Chapter 15
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Everleigh
Jessie Murph - While You’re At It
I had a decent weekend as far as work went. People tipped well, and by their facial expressions and amused laughter, I knew it had everything to do with that video of me and Lucas which had now gone viral on the web. Yes. I’ve been keeping tabs on it, not able to process why someone would do something like that. I’ve called my boyfriend a few times, but he’s been distancing himself from me. Reputation was everything to him, and I practically spit in his face when I didn’t respect his wishes.
The drive to school was fast, dread coursing through my veins. The impending doom of what awaited me through those doors was paralyzing. My gaze lingered on the building up ahead, acid tearing through my intestines. A few students were walking through the parking lot, heading toward the school, while others were making their way to the cafeteria.
My eyes dropped to where my hands rested along the steering wheel. Amber had taken me to get my nails done yesterday, which I paid for. She argued and argued with me over it, but I could at least pay the hundred or so that it cost me, especially after a decent night at the diner Saturday. I’d never understood the concept of acrylics, but I had to admit, they were gorgeous. They were the stiletto ones and were painted a matte black with red dripping down them, almost like blood. I liked how twisted they looked on me. They also went with my outfit for the day, which I couldn’t thank Amber enough for. She chose my clothes based off my appearance and what I liked. Today, I was wearing a long-sleeved black sweater that was cropped, showing off a slice of my stomach. I’d paired it with some ripped blue-jeans and fishnets underneath, finishing the look with a chunky black belt.
I blew out a breath, trying to summon the courage to step out of my car. Amber’s words from Saturday echoed around my skull. The ones where she told me to suck it up and to walk in there with my head held high. I could do that, right? What was that saying? Fake it till you make it. That had never been a truer statement, and I intended on doing just that.
Bracing myself, I grabbed my bag from the passenger seat before turning off my car and stuffing my keys into the front pocket. The cool thing about my vehicle was that it locked automatically once the door shut.
I slung my bag over my shoulder and stepped out onto the pavement. A few strands of hair fell down from my messy bun due to them no longer being long enough to keep pulled back because of my new choppy layers, but I liked it. They framed my face nicely and didn’t really get in the way.
I was thankful that the halls were mostly empty when I entered and slid into my Chemistry class with ease. Everyone was already in the lab when I got there, and still, Rosalie was nowhere to be seen. Whispers erupted as soon as I entered, the words ‘slut’ and ‘whore’ floating around the air carelessly.
My heart was beating hard against my ribcage, heat spreading through my limbs beneath everyone’s gaze. I could feel their judgement, their jealousy, their disgust. Amber’s gaze roamed over me with appreciation, and I got a small sense of satisfaction when Ashton had to do a double take.
I sat down across from them and pulled out my textbook, placing it on the desk in front of me. We read through a few chapters before we were finally given a group project. Ours consisted of a report, explaining what went into making batteries and giving a step by step of how to do so. We also had to explain what could happen if something went wrong in the process. One of us was in charge of the paper report which we decided would be me, Amber was in charge of the powerpoint, and Ashton would be in charge of creating the model. If Rosalie ever came back, she’d just help one of us with our portion.
After class, I was gathering up my things, stuffing them in my bag when Amber rounded our table. “You heading to the cafeteria for breakfast?” she asked. “Or did you already eat?”
“I already ate. But I can still join you if you want. Just have to stop at my car to grab my shit for my next class.”
She nodded. “I’ll meet you in the cafeteria.” She gave my arm a reassuring squeeze before leaving me alone. Well, I thought I’d been left alone. My gaze flicked over to Ashton who was slowly putting his things back in his bag.
Suddenly, I was on high alert, slinging my own bag over my shoulder and practically jogging out of the classroom. I didn’t breathe until I was stepping outside, the warm breeze soaking into my skin. My hands were shaking as I reached for my keys and unlocked my car, right before something connected with my back and I was being thrown face first right on top of the hood. It took a minute for my mind to catch up and realize that someone had very literally bent me over the hood. My breathing was ragged, fear slicing through my chest. A pair of warm hands moved to grip my hips, tightening around them so forcefully, I’d be surprised if they didn’t bruise.
