Toxic

Chapter 2

Finally, when Chris fell beside her, Isabella cuddled up to him, kissing his neck softly. "Done using me?" she asked, her voice a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction.

Chris, still catching his breath, responded, "Not quite... What about your punishments? You broke a few rules."

"I did not," Isabella protested, but Chris gave her a knowing look.

"Next time we meet, I'll ask you to list down the rules you've broken from all our sessions. If you skip any, I'll double your punishment. So, think carefully," Chris replied, his tone firm.

Isabella let out a squeak, a mixture of fear and excitement. "No, just punish me now," she pleaded, but Chris got out of bed.

Isabella quickly grabbed his hand, pulling him back. "No, wait... Stay... Stay the night," she spoke nervously, her eyes searching his.

Chris looked a bit annoyed. "We've been over this, Isabella. Don't start."

"Please," she begged, her voice soft and pleading. "I also want to talk."

Reluctantly, Chris lay back down beside her. Isabella cuddled up to him, her fingers gently caressing his chest as she kissed his neck and cheeks. "Just hear me out," she whispered.

Isabella took a deep breath. "Babe, I love our arrangement. I love being used by you," she began, her voice soft but steady. "But it's been six months since we met. It's been a long time and I've started to have feelings..."

Chris rolled his eyes, staring at the ceiling in exasperation.

Isabella wrapped herself around him, her body clinging to his warmth. "I want a little more," she continued, kissing his cheeks. "I want to go on dates, spend time talking, getting to know each other, sharing about ourselves. I want you to meet my friends, go to parties with me... Don't tell me you don't want more."

Chris pushed her off and sat up. Isabella desperately clung to him from behind. "I don't know why, but I like you... and I can feel it, you do too."

Chris unhinged her hands and stood up, walking towards the bedroom door. Isabella quickly got to her feet and ran to block his path.

Chris spoke angrily, "You have feelings? We don't even know anything about each other besides our names... You got to be fucking kidding me."

With her hand on the doorknob, Isabella responded in an angry voice, "We can start now. I'm Isabella Clarke, 24 years old. I have two successful novels, I'm currently working on my third, and also working on a script for a TV series."

Chris responded his voice a mix of anger and cold calm, "I'm Chris Thompson. I'm a spoiled rich brat... And if you think you're the only one I'm fucking, then honey, you are fucking naive. You're just another slut... now get out of my way."

Isabella's eyes filled with tears, and as they rolled down her cheeks, she spoke in a breaking voice, "Okay... Go. But if you leave now, then our arrangement is over."

Chris smiled, walking up to her. He kissed her lips, almost biting them. Isabella cried softly as he pulled away. "Then it's over," he said, his tone final. "Don't come back begging!"

He left, and Isabella stood by the door, tears streaming down her face, the weight of his departure settling heavily in the room.

She heard the front door slam and, in a fit of anger and heartbreak, tore off the lingerie she had worn for Chris. Naked, she climbed into bed, as the weight of her emotions pressed down on her.

Late at night, Courtney returned home. She walked towards her room and paused when she heard Isabella sobbing. Concerned, she entered her room and saw the torn clothes scattered on the floor. Her eyes fell on Isabella, lying naked and curled on the bed.

Courtney walked to her and sat beside her, gently caressing Isabella's head. "Oh, Izzy," she murmured, her heart aching for her friend. She pulled the sheets over Isabella, feeling the chill of her cold body.

Isabella's sobbing intensified as she spoke through her tears, "I told him I wanted more..."

Courtney lay beside her, wrapping her arms around her. "Shh... just calm down," she whispered soothingly. Isabella clung to Courtney, seeking comfort in her warmth. Courtney held her tight, kissing her head gently.

In a few minutes, Isabella's sobbing subsided, and she began to calm down, the steady rhythm of Courtney's breathing helping to soothe her. Finally, exhausted and emotionally drained, Isabella fell asleep in Courtney's arms, finding solace in her friend's unwavering support.

Isabella woke up and got out of bed, grabbing a T-shirt to cover her naked body. She walked to the kitchen, where Courtney was prepping a pre-workout smoothie. She sat down, her face still reflecting the sadness from the previous night.

Courtney noticed and walked up to her, hugging her tightly and kissing her head. "Thank you," Isabella said softly, "for last night."

Courtney replied with a smirk, "Yeah, about that... that's the last time you snuggle naked with me."

Isabella giggled, the sound lightening the mood. Courtney took Isabella's face in her hands, looking into her eyes. "Now, clean up this messed-up face and get ready. We need to hit the gym."