    ¡± Kinda. Gray look , I have to. It¡¯s just for a few hours and I¡¯m gonna be back.¡±

    ¡± Alright.¡±

    ¡± Alright?¡± I ask. Did he just say alright? Just like that?

    ¡± It¡¯s fine, I understand. Can¡¯t stop you , I told you that.¡± He says and kisses my forehead.

    His hand runs down my back to my butt as he kisses me.

    ¡± Thanks.¡± I smile at him and get out of his bed.

    I quickly take off his t-shirt and briefs. I keep them back in his closet and put on my ck dress. I stand opposite the full length mirror and run my hands down my hair. I turn to look at Gray and he¡¯s staring back at me. I walk to the bed and give him a quick kiss.

    ¡± I¡¯ll call you when I get there.¡±

    ¡± Be Careful.¡± I nod and put on my shoes and carry my phone as I walk out of his room.

    ****

    Aisha smiles at me as she serves us dinner. She¡¯s not really bad. She¡¯s cute, with ebony skin and a nice smile. When I got here, I didn¡¯t expect it to be a Mafia house. I didn¡¯t see Cage or Ace but I saw De Luca when I got here. His features and everything aren¡¯t friendly at all. He doesn¡¯t smile or probably he doesn¡¯t smile at me. Sinir was kinda happy to see me. We hugged for a long time as Aisha weed me.

    ¡± Oh my God, I¡¯m sorry I¡¯mte.¡± A girl rushes in as she sits close to Aisha across from me and Sinir.

    She looks like Aisha and the same girl I met at the ball who called me a slut because I was talking to Cage. Sasha I think. Aisha¡¯s daughter. Her braids are wrapped in a bun and she looks like she just got a tan.

    ¡± Hey Mom. Hi, Sin.¡± She greets. Sin? Not dad?

    She looks at me as she scowls. Great, she won¡¯t be fun.

    ¡± I think I know you. The littledy who was flirting with Cage at the ball. Are you Sinir¡¯s daughter?¡± She asks me.

    ¡± Sasha , behave please.¡± Aisha warns.

    I look at her face and she¡¯s got a white substance on her nose. Is that coke?

    ¡± You¡¯ve got a little¡­ some¡­¡± I point to my nose as I tell her.

    Sasha wipes her nose and looks at her hand. Her mom res at and she chuckles.

    ¡± Sorry, I was having a little fun.¡± She says to Sinir and Aisha.

    ¡± Are you spending the night?¡± Sasha asks.

    ¡± No. I¡¯m just here to have dinner and all that.¡± I say.

    Aisha made garlic bread, omelette, fruits , pies and alsosagna. I sip my fruit juice and meet eyes with Sasha. I don¡¯t like her.

    ¡± So , why a Mafia house?¡± I ask Sinir.

    ¡± It¡¯s temporary. We¡¯re allies and we had a deal. Need to hang out here and all that.¡± Sinir exins and I nod.

    ¡± What¡¯s up with school? Heard you¡¯re in college.¡± Sinir says.

    ¡± Yeah. I¡¯m in sophomore year and I¡¯m majoring in business.¡± I answer.

    ¡± You¡¯re in college? And I heard you¡¯re dating Gray Carter.¡± Sasha butts in. I ignore her.

    We talk mostly about me as we eat. Aisha asked me a few things about me and I told her. I help Aisha with the dishes as we take it to the kitchen. Sasha already disappears down the hall.

    ¡± Thanks foring. Really appreciate it.¡± Aisha says. I smile at her and nod. She washes the dishes while I rinse and wipe it dry.

    ¡°And you cook really well though.¡± I tell her and she shes me a genuine smile.

    ¡± Thanks Ariel. d you like it.¡± She smiles and we work in silence.

    ¡± So are you moving in? You know¡­¡±

    ¡± No¡­¡± I chuckle.¡± I can¡¯t. Stay alone and all that.¡±

    ¡± Or Gray doesn¡¯t like the idea.¡± She says.

    ¡± Not really. I can¡¯te between you two and all that. Also I kinda have my own apartment.¡± I tell her and she nods.

    I wipe all the dishes and clean my hand with the napkin.

    ¡± Ariel , you¡¯re through?¡± Sinir asks as he stands beside the door.

    ¡± Sure.¡± I answer and walk to meet him. Still finding it hard to call him dad. Just don¡¯t know why.

    We walk in silence and enter an office. There¡¯s a staircase that leads to the bottom. The basement. We climb down the stairs and it¡¯s another office. This one is quite prettier. It has two brown couches. A desk and a chair. A bar filled with drinks. A chart for shooting and also a human kinda target stuff.

    ¡± Wow. This is pretty. Why the ally stuff with the italians?¡± I ask when I already know the answer to that. Gray of course.

    ¡± Lost half of my clients and stupid shit.¡± He says.¡± The Italians were thest option and also De Luca was a friend. He suggested we partner together.¡± He says.

    I nod and walk to his desk. I pick up the M16 on his desk and pull out the cartridge. I ce it back and pull the hammer.

    ¡± You know what you¡¯re doing?¡± He asks. I chuckle and aim at the human kinda target. I squeeze the trigger and shoot.

    ¡± Who taught you how to shoot?¡±

    ¡± Same man you don¡¯t like.¡± I say and continue to shoot.

    He sighs and pours himself a ss of tequ.

    ¡± Did you want to? Or he suggested it?¡±

    ¡°I had to learn, dad. He is a mob boss and I needed the training.¡± I drop the assault rifle and sit on the couch.

    ¡± So¡­ thought about reconciling?¡± I ask him.

    ¡± Gray?¡± He chuckles and drinks his wine.

    ¡± I don¡¯t like the kid and I can¡¯t stop you both either.¡±

    ¡± What if we wanna get married?¡± I ask him.

    ¡± Is he proposing?¡±

    I huff.¡± Hell no.¡± I chuckle.¡±I¡¯m just asking. I think this happened a long time ago. Eight years ago I think. Why the beef and the feud.¡±

    ¡± Did he tell you that? That we¡¯re feuding and all that bullshit?¡±

    ¡± He didn¡¯t tell me that. He said you don¡¯t like each other and all that.¡± I sigh. ¡± My point is, why not move ahead of it. It hurts, I know. Our family owns the American Mafia. Gray took it away from us. Damn that¡¯s painful.¡±

    ¡± My point exactly. It resulted in me being an ally to the italians. I¡¯m trying to build back the mob and thankfully it¡¯s working.¡± He says. I nod.

    God I feel sick again.

    ¡± Can I?¡± I motion to the ss of tequ.

    ¡± You drink?¡±

    I shake my head sideways.

    ¡± Kinda sick.¡± I say. He nods and gives me his ss. I chug down the liquid and drop the ss.

    ¡± I gotta go , it¡¯ste. I¡¯lle to spend the weekend.¡± I say and stand up.

    ¡± Sure.¡±

    ¡± Where¡¯s Cage?¡±

    ¡± Are you guys like friends?¡± He asks as he walks me out.

    ¡± Yeah. He¡¯s a good person.¡±

    ¡± He went out. Business.¡± Sinir replies.

    We walk out of his office and I decide to bid Aisha good bye. She hugs me and I leave afterwards.

    ****

    Gray speeds into the dark night as the pop music ys at an average volume.

    ¡± I see no reason why you love romance movies seriously.¡± He mutters.

    Since I didn¡¯t get to finish my movie earlier today I made sure we watch the movie again in a different theatre. Can¡¯t watch in peace if we didn¡¯t change the theatre. Memories and all that. After my dinner with Sinir, I didn¡¯t tell Gray I talked to my dad about him. I can¡¯t bear to see his reactions.

    ¡± You made me watch horror.¡± And yes I freaked out at every single minute of the movie. He was unaffected. Watched it like it was one of Kennedy¡¯s cartoons.

    ¡± And you liked it.¡±

    ¡± Gray, I freaked out.¡± I tell him and stuff cotton candy inside my mouth.

    ¡± The romance was boring. Same normal ending. The boy apologized, they kiss and fuck, movie is over. There is always this heroine everyone likes. Horror, there¡¯s barely a hero. Every single hero might end up dying.¡±

    ¡± Jesus.¡± I huff and stuff thest cotton in my mouth.

    New York looks a bit busy tonight. I know it¡¯s always busy because it¡¯s New York. The street lights illuminate the city as I watch people drive by and walk by. I look at the side mirror and something catches my attention. We¡¯ve gotpany. Not again.

    ¡± Gray, a¡­.¡±

    ¡± I know.¡± He says and looks briefly at his side mirror.

    A biker is on our tail and he or she has a helmet.

    ¡± Moskov?¡± I ask Gray and open hispartment to bring out a gun.

    ¡± Obviously. He might have sent that dude.¡± He says, like it¡¯s nothing.

    We approach the bridge and the biker increases it¡¯s pace. I see him pull out a gun as he shoots my side mirror out.

    ¡± Jesus Christ.¡± I mutter.

    ¡± Breathe princess. Wanna drive?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯ll be fine.¡± I wind down the window and poke myself out of the window as I aim at the biker. He ducks and drives beside another car.

    ¡± Do you have another gun aside a handgun?¡± I ask and sit back in the car. The biker shoots at the car as Gray swerves the car to the left.

    We lost both sides of the mirror, I can¡¯t see him anymore.

    ¡± Check the backseat.¡± He says as he increases the pace of the car.

    The biker drives to the side of the car with his gun ready to aim. I pull the trigger and shoot him on the shoulder. He groans and falls off his bike.

    ¡± Good. Never seen you shoot outside of practice.¡± He says as someone shoots at the car

    ¡± I thought it¡¯s just a biker.¡±

    ¡± There are like two cars behind us.¡± Gray says as he overtakes a vehicle in front of us.

    I open the duffel bag in his car and pull out an assault rifle.

    ¡± Open the sunroof, will you?¡± I tell him as I load the gun.

    The sunroof slowly opens, I stand on the center console of the car and he¡¯s right. We got three cars on our tail beside the biker. I aim at the car upfront and shoot at the tyres.

    ¡± Careful , Tinkerbell.¡± Gray says as he handles the wheel.

    The car jerks backwards and ms itself on another car. The two cars increase it¡¯s pace and the driver pulls out their guns.

    ¡± Oh shit.¡± I sit back in the car at once.

    ¡± Bend down.¡± Gray tells me

    I cover one ear and make sure I¡¯m not open for any shot.

    I see the bridge close by and I don¡¯t know why I feel relieved. They continue to shoot at the car as Gray overtakes every other car. When the shooting stops, I stand back up and shoot at both cars making sure both driver and passenger don¡¯t survive. A biker speeds to the driver¡¯s side of the car as I shoot at him. I sit back in the car and push the button to retract the sunroof.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay?¡± He asks as he looks at me.

    I take a deep breath and rx my nerves. Two attacks in two days. This is getting too much.

    ¡± I¡¯m good.¡± I nod and wind both windows up.

    Before I can notice what¡¯s happening, A car from the side ms itself against ours as it hurls violently to the side. Before I can pull out my gun to shoot at the other vehicle, a headlight shines brightly at the windshield. The car at the side mmed harder against our car as a bullet pierced through the windshield right into Gray.

    I scream as my head hits against the dashboard and Gray¡¯s already bleeding from a gunshot. He¡¯s already passing out.     ¡± Oh my God. Gray¡­¡± I sob.

    The car hurls off the bridge, hits the barricades, as the car falls off the bridge down to the cold water beneath us.

 Chapter 101

    My head ms against the dashboard again once the car falls into the water. Gray¡¯s terribly bleeding and he¡¯s already passing out.

    My head hurts and my stomach too. I quickly push back Gray¡¯s seat and touch his neck to feel any pulse. He¡¯s struggling to keep his eyes open.

    ¡± Gray.¡± I weep and look around for my phone.

    His right hand clutches his bleeding stomach as his eyes roll into his head.

    ¡± Please stay with me.¡± I whimper and help him with his stomach.

    He gives me a faint smile and leans back against the chair as he fights to open his eyes. I look out the window and we¡¯re already sinking.

    ¡± Oh God.¡± I scroll through my contact and click on Alexa¡¯s contact.

    I quickly dial her number and press the phone against my ear. She¡¯s not picking up. I look back at Gray and he¡¯s bleeding terribly. I can¡¯t lose him, I don¡¯t want to lose him. Not for anything.

    I decide to call one number that I hope he picks up.

    ¡± Dad..¡±

    ¡± Ariel. What happened? You sound scared?¡±

    I wipe my eyes and sniffle.

    ¡± We had an ident and I need help. The car is sinking and Gray¡¯s dying. Please I don¡¯t want to lose him.¡±

    ¡± Hold on , where are you?¡±

    ¡± We fell off the bridge.¡±Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    ¡± Oh shit.¡± He mutters on the phone. I hear rattling noises and I think he¡¯s looking around for something.

    ¡± Hold on, I¡¯ming. Just try to stay alive okay. And keep Gray from bleeding, okay?¡± He says and hangs up.

    I wiped my tears and Gray already passed out.

    ¡± Gray.¡± I tap his cheek and start to sob.

    ¡± Please open your eyes.¡±

    He gently opens his eyes and it rolls back into his head. I decide to call for backup since the car is already sinking.

    ¡± 911, what¡¯s your emergency?¡± The female voice asks on the phone.

    I exin to her and tell her our location. I look out the window and all I can see is water and it¡¯s already entering the car. I turn back to look at Gray and he¡¯spletely passed out. Despite bleeding terribly on my head , I didn¡¯t care. I wanted him to be fine for me. I feel his pulse and it has turned cold.

    ~ALEXA~     Reid sits on the edge of the bed as he gives me dinner. He¡¯s been terribly nicetely since I got shot. Still finding it hard to tell it to my face that he cares about me.

    ¡± You look cute.¡± I tell him as I shove a spoonful of chicken soup into my mouth.

    He raises one pierced eyebrow and huffs.

    ¡± Will you eat?¡± He asks.

    ¡± I¡¯m just saying you look good. You just gotta say, thank you Alexa. You¡¯re just being grumpy and it doesn¡¯t suit you.¡± I say.

    ¡± Hurry up. I need to check the bandage on your leg.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m still waiting for you to tell me you care about me and you want me.¡±

    ¡± Fuckin bitch.¡± He mutters and scoffs.

    I giggle, because taunting him is pretty cute.

    ¡± Where¡¯s your friend?¡± I ask.

    ¡± Went out with your cousin and you know that. I¡¯m gonna appreciate it if you shut up.¡± He says and that made me giggle.

    ¡± Can you please pass me my phone. It¡¯s been silent for too long.¡±

    He rolls his eyes and collects my phone from the dresser and gives it to me. I go through my phone and I¡¯ve got a missed call from Ariel. I dial her number and press the phone against my ear. She isn¡¯t picking up. She¡¯s probably having fun with Gray. It stops ringing and I call again. She didn¡¯t pick up. That¡¯s kinda weird.

    I drop my phone on the bed and begin eating. Reid turns on the TV as he tunes the channels.

    ¡± Reid, I need a massage.¡± I whine. I¡¯ve been nagging like a pregnant girl since I got shot.

    Cute part is, he never says no. He does everything I want, and most times I wish we had a thing. He was serious about whatever thing we had that night. Like he called it a mistake and he meant it. What a prick.

    ¡± I¡¯m busy Alexa.¡± He scoffs and continues tuning the channels.

    ¡± Please¡­¡± I whine again.

    He drops the remote and turns to look at me. Reid sits on the bed and ces the leg that was shot on hisp. I smile at him as he starts to lose the bandage. My eyes snap to the TV and it¡¯s a news channel. Business news disys on TV and there¡¯s an ambnce too.

    ¡± Popr business tycoon, Gray Carter, was involved in a fatal car ident with his girlfriend. It was reported he was shot in the stomach¡­¡±

    ¡± What the fuck!¡± Reid and I utter as he snaps his head to the TV.

    The TV disys Paramedics with two people on two stretchers as they are rushed into a hospital.

    ¡± Is that Gray?¡± I ask as someone knocks on Reid¡¯s door. Reid stands up and walks to the door.

    ¡± Did you see the news? Gray¡¯s been shot?¡± Manny asks.

    ¡± Fuckin hell.¡± Reid walks back to the room and I¡¯m already on my feet.

    ¡± The fuckin Russians. It¡¯s their stupid work.¡± He says and picks up his car key.

    ¡± I¡¯ming with you.¡± I state and search his room for my clothes.

    I quickly put it on and Reid switched off the TV.

    |?GRAY?|

    I blink my eyes and I¡¯m faced with white. What¡¯s this? I slowly part my eyes to get used to the light affecting my vision. I look around this strange ce and it¡¯s upants. I look at the left and Damon is standing, his back leaning against the white walls, with his arms crossed. I look at my right and Reid¡¯s seated next to my bed. Wait! Bed. A hospital? What the fuck! Who brought me here? Why am I even here?

    ¡± Sup man.¡± Reid says. He smirks at me and I don¡¯t really give a fuck about that right now.

    Why the actual fuck am i in a hospital? The door to the room springs open and my mom walks in with a doctor. What¡¯s happening?

    ¡± Oh my baby.¡± Mom sobs as she rushes to my form. Shit!

    She touches my neck and my head and she wipes her eyes. Why am I here?

    ¡± You¡¯re awake.¡± A voice says. I traced it to the doctor whose name tag says Hardy.

    I blink my eyes and try to remember myst experience. I was in my car with Ariel. Damn, we were shot at and we had an ident, fell off the bridge and that¡¯s thest i can think of.

    ¡± Where¡¯s Ariel?¡± I ask.     ¡± She¡¯s still unconscious.¡± Mom says.

    ¡± Unconscious?¡± I ask. How can she be unconscious?

    ¡± You need to calm down Gray. I need to check your health status and how you¡¯re feeling. You suffered internal bleeding and¡­¡± He trails as he tries to hold my shoulder.

    ¡± Fuck man.¡± I p his hands away.¡± Don¡¯t touch me, man.¡±

    ¡± Gray, you¡¯re not fourteen. You need to calm down. I thought I lost you.¡± Mom says.

    ¡± Where the fuck is Ariel? How can I be sure she¡¯s fine?¡±

    ¡± She¡¯s fine Gray. Nothing happened to her. She was only unconscious and she¡¯s not awake.¡± Reid says. ¡± Alexa is with her. She will be fine.¡±

    I sigh and take deep breaths. I caused this. I know I was involved with it but I was selfish. I dragged her into my dark world and she has gotten hurt a lot of times.

    Doctor Hardy holds my wrist and drops it. He writes something on his clipboard.

    ¡± Do you feel any pain?¡± The doctor asks.

    ¡± No.¡±

    ¡± Stomach?¡± He asks again.

    ¡± Fuck no.¡± I reply.

    Damon scoffs and makes an annoying sound. I just can¡¯t remember when I wasst admitted. Aside from an ident that almost cost my life, that¡¯s like four years ago. Now this.

    A nurse walks in with a tray and an injection on it. The doctor takes the syringe and taps the needle. He pierces the needle into my arm and injects it.

    ¡± That¡¯s gonna help you rest better.¡± The doctor says and turns to leave with the nurse.

    Once the door is shut , I turn to look at Reid.

    ¡°Where the fuck is Moskov?¡± I ask Reid.

    ¡± Who the fuck is Moskov, Gray?¡± Damon asks.

    ¡± Not your fucking concern.¡±

    ¡± Gray, what is wrong with you? You almost lost your life and your girlfriend¡¯s life , what does that even mean to you? Don¡¯t you value your life?¡± Mom asks.

    I can¡¯t be calm unless I end Moskov¡¯s life. He has done more than enough and I¡¯m not fuckin resting, except he¡¯s six feet underneath the earth.

    ¡± Where is Moskov, Reid?¡±

    ¡± Manny and Carl have been on the pursuit since the day you got shot.¡±

    ¡± How long have I been out?¡±

    ¡± Three days.¡± Reid answers.

    ¡± Was this some sorta Mafia fight that almost cost your life?¡± Damon asks?

    ¡± Yeah. What?¡±

    ¡± I thought I¡¯d lost you again, Gray. I had to leave Canada ande to New York when I heard you were shot and in a fatal ident with your girlfriend. Why can¡¯t you give up this life?¡± Mom sobs. Why¡¯s she acting like she didn¡¯t date a drug dealer. Nobody leaves the Mafia , what¡¯s their shit? Should I tutor them again?

    ¡± So when are you leaving the Mafia? Gray you¡¯re gonna end up dead if you don¡¯t give up the mob. You¡¯ve made a lot of money from the mafia, why not stop this bullshit and focus more on your girl.¡± Damon says. They are pissing me off.

    ¡± What the fuck is wrong with you , man? What are you, fourteen? Should I start giving you rules about the Mafia? Blood in, blood out. Nobody leaves the Mafia and you know it. The only way out is with a coffin. Dead Damon.¡± I yell at him.

    Reid ces his hand on my arm to calm me down. They keep on acting like six years old with their persistent shitty attitudes. Who leaves the Mafia?

    Mom begins to cry and I¡¯m hurt again.¡± Why not leave the country? Move out and don¡¯te back.¡±

    ¡± And why should I do that?¡±

    ¡± Because, I don¡¯t want to lose you Gray.¡± She says. Damon walks to her little form and begins to pat her.

    ¡± Nothing is gonna happen to me. I knew what I was getting into. I made this decision and I¡¯m gonna live with it. With time , I¡¯m gonna retire.¡±

    ¡± And Ariel ? What¡¯s gonna happen to her?¡±

    ¡± She will be fine. I¡¯m gonna look after her.¡± I say.

    ¡± Look after her? She¡¯s unconscious Gray. What type of looking after her was that? You shouldn¡¯t indulge her with your sick business even when you know the risks .¡± Damon says.

    ¡± Sinir was here. Why was he here?¡± Mom asks.

    I sigh and turn to look at Reid. He gives me a sympathetic look and shrugs.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡± You don¡¯t know? He was one of the reasons we lost our father. He was part of father¡¯s death and he was here. He was with Ariel , stuck in her room.¡± Damon says.

    ¡± Sinir had nothing to do with dad¡¯s death, okay.¡±

    ¡± What makes you think so? They went out together that day, before he was shot dead.¡± Damon says.

    I shut my eyes and breathe out. I need to tell them.

    ¡± I killed him.¡± I say and open my eyes.

    The room falls silent as everyone looks at me.

    ¡± Excuse me?¡± Mom asks.

    ¡± What the fuck Gray? What are you saying?¡± Damon asks.

    ¡± I killed our father, okay. I fuckin killed him.¡± I say.