“You even dress like a slut now,” Ashton said in that hard voice he used anytime he spoke to me now.
I shuddered against the vehicle, my hands resting along the paint. “Get off me,” I hissed.
He pressed against me from behind, leaning over my body so that his crotch was against my ass. His breath was warm against my ear, and panic was coursing through my veins. I glanced around for any sign of someone walking by, not wanting anyone to get the wrong idea about this.
“You know how fast I could get that belt off you?” he asked, taunting me. “Within seconds.” He reached down, hooking his fingers through the gap in my belt for emphasis and I immediately started pushing away from the car, trying to get him off.
I hated how familiar this felt. How his body always felt like home to me. He used to be my safe space, and now he was terrifying. He placed his palm to the back of my head before pushing the side of my face back against the metal of my vehicle.
“What do you want?” I demanded, my voice coming out much breathier than intended, and I hoped to God he didn’t notice it.
“To watch you break,” he whispered.
My jaw clenched. “Well, asshole. Can you watch me break from afar and get the fuck off of me?”
He snorted in amusement, the sound shooting straight to my core. I clamped my eyes shut tightly, trying to will myself to pretend his touch had no effect on me, that he held no power over me. “Don’t pretend you aren’t into this, Everleigh. I know you better than you know yourself. I know what gets you off, what makes you wet.” He ground into me, forcing a surprised gasp to flutter from my lips. “You like being owned. You’re probably hoping I’ll make good on my threat, strip you bare, and fuck you right here for anyone to see.” I shook my head, unable to form coherent words.
Abruptly, he eased off me, and oxygen flooded my system as relief spiraled through my veins. But that was short-lived, because he was grabbing me again and spinning me, so my back hit the car instead. Against my better judgement, my eyes met his. There was so much turmoil and hate in his gaze, so much pain. And it was all because of me. He moved to stand between my legs before easing down, bracing his hands on either side of me. Slowly, he leaned in, our breaths mingling together. In the lightest way possible, his lip brushed against mine. When I made no move to push him away, he kissed me again but with more force.
My heart was pounding to a deadly tune, my fingers twitching to reach out and tug him against me. The way he kissed me was hungry, emotional, and demanding. His tongue slipped between my lips, tasting me, devouring me, before he pushed off me and stepped away. That hard look was back on his features, and he made a show of wiping me from his mouth.
“Just like I thought,” he muttered. “Once a cheater, always a cheater.”
That’s when reality slammed back into me, stealing my breath. What the fuck have I done? He must have seen the horrified expression on my face because he smirked in response, getting off on this bullshit. Anger coursed through my veins, but it wasn’t directed at him. I was mad at myself. Mad for getting lost in his touch when I knew damn well, he couldn’t be trusted. Mad that after all this time, he still had such a hold over me.
I missed how things used to be. How we’d sit in bed for hours upon hours. Talking, fucking, sleeping, holding each other. Back when he looked at me with so much love and adoration. Even after three years, he still had the power to make me come undone with a mere touch. But I needed to start facing the facts. Ashton hated me. It was written all over his face. There was nothing in this world that would make him forgive me for what happened. If the roles were reversed, I probably wouldn’t forgive him either.
Pushing myself up from my vehicle, I leveled him with a hard glare of my own. “Stay the fuck away from me.”
“Hold onto that feeling,” he replied coldly. “And just know that this is only the goddamn beginning. I’ll be seeing you.” He made a show of looking me up and down before his lips curled in disgust like I was nothing but trash beneath his shoe. And then he stalked off, leaving me alone.
