She Calls It Quits

Elizabeth's POV

I gaze at my phone for a minute, my drunk brain processing.

Adrian sounded pissed.

Instead of fear a jolt of excitement courses through me. What would an angry Adrian be like?

Booking it to the bathroom I brush my teeth and dry my hair. Pulling the thick locks up into a messy bun I notice a large purple mark on my neck.

A hickey.

I have a god damn hickey.

Well, shit. Rubbing the spot I giggle, too drunk to care. I like having Adrian's mark on me.

Dressing in a comfy pair of black leggings and my pink over-sized sweater I sit on the couch. Nursing my vodka, I wait for Adrian, butterflies in my stomach.

I don't know what to expect when Adrian gets here. My mind is still reeling from dealing with my mother and sister. They always did this to me. They got right under my skin, twisted me up, tore me apart. I hate that they affect me. I'm not some damn kid anymore. They can't continue to control my life.

But I know just how far they will go. Just how conniving they can be. They would make my life a living hell.

Fuck 'em.

Picking up the tabloid I stare down at the cover curiously. I want to open it, to read what these jokers have to say...but another part of me doesn't want to know. My gaze scans over the headline, finally taking it all in.

My eyes widen at the word 'billionaire'.

Adrian is a BILLIONAIRE!!!

I knew he had money but billions!?

My breath comes in little gasps.

It's no wonder my mother and sister are so furious. They would kill to sink their claws into a man like Adrian. And if he denied them...

My stomach twists, they would stop at nothing to ruin him. I've seen them do it before. I know what they are capable of.

What would he say if I told him? What would he think of me?

Practically pouting in self misery I take a few more gulps of vodka. Might as well finish the damn bottle. This whole day is turning into a total shit show.

It seems only minutes pass before a soft knock at the door makes me jump.

No way can Adrian be here already.

I stare at the door for a moment, wondering if the two devils have returned to drag my soul to hell.

Setting down the bottle I walk slowly to the door, mostly because my vision is starting to go double. Glancing through the peephole I gulp in shock.

It's Eric!

Eric never comes to my apartment. Never. In the past year I think he's been here twice, and only for a minute or two.

Opening the door, I say with clear surprise, "Eric."

"Hey." Eric looks me up and down, no doubt taking in my flushed skin and glazed eyes. "Is this a bad time?"

Oh, God.

Despite the fact that I know Adrian is on his way I stammer before I can stop myself, "N-No."

You have a hickey, dumbass.

Shit!

Instinctively I reach up, internally breathing a sigh of relief that the mark is fully covered by my sweater.

Eric gives me a soft smile and comes inside. He looks like he's been up gaming all night. His blonde hair is disheveled and his clothes are wrinkled. There's a five o-clock shadow darkening his jaw and I realize I've never seen him with facial hair before.

"What's up?" I ask nervously, shutting the door and wondering just how long I have before Adrian gets here. I don't know what will happen if the two meet each other. It's a scenario I was hoping would never come to fruition.

Sticking his hands in his baggy short pockets Eric says, "I saw the tabloid this morning. Well, actually my father saw it and recognized you."

"Oh..." The little sound is all I can manage. I don't know what else to say.

Eric shrugs. "Anyway, he insisted I come over right away."

"We were just sailing!" I blurt. It was the truth - minus the hardcore make out session and multiple orgasms.

Eric smirks. "I wasn't worried."

I feel a strange stab of hurt. Of course he wasn't. He probably doesn't think I'm attractive enough for a man like Adrian.

Don't jump to conclusions. Maybe it's because he trusts me?

That thought just makes me feel guilty.

Meandering into my living room Eric gives me a concerned look. "I got your text. Is everything okay?"

Crap. I'm not ready! I wasn't prepared for this. Not to mention I'm several shots of vodka to drunk. "Yea, I just needed to talk with you."

"You mean like how you're friends with a billionaire and I had no clue?" Eric asks, half curious and half teasing.

I feel a little sick at the mention of Adrian being a billionaire. "We only just met."

He nods. "Listen. This is really awkward..."