    Mom looks at me as a tear slips from her eyes.

    ¡± How could you?¡± She backhands me as I touch my cheek. What the fuck?

    ¡± You stupid son, how dare you?¡± She ps the opposite cheek.

    Fuck.

    ¡± How could you do this to me? You turned me to a widow? I thought maybe it was Sinir. How could you kill your own father?¡± Mom yells as Damon and Reid stare at me in awe.

    ¡± Why did you do it, Gray? Why did you shoot him?¡±

    ¡± He fuckin snitched on me alright?¡± I protest and mom ps me again.

    ¡± You will pay for this. I regretted evering here to make sure you¡¯re okay. You don¡¯t even deserve love. You killed my husband.¡± She cries and starts to thrash at me.

    Damon and Reid hold her back to prevent her from pulling off the drip stand.

    ¡± Don¡¯t ever call me again. I¡¯m deleting your number and you¡¯re not my son.¡± She says as she storms out of the hospital room.

    Goddamnit.

    ¡± Fuck , Gray. I knew you were insane but I never thought you¡¯d be crazy enough to shoot your own father. I¡¯m getting the hell outta here.¡± Damon says and leaves too.

    Now it¡¯s just Reid. He doesn¡¯t say a word. He stares at me and runs both hands down his tousled hair.

    ¡± I hated what I did though.¡± I say with a sigh.

    ¡± But you didn¡¯t regret it though, right?¡± Reid asks.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡± You shouldn¡¯t have Gray.¡±

    ¡± He fucked me up and I got angry..¡±

    ¡± And you shot him, because you were angry? My dad¡¯s a dick, a fuckin pussy but I never ever thought about pulling a trigger through his fucked up head. The fuck Gray.¡± Reid sighs.

    ¡± Is Ariel aware?¡± He asks.

    ¡± Yeah. One of the reasons she wanted to leave me. I¡¯m fucked up , she made me see reasons what I did was wrong. What did the doctor say about her health?¡±

    ¡± She will be fine. When you passed out , I think she fell unconscious out of shock. She¡¯s got a little injury on her head and she bled profusely. She will be fine.¡± Reid says.

    I nod and take in a deep breath.

    ¡± Damn, Gray.¡± He mutters and paces around his room.

    ¡± Your mom is never gonna forgive you , you know that right?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. But that won¡¯t stop me from apologizing properly. I¡¯ve done a lot of terrible shit. It sucks.¡±

    ¡± Yeah.¡±     |?ARIEL?|

    I move my fingers and slowly part my eyes. The brightness of the room made me squint my eyes as I raise my hand to hold my head. My head hurts terribly. I¡¯m having a terrible headache.

    ¡± Oh my God. Ariel.¡± I hear a familiar voice as I try to open my eyes.

    ¡± Go get the doctor.¡± A male voice says.

    I slowly open my eyes and itnds on Sinir. He¡¯s sitting right next to me. Where am I? What¡¯s this ce? I look up at the white ceiling and white walls. A hospital? What happened?

    I shut my eyes and try to recall what happened. An ident right on the bridge and Gray was shot. Gray , where¡¯s Gray?

    ¡± Where¡¯s Gray?¡± I ask Sinir.

    ¡± Calm down Ariel. Gray¡¯s fine. Nothing happened to him and it¡¯s your turn to get better too.¡± He says.

    I can¡¯t taste anything. My mouth is dry and I¡¯m thirsty.

    ¡± How long have I been out?¡±

    ¡± Four days.¡±

    I nod and try to sit up. Dad holds me gently and helps me up.

    ¡± Water, I need water.¡± Iment. Just then Alexa walks in with a female doctor.

    She rushes to me and hugs me at once.

    ¡± Aww , birdie. Thought I lost you again.¡± She says.

    ¡± Can she get water?¡± Dad asks the doctor. She nods and walks out.

    ¡± What happened? The car fell off the bridge Ariel.¡± Alexa says.

    ¡± The Russians.¡± I say. My voice cracks and I badly need water.

    ¡± Russians? The Mafia?¡± Dad asks. I nod and touch the bandage on my head.

    ¡± Yes.¡± I voice out.

    ¡± Why?¡±

    ¡± Same old feud with Gray and dimir. Gray killed dimir and his brother Moskov isn¡¯t happy. He wants Gray dead.¡±

    ¡± Fuck. Not again.¡± Dad mutters.

    ¡± Was mom here?¡±

    ¡± The day it happened , yes. She was here with her husband and her daughter. How are you?¡±

    ¡± Not fine at all. My head aches , terribly.¡± I answer.

    The doctor returns with a bottle water as she gives me.

    ¡± Thank you.¡± I say and uncap it and I chug down the water. I feel better.

    ¡± Thank you.¡±

    ¡± How are you feeling? Any pain at all?¡± The doctor asks as Alexa takes the bottle water from my hand.

    ¡± I¡¯m fine. Just a headache.¡±

    ¡± Yeah. You bled a lot. Can I have alone time with her?¡± The doctor asks.

    Alexa and dad look at me as they look at the doctor.

    ¡± Why?¡±

    ¡± I need to carry out a series of tests on her. To make sure she¡¯s better.¡± Okay that¡¯s quite strange.

    ¡± Ariel?¡± Dad asks me.

    ¡± Sure. I¡¯ll be fine. I¡¯ll scream if she tries to strangle me.¡± I say as theyugh.

    Alexa leaves first and dad follows. The doctor smiles at me and sits next to me. She touches my neck and sighs.

    ¡± Do you feel pain?¡±

    ¡± Just the head. Am I gonna be fine?¡± I ask her.

    ¡± You¡¯ll be fine.¡± She smiles widely.¡± You¡¯re a strong woman. It wasn¡¯t really easy at all. You were supposed to miscarry because of this ident.¡±

    What¡¯s she talking about? Miscarry what?

    ¡± The baby¡¯s fine too.¡± She says.

    Wait, I don¡¯t get it. What baby? What is she talking about?

    ¡± I¡¯m not pregnant.¡± I defend.

    ¡± Yes you¡¯re. You¡¯re three weeks pregnant¡­¡±

 Chapter 102

    ¡°You¡¯re three weeks pregnant¡­¡±Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    Holy hell.

    No , not true.

    Can¡¯t be true.

    Not now , not anytime soon.

    I shake my head and chuckle. This is crazy. I cannot be pregnant. I know I didn¡¯t take any pills at Mia¡¯s yacht party but that doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m pregnant. Oh God I¡¯m dead. Gray¡¯s gonna kill me. He told me he doesn¡¯t want a kid and now I¡¯m pregnant?

    ¡± Doctor, I¡¯m not pregnant. I can¡¯t be pregnant.¡±

    ¡± Why can¡¯t you be pregnant? You¡¯re Gray Carter¡¯s girlfriend right?¡± She asks.

    I sigh and nod.

    ¡± You¡¯re fertile and he¡¯s got nothing wrong with him. So what makes you think you can¡¯t be pregnant.¡±

    ¡± Because I don¡¯t want a baby.¡± I whisper to her.

    ¡± You¡¯re serious? Why not? Children are good news. I¡¯m sure it¡¯s a boy.¡± I sob at her news and shake my head.

    No, not pregnant. Gray¡¯s gonna freak out. He¡¯s gonna yell. I don¡¯t even wanna think about his reaction. He might even get angry and act weird. Why do I even have to get pregnant now? Of all the time?

    What about school?

    What about my life!

    I¡¯m only twenty for God¡¯s sake.

    ¡± Are you crying?¡± The doctor asks as she wipes my eyes.

    ¡± You don¡¯t have to cry darling. You¡¯ve got a good boyfriend. A nice one for that matter. And your father? You know he¡¯s gonna be supportive of you , no matter what. Think positive darling.¡± She advises.

    She¡¯s not gonna understand.

    That same sweet boyfriend of mine doesn¡¯t want a baby. He doesn¡¯t like kids. They are like a distraction to him and right now kids aren¡¯t the best option.

    ¡°Did you tell anyone?¡±

    ¡± No. Thought the mother should be the first to hear this good news.¡±

    This isn¡¯t good news.

    This is more like sad news.

    ¡± Thank you. Please don¡¯t tell anyone and I¡¯ll be forever grateful.¡± I plead with her. She nods in understanding.

    ¡± Thanks.¡± She smiles and stands up as she leaves.

    Alexa enters the room with Sinir by her side. They look at me and Alexa looks back at the door.

    ¡± What did she do to you? You were crying?¡± Dad asks.

    I fake a smile and wipe my eyes.

    ¡± No. She said I¡¯ll be fine.¡± I lie.

    Dad sits on the chair close to my bed, and Alexa sits on the other side of the edge of the bed.

    ¡± What did she say to you Ariel?¡± Alexa asks.

    ¡± You care a lot, Alexa. I¡¯ll be fine. What¡¯s up with Brandon and Piper?¡±

    ¡± Stopped by yesterday. And the day you got shot. They panicked.¡± Alexa says.

    I sigh and nod.

    Now it¡¯s my turn to panic. I¡¯ve got little Gray Jr in my stomach. How hrious. A nurse walks in with a tray. She drops it on a table beside my bed. She picks up a syringe and looks down at me.

    ¡± It¡¯s gonna sting a little.¡± She says.

    ¡± I¡¯ll be fine.¡± I say. My mind¡¯s not here anymore. I feel like my world¡¯s ending with this baby news.

    She injects me and gives the te to Alexa. Alexa opens the covers and it¡¯s soup.

    ¡± It¡¯s gonna help you. The injection will make you sleep and let you heal faster.¡± She gives Alexa a spoon and walks out.

    Just then Aisha enters.

    ¡± Look who¡¯s awake.¡± She praises with her big smile. She stands next to dad with her hand around his shoulder.

    ¡± How are you? How are you doing?¡± She asks.

    ¡± I¡¯m good. A little headache though¡± I say as she sighs.

    She unwraps her arms from around Sinir as she sits on the edge of my bed.

    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry about what happened. I just hope you get better.¡± Aisha says.

    Alexa twists her lips and dramatically shoots herself. Sinir sees her and shakes his head sideways.

    ¡± Thank you Aisha.¡±

    ¡± Oh my God. She¡¯s awake¡­¡± Brandon and Piper shouts as they close my room door.

    ¡± And she looks more beautiful.¡± Brandon adds as they surround my bed.

    ¡± Hey guys.¡± I smile , still not forgetting the fact that I have Gray Jr right inside my tummy. This is too big to take in.

    I need to tell someone. Certainly not Gray.

    ¡± We were so worried. I thought we¡¯ve lost you again.¡± Piper sighs as she pouts.

    ¡± Thanks guys. I¡¯m fine and strong.¡± I manage tough.

    ¡± How are you feeling? Better?¡± Brandon asks.

    ¡± Yes, Brandon. I¡¯m doing great. Thanks guys for checking up on me.¡±

    ¡± Yeah. These guys¡­¡± Piper whispers , motioning to Sinir and Aisha like they are not in the room.

    Aisha giggles as she smiles. She stands up and wraps her arm around Sinir¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡± That¡¯s my Dad and that¡¯s his wife.¡± I say.

    ¡± Uh¡­ I don¡¯t get it. How is he your dad?¡± Brandon and Piper ask.

    ¡± Yup. He¡¯s her dad. That¡¯s his wife. Please don¡¯t ask if her supposed mom cheated on her supposed dad with him.¡± Alexa says. ¡± Those parents of hers are Ariel¡¯s foster parents and the supposed mom is her Aunt. Got it..¡± Alexa continues.

    ¡± Fuck , you¡¯re crazy.¡±

    ¡­

    A weekter , I finally got discharged. Gray¡¯s still admitted. I heard the doctor said it¡¯s not safe for Gray to leave. Considering that he suffered internal bleeding. After I was discharged, Dad drove me home. I change my clothes and return to the hospital. Sinir didn¡¯t allow it. He scolded me several times but I was too adamant to listen to him. I twist the doorknob to Gray¡¯s room and peek my head in. Manny is seated next to him and he¡¯s reading a magazine. They visited me actually before I was discharged. Manny, Nick and Reid. Reid didn¡¯t talk much. Nick , jeez, I barely could feel my ears that day.

    Gray is up. He averts his gaze to the door and our eyes meet. He smiles at me and I walk in. The doctor said he¡¯ll be discharged the day after tomorrow. I close the door as Manny looks up from his magazine.

    ¡± Hi, Manny.¡± I greet him and sit next to Gray.

    ¡± Hi.¡± He replies with a smile.

    ¡± Hey, babe.¡± Gray says as he holds my wrist.

    ¡± You look a little pale.¡± I tell him and touch his neck.

    ¡± I¡¯m fine. This fuckin doctors won¡¯t let me out. They are annoying as fuck.¡± He says and I chuckle.

    ¡± Never knew you nagged when sick.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sick.¡± He defends.

    ¡± You got shot , Gray.¡± I remind him. He rolls his eyes and look at me, from head to toe.

    ¡± I¡¯m just d you¡¯re fine. That¡¯s what matters.¡± He says and kisses me at once.

    ¡± Damn. I¡¯m just gonna get the hell out of here.¡± Manny says. I chuckle in between the kisses.

    ¡± Bye Manny.¡± Gray says as Manny shuts the door.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay?¡± Gray asks once I pull away from the kiss.

    *Gray, I¡¯m pregnant.*

    That will be terrible. I can¡¯t do this.

    ¡± Tinkerbell¡­¡± Gray calls my name.

    ¡± Um¡­ yeah, I¡¯m fine. I was worried about you.¡± I tell him and bite my bottom lip.

    I need to get rid of this pregnancy. I can¡¯t tell him. He¡¯s never gonna be happy about it.

    ¡± You¡¯re sure?¡± He asks and trails his forefinger down my jawline.

    I smile and cup his cheek as I lean in to kiss him. My hand runs down his hair as he wraps his arms around my waist to feel my body.

    ¡± Oh God. Making out in the hospital. Seriously.¡± Reid mutters.

    I pull away at once but Gray won¡¯t take his arm from around my waist .

    ¡± You don¡¯t fucking knock Reid.¡±

    ¡± This is a hospital, not your bedroom. Was even wondering why Manny sat outside.¡± He says and walks to the other side of Gray¡¯s bed.

    ¡± Hi.¡± Reid tells me. That¡¯s one of his normal greetings since we barely talk. He always acts awkward around me. Don¡¯t know why. I think part of the reason is because he threatened me before and smacked my butt.

    ¡± Hi.¡± I reply.

    He nods and turns to look at Gray who hasn¡¯t let go of me yet.

    ¡± Moskov is still missing.¡± Reid states.

    ¡± You really don¡¯t have to fight it Gray. You¡¯re still recovering and you should stop thinking about the Mafia.¡± I tell him.

    ¡± I need to kill him or he¡¯sing back. And this time I can¡¯t tell what¡¯s gonna happen. I might not even survive it.¡±

    ¡± Gray he¡¯s noting back except when you make an attack. I want you to be safe , please.¡±

    He rubs his thumb on the back of my hand and pulls me to himself. Iy next to him on his bed and rest my head on his shoulder.

    ¡± Love , love , love.¡± Reid mutters with a sing-song voice.

    ¡± Go get a girlfriend Reid.¡± Gray says as he chuckles.

    ¡± He¡¯s already got one. He and Alexa.¡± I say as Reid creases his forehead. I scrunch my face at him and giggle.

    ¡± You¡¯re serious, man?¡± Gray asks and turns to look at Reid. ¡°I thought it was just fucking.¡±

    I swat his chest.¡± No cursing in a hospital. You¡¯ve been shot, remember.¡± I scold him.

    ¡± Yeah. Maybe it¡¯s just fucking.¡± Reid says, trying to annoy me.

    ¡± That didn¡¯t sound like just sex to me. You guys are into each other. She likes you.¡± I say.

    Reid rolls his eyes and looks at me for a second before looking at Gray.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know what she¡¯s talking about.¡± Reid says.

    ¡± I¡¯m not mad. I can¡¯t stop your happiness even if it turns out to be Alexa. If you wanna go on with the rtionship thing then I¡¯m fine. Just don¡¯t cause trouble.¡± Gray says as he rubs my arm.

    ¡± Asshole.¡± Reid huffs and throws his head back to stare at the ceiling.

    ¡± Then I¡¯m just gonna text her you are inviting her for dinner but you¡¯re scared and ashamed.¡± I say pulling out my phone from my back pocket.

    ¡± Ariel, don¡¯t. Gray, talk to your girl.¡± Reid whines.

    ¡± I¡¯m not among your games. Count me out.¡± Gray says as I text Alexa.

    To Alexa; Get a dress Alex, Reid is taking you out on a date. Buddy is ashamed and too scared.

    Once it reads sent, I keep back my device and smirk at Reid.

    ¡± You¡¯ve seeded right?¡± Reid asks.

    ¡± Yeah. Get ready to rock.¡± I chuckle. Reid isn¡¯t really bad at all. He¡¯s got a sweet side he only allows Gray to see. Now I¡¯ve seen it. And maybe Alexa too.

    I¡¯m still pregnant and most times I think it¡¯s one of my bad dreams. The one you wake up and realize it¡¯s just a dream and nothing more. But this is real. I¡¯ve got a little Gray in me.

    ?????

    I throw my bag on the couch in my room and slump on it. I barely could concentrate at ss or when I was with the squad. I can¡¯t tell my friends that I¡¯m pregnant. And I need to tell someone.

    ¡± Oh my God. I can¡¯t believe that dickwad asked me to go out on a date with him. A proper date.¡± Alexa says walking into my room.

    I stand up and sit on the chair opposite my dresser.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay , sweetcheeks?¡± Alexa asks as she stares at my reflection on the mirror.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know how to say this.¡± I sigh and wipe a tear that slips out of my ears.

    ¡± What happened to you?¡± She asks and walks to me.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay? Is it Gray? You know he is fine. He¡¯s leaving the hospital tomorrow.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s not Gray.¡± I sigh and sniffle.

    ¡± Then what is it?¡± She asks.

    I open my mouth to speak but more tears slip out.

    ¡± Ariel , please talk to me. You¡¯re scaring the shit out of me.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m¡­¡± I blink my eyes and look down at myp.

    ¡± I¡¯m pregnant, Alexa.¡±

    She blinks her eyes several times. A little smile creep into her lips and it broadens. Hell no.

    ¡± Oh my God. You¡¯re carrying Gray Jr? This is the best news I have heard.¡±

    ¡± What are you saying? It¡¯s not , Alexa. It¡¯s bad news. What about college? What about my dreams? What about my life? I¡¯m too young for this.¡±

    ¡± If you¡¯re too young , then you shouldn¡¯t have had sex in the first ce. Babies are good news. Have you told Gray?¡±

    ¡± I can¡¯t.¡± I clean my eyes and look at the mirror.

    ¡± Why not? He¡¯s gonna be super happy. A baby? Oh my God. I feel like I¡¯m the one pregnant. I¡¯ve got lots of names already.¡±

    ¡± Alexa , stop. Gray doesn¡¯t want a baby.¡±

    She bats hershes and blinks her eyes.

    ¡± I don¡¯t get it. Did you tell him?¡±

    ¡± I cannot tell him. At Mia¡¯s yacht party in Canada , I threw up and Mia thought I was pregnant. She made me do two pregnancy tests and it was all negative. Gray told me I can¡¯t be pregnant, that he doesn¡¯t want a baby.¡±

    ¡± Oh shit. This is terrible. What are you gonna do?¡±

    ¡± Get rid of it.¡±

    ¡± No. You¡¯re not getting an abortion. I won¡¯t let you do that.¡±

    ¡± Then what? Tell Gray that I¡¯m pregnant. I can¡¯t do that. He¡¯s gonna freak out and probably yell.¡± I cry.

    ¡± It¡¯s okay. You should give yourself time and rethink your decisions. Don¡¯t rush it.¡±

    ¡± I already bought pills , Alexa. I¡¯m taking it tonight¡­..¡±

    ¡± Ariel, please don¡¯t. Don¡¯t do what you¡¯re gonna regretter.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯ve already made the decision. I¡¯m getting rid of it.¡±

 Chapter 103

    ¡± Ariel, I¡¯d rethink my decisions if I were you¡­¡± Alexa says as I bring out the pills from the drawers.

    ¡± When did you buy these?¡± She asks.

    ¡± Two days after I discovered I was pregnant.¡± She sighs and sits on the bed.

    ¡± You know when Leslie was pregnant, you hated the fact that she had to terminate the baby. You can¡¯t y that same role you talked about.¡±

    I sigh and turn around on my seat to look at her.

    ¡± But Gray doesn¡¯t want a baby.¡±

    ¡± Both of you produced Junior. You both had sex like every other partners and boom therees a baby. You¡¯re gonna tell him that you¡¯re pregnant. If he freaks out and tells you to get rid of it , then it¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡± Oh God.¡±

    ¡± Don¡¯t you want the baby?¡± She asks.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know. Right now, I don¡¯t even know what I want.¡±

    ¡± Okay, forget the fact that Gray doesn¡¯t want a baby, do you want to keep the baby?¡±

    ¡± Who wouldn¡¯t want a baby?¡±

    ¡± You said Gray doesn¡¯t want a baby , so not everyone wants a baby. You don¡¯t have to tell him now if it¡¯s kinda difficult. You can have your time , think it over and over again, then you can tell him then.¡± She smiles as she talks.

    ¡± But what about school?¡± I ask her. She looks at me like I just asked the dumbest question ever.

    ¡± What about school?¡± She returns my question and shrugs.

    ¡± What about college Alexa? What about graduation? What about getting a job?¡±

    ¡± First, you own a penthouse worth millions of dors. You have a father who¡¯s rich as fuck. You own a Ferrari which an average person doesn¡¯t even have and you have Gray Carter, something most women want but can never get. You wanna go to college, then sign up for an online ss. You can talk to your dad to get an internship since you want to work badly.¡±

    ¡± This is so hard.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re seeing it the hard way , Tinkerbell.¡±

    I smile at the use of Tinkerbell as I remember Gray. I can¡¯t even imagine his reaction when he finds out. Freak out , pull out a cigarette and avoid me for a long time and probably start to act weird.

    ¡± You know if you abort it without telling him , then I¡¯m gonna tell Gray you¡¯re pregnant.¡±

    ¡± Alexa, you can¡¯t do that.¡±

    ¡± Exactly. Reasons you won¡¯t terminate that cute little junior in you. You know I havee up with a lot of names for the boy.¡±

    ¡± What makes you think it¡¯s a boy?¡±

    ¡± Of course it¡¯s a boy. I think the Carter¡¯s have this male offspring curse. You¡¯re likely to give birth to a boy. I can bet a thousand dors for that.¡± She says and we giggle.