I played right into his fucking hand. He did that to prove something, and I let him. Anger flared inside of me, and I jerked open my car door, grabbing my textbook from the backseat before stuffing it into my bag. The sound of the car locking echoed around the quiet space moments later. My mind was on a warpath, scratching through every damn memory that involved Ashton Banks. I didn’t know what he had in store for me, but it was obvious that it was something. His gaze had promised vengeance, searing directly through me and into my soul. What we had was long gone. He’d changed completely, and there wasn’t a piece of him left that cared for me. That much was clear now. He’d looked at me with so much disgust and resentment, like he hated that he even had to touch me to get his point across.
Pain slashed through my chest, making me mourn our relationship all over again. My legs felt like lead as I walked, tears stinging my eyes from the utter humiliation of being used, even if it was in a small way. I’d gotten lost in the moment, thinking that for one second, he still felt something for me. I wouldn’t make that mistake again.
The rest of the week was monotonous. It felt like everything was going by in slow motion. People continued to whisper behind my back, give me dirty looks, and the video was gradually becoming larger and larger. I’d managed to clean up some around the house, but not in any way that mattered. Mom had been taking to her bed more often, her rattling coughs waking us up throughout the night. Caffeine had become my new best friend. Briley finally secured a job at some fashion store, so that would help out some.
Amber was perched on my bed, already ready for the party we’d be attending tonight. I’d been excited about it, up until now. Lucas was still acting weird with me, and it made me wonder if he was contemplating breaking up with me. I should care. But I just felt numb to the prospect of it.
Amber had curled my hair down my back, giving me a more girly look than I was used to. I was wearing my favorite cherry lip-gloss and the red dress I’d chosen for the occasion last weekend.
“You need to keep your little boyfriend on a leash,” Amber groaned, tossing her phone beside her on the bed.
I quirked an eyebrow, smoothing the dress down around my thighs. “Lucas?”
“No. Ashton. He found my social media.”
My throat was tight with that declaration. “He’s not my boyfriend. He can do what he wants.” I shrugged, despite the pain tearing through me. Of course he’d choose to go after one of my friends. An eye for an eye and all that.
“Yeah, well, I’m not into my friend’s sloppy seconds. I’ll just cozy up with one of his friends instead.” She smirked.
That should have given me some relief, but the thought of her with Jameson, or even Kash, bothered me just as much. I walked over to the mirror, turning to get a decent view of the dress. It fit my body like a glove, pushing my boobs up, which I wasn’t entirely comfortable with. Especially with what Ashton had told me earlier this week about how I dressed.
But he didn’t get to dictate what I wore. If he thought I was a slut, then that was his problem. He could leave me the hell alone for all I cared. I slipped on a pair of black heels and grabbed one of the cross-body purses I owned, throwing it over one of my shoulders so it sat nicely against my hip.
Amber was wearing a short black dress with spaghetti straps, and she’d straightened her hair this time. She looked absolutely stunning, as always.
I gave Briley a list of rules to follow, which just pissed her off at me. And then I climbed into the passenger seat of Amber’s Benz. The seats were soft against my skin, and it still had that new car smell I always loved. My car hadn’t smelled like that in a while.
“So…what’s the deal with you and Lucas?” Amber questioned as we whipped out of my driveway and started down the road.
I knew she noticed his absence. He didn’t even come to the cafeteria this week for meals, and it was blatantly obvious that something was wrong. I was half tempted to go to his frat and demand answers but knew that would just make me look like a crazy person, so I refrained.
Ironically, Lucas’ frat was the one hosting the party tonight, So, I was almost certain that he’d be there, unless he chose to skip out and avoid me altogether.
“The video got to him. He’s been avoiding me,” I admitted, not having enough energy to beat around the bush about it.
Amber scoffed, shaking her head. “Asshole. I never did like him. You should dump his sorry ass and find someone better.” She shot me a small smile.
I just shrugged in response. I had no excuses for him. There was no reason we couldn’t talk about it like adults. He was on my shit list for now.
When we pulled up to campus, the parking lot in front of the massive house that was booming with music was already packed. We ended up having to find some spot near the back, closer to the school. I pulled down the visor, making sure my makeup was presentable before climbing out of the car. The sun was setting now, leaving only a faint hue of light in the sky. It was peaceful. My head tipped back as a gust of wind blew through my hair, a feeling of calm washing over me.
