Listen to Nasty by Ariana Grande

I bit down on my lower lip to stop the smile tugging at my lips after my call with Belvina ended. I'd been sitting in the living room watching a basketball game to kill time. My plan was to finish the game, take my sedatives, and allow them to do their magic. I thought keeping myself busy with work would help but no matter how tired I was from working all day, I couldn't get any sleep.

I went upstairs to put on a T-shirt over my sweatpants. I ran my fingers through my hair to tame the edges, I sprayed my cologne and grabbed my wallet.

I twirled the car keys around my finger as I walked to the black Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon packed at the back of my garage. I snapped my fingers to the beat and hummed the lyrics as I drove past the traffic light that just changed green. I stopped by a store close to her apartment to get the spicy chips she asked for. It was a bit chilly this evening as I stepped out of the car.

I held the door open for a lady coming out of the store, she blushed as she thanked me. I smiled at her and entered the building. It took me a solid ten minutes before I could find the Paquin tortilla chips she wanted. I picked two of the maximum-size bags and some chocolate bars since I noticed she had a fondness for chocolate.

I paid for it and drove to her apartment. I rode the elevator with a tall lady and her two kids who kept staring at the bags in my hand. I picked two chocolate bars and gave one to each of them, their mother smiled at me and gave her kids a warning stare like I just offered them poison.

I chuckled softly as I stepped out of the elevator when I made it to Belvina's floor. I took a glance at the time on my wristwatch as I approached the door to her apartment. I knocked on the door and waited. I got a text a few seconds later.

Vixen-The code is 68973.

PS- I'll change it after you leave.

I scoffed and put in the code for the lock, and the door unlocked. I swung the door wide open and stepped in, I tried to hold back my laughter as I saw Belvina on the kitchen island with a spatula. What the hell was she doing up there?

"It's not funny," she glared.

"Even better," I said taking out my phone and taking a picture.

"I'll fucking kill you, Parker. Delete it."

"Too bad you can't do it yourself," I said extending the phone toward her. She threw the spatula at me but missed.

"Are you gonna get the rat or not?" she asked and I burst out laughing.

"Stop," she groaned.

"Damn Vixen, I expected you to be a cold murderer but here you are hiding from a rat."

"Are you doing it or not?"

"I got you," I smiled, putting the bags of chips and chocolate on the couch.

"Awww you got my Paquin tortilla chips," she smiled.

"Yes, now where last did you see Ratatouille?"

"Under the couch." She pointed.

I pushed the couch slightly and the small form ran toward the kitchen, Belvina screamed. I wish I could record this moment because it was comical seeing her like this. I grabbed the broomstick at the corner and walked slowly toward the kitchen, Belvina watched keenly. I hit the counter where I suspected the rat was, I tried to hit it quickly with the broom but it escaped to the hallway. Belvina gasped beside me.

"Don't let that thing enter my room, please Parker."

"Come on," I urged her to come down but she was a bit skeptical.

"I want you to witness everything."

"You sound like a psychopath," she said and I couldn't help but laugh.

"You just have to stay behind me, all you have to do is grab something to trap it if it..."

"Don't even finish that sentence, I'm not going anywhere close to it."

"Ok, just stick behind me. I need more eyes." I extended my hand to her and she took it, I helped her off the counter.

"Ready?" I asked looking behind me where she stayed two feet away. I couldn't help but notice her little piece of clothing, her shorts hugged her slender waist and small hips that looked so voluptuous like it was sculpted with care and perfection. Her exposed navel, and the fullness of boobs. I tried not to stare too much at the exquisite view in front of me, fighting every nerve in my body to maintain my composure. I have seen many beautiful women but it was rare to get so intrigued by one's beauty that it was hard to look away, it was greater than an instant infatuation.

"Like hell I am," she scoffed.

"Do you see it?" She whispered behind me when we got to the hallway leading to the bedrooms.

"Not yet. I think we should check the bedrooms."

We entered Chloe's bedroom, we surveyed every nook and cranny of the room but found nothing. On our way out of the bedroom, the rat ran out between my legs. Belvina screamed and was literally trying to climb on me. I tried to hold back my laughter but she made it impossible.

"I'm going back to the kitchen island and I'm not coming down till it's dead."

"Fine," I said and watched her as she cautiously walked away.

