Perfectly Toxic (Sterling Shore 9)

“What’s up with Bella?” Wren asks her as Allie casts a worried glance in her friend’s direction.

“I don’t know. She got a text, and the next thing I know, she’s dancing like the world is on fire. It’s almost like she’s Bella from years ago—pre Angel.”

My eyes close as my jaw tics. It was my text that set her off.

Either she’s making a statement or punishing me.

“Do I need to toss her over my shoulder and haul her out?” Wren asks Allie, brushing a piece of hair away from her face.

“She’s a grown woman. It’s her life to live. I just worry this is because I left her and she’s lonely.”

And now Allie feels guilt over something that’s my fault. Fucking great.

Wren goes stiff beside me as Allie heads back toward Bella, and he curses before running a hand through his hair.

“Anyone know what’s up with Bella?” he asks me, deliberately glaring at me.

“Grab a drink and grab your girl. I’ll see if I can talk to Bella. Seems like she’s a lot like me,” I say with a shrug, not bothering to wait on his reply as I head down to the dance floor.

This will probably be ugly.

She’s in the middle of spinning, when I knock the guy dancing with her to the side, and he walks away without a fight. Bella stumbles into me, and I grab her hips, lifting her up my body and pinning her against me as her eyes lock with mine.

“Nice skirt. It won’t take much to push it up and fuck you against a wall,” I drawl, smirking down at her.

Sex is always a good angle.

The surprise on her face wears off in less than a second, and it turns to anger.

Okay, so maybe sex isn’t such a good angle…

“I really hope you don’t think I’m touching you ever again. I’m not playing this game.”

She struggles to get down, but I hold her closer, laughing under my breath as her attempts to get free are in vain. For some reason, I thought she’d be a little harder to restrain.

“Sorry. I’m making sure you don’t have enough room to go for my balls,” I tell her, amused. “And as for my fuck-up, I own it. It’s on me. Maverick answered your phone one night, and—”

She laughs bitterly, and I arch an eyebrow as I put her down because she starts flailing in my arms. She staggers back, shaking her head the entire time.

“Really, Ethan? I’m so not in the mood for misunderstandings being the reason for your childish silent treatment. I’m too old for this, but wait! That’s right! You’re a grown man who wants to be a juvenile asshole. Have fun with that. Me? I’m already done, so you can save the excuses.”

She pats me on the chest patronizingly, and she glances over her shoulder before returning her chilly gaze to me. “But thanks for reminding me I’m done playing these games. At least you were good for something. I do deserve better.”

I almost wish she had kneed me in the balls, because there’s literally nothing but coldness in her eyes right now.

I don’t chase her as she walks away, because I have no idea what to say to fix this. Instead, I’m stuck running a hand through my hair in frustration.

I managed a multi-million dollar company with fewer problems than I’ve created in less than a month with Bella.

Chapter 30

ETHAN

Since Bella refuses to take my phone calls, I’ve been reduced to walking into the hospital and essentially stalking her. Again.

“Bella Pierson? Know where I can find her?” I ask some chick who walks into a wall when she sees me.

She clutches her head while turning a wonky shade of red.