Текст книги "Truth Or Dare"

Автор книги: Aimee McNeil

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Текущая страница: 9 (всего у книги 20 страниц)

Chapter Fourteen

Sophie got up early the next morning and packed her things, regretfully leaving the new dresses hanging in the closet. Margaret had bought them for her, but she didn’t feel right taking them with her. When or if she would need them again she knew where to find them. She slipped down the hallway as quietly as she could.

She stopped at a small table where Margaret displayed many framed pictures. There was one in particular she was looking for. She picked up the smooth black frame with the picture of Margaret and her late husband that displayed the intensity of their love by only the look in their eyes. The picture captured every year, every laugh, everything they built together in their marriage. This was her proof that love really did exist for some people. She could see it as plain as the people in the picture. It made her want to believe one day she could be so lucky.

Leaving a note on the kitchen counter, she let Margaret know she had left to move her things back to her apartment and she would be back later in the day to take her to her doctor’s appointment. She didn’t think she could handle running into Ashton anytime soon. The pain was too raw and she needed to distance herself to begin the healing process. Mel had called last night, telling Sophie that they could move back in whenever they wanted because their apartments were officially vermin free. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.

Sophie barely managed to carry all her things to the bus stop. Luckily the bus driver was polite enough to help her lift them onto the bus. When she finally made it up to her apartment she collapsed from the weight of her things, exhausted. Her apartment was a welcome sight after days of being away. It was nowhere near the same level of finery as Margaret’s exquisite home, but it was all hers and she loved it. The comforting smell of her paints filled her senses. She took a deep breath—she was home. Her paintings covered her walls, surrounding her with bright, beautiful colors. Sophie collapsed on her bed, watching the intricate paper mobile she created that was suspended from the ceiling over her bed. It had taken her weeks to complete every paper bird that was wired to look like a flock of birds spiraling into the sky.

She looked at the painting of Ashton, still half covered by the cloth she had thrown over it. She slipped off her bed and walked over, removing the cloth to reveal the painting in its entirety. A pain twisted in her chest looking at his handsome face. She remembered what it felt like to have her lips against his. To feel his rough unshaven face against her soft skin, his hands playing her like a beautiful song, making her want to scream out and sing along at the same time. Never again.

Sophie’s phone rang, jolting her from her thoughts. She went to retrieve it from her purse, knocking over a bolt of red fabric. “Hello?” Sophie didn’t recognize the number.

“Hello, Sophie…it’s Sam. I know it’s early but I just wanted to check to see if you’re feeling better. I noticed on your schedule you’re not in till Monday night, so I just wanted to call since I won’t see you till after the weekend.” Sam’s voice seemed nervous on the other line.

“Yes, actually I am doing much better. I’m going to my mother’s this weekend to help her with wedding plans.”

The conversation flowed easily with Sam once he warmed up. Sophie thanked him for calling, trying to keep the direction of their exchange as innocent as possible until she figured out if she could actually give Sam a fair chance. Could she date someone she worked for? It was probably against the rules, despite the fact that no one else seemed to abide by them with all the hook ups that happened at the restaurant. Sophie wondered if she actually cared for Sam enough to enter into a relationship with him. She had avoided relationships her whole life, should she give one a chance? She knew that deep down her main reason would be to distract her from Ashton. Ugh. Why does my IQ plummet when it comes to the male species?

Hanging up her phone, she unconsciously began playing with the red fabric that she had bought weeks ago. A smile spread across her lips. She had no idea what she was going to do with Sam, and absolutely no idea how to forget about Ashton, who haunted her every waking thought, but at least she could always figure out what to do when it came to fabrics and paints. It was a language she knew how to speak fluently—she needed to create. She needed to purge the energy that had been building within her.

Pulling the fabric from the bolt, she grabbed her scissors and set to work. She was inspired by the new intense emotions that she had discovered—she had met desire on an entirely new level and she wanted to give it form. Sophie worked away the rest of the morning.

It was nearly noon when Mel came bursting into her apartment. “It’s so good to be home!” she bellowed. Sophie was in her kitchen eating a bowl of cereal, wearing dress pants and a sleeveless blouse with a very delicate pattern only appreciated on close inspection.

“Where are you off to, hot stuff? Going to entice a well-to-do business man into leaving his family to run off with you?” Mel asked, wiggling her eyebrows. She grabbed a bowl and joined Sophie.

“Close. I’m going to work and make my own fortune.” Sophie smiled.

“Not as exciting and definitely not as fun,” Mel replied with an evil smirk.

