265- Toxic Obsession
265- Toxic Obsession
POV Raica:
"Raica, wake up!!!" Two taps on the table pull me out of a nap. Damn, I even drooled. I look around, startled, and come face-to-face with my boss, arms crossed and wearing an expression that shows she’s not in the best of moods.
"Sorry, Jéssica, I didn’t sleep very well."
That’s because I spent the whole night fucking a certain someone and then went to watch the sunrise in the attic of his fancy cabin, as if I could somehow bend time just to live the most intense moments of my life.
"I need the reports and then the approval of the models for the first call," she raises an eyebrow, "go get yourself some coffee, I need your full attention on these details."
"Coffee, that’s it."
I escape to the break room as my boss heads back to her office, clearly pissed at my distraction this morning. I yawn, exhausted, and pour myself a cup of the little black life-saver. I sip it slowly while my mind replays last night.
Nick allowed me closer, and it’s no longer out of fear or the protective shell he built after what happened to Renan. This is different. It’s real. I didn’t stop to calculate the consequences of letting myself live in the moment—maybe I was intoxicated by the intensity, by the amazing sex. And before I realized it, I had already given so much of myself to him.
Am I scared? Yes! I’ll need strength to step into Nicholas Whitmore’s chaotic world, filled with shadows and scars. I hope I don’t get hurt along the way. It’s a conscious risk, but still, I hope I won’t collect more pain. I couldn’t take it. God…, how insane is this! Where’s Isabella? I wish I could share all of this with that pale girl, sigh and hear her call me crazy and reckless for falling for the hot, troubled brother-in-law. Chances are I’ve lost my friend. In the last few weeks—specifically since the wedding party—I’ve ignored her calls and messages. She must think I don’t want her around. Sooner or later, she’ll give up on me.
I love that girl so much.
What’s stopping me from coming clean with her? Even if it means ruining her last days of honeymoon?
With my conscience weighing a thousand tons, I grab my phone and start typing a message… I should probably say “Good morning, Isabella,” and then unload in a two-hour voice note every single thing that’s been happening. And even then, time wouldn’t be enough. No! Better to call—that’s more dignified. I’ll do it at lunchtime. Wait… a message from Nick.
Nick:
How’s your morning, my love?
I always sigh when he calls me Bella—how silly am I?
I type quickly.
Me:
Sleeping on my feet. And it’s your fault, you sexy bastard.
Nick:
Hahahaha damn, I liked the “sexy,” maybe we’ll repeat it later.
Me:
No way, I need to sleep at least 4 hours.
Nick:
Then I’ll give you this night to rest. And speaking of which, I already moved your stuff into my room, yours is now for the noisy cat.
What! He did what?
Me:
You and your habits of never asking consent for anything. You want to do everything on your own.
Nick:
I want to sleep holding you. What’s the problem?
Me:
I actually think it’s sweet. A little toxic, your ugly habit, but it was sweet.
Nick:
You love my toxic and sick way of being about you.
Like a cocky bastard, he sends a picture with a pouty cute face. Undeniably, I have no idea how to deal with it. The bastard is handsome even with that crumpled morning face. I send a few emojis with a doubtful expression.
Me:
I need to work, we’ll talk later.
Nick:
I’ll pick you up at WUS.
Me:
Alright, kiss.
I slip my phone into the pocket of my jacket and let out a sigh, staring at the cold coffee, only thinking about how much I’d love to sleep at least four hours to recover—but I can’t. The word promotion flashes like a giant billboard. I pour the cold coffee down the sink and refill my cup with a hot one. I drink it, almost burning my tongue, and get back to work.
...
A calm day? Not a chance. WUC decided to be the most bloodsucking company in the entire marketing industry chain. With Dominic on his honeymoon, everything seems disjointed, and the boss of the bosses is demanding and unbearable. I keep my cool and try to meet all of Jessica’s requirements. Mrs. Gonçalves is tense and heavy-handed; she wants to show she’s in charge all the time, as if she’s got something to prove. I get it—my boss feels constantly tested, surrounded by men throwing petty challenges and provocations at her just because she’s the one in command. It’s tough! Even so, Orion’s lighter and fun working style is sorely missed. Too bad he decided to get involved with the CEO’s girl. Anyway, with a lot of effort and at a turtle’s pace, the hours crawl by.
At college, with the help of an energy drink, I finish an important assignment for the semester in the library. I planned to return to the classroom for the last lecture, but an intriguing scene catches my attention. I freeze at the glass wall and watch Lucca chatting with Eduarda like childhood friends. Well, I don’t recall such intimacy between the two, and honestly—what do I have to do with it? I pull back down the hallway, taking the long way around to my classroom. I don’t know, I just wanted to avoid the two of them.
An hour and a half later, Nick sends a message saying he’ll be parked at the entrance in ten minutes. I gather all my materials, say goodbye to everyone, and head straight to the exit, barely able to stand from exhaustion.
"Raica…" I hear the familiar voice and turn around. "Can we talk?"
I inhale the weight of the day, and a conversation with Lucca is not exactly welcome. My expression says it all, so he adds, "I’ll be brief."
One or two steps, and his frame positions itself in front of me.
"We can sit on the benches in the parking lot, I’m really tired."
He nods, and we head over. Strange how the parking lot is so poorly lit. My focus is only on the bench—I need to sit before I collapse from fatigue. I’m a wreck when I don’t sleep.
"You don’t look well," he says, settling beside me.
"Sorry, I didn’t sleep at all last night. Without a few hours of sleep, I have zero energy." I notice his restless hands—I hate beating around the bush. "Spit it out, Lucca. Did something happen?"
"Is the engagement real?"
"It is," I lie.
"Yeah, there’s even a ring." His eyes drop to it.
"I just don’t understand your involvement with this guy."
"Do you need to understand?" I shoot back. I don’t waste the opportunity. "What were you talking to Eduarda about in the hallway?"
"We were talking about you."
"And what exactly did you have to say about me, Lucca?"
"Raica, we had a good thing, and then you dumped me when I went to the United States. I came back and felt we could pick it up again. Then out of nowhere, you show up engaged. Damn, how can I compete with Nicholas Whitmore?"
"You can’t."
"I like you."
"And I like him."
Lucca lowers his head, his expression downcast, and when he looks back at me, his eyes have lost their shine.
"So that’s it?"
"That’s it!" If only the answer had come from me. The hoarse tone arrives first with the massive frame. I shut my eyes, already bracing for trouble. What the hell is Nicholas doing with a gun in his hand? HE HAS A FUCKING GUN IN HIS HAND. "I’ve been waiting five minutes for you, love."
He points the barrel toward the street. "Across the street."
Lucca’s eyes widen, darting back and forth between me and Nicholas in pure terror. I should probably be just as scared as he is, considering we have an armed man in front of us. But I know damn well it’s nothing more than one of Mr. Cactus’s bad jokes. Very bad jokes, in fact.