Chapter 11: ● T E N | Tease ●

Inflicting Pain (gxg)Words: 12463

† C H L O E †

Teasing can often hide a hint of hostility, and it's rarely funny unless both sides have agreed to play along. It's a way of saying things without fully admitting how we really feel. There's a fine line between playful teasing and hurtful jabs, so knowing where to stop is key. It's a bit like seasoning-a small sprinkle can add flavor, but too much will ruin the dish. We have to be careful with it, as teasing often reflects the feelings we try to keep hidden.

This week has been busy, stressful, and downright unsettling. So much has happened that I can't even process it all yet. I've been pushing myself to hold everything together, dealing with Dennis being overly cautious about our relationship, and then there are those weird encounters with Quinn. At least I've managed to stay on top of my courses, and tonight, I'm finally giving myself a break. My friends and I are hitting up another party, and I need this to clear my head from everything that's been weighing me down.

"Damn, Chloe! You look hot! Guys will be drooling over you tonight," Scarlet said, eyeing my outfit. I was rocking a little black dress-a simple but elegant V-neck cut that showed a hint of cleavage, with a hem that sat just above my knees. It felt sophisticated but not too much. Scarlet smirked as she adjusted her dark blue choker dress. "Dennis will totally regret not coming tonight!"

Dennis and I have been dating for just over a week. He's a good guy, but honestly, maybe a little too good. He's as serious about his studies as I am, but way more intense. In the short time we've been together, we've barely done anything intimate. I mean, there was that one time we kissed, but he pulled away, worried that things might get "out of control" and mess with his grades. Ugh! I respect his priorities, but it's hard not to wonder if saying yes to him was the best choice. It's like he barely has time for us, which is frustrating.

The party was buzzing, just like the last one, only this time it was a bit more laid-back. No fancy venue or servers, just the thumping beat of music, colorful party lights, and drinks scattered throughout the kitchen. Outside, people were hanging around the kegs, laughing and taking turns filling their cups.

Scarlet, Jessica, Penelope, and I headed straight for the kitchen to grab some drinks. The place was alive with energy—people were dancing, others were just chilling, and a lot of couples were making out in various corners.

"Hey, Chlo! That guy over there is totally checking you out! And he's pretty hot!" Jessica said, nodding toward a guy leaning against the wall in the living room.

I shook my head, laughing. "We're here to have fun together, and besides, I have a boyfriend, Jess. Remember?"

"Oh, is that what you're calling him? I thought he was just some close guy friend, seeing as all you two ever do is talk!" Jessica teased, rolling her eyes.

As we sipped our drinks, swaying to the music, I spotted a familiar figure out of the corner of my eye. There, not too far away, was someone I recognized—someone who'd stirred up a lot of unsettling feelings lately. She was sitting on a couch with a group, but her eyes were locked on us. Our gazes met, and she smirked, a glint of something unreadable in her eyes. I quickly shifted my attention back to the guy who'd been glancing my way all night.

Maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe it was something else, but suddenly, a daring idea popped into my mind.

† Q U I N N †

Teasing is very often a sign of inner misery. Sometimes it's a way to show that you care, while other times, it's just a cover for jealousy. Teasing and mocking can mask our true emotions towards someone. It creates a fine line between affection and annoyance, and it all depends on the intention behind it. A little harmless teasing can bring people closer, but it's important to know the difference between a joke and an insult.

As I lounged on the couch, I watched the blonde with emerald green eyes lose herself on the dance floor. She was dancing closely with another student, moving in a sensual way. Her arms were wrapped around his shoulders, while his hands rested on her waist, their faces hovering dangerously close. Suddenly, she turned around, leaning back against his chest and swaying her hips. One of her hands held onto his arms, while the other draped playfully around the back of his neck. I could see them talking, even though the music blasted loudly in the house.

Then, she tilted her head, resting it on his shoulder and exposing her neck. I watched as he leaned in, planting soft kisses along her skin. Just then, her eyes caught mine. Despite the dancing and the music, our gazes locked. Her look was filled with a hint of desire, and I couldn't help but smirk at the scene unfolding before me.

A few songs later, the blonde with the green eyes and her dance partner decided to head over to the bar for some drinks. I kept my gaze fixed on her, noticing how she stole glances in my direction from time to time. Suddenly, the guy leaned in and whispered something in her ear, and she nodded. After that, he walked away, leaving the blonde to settle onto a bar stool with her legs crossed, a glass of vodka in hand.

As I watched, I noticed the guy she had been dancing with moving closer to me. I remained seated on the couch, slowly pulling out a folded $50 bill from my pocket. I held it between my index and middle fingers, raising my hand slightly. The guy approached and carefully took the $50 from my hand. The blonde saw what happened, and her eyes widened in shock. I couldn't help but grin mischievously, raising an eyebrow in amusement at her reaction.

The alcohol was starting to get the better of me. I had chugged quite a few drinks while watching her dance, so I decided to stand up and look for a bathroom, breaking my gaze from hers. As I walked down the hallway, I checked each room, finding most occupied by couples making out, until I finally stumbled upon an empty one. Just as I was about to close the door behind me, someone on the other side pushed it open forcefully. It was her, her eyes blazing with anger.

"What the hell was that?!" she yelled, storming into the room.

I stood my ground near the door. "I love a good show, gorgeous. And you just put on a great one out there with Mason," I replied with a grin.