“Yeah, the funny thing is I have this thing called a conscience. It makes me do things that are morally right,” Sophie said with light sarcasm.

“Conscience,” Mel drew out slowly, rolling the word around in her mouth. “Never heard of it. Anyway, if Joe talks to you tonight, make sure you say no to whatever he asks you.”

“Who is Joe?” Sophie asked tentatively.

“My boss. Just saying if he approaches you with anything, just say no. Like asking you to entertain certain guests, or I don’t know…get up on stage, join the payroll. Just make sure you say no,” Mel ordered.

“Don’t worry. The only thing I plan on saying tonight is no,” Sophie assured her.

“Good. I’ll keep an eye on you, but if at any point you want to leave, go ahead. I’ll make sure you still get paid.” Mel patted her arm. “Thanks for coming tonight.”

“Sure. Did Corbin try to contact you?”

“I learned from my last relationship to avoid telling them where I live.” Mel’s shoulders dropped.

“Good. Hopefully that was the last of him.”

“We both know that would be way too easy.” Mel looked up at Sophie. There was fear in her eyes, a fear that Sophie felt as well. “Let’s just hope that he won’t be sober enough any time soon to try and find me.”

“What if he comes to your work?” Sophie asked nervously.

“They’re used to dealing with crazy there. That’s where I’m probably the safest.”

“What about the police? Can they do anything…?” Sophie let her words trail away with the glare that Mel gave her. “Nevermind.”

Mel had told her before that she would never go to the police for help. When she was younger, she’d tried to file a complaint against someone at the police station. When she divulged the fact that she was a stripper, the officer made it seem like she deserved the trouble. She’d walked out and never looked back.

Sophie took Margaret to the doctor again that afternoon. When Sophie asked about her appointment, Margaret dismissed any reason for concern, saying it was just for routine test results, putting Sophie’s mind at ease. Luckily she didn’t run into Ashton while she was at the house. The longer she went without seeing him the better, allowing the memory of him on her skin to fade. She needed time.

Standing in front of her mirror in her apartment that evening, Sophie pulled the red fabric over her head and slipped the dress that she made down over her curves. The material had just enough stretch to hug her body, stopping just above the knee. Her hair was curled in long, loose flowing waves, cascading over her shoulders. Her makeup darkened her eyes, making them smoky and sexy. Grabbing her red lipstick, she drew it over her lips, finishing the look. She felt devious, like she was breaking all the rules. She was unleashing the part of herself that came alive with Ashton’s touch. She wanted to be daring, strong, and take back her confidence.

Picking up her phone, she erased all the messages from Ashton telling her not to go tonight. Her fingers lingered over the buttons before she decided to send him a message.

Sophie: F**K OFF!

 

Ashton: You can’t even swear in writing?

 

Sophie: Go to hell.

 

Ashton: I’m already there.

 

Sophie: Good. Stay there.

 

Ashton: Don’t go tonight.

 

Anger fueled Sophie’s steps, throwing her phone into her clutch she shoved her feet into her heels before walking out her door. Mel was on her way down the stairs from her apartment when she met her.

“Definitely say no to everything anyone says to you tonight,” Mel said with wide eyes. “Where has this girl been hiding? I like her.”

“Too much?” Sophie questioned, suddenly unsure if she should have glammed herself up so much.

“Hell no! I like this side of you, but I won’t be making any tips tonight because all eyes will be on you.” Mel beamed. “Let’s go.”

When their cab pulled up in front of their destination, Sophie’s heart fluttered madly in her chest. The exterior was sleek, black, and discreet, other than the silhouettes of females in the windows. A large bouncer dressed in black with a fierce expression on his face stood at the door eyeing everyone that approached. Mel jumped out of the car and skipped toward the front door. The bouncer’s scowl melted into a smile as he watched Mel approach.

“Hey, beautiful.” He laughed, velvety and deep, from his large chest.

“Hey, Dustin.” Mel stretched up on her toes to kiss his beautiful dark skin. “This is my favorite girl in the whole world.” Mel motioned toward Sophie as she introduced her to the bouncer. “Sophie, this is Dustin.”

“I can see why she’s your favorite girl.” He said genuinely. His manners were refreshing as he shook Sophie’s hand. “Nice to meet you, Sophie.”

“You too, Dustin.” Sophie offered politely.

“This must be your first time. You seem really nervous.” Dustin chuckled. Sophie didn’t even notice she was shaking until she looked down at her hands.