I resist the urge to check and make sure the hickey is still covered. Oh, god, did he see it? "What is...?"

Rubbing the back of his neck he says sheepishly, "The reason I came over is my father wanted to know if you'd be willing to setup a meeting between him and this Hunter guy."

Wait...did I just hear that right? "A meeting?"

Eric has the grace to drop his gaze in embarrassment. "Yea. I guess dads been trying to meet the guy forever. He wants to do business. It would be a great opportunity for my dad."

"Is that why your dad insisted you come over?"

"Well, yea."

I don't know if it's the booze but I suddenly feel furious. "So neither of you were worried about me being on a boat alone with Adrian?"

Eric gives me a confused look. "Why would we be?"

Disappointment laces through me. "Well, most people would assume something was going on..."

Eric gives a little snort. "Are you kidding?"

What. The. Fuck?

I start to sober up real fast. "Why does that mean?"

He rolls his eyes. "Don't get me wrong, the guys a total player, but he's Adrian Hunter. I mean, have you seen the women he dates? The guy only sleeps with supermodels."

I feel like he just slapped me, all my insecurities being tossed in my face. Eric isn't worried because he trusts me, it's because he doesn't think I can attract a man like Adrian. "That's real shitty, Eric."

He frowns, totally clueless. "Why are you so upset? Is this about the weight thing?"

I take an angry step forward. "You mean when you told me I was too fat to fuck?" I snap. I'm to drunk to filter my mouth, the words just spilling out.

Eric sighs, shaking his head. "You are making way to big a deal out of this. It's not like that."

"It's hurtful, Eric. My own boyfriend basically told me he doesn't find me attractive."

"Of course I do!"

"You have a funny way of showing it," I hiss, an obvious jab at our lack of intimacy. Before, his behavior made me feel lonely and unworthy. Now I'm grateful - so very fucking grateful - that he never touched me.

Taking my hands Eric gives me a small smile. I have to resist the strong urge to cringe away. "I know I haven't been the best boyfriend. But I'm sure we can work through this. Sometimes I say and do stupid shit."

I shake my head. Of course he would want to work through it. There is no arguing with Eric, he isn't capable of that kind of passion.

I have to end this.

Nerves constricting my throat I manage to croak out, "Somethings y-you c-can't work through."

Sighing, he squeezes my hands. "You're stuttering," he replies gently.

I flinch. Why did he have to always point out my stutter? It made me feel so small and ashamed. Did he find it just as embarrassing as my family did?

Adrian said he loves it when I stutter.

I can't keep surrounding myself with people that make me feel like shit. "Eric..."

"Listen," Eric goes on, oblivious to the hurt he's inflicting. "I only mentioned the weight thing out of concern. You just need a little help. I met this girl online. She's in great shape. I'm sure she could give you some advice."

God, he is so dense. Why couldn't he...

"Wait, what?" I hold up a hand, taking a step back. "What do you m-mean you met a g-girl online?"

Eric runs a hand through his hair. "It's no big deal. I've been talking to her for a few months now."

"Talking to her? Online?"

"Yea. We met in a chat room."

"A c-chat room?" Is he shitting me? What were we, fourteen? "What kind of chat room?"

His face flushes.

That prick!

And here I was feeling so guilty every time Adrian touched me, after every time Adrian made me feel wanted. "You cheated on me."

"What! No." He balks. "That's not cheating."

"Did you have sex with her online?"

He rolls his eyes. "It was role play."

"Jesus!"

"You're overreacting. That's not cheating."

I can't believe this. Shock clouds my brain. "Did you get off?"

His flush deepens but he shrugs. "Well, yea."

Holy shit!

For over a year I couldn't get his cock to so much as twitch and he's getting off to some stranger online. "That's cheating, Eric."

He doesn't so much as blink. There's no remorse, no flicker of recognition that what he did was wrong. "You got off with that guy on the phone. How is this any different?"

It wasn't. And I'm not going to pretend I was a saint in all this. I'm just as guilty. "That was wrong," I state firmly. Taking a deep breath, I say in a rush, "I want to break up."

Eric eyes widen in shock. "What? Why?"

