Текст книги "Truth Or Dare"

Автор книги: Aimee McNeil

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Текущая страница: 12 (всего у книги 20 страниц)

Chapter Eighteen

When the limo pulled to a stop, Sophie looked through the window at the most expensive looking hotel she had ever seen. The exterior looked like a modern take on a stone castle, dropped in the middle of the city, surrounded by sleek looking buildings with exteriors consisting of mostly glass. A long row of cars lined the street, awaiting their turn to pull up to the front of the hotel. Wow. A gentleman in a suit held the door open as Sophie followed Margaret out of the car. Flashes surrounded them as photographers captured the guests exiting the vehicles. Sophie nervously trailed Margaret as they walked along the carpeted path leading up to the grand entrance.

The event planner, Susan, closed in on them as soon as they entered the building. The poor woman looked frazzled and close to breaking down in tears. Sophie tried to pay attention to Margaret and Karen’s hushed conversation, discussing the minor problems that arose in case she could be of assistance, but she was too distracted by the grandness of the hotel. Exquisite flowers covered every surface, filling the space with pleasing aromas. It was as if they were walking through a garden. Everything was immaculate and considered to the smallest detail.

All of the guests were led into a large room through grand double doors. Wine and appetizers were being served to the awaiting guests before the main dinner and auction to follow in the dining room. Women of all shapes and sizes were draped with stunning fabrics, anchored in the room by the staple black suits of their dates standing by their sides. A pianist played a soothing rhythm that flowed over the constant hum of the voices lingering in the air. A large chandelier hung overhead and beautiful swags softened the walls.

“This is such a beautiful hotel,” Sophie finally said when she found her words. A few guests who knew Margaret had joined their small group. Sophie found herself wandering when Margaret became preoccupied with old friends. She exchanged pleasantries with other guests that acknowledged her as she passed. She took in all the details of the room. The fabrics paired with the walls had an embossed pattern that could only be truly appreciated up close. She couldn’t help but run her fingers over it, memorizing the beautiful design. The paintings were heavily textured and all of the objects in the landscaped views flowed into the next, blurring all of the edges to a dreamy finish.

Sophie could feel the energy change in the room even before she noticed who walked in. She turned to see Ashton. A blonde girl in a very short dress hung off his arm and laughed shrilly at something he whispered in her ear. Her dress was covered in sparkles and reflected the light at every angle. She looked like a glittery disco ball. Sophie tried to ignore the jealousy that stirred within her. She met eyes with Ashton briefly before turning away. Sophie turned back to examining the freshly cut flowers lining the tables of the room.

“I would love to see the world through your eyes.” Sophie couldn’t stop her eyes from widening at the gentleman who came to stand beside her. Sophie looked up into the darkest eyes she had ever seen. His rich brown hair was styled in a sleek manner that complemented the expensive looking suit he wore. He was striking and Sophie couldn’t help but appreciate his allure. He was not as breathtaking as Ashton but he was quite impressive in his own right.

“I was just trying to guess what flowers they were.” Sophie smiled with reddened cheeks.

“I must admit that I couldn’t take my eyes off you since you walked in the room. I have been to many of these events and yet this is the first time that I have seen you. It’s nice to see a new face, especially one so lovely.” He was confident and smooth. It was hard not to be drawn in by his charm.

“Thank you. I am here with Margaret Darcy. I started working for her recently.” His compliment. made her turn a deep shade of red. “My name is Sophie Rogers.” Sophie offered her hand.

The dashing stranger was quick to take it in his own, lifting her hand up to his mouth. He kissed her softly and looked up at her with his captivating eyes, making Sophie even more nervous. “Xavier Peirce,” he offered.

“Peirce.” Ashton was suddenly standing beside them. His bottle blonde with telling roots stared around the room in a daze—her gaze slid over everyone around her. Nothing seemed to hold her attention for more than a few seconds.

“King,” Xavier replied with equal malice. “I heard you were back in town. Got tired of working for Daddy?”

“At least I work.” Ashton’s smile dripped with ill intent. There was obvious dark history between the two, and Sophie didn’t want to stick around to find out how far things would go. Sophie noticed Ashton’s blonde was staring at her, and all Sophie wanted to do was withdraw from the suddenly very uncomfortable encounter.

“It was nice to meet you, Xavier. I should go find Margaret. If you will excuse me.” Sophie couldn’t breathe the air—it had become as thick as mud with the tension.

“Let me walk with you,” Xavier offered. Sophie’s eyes unconsciously found Ashton’s, that were narrowed and directed at Xavier.