“She’s gonna be one of the crowd minglers tonight.” Mel threaded her arm through Sophie’s.

“Don’t worry, Sophie. We’ll keep an eye on you,” he said reassuringly.

The music pulsed through the interior of the club. It was dark with low seductive lighting. Small platforms with lights running along the edges were sporadically placed throughout the bar, each displaying a girl twisting her naked body around the dance poles. Only thongs stood in the way of displaying all their secrets to the thin crowd that was dispersed through the establishment. “It will be packed later. It’s still early,” Mel yelled beside her over the raging music. The bartenders were stacking up endless rows of glasses behind the bar, readying for the evening guests. “Come with me. I want you to meet Kate. She’s going to be on the floor with you. You guys can hang out.” Mel’s words were music to her ears. Having someone to talk to would be wonderful, a distraction from focusing on where she was. The girls on stage greeted Mel as she passed, each of them seemingly as comfortable naked as someone who was completely clothed.

“Mel!” a stout man shouted as he walked toward them. His hair was wiry with unkempt curls. His large dark eyes were the only good feature upon his face. “Hello, who’s this?” He held his hand out toward Sophie.

“Joe, this is my friend Sophie. She’s helping us out tonight.” Mel introduced Sophie to her boss.

“Very nice to meet you, Sophie.” He smiled widely, showing his crooked teeth.

“You too.” Sophie shook his hand as he looked her over like an object.

Mel gave her an apologetic look. “You were looking for me?” She pulled Joe’s attention away from Sophie.

“Yeah, Cindy didn’t show up again. Can you cover her?”

“Yeah sure. I have to show Sophie around. I’ll come see you in a bit.” Mel grabbed Sophie’s arm and pulled her along.

Mel gave Sophie a brief tour, showing her the main stage where Mel would be performing later, and the area that Sophie was supposed to mingle around. The décor was just as eye catching as the entertainment; everything was sparkles and lights.

Mel introduced Sophie to Kate, another girl that would be working around the crowd, enticing the customers to open their wallets. Kate was short with voluptuous curves. She loved when men looked at her. Her hair was curled into tight bouncy ringlets and her lipstick was a bright pink like the dress that squeezed her to the point it looked likely it would pop off. Sophie couldn’t help but smile at Kate’s enthusiastic mood. She was ready to take on any man brave enough to approach her big personality.

It didn’t take long for customers to start filling the bar. Sophie sipped the sweet drink that the bartender had poured for them. Kate had greedily sipped through four glasses in the past hour as they chatted. Sophie was too wary of what was happening around her to let go and enjoy herself. She hadn’t seen Mel since she left to go backstage to get ready. The acts had begun on the main stage, and Sophie was amazed with how the girls danced so confidently with so many male eyes greedily watching their every move. The room filled to capacity as people poured in from the streets. Sophie soon found it hard to move around without pushing through the bodies.

Kate flirted with countless men, chatting easily like it was the most natural thing in the world to be surrounded by horny men. Sophie was grateful that Kate took the attention from her nervous disposition.

“Excuse me?” Sophie turned around and looked into the deep brown eyes of a tall, well-dressed man not that much older than herself. “It looks like you’re not enjoying that drink. Can I offer you something else?” He was handsome in an unconventional way. His features were sharp but worked together to create a memorable face.

“Um…sure. Thank you,” Sophie accepted gratefully.

“What would you like?” He smiled to reveal straight white teeth.

“Not sure, but something less sweet would be great.”

“Sure thing.” He leaned against the bar and ordered Sophie and himself a drink. He was tall and his athletic narrow form indicated that he knew how to move his body. With two drinks in his hand, he turned around and held hers out for her.

“Thank you.”

“I hope you don’t think that I’m being to forward, but I think you are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen.” He seemed so much more confident now. “Are you a model or something?”

“Me? No, definitely not. How many drinks have you had?” Sophie laughed off his comment. She never really knew how to respond when people gave her a compliment. Her cheeks heated with embarrassment.

“Just starting.” He held up his drink and took a generous sip.

“This is so much better,” Sophie said appreciatively after trying her drink. It didn’t take her breath away like the last one that tasted more like a dessert.

“Do you come here often?” he asked cautiously.

“No. It’s actually my first time. I’m here with my friend.” Sophie turned around to see Kate doing shots at the bar with a couple of rowdy men. They began chanting her name as she plowed through the row lined up on the bar for her.

“She seems to be having a good time. I’m Cale, by the way.” He held out his hand.

