Toxic

by Kathy Coopmans

  She nods. Her brows scrunched up, fingernails tearing apart my flesh. Then a dam between us breaks. My hips push forward, and she takes all of me.

  “Oh fuck, Alex,” she cries out, pushing up, begging for more.

  It undoes me. My hips find a perfect rhythm all the while Maria’s moans and whimpers encourage me. The tender melody unnerves me. It’s more beautiful than anything I’ve heard escape her lips. I need that beautiful mouth on mine while I drive into her. So, I dip down and take it. Tongue matching my strokes, slow and steady. My cock is pulsing while I push back my impending release.

  Releasing her mouth, I skim down her neck, latch onto a nipple, and suck while keeping up the tempo. I continue to torture the puckered peak until she clamps down on my cock, her body loosening as she gets closer to falling over the edge.

  “Not gonna last much longer, baby?” I say around her breast. I could go all night with her. Know she won’t be able to; sure as shit need to slow down before I fuck her hard.

  I press my forehead against hers, locking our eyes. The world tilts and everything blurs with perfection.

  I breathe through my nose as she sucks in a sharp breath, causing me to pause. I take in all of her features and go to open my mouth but know my voice would come out raw and gritty. It’s a moment I refuse to ruin.

  “More. I need more, Alex.” She lifts her hips, her chest rising and falling.

  We haven’t known each other long, yet in that time she has managed to knock my world off kilter. Unhinged me in a way I believe only love can. My craving for her beats my temptation for a drink any damn day.

  I pull out, thrust back in, and when her hips start meeting mine, her whimpers turn to moans. I lift up, grab her ass, and slowly drag my cock in and out of her. This girl who has captured me is greedy. It fuels me.

  “You look good underneath me, baby. Bet you’ll look perfect on top.

  18

  Maria

  I can’t help the smile on my face. I’ve flown several times over the years but never first class. I was always squished in like a sardine back in coach. Alex acts like it’s just another day at the office as he settles our carry-ons above us.

  I stifle the groan as I take the oversized cushioned seat. I can still feel Alex on every inch of my skin. He refused to let me sleep in his room. It was all out of respect for my parents. It also had me frustrated beyond belief. One taste of that man will never be enough. I now understand addiction. We did end up escaping back out to the pond two more times.

  “What’s that grin for?” Alex taps the tip of my nose, leaning in toward me.

  I grab his finger, moving it to the side, and seal my lips to his. It’s a chaste kiss. “This. I’ve never flown first class.”

  Alex shakes his head. “You act like you’re a kid at Disneyland.”

  “That’s how I feel.”

  It’s his turn to kiss me. We don’t break apart this time. His tongue dips into my mouth as he controls the motion. Someone clears their throat, causing us to stop. We break apart, look up to see a young, beautiful flight attendant smiling down at us. She’s stunning in a model type of way. Everything perfect from her makeup right down to her sculpted body.

  “Would you like a drink before takeoff?” She casually leans on the edge of Alex’s seat, placing her boobs way too close to his arm. “We have Coca-Cola products, wine, beer, and an assortment of alcohol to choose from.”

  I bite the inside of my cheek wanting to smack the Barbie away from Alex. He turns to me, not seeming to notice her pathetic attempt. My shoulders relax. Good Lord, I’m going to have to get used to being with this man and the attention he receives from other women. Caging in my jealousy will be a task even if he’s proven his love for me.

  The flight attendant’s words crash in. She’s asking what we want to drink. I peer up to see Alex clenching his jaw; it makes me feel like an idiot for overreacting. The man I love is going to be put in this situation over and over. It’s not something I can protect him from. I can only stand by his side. I reach for his hand and squeeze it.

  “I’ll take a cranberry juice,” I offer.

  She nods and then glances at Alex, her hand resting on his shoulder. None of that matters now. I wait for his answer.

  Alex clears his throat. “Same.”

  She gives his shoulder a squeeze and floats to the front of the plane. Silence sits between us, falling heavily on my chest.

  “Was that hard?” I whisper, dropping my head to his shoulder.