Amber skipped up beside me, a devilish curve to her ruby red lips. “Let’s go get some dick, bitch,” she squealed theatrically before looping her arm through mine. A laugh escaped me as she pulled me through the parking lot, toward our destination.
I doubted that I’d be getting any dick tonight. Lucas was mad at me, and even if he did decide to be a decent human tonight, I was mad at him too for ghosting me most of the week.
Acacia was located near the far end of campus, completely secluded with trees behind it. If you stumbled upon the house by chance, you’d assume it was just a mansion near campus and not a frat house. All of the lights were on in the windows and as we neared it, we could feel the vibration from the speakers seeping into the ground.
Green grass stretched out in front of the massive building, perfectly cut and trimmed, giving it a beautiful appearance. A few people were already standing outside, smoking a cigarette with a red solo cup in hand. I always loved the parties here. There were no limits to what you might see, and typically no judgement, either. Most people got too trashed to even remember the night. I know that’s been the case for me a few times.
Amber opened the door when we approached, the earthy scent of marijuana flooding our senses instantly. People were already dancing where the dining room usually was; the table had been removed to make room for it and it was easy to spot from the living room since it was an open plan. A few people were seated on the couch, and I had to do a double take at the blonde who was on her knees, bobbing up and down on some guy’s dick. Then a triple take when I realized that the guy receiving head was Ashton. His eyes locked with mine, a sinister smirk curling the corners of his mouth. He wound a hand through the girl’s hair who I instantly recognized as Crystal when she came up gasping for air, right before he was shoving her back down on him again.
Ouch.
The girl who was just a friend. The girl he told me not to fucking worry about. Why was I even surprised? Despite the pain in my chest, I kept my features bored and neutral, like it didn’t phase me in the slightest, even though it was ripping me to shreds on the inside.
Amber scrunched up her nose. “That’s classy Crystal for you.” She nudged me.
My gaze slid to hers. “Classy Crystal?”
“It’s a joke. Lighten up. Let’s go get drunk.”
I allowed her to pull me into the kitchen where alcohol littered the counters. Colt was leaning against one of the counters with an arm around Allison who was glaring daggers at the side of my face. Choosing to ignore her, I grabbed one of the cups and poured straight vodka in it, filling it to the rim.
Colt grinned, seeming mildly impressed with my drink choice. “One of them nights?”
I snorted, bringing the cup to my lips before chugging it halfway. The alcohol lit a fire in my chest, forcing a gasp from my lips. “That’s putting it lightly.” I breathed.
Amber made herself a screwdriver before we moved back into the living room. Crystal was still sucking Ashton’s dick, and I was suddenly thankful for the loud music, so I didn’t have to hear it.
The floors were wooden, which I’m sure the initiates were thankful for since they’d be the ones cleaning up after this. The couch was a large sectional, similar to the one we used to have back home when our lives were normal. As much as I wanted to sit down and rest my feet, there was no way I was sitting next to him while she did that . I’d probably hit the dance floor once the vodka kicked in. The goal was to get so drunk that I couldn’t even remember Ashton’s name or why I was pissed at him for that matter.
“Someone’s pissed,” Amber said into her cup before swallowing a mouthful.
I glanced up as Kash entered, his body going rigid as he took in the scene happening on the couch. For a moment, I’d almost forgotten that they dated. It felt like such a long time ago. Seems that Ashton wasn’t above screwing over his friends, either.
My back snapped straight when Kash started toward me, his blue eyes becoming three shades darker. I hurriedly finished off my drink, afraid that he’d toss it on me if given the chance. His jaw was coiled tight with rage and frustration, and I braced myself for him to do something horrendous.
When he reached me, his hand latched onto my throat in a firm grip. My heart was racing, fear sparking deep inside of me. I could only see a flicker of hesitance flash across his face right before he smashed his lips against mine in the middle of the living room, stealing my breath. I gasped as his teeth scraped along my lower lip, a chill spiraling through my body and hitting me deep in my core.