    ¡± Thanks Alex.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re wee. Now can I have the pills?¡± She asks and opens her palm.

    I pout and smile at her as I pick up the pills and drop them on her open palm.

    ¡± Thank you.¡± She breathes out and throws them inside her bag.¡± I almost had a heart attack when you said you wanted to kill him. Thank you for changing your mind by the way. I assure you, Gray won¡¯t tell you to abort it. He might not want a baby now but he wants a baby. He¡¯s just afraid he won¡¯t be fucking you anymore.¡±

    I almost choke on my breath at Alexa¡¯s words.

    ¡± Shut up.¡± Iugh.

    ¡± It¡¯s the truth. That¡¯s why most average couples don¡¯t want kids. They are like distractions. They take the mommy away from the daddy. The mommy won¡¯t care about the daddy because she had to look after the baby. Everything she¡¯s gonna think about is just the baby. That¡¯s the sad truth.¡±

    ¡± Well yeah. But she can actually share it.¡±

    ¡± Share. You don¡¯t share attention.¡± Alexa chuckles.

    ¡± Yeah. Fifty percent for Daddy , fifty for baby. When he wants mommy she¡¯s gonna be there. And when the baby wants mommy she¡¯s also gonna be there.¡±

    ¡± And when he wants to fuck?¡±

    I bite my bottom lip and blush. She¡¯s never gonna quit swearing.

    ¡± You know if I ever give birth, you¡¯re nevering near my kid.¡± I tell her and she giggles.

    ¡± Why not? I¡¯m not a bad aunt.¡±

    I roll my eyes and stand up.

    ¡± You swear a lot, Alexa. Even more than Gray himself.¡± I blow out my breath and walk to my closet.

    ¡± You¡¯re just being dramatic, sweetheart. I¡¯m gonna treat him like the bad boy he is. Imagine taking over the mob when Gray retires.¡± She says as I halt my hands on the dresses in my closet.

    ¡± No way. I can¡¯t let that happen. Even if it¡¯s a girl or boy, he or she is never taking over the Mafia. I can¡¯t watch them go through this mafia bullshit of feud and several shootings.¡± I say and pull out different dresses and throw them on my couch behind me.

    ¡± What if he wants it? What if he liked mob life?¡±

    He¡¯s never gonna like it.

    I can¡¯t even think about giving birth to a son and he wants to run a Mafia.

    ¡± I believe when Gray was born , nobody forced him into a bad life. He wanted it. I wanted it too. I liked it. Aside from the shooting, the Mafia is fun.¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t see any fun in it except for an unexpected shootout. Mafia family hating on the other because the other is progressing on the game and he¡¯s got a lot of minions from the street. Greedy drug Lord¡¯s, moles and beefing. I don¡¯t want that for my kid.¡±

    ¡± Alrighty , I get it. You don¡¯t want that for your kid. What if this bad ass kid of yours wants it? What are you gonna do, sister?¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t wanna talk about it. The Russians are still on the run. I¡¯m pretty sure they are watching after Gray¡¯s movement and waiting for the right moment to strike.¡±

    ¡± And we¡¯re ready for them. I have two special guns for special people like dimir¡¯s dickwad brother , Moskov.¡±

    I chuckle and walk out of my closet after sessfully throwing out four dresses.

    ¡± So, are you going to dinner or not? I¡¯m pretty sure these dresses are gonna look hot on you. I put my efforts on this just to make sure you have Reid back.¡±

    She smiles and looks through every dress.

    ¡± You¡¯re really cute, princess. He¡¯s never done this dinner stuff before. I¡¯m just wondering what he¡¯s gonna look like sitting across from me in a booth. He¡¯s gonna be adorable.¡±

    ¡± Silly.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m hungry. You can try out those dresses if you want. I really haven¡¯t worn them. Reid¡¯s waiting and you shouldn¡¯t keep him waiting for too long.¡±

    ¡± Always keep the men waiting sweetheart. Sisters code.¡± She winks and Iugh.

    ¡± You¡¯re seriously going crazy.¡±

    I go to the kitchen and look through the cab for ingredients. My phone rings and it¡¯s Sinir.

    ¡± Hey Dad.¡±

    ¡± Scarlett?¡±

    I chuckle and sit on the counter stool.

    ¡± That sounds old and you know it.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s still your birth name.¡± He retorts and I nod.

    ¡± I know right? How are you? And Aisha?¡±

    ¡± She¡¯s good. How are you? How are you feeling?¡±

    ¡± Getting better I think. I¡¯m trying to hold up.¡±

    ¡± How¡¯s Gray?¡±

    ¡± He¡¯s getting better, dad. You want me toe over?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯d be d. I¡¯m just gonna tell Aisha to prepare you something nice. I think Cage is around too.¡±

    I smile and nod before answering.

    ¡± Sure thing dad. By the weekend, I¡¯m bringing someone.¡±

    ¡± Which someone?¡± He asks immediately.

    ¡± It¡¯s a surprise. Don¡¯t talk me into telling you.¡±

    He chuckles on the phone and I can nearly feel him nod.

    ¡± Okay. I hope it¡¯s a good surprise.¡±

    ¡± I hope so too.¡±

    ****

    By the weekend, Gray was already discharged and he¡¯s obviously strong. He acts like someone who wasn¡¯t shot at all. I park my car outside Gray¡¯s penthouse building. I shut the doors and stride inside the building. Thedy at the lobby smiles at me as I walk past her to the elevator. Gray has been hanging around in his penthouse after he got discharged. The idea of telling Gray I was pregnant was still stuck in my head. He just got out of a death trap and it¡¯s gonna be bad if I give him pregnancy news.

    I tap in the passcode to his door as the door opens. I step in and shut the door behind me. I drop my bag on the couch and go to the kitchen. Gray sits on the counter stool. He holds a cup of coffee while on the other hand working non-stop on his phone. A cigarette sticks between his lips. He looks up from his phone and his gaze falls on me. He smiles at me as I walk to the other side of the counter.

    ¡± Gray you got shot and you¡¯re still healing, you shouldn¡¯t be smoking.¡±

    ¡± Is that a wee kiss or what?¡±

    I roll my eyes and walk to his side. He pulls to himself and I sit on hisp. He pulls out the cigarette and blows out the smoke above my head. He drops the half smoked cigarette on the ashtray and looks at me.

    ¡± You shouldn¡¯t be smoking now.¡±

    He sighs and nods.¡± I¡¯m sorry. Wanted to calm down my nerves.¡± He exins.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    ¡± It¡¯s called cancer stick for a reason Gray. It¡¯s not good for your health.¡± He bites his bottom lip and chuckles.

    ¡± I¡¯m fine and I¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    I rest my head on his shoulder and mutter.¡± I¡¯m just worried about you.¡± I tell him and kiss his neck where my name is inked permanently on it. He wraps one arm around my waist as the other trails on myp.

    ¡± Thanks.¡± He says.

    ¡± Have you eaten?¡±

    ¡± No.¡±

    I remove my head from his shoulder to look at him.

    ¡± But why?¡±

    He pouts. ¡± You know I can¡¯t cook.¡± He says.

    I chuckle and shake my head sideways. ¡± You should order something? McDonald¡¯s or even Taco Bell.¡±

    He rolls his eyes.¡± I missed your food.¡± He says as his right hand trails slowly up my thigh.

    ¡± You don¡¯t even have ingredients in this house. I can¡¯t cook Gray except i go grocery shopping.¡± I sigh at his stubborn behavior and pick up my phone to order food.

    ¡± Are you mad at me?¡± He whispers and rests his head on my chest. Boobs actually. I chuckle at his childish behavior and curl my arms around his neck.

    ¡± Why would I?¡± I ask him and run my fingers down his hair.

    ¡± For risking your life and getting you in between my messed up life.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s okay. I understand. It¡¯s not your fault.¡± I tell him.

    He takes a deep breath and sit up straight to look into my eyes.

    ¡± You look pretty.¡±

    ¡± Thank you.¡± I reply. His eyes travel down my body on hisp and he smiles.

    ¡± Can I ask you something?¡±

    He nods and gives me a go ahead.

    ¡± If we ever get a baby , will he or she get involved with the Mafia?¡±

    His eyebrows furrow as he stares at me with wide eyes. He looks down at my stomach and looks back at my face. Is he serious?

    ¡± Are you like ¡­¡±

    I sigh.¡± Breathe Gray. It¡¯s a question.¡±

    He breathes out and nods. I badly wanted to tell him that I¡¯m positive. That we¡¯re expecting a baby but I can¡¯t withstand his reaction.

    ¡± Okay. If he wants to, yeah.¡±

    ¡± Yeah? And he?¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s always a boy. Girls are kinda rare in the Carter¡¯s bloodline.¡± He shrugs and smiles.

    ¡± What if he doesn¡¯t want to? The baby?¡±

    ¡± Then he¡¯s gonna be a doctor, awyer. Whatever these kids like to be. He¡¯s gonna have the best future and I¡¯ll make sure he leaves the country too. Don¡¯t worry, the Mafia isn¡¯t as bloody as you think. If you know how to handle your rivals , they are gonna stay the fuck away from you.¡±

    ¡± The Russian family isn¡¯t staying away.¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s because their bloodyte father seeded in taking out your mom. This is Gray¡¯s reign now , things have changed.¡±

    At the mention of my mom, i just feel weak. I don¡¯t even know what she looks like. She just died , just like that. I¡¯m just gonna ask Sinir for her picture once I¡¯m visiting today.

    ¡± Heard from your mom?¡±

    ¡± She doesn¡¯t want to talk to me.¡±

    ¡± Why?¡± I ask him.

    ¡± I told them the truth.¡±

    ¡± What truth?¡±

    ¡± About my father¡¯s death. She disowned me right at the hospital. She¡¯s not picking my calls and she pped me also. A lot of times.¡±

    Oh my God.

    She found out? He told her?

    I bet it¡¯s gonna take Mia a lot of emotions and love for her son to forgive him. Who wouldn¡¯t get angry by the way.

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry. Have you tried calling her again?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. She managed to pickup and she told me to go to hell and quit calling her.¡±

    I nod and pick up his phone from the countertop and go through his contact. I stop at his mother¡¯s number and dial it on my phone.

    ¡± I gotta take this.¡± I wave my phone at him, kiss his cheek and make my way out of the kitchen to the hallway.

    ¡± Hello.¡±

    ¡± Mia, it¡¯s Ariel.¡± I say and enter the spare bedroom as I shut the door.

    ¡± Hi Ariel. Damn , it¡¯s been a long time since I heard this voice. I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t call to check on you when you finally got discharged. Gray made me leave the country in anger.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s fine. He told me what happened.¡±

    She sighs on the phone and stays quiet.

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry, Mia. I also got angry at him when he told me what he did. I know there¡¯s no good reason for whatever thing he did but you should please forgive. He¡¯s not himselftely.¡±

    ¡± But why should I forgive him?¡± She asks. Her voice is faint and threatening with pain.

    ¡± Because he¡¯s your son and you love him.¡±

    ¡± Gray is a difficult one, Ariel.¡±

    ¡± I know, right?¡± I chuckle quietly.¡± He¡¯s gonna be a father soon. I¡¯d be d if you forgive him.¡± I tell her as she gasps on the phone.

    ¡± What did you just say? Tell me this isn¡¯t a joke?¡± She asks on the phone.

    I look at the door and walk to the extreme of the room to avoid Gray hearing my conversation.

    ¡± Yes, Mia. I¡¯m pregnant. And scared too.¡±

    ¡± Oh my God¡­¡± she squeals on the phone like a teenager. I pull the phone away from my ear because of the noise.

    ¡± What did he say? Did you tell him?¡±

    ¡± I can¡¯t. Gray doesn¡¯t want a baby.¡± I whisper.

    ¡± Is that why you didn¡¯t tell him?¡±

    ¡± Kinda. But I¡¯ll , once he¡¯s fully healing from the shot.¡±

    ¡± Oh Ariel. You just made me happy now. Another grandchild? I hope it¡¯s a boy. Can¡¯t deal with a lot of girls.¡±

    ¡± I hope so too.¡± I smile.

    ¡± Aww. I wish I could see you right now. I don¡¯t mind taking you out everyday to make sure you eat a lot. And please do me a favor and eat a lot okay. Babies need food and strength from their mom.¡± She says, her voicece with excitement.

    ¡± Thanks Mia.¡±

    ¡± Don¡¯t think too much about Gray. If you choose to tell him and he freaks out , don¡¯t worry he¡¯s gonnae around quicker than you think. He loves you a lot. He can¡¯t afford to lose the one thing that belongs to you two.¡±

    ¡± Yeah.¡± I sigh.

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna call him if that will make the baby happy. Thanks Ariel. You¡¯ve made a lot of difference in his life though.¡±

    I smile at her words.¡± Thanks too. For treating me like your own daughter.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re wee.¡±

    I smile and hang up. I take a deep breath and run my hand down my hair. I head to the door and open it as I walk out. I go to the living room and to the kitchen and Gray¡¯s on the phone. I think it¡¯s Mia because he looks surprised.

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry mom.¡±

    ¡± Thanks.¡± He looks at the screen of his phone as he looks at me.

    ¡± What did you tell her¡±

    ¡± Nothing important.¡± I smile and shrug.

    He turns his body to face me as he motions for me toe. I walk to his form as he pulls me to sit on hisp so that I¡¯m straddling him.

    ¡± Thanks.¡± He says. His eyes travel from my eyes to my lips as he talks.

    ¡± It¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡± Can I kiss you now?¡±

    ¡± You don¡¯t ask Gray. I don¡¯t see you as someone who takes permission before doing things.¡± I say and wrap my arms around his neck as he pulls me into himself.

    My dress rides up myp exposing the other half of myp as his hands stay on my butt. Gray kisses me at once and I kiss back. My right finger trails slowly on his hair as we kiss.

    ¡± Shit¡­¡± he breathes out as I try to catch my breath at our intense make out.

    ¡± I need to ask you for a favor.¡±

    ¡± What?¡±

    ¡± I wanna hang out with Sinir today. We¡¯re having dinner out in a restaurant and that includes his wife, Aisha.¡±

    ¡± Okay. It¡¯s fine if you wanna go. He¡¯s your father and I can¡¯t stop you.¡± He says.

    ¡± That¡¯s not the point. I want you toe with me.¡±

    His eyebrows furrow on their own as he looks at me in disbelief. I think this is the time to settle their feud. Gray needs to start getting used to the fact that Sinir is my father now and they need to stop acting like children and move on from their dissing.

    ¡± I can¡¯t.¡±

    ¡± Why? Gray if you don¡¯t want to , can¡¯t you do this for me.¡±

    ¡± You know I¡¯m willing to do anything for you and you know that.¡±

    ¡± Then I want you to do this one thing for me. Go out with me this evening and have dinner with Sinir and his wife. Please¡­¡± I pout and bite my bottom lip.

    He barely can overlook my pouting and biting my lip.

    ¡± Please Gray. Dinner?¡±

    He sighs and rolls his eyes before answering.¡± Fine.¡±

 Chapter 104

    |?GRAY?|

    This is so fucking crazy. I can¡¯t imagine sitting across from Sinir to eat dinner in some fancy restaurant. This is so fucked up. I¡¯m pretty sure we¡¯re both gonna flip and cause a scene. Why did he have to be her father?

    I watch her get up from myp as she smiles triumphantly. I bet she did a victory dance in her head.

    Oh man.

    The doorbell rings at once. She smiles and walks to the door. Probably the delivery guy who¡¯s here to deliver the food she ordered. My phone rings and I retrieve it. Reid¡¯s name disys on my screen as I swipe the answer icon.

    ¡± Hey dick.¡± He says once I pickup.

    ¡± Seriously?¡± I scoff. I hear Ariel converse with the delivery guy and they are taking too long.

    ¡± What are you doing?¡± He asks and i roll my eyes. I¡¯m still stressed about that dinner date with Sinir.

    ¡± I¡¯m fucking my girl, you idiot.¡±

    ¡± Alright , you sound stressed. What¡¯s up with you?¡± Reid asks on the phone.

    I hear Ariel shut the door as she walks to the kitchen holding McDonald¡¯s take out. I stand up as she enters. I kiss her forehead and motion for the phone in my hand. She nods as I walk to my bedroom.

    ¡± Yeah , I¡¯m stressed obviously.¡± I say and shut my bedroom door.

    ¡± Are you in your penthouse?¡±

    ¡± Yeah and I¡¯m fine. Ariel¡¯s here with me.¡± I say and push the drapes of the transparent walls that view the city below.

    ¡± Alright? Why did you sound like someone who slept with blue balls?¡± He asks and I chuckle.

    ¡± Sinir.¡±

    ¡± What about Sinir? Did he threatened you?¡±

    ¡± Hell fucking no. It¡¯s different this time. Ariel wants me to apany her to one of Sinir¡¯s dinner dates with his wife, Aisha.¡±

    ¡± Holy fucking Christ. No fucking way.¡± Heughs on the phone. What the fuck is funny? Did I just tell a joke?

    ¡± Reid.¡±

    ¡± Oh fuck , Gray. She wants you both to settle. I see nothing wrong with that.¡±

    ¡± You know who the fuck Sinir is. He was my ex fuckin boss , Reid.¡±

    ¡± Yeah. The boss you betrayed.  Come off it man , it¡¯s no big deal.¡±

    ¡± Really?¡±

    ¡± Okay I get it. It¡¯s a big deal. You fucked his ass up and you¡¯re about to sit from across him in a diner. That¡¯s fucked up. What did you tell Ariel?¡±

    ¡± Yes?¡±

    ¡± Then whyin? You love her, you don¡¯t want to turn her down. Whether you like it or not as long as you¡¯re still dating Ariel and you wanna get married to her, Sinir isn¡¯t leaving her life soon. Start getting used to his presence around your girl. You just gotta apologize properly tonight. Keep your ego aside , Jamal.¡±

    ¡± Fuck , shut up.¡± I run my fingers through my hair and sigh. This is gonna be so fuckin hard.

    ¡± Breathe Gray , it¡¯s no big deal.¡±

    Of course it¡¯s a big deal. It¡¯s just gonna take God and a little tolerance for both of us not to flip the goddamn table of that fuckin diner.

    ¡± Sup with Moskov? He¡¯s killing my patience. I want my fuckin peace called life back and he¡¯s been distracting ittely.¡±

    ¡± Gray there¡¯s no chase. He¡¯s gone MIA. The dick is smart. Can¡¯t find him.¡±

    ¡± His club?¡±

    ¡± Can¡¯t step on that club, Gray. It¡¯s covered with Russian Mafiosos fully guarded and ready to pull the trigger.¡±

    I sigh.¡± Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m pretty sure he¡¯s hanging around there. Once I¡¯m back from the dinner, we¡¯ll check in his club.¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s like a suicide attempt, Gray.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re scared? Manny will take the roof with other snipers to shoot at every asshole. Then Nick and the others will take the front. I¡¯ll go inside.¡±

    ¡± Gray you just got shot. Just one wrong bullet and you¡¯re gonna be dead.¡±

    Fuck death. I¡¯ve seen that a thousand times and it¡¯s getting boredtely.

    ¡± I¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    ¡± Gray, don¡¯t.¡±

    ¡± Lemme n my dinner tonight. Tell Spencer to put eyes on the street. We might find one of his little minions.¡±

    ¡± Sure.¡± He sighs , obviously disappointed at his so called ¡®suicide attempt.¡¯

    I hang up and sit on the bed. A knock startles me as I look at the door. It creaks open and Ariel peeks her inside before walking in.

    ¡± The food is getting cold.¡± She says and strides to the bed I¡¯m sitting on.

    She sits on myp and wraps one hand around my neck.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay?¡±

    I smile and nod.¡± Yeah. I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡± Or you¡¯re thinking about dinner? Gray, it¡¯s just dinner. No one¡¯s gonna bite you there.¡± She says it like it¡¯s nothing.

    I wrap my arms around her waist and kiss her neck. She whimpers and squirms on myp. I nuzzle her neck and bite her neck. She squeals and giggles.

    ¡± You¡¯re gonna be there , so I won¡¯t be scared. Just wondering why you want me toe.¡±

    ¡± Cause you¡¯re mine Gray and I want you there.¡± She says.

    I pull back to look at her eyes. Those same eyes that actually tamed my heart. I¡¯m never getting enough of her. I smile and nod like a baby.

    ¡± You¡¯re cute.¡± She says.

    ¡± And you¡¯re pretty. Beautiful and hot.¡± I tell her and she blushes. If her skin was pale, then she would have been red by now.

    Iy her down on my bed and hover on top of her.

    ¡± Gray, don¡¯t.¡± She giggles.

    ¡± Don¡¯t stop huh?¡± I smirk at her and raise my brows.

    She swats my chest and I grab both her little wrist and rest them above her head.

    ¡± Seriously Jamal, the food is getting cold.¡±

    ¡± Food can wait. I got the best food here and she¡¯s never getting cold.¡± She bites her bottom lip and absently squirm underneath me. Shit, that actually made my heart flutter. I lean down so that our bodies are likely touching as I kiss her.

    It didn¡¯t take her a second to kiss me back. My right hand releases her wrist and lets it trail down her thighs that¡¯s d with jeans. Fuckin blockage. I hiss under my breath against the kiss as our lips fight for dominance. She pulls away and stares at me.

    ¡± You should be resting and eating and taking your drugs. You got shot, Gray.¡±

    ¡± Fuck¡­¡± I slump down on the bed next to her and groan.¡± What¡¯s with everyone reminding me I got shot like it¡¯s the first time.¡±

    She chuckles and stands up.¡± Come on baby, you gotta eat something.¡± I smile at the sound of ¡®baby¡¯ on her tongue. Sounds good.

    I stand up, and instead of taking her hand , I toss her on my shoulder and she squirms and giggles loudly.

    ¡± Breathe baby , don¡¯t let daddy spank you.¡± I tell her and spank her booty.

    ¡± Gray, stop. Put me down.¡± Sheughs but I ignore her as I walk her to the kitchen.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    ?????

    Carl opens the backseat door as Ariel steps out of the car. It¡¯s a new diner at the center of the city and it has outdoor seating. It¡¯s kinda fancy and the lights from the busy streets made everything look beautiful. Ariel smiles at something or perhaps someone from afar. Carl shuts the door and nods at me. Nick sits at the driver¡¯s side. He steps out of the car and leans against it. This is gonna be awkward.

    I wrap my right arm around Ariel¡¯s waist and that seems to jolt her into reality as she looks up at me.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay?¡± I ask her, looking down at her little frame.