“That would be lovely,” Sophie replied, turning away so she didn’t have to see Ashton and his date all over each other. She took Xavier’s arm when he offered. She didn’t know what got into her but it made Xavier more appealing knowing that Ashton didn’t like him.

“How do you and Ashton know each other?” Sophie asked Xavier as they made their way through the crowd. Xavier glanced back toward Ashton.

“Our families know each other, and we surf at the same beach.” Xavier shrugged his shoulders. “And he used to date my cousin. So naturally I hated him.” Xavier smiled.

“Don’t tell me that your cousin was Lucinda?” Sophie bit her lip nervously as she looked up at his face.

“You know Lucinda?” Xavier tilted his head as he studied her.

“No. Forget I asked. I need to get a drink.” Sophie’s eyes sought out a server pouring glasses of wine. “Excuse me.” She headed straight toward it.

“Sophie, wait.” Xavier was close on her heels. “Let me guess…you were a victim of my Luce’s wrath?”

“Something like that.” Sophie pointed toward the white wine the server set down on the table. “Please,” she added.

The server poured the clear sweet liquid into the glass. Looking up and noticing Sophie’s encouragement, he continued pouring until the glass was completely full.

Xavier chuckled. “Oh yeah. She hated you, didn’t she? My cousin was never good when she felt threatened. I love her, but she is a shallow bitch.” He shook his head. “What did she do to you?”

“Let’s just say it was enough.” Sophie sighed. She didn’t want old memories to ruin the mood of the evening.

Sophie was relieved when someone started directing everyone into the dining room. She told Xavier that she would see him later and left quickly to find Margaret. Ashton and Blondie were in Margaret’s company. “There you are, dear.” Margaret waved.

Sophie tried to smile back but it wasn’t as sincere as she would have liked. Blondie was rubbing Ashton’s arm and she couldn’t help the irritated feeling that grated on her. “You did a fabulous job, Margaret, this is amazing,” Sophie praised as she took in the dining room and the decorations.

“You helped too,” Margaret offered.

“Don’t give me any credit for this.” Sophie shook her head. “This amazing night was well planned out before I came into the picture.”

When they sat down at their table she noticed regrettably that Ashton sat directly next to her. “I should switch to the other side of the table so you can sit next to Ashton,” Sophie offered Margaret. Her heart beat too fast at the idea of sitting next to him and watching him flirt with his date.

“Don’t be silly, dear. Have a seat,” Margaret dismissed lightly with a graceful wave of her hand. Ashton pulled out Margaret’s chair for her to sit. Sophie went to pull out her own chair when Ashton reached over and placed his hand over hers. She looked up at him, a sinking feeling settling in her stomach when their eyes met. Sophie averted her eyes, sliding her hand out from under his touch. Sophie nodded politely before sitting.

When they were all settled at the table, Sophie felt a gentle touch on her exposed back. She knew it was Ashton toying with her. Old habits die hard, apparently. Her heart beat loud enough to drown out her surroundings.

Sophie tried to keep her attention focused on Margaret and her friend, Mrs. Lockhart, sitting on Margaret’s other side. Sophie came to find out the two had been friends for thirty years. Their past was apparent in the way they spoke to each other. They had long developed a strong foundation for their friendship. Sophie wondered how Mrs. Lockhart would take the news when Margaret finally told her that she was sick. It was apparent from their conversation that Mrs. Lockhart was unaware of any health issues Margaret was suffering. That feeling in the pit of Sophie’s stomach returned. Sophie had no idea how sick Margaret was and the thought worried her. Ashton was resistant to give up the information and Margaret did not seem ready to share, leaving her in the dark. Sooner or later she knew she would not be able to hold her tongue and she would start asking questions.

Ashton moved his leg so it was touching Sophie’s. She didn’t want to pull away at first. She was reluctant to break the connection that caused a sensual heat to warm her. Sophie looked over at Ashton’s date. Sophie watched her for a moment, observing the pair. Her favorite answer to most of what he said was “That’s cool,” and soon it began scraping on Sophie’s nerves. She was like a broken record. Ashton didn’t show any indication that he minded Blondie’s annoying presence at all. Sophie figured he was probably thinking about what he was going to do with her later and the thought made an angry twist of jealousy run through her. Why am I tormenting myself?

As soon as everyone was seated, salad was served. It looked like art upon the plate. The sweet dressing was drizzled over the perfectly ripe fruit and Sophie enjoyed how all the flavors came together beautifully in her mouth. A gasp escaped Sophie’s lips as Ashton’s hand daringly grazed her leg, along the open slit. His fingers left a trail of fire over her skin.

“Are you okay, dear?” Margaret looked at her with a puzzled expression.