  “Nah.” He turns his head to kiss the top of my head. “But just because it wasn’t hard this time doesn’t mean it won’t be in the future, and that fact scares the shit out of me.”

  “I can understand that.”

  “However, you sending daggers at the attendant was cute as hell,” he says between low grumbles of chuckles.

  “Yeah, that’s something I’m going to need to work on.”

  “It turns me on.” He places our connected hands over his hard-on. Alex doesn’t keep it there, just lingers our hands over the spot, rubbing back and forth before pulling it back right before the attendant returns with our drinks.

  “Anything else?” she asks, placing the drinks on our lower tray tables.

  Alex glances over at me. I shrug.

  “Yogurt, bagels, and fruit. A few of each,” he replies.

  The line of others boarding the plane streams by us. I grab the glass of juice and raise an eyebrow.

  “You read my mind, Alex.”

  “Baby.” His hands slide down between my thighs, creeping up dangerously close to the place I want him. “You’re going to experience everything in first class.”

  “Does everything include being introduced to the mile-high club?”

  I smirk.

  “Possibly. Might have to borrow the family jet for that one. Nobody touches or sees what’s mine.”

  He winks, then applies enough pressure to make my panties damp.

  “Wipe that look off your face and get to work.” Peaches slaps my ass as she walks behind me.

  Alex hasn’t stopped texting me since we had to part at the airport. He’s slammed at work taking his place back at the Idaho Diamonds. He’s determined to come back stronger and be the best he can be. His excitement was contagious.

  Sally called in sick. Peaches dropped that piece of information when I called to let her know I was home. She knew I’d come in. I’m regretting it now because that’s means I’m on the same shift as Lexi. Peaches has been keeping us on opposite schedules after I told her about Lexi. I know she would have fired her, but the thing is, Lexi is a great employee. Her out loud personality and tits always busting out of her top make for good tips and keep the patrons happy.

  My phone vibrates in my hand. I promise myself this is the last text before my own aunt fires my ass.

  Alex: I’ll pick you up tonight.

  Me: How did you know I walked to the bar today?

  I lift a brow in confusion as I wait for his reply. Is he having me followed?

  Alex: I have my ways.

  Me: Alex???

  Alex: LOL... Went on an errand with Justice, and we passed your place. Saw your truck.

  I shake my head knowing damn well he more than likely didn’t have to drive past my place. The sense of safety with him back in my life warms me from head to toe.

  Alex: And my men reported back.

  Me: Funny guy. Gotta go before I get canned.

  Alex: You ain’t getting much sleep tonight, baby girl.

  In Montana, Alex and I spent hours talking about everything and nothing at the same time. He opened up about his family and how he never wanted to be part of the business. It wasn’t for him; the same with Justice. The fact his dad always has eyes on him drives Alex insane. He’s had to come to grips with it. Makes my soul sing how he can now joke about it.

  “Are you going to serve your tables or just stand there, princess?” I’m shoved from the back.

  Lexi stands behind me with
her hands planted on her hips and that damn permanent scowl covering her face. Breathe in, breathe out, and ignore this bitch.

  I shrug a shoulder and turn away from her, tucking my phone back into my pocket. The snarky bitch doesn’t deserve a word unless she wants it rammed down her lying, conniving throat. I’ve had to listen to the rumors around the bar for the last month about her being with Alex. It never settled well in my gut. Knew it deep down it was a lie; then all hell fell apart with Alex and me. Still, if I stop and think about it, a part of me knew there was nothing going on. She’s just on some crazy girl fantasy over a man who doesn’t want her.

  Bitch is going to blow when she sees who picks me up tonight. Alex has brought out the braver side of me. I won’t be cowering from her anymore. Hell no, I’ll wear a victorious smile while on his arm.

  The happy-hour crowd swamps the bar. I’m left placing orders and slinging drinks. It’s a blessing since it keeps me far away from Lexi. My gaze lingers on the empty stage. I crave to grab my guitar and belt out a few songs. I was only gone a week and have missed this place. I didn’t realize how much Idaho has become my home. My heart is here.