    ¡± Yeah. Just nervous.¡±

    ¡± Why?¡±

    ¡± I can¡¯t watch two important people in my life fight over something that happened years ago.¡± She says. I give her a small smile and pull her to face me.

    I wrap both arms around her waist to look at her properly.

    ¡± I promise to be on my best behavior.¡± I tell her and run my fingers down the silky smooth material of her tight short dress.

    ¡± You¡¯re sure?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯ll try.¡± I tell her and lean down to kiss her. My hand lowers down to the top of her butt as she giggles quietly.

    ¡± Don¡¯t do that outside.¡± She scolds me and swats my hands away from her booty.

    ¡± What?¡± I chuckle.

    ¡± We¡¯re in public.¡±

    I look around and shrug. Nick already pulls a cigarette as he shakes his head. Carl on the other hand has his sunsses on, i can¡¯t see his expression.

    ¡± Keep your eyes open guys. Any type of shit happens and we get stuck, Nick, I want you to take Ariel out of here and make sure she gets somewhere safe. It¡¯s an order.¡± I say.

    Nick salutes as Ariel stares at me in confusion.

    ¡± I¡¯m trying to take precautions. Always expect the unexpected when you go out . I work with the Mafia, Tinkerbell.¡± I smile at her and motion for us to start walking.

    She touches the pocket of my suit jacket and flinches. I think she felt the gun I had.

    ¡± Do you have to?¡±

    ¡± Yes, for security measures.¡±

    She rolls her eyes as we walk to her father¡¯s table outside the restaurant. The outdoor diner isn¡¯t that upied yet. Just six upied tables.

    ¡± Dad.¡± She says. I push my hands inside my pocket as I stare at this man. He doesn¡¯t notice me yet. He stands up and pulls Ariel into a warm embrace.

    ¡± You look beautiful, daughter.¡± He tells her and then his gaze shifts to me. Surprise!

    ¡± What the fuck is he doing here?¡± He asks and looks at me with rage. Still haven¡¯t gotten over the shocker that transpired between us? Unbelievable.

    ¡± Dad , it¡¯s not what you think. I ask him toe with me because it¡¯s a family dinner. And we¡¯re in a rtionship and you know that.¡±

    Sinir doesn¡¯t look pleased. Heposes himself and sits down close to his wife as Ariel and I sit across from them.

    |? ARIEL?|

    Twenty minutes into the dinner and my dad won¡¯t stop ring daggers at my boyfriend, and my boyfriend won¡¯t stop ring daggers either. They look tense as they don¡¯t speak to each other. Gray clenches his jaw and unclenches it several times , including my dad. They are yet to say a word. The waiteres in with our food as he drops them on our table. Aisha won¡¯t stopplimenting me and my dress. I really like her. She¡¯s nice and I admire her ent a lot. Still wondering where she got her daughter Sasha from ¨C The crackhead.

    ¡± Thank you.¡± Aisha and I tell the waiter as he leaves.

    ¡± I¡¯ve been wondering to ask Aisha, where are you from?¡± I clear the air before these men murder each other in their imaginations.

    ¡± I¡¯m African dear. Northern side actually. My mom¡¯s the Hispanic one.¡± She answers. I smile and nod.

    ¡± That¡¯s pretty nice. Do you speak Spanish or maybe any other rtednguages?¡±

    ¡± I speak a little Spanish dear. Where are you from?¡±

    ¡± Her mom¡¯s African too.¡± Dad answers for me.

    ¡± Honey and you didn¡¯t tell me?¡± Aisha whines.

    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry about that.¡±

    Gray still stays quiet. Our eyes meet. I re at him and he gives me an apologetic smile. I roll my eyes and motion for him to eat. He sighs and nods.

    ¡± She¡¯s pretty.¡± Aishapliments me again.

    ¡± So Gray, hope you¡¯re having a good time?¡± Aisha asks him.

    Gray smiles -An obviously fake smile. And he nods.

    ¡± Yeah. Thanks.¡±

    ¡± Happy that you came.¡±

    ¡± Yeah.¡± Gray says.

    I drink my wine and sit back my ss and moan to the tasty lobster. They cook really good.

    ¡± So, Ariel said , the Russians were behind your attack almost two weeks ago.¡± Dad says.

    ¡± Yeah?¡± Gray utters distastefully. I groan silently and kick his shin under the table. He silently curses.

    ¡± Yes , they are responsible.¡± He answers and looks at me. I give him one of my rare smiles and he rolls his eyes.

    ¡± And what are you doing about that? The Russians won¡¯t stop until they kill you. You don¡¯t have to endanger her life and get her into your mess.¡± Dad says.

    ¡± Really dad? We¡¯re together. And whatever problem he¡¯s facing is also my problem.¡± I point out.

    ¡± This was one of the reasons I lost your mother. Because of stupid games like this.¡±

    ¡± Oh really?¡± Gray fires.

    ¡± Yes, really Gray. Why did you get involved with him knowing fully well Gray is involved with the mob. This is too dangerous for you Ariel.¡±

    ¡± You don¡¯t know anything about her, Sin. The fuck you won¡¯t tell her what to do.¡± Gray yells at him.

    ¡± Gray stop. Dad you too.¡± I yell at both of them.

    They both shut up at once. They re at each other and sigh.

    ¡± This is gonna stop and it¡¯s annoying.¡±

    ¡± Why did you date a mob boss , actually?¡± Dad asks.

    ¡± Because I¡¯m in love with him.¡± I state.

    ¡± It¡¯s not about love , Ariel. This is one of the reasons I lost your mom.¡±

    ¡± And that was because you were careless. You couldn¡¯t even protect her mom.¡± Gray says.

    ¡± And you won¡¯t talk to me like that.¡± Sinir retorts.

    ¡± Oh really dad. What¡¯s your shit? Why are you acting all fucked up because of what happened years ago. The fuck, I said I¡¯m fuckin sorry and you¡¯re still acting all vexed up.¡± Gray yells back.

    ¡± Boys¡­¡± Aisha and I call for their attention but they don¡¯t seem to listen.

    ¡± I don¡¯t fuckin care about what you did, alright. The part is that I get to find out you are dating my daughter, you piece of shit.¡±

    ¡± Dad¡­¡±

    ¡± And you really haven¡¯t stopped this attitude of yours. You act like ady Sinir.¡±

    People are already staring at us. Carl and Nick already cross to the diner as they watch the two adult men throw abuses at each other. Including two other men in suits, who I assume works for my father. I saw thising. I badly wanted to help them settle their feuds but as it seems, this isn¡¯t working.

    ¡± Boys.¡± I yell and m my palm on the table. They shut up at once and whip their heads to my form. Aisha sighs and runs her fingers through her short ck hair. She looks stressed too, just like me.

    ¡± What¡¯s the meaning of this? Why act like a twelve years old in an outdoor diner? Did you really have to fight each other?¡± I ask both of them.

    Nick shakes his head and goes to stand at a corner not too far from our table. Carl leaves too , including the two men who work with my dad. I¡¯m pretty sure they are all armed with guns in their body. The other customers at the diner look away as they mutter something amongst themselves and go back to talking.

    ¡± This needs to stop and I¡¯m begging you both to quit this. Dad, we¡¯re in a rtionship. We¡¯re in love. He¡¯s in the mob and I don¡¯t really care about that. Aisha epted you for what you¡¯re including my mom. Because they care and love you dad. I care about him and I¡¯m in love with him. And you Gray, he¡¯s my father okay. No matter how much you choose to fight each other it won¡¯t change anything. You both are the most important men in my life and I don¡¯t want to lose you both. You guys are meddling this today.¡± I say.

    Gray sighs , including my dad. I shake my head and I¡¯m about to stand up as Nick screams ¡®get down¡¯.  Before I can know what¡¯s going on, someone already pushed me down as gunshot erupts from the air. I breathe out deeply as customers screams and wails. I look up at the cold night and i see it. A ck car drives into the street, windows all down as two hands shoves out of the window all with guns as they fire.

    Someone grabs my arm and pulls me to my feet. With tears , blurry eyes and confusion, I look at the shootout. Aisha is already whimpering under a table as Dad, Gray, dad¡¯s two men and Carl shoot at the car.

    ¡± Come on Ariel.¡± Nick says as he rushes me out of the scene, shooting non-stop at the vehicle. It¡¯s bulletproof.

    ¡± No¡­¡± I scream and snatch my hands away from Nick.

    ¡± Ariel go¡­¡± Gray shouts and that was it.

    A bullet pierces into Gray¡¯s chest and another one at his shoulder.

    ¡± No.¡± I scream and try to run to him.

    They shot dad too, and dad¡¯s two men were already on the ground. Everything starts spinning as the world slows down. Another bullet was shot into Gray as he copsed on the ground, bleeding. Dad¡¯s already on the ground too. I don¡¯t notice the bullet being aimed at me, but Nick is fast, he rushes into me as the bullet pierces into him.

    ¡± Oh my God.¡± I mutter as everything cked out.

 Chapter 105

    ¡± Emergency! Someone¡¯s getting a panic attack!¡±

    The voice is muffled and I barely can hear anything. Iy on a stretcher as I¡¯m pushed down the hospital¡¯s hallway. I watch the ceilings pass by as I try to breathe.

    I can¡¯t breathe. Everything is blurry as the stretcher continues to move. Two paramedics surround me , talking non-stop and giving me promises that I¡¯ll be fine.

    The next minute, I¡¯m in a room with doctors and nurses trying to give me treatments. Gray¡¯s been shot. I can¡¯t even think of losing Gray without telling him he¡¯s gonna be a father soon.

    ¡± What¡¯s happened to Gray?¡± I choke out as a nurse tries to press me back down to steady my breathing.

    ¡± Someone get her an oxygen mask!¡± The doctor yells.

    ¡± She needs a tranquilizer¡­¡± The doctor mutters and snaps at another nurse.

    I feel my hands tremble as the nurse holds me down.

    ¡± Calm down Miss and please take deep breaths.¡± The doctor assures me.

    I can¡¯t speak. It¡¯s been a long time since I had a panic attack and I never thought I would ever have this again. The nurse sent to fetch the tranquilizer returns as the doctor injects me with it. I begin to breathe gently as everything starts to darken. I fight to open my eyes but it doesn¡¯t work, I already cked out.

    ***

    ¡± She¡¯s still sleeping. She had a panic attack earlier and we had to sedate her. She needs rest¡­¡± I blink my eyes to the unfamiliar voice.

    The brightness of the room make me squint my eyes as I open my eyes to a familiar room.

    ¡± She¡¯s awake.¡± Someone says.

    I shut my eyes and reopen them again. Alexa stands close to the door with her arms crossed. She looks like someone who¡¯s been crying earlier. She gives me a faint smile and walks to my bed. A female doctor stands at the left side of my bed with a big smile on her face. Aisha sits close to me on the right side and none of them seem happy except the doctor.

    ¡± What happened?¡± I ask. My voice sounds croak as I look between the two familiar women.

    ¡± You need to rest. You¡¯ve been stressing yourself out and the baby and you need to rest. And eat a lot of food too.¡± The doctor says.

    Aisha nods at the woman as she leaves. Now it¡¯s just Aisha and Alexa.

    ¡± Never knew you were pregnant.¡± Aisha says. Her voice sounds low because of crying I think.

    ¡± Is Gray aware? That you¡¯re pregnant?¡± Aisha asks.

    ¡± I didn¡¯t tell him. I wasn¡¯t prepared for it and now this.¡± I sob.

    ¡± What happened? I passed out after he was shot the third time.¡±

    Alexa sniffles as she wipes her eyes. Aisha sighs too.

    ¡± Your dad was admitted. He¡¯s in this hospital and I hope he will be fine.¡± Aisha says.

    ¡± And Gray? Nick, what about Carl?¡±

    ¡± Ariel¡­¡± Alexa walks to me as she sits on the edge of my bed. She holds my hand in hers as she weeps.

    ¡± What happened?¡±

    ¡± A lot of things happened. I went out with Reid this morning¡­¡±

    ¡± Morning?¡± I ask, confused. It¡¯s dawn already.

    ¡± Yes dear. Whatever happened, happened yesterday¡¯s evening.¡± Aisha says.

    ¡± So what happened?¡± I ask.

    I don¡¯t wanna think negatively or I¡¯ll start panicking again.

    ¡± Reid was shot today when we went out.¡±

    ¡± What?¡±

    ¡± Yes.¡± Alexa answers and continues.¡± Yes. Luckily he was wearing a Ker vest, hopefully the bullets didn¡¯t do a lot of damage. It was the Russians, they said they wanted to end Summit, for good.¡±

    I sigh and nod. Reid is fine, not dead but also hospitalized and safe because he wore a Ker bullet proof vest. What happened to Gray?

    ¡± And¡­¡±

    ¡± Nick¡¯s dead Ariel.¡± She says as she tries to muffle her tears.

    ¡± No.¡±

    ¡± Yes. Nick¡¯s gone. It was a headshot Ariel. Carl died too. A lot of bullets were found in his body. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on, this is getting messed up.¡±

    Oh no.

    I killed Nick.

    ¡± Ariel, breathe. Oh , God, not another panic attack.¡± Aisha says as she slowly taps my cheek.

    ¡± He took a bullet for me. Nick died because of me. I killed him. Oh my God. Where¡¯s Gray?¡± I wail loudly.

    The door opens as Manny, Cage and Ace walk in.

    ¡± What the fuck is happening?¡± Manny asks and rushes to my side.

    ¡± Panic attack?¡± Ace asks as he holds my wrist.

    ¡± Ariel, breathe. Calm down. Take deep breaths and you¡¯ll be fine.¡± They assure me.

    I nod and start to inhale and exhale. It worked as I take in a deep breath.

    ¡± How could they kill Nick and Carl? What happened to Gray?¡± I ask the guys and no one¡¯s willing to speak.

    ¡± We don¡¯t know if he¡¯s dead or alive. Gray¡¯s missing Ariel.¡± Alexa answers.

    ¡± What! Is that true Manny?¡± He nods.

    ¡± He couldn¡¯t be found. Not a trace, just his blood. Someone called 911 when the shootout happened. They came as fast as possible. They couldn¡¯t find Gray.¡± Manny exins.

    ¡± And the NYPD was here.¡± Aisha states.

    ¡± What for?¡± I ask.

    ¡± They are trying to investigate what¡¯s going on. The police think this is an illegal war and they are suspecting Gray is into narcotics. They need proof.¡±

    ¡± This is the second time Gray¡¯s been shot at the minimum of two weeks. They think something is up. One of the Russians was shot , police made a chase and captured the bruised guy. Checked his body and saw the Russian Mafia symbol. A tattoo.¡± Manny says.

    ¡± This is stupid.¡± I mutter and try to sit up. They helped me up.

    ¡± How are you feeling?¡± Cage asks. He hadn¡¯t said a word since.

    ¡± I¡¯m not fine at all. I don¡¯t know how to exin it.¡± I say. My voice is trying to fail me again.

    ¡± This shit needs to end.¡± Manny says as he blows out his breath.

    ¡± How are you willing to end this?¡± Ace asks.

    ¡± This is a Mafia fight. We are gonna need a lead. Gray¡¯s nowhere to be found. He¡¯s the boss here. Can¡¯t even tell if he¡¯s dead or not.¡± Manny says as Alexa ps his arm.

    ¡± You don¡¯t have to say that in front of her. You don¡¯t wanna give her a panic attack again. I believe he¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡± He was shot thrice. He was barely healing from the first shot before this three shot again. I can¡¯t lose Gray.¡± I say and sob.

    ¡± It¡¯s okay.¡± Aisha assures me as she confronts me.

    The door to my room opens as two NYPD officers walks inside. One of them wears a ck dress shirt in his grey colored cks and the other wears his uniform.

    ¡± Good day everyone.¡± The man with the dress shirt greets.¡± My name is inspector Collins and this is my assistant, officer Baron.¡±

    ¡± Nice to meet you.¡± only Aisha responds.

    ¡± We¡¯d love to speak with the patient please.¡± Baron says and smiles at us. I roll my eyes. Why are they here? To ask me if Gray is into illegal drugs and arms or what?

    Everyone looks at me for approval to leave. I nod and give them a small smile. They turn around and begin to leave one after the other.

    ¡± You¡¯ll be okay, right?¡± Aisha asks and I nod.

    ¡± Thanks.¡± I voice out.

    She smiles, squeezes my hand a little, and leaves too. Once the door is shut , inspector Collins walks to my bed.

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry about what happened.¡± He says and sits down on the chair Aisha was upying earlier. I don¡¯t respond.

    ¡± Hope you¡¯re getting better?¡± He asks again. I turn to look at him and nod curtly.

    He sighs and nods.¡± We are here because of what happened yesterday. At the diner.¡±

    ¡± What happened?¡±

    ¡± You guys were shot at. Do you know who?¡±

    I shake my head sideways.

    ¡± Just a vehicle and hands tucked out of the window and started firing a gun. I don¡¯t know what you want but I¡¯m not in the mood to talk about this.¡±

    ¡± Gray went missing Ariel.¡± He says it like it¡¯s nothing. I sniffle and draw back my tears.

    ¡± We want to help look for him.¡±

    ¡± We don¡¯t need your help.¡±

    ¡± You care about him, don¡¯t you?¡± He asks and I don¡¯t answer.

    ¡± We found out among the shot victims was Mr Sinir Daxton, CEO of Sinir and Co. Found out yesterday he was your father and you were having dinner with him and Gray outside a diner. We chased down the car of the gun-men and we managed to catch one of these guys. He works with the Mafia, Ms Ariel. Do you know if Gray got involved with illegal people and they went after his life.¡±

    ¡± No.¡± I answer dismissively.

    ¡± What makes you think they are after his life? This is his second shot in less than two weeks.¡±

    ¡± I know right? I don¡¯t know who wants him dead and why the Russian mafia wants to kill him. I think maybe his business rivals sent a member of a Mafia toe after Gray. Gray doesn¡¯t deal with illegal people. I can¡¯t speak more than this. I need a nap.¡± I say and shut my eyes hoping this officer leaves and thankfully they did.

    ?????

    I stand on my balcony and absently stare at the city. It¡¯s been four days since I got discharged. No news from Gray or where he is. My dad¡¯s in aa , Reid¡¯s taking treatments and he¡¯s hospitalized and Nick is dead. The news of Nick dying because of me hurts me a lot. If he didn¡¯t take that bullet for me, nothing would have happened. And to think about Gray¡¯s disappearance, I¡¯m slowly starting to feel depressed.

    I lost my appetite and I can¡¯t eat. I¡¯ve been throwing uptely each time I try to eat something because of the baby and it¡¯s fruitless. My stomach hurts a little as I rush to the bathroom to throw out my nerves. I stare at my reflection on the mirror above the sink as I throw up again. I can¡¯t even remember when Ist ate something. I think it¡¯s almost two days now. Alexa was always around making sure I¡¯m fine and doing okay. I told her not to tell Brandon and Piper about what happened. I can¡¯t exin to them the man I fell in love with works with the Mafia. That¡¯s a total disaster.

    I turn on the tap to wash my face. I wipe my face with my hand and go to my bedroom. I walk past the full length mirror in my room as I stop to stare at my reflection. I walk toward it and look down at the pendant hanging down my neck. I¡¯ve got bags underneath my eyes and sigh.

    ¡± Tinkerbell.¡± I read out the name he usually calls me on the pendant.

    A tear slip out of my eyes as I rush to my nightstand. I squat and pull out the drawers to look for the ring he gave me. It¡¯s like he knew things like this were gonna happen. He knew he was gonna get shot to the extent of going missing. He knew it. I twirl the ring between my forefinger and thumb as I stare at the diamond. He promised he was gonna be back. That no matter what happened and he¡¯s gone for now, he was gonnae back.

    I smile at the promise ring Gray gave me as tears slide down my cheek. He will be back. Angels don¡¯t die, right? He can¡¯t just leave without knowing about his son. Our son. I wipe my eyes and slide the ring down my middle finger. I raise my hand up and admire the ring. Moskov really went far. They took my mom and now my lover and my dad. To the extent of taking the lives of people I cared about. This is ending and I¡¯m gonna end it.

    The doorbell rings as I get up to open the door. Alexa stands outside looking sad as always. It hurts her a lot about Nick¡¯s death. It¡¯s like a dream to her. Despite the fact that they had a rtionship before Reid, Nick was one of the best guys she has ever met. And he was a good friend too, to me as well. She walks in holding bags of take out. She drops the food on the counter at the kitchen andes back to the living room. She wraps her arms around my shoulders and embraces me. I cry in her arms as she caresses my hair.

    ¡± It¡¯s okay. Everything will be fine.¡±

    I nod in her embrace and pull back. She wipes my tears as we sit on the couch. I pull my knees to my chest and hold my head in my hand.

    ¡± What are we gonna do?¡± Alexa asks.¡± Manny and the others want to start a real war with the Russian mafia but they need a lead. I don¡¯t even know what to do right now. They still can¡¯t find Gray.¡± Alexa says.

    ¡± We need to end this. If we don¡¯t , they won and they can¡¯t win.¡± I say and turn to look at Alexa.

    She chuckles sadly.¡± It¡¯s not as easy as you think. We can¡¯t just start a fight with them. Nobody knows where the fuck that retarded bastard is hiding.¡±

    ¡± You dated dimir right?¡±

    ¡± We fucked, there was nothing romantic about it.¡±

    ¡± What was his best underground club?¡±

    ¡± What?¡± She looks at me and stares at me in disbelief.

    ¡± There are many of them.¡±

    ¡± He¡¯s got a favorite. There must be this favorite club where he likes to hang out when there is trouble. Probably for hiding.¡±

    She taps her fingers on her thighs like who¡¯s thinking.

    ¡± There might be one.¡±

    ¡± There might be?¡±

    ¡± Ariel, yes. He¡¯s got one. He owns a club and Moskov took over from his brother.¡±

    ¡± We¡¯re going there.¡± I say at once. She darts her head to look at me like I¡¯ve gone insane.

    ¡± No, you¡¯re not.¡±

    ¡± Yes we¡¯re.¡± I gesture to the both of us with my finger.

