Midnight Toxicity

33.

What was this fuckery?

Marie handed me a medicine kit after I stumbled down Motley Hall steps. Golding's strategy consisted of sending my ass into the devil's lair with just a short dress and drugs? The woman did not insult me but did scoff when Chace held my hand to help me into the black car.

I was not a very pleasant companion on the way to Huntsville. Chace was his suspicious self, alternating between staring untrustingly at my profile and playing with his phone. Since I was not allowed electronics, I peered out of the window during the journey but did not take in any of the gentle beauty outside.

My mind was on all the ways the situation could go wrong. I had no idea who Colton was, except for the vague information from a weak report that either Marie or Gary had filed about him. You would think that after sending so many girls into his lair, they would have gathered more information. This whole thing did not sit right with me, and it showed on my face.

"Almost there," Gary muttered.

Chace nodded, opening a small black case. His energy became giddy while setting out the gadgets I would use for him to hear and see everything. The more I watched his deft fingers manipulate the expensive equipment, the more I realized he was getting off on this.

His eyes gleamed with anticipation, making me wonder if violence was his kink. Could he be an adrenaline junkie? Perhaps that was why he approached me after I had smacked Malik in the dirt, then turned around and acted like there was no attraction between us after the rush had passed.

"How are you feeling?"

He glanced up, seemingly surprised at my question. I had no clue if Chace had a family. He avoided making friends with our housemates. He barely tolerated being in the same room as us at meals. He only interacted with me, but would he if we weren't paired?

"I'm ready. Are you?" His glasses slipped to the edge of his nose, peering at me over the rims like some sexy professor.

"Same." I sighed, "A little hungry. Hard to feel provocative with a food baby poking out."

His smile showed in the passing streetlights. "You always look stunning. You'll only grow hotter with age, Char. Don't starve yourself. Unless you're feeling off and have a weak stomach."

I glared at him. "Thanks? And no, I don't have a weak stomach."

Lies. I tossed my cookies just before we left.

My attention shifted to the man behind the wheel. Gary drove Chace and me, while Emily and Glen took a different ride. I understood why they were coming but worried they would upset my half-baked plan with their antics. I didn't trust Glen, no matter who vouched for him. I was just glad for everybody—but Chace—would drive back to Motley Hall after I found Colton in the club.

I pulled out a mirror, fixing the subtle makeup I wore. There was nothing fancy about my black and white dress—well, except for the crisscross leather on the back and sides, giving my tits and ass a delectable lift. The honey-blonde wig on my head sat just below my neckline, and I looked both innocent and corruptible.

"Come to me, Charlize." Chace's husky tone snapped me out of my scheming.

I grinned, unable to resist teasing him. "You sound like an ominous horror character. Are you going to drink my blood?"

He smirked. "If I did, you would enjoy it. Do you remember what I said about the camera?"

I nodded, thrusting my chest out for him to pin a tiny camera onto the thick part of my push-up corset. "I will try my best to not block your view. Are you sure he will not hear you?"

Chace brushed aside blonde tresses to access my earlobe. "It is pretty undetectable unless you are looking for it. Just keep your hair down. I will hear you fine."

I exhaled, casting a glance at the passing city streets. "You trust me, right?"

"Hey," He gripped my chin, forcing our eyes to meet. "Go in there and do your thing, hellcat. I'm behind everything you do from now on. After tonight, we will be closer than anyone in your past."

I swallowed, thinking of Jack. "Pretty sure of yourself."

His lips pressed against mine for a fraction of a second, and I blinked in confusion as he settled back in the seat. The kiss felt... sweet.

"I'm jealous of every asshole who gets to touch you tonight." He licked his bottom lip, and my pussy shamelessly pulsed. "But... later. Stop distracting me."

"So, you have feelings for me?"

"How can I not?" He leaned forward to whisper in my ear. "You burned my preconceived notions to dust when you stashed a knife in plain sight. You are the one I want by my side. I am on your side as well."

I melted, shifting closer to feel his heart steadily thumping under his black dress shirt. "Thank you; I believe you."

His hot breath danced along the column of my throat for a beat before he said, "Nothing will stand in my way to avenge you if something goes wrong."

I swallowed, tilting my neck to gaze into his eyes. "Don't jinx me."

"Impossible. You are a force, Charlize."

I would rather be with Chace than Ian at this point. He was so damn smooth. The men in my life were intelligent, so it was hard to resist their charms. If I survived the night, I intended to discover just how those long arms could hold me tight. He wasn't the only one who became heated by the thrill of danger.

Gary cleared his throat, but I tuned him out and focused on the gorgeous man who sat beside me. I did not expect his kind words to be a turn-on, but something about Chace drew me in. The months we've spent side by side have allowed me to perceive the best and worst of his complex personality. We were partners. He had confidence in me, and I realized I had faith in him, too. It meant a lot in this lifestyle to rely on another.

"I won't let Mr. Golding down," I promised.

Chace frowned, clenching his hands. He looked like he wanted to say something snarky, but Gary was listening. "We're almost there. I'll see you later this evening."

Whipping out a laptop, he tested the equipment. I barely had time to focus before Gary dumped me two blocks from the club. Emily and Glen were already waiting. They must have run a few red lights to arrive before us.

I faked a smile. "Well, are you ready to fuck shit up?"

Emily beamed, grabbing Glen's elbow as we began walking. "This will be so much fun! I haven't danced in ages."

"You are on drinks." Glen reminded her, his eyes never leaving my breasts. "Don't get caught up."

She slapped his chest. "Don't worry, babe. We got this."

Glen winked at me with undisguised lust burning in his beady eyes. "It will be eye-opening, that's for sure. I can't wait to see Charlize in action."

"I thought you had enough of that when I knocked you on your ass the other night."

He stepped closer, dragging Emily with him. "Lucky shot. Try that again when I'm sober, slut."

I laughed in his face, making him furious. "It's a date, limp dick. Lead the way, Emily."

It was imperative I kept my emotions in check, but I really hated that guy. I only prayed after I met with Colton that they would scram like A1 psychopaths.