Her eyes widened in shock, and her jaw clenched in fury. "You paid him to flirt with me?!" Her voice was rising.

I let out a soft laugh. "It wouldn't have worked if you hadn't shown interest too, right?"

"You're freaking crazy! How dare you use someone to flirt with me?" she shouted.

"Well, you seemed to enjoy it as much as I enjoyed watching you both, gorgeous," I shot back, silencing her for a moment. She turned to leave, but I was quick enough to close the door in front of her, trapping her inside. My hands rested on either side of her, pinning her back against the door.

I leaned closer to her neck and whispered, "I'm one step ahead of you, gorgeous."

She pushed me away, but I didn't move an inch; I held my ground, unfazed. "Let me out, Quinn!" she demanded, but I just laughed softly and leaned back a little, enjoying the moment.

"What were you trying to prove out there, Chloe? You think watching you dance like a slut with him, or him sucking on your neck, would stir something up in me?" I locked my gaze on her emerald green eyes, rolling my tongue inside my cheek as I spoke.

"Wow, so cocky, huh? You really think I was doing that to show off in front of you?" She shot back, her voice laced with defiance.

"Weren't you?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No!" she snapped angrily, her cheeks flushed.

"Then what's with those stares, huh?" I grinned, enjoying how she fell silent, her expression shifting.

I leaned in closer, my hand gripping her waist firmly. "Don't get me wrong, it was really hot watching you dance with him while looking at me." I could feel her breathing grow rapid, a subtle sign that I was getting to her. "I bet I can do better than that, Chloe."

As my hand slid down her waist to her thigh, I could sense her pulse quickening. With my other hand, I gently cradled her neck, using my thumb to tilt her head to the side, exposing her delicate neck to me. I leaned in closer, my lips barely brushing against her warm skin, and I heard her gasp softly, which made me chuckle lightly.

Keeping her head tilted, I let my other hand slip inside her dress, feeling the warmth of her skin against my fingertips.

"Tell me, Chloe. Did he even do a good job? I paid him well, so I expect him to make you feel good," I whispered, my teeth grazing her skin gently, causing her to gasp sharply. "Is this turning you on now, gorgeous?" I pressed my body closer to hers, feeling the heat radiate between us.

"In your dreams, Quinn," she managed to reply. I found it amusing how she tried to resist, even as her body betrayed her.

I chuckled softly at her defiance. "Good thing I like chasing my dreams, Chloe." My lips began to trace a path along her neck, while my fingers danced in soft circles on her thigh. "Let me show you how it's done."

As I slowly licked her neck, I moved up to her ear, where I gently sucked on her earlobe. I felt her body respond with a soft whimper, which only fueled my desire. One hand remained firmly around her neck, careful not to choke her, while the other explored the lace of her lingerie.

I pressed my leg closer, sliding my knee in between her thighs and gently pushing it upward, directly against her pussy. I suddenly felt her hands gripping my shirt, her breath hitching in her throat as she inhaled deeply.

I groaned at her reaction, feeling a rush of desire coursing through me. Fuck her resistance! I thought, my mind screaming for more. I began leaving kisses along her neck-gentle at first, but they quickly grew more intense and hungry as the moments passed.

My knee rubbed against her softly, applying just enough pressure to make her squirm. I sucked her soft skin, savoring her intoxicating scent. Each soft moan that escaped her lips sent a thrill down my spine, pushing me to go further. I could feel her grip on my shirt tightening, her fingers pulling harder as if she was anchoring herself to me, surrendering to the moment.

"Tell me what you want now, Chloe." My voice came out deep and low, dripping with anticipation as our bodies pressed together. I could feel her heart pounding against me. Say it, Chloe! Just say it!

She struggled to catch her breath, her eyes fluttering. "I want you to stop and let me get out of here, Quinn." My jaw clenched at her response. Fuck! Fuck it! Fuck her resistance!

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to pull my knee away from her thighs. Leaning back, I searched her face, noticing how her eyes were closed, her lips trembling as she bit down on her lower one. I gently removed my hand from her neck, making a fist as I stepped back. Slowly, her eyes opened, meeting my gaze.

A smirk played on my lips as I rolled my tongue inside my cheek, studying her expression. "You never fail to intrigue me, gorgeous," I chuckled, brushing my hair back casually.

"I will never be a part of your twisted pleasure, Quinn," she shot back, her voice filled with defiance.

I laughed, enjoying the moment. "Is that why you enjoyed watching as I shagged Professor Brown that night?" Her eyes widened in shock. "I knew you were there. I can never mistake those green eyes for anyone else. I saw you drive away from the building, Chloe."

My words hung in the air like cold water splashed across her face, and I couldn't help but savor her reaction. She remained silent and frozen, caught off guard by what I had just revealed. I could almost hear her thoughts racing as she processed the realization that I had seen her. She opened her mouth as if to respond, but no words came out. Instead, a blush crept up her cheeks, betraying her steely demeanor.

I took a step closer, my heart racing. "What's the matter, Chloe? Cat got your tongue?" I teased, reveling in the way her vulnerability made her all the more alluring. Her gaze dropped to the floor, clearly struggling to regain her composure.

"Admit it," I continued, my voice dropping to a whisper. "You enjoyed watching me, didn't you?" I leaned in, eager for her to crack under the weight of my words. The way she held herself so rigidly, yet her breathing grew heavier, told me everything I needed to know. I was getting to her, and I loved every second of it.