    ¡± No Ariel.¡± She stands up at once.¡± Babe, you¡¯re pregnant. With Gray¡¯s baby. There might be a probability with Gray¡¯s disappearance. What if he¡¯s dead and the baby is the only thing you¡¯ve got of him. You can¡¯t risk the baby. And going to a Russian club to fuckin shoot at Moskov is impossible. That¡¯s a suicide attempt.¡±

    ¡± First , we¡¯re not going to shoot Moskov in his club. You and I know he can¡¯t be there. dimir¡¯s right hand man is Moskov¡¯s present right hand man. I believe when you were dating sh fucking d, his right hand man hangs around.¡±

    ¡± Yes. Alejandro. That¡¯s his name.¡±

    ¡± dimir¡¯s right hand man?¡±

    ¡± Yes. What¡¯s your n Ariel? You¡¯re trying to risk your life.¡±Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    ¡± And I don¡¯t mind. I have lost enough people already. They took my mom Alexa. My father¡¯s in aa. My boyfriend is missing after being shot thrice and now what, Nick is dead. You want us to sit back and let them kill us one after the other?¡±

    She opens her mouth to speak but closes them.

    ¡± Reid¡¯s also in the hospital. Every single person that we love is hurt and I¡¯m not gonna sit back and do nothing.¡±

    ¡± What¡¯s your n? Storm into their club?¡±

    ¡± Yes and find Alejandro. He¡¯s gonna tell us where to find moskov.¡±

    ¡± And what if he doesn¡¯t say a word?¡±

    ¡± Stop being a chicken. Who¡¯s the closest person in his life?¡± I ask.

    ¡± He¡¯s got a son. He¡¯s ten years old.¡±

    ¡± Good. We¡¯ve got a bait then. What does he like his bitches to be?¡±

    ¡± Strippers. He likes strippers a lot and the club is a strip club too.¡±

    ¡± Then strippers we shall be. We¡¯re going shopping. We need more guns and a good disguise¡­¡±

 Chapter 106

    I sit opposite Alexa on the kitchen stool as she goes about her n on Alejandro. My phone rings and I pick it up from the countertop. My heartbeat stops at the caller ID. Oh God, what am I supposed to tell her?

    ¡± What? Who¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡± Mia.¡±

    ¡± Holy fuck.¡± She sighs and runs her fingers through her hair.

    ¡± What am I supposed to tell her? I¡¯m just gonna break it once I hear her voice. She¡¯s obviously gonna ask me where Gray is and I¡¯ll start crying again.¡± I say. I haven¡¯t talked to her and I¡¯m about to sob.

    ¡± Just calm down and act normal.¡±

    I nod and take several deep breaths as I answer the call.

    ¡± Oh my God Ariel. How are you?¡± She asks on the phone.

    I inhale and sigh. I wipe a tear that slip out of my eyes at once.

    ¡± I¡¯m good, Mia. How are you?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m fine. How¡¯s the baby? Hope you¡¯re eating well? Pregnancy is worse than a heavy toll. Have you started medications and doctors appointments?¡±

    Talking of which. I haven¡¯t. I still can¡¯t bear the news of Gray missing. This doesn¡¯t feel right.

    ¡± The baby is doing okay too. My doctor appointment starts next week. School has taken a lot of my timetely.¡±

    ¡± Oh dear. I know school is important but your health is more important. Do you eat?¡±

    Can¡¯t tell her I haven¡¯t eaten anything since her son got shot and announced missing. This feels like a nightmare each time I think about it.

    ¡± Yeah. I¡¯ve eaten. I do eat sometimes even when I don¡¯t have an appetite.¡±

    ¡± Are you okay?¡± She asks on the phone, noticing my voice.

    ¡± Yeah, I¡¯m fine Mia.¡±

    ¡± Is Gray looking after you? You know what type of son he is.¡±

    ¡± Yeah, he¡¯s been good.¡±

    ¡± Is he there with you? I¡¯ve been calling his phone and he¡¯s not answering.¡±

    ¡± Uh¡­¡± I mute the call at once and turn to look at Alexa for help.

    ¡± What am I supposed to tell her?¡±

    ¡± She¡¯s gonna freak out and have mom sickness if you tell her Gray got shot three times four days ago at a dinner date with your father. And now he¡¯s missing and nowhere to be found. Don¡¯t let her freak out Ariel.¡±

    I sniffle and clean my eyes as I unmute the call.

    ¡± Ariel, are you there?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. The reception is kinda crappy. Yeah , he¡¯s fine. He¡¯s been good.¡± I lie and I hate it.

    ¡± Alright, dear. Do tell me if he starts acting like a dick. I¡¯ll make sure I discipline him.¡±

    ¡± Sure, Mia.¡±

    ¡± Do take care of yourself, will you?¡±

    I nod.¡± Yeah. I will take care of myself.¡±

    She giggles on the phone before hanging up.

    ¡± This is insane.¡± I mutter and drop my phone.

    ¡± Ariel, you need to eat something. Whatever thing you¡¯re nning to do needs food. The baby needs food.¡±

    ¡± Gray is missing Alexa after being shot. Where¡¯s the appetite gonnae from?¡± I sob.

    ¡± Ariel.¡± Alexa stands up from her feet and cuddles me. I cry into her chest as she caresses my hair.

    ¡± It¡¯s okay. He¡¯s gonnae back. Gray will be back, alright. He¡¯s a strong man and I¡¯m sure of that.¡±

    ¡± I know, right? There¡¯s always this doubt. Like I don¡¯t trust myself anymore. I can¡¯t lose him.¡±

    ¡± Shh¡­¡± she shushes me.

    ¡± Breathe. You wanna pay the Russians a visit, you know you can¡¯t do this with all these emotions intact. You need to be strong for Gray and the baby.¡±

    ¡± I can¡¯t. I can¡¯t do this anymore.¡± I pull away from her and clean my eyes.

    ¡± You need food, you don¡¯t want to fall sick.¡± She says and opens the Chinese food. She hands me my chopsticks and gestures for me to take it.

    ¡± Ariel, please, you need to eat. You said you can¡¯t stand and watch the murderers of the people who we love go scot free. You need food to make that wishe true. Now eat up.¡± She says and looks up at her.

    ¡± I bet he gave you that promise ring¡­¡± she says and points the chopsticks to the ring in my finger.

    I sigh and nod.

    ¡± Good. Then you shouldn¡¯t doubt your man. He¡¯ll be back for you and Gray junior, okay. Please eat.¡±

    I smile and nod. She giggles at me and gives me the chopsticks. I take it and she wipes my eyes and pat my hair.

    ¡± Now that¡¯s a good girl.¡±

    ¡± What¡¯s your n in finding Alejandro?¡± She asks and opens her own Chinese food.

    ¡± Stripper.¡±

    ¡± You wanna impersonate a stripper?¡± Alexa asks in disbelief and scoffs.¡± You can¡¯t do that. You wanna be a stripper. You¡¯ve never stripped once in your life.¡±

    ¡± You wanna do it? Dance round the pole and make sure Alejandro notices you.¡±

    ¡± I dated dimir, remember? What if he notices me amidst my disguise.¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s why I need to do it.¡±

    ¡± I can¡¯t let you be a stripper. I want you to stand guard.¡±

    I sh her a big smile.¡± Yes, boss.¡±

    ****

    I walk down the hospital¡¯s hallway and stop in front of my father¡¯s room. I slowly open the door and peek inside. Aisha sits on the chair next to him and Cage¡¯s father stands close to his bed.

    ¡± Really princess¡­¡± I jolt and turn around, startled at the voice.

    ¡± Jeez, Cage.¡± I chuckle softly and run my right hand down my arm.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay? Sorry I startled you like that.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s fine.¡± I breathe out as we step inside the room. De Luca and Aisha look up at us as we enter.

    Aisha¡¯s face beams with a smile once she sees me.

    ¡± Hi Aisha. Hello De Luca.¡± I say.

    Aisha returns my greeting but De Luca only grunts and nods. How did he be Cage¡¯s father?

    ¡± Any improvement?¡±

    ¡± Nothing. Still in aa.¡± Aisha says holding dad¡¯s hand.

    I sigh and breathe out.

    ¡± Why did the Russians have to shoot him?¡± De Luca asks.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know. Maybe because he was trying to defend me.¡±

    ¡± You did this to him, you know that right? The Russians will never start a war with us. You brought Gray to that dinner of yours and now he¡¯s in aa.¡± De Luca abuses.

    What is he saying?

    ¡± Dad, stop. It was a normal dinner night with father and daughter. You shouldn¡¯t me her for anything that happened.¡± Cage defends me.

    ¡± Oh really? You know everyone hates Gray and yet you brought him along because of what? You want to stop whatever thing that transpired between your little sweet boyfriend and your dad. I mean I know you¡¯re naive but I didn¡¯t expect you to be this naive.¡±

    ¡± De Luca stop.¡± Aisha says.

    ¡± Stop it okay.¡± Aisha adds.

    Cage scoffs and walks out of the room.

    ¡± What did the doctor say, Aisha?¡± I ask and hug myself.

    ¡± Same thing. He said your dad might sleep for a month or so except he¡¯s willing to fight it.¡± She says. I exhale sharply and bite my lip.

    Sleep for a month?

    So what¡¯s gonna happen to Gray?

    Where¡¯s he right now?

    I turn my back on them and walk out of the room. I can¡¯t take it. I¡¯m about to break down. I sob and bite my lip when someone wrap their arms around my shoulder. I breathe in the scent and it¡¯s Cage. I badly wish it was Gray.

    ¡± It¡¯s okay.¡± He whispers.

    I nod and wipe my eyes.¡± Thanks Cage.¡±

    ¡± So what¡¯s your n? Heard from Gray about his disappearance? He¡¯s been out for days now.¡±

    ¡± Nothing. And I¡¯m getting worried.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s okay. I think he will be back. You should think positive.¡±

    I look at him and smile.

    ¡± Thank you.¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s the least I can do to help. I¡¯m sorry about my dad. He¡¯s always an ass. Sorry about how he spoke earlier.¡±

    ¡± Yeah. He¡¯s just being paranoid. It¡¯s not his fault.¡±

    Nick died because of me. Maybe if I didn¡¯t make Graye with me to have dinner with my dad, this might not have happened. I feel like I caused this.

    ¡± Hey, this isn¡¯t your fault okay.¡±

    And just that assurance, I burst into tears again.

    ¡± Come here.¡± He pulls me to himself and rubs soothing promises on my arm.

    ¡± Whatever happened, happened for its own purpose. It wasn¡¯t your fault alright?¡±

    I nod in his arm and clean my eyes. This is so embarrassing. Can¡¯t believe I¡¯d cry like this in a hospital¡¯s hallway.

    ¡± Thanks Cage.¡±

    ¡± Sure thing.¡±

    I pull away and rub my hand down my arms.

    ¡± I gotta go check on Alexa.¡±

    ¡± Be Careful.¡±

    I nod and give him a small smile as I walk down the hallway to Reid¡¯s room. I bet he would be dead too by now if it wasn¡¯t for a bulletproof vest. I knock on Reid¡¯s room and enter. Alexa sits on his bed with their fingers intwine. Now I¡¯m jealous.

    ¡± Have you been crying?¡± Reid asks.

    I sigh and shake my head sideways.

    ¡± I¡¯m fine, thanks. How are you?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m good. I¡¯m healing.¡±

    ¡± I can see that.¡±

    I stuff my hands inside my jeans back pocket and bite my lip.

    ¡± I don¡¯t think he¡¯s dead , Ariel. Gray doesn¡¯t give up on anything and that includes death.¡±

    ¡± But where¡¯s he?¡± I ask.

    ¡± He might be anywhere Ariel. He¡¯ll be fine and he¡¯ll be back.¡± He assures me.

    The promise ring is the only thing that is keeping me going. I always remember his word , his promises that he won¡¯t leave. Even if he does, he¡¯s gonnae back. I can¡¯t raise a baby without a father. Without Gray, my world will just be worthless.

    ¡± Ready?¡±

    ¡± Ready for what?¡± Reid asks.

    ¡± We¡¯re going shopping. She needs the air.¡± Alexa says and stands up.

    ¡± Are you sure it¡¯s safe? You should get Manny or even Spencer to drive you out.¡±

    ¡± We will be fine on our own.¡± Alexa says and kisses him on the cheek. A quick peck.

    ¡± When will you be out, Reid?¡± I ask him.

    ¡± Tomorrow. So says the doctor.¡±

    I smile at him and nod.

    ¡± You¡¯re ready, princess?¡±

    ¡± Yeah, sure.¡± I reply as she locks her arms with mine as we leave.

    ?????

    I stare at my reflection in the mirror and run my fingers down the wig. I don¡¯t know why I chose red. Alexa says whoever we¡¯re impersonating is a redhead and she¡¯s supposed to be stripping at dimir¡¯s strip club tomorrow. I run a littleb down the bangs that sits on my forehead. I drop theb and brush the wig. Alexa walks into my room and stands next to me as she stares at her reflection. She wears a grey colored bob wig with extra heavy makeup. Her eyes are ck and I hate to admit it she looks a little different with her red lipstick and blue lens.

    ¡± I hope this goes as nned or else we¡¯re fucked .¡± She says and I chuckle.

    ¡± This is for the ones we love and lost because of a stupid drug deal. We¡¯re putting an end to this.¡± I say and apply my own red lipstick. Green lens looks good on me.

    ¡± We look like sluts.¡± She says and I chuckle.

    I put on thickshes and blink my eyes several times. With a final touch of eyeshadow, my eyes look darker than normal. So much for being a stripper. She throws an ID on top of the dresser and I pick it up.

    ¡± Francesca Petrov. A lot of weird names.¡± I say and look at Alexa.

    ¡± That¡¯s you for tonight.¡± She says and walks to my bed to open up the duffel bag.

    I got the gun from Gray¡¯s mansion after telling Manny half of the n. I step on my stilettos and grab my peach peacoat. I put it on and pick up a switch de, tucking it inside the garter I¡¯m wearing.

    ¡± What if we don¡¯t seed?¡± Alexa asks.

    ¡± Where¡¯s my holy water? I bind away every bad energy and negativity. We gon¡¯ seed, alright?¡± I say as Alexa loads her two guns.

    ¡± Amen.¡± She answers and smiles.

    I load my own guns and tuck them inside my peacoat. I tie the strap together and turn to look at Alexa. She picks up her ck peacoat and tucks her guns inside.

    ¡± Let¡¯s get the fuck outta here.¡±

    I nod and allow her to lead the way.

    ¡± You can fake an ent right?¡± She asks.

    ¡± Russian?¡±

    ¡± Yup.¡±

    I chuckle as we walk out of my apartment.

    ¡± I will give it a shot.¡±

    ¡ã¡ã¡ã¡ã

    Alexa parks her car outside the strip club as we step out. As expected, two men with ck suits and sunsses stand outside. We put up our biggest smile as we approach them.

    ¡± IDs please?¡± One of them asks.

    ¡± Sure.¡± I say , making sure there¡¯s a little ent.

    I open my purse and give him while Alexa gives the other guy her ID.

    ¡±  Francesca Petrov? I thought you didn¡¯t have a strip show till tomorrow?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. I¡¯m here for a friend.¡± I say and point my thumb to Alexa who¡¯s chewing a gun.

    ¡± Monica.¡± The other guy says.

    ¡± That¡¯s me.¡± Alexa chirps in.

    The men gives us back our IDs and pave the way for us to enter. I sh the man a smile as we enter. Loud music attacks my ears once we¡¯re inside.

    ¡± So we¡¯re splitting?¡± I ask as we look around.

    ¡± Yeah. Have fun at the bar while I go to the strip room.¡±

    I nod at her as we part ways.

    ¡± Mic check, Alex.¡±

    ¡± Tink.¡± She giggles from the earpiece.

    ¡± Don¡¯t get drunk.¡± She whispers.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    ¡± Be Careful.¡± I say and stride to the bar.

    I sit on the empty stool and call the attention of the bartender.

    ¡± Water, please?¡±

    ¡± Alright, ma¡¯am.¡± He smiles and leaves. I look around the club and the podium. A stripper with little clothing dances around the men as two other strippers give the audience ap dance.

    ¡± Water,dy.¡±

    I turn to look at the bartender and smile at him.

    ¡± Thank you.¡± I collect the bottle of water from him and pay.

    I look back at these horny men as one of them ps a stripper¡¯s butt. He brings out money and tuck it inside the stripper¡¯s panties. So gross. Thank God , I¡¯m not stripping. Alexa was right, I was just gonna freak out and ruin everything.

    The strippers leave the stage and someone walks in. Shit Alexa. She smiles at the men and they smile back. Horny freaks. I follow her line of stare and itnds on a man. He wears a ck dress shirt and he¡¯s sitting opposite the stage with legs wide open and a stripper on hisp. Thank God for the mask she is wearing.

    ¡± Hello beautiful.¡± A man says beside me. I turn to look at him and it¡¯s obvious he¡¯s in the Russian Mafia. Pricks.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry I have a boyfriend.¡± I said in a Russian poor ent.

    ¡± I¡¯m willing to pay double.¡±

    ¡± Not tonight, Mr. I have a boyfriend.¡± I say through clench teeth.

    He stares at me and scoffs.¡± Bitch.¡± He mutters and leaves.

    I look back at Alexa and she¡¯s already spinning round the pole. Alejandro already pushes the stripper away from hisp and his full focus was on Alexa. She takes slow strides to his form and straddles hisp. I see him suck in a deep breath as she dances on him. She kisses his neck and stands up and walks back to the pole to continue her spinning. Men already started throwing money on the stage.

    ¡± Francesca¡­¡± Ady calls my name. I actually forgot I¡¯m supposed to be Francesca tonight.

    I turn to look at this petitedy with her extremely dark hair. She¡¯s ugly.

    ¡± You visited the club all the way from LA. You look a little different, maybe because of your hair.¡±

    ¡± Yeah.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re stripping tomorrow, right?¡±

    ¡± Yes.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna need you in the inner room. You¡¯ll be making a lot of cash today. Alejandro needs a strip dance and he¡¯s paying three thousand grand.¡±

    ¡± What?¡±

    ¡± Yes. He needs Monica too. Both of you.¡±

    Bingo.

    ¡± Let¡¯s go.¡± I drop my bottle of water on the counter and follow her. We walk down a quiet hallway and stop right in front of a room. A man stands outside as the petite women ushers me in and leaves. Oh my God, I¡¯m nervous.

    I smile at the stiff man and walk in. Alejandro smokes a cigarette as he looks down at me down. Oh my God, he¡¯s ruthless.

    ¡± Alright, Ariel, you can do this. You can be a seductress.¡± I give myself a pep talk.

    ¡± I¡¯m waiting.¡± he says and tosses away the cigarette.

    ¡± Distract him Ariel while I take out this dick in front of the room.¡± Alexa speaks through the mic.

    I take in an invisible deep breath and walk slowly to Alejandro¡¯s form. I bite my lip and run my hand down his chest.

    ¡± Impress me¡­¡± he says.

    I smirk and gently push him down on the chair behind him. His eyes are filled with lust and he¡¯s obviously aroused. What a prick. He reaches to grab my waist but I gently swat his hands away. I lean on him and run my fingers down his body as I kiss his neck. He breathes in sharply and squirm. I remove his tie and smirk at him.

    ¡± Let¡¯s y dirty, yes?¡±

    He chuckles and nods impatiently. I wrap both his hands with his tie and tie him against the chair. I look at him with a smirk and his eyes meet mine.

    ¡± You look more pretty than I remember.¡±

    ¡± You like the change, don¡¯t you?¡± I whisper and bite my bottom lip as I tie his wrist tightly.

    He winces a little at the force and smirks.¡± A lot.¡±

    I hear a thud outside and grunts follow. Alejandro is too upied with my looks to notice. I pull away from him and re at him.

    ¡± What princess?¡± He asks.

    I pull out my gun as Alexa walks in, guns already drawn out.

    ¡± What the fuck is going on?¡±

    ¡± Your funeral, you piece of shit.¡± Alexa hisses and ms her gun across Alejandro¡¯s face.

    ¡± The fuck bitch.¡± He cusses.

    ¡± Gray. Where the fuck is Gray?¡± I ask him.

    He stays quiet a minute and stares at both of us for a long time. Alexa aims her gun at him and cocks it.

    ¡± Oh I get it. You¡¯re not Francesca and Monica. Gray¡¯s little bitches.¡± He chuckles.

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna shoot you on the balls and no one¡¯s gonna hear it. Now talk.¡± Alexa demands.

    ¡± Your man is fuckin dead and you know it.¡± Heughs and I angrily punch him.

    ¡± Talk. Where. The. Fuck. Is. Gray?¡± I ask him, gripping his jaw and pointing the gun at him.

    ¡± Take a look at the barrel. It¡¯s got a silencer on. No one¡¯s gonna hear a thing.¡± I tell him and he smirks.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know. Thest time I saw your man was in his own pool of blood outside that fancy diner four days ago.¡± He chuckles.

    ¡± He went missing you fuckhead. No body, just blood and it¡¯s got no trace.¡±

    ¡± Ooh. Don¡¯t tell me he survived it.¡± I push his face and blow out my breath.

    He can¡¯t be dead right?

    ¡± Where¡¯s Moskov?¡± Alexa asks.

    ¡± You thought because you two little bitches are pointing guns at me and I¡¯m gonna spill. You must be fucking crazy.¡± He says and tries to pull away from the chair.

    Alexa rolls her eyes and shoots his arm. He winces and groans.

    ¡± Alejandro¡­¡± A male voice says as he walks into the room.

    Iunch at him with a punch as I pull out my knife and stab him on the neck. He groans and holds his bleeding neck. I cock the gun and shoot him in the head.

    ¡± You, talk now.¡± I say to Alejandro and aim my gun at him.

    ¡± Fuck you.¡±

    ¡± We know you¡¯re gonna say it.¡± Alexa smirks and pulls out her phone. She shows her screen to Alejandro and he flinches at once.

    ¡± His name is Paulo. He¡¯s ten years old and he stays with his mama , Bianca. He attends windrich highschool and he¡¯s a fifth grader. The school bus picks him up everyday and his mom drives him back home. They live at 17 , Elm Street.¡± Alexa says as his face flushes with anger.

    ¡± Now are you gonna talk or not?¡± I ask him with a smirk.

    ¡± Don¡¯t you dare hurt my son.¡± He chokes out.

    ¡± Where¡¯s Moskov? Or we¡¯re gonna pay Bianca a visit and take your son for a ride.¡± I ask him.

    Alejandro breathes in as he weighs his options.

    ¡± There¡¯s a warehouse close to the end of the city in Buffalo. It¡¯s an underground warehouse and it¡¯s highly guarded with close to sixty men. There¡¯s a casino inside and a club. Moskov owns it and he¡¯s been residing there.¡±

    ¡± How can we find him?¡±

    ¡± Once you sessfully pass the guards and enter the casino. There¡¯s a door at your left , a man always stands in front of it to stop people like you from getting in. Go through that door and I hope you survive. Because it¡¯s fully armed.¡± He says.

