Perfectly Toxic (Sterling Shore 9)

It’s a little paranoid, but I’m not stupid enough to point that out.

“Back to you,” she says, shifting so that she’s closer to me, which is really distracting. “How does an eighteen-year-old walk in and take over? That’s a little young.”

I laugh humorlessly. “I’m well aware. So was the board. But my dad had been grooming me for the business since I was fourteen. I spent all my summers as his assistant, and I interned in all departments as well. I was working as many hours as him, even though I was only paid for eight. Cash under the table too, since I was too young.”

“Sheesh. I spent my summers waitressing so I could hang out at the movies and stuff.”

I nod, sliding my hand up her leg. “I got to have fun during the school year, but even then I was still having to be tested for things at work, such as new policies and new procedures. He’d call me and email over whatever new company we were about to acquire, so it cut into my social time pretty heavily.”

She frowns, and it creates a weirdly cute wrinkle on her forehead.

“I hate that you didn’t get to be a kid.”

“Who says I can’t be a kid now?” I ask with a shrug. “I did it because I wanted to, because he wanted me to. My dad loves that place, and I gave up some time to help him keep it. Now it’s being run by a father and son team who have the utmost respect for the company. I even still have a say in any major changes they try to make.”

“Sounds pretty perfect,” she tells me, settling in closer.

“It is. My mom is happy I’m finally home, but I haven’t gotten over to their house yet. I’m waiting until I have the first month’s numbers in my hand under new management, otherwise my father will grill me.”

She frowns again. “Can’t he just be happy you’ve done all this?”

“He is. But he’s a little obsessed with that place. Anyway, I don’t want him to stress, so I want to wait until I have the proof the company is in good hands before I show him.”

“It sounds like you have a good relationship with your parents, even if I do think your father should be more concerned about you than a business.”

It’s hard not to smile. Is Bella getting protective over me?

“You’re cute when you care,” I tell her, watching her roll her eyes. It’s her favorite thing to do when she gets uncomfortable or if things get too serious.

“What about you? You tight with your folks?”

She tenses, but slowly relaxes. “My parents… No, not really.”

“Why?” I ask without thinking that I’m probably crossing a line too soon.

But she shrugs as though it isn’t a touchy subject. “My parents were raised old-school, and they’re very religious too. However, they forgot what being Christian means. I was raised to know right from wrong, and my mother was constantly judging people and casting metaphorical stones. That’s why I hate myself for labeling you. She did that. All the time. Probably still does.”

She blows out a harsh breath, and she trails her fingers over my stomach.

“I told Allie I was growing apart from them, which is true. They couldn’t stop judging, and I quite frankly don’t give a damn about what anyone does with their life as long as it’s not hurting them or anyone else. I don’t care about someone’s sexuality, or religion, or even their vices. I choose to judge people based on how they treat me, and that’s the only judging I do.”

“Unless those people have tattoos and a cocky smile?” I pry, trying to make her smile.

She grimaces instead, and I regret the words.

“Yeah. Sorry. I’m a little mixed up at the moment. You would have liked me six years ago.”

“I’m pretty sure you’re naked in my bed because I like you now.”

This time, she does smile. I’m almost positive I haven’t ever had a naked girl in my bed all night, and certainly not just to talk to.

“Anyway, Mom told me I wasn’t the daughter she wanted, and she said Allie was dragging me to hell with her. I told her she’d get to hell before either of us. The conversation ended when she slapped me across the face. My father turned away and said nothing at all. I left and didn’t look back. We’ve spoken over the phone since then, but those conversations were just as bad, so I gave up on reconciliation a few years ago.”

She shakes her head as though she’s clearing it, before continuing.

“Anyway my grandparents had started a savings account for me long before they died. It helped us make ends meet on those tight months. Since then, it’s been Allie and me against the world with Angel as our sidekick. But Allie doesn’t know the whole story about why I shut my parents out.”

For some reason, I want to kick Wren’s ass right now. Partially for getting Allie pregnant and not giving her his last name. And partially for taking Allie away from Bella when she found him again.