I spent the next thirty minutes hunting down the rat and finally caught it in the living room as it was trying to run toward the door I had strategically left open.

"I think you got it," Belvina whispered.

I hit it again and pulled the broom away, watching its unmoving body.

"I'll take it out," I informed her and she nodded. I grabbed a piece of paper towel and picked up the rat and left the apartment. I threw the rat into the public trash outside. I had a feeling Belvina won't sleep in the house with a dead rat in the apartment.

When I returned to the apartment, she was still on the kitchen island.

"You can get down now, Vixen."

"What if there is more?"

"I'm here," I said with an assuring smile. I went to the guest bathroom and washed my hands and face. I had to take off my T-shirt due to the sweat and heat from chasing the rat around. I left my white tank top on. I returned to the living room and found Belvina cleaning up in the kitchen.

"What were you cooking?"

"Chicken alfredo but it's all ruined." She sounded sad.

"Need help."

"No, I'm good." She said bending over to pick up a spoon from the floor. Maybe I should look away but I was hypnotized by the way those shorts perfectly hugged her hips and outlined her peachy ass.

"I'll stick around to be sure there are no more rats," I said, forcing my eyes to look anywhere but at her body.

"Thank you," She mumbled, if I wasn't next to her, it would have been impossible to hear it.

I went to the living room and put on the NBA game, I was relieved to see my team in the lead. My eyes kept going back to the kitchen every second.

Belvina joined me in the living room when she was done, she took the space next to me on the couch. She grabbed the bag with her chips and chocolate and rummaged through the bag like a kid unwrapping her Christmas present.

"Chocolate!" she exclaimed and looked back at me like she was trying to figure out if it was really me. She opened one bag of tortilla chips to eat but I snatched it away before she could grab a piece. She tried to snatch it back but I pulled it away from her reach and stood up, knowing I had the advantage.

"Trust me, you don't wanna mess with me and my tortilla chips," she warned, standing up. You know that look you give someone that just stole the last piece of your favorite food you were about to put in your mouth.

"I'm still waiting for the magic word, Belvina. It wasn't easy finding this particular type of tortilla chips, you know." I told her, only one foot away from touching her.

"Este hijo de puta ya esta buscando por la muerte," she mumbled in her thick Spanish accent with a hardened jaw. I think I just discovered how hot she looked in her element, my lips quirked in a smile.

"You're really gonna make take Spanish classes, aren't you? Just say thank you," I demanded and she snickered putting on a stubborn look. She reached quickly to take the bag of chips back but I moved it above her head. She glared at me, too short to reach for it.

"Just say the word, it won't kill you," I said and raised my other hand up, I picked one of the crunchy chips and put it in my mouth. Damn, it was too spicy, just like her attitude. No wonder she liked it.

"That's mine," she said stepping closer.

"Not yet, is mine till you thank me for my generosity," I smirked.

I knew she hated people telling her what to do and this was like telling her to drink acid. But I was enjoying taunting her, it was like playing with fire even if you knew you were going to get burnt.

She scoffed and crossed her arms, watching me chew the spicy chip that burnt my tongue; if she wasn't looking I would have run to the kitchen for a glass of water.

"So, you want me to go on my knees just for a bag of chips? Is that what you want Parker?" She asked taking another step closer, her voice and facial expression turning seductive. She bit down on her lower lip and I was about to lose it. Belvina was dangerous the more I got to know her but I was taking my chances.

Her eyes remained on me and the sudden smile on her face was intimidating. As tiny as she looked, she could destroy anything getting in her way and right now, I was holding her tortilla Paquin chips captive.

I looked down at her with a playful smile, she looked adorable I must admit. How I would kill to have her on her knees but not over a bag of chips. I liked her bun that looked like it was done in a rush, a curly lock fell at the right side of her face making her look so innocent. Looks can be deceptive, I had learned that from all my past relationships.

"You want me on my knees?" she asked in a different tone, closing the small distance between, her fingers skimmed up my chest as she pushed herself up on her tiptoes to get closer to my height but it only brought her to my chest.

"Hmm?" she whispered, her question took my mind to dirty places in my head, the way the question rolled off her tongue and how she was looking at me. Just one move and my lips will be against hers.

