Ariana’s POV –
“Where are you going?” I ask him, yawning behind my hand as I sit up in bed. I straighten out his shirt and pull up my jog-ging bottoms underneath the covers. My clothes are crumpled and need washing but I have to wear something when I leave his apartment.
“I have a few business things to sort out, where are you going?” Alex asks me, pulling on a shirt. I pout unhappily as he covers up his gorgeous body and he grins widely at me, showing off his toothy smile.
“I have to go home,” I say, stepping out of his bed. I miss the warmth of his sheets and Alex’s body pressed against mine.
“Why? Stay here.”
I spin around and look at him, one eyebrow raised in surprise.
“You want me to stay here?” I question him, unable to believe his words. Alex simply nods, shrugging casually.
“I’ll give you some money. You can go food shopping and be a good little house wife.” He smirks, striding towards me. My mouth hangs open and I chuckle in disbelief, shaking my head.
“Oh, please. You’ll make a better housewife than I ever will Alex.”
He chuckles quietly under his breath, pushing me gently until my back is pressing against the living room windows. I gasp as his hands land on my waist, massaging the skin until it burns with heat. My eyelids flutter closed and he leans in, bury-ing his head in my neck. I can feel him inhale deeply and I shiver, my body trembling under his.
“God, you are such a distraction. You know that?” Alex murmurs, his breathing becoming shallow. I mumble an agree-ment, unable to think straight as his fingers continue to caress my body.
“I really have to go.” I say sadly, pushing him gently backwards by his chest. Alex glances down at his watch and frowns, letting out a small sigh.
“Me too.”
I step to the side as I go to leave but Alex’s hand shoots out, wrapping around my wrist. I turn my head to face him, a smile on my lips.
“When can I see you again?” He asks me firmly, his brown eyes searching mine. His words are serious and I can feel my throat drying out from his intense stare. It takes me a while to answer as I get over the excitement in my stomach. Alex makes me feel wanted.
I bite down on my lower lip as I take his phone from his hands, glancing down at the screen.
“Call me,” I say quietly, entering my number inside his phone. He takes it from me, his warm fingers brushing against mine. When I look up, his eyes are shining brightly, a small smile on his lips.
“I will definitely call you,” he smirks, placing a hand on my lower back. He walks me to his door and I have to stop my-self from squealing at his gentleman actions. I step outside as he opens his door for me, turning to give Alex a goodbye wave. His hand shoots out again, pulling me to his body. A small gasp leaves my lips as I feel myself hit his chest, his arms wrapping around me.
“You’re really going to leave without giving me a kiss? Don’t upset me hermosa.” He whispers in my ear. I pull back, look-ing up into his gorgeous dark eyes. Butterflies fill my stomach and I bite down on my lip again.
“Sorry,” I whisper an apology, reminding myself to breathe. He slowly cups my cheek, both hands trailing down until they are resting against my neck. His fingers play with the strands of my hair as he leans down, pressing his lips against mine. I automatically let out a gasp, the firmness of his lips feeling so demanding. He continues to lick my bottom lip with his tongue and pulls it into his mouth, biting down. I can’t stop the moan that escapes from me and Alex takes it as his chance to deepen the kiss, his tongue roaming my mouth. My heart begins beating like crazy until the pounding of it is all I can hear inside my head.
“Alex,” I breathe out, pulling away from him. It takes me a few seconds to open my eyes, completely sucked into a trance from his kiss.
“Goodbye hermosa.” He breathes out, his chest rising and falling as he takes a step back from me. I simply nod at him as I walk away, unable to form any words.
*****
I slowly pull open my front door, listening out for any noises. Explaining the situation to my foster parents is something I did not want to do. How do I explain I got drunk, went round to Alex’s and stayed the night? Even though nothing hap-pened but a few breathtaking kisses, my parents wouldn’t be pleased.
I’m greeted by Mum leaning against the wall, her arms crossed over her chest. She doesn’t look pleased.
“Mum, good morning!” I smile over cheerfully, very aware of Alex’s shirt and my jogging bottoms. My hair is half dry and slightly tangled from where Alex roamed his fingers through it. Not that I’m complaining.
Mum takes one long look at me, her eyes drifting down my body and back up again.
“Good afternoon Ariana. Where have you been? Me and your father have been worried sick!” She says, her tone of voice gradually growing higher and higher. I grimace and run a hand through my hair, clearing my throat.
“I stayed over at a friend’s.”
“A guy friend? Are you back together with Justin?” Mum asks, her eyes immediately lighting up. I feel a stab of pain at the mention of his name and I grit my teeth, my jaw tensing.
“No Mum. I’m not with Justin.”
“Oh but sweetie, can’t you work things out? He’s such a lovely boy.” Mum gushes over him, clapping her hands together. I roll my eyes and head for the stairs, ignoring her remarks on Justin.
“Ariana, are you listening to me?”
I inhale sharply, whirling around to glare at her.
“Mum! Stop! Justin cheated on me, okay? He isn’t the perfect boy you think he was. He only ever used me for sex and I still wasn’t good enough for him!” I yell at her, tears filling my eyes. Mum simply stares back at me, her mouth hung open in shock.
A sob escapes my lips and I run up to my room, hastily wiping the tears away. I slam my bedroom door shut and dive un-der the covers, focusing on my breathing. It’s been almost a week and the pain won’t disappear.
When will I get over the pain Justin caused me?
I didn’t realise Justin was taking advantage of me until I stepped back and had a chance to think through everything. Knowing your first love simply used you as a play thing caused my stomach to churn uneasily. I couldn’t believe I was so blind when it came to Justin. I shake my head angrily, clutching onto my pillow as I cry silent tears. My phone vibrates in my hand and I blink, clearing my vision.
It’s a text message.
From Alex.
Three simple words. Three words that gave me hope that maybe, I can get through this. A simple text message that made me feel like I was worth more than what Justin was offering me. I clutched onto my phone tightly, re-reading the message over and over again with a smile on my face.
Smile, you’re beautiful.