Текст книги "Truth Or Dare"

Автор книги: Aimee McNeil

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Текущая страница: 5 (всего у книги 20 страниц)

“Fine. You are such a jerk. I have to pack. So…you have to wait and don’t touch my stuff.” She was grateful she wouldn’t have to take the bus with all her stuff she needed for the next few days, even if it meant spending more time with Ashton. The war of emotions battled on within her as she tried not to pay attention to Ashton lounging on her sofa.

“What? Why are you looking at me like that?” Sophie complained.

“I knew you always had a fucking thing for me…painting pictures, so you could fantasize about me and shit,” he said smugly as he stretched his long legs out. “Since I’m here do you want me to pose for another?”

“No! I don’t fantasize about you! It’s more like the ‘and sh—’ part.”

Ashton sat up with widened eyes. “What did you say? And sh—?” He laughed a deep throaty sound. “Say shit,” he coaxed.

“What? I can say it. I just choose not to right now. In fact, I swear all the time, especially when I see you,” she proclaimed. Ashton pushed himself off the sofa and stalked toward her. He closed the distance quickly with his long legs. He stopped so close that he stole the breath from her. Reaching out, he touched her bottom lip.

“You lie…especially when you say you don’t want me.” His breath warmed her skin as he leaned in close.

“You don’t affect me and how many times do I have to tell you—I. Don’t. Want. You.” Sophie stepped back from him so she could remember to breathe. “And for your information, I choose not use certain words. It’s a personal choice. I’m ready to go.”

***

“Where to?” he asked as he rubbed his hand over the steering wheel.

Sophie pulled the crumpled piece of paper out of her purse. “Econo Rooms Motel,” she read, and then followed with the address printed at the bottom of the coupon. She looked up at him and noticed he was watching her with raised eyebrows. “What are you waiting for? Let’s go.” Sophie watched Ashton shake his head in disbelief before he pulled away from the curb.

The longer they drove, the more nervous she got about how far away this place was. She wanted to seem completely confident despite her inner turmoil.

When they pulled up to an old dilapidated motel, Sophie held the coupon up to the light. The picture must have been taken years ago. The building now looked in dire need of repairs.

“Stellar place.” Ashton’s words dripped with sarcasm.

Sophie didn’t respond. She pushed open the door and walked toward the main office. A bell chimed overhead when the door opened. A man sitting behind the desk slid his feet off the counter, sending papers fluttering to the floor. His unwashed hair was brushed back off his face in a tangle of waves that met his shoulders. A mustache sat heavily upon his lip and a dark shadow covered the rest of his chin. He wiped crumbs from his shirt, watching Sophie approach the desk.

“Need a room, beautiful?” His words seemed innocent enough, but he gave off a creepy vibe that made her insides twist with anxiety.

“Yes, please,” Sophie responded with a small voice. She glimpsed the small television he had been captivated with when she walked in. She couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw a porn playing. What the hell!

Ashton pushed through the door behind her, causing the bell to sound again. The man behind the counter eyed Ashton before he addressed Sophie.

“Just you? Or both?”

“Just me.” A slow unsettling smile spread across his face. “I have a coupon for my stay.” Sophie handed it over to the man. When he took it from her, she pulled her hand away quickly to avoid the unnecessary contact.

“Sorry, sweetheart. This coupon expired ages ago,” he informed her before slapping it down on the counter.

“Mr. Cleary, my landlord, gave it to me. He said he knew the owner.” Sophie shuffled her feet uncomfortably. She hated the fact that Ashton was standing behind her. She wanted to run screaming from this place.

“My old man died five years ago,” he said casually.

“Okay. Your standard room, please,” Sophie said quickly. She just wanted the exchange to be over. She would deal with Mr. Cleary later.

She could tell Ashton didn’t like this guy either by the way he practically growled under his breath.

“It’s one size fits all in these parts, sweetheart.” He smiled, dropping a grimy key in her hand.

“Thank you.” Sophie quickly left the office with Ashton close on her heels.

“You are seriously going to stay in this shit hole?” Ashton asked as if questioning her sanity. She ignored him as she walked up to his trunk, waiting to retrieve her things.

“Yes. It’s not so bad. It has charm.” She tried to defend her decision but her defense was pitiful. She hated this place so much but refused to waste her money on unnecessary luxury. This creepy, rundown motel fit her budget.

“Charm? Fuck that!”