"Are you serious? We cheated on each other."

He continues to stare at me, his expression empty and uncomprehending. "I'm sorry if you feel that way, but I disagree."

The anger returns full force. Can't he at least get upset. Even just a little? "It doesn't matter if you disagree, it's still cheating!" I all but shout. "How do you even know she's in shape. She could be a fifty-year-old fat guy!"

"We've met," he responds point blank.

That takes me back. "In person?"

"Yea."

I feel sick.

"It's over," I say firmly.

Eric appears generally surprised. "What?"

Crossing my arms, I glare at him. "Did I stutter?"

"Ellie, you can't be serious?"

Why did he even care? For a year he never showed any interest in me and now suddenly I matter? "Do you even love me?"

He pauses.

That was all I needed. Sighing, I shake my head. "This is never going to work, Eric."

"Wait a minute," he pleads. "Just hear me out-"

A loud knock cuts off the rest of Eric's sentence. We both stare at the door.

"Ellie, open the damn door," Adrian's voice orders gruffly.

Oh, shit.

My heart beat increases, thumping wildly.

Eric glances at me. "Who is that?"

I stare at him but I can't seem to find words.

Scowling, Eric goes and opens the door to a furious looking Adrian. The two stare at each other, Eric's face a reflection of surprise. Adrian's face is unreadable, his steel eyes shooting daggers.

For one brief second I feel like I might faint.

Eric glances between the two of us, obviously unsure what is going on.

"A-Adrian," I finally breathe, my voice rushing forward.

His hands in his pockets Adrian stands beside me, his steely gaze pinned on Eric. "Why don't you introduce us, Ellie?"

"I know who you are," Eric replies swiftly.

Adrian's face hardens, his eyes narrowing. "And who the fuck are you?"

Eric frowns. "I'm her boyfriend."

Adrian's jaw visibly ticks as his silver eyes zero in on me.

Fighting to breathe I stammer, "You're n-not my boyfriend, Eric. We're d-done."

"Ellie!" Eric protests.

"She said you're done," Adrian cuts in, standing in front of me with arms crossed. I can see the tension along his broad shoulders and strong back. Despite the situation my core tightens with arousal.

He's acting so possessive and it's hot as hell.

"I don't see how this is any of your business," Eric replies with surprising calm. My eyes widen. Never in a million years did I imagine that Eric would have the gall to stand up to a man like Adrian.

"No?" Adrian asks coolly, raising a brow. Then he turns, reaching out and wrapping a hand around the back of my head. Before I can react his mouth is on my mine, kissing me hard. His free hand grips my ass, squeezing the full mound almost painfully.

My body ignites. I can't stop it. I have no control. To my horror a little moan escapes my throat.

Smirking, Adrian steps back, leveling his gaze at Eric.

Eric stares between the two of us, his mouth slightly ajar. Then he gives a sad little smile, shaking his head. "I guess I should have been worried."

I drop my gaze, unsure what to say.

"Alright, Ellie. If this is what you want." Giving Adrian a curt nod Eric leaves my apartment without a second glance.

The door shuts and I'm acutely aware that I am now alone with Adrian.

My stomach knots, my breathing shallowing. I can feel that my face is flushed and hot from liquor and arousal. I should feel badly about breaking up with Eric, but I don't. All I can think about is Adrian.

He steps closer, his body dwarfing my own. I risk a peek at his face, my breath catching. Behind his glasses his steel eyes are burning.

He looks angry and it's so damn sexy.

I grow wet in an instant. I can't look away.

He doesn't say a word, his gaze boring down on me.

"Aren't you going to say anything?" I finally blurt.

He scowls. "About what? How you're totally shit faced and it's not even noon?"

My eyes widen.

He is angry with me.

"I broke up with Eric," I mumble, stating the obvious.

"Yes, you did. And if you weren't so damn drunk I'd be fucking you over the couch." He takes a menacing step closer. "I'm not happy, Ellie."

Part of me thinks I should be afraid but I'm not. If anything I'm even more aroused. Maybe it's the alcohol clouding my inhibitions but my eyes wander downward, openly eye fucking his body. He's wearing a white t-shirt, the fabric stretching over his muscles, and a pair of faded jeans. God, he is so hot. Why does he have to be so damn hot?