“Yes. Sorry.” Sophie tried to smile innocently. She reached under the table and removed Ashton’s hand from her leg discreetly. Ashton continued to persist with his exploring fingers throughout the meal. Sophie’s attempts to keep his hands to himself without drawing attention proved useless and eventually she let his fingers do their bidding. They drew heat from her center that flowed through her entire body, making her skin flush.

A soft moan escaped her lips to her own horror as Ashton’s touch became more explorative. Don’t play his game! You are such a stupid girl falling for this again! She looked over to see a satisfied grin turn the edges of Ashton’s lips. Blondie was obliviously eating her dinner. Margaret, on the other hand, was looking at her when she turned in her direction.

“You’re all flushed, dear. Are you feeling all right?” Margaret asked deep with concern.

“Yes…I…I just have a bit of a headache. I might be coming down with something.” As Sophie said the words, Ashton’s hand slipped under the fabric of her skirt and dipped dangerously between her legs, caressing her sensitive skin. “Ah…If you will excuse me.” Sophie stood abruptly. She headed toward the washroom quickly. She passed the main washroom and continued toward another that she saw further away from the dining room. She needed to catch her breath and needed to be alone. I need rehab for my sick addiction to the man that will be my downfall.

Sophie pushed open the door and walked into the washroom, quickly looking under the stalls to see if she was alone. When she saw no one else she leaned against the counter, releasing the breath that she was holding. She could still feel Ashton’s touch on her leg and between her thighs; it made need pulse through her. The bathroom door swung open and Sophie pushed off the counter quickly when she saw Ashton stalk inside. His eyes were dark with purpose.

“Ashton? You can’t come in here.” He moved dangerously close, cupping her cheeks and angling her face toward his. “Don’t,” Sophie whispered. “You can’t just kiss me whenever you feel like it and then walk away. I can’t keep doing this.”

“Then get out of my fucking head,” he pleaded. He stepped back, searching her eyes.

“Your date is out there waiting for you,” she said. “You should go.”

“Do you want me to go?” Ashton asked, tilting his head.

“Yes,” she answered quickly.

“I would believe you if you weren’t biting your lip.” Ashton let a cool smirk form on his lips. “But have it your way. I’m sure Marilyn will be more willing anyway.” His tone turned wicked.

Sophie couldn’t help but be hurt by his words. “Yeah, I’m sure she’ll think it’s really cool,” Sophie spat at him. Ashton started laughing and they both lost the edge of their anger. His smile was beautiful.

“What the fuck is this?” Ashton whispered. Sophie was surprised to see her turmoil reflected in his eyes. What the hell? Is he struggling with this as well?

“I don’t know how to answer that. Everything I feel is so closely tied with anger. I’m still so angry, Ashton. I wish I could get past it, but I don’t know how. I don’t know how to let my guard down when it comes to you. I don’t know if I can or if I want to.”

Ashton nodded tightly. He swung the door open and left. Sophie wasn’t even sure what to think. Her mind was left hazy like she had too much to drink but she was completely sober.

When she composed herself she made her way back to the dining room. Ashton was turned toward Marilyn, engrossed in conversation, and she was grateful.

“How are you feeling?” Margaret asked as Sophie sat down.

“I’m okay now, just needed to get some air.” Sophie said reassuringly, which seemed to appease Margaret. Dessert was served moments after she sat down. Blueberry turnovers were beautifully plated to look like exotic desserts.

“They’re Ashton’s favorite.” Margaret looked at her grandson adoringly. “He eats them like they’re going out of style.”

Ashton was looking at Sophie when she glanced at him. “Funny, huh?” He raised his eyebrow. Picking up his turnover he took a bite. “Mmmm…so delicious.”

Sophie’s face erupted in red with the memory of the first time he kissed her.

When he finished his, he pointed toward Sophie’s untouched plate. “Are you gonna eat that?” Sophie only shook her head. “Too bad. These are really good.” There was no denying that Ashton was using her words from that day. “I think this is actually the best thing I have ever tasted.” His gaze was piercing as he stared at her. She was relieved when someone stood up to the podium and called everyone’s attention.

Sophie found it hard to focus on the auction; sitting so close to Ashton she found it hard to relax. She didn’t want to feel something as terrifying as the emotions that Ashton produced in her. There were so many beautiful items presented to the crowd and the amount of money being offered surprised her. People laid down thousands of dollars like it was change for coffee. There was sculptures, paintings, vacation packages, designer purses, jewelry. The list of items went on and each one of them were purchased at a steep price. When Sophie’s paintings came up, she nervously sat up straighter, leaning forward in her chair.