Chapter Nine

Sophie pushed the door open, revealing the dark room. She flicked on the lights when she found the switch. “Not so bad.” She tried to encourage herself by staying positive. Ashton came in behind her and set her things on the bed.

“Yeah, it’s kind of nice for a piece of shit.” As if on cue, screaming erupted from the next room as a couple engaged in a heated argument. Ashton just raised his eyebrows in an I told you so way.

“It’s just a couple of days. There’s even a bus stop just a block away.” Sophie tried to keep her attitude positive.

“The one the guy was spray painting a giant cock on when we drove by?” Ashton asked in disbelief.

“It’s called freedom of expression. If he feels the need to celebrate his cock, then who are we to say otherwise.” Sophie watched Ashton tilt his head. “Don’t say anything,” she warned.

“Come on. How can I not say anything after a statement like that?” he complained humorously. “Though it is good to know you have nothing against cocks.”

Sophie took a quick look in the bathroom, which made her cringe. “Okay. I’m good. You can leave now,” she said, walking out toward Ashton. He was pulling the covers back on her bed. A look of disgust crossed his features as he noticed the stained sheets underneath.

“Oh dear,” Sophie gasped before she could stop herself. “The chair suddenly looks appealing.”

Ashton looked up at her with disbelief in his eyes. “It’s your life.” He shrugged his shoulders. He stepped back, looking at Sophie before a devilish smile crept over his face. “How do you feel about spiders?”

“Terrified. Why?” Sophie’s eyes widened as she stared back at him.

“Because one just crawled on your shoulder.” He chuckled.

“What!” Sophie spun around, wiping her shoulders frantically. She jumped up on the bed, trying not to scream out as she searched for the spider. “Where is it?” she cried.

“I think I saw it fall on the bed.” He laughed.

Without thinking she jumped off the bed, grabbing onto Ashton and pulling herself up his tall frame. He stiffened under her unexpected move. She didn’t care what he thought at that moment, her flee response was triggered and he seemed like the safest option to escape the spider. Pulling herself against him in her attempt to avoid touching the floor wreaked havoc on her insides. Everywhere her body touched his ignited a passionate fire that made her core clench in response. The only sound in the room was her breathing as time slowed down and seemed to stop altogether.

“Oh god! Sorry.” Sophie quickly released her hold on him. The spider was long forgotten. The promise of a broken heart pulled at her consciousness. She needed space to clear her head. Attraction is only a chemical reaction in the brain. These feelings are not real! Get a grip!

“I would pay anything to know what is going through your head right now.” Ashton’s words surprised her. She was speechless staring back at him.

Ashton stepped forward, trailing up her arm with his fingertips. “Tell me what you’re thinking, Sophie.” Her name on his lips undid her.

A moan escaped her when his hand slipped around her waist and grabbed firmly onto her behind. He pulled her body against his, lifting her from the ground until her legs wrapped around his waist. He pressed her back against the wall. “Tell me.” He looked down into her eyes, his darker than she had ever seen them, swirling pools of desire. She was putty in his hands as he molded her body to his, pulling, squeezing, and caressing until she could no longer form a rational thought.

“I want…” He gently bit the tender skin of her neck, causing her to cry out in pleasure. “I want this.” He wound his fingers through her hair, angling her lips toward his.

“Good,” he whispered before grazing his teeth over her lower lip. His erection throbbed against her. She rocked her body against his to satisfy the growing ache deep between her legs. His lips consumed hers—it was demanding, raw, and desperate. It was beautiful and dangerous and desire claimed her like a powerful drug. Both of his hands found her face, pinning her against the wall with his powerful body.

“Fuck, you taste good,” he growled almost angrily against her lips before his tongue continued exploring her.

Ashton pulled back. His hooded lids shadowed his eyes. Sophie ran her fingers across his cheek, feeling his chest rise and fall exaggeratedly against her. She twisted her fingers through his soft hair, an indulgence that she had daydreamed about from the first moment she had seen him.

He pulled out of her hold, letting her slide down the wall until her feet met the floor. She immediately grieved the loss of his touch.

“Grab your things. You are not staying here.” His tone was suddenly distant. His rejection cut deep.

“I’m staying. What happened to ‘it’s your life’?” Sophie threw his words back at him.

“That’s when I thought you weren’t stupid enough to stay. I’m pretty sure that guy at the front desk has quite the rap sheet. Are you sure you want to stay and find out what he’s capable of?” Ashton grabbed her things and swung open the door.