“Oh shit,” Amber muttered, but her words didn’t even register to me.
Kash backed me into the nearest wall, slipping his tongue through my lips, demanding more. It only took me a minute to realize I was kissing him back in front of all these people and I had a boyfriend. A cold bucket of ice splashed through my brain, forcing me to become more aware of what the fuck was happening. My hands moved to his chest, and I shoved him back, hard. He stumbled, momentarily surprised by my reaction.
“Don’t fucking touch me, asshole,” I spat.
Kash came to his senses, a smirk curling the corners of his mouth as he steadily approached again. “Dance with me,” he said, the request coming out more like an order.
“Why would I?—”
He wrapped his hands around my waist, tugging me into his body. Leaning down, his warm breath feathered against my ear. “Do you want to piss Ashton off, or not?” he whispered, nipping my ear. I shuddered against him, momentarily dazed by the feel of him.
A variety of emotions flickered through me and instinctively, I glanced behind Kash, locking eyes with a seething Ashton again. It did feel good to get under his skin as he’d been doing to me. So, against my better judgement, I nodded.
“I need more alcohol first before I subject myself to you any longer,” I retorted.
Kash snorted in response, and a pang shot through me at the familiarity of this. I’d say something stupid, and he’d respond with a snort of his own before teasing me back. He must have realized that, too, because he quickly glanced away, his jaw tightening. His hand slid into mine, and I knew it was for show. He hated me about as much as Ashton did. He led me into the kitchen where I refilled my cup with vodka.
“That dress looks good on you,” he admitted, surprising me.
“Stop,” I shot back. “Don’t pretend like we’re old-time friends and this is something normal. It’s not.”
He sighed, leaning against the counter beside me. “And here I thought being nice to you would help me get my dick wet.”
“Ew,” I replied immediately without even thinking about it, and I had to give myself props for how genuine it sounded. “Not a chance.”
He shrugged. “Worth a shot.”
“Amber is more than willing,” I offered.
The thought of her getting Kash or Jameson bothered me, but the truth was that whatever me and the guys used to have, was long gone. It would be selfish of me to keep them off limits over a high school crush. That was three years ago, and I needed to move on, regardless of how much it hurt.
Kash studied me for a minute, twisting the hoop in his mouth around with his tongue. He was probably trying to find a sign that I was bothered by my own suggestion, but he’d find none. I was good at masking things lately—at least for the most part.
I brought the drink to my lips and chugged as I’d done before. It went down more easily this time, not burning nearly as bad as it had. I’d always been a huge lightweight, so I was definitely drinking more than I should, but it didn’t matter. That was the point of tonight, after all.
Once the cup was empty, Kash plucked it from my grasp and deposited it in one of the trash cans. He slid his hand back through mine, eliciting a series of goosebumps. I fought the urge to jerk my hand from his grasp, knowing it would show him how much it affected me.
We made our way toward the dining room, heavy rap blaring through the speakers. He turned me so my back was to him, placing his hands on my hips. We had a direct view to the couch from where we stood amongst the other people who were dancing, and I fought the urge to look at Ash, even though I really wanted to.
I started swaying to the beat, rubbing my ass against his groin just like he wanted. He moved behind me expertly, like he’s done this several times in the past, and that thought sent a flare of jealousy through me. One of his hands snaked over my stomach and drifted upwards until he reached the opening in my dress where my breasts were. A stuttered gasp fell from my mouth as his fingers brushed against the skin there, my head jerking back to look at him, but his gaze was focused directly ahead, right at Ashton. Confusion tore through me suddenly, my eyebrows dipping as I took in the pissed off look on Ashton’s face.
Before I could think about that more, Jameson approached with a raised eyebrow. His shirt was disheveled, and his hair looked a mess, like someone had been running their hands through it. He slid an accusing look over at Kash.
“What the hell are you doing?” he demanded.
Kash’s hands worked over the curve of my breasts, sending a tremor through me that I hoped he didn’t notice. “Pissing Ashton off. What does it look like?”