Margaret reached over and patted Sophie’s hand, which was gripping the edge of the table so hard that her knuckles were white. “So exciting.” Sophie was too nervous to respond.

The set of paintings were a colorful collage of abstract flowers flowing over the three separate canvases in a rendition of an endless field of summer. The sunlight flowed down like liquid, spilling around the blooms like a river washing the color throughout its entirety.

The auctioneer set the starting price at five thousand dollars and Sophie’s hand went up to her mouth to stifle the sound of shock that escaped her lips. Sophie jumped when Ashton lifted his hand and made his bid. “What are you doing?”

“Bidding,” he said flatly.

“Don’t,” she argued.

“Try and stop me.” He raised his hand again and the bidding continued to rise. Sophie watched in a daze as the bidding flowed through the room. When the price was up to twelve thousand, Ashton went to raise his hand again. Sophie reached over and took his hand in hers.

“You are not allowed to buy it. I don’t want you to have it.” When he moved to raise the other, she grabbed it too before anyone could notice. Leaning in toward his ear, she went to whisper for him to stop being ridiculous. Her hands held his in his lap and he responded to her touch. His erection was obvious as it strained against his pants. She inhaled deeply against his neck, inhaling his masculine scent. “Oh god,” Sophie moaned in appreciation. Why did I just say that? He smells so good! She swept her lips over the soft skin of his neck before she could process what she was doing. He leaned in toward her, but she retreated quickly, pulling her hands away from his. Sophie immediately chastised herself for how that would have looked to everyone at the table. Marilyn had a confused look on her face. Luckily, Margaret seemed unaware of their exchange.

Sophie forced a smile when Margaret turned to acknowledge her, placing her hand gently upon Sophie’s shoulder. “Your painting was a big hit. You have a bright future ahead of you.” Sophie didn’t know who had made the final bid because she had been fantasizing about running her tongue along Ashton’s remarkable skin. She had completely blocked out the happenings around her. She could feel Ashton’s eyes on her but she refused to look at him for the remainder of the auction.

When the bidding was done, Margaret was swept into endless conversations from those who sought her. Some faces Sophie recognized from mingling earlier and others were new. She exchanged pleasantries and joined in the conversation occasionally but she was feeling too drained to enjoy herself.

“Goodness me, I forgot that you weren’t feeling well.” Sophie was unusually quiet but not because she felt ill. It was because she practically crawled into Ashton’s lap when only a short time before told him she couldn’t do this. Great, now it’s me that’s sending the mixed signals.

“I’ll be fine, don’t worry about me.” Sophie tried to dismiss Margaret’s concern. “It will pass.”

“Ashton, can you take Sophie home?” Margaret turned to Ashton when they approached. Marilyn was still hanging off his arm like she was scared to let him go.

“I’m fine, Margaret,” Sophie interrupted. “Really, I am. I would much rather stay and see you home.”

“You need to take care of yourself or you are no good to me.” Margaret smiled teasingly.

“We’re leaving now anyway,” Ashton offered.

“What if you need me for something?” Sophie asked Margaret. If she was being honest with herself, leaving with Ashton terrified her.

“Nonsense. I’m just going to gossip for a while. I’ll get a ride home with Betty.” Margaret wrapped her arms around Sophie in a warm embrace. “You should know the gentleman who bought your painting is well-known in the art industry.” Margaret winked.

“Really?” Sophie’s eyes widened.

“Now go.” Margaret chuckled. “Let us old people talk.”

Sophie held onto the excitement that surfaced with Margaret’s news. It was much better than trying to shuffle through the chaos that plagued her when it came to her current thoughts of Ashton. Sophie left the dining hall and quickly exited the building. She was trying to avoid any more awkwardness with Ashton.

“Have a good evening.” The doorman opened the door for her as she approached. When the night air hit her it was very refreshing. She took a few deep calming breaths to settle her nerves. Sophie could feel her shoulders tense when Ashton and Marilyn’s voices neared. She turned and offered a tentative wave. “I’m just going to grab a cab. Good night, Marilyn, it was nice meeting you. Have a good evening.” Spinning, she headed toward the line of cabs waiting on the side of the street.

“Sophie,” Ashton called after her. Turning, Sophie noticed his approach.

“I need to just go home and clear my head. It’s not good for me to be with you right now. Go with your date. She’s waiting for you.” Sophie opened the door and climbed into the car before he had the chance to respond. She looked back up at him through the door window. His expression was wounded, making her insides twist uncomfortably. Remember, distance equals safety.

On the ride home Sophie couldn’t help but scroll through all the texts from Ashton when he was posing as Jack. She wondered if his words held any truth among the lies.