After taking the key back to the front desk and informing Mr. Creepy that she wasn’t staying, she slid back into Ashton’s car. “Where am I supposed to go?”

Ashton took off without answering her question. He drove with purpose, and Sophie did not question it. She had a feeling she knew what his plan was anyway and it was confirmed when he pulled into his grandmother’s driveway. She sighed in defeat, climbing out of his car and following him inside. The interior of the house was dark and quiet. Margaret must have already retired for the evening.

“Margaret doesn’t know that I’m here. I feel like I’m intruding,” Sophie whispered. He stopped in his tracks and Sophie almost collided with him.

“She told me to convince you to come back here anyway. She didn’t feel right having you stay at a motel when there was plenty of room here.”

“But she barely knows me. I could be crazy,” Sophie babbled.

“That’s what I said,” Ashton whispered back as he led her up the stairs. “This is your room.” He placed Sophie’s things on the floor and reached to turn on the lamp, casting a warm glow on their surroundings. She couldn’t bring herself to meet his eyes as she thanked him.

“Ashton?” she called after him when he turned to leave. He swung around but made no attempt to come closer. “What was that? Back at the motel?” Sophie swallowed hard against the uneasy feeling that hung heavy in her stomach.

“Good night, Sophie.” He left the room without another word. Sophie collapsed on the bed, sinking into the soft covers. She pulled out her phone and noticed a new message.

Jack: Stranded in the middle of nowhere?

 

Sophie: Yes, but not in the sense that you mean. But I think the literal would be easier right now.

 

Jack: What happened?

 

Sophie: What does it mean when you do something even when you know that it will turn out badly?

 

Jack: It means you’re human.

 

Sophie: I kissed him.

 

Jack: Did you like it? He looks like he would be a good kisser.

 

Sophie: Did you know your sister has a thing for Ashton?

 

Jack: Who doesn’t? Don’t worry about that. Never gonna happen. She has to realize that eventually. Did you like it?

 

Sophie: I shouldn’t be doing this. I am at his grandmother’s house right now. She insisted I stay here. How can I sleep knowing that Ashton is across the hall? Can you say something to make me feel better so I don’t cry my eyes out?

 

Jack: You are amazingly beautiful. Everything about you is too good for him. Don’t cry tears for his worthless ass. He probably is so in love with you it scares the shit out of him and he knows he will never be good enough for you.

 

Sophie: Is it too early in our textual relationship to tell you that I really do love you, all jokes aside? You seem so much different from when we met. I have to confess that I had you pegged all wrong on our first encounter.

 

Jack: How did you see me?

 

Sophie: I don’t know but I am so glad that things became textual between us.

 

Jack: Me too.

 

Sophie: When do you get back?

 

Jack: Not sure yet.

 

Sophie: I think we need to meet for coffee or something. Especially after I confessed my love for you.

 

Jack: Thought you didn’t believe in love?

 

Sophie: For you I made an exception.

 

Jack: I’m a lucky guy then.

 

Sophie: Thank you for making me feel better. Night .

 

Jack: Goodnight Sophie. xox

 

Sophie scrolled to her other message on her phone. She didn’t recognize the number but she knew who it was as soon as she read it.

Mel: You totally hate me, don’t you? I can’t live without your sense to my chaos. I miss you. Talk to me!

 

Sophie: Disappointed is more like it. But I would never hate you. You are like an annoying sister that always gets me into trouble. How could I possibly go on without you? ;)

 

Sophie turned over and stared up at the ceiling. Her phone lit up, drawing her attention from the swirl of thoughts haunting her.

Mel: Thank god u r still speaking to me!

 

Sophie: How is everything with Corbin? Are you all right? Whose phone is this?

 

Mel: It’s Lips’ phone. Things are good. He has been so sweet. Can I just enjoy now?

 

Sophie: Lips? Stripper friend? You know that I will always be here if you need me even when I don’t agree with your questionable decisions. We are not done talking about the Corbin situation.

 

Mel: Yes. I know. And you are the best. Gotta be on stage in 5. Are you in for Friday?

 

Sophie: Argh…fine. I better get paid good. And my clothes stay ON.

 

Mel: Thanks!