Jameson’s gaze raked down my body slowly before he glanced over his shoulder. Crystal had finally finished sucking him off and was perched on his lap now. I hated that it bothered me, but it did. Knowing she got to taste him, knowing they’d always been a little more than friends. There was so much history there between all of us. Moments that would never be forgotten. Eating pizza on my living room floor while we all circled around the TV and watched scary movie after scary movie. How good they’d all been with Emma and Tate. My siblings had adored each and every one of them. Hell, even my father did. Thinking of my dad left a bitter taste in my subconscious, reminding me that he was nothing but a deadbeat.
I remember when I picked Jameson up from his house one night after he’d been beaten bloody. I had to clean him, and then he crawled in bed with me, and we just laid there silently for a while before falling asleep. I’d felt so sorry for him, wanting to do anything to erase that pain—to make his father pay for putting his hands on him.
Jameson’s eyes hardened when our gazes clashed again. A storm of despair and rage flashing through his green irises. “Put your hand up her dress,” he demanded.
“What?” I asked incredulously.
Kash took one of his hands and shoved it beneath my dress, his fingertips grazing my thin panties right over my center. I bucked against him, my hand latching onto his wrist to push him away from there.
Jameson pulled out his phone and snapped a photo, making the air leave my lungs. Horror spiraled through me, but even though Jameson got what he wanted, Kash didn’t move his hand.
“Get off me,” I growled.
He had one hand winding around my waist to hold me still while he used his other to breach my waistband. I trembled against him, glancing around frantically for someone to help. I didn’t want this. Right? But no one seemed to notice. They were all drunk, dancing beneath the dim lighting of the dining room.
“Where’s the fun in that?” Kash whispered, his warm breath fanning against my ear. His dick was hard against me, that knowledge leaving me lightheaded.
“Fuck,” Jameson murmured. “You look hot when you’re helpless.”
I took my heel and drove it into Kash’s foot, causing him to hiss out in pain. I grabbed his hand and shoved it from beneath my dress before whirling around to face him. Anger was pulsing through me at the audacity of these assholes. Without even thinking, I slapped him across the face, the sting shooting through the palm of my hand. His head whipped to the side, turning the piece of flesh red from where my hand had connected.
“Don’t ever touch me again.”
I turned around, ready to storm off but Jameson was blocking my path. The alcohol was hitting me fast, warming my body. I stumbled, the floor beginning to tilt. My breaths were coming out heavy, and I was cursing myself for drinking so much. Usually, I was glued to Lucas’s side and never had to worry about assholes hitting on me, but he was still nowhere to be seen.
Jameson reached out, gripping the crook of my elbow to help steady me.
“What are you going to do with that photo?” I asked.
“We’ll talk about it later. When your head is more clear.” There was an edge to his voice, one that promised payment for my wrongdoings. A shudder wracked through my body, but he was right. If he told me anything right now, I wouldn’t be able to focus.
I allowed him to lead me back to the living room where a group of people were beginning to gather. Jameson helped me sit in the armchair adjacent to my ex-boyfriend, before he moved to take the spot beside him.
I glanced around, hoping to see Lucas in the crowd of people and relief sunk its claws in me when I spotted him heading this way, his hands jammed into the pockets of his jeans. There was a sheepish grin on his face as he approached and offered me his hand. As much as I wanted to tell him to fuck off and be mad at him, I needed someone in my corner right now. My hand slipped into his, and he pulled me to my feet before slipping into the chair I’d been occupying. He curled an arm around my lower stomach and tugged me toward him, so I was perched on his lap.
“I’m sorry I’ve been an asshole,” he murmured, his warm breath fanning against my ear.
I turned to look at him, not caring that we were surrounded by the three guys who had once owned a portion of my heart. They meant nothing to me now. Not after the screwed-up things they kept doing and saying. I leaned down, brushing my lips against his, and he opened for me instantly, running a hand over the small of my back. It was gentle and sweet but did nothing. Not like Kash’s demanding kiss, or even Ashton’s. I hated that.
