CHAPTER 6

“Want to grab a drink?” That question, asked in his car on that fateful night, still lingers in my memory. He didn’t ask it with lust, but with a certain curiosity, like he wanted to figure me out, and I was more than willing to let him. I had just met him, but I was willing to show him all of me, I was ready to bare out my soul to him, I wanted to be the right girl for him. Strange, isn't it?

I didn’t feel like playing the good girl that night like I usually did —alcohol had already stripped me of that persona, leaving behind a reckless hunger to let loose.

“Sure,” I replied with a playful smile. “Got a place in mind?”

“Yeah—mine.” The confidence in his voice was intoxicating, drawing me in deeper into his world. Before I knew it, I was stepping through the grand entrance of his father’s mansion.

“My dad’s away for a bit, so the place is all mine.” he said, shooting me a glance as if to guage my reaction, but I was simply half drunk ad just excited to be there, I didn't understand what it was, but there was a fire in me ready to be ignited and just by this guy with a face that looked like he was carved specially by God.

As I entered, the grandeur hit me like a wave. Gleaming chandeliers, the unmistakable scent of wealth hanging in the air—it was a palace. “Ah, so the BMW’s not just for show. You’re rich.”

“It’s all my dad’s, really,” he shrugged, moving farther into the house. “Plus I like nice shit”

There was something behind his words. “I take it you and your dad don’t get along?”

He stopped and gave me a look. “Are you about to psychoanalyze me now? Do we need to get seated for this?”

I laughed. “That’s more Sophie's thing, but I think I learned a trick or two.”

“Oh yeah? What can you tell? Talk to me” his voice was like honey, smooth fresh honey and I craved a slurp

“Well, your mom’s probably not around, and you’re still chasing your dad’s approval even though you know deep down it’s never coming.”

Kyle stared at me a moment longer than I expected, his piercing blue eyes holding mine like magnets. There was something behind them that I couldn’t quite put my finger on, but it pulled me in closer.

He broke eye contact, grabbing a drink from the counter and pouring me a glass. Despite the lingering buzz from the club, I gladly accepted it. He could’ve handed me anything at that point—booze, a kiss, whatever—and I wouldn’t have resisted.

“So, did I get it right?” I asked, curiosity dancing in my voice.

“I’d rather not talk about my father when I’ve got such good company,” he replied, giving me a smirk that made my stomach flip.

That smile... it made my heart race in ways I hadn’t felt in a long time. And then, without warning, he moved closer—so close I could feel his breath against my skin. His cologne was intoxicating, like everything bad I should avoid, yet it drew me in.

He leaned in and whispered, his voice sending chills down my spine. “I want to show you something.”

And just like that, he walked away but grabbing my hand in his. I followed, my mind buzzing with anticipation, as he led me to an elevator. When the doors opened, we stepped out onto a rooftop with a pool and an incredible view of the city. I gasped, taking it all in.

“Ever seen the city like this?” he asked, his voice low and full of pride.

I shook my head, unable to tear my eyes away from the sparkling skyline. “This feels so fucking unreal and definitely not how I expected my night would go. All things being equal, I should be puking my guts in a toilet stall with Sophie slapping my back”

“The night’s far from over,” Parrish chuckled, and I turned to face him, my heart thudding louder than before. There was a charged moment between us, one that spoke more than words could. I wondered what it would be like to kiss him, to taste the danger he seemed to embody. I was on fire, buzzing with liqour and he was igniting me further with the way his eyes pierced mine - so intoxicating.

As if reading my thoughts, Parrish leaned in, and before I knew it, his lips met mine - slowly and so sensual that I melted in his hands. A surge of electricity shot through me, and it felt like the world stopped spinning for a brief, intoxicating moment. His kiss was urgent, like it had been something he’d wanted for ages—even though we had just met.

But when his hand wandered down, grazing my chest, I froze. I pulled back, my breath shaky as I met his eyes.

“Hey, it’s alright. Trust me, you can trust me” he murmured. And against my better judgment, I did. I let him kiss me again, surrendering to the sensation, to the fire he ignited inside me.

Slowly, I began to shed my clothes, one piece at a time, under his intense gaze. His eyes burned with desire, tracing every inch of my exposed skin. Each touch of his fingers left a trail of heat that made me crave more.

Just as I reached for his shirt, ready to feel the warmth of his skin against mine, the soft ding of the elevator interrupted us. We both turned, and there, walking through the doors, was a middle-aged man with a knowing smirk.

“Oh, shit,” Parrish muttered, stepping in front of me protectively.

The man’s eyes gleamed with resentment and a tad bit of amusement played on his lips rather than reaching his eyes, and in that instant, I understood exactly why Parrish had so many issues with his father.

The daddy issues were glaring.