    ¡± Good boy.¡± Alexa blows him kisses and we turn to leave.

    ¡± Who¡¯s gonna untie me you fuckin bitch?¡± He asks through clench teeth.

    ¡± You won¡¯t be needing it by the way.¡± We say as we pull the trigger.

 Chapter 107

    ¡± Oh my God¡­¡± I groan and rush into my bathroom to throw up.

    I rest both hands on the edge of the sink and puke out whatever thing I ate. What is this called, baby sickness?

    I breathe in and out and look up at my reflection.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay in there?¡± Alexa calls out.

    ¡± Yeah. I¡¯m just having baby sickness I think.¡±

    ¡± Baby sickness? What the fuck is that?¡± Alexa asks and walks into the bathroom.

    I turn on the faucet to let it rinse out my vomit as I wash my hands.

    ¡± I think it¡¯s because of Alejandro. We killed someone.¡±

    ¡± Seriously? You regret that now?¡± She asks. I turn off the tap and turn to look at her.

    ¡± I didn¡¯t mean that. Maybe it upset the baby.¡± I shrug as she chuckles.

    Iugh and walk to her as we walk out of the bathroom to my room. I remove my peacoat and toss it on the couch. Alexa pushes the drapes aside to reveal the city below.

    ¡± Damn. That was crazy. At first, I thought we were gonna be fucked.¡± I say and remove my wig.

    ¡± I thought about that too. Dying miserably.¡± Alexa says and we chuckle.

    ¡± What¡¯s our next n? Alejandro said Moskov is in his warehouse in Buffalo. Which means we¡¯re driving to Buffalo?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. You wanna walk?¡± She smirks at me as she removes her wig. I roll my eyes and chuckle at her.

    ¡± We don¡¯t even know where the warehouse is located.¡±

    I sigh and pull off my shoes.

    ¡± I¡¯ve got an idea.¡± I announce and smile at her.

    My phone rings and I pull it out from my peacoat. I swipe the answer icon and press the phone against my ear.

    ¡± Kennedy?¡±

    ¡± Ariel¡­¡±

    I giggle and remove my other shoe.

    ¡± How are you?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m not fine, you don¡¯t care about me anymore. Including Gray. He promised he was gonna take me out with you and yet he didn¡¯t call to check on me or visit me again. You didn¡¯t even call either. I¡¯m so mad at you.¡±

    I sigh and drop my shoes next to the other one close to the couch.

    ¡± Kenny, I¡¯m so sorry. I¡¯ve been pretty upiedtely¡­¡±

    ¡± I knew you were gonna say that.¡± She points out and I giggle.

    ¡± Alright, how can I make it up to you?¡±

    ¡± Come visit me with Jamal.¡±

    Damn, Gray.

    What on earth are you?

    ¡± Gray¡¯s not around.¡± I say. A tear threatens to slip out of my eyes. I blink my eyes rapidly and sigh.

    ¡± Did he travel again?¡± She asks.

    Alexa looks at me with her brows furrowed and gestures to my phone with a look that simply means ¡®what¡¯s going on?¡¯

    ¡± Yeah. He traveled. But he will be back soon. Where are you at? Mom or dad?¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m with Mom. I want you toe visit me Ariel.¡±

    ¡± Yeah, sure. Can you text me the address, I¡¯m gonnae over.¡±

    ¡± Yes¡­ ¡± she squeals and I can hear her giggle.

    ¡± Honey, who are you talking to?¡± I hear Jhene¡¯s voice in the background.

    ¡± It¡¯s Ariel.¡±

    ¡± Why are you speaking with her?¡± Jhene asks on the phone.

    ¡± You should quit hating mom.¡± Kennedy says. ¡± Ariel, are you still there?¡±

    ¡± Yeah. Text the address, will you?¡±

    ¡± Sure.¡± She giggles and hangs up.

    I puff out my breath and keep my phone on the couch.

    ¡± Kennedy?¡±

    ¡± Yes..¡± I breathe out and run my hands down my hair.

    ¡± She wanted me toe with Gray.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m just wondering how they are gonna react when they find out Gray Carter was shot and he¡¯s gone missing.¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t know Alexa.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna be truthful to you Ariel, they are gonna feel bad. And the point is what if he doesn¡¯te back?¡±

    I look up at her and blink back the tears.

    ¡± He¡¯s gonnae back, alright?¡±

    She sighs and stands up from my bed. She walks to the couch and sits next to me.

    ¡± Was he doing fine before the shot?¡±

    I nod.

    ¡± Yeah, he was fine. He was doing okay and he was strong. Gray is a strong man. He might not like to say he¡¯s got an allergy but he hates hospitals. He hates acting sick too.¡± I tell her.

    ¡± Where was he shot? Was he wearing any Ker vest at all?¡± She asks and that didn¡¯t ring a bell earlier.

    ¡± Ker vest, I don¡¯t know about that. I didn¡¯t see him get dressed. And about where he was shot, first was his shoulder, and his chest, his pec actually. And then¡­ I don¡¯t really know thest spot. I think it¡¯s his ankle.¡±

    ¡± Damn. That pec shot it¡¯s kinda risky. It¡¯s like a 50/50 chance Ariel. He is gonna be fine if the shot isn¡¯t close to his heart. The ankle and shoulder that¡¯s not really big but the chest. Jeez. What if he¡¯s in aa as we¡¯re speaking?¡±

    ¡± Coma? But where?¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s the issue, nobody knows. He¡¯ll be fine, I¡¯m pretty sure of that.¡± She says and wraps her arms around me as she pulls me to herself.

    ¡± It¡¯s okay alright. Gray will be back. I¡¯m really sure he¡¯s in aa somewhere and he¡¯s gonna be fine. We should start drawing maps and ns on how to light Moskov out for good.¡±

    I chuckle and wrap my arms around Alexa¡¯s torso.

    ¡± Thanks, Alexa. I truly owe you.¡±

    ¡± Alright, breathe sister. That¡¯s my responsibility alright. You¡¯re my responsibility, if I don¡¯t look out for you, no one will.¡± She says and I smile.

    ¡± Thank you.¡± I say and pull away from her.

    ¡± What¡¯s up with Leslie?¡± I ask.

    ¡± She¡¯s about to put to bed, I suppose.¡± She winks at me.

    ¡± Yeah. I should probably pay her a visit soon.¡±

    She scoffs and stands up.

    ¡± I¡¯m starving. You¡¯re hungry?¡± Alexa asks as she removes her peacoat.

    ¡± Yeah. I¡¯m really starving.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m gonna cook something.¡± She says and leaves.

    ?????

    I lean my head against the car seat as Alexa sings to Rihanna¡¯s ¡®pour it up¡¯ Alexa parks the car opposite a shopping mall as we look around. I push down my sunsses a little and look around.

    ¡± What makes you think he¡¯s gonna be here?¡± I ask Alexa as she turns down the volume of the music.

    ¡± Trust me he will. I¡¯m pretty sure Moskov has received the death of his right hand man and he¡¯s already freaking out.¡± She says and pushes up her sunsses to rest on her hair.

    After I visited Kennedy yesterday, Alexa and I spent time on how to find Moskov¡¯s warehouse. As usual, Jhene wasn¡¯t nice. She was mean and rude and she said a lot of shit.

    We are parked here because she thinks a Russian mobster supplies coke for the manager of the shopping mall across from us.

    ¡± How are you so sure about this?¡±

    ¡± dimir.¡± She smiles and brings out a lollipop. She unwraps it, tosses the wrap away and sticks it right inside her mouth.

    She pushes the button to open the sunroof as she leans her elbow on the window sill. We waited in the car for almost one hour and I¡¯m getting bored.

    ¡± Goddamnit.¡± I cuss.

    Alexa is already on her tenth lollipop and I¡¯m wondering where she got them from. A ck Lexus drives into view and parks in front of the mall. Alexa and I tilt our heads to the car and a man steps out. He wears a blue suit carrying a small duffel bag as he shuts the car door. He looks around the area and removes his sunsses as he walks into the shopping mall.

    ¡± Is that our target?¡± I ask as she presses the button to retract the sunroof.

    ¡± Yup.¡± She says as we hop out of the car.

    ¡± Activate the earpiece and go as nned.¡± Alexa says walking ahead of me.

    ¡± Roger that.¡± I smile at her and walk to the newspaper stand as she walks inside the mall. I pick up a newspaper and look around before walking into the mall.

    Alexa is nowhere to be seen.

    ¡± Where are you?¡± I ask on the earpiece.

    ¡± Turn around.¡±

    I turn around and I see her looking at the items on the aisle. I smile and look around for the blue suit man as hees into view. He talks to the counter girl and I pretend to shop. The counter girl giggles as he talks. He writes something down, probably his contact info as he waves at her and walks through a door.

    ¡± Did you see that?¡± I whisper on the mic.

    ¡± Yup.¡±

    I pick up two tampons and body spray as I walk to the counter. Alexa had her own items on her hand as she walked to the counter too.

    ¡± Hi.¡± The counter girl says.

    ¡± Hey.¡± I smile at her and drop my items on the counter.

    I look at the note blue suit guy wrote his contact information on and I was correct, it was his mobile number, probably to hook up with her. She carelessly left it on the counter without taking it out.

    ¡± There , your items¡­¡± the sales girl says as I snap my head to look at her with a smile.

    ¡± How much please.¡±

    ¡± Hundred dors.¡± She answers as Alexa drops her item on the counter close to the notebook.

    I open my purse and look at Alexa as I motion to the blue suit¡¯s guy¡¯s contact on the notebook. She pulls out her phone as I pay at once. I watch her click on the camera icon and take a picture of it.

    ¡± There you go ma¡¯am.¡± The sales girl says referring to Alexa.

    Alexa shes her a big smile and pays. We leave the mall and hurry to the car.

    ¡± Don¡¯t even know what the fuck I¡¯m gonna do with this.¡± She says referring to the bag in her hand.

    ¡± It¡¯s still useful.¡± I say as we enter my car.

    ¡± What are we using his contact for?¡± I ask

    ¡± Sending him a text that he needs to be at the warehouse immediately.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re serious? And he is just gonna follow orders with a mere text.¡±

    ¡± Mere you call it.¡± She grimaces as she types the contact on her keypad.

    She types on her phone as she smirks widely.¡± Bingo.¡±

    She smiles victoriously and shows me the screen of her phone.

    ¡± Come to the hideout warehouse immediately, it¡¯s important.¡± I read it out.¡± And you think this is gonna work.¡±

    ¡± They are dumb sometimes.¡±

    I nod as we wait impatiently. Thirty minutes passed by and blue-suit man was already running out of the mall. He opens his car and slides in.

    ¡± Told ya.¡± Alexa winks at me and ignites the engine to trail after the mobster.

    ¡± How¡¯s that even possible?¡± I ask her.

    ¡± They are mobsters. Most times their fellow mafia families don¡¯t really save each other¡¯s contact, except the necessary ones.¡±

    ¡± That really doesn¡¯t make any sense. I can¡¯t just leave my house and go to some ce because an anonymous number sent me a text. What if it¡¯s the wrong warehouse?¡±

    ¡± Oh my God. Jesus, you nag a lot when you¡¯re pregnant.¡±

    I roll my eyes and huff.

    ¡± So when are you ready to tell Brandon and Piper that you¡¯re pregnant? We¡¯ve been skipping ssestely.¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t know. Maybe after I know Gray¡¯s whereabouts and that he¡¯s fine.¡±

    She drives at a slow pace to keep up with him. I tap my fingers on the window sill and lean into the car seat. Forty minutes into the cat chase and the Lexus car the mobster is driving slows down ahead of us. Alexa slows down her car as we watch the man drive inside a warehouse.

    ¡± Don¡¯t tell me that¡¯s the warehouse.¡±

    ¡± Of course it¡¯s the warehouse. Let¡¯s get out of here, mission aplished.¡± She says and reverses the car as we drive back.

    *****

    We stand on the roof of a building as Manny and I look at the warehouse through the binocrs.

    Alexa stands next to Spencer and they share a cigarette.

    ¡± Alright, this will be hard.¡± Manny says at once as he looks at me.

    ¡± Life ain¡¯t easy either.¡± Alexa says giving Spencer the cigarette back.

    Two other guys are on the roof too. I watch them open the duffel bag and bring out a sniper rifle.

    ¡± This is different, Alexa.¡± He says and looks through the binocrs again. I don¡¯t look, instead I give it to Alexa.

    ¡± There are two guys at the gate. You¡¯ll have to get past those two and that¡¯s kinda easy¡­¡± Manny narrates. ¡± And right outside the warehouse, we have ten men, all armed. There are four men on the roof as we¡¯re speaking. There¡¯s a door at the end and I think that leads to the inside of the warehouse.¡± He says and looks back at us.

    ¡± The problem isn¡¯t the outside, but the inside. No matter what , you can¡¯t pass these men without a gun fight. It¡¯s not possible. You¡¯ll have to shoot your way through and it mustn¡¯t be loud in order not to alert the guys inside.¡± Manny continues.

    ¡± Alright?¡±

    ¡± You sure you wanna do this?¡± Spencer asks me.

    ¡± Yeah.¡±

    ¡± News about boss?¡± One of these men asks. I don¡¯t even know their names.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know.¡± I say as a matter of fact.

    ¡± fuckin bullshit.¡± The other guy cusses. ¡± Then let¡¯s fucking give them this war then. They started it.¡± He says as he starts to load the sniper rifle.

    Spencer already pulls out a gun as he loads the gun.

    ¡± You¡¯re sure about this?¡± Manny asks this time.

    I smile and nod.¡± I¡¯m sure. Alexa is here and also you guys got my back.¡±

    Manny smiles at me.

    ¡± You might wanna use this.¡± Spencer says giving me a bulletproof vest.

    ¡± Is that necessary?¡± I ask and take it.

    ¡°Yup, very necessary.¡± Alexa says and collects another one for herself.

    I remove my peacoat and put it on.

    ¡± Okay, I can¡¯t breathe.¡± I say and take in deep breaths.

    Alexa rolls her eyes and puts on her peacoat after wearing the vest. I scoff at her and wear my peacoat. I button it to the top and breathe in again. This is really ufortable.

    ¡± I and the guys will take the roof. Seb and the others will assist you inside.¡±

    ¡± Thanks.¡± I smile at him and pick up two guns. I load them and tuck it inside my coat pocket. Alexa does the same as we climb the stairs down.

    This side of the city isn¡¯t busy at all. Best ce for a warehouse hideout. The breeze blows the red hair I¡¯m wearing as I tuck it behind my ear. Alexa follows behind as we walk to the gate of the warehouse.

    ¡± Ready?¡±

    ¡± Ready.¡± I reply and walk to the gate.

    ¡± Hey guys.¡± I call out to the two men out front.

    ¡± Get the fuck out of here, fucking sluts.¡± One of them says.

    ¡± Maybe you should make us.¡± Alexa says.

    They pull out their guns to pull the trigger, but Manny and the others were fast, both men fall dead on the ground.

    ¡± Party time.¡± We slowly open the gate and walk in.

    The outside area is covered with different cars. We quietly sneak in and hide behind a car as six of Gray¡¯s men quietly sneak in too and scatter around. Two men talk in Russian like they are arguing over something.

    ¡± Ready?¡± Alexa whispers and looks at Gray¡¯s men. They nod.

    ¡± Go¡­¡± we jump out of hiding and a gun fight follows.

    I pull out my guns and shoot at them. Alexa and I quickly duck behind a car to avoid iing bullets. A bullet ms against the car window and grunts follows. Gunshots erupts from every corner and I see three men fall off the roof. A Russian mobster runs to our direction about to pull the trigger, Alexa and I shoot him first.

    ¡± Let¡¯s go.¡± We aim at the two men hiding behind a car as we shoot and slowly approach him.

    ¡± fuck it.¡± Alexa hisses and ducks behind a car. She picks up the AK-47 on the floor and shoots recklessly at the men.

    They grunts and falls down dead.

    ¡± Damn.¡± I breathe out and look around, they are all dead and Gray¡¯s men are fine.

    ¡± Fucking bitch.¡± I hear Alexa swears. I dart my head to her form and she just aggressively smashes her foot on the dead man¡¯s face.

    ¡± God.¡± I groan at the sight.

    ¡± Motherfuckers.¡± She hisses and looks at me.

    ¡± Are we heading in or not?¡± She asks and I nod.

    ¡± We¡¯ll go first to avoid suspicion.¡± I say and start walking.

    ¡± Sure.¡± We walk inside and it¡¯s actually abandoned.

    I look around for a door and I see one at the end. Alexa and I walk to the door and open it. A bright hallway appears before us as we enter. Two men appear from the hallway and we shoot them at once as they fall down dead.

    ¡± Do you think they deserve this?¡± I ask Alexa and smirk at her.

    ¡± Fuck, yes.¡±

    I stop at the dead men and pull out their guns from their belts. I tuck both guns in my pocket and we continue walking.

    ¡°Who the fuck are you?¡± A man asks but Alexa pulls the trigger without giving him a damn reply.

    ¡± Bitch.¡± She cusses.

    ¡± I never knew this could be fun sometimes.¡± I say as we walk down the hallway.

    ¡± Don¡¯t get used to it, or your son is taking over the mob.¡±

    ¡± Hell no.¡±

    She chuckles.¡± Hide your gun. There¡¯s a guard at the door.¡± She says as we stop moving. I tuck both guns inside my pants and turn to look at Alexa.

    ¡± This has to be quiet. We don¡¯t want war.¡± She winks at me and walks ahead of me.

    ¡± Hey buddy.¡± She smiles at him and kicks him on the face.

    She grabs him by the cor and ms him against the wall. The next thing I heard is a broken neck. She twisted his neck. The man slums down the wall and falls down dead. She bends down, picks his gun, tuck it inside her pants and smiles at me. Damn, I need to learn how to do that.

    We open the door and step inside. The noisy music wees us once we¡¯re inside.

    ¡± We¡¯re inside.¡± I say through the earpiece to Manny and the others.

    ¡± Good, be careful.¡± Manny replies through the mic.

    ¡± The others can starting in.¡± Alexa says as we sway past sweaty bodies dancing.

    We walk to the bar as I survey the club for any door. Truthfully there¡¯s one and a man stands in front of it.

    ¡± How are we gonna get past that door?¡± I ask Alexa.

    ¡± Easy.¡± She snaps at a girl with barely no clothing who¡¯s leaning against the wall.

    She walks to us with a seductive smirk as she looks at both of us.

    ¡± You need servicing tonight?¡± The girl asks.

    ¡± No dear, I¡¯m straight. I¡¯ve got a job for you.¡±

    Her smile falters as she stares at both of us.

    ¡± What fucking job?¡±

    ¡± How about, seduce that hot guy standing right at that door and I¡¯ll give you a thousand grand.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re kidding?¡± She grimaces and I roll my eyes and slowly pull out five hundred dors from my peacoat pocket.

    ¡± That¡¯s five hundred dors. We ain¡¯t ying. Just get him out of that door.¡± I say and give her the money.

    Alexa shoves her hand inside her peacoat and pulls out the remaining half and gives it to her.

    ¡± Seduce him and make him leave that door.¡± We motion to the door and her eyes follow our stares.

    ¡± Alright.¡± She tucks the money inside her boobies and leaves.

    ¡± Water¡­¡± I tell the bartender.

    He nods with a smile and hands me a bottle of water.

    ¡± Are you Russian?¡± I ask him and uncap my bottle of water.

    ¡± Yes.¡± He replies with a smile. Oh I get it, he thinks I¡¯m flirting with him.

    ¡± Why are there so many Russians here?¡± I ask him and bite my bottom lip.

    ¡± Maybe because a Russian owns it.¡± He replies.

    Alexa scoffs beside me.

    ¡± Who? Moskov?¡±

    ¡± Yeah, Moskov.¡± He says.

    ¡± Thanks. It¡¯s sad I barely see him around here. I always hang out here but I only saw him once. Was wondering if he hangs out here at all.¡±

    The bartender looks at me for a minute before replying.¡± Sure. It¡¯s his club, he¡¯s always gonna be here.¡±

    So dumb. I sh him one of my rare smiles and turn to look at Alexa.

    ¡± Damn, he won¡¯t budge.¡± Alexa says through clench teeth.

    I raise the bottle of water to my mouth and watch the man at the door. He tells the girl something and he sounds upset. She turns around and walks away from him.

    ¡± Shit, that didn¡¯t work.¡±

    ¡± What makes you think some slut can take that man out of the door.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯ll have to start a shootout.¡± Manny says through the earpiece.

    I see Gray¡¯s six men. They blend into the dancing bodies as they scatter around.

    ¡± Seriously. We have over 30 Russian mobsters inside this ce. We¡¯re only eight in number.¡±

    ¡± Then I¡¯m bringing in more men , if that¡¯s the case.¡± Manny says through the earpiece.

    ¡± I don¡¯t advise that. We will look for a way. It will cause a lot of problems and a lot of people will get hurt.¡± Alexa says.

    ¡± So how do you intend to get the man out of that door? The quicker we do this and get the hell out of here, the faster for all of us. Spencer ising in with the others. Once they are close, start a gun fire. I¡¯ll give you guys the signal.¡± Manny says.

    I sigh and drink more water.

    ¡± I¡¯m just wondering what Reid is doing right now.¡± Alexa says.

    He didn¡¯t like the idea. He was worried that we¡¯re going to get hurt. He just got out of the hospital and he said he needed to assist us. Alexa made sure he stays back because he is still healing.

    ¡± He¡¯s gonna be fine.¡± I say and think about the worst thought ever. What if Moskov has no idea where Gray is?

    ¡± You¡¯re okay?¡± Alexa asks.

    ¡± Yeah.¡±

    ¡± Now , Ariel.¡± Spencer says on the mic.

    ¡± I¡¯m already in.¡± Spencer says.

    I look around the club and his eyes meet mine. People dance and the music is so damn loud. So that means if Moskov is in that room , then the shootout might not alert him. Hopefully. I look at the edge and the dark side of the club for these Russian mobsters and I see only six, including the man at the door, seven.

    ¡± Be alerted.¡± I take in a deep breath and walk to the man at the door.

    ¡± What do you want?¡± He asks. His voice isce with a heavy ent.

    ¡± I need to see Moskov. He¡¯s expecting me.¡± I say.

    ¡± And who the fuck are you?¡± He asks.

    ¡± His slut.¡±

    ¡± He¡¯s not expecting anyone. You should leave.¡± The man says.

