I begin to stir awake, the sunlight streaming through my bedroom window. I need to wake up and pull the curtains across but when I turn to glare at it, my usual purple curtains are replaced with grey ones. I frown and sit up straight, my eyes wide.
This isn’t my bed and this isn’t Justin’s bed.
Holy shit.
My head begins to pound repeatedly and I groan again, clutching it. My eyes are sensitive, my body hurts and my stomach is stirring. Yep, I have a hangover. I study the room, trying to figure out where the hell I’ve ended up.
I’m lying in a double bed with a leather headboard, the covers grey and white. The floor is covered with plush white carpet and when I hang my legs off the bed, my feet sink into it. Mirrored wardrobes line one side of the room and a large plas-ma screen hangs on the other side. Underneath the television screen, there’s a large stack of games and different gaming consoles. The walls are bare, giving away little to who’s room this is. I lift the sheets to my face and inhale and Alex’s face immediately flashes through my mind.
“Holy shit,” I mutter, my mind going into overdrive. How the hell did I end up in Alex’s bedroom? I try desperately to rack my brains but after seeing him in the club for the first time, I don’t remember anything after that. I lift the covers and ex-hale a sigh of relief as I realise I’m still fully clothed. Last nights dress is still on my body which is a good sign, a very good sign.
When it comes to Alex, I have very little restraint.
I hop out of bed, clutching my head as I desperately try to battle against the hangover. My eyes land on the single photo-graph in the entire room, placed neatly on his bedside table. I frown and reach towards it, my fingers pressing against the cold metal of the frame.
In the photo, I recognise the man from the hospital. He looks slightly younger, his skin tanned and smooth. He has shorter dark hair and his arm is swung over a pretty woman. She has large brown eyes and jet black hair and she’s simply stun-ning. Her wide smile reminds me of Alex’s and I smile as I notice he’s crouched in front of them. He’s only a child and the smile on his face is irreplaceable. All three of them are on a hill somewhere, the sun shining down.
This must be his family.
I place the photo back down in the exact position I found it and walk over to the single mirror in his room. It’s small and hung up on the wall near the door. I grimace as I catch my appearance. My makeup is smudged around my eyes and my hair is tangled, resembling a lion’s wild mane.
I smooth it down and pull it up into a ponytail, securing it with a hair tie from my wrist. My fingers rub at the makeup and after a few minutes, I look slightly more presentable. I smooth down the dress and pick up my heels that have been left by the door.
Holding my breath, I pull open the bedroom door and listen carefully for any noise. Silence greets me. I tip-toe out of his bedroom, feeling like I’m doing the walk of shame. I’m halfway down the stairs when he stops me, appearing from one of the doors.
“Morning.”
I pause, clutching my heels to my chest. As my eyes land on him, I physically wince from how good he looks whilst I look terrible. He’s wearing a plain white shirt, exposing his large muscly arms. Underneath he’s wearing black skinny jeans and he’s leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest. A slight smirk plays on his lips as he watches me squirm.
“Alex,” I murmur, walking down the rest of the stairs and landing in the hallway. I glance around for my mobile phone, knowing I can’t leave without it.
“Looking for this?” Alex says, reaching into his back pocket and holding out my bright pink phone. My jaw drops open and I snatch it from him, narrowing my eyes at him.
“Why do you have my phone? Why am I here? What happened last night?” I ask him, clutching my head. It’s started to throb again and I seriously feel like I’m going to throw up.
“You always ask so many questions,” Alex chuckles, walking away from me. I glare at him as he leaves however can’t stop my eyes from drifting down his body as he goes.
“Are you going to stand there checking me out or will you at least have some breakfast with me?” Alex asks over his shoulder, catching me off guard. I bite down on my lower lip, my cheeks burning bright red as I slowly follow in the direc-tion he went.
“I don’t think I can stomach food.” I grumble underneath my breath. His kitchen is beautiful, long and designed with sleek black cupboards. It’s modern and finished off with a large dining table in the centre.
“It’ll make you feel better, sit down.”
Alex takes a seat himself and pulls out the chair next to his. I smooth down my dress nervously and take a seat, my hands trembling. Alex’s notices and sighs –
“What’s wrong? Talk to me.”
“I’m just nervous, that’s all.” I murmur, my eyes drifting to my lap. Alex leans over and places his hand under my chin, lifting it up to meet his eyes. I suck in a breath as I hold his stare as he searches my eyes.
“Don’t ever be nervous around me, okay?”
I nod my head and he mirrors my actions before dropping my chin. He pulls a plate of croissants towards me and pours some coffee, handing one over to me.
“I don’t drink coffee but thank you.”
