Midnight Toxicity

29.

Ian jumped to his feet, his face growing red. "What the fuck are you doing here, Charlize?"

I moved closer, my insides quaking from the intensity of his gaze. He looked over my body, igniting my already fiery mood. I spent a lot of time in the sun; my skin now had a deep golden hue, and my muscles were more pronounced from rigorous workouts. He licked his plush lips after taking in the changes.

"I think you know why I'm here, Ian." I smiled, setting my things down. "They said the missing team would be back. Where have you been?"

"Business," he rasped. "Answer me. How long have you been here?"

My hormones flared, having missed a man's touch these last few weeks. "What does it matter? Don't bother telling me to leave. I won't, and you can't make me."

I turned my back on him to face the mirror above the sink. I tied my hair while watching him approach with a scowl. We left things unfinished in Tucker City, and I felt the familiar rush when his hands skimmed the band of my shorts as I peered at our reflection.

Magnets.

Our hands couldn't help but reach for each other. The scent of oranges surrounded me, and my thighs clenched while my lips wobbled. Instantly turned on with one whiff of his scent, I scolded myself for showing weakness to this unfriendly man. Why was I such a sucker for this jerk?

"You look outstanding, little thief." He hummed in my ear. "I've been up to no good on Mr. Golding's behalf. Are you ready to do the same?"

I gasped at the warm sensation his breath stirred; my nipples were hardening into points. He nuzzled my hair and inhaled my scent, just as I had inhaled his. Did I remind him of home? I leaned backward, my frame fitting beside his chin.

I could have turned away. Instead of telling him to keep his fantastic fingers to himself, I pressed my bottom against his boxers. His growing erection slid along my ass crack, and I shamelessly pumped myself on it. I was horny, worrying about the big stuff tomorrow.

"Answer me, Char!" His palm slid across my abdomen as he demanded a response.

"Yes," I hissed, his touch sending shivers down my spine. "Do you think he knows we grew up together?"

Ian scoffed, stepping away. I missed his heat immediately. "Doing drugs now? I don't know you. I fucked you once to see what the hype was all about, but you are my brother's whore."

I slapped his cheek as hard as I could. His eyes narrowed into slits after I struck him. "You are a liar and a coward!"

He snatched my wrist, and I cried out when he caught me against the wall. "What the hell is wrong with you? Let me go!"

"You don't belong here!" He shouted, gripping the sides of my face. I flinched at the hostility in his voice. "How did Andy Golding find you, Charlize? How did you get here? What happened?"

I formulated a lie because the truth would tear our world apart. I didn't understand why he abandoned everyone in TC, but it wasn't my place to ruin his chance at a new beginning. "He hired me. I need the money."

"You're lying!" He gently pressed our cheeks together, pleading, "Just tell me if Jack sold you out. You two are so money hungry. Always scheming."

I shoved him. "He would never! Jack has nothing to do with this. Why are you upset? I've hung out here for weeks. It's boring as hell."

"Mr. Golding wants you for something. Something bad." Ian let me run fingers through his dark hair. "I can't believe you are in Alabama!"

He looks so different now. The red fauxhawk was replaced with deep brown locks. His face sported a beard, and it made him appear older. I liked the new look, but not the old attitude. Why did he have to keep denying the pull between us? I never asked him for anything, except for treating me with respect.