“Forgive me?” he whispered against my lips.
“There’s nothing to forgive.”
I settled back against him, reveling in the warmth of his body. The party was in full-swing now and people had already taken to public fucking off in the distance. A girl with dark hair was bent, her hands on the wall for support while some jock rutted into her. Tearing my gaze from the couple, I looked forward, my eyes locking with Ashton’s for a brief moment.
Guilt threaded through me, reminding me that not long ago, Kash had his tongue down my throat and his hand up my dress. The alcohol flowing through my body helped to ease some of that inner turmoil, though.
“Let’s play a game,” Amber chirped, plopping down into the empty seat beside Jameson. Her gaze found mine, drifting to Lucas before she rolled her eyes, clearly still pissed off at him. “Everleigh, you’ll need a drink for this one.”
“Anymore and I’ll pass out,” I admitted, but stood anyway.
She shot me a grin. “Isn’t that the point?”
I rolled my eyes at her playfully before heading for the kitchen. I fixed both me and Lucas a drink before resuming my spot on his lap and offering him one. His hand gripped my hip instantly, while he cradled the cup I’d given him in his other.
Colt had joined us, too. Sitting in one of the other armchairs. He pulled Allison onto his lap and took a drink of his beer.
“Okay. We’re going to play Never Have I Ever, and if you’ve done it, then you drink.” She waved a hand in the air, like we should already be well accustomed to the rules. “I’ll start. Never have I ever had a threesome.”
I glanced around, taking note of everyone who drank. Unsurprisingly, Kash and Jameson both took a sip, followed by Ashton moments later. Lucas lifted his cup to his lips, and I looked over with my eyebrows raised. He gave me one of his sheepish smiles.
“It was before you, obviously,” he told me.
I wasn’t worried about it. Or even jealous for that matter. But I knew that Ashton’s rendezvous happened after me, since we’ve had that conversation before. I settled back against my boyfriend again, twirling my cup in my hands to make the liquid swirl around.
“Your turn,” Amber said to Jameson.
He thought about that for a moment, everyone waiting in anticipation for what he’d say. “Never have I ever taken it up the ass.” A few people giggled, but to me it was completely amateur.
I rolled my eyes, bringing the drink to my lips. The clear liquid slid down, burning my chest as it always did. Ashton was an ass man, and it didn’t take long for us to do anal. He’d been just as gentle as when he took my virginity, making sure to warm me up and stretch me out before sliding in.
Kash was next. “Never have I ever?—”
He was cut off by Lucas. “You’ve done anal?” he asked me quizzically. He didn’t even give me time to process that he’d asked me that in front of a shit ton of people before he was continuing. “We’re doing that next time.”
I snorted in amusement. “Anyway…” I trailed off with another eye roll. “Continue.” I gave Kash a pointed look.
“Never have I ever gone skinny dipping.”
That was one thing I hadn’t done, but it was on my bucket list. A few people drank, while others didn’t. Next, it was Ashton’s turn. “Never have I ever been in love with my best friend’s partner.” My throat felt tight, like the air had been sucked from my lungs. I’d often wondered whether I loved Jameson or not, and the answer was simple as much as I hated to admit it. Jameson’s eyes locked on mine, and he lifted his drink to his lips, swallowing a mouthful. Ash was watching him like a hawk, his jaw coiling tight with anger.
“My turn,” Crystal pressed, repositioning herself on Ashton’s lap. “Never have I ever had my daddy leave me because he didn’t want me.” Her blue eyes met mine. She was well aware of what happened with my family. A lot of people were. But the guys were already gone at that point, and a lot of the people here didn’t know that detail about me since we didn’t go to the same school.
Anger flared inside of me as I took a drink and forced myself to my feet. I was done with this fucking game. Striding forward, I dumped the contents of my vodka all over Crystal’s head, making her screech. The sound was music to my fucking ears. And then I threw the empty cup at her for good measure.
Fuck that stupid bitch.