I needed to get my head out of the gutter and focus on teaching her some manners but all thoughts of that flew out of my head when she placed her hands on my chest. I tried to keep my composure and to appear unaffected.

Is she really going to seduce me for a $7 bag of chips?

"Give me back my chips," she demanded, digging her nails through my skin through the fabric of my tank top.

"I'm going to scratch off your skin, Parker," she threatened.

Don't give in

Don't give in

Don't give in

"Take," I said quickly, trying to avoid her nails from piercing into my skin.

"Thank you," she smiled sweetly and took it from me.

"How hard was that?" I asked as I pulled up my tank top to check my skin, I hissed at the faint mark from her fingers. I was turned on by the mark she gave me, damn, the things I would do to her if I ever got her into my bed. I did ruin her.

I looked at her and she was staring at me with a proud smile as she put some chips in her mouth.

"Oh shit, there's another rat," I pointed to her feet and she jumped on the couch, screaming. I burst out laughing.

"Gotcha."

"Don't play with me like that, Parker." She threw the cushion at me.

I took the space beside her, she sat close to me still terrified of any more rats. She complained about not understanding the game. I tried my best to explain everything about basketball I could but she still wasn't a fan. She left to grab something from the kitchen. She returned a few seconds later with a small glass bowl filled with what looked to be chocolate pudding. She sat on the floor, I cocked a brow at her as I watched her dip the chips inside the chocolate pudding and put it in her mouth. Her tongue darts out to lick the chocolate that stained her lips, I kept my eyes on every swipe of her tongue. There was something sensual about it and it suddenly felt unsafe to be here. She was testing my self-control tonight, first the tight shorts and wearing no bra beneath that shirt. And now she was messing with my head with that tongue of hers that took my imagination to wild places. Did she have any idea what she was doing to me? Or she wasn't making any effort to make me feel so bothered.

"How does it taste?" I asked her, gesturing to the chips and chocolate pudding.

"You can try it if you want and find out for yourself," she said.

"I can tell it would taste awful," I said and she shook her head with an eye roll.

"Trust me you will change your mind after trying one," she said and stood up. She took one chip and dipped it into the chocolate pudding.

I shook my head in disapproval as she brought it to me.

"I'm going to make you take your words back,"

"I was joking, Vixen." I laughed but she wasn't letting this go.

"Take it or I will make you," she said bringing it closer to my mouth but I turned my face away.

"Fine," I heard her say and soon I felt her climbing my lap. I looked back at her and found her straddling me.

"Seriously?" I laughed. I knew I could take it and just end this but I was loving this.

"Open your mouth, Adrian," she said holding the chocolate-glazed chips close to my mouth. I smiled at her, keeping my lips tightly shut. She looked annoyed at my refusal.

She moved closer and the slight brush of her hips underneath me made me go hard. I sucked in a breath and thought of something else to keep my mind distracted. It worked but the risk of revisiting that dark memory was starting to resurface but a soft touch pulled me back to reality.

I looked up at Belvina's face, she was observing me closely with her fierce hazel eyes, for the first time I noticed the golden flecks in her eyes that made her unreal.

"Open," she said holding my jaw with her small hand to keep my head in place.

"No," I smiled. She tried to pull closer again but I gripped her hips holding her back, she was too focused on getting me to eat the chips to notice I was fighting off an erection.

She tried to force it into my mouth but I shook my head continuously, laughing at her failed attempts. She stopped and laughed too, it's been long since I heard her laugh. I watched her as she threw her head back in a lovely fit of giggles, she was beyond beautiful.

The chocolate-glazed chips fell on my face as she tried to get a grip on herself to ease her laughter. She picked it up and put it in her mouth, she eyed me as she chewed it. My eyes lingered on her lips. I didn't hide it, I just stared at her lips as if watching someone chew a crunchy chip was mesmerizing.

"You got chocolate pudding on your cheek and neck," she told me. I tried using a finger to wipe off the stain on my cheek but didn't get it all. I moved my hand to wipe it off but she stopped me.

"Mind if I lick it off, I don't want it to be a waste," she said staring at me as if daring me.

It wasn't too late to end this but I would be the biggest idiot to turn down an opportunity to feel her tongue on my skin but what was I digging myself into?

"You sure, Vixen? Don't be surprised if you got addicted."