    Alright, he¡¯s stubborn. I quietly pull out my switchde and smile at him.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    ¡± Okay.¡± I dig the knife into his neck as he fights death. I let him go and he slumped down dead. The next thing that follows is a gunshot and screams.

    I duck inside the room and lock the door. It¡¯s a hallway and it¡¯s brightly illuminated. I take in a deep breath and pull out my two guns, both fully loaded with silencers. I walk down the hallway as two men walk into view. I shoot them both as they fall dead. I walk to the end of the hallway and peek my head out to spy, about four men standing at the other side of the hallway, all fully armed.

    I step out of hiding and shoot at them before they can pull out their guns. I duck into hiding as they shoot at me. Bullets m into the wall close to where I¡¯m hiding as I breathe in. Who knew I could face death this way? Ie out of hiding and shoot back at the remaining men as they fall dead. I walk to their bodies and shoot at thest guy who¡¯s finding it hard to die.

    I take another turn and the hallway isn¡¯t ending. I walk down the hall as two men walk in. I shoot at both of them before they pull out their guns. Another guy walks out , I shoot him in the shoulder before he can pull out his gun from his belt. He groans and grips his shoulder in pain. I pull the trigger again but it clicks. shit I¡¯m out of bullets. The man smiles at me and reached to draw out his gun. I m my gun on his cheek as his face whips to the left. I quickly draw out his gun from his belt and shoot him on the chest.

    A bullet hits the wall behind me.

    ¡± Bitch.¡±

    I swiftly turn the man I shot to face the shooter as I use him as a shield from the shooter. I aim my gun at the shooter and shoot him. I hear a thud and he¡¯s already on the ground. I bite my lip and let go of the dead shield. I groan and look at my arm. I¡¯ve been shot. I breathe in and out and bend down to pick up the assault rifle on the floor.

    ¡± God.¡± I groan at the pain.

    ¡± Fucking whore.¡± A man growls at once. I point the hand gun at him and shoot him. Not once , not twice but thrice.

    I Inhale a sharp breath and throw the hand gun away. I pull the hammer of the assault rifle and continue walking down the hall. Another two men rush in but I pull the trigger before they can. I breathe in and out at the pain in my arm and look at the dead men. I continue walking till I get to the end of the hallway. This is like a maze. A lot of hallways. There¡¯s another hallway that leads to God knows where at the left and I follow it.

    I shoot at every enemy as I continue walking. And then I see the door which I assume is Moskov¡¯s office sh hideout. I stretch my hand to twist the doorknob but I stop. He¡¯s obviously aware of the gun fight because of the noise. I move back a little and aim the gun at the door as I shoot at it. Bullet holes scatter around the door as I continue shooting at it.

    I hear a man groan and a thud. I smile and stop shooting. I twist the doorknob open and step inside. His room is scattered as objects litter on the floor. There he is, lying on the ground holding his stomach as he res at me. He stretches his hand to pick up his gun but I beat him to it. I step on his hand aggressively and he screams in pain.

    ¡± You like that?¡± I ask him.

    ¡± Fuck, you, bitch.¡± He spits out.

    ¡± Where is Gray?¡±

    ¡± How the fuck am I supposed to know? Your boyfriend is dead.¡±

    I bite my lip and twist my shoe on his hand. He groans and shudders.

    ¡± Where is Gray?¡± I yell at him.

    ¡± I fuckin shot your man. You were there.¡±

    No it¡¯s not true.

    With tears in my eyes, I aim the gun at Moskov¡¯s head and pull the trigger.

 Chapter 108

    Six monthster¡­

    ¡± Dear God, I wanna say that I¡¯m grateful for everything that you¡¯ve done for me. I wanna appreciate the fact that you looked after me and Gray junior, I totally appreciate that. I¡¯ve sinned against you and I¡¯m sorry. I just wanna ask the same favor I¡¯ve been asking for the past six months. Please bring Gray back. I want him back¡­¡± I sniffle and look down at my baby bump.

    ¡± His baby wants him back. Please. I know that he has done a lot of stuff. Bad stuff , yes, but please he¡¯s a good man. It¡¯s been six months now and I¡¯m still asking you for this little favor. I want Gray back, please, God.¡± I weep silently and bite my lip.

    I look up at Jesus on the cross and look down at my belly. Dad walks beside me and wraps his arms around my shoulder tofort me. He woke up from aa five months ago and Gray¡¯s still missing. The first month , I always hoped. Stand opposite my transparent ss and wish he¡¯s here. Cuddling me and maybe telling me how much I meant to him. But he didn¡¯t show up.

    I¡¯ve prayed and hoped and he¡¯s still not back. Reid was always confronting me that he will be back but sometimes I lose faith. After Moskov¡¯s death, Nick was buried properly including Carl. Reid controlled the activities of the mob and also he and Alexa are shipping right now. They are in love and it¡¯s nice Reid cares a lot about her.

    Mia truly had mom sickness when she found out her son is missing and he¡¯s not back yet. She cried and traveled down to NYC just to make sure I¡¯m looking out for myself and eating. Found out it¡¯s a boy after three months and it hurts Gray wasn¡¯t around to hear the news. Leslie gave birth a few weeks ago and it¡¯s a girl. The baby is really cute and she had blonde hair. Obviously got that from her dad.

    I take a deep breath and turn to look at dad. He smiles at me and pats my shoulder.

    ¡± You¡¯re gonna be fine, alright?¡± He says.

    ¡± I¡¯m not even sure about being fine. Honestly I don¡¯t even know what it feels like to be fine anymore.¡± I sigh and run my hand down my stomach.

    ¡± I hate the fact that I missed how he was supposed to freak out when he finds out I¡¯m pregnant. He wasn¡¯t ready to have babies. He said he was gonna walk me down the aisle before making babies.¡± I weep and wipe my eyes at once.

    ¡± It¡¯s okay. You shouldn¡¯t stop believing. Gray might be an asshole sometimes, but he¡¯s a strong man and will always be. He¡¯s gonna be back, I¡¯m pretty sure of that.¡± He says and smiles at me.

    ¡± Thanks Dad.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re wee. Let¡¯s get you home.¡±

    I nod as he walks me out of the church. We step outside and dad opens my side door for me. I slide inside the car and he rounds the car to enter the driver¡¯s seat. I lean against the car seat as he ignites the engine. We drive into the street as dad turns on the radio. Leslie¡¯s mom actually apologized to me for everything she did. She forgave Leslie and took her back when she gave birth.

    Dad parks the car outside my penthouse building and I get out before he can think of opening my side door for me.

    ¡± Still can¡¯t believe you killed Moskov. That¡¯s really big news.¡± Dad says as we walk into the lobby.

    ¡± I was angry.¡± I say and he chuckles.

    ¡± That was brave of you. I¡¯m proud.¡±

    I smile and nod. The elevator arrives and we enter. I cross my arms on top of my belly and lean against the wall.

    ¡± Are you nning on going back to college once you give birth?¡± He asks.

    ¡± I¡¯d like to. I can quit online and just go back to college.¡±

    ¡± And the baby?¡± He asks.

    I sigh and shrug.

    ¡± I don¡¯t even know. Maybe I just need to continue and forget about college. I¡¯m still shocked that I¡¯m gonna be a mother soon. It¡¯s a big shocker considering the fact that Leslie got pregnant the same year too.¡±

    ¡± And it had to be Gray. A big shocker indeed.¡±

    ¡± You know you should stop hating each other.¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t hate Gray, I told you that. Still surprised that you fell in love with him. Dated him and also got pregnant for him. Since it¡¯s a boy, you¡¯re obviously gonna drop a younger version of Gray.¡± Dad says.

    The elevator slides open and we step out. I twist the doorknob open when I find out it¡¯s not locked. Dad and I walk in and he shuts the door behind him. I smile at the aroma from the kitchen.

    ¡± Alexa?¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s me.¡± She walks out of the kitchen with a big smile on her face.

    ¡± Hi, Mr Daxton.¡± She greets dad.

    ¡± Hi, yourself.¡± Dad replies.

    ¡± Ariel¡­¡± I hear Kennedy¡¯s voice as she rushes out of the hallway. Damn, who brought her?

    ¡± Surprised?¡± She squeaks as she grins.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    ¡± Yeah. Who brought you?¡±

    ¡± Alexa did. I had to beg dad to bring me to Gray¡¯s but he refused. I Ran into her in a mall and I made sure she brought me here. We¡¯re making a nursery.¡± She squeals.

    ¡± No way.¡±

    ¡± Yes, way. It was her idea.¡± Alexa jabs her thumb at Kennedy.

    ¡± And I¡¯ve got the best baby names ever. You¡¯ll love it.¡± Kennedy says as she wraps her little hand around my wrist. She drags me to the kitchen and Alexa follows.

    ¡± I¡¯m just gonna leave, Ariel. I¡¯ll call you.¡± Dad calls out.

    I stop on my track and turn to look at him.

    ¡± Alright. Thanks. Alexa will take good care of me, including Kennedy.¡± I say and ruffle Kennedy¡¯s hair.

    ¡± Sure. Be careful.¡± He gives me a big hug and leaves.

    I sigh and take Kennedy¡¯s hand as we walk to the kitchen. Alexa is making pancakes.

    ¡± So you wanna hear my name suggestions before checking out the nursery?¡± Kennedy asks.

    ¡± Sure.¡±

    ¡± Oh yeah. Since it¡¯s a boy and he¡¯s gonna be a badass boy. I think Jaden is hot. Haven , Kaden , Tyrell, Trevor¡­¡±

    ¡± A lot of ¡®dens¡¯ and ¡®Ts¡¯ in here, little one.¡± Alexa points.

    ¡± Come on. You know it¡¯s cute. And Jamaal too.¡± Kennedy says.

    ¡± Jamaal?¡± I ask.

    ¡± Yeah. Since Gray is the daddy and he¡¯s gonna be like Gray, I just thought Jamaal as his middle name won¡¯t be bad since Gray is Jamal.¡± She says with a sad look.

    ¡± I miss Nick. And Gray especially. Can¡¯t believe they just left without saying it.¡± She sighs.

    ¡± Come here¡­¡± I call out to her and hold her to myself.

    ¡± Nick is fine alright. And Gray, he will be back soon.¡± I assure her.

    ¡± I trust you.¡± She coos.

    ¡± Alright. Pancake is ready. Who¡¯s hungry?¡± Alexa asks. I look up to her and she smiles.

    Obviously, she¡¯s trying to lighten up the mood.

    ¡°I¡¯m hungry.¡± Kennedy mutters.

    *****

    I get out of my car and shut the door. I look up at the ce I once called an apartment as I walk in. I smile at thedy and step inside the elevator. I just had yoga ss and I had to check on Leslie since she just gave birth. I step out of the elevator once it slides open as I ring the doorbell.

    I wait patiently and ring again. The door opens revealing Hazel. She smiles at me and ushers me in. I smile back at her and walk inside. I look around the familiar apartment and it¡¯s weird it looks different.

    ¡± Hi, Ariel.¡± Hazel greets behind me.

    I turn to look at her and smile at her.

    ¡± Hi.¡±

    ¡± You look pretty. Leslie is in the baby¡¯s nursery.¡±

    ¡± Alright.¡± She walks me down the hallway and stops in front of my ex room. Just as I had expected. She opens the door and we enter. Leslie looks up from her baby girl and shes me a smile.

    ¡± Ariel.¡±

    ¡± Hi.¡±

    She smiles at me and looks down at my baby bump.

    ¡± You look hot.¡± She says as she looks down at her baby.

    ¡± Thank you.¡± I walk to her and look down at the tiny baby.

    ¡± She¡¯s beautiful.¡± I say.

    ¡± Thanks. Even if I actually hated my life when I got her, I feel happy. Like really happy. She brought me happiness.¡± Leslie says.

    ¡± What¡¯s her name?¡±

    ¡± Harmony.¡±

    ¡± Wow. That¡¯s really cute.¡± I smile at her.

    The baby opens her eyes and they meet mine. Her eyes are brown, really cute with her blonde hair. She smiles at me and begins to make baby noises.

    ¡± You wanna carry her?¡± Leslie asks me.

    I shrug and nod.

    ¡± Yeah.¡±

    I take Harmony from her and she giggles.

    ¡± She¡¯s really beautiful.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m just gonna leave you guys and go check out the kitchen.¡± Hazel says and leaves.

    I stare at the baby for what feels like eternity as Leslie clears her throat. I look up at her and her eyes holds a hint of sadness.

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry about Gray.¡± She starts a conversation. I smile and nod.

    I hate to think about the fact that Gray¡¯s missing. That he¡¯s not here to give me foot massages and back rubs when I need them. Being pregnant sucks. It¡¯s clearly stressful and it¡¯s not been easy.

    ¡± And I¡¯m sorry about what I did to youst year. I was stupid and jealous. You¡¯ve always been the star of highschool without you even noticing that. I got envious of that. I wanted that. And then you got Freddie and I was a stupid teenager. I badly wanted Freddie. It was stupid. I was stupid.¡± She sighs and looks at her baby.

    ¡± I advised him to take advantage of you because that would stop you from going to the convent and all that. Make sure mom hates you so that I can be the best child. Look, I¡¯m sorry. I regretted everything. I understand that, all of this , jealousy and envy was nothing. I was just hating myself without even knowing. I¡¯m really sorry.¡± She pleas.

    I smile at her and nod.

    ¡± It¡¯s fine. I forgive you.¡±

    ¡± Thank you.¡± She wraps her arms around me and hugs me gently.

    ¡± Thank you very much, Ariel. I¡¯m so d you¡¯re my sister. And we¡¯re still family and we¡¯ll always be sisters. I will never see you as a cousin though.¡± She giggles and pulls away.

    ¡± Yeah. It¡¯s okay.¡±

    ¡± Thank you.¡± I nod at her and smile.

    *****

    I spent a lot of time with Leslie and Hazel as we talked andughed. Later in the evening, I went home. I remove my shoes and breathe in. This is too stressful. I throw my bag on the couch and take off my clothes to shower. I take my bath and dry myself. I get dressed in my nightdress and go to the kitchen to make something to eat.

    Alexa isn¡¯t around. Just me. She said she was going to spend the night with Reid. I turn on the TV and make pasta. When it¡¯s ready, I serve and go to the living room and sit on the couch opposite the TV. A romance movie ys on TV and I actually zoned out when the male lead tells the girl how much he feels about her.

    I switched off the TV when I was eating. I keep the te on the sink, switch off the light and go to my bedroom. Iy down and I had to imagine Grayying next to me. This sucks, I had to cry and cuddle myself. I hate the fact that I had to take him out to have dinner with my dad. Maybe I shouldn¡¯t have. I should have let him rest and heal and I wasn¡¯t thinking when I invited him out.

    I close my eyes and fall asleep. I was woken up because I heard a noise. I jolt up and switch on the bedsidemp. An image made me spring up at once as I slowly reached for my phone. I yelp when my room light switches on. I blink my eyes at the visitor and I almost choke on my breath. No way.

    ¡± Gray?¡±  He walks to my form and stops in front of me.

    He¡¯s got a stubble. Sadly he looks cuter or maybe it¡¯s because I haven¡¯t seen him since he was shot at the dinner.

    ¡± Oh my God.¡± I gasp and bite my bottom lip to stop me from crying.

    I pry theforter out of my body and sit up. He hasn¡¯t said a word to me. I stand up slowly and reach to touch him. He¡¯s real. I¡¯m not dreaming. He scans my body as his eyesnd on my stomach. A glint of emotions spread through his face as he stares at me in bewilderment.

    ¡± You¡¯re pregnant?¡± He asks at once.

    ¡± Who the fuck got you pregnant?¡±

 Chapter 109

    |?GRAY?|

    I still can¡¯t believe what I¡¯m seeing. I battled death for over six months and when I finally won , I decided to check on the one girl who makes me happy and she¡¯s pregnant. Like fully pregnant. How can she do that?

    ¡± You¡¯re pregnant?¡± I ask her.

    She stares at me like I¡¯m a ghost and I can¡¯t fight back the anger that I had toe check on her the moment I was okay and she¡¯s pregnant. Who the fuck got her pregnant? Cage? Or maybe some dimwit.

    ¡± Who the fuck got you pregnant?¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re serious?¡± She asks me. It hurts me that she¡¯s barely concerned about my reaction to finding her pregnant after waking up from a six monthsa.

    ¡± Ariel, who got you pregnant?¡± I ask her.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡± She simply states.

    ¡± You¡¯re sorry? Ariel you¡¯re pregnant and you¡¯re saying you¡¯re sorry. I was in aa for over six months and I finally came back and you¡¯re expecting a baby. Who the fuck got you pregnant?¡±

    ¡± Gray, can you please keep it down? That¡¯s not how to make a proper wee back speech. And yes, I¡¯m pregnant since you¡¯re so vexed up.¡± She says.

    I look down at her and her nightdress. She still looks beautiful, but that baby bump is making me angry. Who did she date?

    ¡± So you moved on? You couldn¡¯t wait? And you were so fast to get pregnant. Who¡¯s the asshole?¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re that asshole.¡± She says through clench teeth as she walks out of her bedroom in anger.

    I am that asshole. What¡¯s that supposed to mean?

    ¡± Ariel.¡± I call after her and follow her out of the room. She is in the kitchen with a ss of water in her hand as she drinks it.

    ¡± You know you can¡¯t change right?¡± She says and looks at me.¡± You got me pregnant since you care so much about who the fuck got me pregnant. Six freaking months, and you returned like that getting annoyed about a baby. Our baby.¡±

    What!

    What the fuck is she saying?

    I got her pregnant?

    Howe I didn¡¯t know about it?

    Why didn¡¯t she tell me?

    I¡¯m gonna be a Daddy?

    Shit!

    ¡± What are you saying?¡± I ask her as she walks to my form and stops in front of me. She¡¯s still short with her head barely reaching my chin. I thought that was gonna change in six months. I¡¯m just being a dick.

    She pokes my chest with anger.¡± You are still an asshole. We had sex Gray. At your mom¡¯s yacht party , I didn¡¯t use any pills, you didn¡¯t even use a condom.¡± She points to her belly.¡± And this is the oue of that.¡± She says and walks back to the counter to drink her water.

    ¡± Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± I ask her.

    ¡± Maybe because I was scared. I wasn¡¯t prepared for this. I didn¡¯t want a baby and I got it. You told me at that party that you weren¡¯t ready to be a father either. I bought pills to get rid of it¡­¡±

    ¡± Why would you do that?¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re serious?¡± She asks and looks up at me in disbelief. ¡± Gray, you weren¡¯t ready. Plus your Mafia stupid fights. I wanted to go to school and probably graduate and you¡­ you don¡¯t even want it. Why should I not get rid of it?¡±

    I sigh and run my fingers through my hair. Fucking hell! I¡¯m gonna be a dad? I didn¡¯t see thating. She looks at me with teary eyes and looks away. I hate the fact that I had to make her cry. I stand behind her and wrap my arms around her waist.

    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry.¡± I whisper to her neck. She shudders against my touch and I smirk against her neck.

    ¡± You know, even if you told me earlier, I wouldn¡¯t have asked you to get rid of it. It¡¯s our baby and we made it together.¡± I say and she scoffs.

    I pull away from her, turn her around, and sit her on the counter. I look down at her stomach, and I hate to admit it I¡¯m still in shock. I trail my forefinger down her stomach. It¡¯s real , I¡¯m gonna be a dad. A really bad dad cause I suck at it.

    ¡± What happened to you? I feared that you were never gonnae back.¡±

    She trails her finger down my chin and to my hair.

    ¡± Can¡¯t believe you¡¯re real.¡± She mutters and smiles.¡± I lost hope even if I was always praying and looking at that promise ring that you gave me.¡±

    ¡± I can¡¯t break a promise.¡± I say and sigh.

    ¡± What happened?¡± She asks.

    ¡± I was in aa. Woke up four days ago in some weird hospital. Some good man took me there. He said he didn¡¯t know how to contact my family or anybody at all.¡±

    ¡± You went missing at the shootout.¡±

    ¡± I bled out, tried to cough for breath but I don¡¯t know. I called the emergency team that day. Woke upter and I¡¯m in the hospital.¡±

    ¡± Where did he take you?¡± She asks.

    That I don¡¯t even know. I remembered I try to make a chase at those Russian pricks and the next thing I¡¯m copsing. And six monthster, I¡¯m awake in a hospital with bandages everywhere and then I decide toe see my girl, she¡¯s pregnant.

    ¡± I tried to run after them.¡±

    ¡± Were you wearing a bulletproof vest?¡±

    I scoff. I hate that shit.¡± No.¡±

    ¡± Oh my God¡­¡± she sobs.

    ¡± Come here.¡± I wrap my arms around her to hug her carefully. Still can¡¯t believe we¡¯re expecting a baby.

    ¡± Thank God you¡¯re okay. I thought I was never gonna see you again.¡±

    I chuckle and she swats my back.¡± It¡¯s not funny. Nick¡¯s dead , including Carl.¡± She says and i pull away at once.

    ¡± What?¡±

    She nods.¡± They died at the scene of the shootout. Carl was shot multiple times at wrong ces and Nick, he was trying to save me. He took the bullet for me.¡±

    ¡± Fuck.¡± I cuss.

    ¡± And Reid too was shot but he¡¯s fine.¡±

    And Moskov?

    Where the fuck is he?

    ¡± And that retarded fuck?¡±

    ¡± You swear too much.¡± She says and flicks my lips. That hurts a little.

    ¡± Where¡¯s Moskov, Tink?

    ¡± Wow. It¡¯s been a long I heard that name. Tinkerbell. I missed it. A lot.¡±

    Why¡¯s she avoiding my question?

    Where¡¯s the Russian fucker?

    I can¡¯t believe they took out Nick and Carl. He was one of the best recruits I ever had.

    ¡± I killed Moskov.¡±

    What the fuck is she saying?

    Is this some new joke of the century?

    Or maybe I¡¯ve been in aa for more than seven years and this is the newest joke people say. She doesn¡¯t smile, nor frown as she stares nkly at me.

    No , she didn¡¯t do that, right?

    ¡± You killed Moskov?¡±

    ¡± I get it. If I were in your shoes I would have doubted also. I did, with the help of your men. We barged into their warehouse club in Buffalo and took over. And that¡¯s after me and Alexa impersonated two strippers who works with the Mafia and make Alejandro, Moskov¡¯s right hand to spill out Moskov¡¯s hideout.¡± She says and smiles. ¡± You can thank meter.¡± She winks at me, cups my cheeks and pulls me closer to her as she kisses me.