“You don’t drink coffee? How do you live?” Alex chuckles, causing me to relax. I like it when he jokes and acts light hearted.
“I don’t like the taste, I prefer hot chocolate or orange juice,” I smile, taking a bite of the croissant. The pastry flakes in my mouth and I have to resist from moaning out in pleasure. It tastes so damn good.
“Which one do you want? I can get you both.”
He stands up and I place my hand on his upper thigh, stopping him. He immediately freezes, his eyes flickering down to my hand that’s still pressed against his leg.
“Alex, sit down, eat.”
My words are quiet but I breathe a sigh of relief as he listens, taking a seat back down next to me. I reach over for a glass of water instead and drink it hungrily, my throat dry and dehydrated.
“You had quite a night last night, didn’t you?” Alex smirks, taking a drink from his coffee. My eyes widen and I begin to stutter, unable to hold his gaze.
“Erm, d-did, did w-we,”
I inhale deeply, composing myself.
“Did I sleep with you?” Alex says quietly, asking the question for me. I nod slowly, chewing on my bottom lip. My head drops to my lap so I’m hiding behind my hair. The thought of sleeping with Alex causes me to blush bright red, my thighs clenching. I also noticed how a shiver ran down my spine, goosebumps covering my arms.
“When you do sleep with me hermosa, you’ll remember it,” Alex smirks, his words cocky and arrogant. I let out a scoff, turning to raise my brow at him. A rush of relief washes through me but now I’m slightly angry at him.
“When? What makes you think I’m going to end up sleeping with you Alex?” I snap, pushing my plate away from me. He doesn’t react to my anger beside from the twinkle in his dark eyes. He slowly leans forward so his face is hovering inches over mine. I force myself to maintain eye contact with him because to be honest, I’m angry at his attitude.
“You can’t resist me, we’re like magnets,” he whispers, his warm breath tickling my lips. For a second, I feel myself grow light headed and my body begins to lean forward subconsciously. Before I can give in, I snap myself out of it, pulling back.
“No, we are not. I need to go home.”
Alex glances down at his watch, shaking his head — “You have an apartment viewing in ten minutes. Are you going to make it?”
“Shit.”
I completely forgot about the apartment. I push myself to my feet, scrambling around for all of my belongings. As I’m leaving the kitchen, Alex takes a tight hold of my wrist, stopping me in my tracks.
“Let me take you.”
“No way,” I protest. Alex shrugs his shoulders, taking a step back and raising one eyebrow at me. I glance at the time on my phone and let out an exhausted scream, slamming my foot down onto the floor.
“How fast can you drive?” I mutter at him. His face remains emotionless as he grabs his keys off the side, heading down the hallway.
“Fast.” He responds over his shoulder. I scurry after him, clutching my heels to my chest as I run outside barefoot. His car beeps to life and he slides into the drivers seat, turning on the engine. The passenger door automatically opens and Alex slides his window down, peering at me.
“Get in hermosa.”
“This is a bad idea, a very very bad idea…” I mumble, heading towards his dark SUV.
*****
“There is no way in hell I’m going to be accepted for this apartment wearing last night’s clothes. I look like I’ve been dragged through a jungle,” I breathe out, running a hand over my worried face. The car is speeding through the streets however Alex is laid back in his seat, calm and confident. He’s driving one handed and glancing at me every few seconds.
“My seats in the back lift up. There’s a few spare things that should fit you.”
I raise my brow at him but don’t hesitate as I climb into the back, landing with a soft oomph.
“Are you secretly a cross dresser? I will actually pay good money to see that,” I grin, lifting up his seats and reaching for the clothes.
“I’m not a cross dresser and you don’t have to pay me. I’ll give you a private show for free,” he smirks, looking at me through his mirror. I feel my throat dry out and let out a small chuckle, biting nervously on my bottom lip.
There’s a pair of denim shorts and a white shirt with the word California printed in blue writing. I inspect the clothes wari-ly, holding them at arms length.
“I’m intrigued. Why do you have girls clothing?”
“I’m a guy with needs hermosa. Don’t worry, I get the seats steam cleaned regularly.”
“Ew, Alex, that is gross!” I yell, standing up off the seats. I’m pressed against the front ones tightly and the car’s speed causes me to topple backwards.
“They never ask for their things back?” I mumble, shaking my head. Alex ignores my question and continues driving, peering at his watch.
“You’ve got three minutes.”
“I don’t feel comfortable changing in front of you.” I murmur, tugging at my dress self consciously. Alex exhales slowly, adjusting himself so he’s seated at an angle, his back to me.
“Is this better? I won’t look, you have my word.”
I let out a small groan, my cheeks burning brightly.