 

Sophie pulled herself from the bed and grabbed a few things from her bag before opening her door and walking across the hall toward Ashton’s room. She knocked quietly; after a moment the door swung open, startling her. He stood in front of her with his jeans riding dangerously low on his hips, his bare chest exposing his male perfection. His eyes were dark and caused a nervous sensation to twist inside her.

“Sorry to bother you but I was just wondering what bathroom I should use to have a shower?” Sophie tried to smile, like the tension between them didn’t feel crushing. He stepped back and motioned toward the bathroom leading off his room. “Ah…isn’t there another washroom I can use?” Sophie asked nervously. She ran Jack’s words through her head. There was no way Ashton King was terrified of her. She was just another plaything for a spoiled rich boy to poke and prod to satisfy his curiosity before he moved on to his next experiment.

“No. Not if you want to shower.” Ashton walked back toward his bed, turning on the television and tuning her out.

“Okay. I’ll be quick.” Sophie locked the bathroom door once inside and turned on the water. She brushed her teeth and waited for the water to start steaming. She was nervous having Ashton so close to her while she stripped down. Even with the locked door between them she still felt edgy. When she stepped into the stream of hot water any reservations she had washed away. The water felt wonderful on her skin, the heat seeped into her tense muscles. Picking up Ashton’s shampoo, she could smell the familiar aroma that mingled with his own masculine scent. The smell intensified the memory of their kiss and the feeling of him pressing his body into hers. She squeezed a small amount onto her hand and quickly washed herself.

Turning the water off, she moved to open the glass door but noticed Ashton leaning against the counter brushing his teeth. “What are you doing in here?” Sophie gasped, standing behind the frosted glass door. Thankfully it covered her naked body from his view with the exception of her feet and above her shoulders.

“This is my bathroom.”

“Yes, but when you said I could use it and I locked the door I was under the impression that I would be alone,” Sophie complained.

“You were wrong.” He shrugged his shoulders casually, looking at her through the reflection of the large mirror covering the entire wall above the vanity.

When Sophie realized that he was going to take an exceptionally long time brushing his teeth she became cold and restless. “How long are you going to be?”

“I am a strong believer in maintaining good dental health,” he said around his toothbrush.

“Can you at least pass me my towel?” Sophie grumbled.

“I’m busy,” he responded.

After a few more minutes of Ashton’s painful display Sophie opened the door. She watched his eyes widen in surprise from her brazen act. She wasn’t even sure what had gotten into her—this was far from the person she knew herself to be. The Sophie she had been her entire life was modest, focused, and for the most part, avoided all drama. This was technically the first time that she had ever been naked with a guy, but she refused to stand there until he was done playing his game of torment. It was about time she tipped the scales in her favor. She walked up beside him, grabbing her towel from the counter.

He spit out his toothpaste and spun around, drinking her in without any words. She succeeded in the impossible task of making Ashton King speechless. Score for me! Ashton couldn’t take his eyes off of her as she wrapped the towel around her wet body. He seemed completely awestruck by her actions. “It’s not polite to stare and you have a little something right there.” Sophie pointed to his chin. Stepping forward, she wiped it away with her thumb. “Good night, Ashton,” she called behind her as she left him frozen in place. She had no idea what he was thinking, but she felt triumphant that she’d caught him off guard. A smile played on her lips as she walked back to her room.

***

Sophie dressed quickly the next morning and went downstairs to find a washroom to brush her teeth and straighten herself up for the day. There was no way she was going anywhere near Ashton’s room again. When she heard someone in the kitchen, she decided to see if Margaret was up. She wanted to thank her for allowing her to stay the night.

When she walked in, Charlotte was pulling freshly made muffins out of the oven. “It smells delicious in here, Charlotte,” Sophie praised.

“Good morning, Miss Sophie. Want some tea?” Charlotte’s warm smile was contagious.

“Don’t trouble yourself. I’ll get something on the way to class. I just wanted to say good morning before I left,” Sophie declined politely.

“No trouble dear, I already made it. Ashton told me you prefer tea over coffee, so I put a pot on for you.” She moved to grab the teapot from the counter.

“Ashton told you that I prefer tea?” Sophie was surprised Ashton even knew that. A strange twinge pulled at her insides. Did I wake up in The Twilight Zone?

Charlotte gathered a cup from the cupboard. “Here, Charlotte, let me get that. I feel strange having you wait on me when I can get it myself.” Sophie took over the task.

“Do you like blueberry muffins?” Charlotte asked, removing them from the hot pan.