  My phone vibrates in my back pocket. Once I lean on the bar, waiting for an order to be filled, I pull it out and see Alex’s name filling the screen. A preview of some of the texts lets me know he’s been a naughty, dirty-talking man. My cheeks flush with heat, and my core clenches at the thought we can have each other anytime we want. God, I can’t wait until his scent lingers on my sheets.

  “Your old man said it was a good visit,” Peaches offers, not making eye contact as she shakes a cocktail.

  “It was. It really was.” I nibble on my bottom lip hoping like hell Dad told her about Alex.

  “He really liked Mr. Diamond.” Peaches glances up at me.

  I should’ve known better. Dad and Peaches talk about everything, and I do mean everything. And most of it is stuff you don’t want to hear. I swear they have the same sick and twisted souls.

  “Alex. Not Mr. Diamond.” I shake my head. “He got along amazingly with Cooper and Amos, Jr. I could’ve never guessed how well he would’ve fit in.”

  “You gambled, and it looks like you’re coming out a winner.” She pushes a tray of drinks in my direction.

  I couldn’t have said it better. I grab the tray and go about working. The next two hours are grueling. Something has to be going on in downtown Boise because this place has been non-stop. It’s the perk of our location. My shoulders sag in relief when Peaches hollers out for last call. I was clearly still on a high from the mini vacation when I told her I’d come in. It’s a damn good thing I love her.

  My section clears out, so I go about the closing tasks of wiping down tables and stocking the back bar. Excitement grows low in my belly as the sound and clatter dies down. Unfortunately, that means Lexi’s grating voice pierces the air. I do my best to shut her out by humming a Miranda Lambert song. It does the trick for the most part; until her slutty sidekick bounces in. She takes a seat at the bar, chatting up Lexi while we all close down.

  “Did you hear who is back in town?” her friend asks.

  “Yeah, I know. He called me today. We have plans for tonight.”

  Liar.

  “Did Alex say where he was?”

  “On business.” Lexi flips her hair over her shoulder. “You should’ve heard him apologizing for not staying in contact. He said he’d make up for it tonight.”

  Is this bitch for real? I blink slowly once, then two times. My fists clench and unclench at my sides as Lexi rattles on about how excited she is Alex is back in town. She raves on about his money and dick and blah blah blah. I focus on my breathing, fighting to ground myself. Bitch is about to be shocked when Alex walks through the door for me and not her.

  “He did admit he had a fling with some low-life college girl. But he’s coming back to me.”

  Gasoline meets fire. The girl is goading me. She knows. I fucking blow. Lexi needs to be put in her place. She may be a mental case, but not on my watch. This scum of a bitch isn’t going to ruin what I have. The door swings open wide, and my gaze goes to it. It’s Lance, Scott, and Ava. They rush over to me. Ava is the first to wrap me up in a hug. Scott gifts me with a chin tilt. Lance spreads his arms wide open, engulfing me.

  “Missed you, Maria. We’re not going that long again without seeing each other.”

  I step back and slap his chest. “A bit dramatic, Lance?”

  I roll my eyes. Something out of the corner of my eye gets my attention. Alex. His hands tucked in the pockets of his designer slacks. The top few buttons undone on his white dress shirt exposing the throbbing veins in his neck. I fear he’s going to crack his teeth with how tightly his jaw is clenched.

  “Baby,” Lexi hollers and dashes over to him.

  Alex doesn’t even flinch. Lexi leaps into his chest, wrapping her arms around his neck. He doesn’t move or reciprocate her embrace. His ice-cold glare is lasered in on Lance. The menace on his features sends chills racing down my spine.

  It all vanishes. Nothing but crimson red fills my vision as Lexi’s lips land on Alex’s strong jawline. My jaw. My man. I shove Lance to the side, stomping my way to them. I eat up the distance in five strides. Alex never takes his glare off Lance. I guarantee he doesn’t even see me coming or feel Lexi pressed up against his body. He’s lost in his own angry storm.

  I act before thinking. My hand flies up, grabbing a fistful of dried, bleached hair, and I pull with everything I have. Lexi’s shrill cry echoes around the bar. Alex’s gaze drops to me. I don’t stop throwing her back from his chest, and I don’t let go of her hair either, still ripping on it.