I want to lick every inch of him. My tongue runs along my lips, imagining it.

A rough sound rumbles deep in Adrian's chest. "Stop."

My eyes snap upward.

He takes in my glazed eyes and flushed skin. "Fuck, you are totally shit faced."

Can't deny it. "And you're hot."

His eyebrows raise slightly. "Oh, yea, you're drunk."

I frown. I want him. Right now. I can't wait a second longer. "Didn't you say when I broke up with Eric that you would fuck me senseless?"

Reaching out he grips the front of my shirt, pulling me against him. He makes it a point to press his groin tight against my stomach. There's no mistaking the hard ridge of his erection. "You think I don't want to? When I take you I promise it will be the best fuck of your life. But I want you at least semi-sober and willing."

My fingers twist in the hem of his shirt, tugging it up his hard abs. "I am willing."

"Shit," he grates. His head drops, burying in my hair. Inhaling my scent his hips grind against my stomach. My hands press against his warm skin, sliding up his chest. My fingers find his piercing, tugging the tiny loop. He gives a painful grunt, his hips jerking against me.

"I want you," I confess huskily.

"Damn it, baby." With a shudder he stops, stepping back.

"No, don't stop," I plead, trying to pull him back.

"You need to sleep this off." Grabbing my hand, he pulls me towards my bedroom.

"Adrian," I protest, tugging back. No use. He is too strong. And isn't that just hot as fuck? My mind starts conjuring images of all the things Adrian could make me do. Forcing my head still while he fucks my mouth. Pinning my arms down while he fucks my body...

I nearly groan.

He pulls me towards my bed and without so much as a warning picks me up and sets me on the mattress. "Go to sleep."

"I'm not tired," I whine, slapping away his hands as he tries to pull the blankets up over me. I'm hot and bothered and the last thing I want to do is go back to bed.

"Go to sleep," he repeats, his voice broaching no argument.

"No."

His silver eyes darken dangerously. "No?"

Oh, yea, that was hot.

Getting up on my knees I grip either side of his face and pull him down. I don't know what possesses me. Maybe I need to reassure myself that Adrian wants me. Maybe it's because I'm drunk and horny as fucking hell. Maybe I just need him like I need air. Either way I slam my lips to his, kissing him hard.

To my relief Adrian groans, his hands fisting in my sweater. The kiss turns white hot in a second. Using his body Adrian forces me back on the bed. My legs wrap around his waist, pressing him closer. My body is humming, a warm buzz spreading through my muscles.

"God, damn," he breathes against my lips, kissing along my jaw and down my neck. "I'm mad as hell at you, Ellie."

"Why?"

"You're wasted in the middle of the day. This sort of behavior doesn't sit well with me." His voice is less angry now, more rough and thick.

"I'm sorry," I murmur. My legs tighten around his waist, my hips rocking. "Please."

"Fuck," he snarls. His mouth locks onto my breast, sucking me through my sweater. My back arches, a tiny whimper in my throat at the sharp sensation. Gripping his hair in a tight fist I tug him closer. He groans, knowing what I want and biting down hard on my nípple.

"Oh, yes," I moan, a sharp ache building at my core.

His hands push up my sweater, his fingers digging into my hips. I squirm beneath him, becoming desperate.

Then the room spins.

I stiffen, my stomach suddenly knotting in a sickening way. No, this can't be happening. "Adrian, move."

He pauses over me. "What's wrong?"

The nausea hits me like a bomb. I shove my hand on his chest, pushing him off me. "I'm going to be sick," I manage to gasp, bolting for the bathroom. I just barely make it to the toilet before my stomach erupts. I vomit violently, the vodka I'd consumed earlier burning up my throat.

In the back of my mind I'm aware of Adrian holding me up.

I can't believe this is happening.

The last of the vial poison leaves my stomach. I nearly collapse, breathing hard. The room keeps right on spinning, making my vision blur.

I'm going to pass out.

My stomach begins to heave again and everything goes dark.