Stained Recovery

Trouble in Paradise || Chapter 24

"Nathan is a grade A asshole. Honest to god, knock me out, Clay." I heard Jasmine rant for the 50th time tonight.

After our quick detour in the cupboard, Ariana and I went back to the party and found our friends surrounded by my cousins and nieces. They were all huddled together, gushing about how cute Natalie was with her tutu-dress.

As we sat beside Jasmine, we noticed that she was the only one quiet in the group. I was actually a bit worried about her -- I knew that Rebecca's going to be here.

They had a bit of history, it happened when Becca visited me back in the States and stayed for about six months. I think at some point, Jas fell in love with my cousin and didn't even realize it.

I shook my head as I listened to her ranting about Nathan again. Ever since, she hated my cousin -- to the core. Aside from the fact that she knew how Nathan bullied and ridiculed me, he tried to hit on Jas before, and made some comments about her being a dyke.

Jesus -- it was a nasty sight consisting of Nathan spitting blood on the floor, moaning like a bitch while my Aunt and Uncle dragged his ass out of property.

"It has always been like that, Jazzy. Nothing new -- just don't mind him. I'm pretty sure he could still remember the tooth he lost when he crossed you. He's all bark but no bite. Ignore him, I do"

"Are you insane, Cleo? You don't know how he hit on Ariana and asked her to hook up, don't you?" She said with gritted teeth.

I watched Ari interact with my cousins, entertaining every question and casually laughing at their antics. Damn -- how did I get so lucky, right?

"He could go on and on with his stupid button-pushing, Jasmine. But Ari doesn't give a fuck about him, so we shouldn't too. I don't want problems while we stay here. I'm in enough trouble as it is -- my uncle is actually on my ass about taking over the company soon." I said with a sigh.

My eyes never left Ariana. My cousin, Kathrine, walked over her and introduced the baby she was holding. She gave birth a couple of months ago to a beautiful baby girl, Carmela.

I saw how Ariana's eyes sparkled at the sight of the baby. She asked Kathrine if she could hold the baby and without any qualms, my cousin agreed, handing the baby into Ariana's arms.

Fuck -- the mere sight of Ari, cradling a baby in her arms sent a jolt of electricity to my groin.

How nice would it feel if she was actually holding our own... just the thought of her carrying my babies made me feel some type of way.

I was startled when Jasmine snapped her fingers right in front of me, breaking my daydream. I scowled at her, mildly irritated with her interruption.

"What?"

She was looking at me with quirked eyebrows, and a sly grin. Oh, not now Jas.

"You were staring pretty hard, just had to wake you up." She said, before sipping her champagne.

"Dazed, checked -- day dreaming, checked -- stupidly in love, checked. Damn, Clay -- never thought I'd say this but bro -- you're down bad and it's making me nauseous. Seriously." She chuckled.

I rolled my eyes at her, despite of smiling. It's good to finally have Jasmine approve of my relationship.

"Shut up, yes I'm in love and I'm happy. What's wrong with it?"

She didn't say anything and I felt her stare, so I looked back at her in question.

"I'm happy for you, you know that right?" Her voice was softer.