  “Lexi, I have a fucking bone to pick with you.” I get right in her face, feeling each word rip from my lips. I’ve never lost control like this. I will protect what I have beyond any means, and she’s about to get a taste of it. She whimpers in front of me.

  It’s pathetic. I let go and step up in her face and seethe.

  “I’m going to say this one time, Lexi. So listen up, cunt. Alex isn’t yours.” I thump a finger in the middle of her chest. “He’s never been yours. You’re a pathetic piece of shit.”

  Lexi squares her shoulders, brushing her fake-as-shit blonde hair over her shoulder. She recovers quickly and plants a hand on her hip. “You’re pathetic, Maria. He is too good for you. Trailer trash never learns.”

  This psycho has really lost her last brain cell. Getting up on my man and insulting my roots only equals a lesson coming her way. The sea of red blinding inside me takes over again. I cock back my fist and let it fly. It lands square on her jaw. Cooper would be damn proud. She stumbles back, and I don’t stop. She’s a slow learner, so I figure it will take a few more good punches.

  I keep swinging, feeling her blood on my knuckles until someone pulls me away from her. My back collides with a familiar solid chest. Alex’s lips graze over the shell of my ear.

  “Enough, Maria. Your point has been well received.”

  I’m not pissed at him. Although anger still rages and boils in me. I fight to get out of his grip. He doesn’t let me go. He walks us to the entrance of the bar. I catch Peaches sipping on a vodka and cranberry juice with a smile in her eyes. She tips her chin to me. My friends remain frozen in place, and shockingly enough, Lexi’s BFF has disappeared.

  “Lexi,” Alex’s deep voice rumbles to my core. “I’m not yours. Never have been. I’d suggest you steer fucking clear of Maria. My connections won’t be as nice to you as Maria was.”

  With that, the door of the bar slams shut. The chilly evening air smacks me in the face until it stings. Alex doesn’t stop until he helps me into the passenger seat and rounds the front. His jaw is clenched when he slides into the driver’s seat. It seems his rage is still boiling. He shifts into drive and slams down on the gas.

  “Say it!” I yell. “Go ahead. You’re pissed.”

  His foot presses on the brake, lurching me forward as he whips into the alleyway next t
o the bar. I press my back against the window once Alex’s glare is focused on me.

  “Goddamn right, I’m fucking pissed.” He leans forward, spitting out each word. “Walk into a goddamn bar to see my woman in the arms of another man.”

  I refuse to back down. The monster inside of me is strong and ready to play. “I had to hear about your plans with Lexi and your dick all fucking night, Alex. How about swallowing that pill? Lance is a friend from school. I’ve never once thought about fucking him. My hands have never touched him with thoughts of going further, unlike you and Lexi.”

  He slams his balled-up fist into the console. “How many times do I have to tell you I haven’t fucked Lexi since I met you for it to sink through your thick skull?”

  “Want to know how many times my hand has grazed over Lance’s clothed cock and squeezed it?” I square my shoulders and know I’m playing with fire here. “Would you like to hear Lance bragging about fucking lies that never happened, and the moment he sees me, he grabs me, and I don’t even fucking move?”

  Alex remains silent.

  “How many times would you guess?”

  Alex pulls his hand through his hair, leaving it standing up in a stressed fashion. His jaw never quits flexing as if he’s thinking over his words before he dares to speak. He grabs my hand and pulls it to the crotch of his pants.

  He’s hard and throbbing under my touch. I don’t move or break eye contact.

  “There’s only one hand that belongs here. That tramp can run her mouth all she fucking wants, and she will. It’s who she is. But remember this, Maria. Only one hand has the privilege of this.”

  He moves before I can react or get a word out. His massive body is covering mine, ripping and tugging at my shorts. He peels them away, and in one movement, tears away my black lacy thong. I reach down for his zipper. Alex stops me, wrapping his palm around my wrist.

  “What are you doing, Maria?” His icy stare rips me apart. “You’ve never acknowledged this is yours, and until you do, you’re not touching it.”