“It’s a good job the windows are tinted,” I grumble as I pull my dress over my head. I’m very aware that I’m currently in the back seat of Alex’s car, in a matching bra and knickers.
“Hermosa, I need to check my mirrors. Forgive me,” Alex mutters as a car zooms ahead of him. I suck in a breath, clutch-ing the shirt to my chest to cover myself as best as I can. He glances up in his mirrors, checking the road behind us. His eyes briefly make contact with mine and I physically see his eyes turn darker before he tears them off me. He re-adjusts himself on his seat and I quickly pull the shirt on and step inside the shorts, securing them.
“Dios ayúdame” he mutters under his breath, his jaw tensed tightly.
“What?” I ask him, placing my dress on his back seat.
“It means, God help me.”
“Why do you need Gods help? You’re a great driver,” I compliment him, fixing up my hair.
“It’s not my driving I need help with. It’s you,” he replies, his tongue licking his bottom lip. I can feel my heart thudding against my chest and I’m grateful to feel the car coming to a slow stop in front of an apartment block. I notice the building from the pictures and I breathe out deeply, stepping out of the car.
“Thanks Alex.” I say to him, giving him a small smile. He nods in response, watching me as I slam the door shut. My heels click against the floor and I close my eyes, unable to believe I’m wearing heels with shorts.
The estate agent is leaning against the apartment complex doors, wearing a dark suit. He’s in his early thirties, dark hair combed back and held in place with gel or hairspray. He looks uncomfortable in his clothes, re-adjusting himself every few minutes. I walk a few steps closer and pause, looking at him.
“Hey, I’m Ariana. I’m here to view the apartment.”
My voice snaps him out of his daze and he clears his throat, standing up straight. When he looks at me, his lips twitch up-wards and his eyes roam down my bare legs. I blow out an annoyed breath, shuffling awkwardly from heel to heel.
“Wow, h-hi. Didn’t expect you to be looking -”
“I should probably remind you that this is your job. Which means you’re supposed to remain professional.” I tell him firm-ly, holding my head high. That shut him up.
“Of course, are you ready?” He mumbles in guilt under his breath, pulling open the door. I nod even though I’m not overly keen on being in an apartment, alone with him. I begin to walk towards him but an arm is draped around my shoulders, stopping me in my tracks.
“Alex, what are you doing?” I hiss.
“Are you going to go in without me? Come on baby, we’re supposed to be making a decision together.” Alex says loudly. He narrows his eyes at me, the fire behind them burning. I simply stare back at him in complete shock before turning back towards the estate agent.
He’s glancing warily between me and Alex, his face equally as confused as mine.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t realise you were bringing your partner! It’s nice to meet you…”
“Alejandro.” Alex says firmly, his voice low. He narrows his eyes at the estate agent, his arm tightening around my shoul-ders.
“Alejandro Ruiz.”
The estate agent nods grimly, his face turning shades paler. Alex walks me into the lobby, his arm still wrapped securely around my shoulders. His scent is completely wrapped around me and I simply want to stand here and inhale him all day.
“Do you seriously think it’s a good idea to be alone with him when he’s looking at you like you’re a piece of meat?” Alex scolds me under his breath as we head for the elevator. I tense underneath his grip, turning my head to glare at him.
“I can take care of myself Alejandro Ruiz.”
He lets out a quiet chuckle, inching his face closer to mine. A shiver runs down my spine from the intense look in his eyes. He’s angry, angry with me.
“Don’t test me baby girl.”
There it is again. Baby girl. I suck in a breath, tearing my eyes off him. The elevator pings and the door slide open, allow-ing us to step out. We both follow the estate agent, stopping off at number 69.
“I’m already liking this new place,” Alex smirks, making no attempt to lower his suggestive voice so the estate agent doesn’t hear. I widen my eyes at him and slap his chest causing him to chuckle quietly, his chest vibrating.
“I like how you didn’t correct him when he called me your partner…” Alex grins, his brown eyes shining brightly as he looks down at me. My stomach tightens in knots and I breathe deeply.
“I don’t really have a choice when you act like I’m already yours.” I shoot back at him. The estate agent turns the key in the door and pushes it open, gesturing for us to go inside. He pushes himself as far up into the wall as he could, giving Alex more than enough space to walk past.
“Stop scaring my estate agent,” I mutter, rolling my eyes. Alex scoffs, his hand playing with the loose strands of my hair. His touch kept making me shiver despite the heat in the air.
“He’s lucky I didn’t punch him and hermosa?”
“Yeah?” I respond, looking up into swirls hazel and chocolate brown covered with thick, black lashes. My heart lurches inside my chest, missing a beat – “You will be mine.”