She smiled softly and leaned closer and licked it off my cheek, the silky touch of her tongue against my skin and warm breath was a mixture of heaven and hell. Belvina Galardo was a dangerous woman, a flame igniting everything she touched.

I kept my eyes on her as she withdrew from my face. Our eyes met briefly before she put her hand on my neck and leaned down to lick the chocolate pudding on my neck. The first brush of her tongue on my neck almost brought out the carnal desire within me, I fought every cell in my body urging me to pull her down for a kiss.

Fuck! I need a cold shower

Like a reflex action, my grip on her hips tighten and I fought the groan trying to slip from my throat. She pressed her lips to my skin, a soft delicate brush of her lips like feathers. It was a teasing kiss, I could inhale her breath and feel the warmth from her body. She knew what she was doing to me. I was surprised when her teeth joined the action, now it was impossible to keep my dick down not when she pulled my skin between her teeth leaving a mark.

She pulled away and stared at me. Like gravity, I pulled her hips closer and brought my face closer to hers. She was so close, extremely close that I could feel the heat from her body and inhale her lavender perfume. My eyes flickered to her wet lips and down the lines of her neck imagining my lips against her glistening brown skin.

I met her eyes and tried to understand her. I was aware of her rough breathing, her pulse quickening, and the swell of her tits. She felt it too. I wondered if I would find her wet if slip my hand inside her shorts.

I moved my fingers ever so slowly up her arm to her neck, waiting for her to pull away. I massaged a spot on her neck with my thumb and she closed her eyes relishing the pleasure it brought to her body. Watching her, I slowly wrap my fingers around her neck in a firm hold.

"You're one daring woman, Vixen. Can you feel what you do to me?" I grunted, fighting the urge to claim every part of her.

I leaned closer and placed wet kisses on her neck, moving up to her chin and slowly to her cheek. My other hand glided up her hip to her waist. I slipped my hand through her small top, tracing her spine smoothly with my fingertips. The soft sound that escaped her lips made her vulnerable under my touch. Like she wasn't in control of her body, she rolled her hips against my growing erection. Oh God, those sounds that left her lips made me want to break every promise I'd made to myself. I pressed my teeth into the nape of her neck and left marks down her right shoulder. She moaned.

I hesitated to bring my lips closer to hers, a voice at the back of my head was warning me, yelling at me not to go further. It was not right even if it felt a million times right. She was no different, I can't let my guard down again. Even if I have been using women for distraction, I couldn't use her. She was Chloe's best friend and I was trying to win her friendship not fuck her.

"The stain is gone," I said and she opened her eyes looking dazed for a moment. I wanted to reach closer and kiss her but stopped myself.

"All gone," I smiled.

"Good, I couldn't let it go to waste," she said and got off my lap quickly. I adjusted my trouser and tried to hide my growing erection.

She sat back next to me and straightened her top, I looked away from her hardened nipples and picked up the magazine next to me.

The next few minutes were awkward as neither of us said a word. I couldn't focus on the game and Belvina didn't look interested in the bag of chips and chocolate anymore.

"I'm hungry, anything in your fridge I can eat or I can just order something," I told her.

"You're in luck then, I have an appetizing fridge." She said standing up. "Come along and make your choice, " She told me as she walked to the kitchen.

I stretched my legs before standing up, I followed her into the kitchen and leaned on the counter as she went through her fridge.

I couldn't help but replay what happened an hour ago, the feel of her tongue on my skin, and her flushed body pressed against mine. I stared at her small body which was almost swallowed by the fridge, she was a work of art. The urge to pin her against the fridge and do dirty things to her clouded my brain.

I must leave, the longer I stayed the more I struggled with self-control.

"It's late, I should get going," I informed her, and she turned around to look at me.

"What? You just said you're hungry." She said clearly annoyed.

"It's almost midnight, besides I'm not that hungry." I smiled.

"I can heat it up for you to eat on the way."

"Nah, it's cool.

She looked upset, "Fine, you can leave." She sighed, slamming the refrigerator door shut. "Thanks for tonight, " she said, walking past me to the living room.

I put on my T-shirt and walked to the door with Belvina behind me. "No hug?" I inquired.

"Go before I kick you out, " she said and I laughed.

"Good night, Vixen," I told her after I stepped out of the apartment.