    ¡± I missed you a lot.¡± She whispers in between the kiss and I had to kiss back. Maybe I missed her more. More than anything.

    ¡± Thanks.¡± I tell her.

    ¡± For what?¡± She asks and stops kissing me.

    ¡± Everything. Still finding it hard that you killed Moskov. A Russian Mafia boss and you¡¯re pregnant. I wasn¡¯t expecting any of this.¡±

    ¡± Then maybe you should get used to it. It¡¯s 5:am in the morning and by seven I¡¯m always up. I like having tea and a nice foot massage while I take my tea. And also, I eat fruit sd that same morning with a nice coffee. And I like eating food from McDonald¡¯s and also a back rub. I eat a lottely¡­¡± she says with a big smile.

    ¡± And in the afternoons , I go to my yoga ss sometimes and I do online courses now. Point I¡¯m making is that you¡¯re gonna be driving me every single time that I need it. You¡¯re gonna give me a foot massage, make me coffee, tea, and also fruit sd. You¡¯re gonna order from McDonald¡¯s and give me a nice soothing back rub. You¡¯re gonna stay next to me when I nag and when I need something. You missed all of this when you¡¯re away. Since you¡¯re back, you¡¯re taking your responsibilities and you¡¯re gonna make me a good soup too. I know you¡¯re terrible at cooking, you can watch videos on YouTube on how to make soup and fruit sd too.¡±

    What!

    ¡± Yeah. You¡¯re always cute when you act this way. And I miss you.¡± She says. She wraps her around me for a hug and she kisses me.

    Maybe we should just get married. I think it¡¯s time. She¡¯s already twenty one and I missed her birthday.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry about your birthday.¡± I tell her.

    ¡± It¡¯s fine. It doesn¡¯t matter. What matters is that you¡¯re back and strong and annoyingly cute. You should take this off¡­¡± she gestures to my stubble. ¡± You look like Damon when you have that.¡±

    I chuckle and rub my stubble.

    ¡± What¡¯s up with him and my mom?¡±This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    ¡± Your mom freaked out when I told her. She got mom sickness, cried and still made sure i took care of myself and the baby. And Damon , he was sad.¡±

    ¡± And Kennedy?¡±

    ¡± Super sad. And following Nick¡¯s demise, it was hell Gray.¡±

    I sigh and nod.

    ¡± Take me back to bed and cuddle next to me. I¡¯ve been missing it.¡± She says.

    I chuckle softly and look at her baby bump. I hook my arms around her ankles and lift her off from the counter as I walk her to the bedroom. Iy her on the bed andy next to her with my arms around her waist and touching her stomach.

    ¡± Have you thought about a name?¡± I ask her and cover both of us with the duvet.

    ¡± Maybe , but I want you to do the naming.¡± She says and snuggles closer to me. I sigh and trail my hands on her stomach.

    ¡± It¡¯s a boy right?¡±

    ¡± Yeah.¡± She says.

    ¡± Thank you.¡± I say. I hear her faint reply and she drifts off to sleep.

    ****

    This is stressful.

    Being a dad is stressful. I really had to watch videos on how to make soup and even fruit sd. I sucked at the first trial. She said I should make another one and make sure it¡¯s perfect. I gave her a foot massage and also a back rub. It¡¯s afternoon and it¡¯s stressing the shit out of me. Right now we¡¯re just returning from the hospital. Shey across the center console so that her head is on myp and the other half of her body on the passenger seat.

    ¡± Don¡¯t forget we¡¯re stopping by at the grocery shop. I¡¯mcking groceries.¡± She says.

    ¡± Alright.¡±

    ¡± You should call your mom. She will be d to listen to your voice again. And also visit your crew.¡± She advises.

    ¡± Yeah, I will.¡±

    ¡± Sure you will. Reid¡¯s been handling things pretty well when you were out. You should take a break. Like vacation and stuff , you know, cause you need it.¡±

    I look down at her face on myp and smile.

    ¡± Canada? I promised I was gonna take you back. I think this is the right time.¡±

    ¡± Yeah, sure. Wait, I¡¯ming with you?¡± She asks.

    ¡± Yeah. It¡¯s your idea. You need a break.¡± I say and park the car at the grocery shop.

    ¡± Can¡¯t wait to see Kennedy¡¯s face when she finally sees you.¡± She says as I help her sit up.

    I get out of the car and open her side door for her. She holds my hand and steps out. The summer breeze hits her skin as her hair flies in a different direction. I help her tuck her hair behind her ear and she smiles at me. She¡¯s so beautiful.

    ¡± You¡¯re gonna be a good dad. You know that right?¡±

    ¡± No. I swear a lot.¡± I say and close the car door behind her.

    ¡± Yeah, right? We¡¯re gonna work on that. And your smoking too.¡± She says as we begin walking.

    ¡± What¡¯s wrong with my smoking?¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s a boy, Gray. We¡¯re just gonna work on the stick you consume a week. We gotta lessen it.¡± She says as we enter the grocery shop.

    I roll my eyes and she hands me a shopping cart.

    ¡± You¡¯re gonna carry that and I¡¯ll do the shopping.¡± She walks down the aisle , looking at every single item. I follow her behind as she throws in every item that she picks.

    ¡± You ain¡¯t buying the whole store, are you?¡±

    ¡± I will, if I can.¡± She turns to look at me and shes me a warm smile. I can¡¯t believe I didn¡¯t see that face for over six months.

    We walk to the counter and ce the items there. The counter girl looks up at me and smirks at me. Crazy blonde¡¯s. Ariel stares at her as she bags every item.

    ¡± Are you done checking him out?¡± Ariel asks her.

    She turns to look at Ariel like she just discovered Ariel was standing next to me.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry?¡±

    ¡± He hates blondes, just so you should know.¡± Ariel tells the counter girl.

    She swallows and hands the items to me. She stares at Ariel and her eyesnds on Ariel¡¯s stomach.

    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry.¡± She apologizes and I hand her my credit card.

    She takes the card , deducts whatever we bought and she gives me back my credit card and I take it. She silently apologizes to Ariel and we leave.

    ¡± Should I tape ¡® you¡¯re mine¡¯ on your forehead before they let you be?¡± Ariel asks.

    ¡± Maybe you should.¡± Iugh at her and open the passenger side door for her. She slides in and I shut the door. I keep the groceries inside the trunk and slide inside the driver¡¯s seat as we leave.

    |?ARIEL?|

    Dad and Gray stare at each other for what seems like eternity. It¡¯s been five days since he returned and I¡¯m still in awe. I mean I thought I lost him and then he just showed up at my penthouse at such an ungodly hour and surprised me. The mob was grateful he was back and also surprised. So probably Alexa was right, when she said he was in aa somewhere trying to fight death. He called his mom and she wouldn¡¯t stop screaming. And then I went behind Gray¡¯s back and told his mom we¡¯re visiting Canada soon. And Kennedy, she really freaked out and screamed and she won¡¯t stop hugging Gray for a whole day.

    My dad stayed on his own now. He, Aisha, me, and Gray are having dinner in his house and yet they are yet to say a word to each other. Just a staringpetition.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡± Gray breaks the silence.

    I dart my head to look at him. He didn¡¯t just apologize.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry for betraying you and taking what¡¯s yours. I¡¯m sorry for backstabbing you and being a little shit. I¡¯m truly sorry. And also if we can still work together again, I¡¯d be honored.¡± Gray says.

    Dad sighs and leans back on his chair. He looks at Gray and then me.

    ¡± And why should I forgive you?¡± Dad asks.

    ¡± Because I¡¯m truly sorry and I know I messed up. And also¡­¡± Gray looks at me, and back to my dad.

    ¡± We¡¯re in love and she¡¯s with my baby, and I wanna marry your daughter.¡±

    What the!

    Wait, what? Marry? What¡¯s he saying?

    ¡± What?¡± Dad asks as Aisha smiles at me.

    Gray brings out a box from his jacket pocket and I actually lost my breath. No he¡¯s not about to do that. He opens the box and I see it.

    Of course he¡¯s about to do that.

    Aisha¡¯s smile broadens and dad stares at him in shock. I¡¯m also in shock , because I literally can¡¯t close my mouth any more. He takes out the diamond ring and I am not breathing.

    Gray turns to look at me.

    ¡± I suck at all these cute speeches actually. I¡¯m really sorry if I didn¡¯t say any.¡± He says and looks at my left hand before looking back at my eyes.

    ¡± Tinkerbell, will you marry me?¡±

    Damn, he just said the word.

 Chapter 110

    ¡± What¡¯s up with you Ariel?¡± Piper beams as I slide into the booth next to Brandon.

    Piper and Alexa sit across from us at our usual restaurant ¡® sands and winches¡¯. It¡¯s been a long time since we hung out together in this restaurant. All thanks to life.

    ¡± I¡¯ve been good.¡± I say with a big smile as I arrange my yellow sundress.

    ¡± What¡¯s up with you guys? I swear I miss college so much.¡± I sigh and bite my bottom lip.

    ¡± Fuck college. It¡¯s just been the same boring shit. How are you holding up with online sses?¡± Brandon asks.

    ¡± It¡¯s been great.¡± I say.

    Alexa stays quiet as she eats her fries.

    ¡± Sup with you, Alex? You¡¯ve been quiet.¡± Brandon says.

    ¡± No, I¡¯m good. I miss this so fucking much¡­¡± She moans with fries in her mouth and gestures to her fries.

    ¡± You¡¯re sick as fuck.¡± Piper says and we chuckle.

    The waitress walks to her table holding a menu. She extends it to me and I shake my head sideways.

    ¡± Thanks. I¡¯ll have water.¡± I tell the waitress as she leaves.

    ¡± What¡¯s that on your finger?¡± Alexa asks as she stops eating.

    ¡± What?¡± I smirk and chuckle.

    The guys stare at me with wide eyes as they look at my ring finger. Yup, I told Gray yes. That I was gonna marry him and live in his world. And it¡¯s kinda hard to believe that I¡¯m actually getting married. I really didn¡¯t expect I was gonna get pregnant, talk more of getting married. To Gray Carter. This feels like a dream. A good dream that I don¡¯t wish to wake up from.

    And also dad forgave him. Gave him a long speech that if he ever had to break my heart or mistreat me , he¡¯s gonna hear a word from my dad.

    ¡± What the fuck is that?¡± They gape at the wedding ring on my finger.

    ¡± Well¡­¡± I drawl and smile.

    They grab my hand and stare at my ring for what feels like eternity. I look up at them and they are all grinning at me.

    ¡± What the fuck? Will you please exin to us what the fuck is going on?¡±

    ¡± Alrighty, I¡¯m getting married.¡± I announce and silence follows.

    ¡± Aah¡­¡± They squeal loudly and that actually attracted other customers. The guys didn¡¯t bother to look at them or even say sorry.

    ¡± What the flying fuck?¡± Piper asks.

    I nod.¡± Yeah. I am. Gray proposed yesterday and we¡¯re getting married. Probably after I put to bed.¡±

    ¡± What? Oh my God. Our girl is getting married.¡± Now it¡¯s Piper¡¯s turn to squeal.

    I giggle and shrug.

    ¡± This is wonderful. This is epic. Wow. Like we¡¯re looking at the new bride already.¡± Alexa says.

    ¡± Let¡¯s throw a party.¡± Brandon suggests.

    ¡± What! No way¡­¡± Iugh.

    ¡± What? That¡¯s a great idea. I like it. I mean I know you¡¯re pregnant and all that, but you should do this onest time. You¡¯re fucking getting married girl.¡± Piper says.

    ¡± I don¡¯t really know guys¡­¡± I sigh and pout.

    ¡± Let¡¯s do it. I like the idea. I mean you¡¯re not only carrying Gray Carter¡¯s baby, bitch you¡¯re getting married to one of the hottest men in New York.¡± Alexa pressures.

    ¡± No, in the fucking country.¡± Piper adds and they giggle.

    ¡± Alright. Let¡¯s do this. But I won¡¯t be drinking much, just some.¡±

    ¡± Deal¡­¡± They shriek.

    ****

    By the time Brandon¡¯s ns of throwing a party seeded , they were already hungover. I wasn¡¯t. I made sure I didn¡¯t drink since I was pregnant. I ate cereal, drank milk, and ate a lot as they boozed off. And right now , they are sprawled on my floor with a terrible headache.

    ¡± This is so fucked up.¡± Brandon mumbles.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry about that.¡± I sh them a big smile.

    ¡± I can¡¯t even move my feet. I badly need some aspirin and water. Ariel, can you please help us?¡± Alexa asks.

    ¡± I would get up and go get that myself if i were you guys. I made breakfast.¡± I tell them as they spring up at once.

    They stride to the kitchen with heavy lidded eyes as they turn on the kitchen faucet with a ss underneath it. I help them with the aspirin and they swallow.

    ¡± Serve yourself.¡± I tell them when I hear my phone vibrate.

    I walk back to the living room and get it. I swipe the screen and it¡¯s a text from Gray.

    ¡® Where are you?¡¯ I read the message.

    I smile and text him back.

    To Gray; you miss me so soon?

    In less than a second he replies.

    From Gray: Yeah. Missed the way I make you feel when you¡¯re right beneath me. I don¡¯t mean to be selfish but I kinda want you.

    Shit! Where¡¯s my holy water. I just made a confession not too long ago and Gray¡¯s just starting to be Gray. I bite my lip and chuckle silently.

    ¡± Hey, Ariel, aren¡¯t you eating?¡± Piper calls from the kitchen.

    ¡± I already ate. I¡¯ll be with you guys soon.¡± I say and drop a text for Gray.

    To Gray; we¡¯re expecting a baby. In the next two months we¡¯re having a baby. So be a good dad and keep your D¡¯

    From Gray; Oh yeah. And I didn¡¯t forget that. It¡¯s cute when you¡¯re scared to swear. What are you doing?

    To Gray; I¡¯m with the guys. They had a party at my house because I¡¯m getting married and they¡¯re hungover. Where are you?

    From Gray; At work. Just dealt with Theo. He had to pay half the other time, but now I got the full amount.

    To Gray; What did you do to him, Jamal? Did you hurt him?

    I sigh and look at my screen for any message from Gray. I walk back to the kitchen and sit on a stool.

    ¡± You¡¯re okay?¡± They ask and I nod.

    My phone buzzes in my hand. I look down at my screen and it¡¯s a message from Gray.

    From Gray; Hate it when you care about that miserable fuck called Theo. Have fun with your friends, I love you.

    I blow out my breath and lock my screen as I drop it on the counter.

    ¡± You sure you¡¯re okay?¡±

    ¡± Yeah, I¡¯m fine.¡± I smile at them.

    ¡± So what¡¯s up with your marriage ns?¡± Piper asks.

    ¡± Hmm.. yeah. What¡¯s up with it?¡± Alexa hums with food stuffed in her mouth.

    ¡± Like I said , I¡¯m giving birth first. Pregnancy isn¡¯t what I expected. And also¡­¡± I click my fingers and smile.

    ¡± What?¡± They ask at once.

    ¡± I¡¯m visiting Canada again with Gray. I don¡¯t even know when we¡¯re gonna be back.¡± I say.

    ¡± Wow.. I¡¯m jealous.¡± Piper mutters and weugh.

    ¡± Seriously pipes.¡±

    ¡± What?¡± She chuckles.

    ¡± Alexa got Reid. Brandon got a new lover and I¡¯m stuck. So fucking stuck, my inner woman is worried about me.¡±

    ¡± You once had Jamie, you fucked him up.¡± Brandon says.

    ¡± It¡¯s not my fault alright¡­¡± she points out and throws her hand in surrender. ¡± We weren¡¯t a thing. We couldn¡¯t work out and you know¡­ I had to leave.¡± Piper says and drinks her water from the ss.

    ¡± There are thousands of hot assholes in college. You¡¯ve been ignoring their signals.¡± Alexa tells her.

    ¡± Whatever. Maybe I should focus more on school , considering the fact that I¡¯m graduating next year.¡±

    ¡± I can¡¯t wait to get the fuck out of school. That shit sucks.¡± Alexa says and weugh.

    ¡± And also we can¡¯t wait to n your wedding together Ariel. I¡¯m gonna love it.¡± Brandon says and smiles at me.

    ¡± This feels all too new to me. I¡¯m scared. Being a mom, a wife and all that shit.¡± I huff and grab a bottle of water as I uncap it.

    ¡± It¡¯s no big deal. Rock it the way you want. It¡¯s your world.¡± Alexa advises.

    ¡± Yup, she¡¯s right.¡± Piper says and we giggle.

    ****

    I hop out of bed and run my fingers down my hair. We are in Canada and Gray decides to pay for a suite till our visit expires. I turn to look at Gray, he¡¯s standing at the balcony, shirtless and smoking. I go to the bathroom and look at my reflection in the mirror. I wrap my hair in a ponytail and look at my baby bump.

    Gray made sure I slept with only whitece bra and panties. Like he said , he hates it when I wear clothes to bed. Really crazy. I spread toothpaste on my brush and brush my teeth. I turn on the faucet and rinse my mouth. I lick my bottom lip, stare at my reflection onest time and leave.

    I walk to the balcony and wrap my arms around his torso from behind.

    ¡± You feel warm.¡± He says and turns around with a cigarette stuck in between his lips.

    He pulls it out , blows the smoke above my head, reminding me that I¡¯m petite and he¡¯s taller than me. He tips the bottom of the cigarette and drops the stick on the ashtray resting on the railings.

    ¡± You look beautiful.¡± He says and leans down to ce a kiss on my lips.

    ¡± Thank you.¡± I smile at him.

    ¡± So we¡¯re getting married, huh?¡± He smirks at me.

    ¡± Still in shock. I¡¯m scared.¡±

    ¡± Why?¡±

    ¡± Being a wife and mother. This feels new.¡± I tell him.

    He chuckles and smiles at me.

    ¡± You will be good alright. Doesn¡¯t really matter. We¡¯ve got each other. I hope I don¡¯t be a bad dad either.¡± He shrugs.

    ¡± You¡¯ll be good.¡± I assure him and trail my fingers on his inked man.

    ¡± I¡¯m still thinking about what my life¡¯s gonna be like if I didn¡¯t barge into your car.¡± He says and that makes my heart flutter.

    ¡± Come here.¡± He pulls me to himself and hugs me. His arms circle around my waist and I wrap my arms around his torso while I trace my forefinger down his spine.

    ¡± I told my mom we arrived. She wants us toe over and eat with them. She badly wants to see you.¡± He says and kisses my hair.

    I nod in his embrace and breathe in his scent.

    ¡± Nice lingerie. They are hot. I like the panties better.¡± He whispers against my neck and I can literally feel him smirking against my skin.

    I chuckle and swat his back.

    ¡± Perv.¡±

    ¡± Your perv.¡± He pulls back to look at me as his hands rest on my hips. They travel down to my butt and I breathe in.

    ¡± So what are we calling this young man?¡± He says and tips his chin down my belly.

    ¡± You go first.¡±

    ¡± Haven?¡±

    I giggle and bite my bottom lip.

    ¡± Kennedy suggested that in her book of names.¡± I say.

    ¡± And I like it. It¡¯s kind of badass just like I want it.¡± He says and pulls me to himself and the next thing we¡¯re kissing.

    ¡± I love you.¡± He says between the kisses.

    ¡± I love you too.¡±

    |?GRAY?|

    Two months after¡­

    I pace around the hospital¡¯s waiting room with my hands in my pocket. It¡¯s been two hours since Ariel was rushed inside a hospital room and I haven¡¯t heard a thing from the doctor or the nurses. I run my hand down my hair and blow out my breath. I sit on the chair with both my elbows on my knees as I run my hands down my hair. Shit I¡¯m scared.

    What if she needs me?

    What if something happened to her and she wants me to be there with her?

    What if! Fuck me, maybe I¡¯m just thinking things.

    Alexa walks into the waiting room looking into her purse as she strides to my direction. I don¡¯t even know if she sees me or not.

    ¡± Goddamnit.¡± She cusses and looks up at me.

    ¡± Hey , boss. Is she okay?¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t know. Haven¡¯t heard a shit from any doctor. Fuck. ¡± I huff and bite my bottom lip.

    ¡± Damn. I think she will be fine. She¡¯s inbor Gray andbor doesn¡¯t happen fast, it takes time.¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re not a nurse Alexa.¡±

    She nods and blinks her eyes.

    ¡± Yeah, true.¡±

    ¡± What the fuck did you take? You¡¯re high.¡±

    ¡± Damn, you Spencer.¡± She hisses and wipes her nose.

    ¡± Did he give you coke or what?¡±

    ¡± I just had a swipe. I badly wanted to try that shit and I fuckin hate it. My bad , Spencer is a freak.¡± She giggles.

    ¡± How can you be here when you¡¯re high as fuck?¡±

    ¡± I need to be here for my Ariel. I know you got it covered, I just wanna be one of the first people to see our badass kid. Fuck you, Spencer, for giving me coke.¡± She mumbles thest part.

    ¡± I thought I told him to quit bringing that shit to my house. What the fuck is wrong with his dumbass?¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s kinda weird, you¡¯re a mob boss but you don¡¯t do coke and yet you ship them.¡±

    I turn to look at her and huff. I shouldn¡¯t be having this conversation with her. I¡¯m still worried about Ariel. I just wanna make sure she¡¯s fine. That our son is fine. Fuck it. I walk down the hallway to the direction they took her and I hear Alexa follow behind me.

    ¡± Do you wanna watch her give birth?¡±

    ¡± Fuck, yeah, I don¡¯t mind.¡± I say.

    ¡± That¡¯s gonna be weird. Watching your baby slide out from heaven. That¡¯s gonna be fun.¡± She giggles and I roll my eyes.

    I stop at the door and walk in. There sheys, weak as fuck as she breathes in and out. A nurse holds a little infant in her hands as she smiles at him.

    ¡± Aww¡­¡± Alexa coos beside me and the doctor and his two nurses turn to look at us, including Ariel. Can¡¯t fucking believe they didn¡¯t use a female doctor to deliver the baby.

    She smiles at me and I am too shocked to even say a word. Can¡¯t believe I have a son now. The nurse walks to me and motions for me to carry him. He squirms when the nurse stretches him to me. I carry him from her and Alexa won¡¯t stop giggling. I blow out my breath and hold him careful. The infant opens his eyes and his grey eyes meet mine.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    Fuck me, he had to look like me.

    ¡± Damn. We should throw a party for our future bad boy.¡± Alexa squeals as she takes the infant¡¯s little hand in hers.

    I think my life has just obviously begun¡­

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!