“They look delectable, but I really don’t feel right about you feeding me as well. Just the tea is wonderful, thank you.” Sophie lifted the warm tea to her lips and sipped the soothing heat.

“I can tell you aren’t used to being taking care of.” Charlotte looked up at her with a look that only a mother could deliver.

Sophie smiled in response. It was true. She had felt it necessary to be independent at an early age. She didn’t like to see her mother struggle. “Do you have children, Charlotte?” Sophie asked, leaning against the counter. She saw Charlotte’s shoulders stiffen in response and Sophie immediately regretted asking. “You don’t have to answer me. I was out of line. Sorry, Charlotte.”

“I had a son and he was the light of my life.” A sad smile formed on her thoughtful face. “He was killed many years ago in a car accident.” Charlotte pulled a picture from her shirt pocket that was well worn on the edges, showing she had carried it close to her heart for many years. She held it up for Sophie. The young man in the picture looked very much like his mother. Charlotte’s sadness pulled at her. Sophie could not fathom the loss of a child and the weight that it would have on one’s soul.

“I am so sorry, Charlotte. He was very handsome.” Sophie passed the photo back to Charlotte.

“Mrs. Margaret is my family now, she is good to me.” Charlotte said, picking up a muffin and passing it to Sophie. “Eat. Taking care of people is what I’m good at. You’ll have to get used to it.” Charlotte’s smile had renewed strength.

“Is she trying to refuse your good food, Charlotte?” Ashton’s voice was deeper than usual as he leaned against the ornate door frame leading into the kitchen. His hair was mussed from sleep and he looked adorably beautiful. Thoughts of how it felt to run her fingers through its silky strands assaulted her.

Ashton stalked into the kitchen without a shirt to cover his sinful body. Sophie turned her gaze away from him so he didn’t become suspicious of her ogling. Regretfully she was sure that the flush of her cheeks made it obvious.

Sophie gasped when he continued to walk toward her, leaning over her to reach in the upper cabinet behind her. “Hey!” Sophie complained. His scent enveloped her. She was trapped against his body and the counter behind her. He leaned down to look into her eyes. “You have a little something right there.” He reached up and brushed her bottom lip with his thumb. Sophie’s eyes widened from his intimate touch that was meant to throw last night back in her face. She retreated quickly from Ashton, wiping the back of her hand across her lips to erase the sensation of his touch.

“Thank you, Charlotte, for the tea and muffin. I have to leave for class now.” She said to Charlotte before heading out of the kitchen.

“I’ll drive you,” Ashton called as he followed her out into the hallway.

“Definitely not…it’s not necessary,” Sophie corrected herself for Charlotte’s benefit as she left the kitchen and headed toward the front door.

“Great,” she muttered as she realized it was pouring. She pulled up her hood before stepping outside. When she started walking she heard Ashton’s car roar to life from the open garage bay. Sophie quickened her pace.

When she heard the car pull out she held her breath, waiting for it to pass by, but Ashton pulled up beside her in his sleek black car. “Come on, get in. You’re getting soaked.”

“Like you care if I get wet.”

“Regardless of what you think, I am a gentleman,” Ashton insisted.

“On what planet?” Sophie stopped in her tracks and glared over at him. “I don’t need you to drive me around.” Sophie fumed. Ashton opened his door and hopped out of the car to pursue her on foot. Sophie tried to run away from him but he was much quicker. His arms closed around her waist and picked her up off her feet, carrying her back to his car despite her protests.

“Why are you doing this?” She complained as he sat her down in the passenger’s seat.

“Because my grandmother likes you and she likes to take care of the people that she cares about. I want my grandmother to be happy.” Sophie stared at him across the car. “And I figure if I’m nice to you, you might show me your tits again.” He raised his eyebrows at Sophie.

“Never!” Sophie gasped. “I can’t believe you are related to Margaret. She is such a wonderful person and you are—”

“Sexy?” he offered.

“No! More like…”

“Gorgeous?” He grinned.

“No! More like arrogant and pig-headed,” she spat out.

“Funny, that is not what every other girl tells me. They seem to find me irresistible.”

“I’m not like every other girl then,” Sophie proclaimed, crossing her arms across her chest.

“No, you’re not.” The humor fell away from Ashton’s tone as he kept his eyes forward on the road.

“Can we just not talk? I have a headache.” Sophie turned to look out the window as Ashton drove.

“As you wish.” Ashton did not speak a word the entire way.