"Good night, Parker."

Well, this was progress. She said it back.

"I still hate you, " she said and shut the door before I could tease her for telling me goodnight.

I smiled as I walked to the elevator. I don't think I need my pills tonight to sleep.

°°

The past couple of weeks had been hectic. I had a busy schedule and barely slept. The good news was that the company was finally back on its feet, and I had built enough business Allies to get us back on top.

Jasmine, Tristan's secretary was already on leave. Elise looked drained by the time the storm at the office was over. I gave her a week off and allowed her to work from home. I promised myself I would take a vacation once Tristan was back and feeling better. From our conversation so far on the phone, he was getting better. I haven't spoken to Chloe in a week, she always promised to call back but I never received her calls. I guess that meant she was having enough fun.

I closed early from work on Wednesday. I took a quick shower and stayed in bed going through my phone. I smiled at Nora's new post on Instagram, it was a picture of her laying on the beach sand with a grin. It felt good seeing things return to normal, everyone was happy again but I couldn't say the same for myself. The void was still there, it seemed to be growing every day.

The silence in the building made me feel like I had no one even if I had people I could count on. But I was the type of person that liked people to depend on me and not the other way around.

My mind drifted to a fierce curly hair woman; I missed her company. I haven't spoken to her since that night she gave me blue balls and made me take a cold shower for an hour.

I thought of calling her to hear her voice or laugh at her mean remarks. She made me forget the world whenever I was around her. I reminded myself I wasn't looking for a connection or hoping to pursue any relationship but win her friendship and show her I wasn't the villain she painted me to be.

My ringtone brought my attention back to my phone screen. Chloe was finally calling, with a quick swipe I answered the call.

"I thought you forgot about my existence, " I said immediately after I heard her voice. She laughed and apologized for not calling.

"How have you been?" I asked.

"Fantastic, " she said and giggled.

"So, when are you coming back?" I asked and she went silent for almost a minute.

"Soon, I hope, " she replied in a different tone like the idea of returning home irked her.

"Tell me about Cuba, " I inquired, relaxing on the bed.

"Maybe another time, can you do me a favor?"

"Sure, any time."

"I have been trying to reach Vina for days now and she hasn't answered any of my calls or my text. It's unlike her and I'm really worried. Can you drive over to the apartment and check on her, please? I know you two don't get along but you're the only one I can count on right now."

"Of course, I will call you when I get there."

"Thank you so much, Adrian."

I stood up from the bed and put on a navy-blue hoodie over my lounge pants. I tried Belvina's line as I drove to her apartment but she didn't answer. I called her number again as I entered the elevator in the apartment building but she didn't reply. I stretched my arms as I walked to the door to her apartment. I knocked and waited for a minute before the door opened.

"What do you want?" Belvina asked in a tired tone. She leaned on the door frame like she was looking for support.

She looked different, something seemed off. Her eyes looked pale, she appeared fragile. I could see the dark circles and sleeping bags beneath her eyes. The white fluffy bathrobe was big on her, I could tell she was naked beneath the large robe. Her long curls were held back in a silk scarf.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"Yes, why exactly are you here?" She asked looking a bit disoriented. Her voice lacked energy and clarity, I had to read her lips.

She pulled away from the door frame and walked back into the room. I trailed behind her and shut the door.

I turned to look at her, she was stumbling as she walked into the kitchen. I was quick to go behind her and hold her, scared she would fall, she didn't look good.

She didn't fight me off as I guide her to the couch. The apartment was a mess, which was unusual. There were books thrown around, empty soda cans, candy wraps, and takeout plates and bags.

"Lie down," I instructed.

"I'm fine Adrian," she said trying to pull away.

"Down, right now Vixen," I ordered. She rolled her eyes and lay on the couch. I grabbed the blanket in the corner and draped it over her body. I sat next to her giving her a questioning look.

"Have you eaten?" I asked.

"This is ridiculous, I don't need a babysitter," she tried to move but I stopped her.

"Have you gone to the hospital or taken any medication?" I continued with my interrogation. She scoffed and stared at the ceiling.

"Close your eyes," I whispered. She held my gaze for a few seconds, questioning if she could trust me but she obeyed, her body relaxing and her hand reaching slowly into mine.

"I'm here," I assured her. I looked around, wondering what happened.