“Sophie.” Sophie slipped her small hand in his and he brought it to his lips.

“Excuse me, miss?” Sophie turned to see one of the waitresses standing beside her. “The guy at the end of the bar told me to give you this.”

Sophie looked over in the direction the waitress indicated and noticed Ashton. He was leaning casually against the bar. He stared back at her as he sipped his drink.

“It’s water.” The waitress shrugged with an awkward look upon her face.

“No, thank you,” Sophie declined. She turned her attention back toward Cale, who was looking back and forth between Sophie and Ashton.

“Please don’t tell me he’s your boyfriend,” Cale asked with a tilt of his head toward Ashton.

“No, he’s not.” She pulled the straw out of her glass and discarded it on the bar before she tipped her drink up to her lips and drained the entire glass. “This is really good.”

A smile curled the edges of Cale’s lips. “Let me get you another.”

“Sure. I feel like having fun tonight.” Sophie refused to look at Ashton at the bar, but every once and a while she would find herself subject to his dangerous, dark glare from the other side. He was impossibly attractive, like the devil promoting how pleasurable sin could be. Why the hell can’t you leave me alone?

After a few drinks Sophie’s guardedness slipped away and she let herself enjoy the evening, no thought to the future or what lay outside of here and now. The waitress made a few more attempts at offering her water from Ashton but she declined every time. “Suit yourself. He keeps paying me a shit load of money to keep offering it.” The waitress strutted away to serve other customers. She shot Ashton an evil glare as she downed her drink and then turned back to Cale. He was now flanked by a couple of his friends. She didn’t even know their names, nor did she care to ask. She was past the point of caring about formalities. A new drink would always appear in her hand after she finished one. She lost track of who was giving them to her.

When Mel finally came out on stage, Sophie screamed her name. Mel winked back at Sophie. Mel was as comfortable as the other girls upon the stage, moving her body in the language of sex. It was really quite beautiful if it wasn’t cheapened by the men hollering and whistling to her.

“A friend of yours?” one of the guys asked. Sophie couldn’t even keep track of who was speaking anymore. Her senses had suddenly become clouded together.

Sophie found herself at the edge of the stage. Mel crawled over to her seductively before leaning in to speak to her. “You are going to get yourself in trouble, girl in the red dress.” She leaned back and continued her dance.

“I’m having fun.” Sophie washed away Mel’s concern. Their exchange seemed to get the crowd worked up, the commotion grew louder.

“It was a bad idea bringing your naïve butt in here,” Mel said, artfully dipping down to speak before standing back up to continue her dance. Sophie watched Mel signal someone across the room. Sophie turned away from the stage to see who it was, but dizziness was pulling at her, causing her to stumble.

“Here.” Cale wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her against his body. His need for her pressed against her side, causing her to suddenly realize she may be in over her head. He grabbed her breast, fondling her. “Why don’t we go somewhere more private?” he whispered in her ear.

Sophie put her hand against his chest and tried to push him away but he was too strong. “No,” she slurred. He reached with his other hand and cupped her behind. “Hey!” Sophie objected.

Ashton was suddenly there in a blur, his hand on the collar of Cale’s shirt. “Don’t fucking touch her,” Ashton demanded. She had never seen him so enraged.

“Who the fuck are you?” Cale tried to remove Ashton’s grip on his shirt. He immediately stopped his resistance when two bouncers approached the scene. Sophie felt relief as she watched Cale and his friends retreat.

The guy from the door leaned in to talk to Sophie. “This guy says he knows you. Said he’s taking you home. Is that true?” Sophie looked up at the bouncer, trying to remember his name.

“Dustin?” she asked for confirmation.

“Yeah. Should I get Mel? Or is this guy okay?” Concern lined his face as he pointed behind him.

She looked over his shoulder. Ashton stood there with a scowl on his face, looking back at her. Sophie took in his large, seething form. He personified everything appealing in the male body, powerful, handsome, strong, and incredibly sexy. Unfortunately he was a huge jerk. Oh my god I drank way too much. This is becoming a bad habit.

“No…don’t get Mel…I know him,” Sophie managed, surprised she managed to get her heavy tongue to cooperate.

Sophie walked toward him, swaying her hips exaggeratedly. She smiled when his eyes slid down the length of her dress. When she was close enough she grabbed his shirt, pulling him closer. He smelled delicious. “You said you wanted me.” She looked directly into his eyes. “I won this sick little game.”

“Yes,” he admitted as his eyes dropped to her lips. “You did.”