Truth or Dare Read online

  The girls walked to the club only a few blocks away from their restaurant. The guys had already left. Sophie followed Megan and Lori past the long line that stretched down the street. Apparently they were regulars because the bouncer waved them through without a second thought.

  The bar had an alluring interior with a modern, warm feel and a well-planned lighting scheme that gave the perfect atmosphere. The music throbbed, making excitement pulse through the bodies of all the partygoers reveling in the appeal of the moment. It was the perfect backdrop for people to forget what was happening beyond these walls.

  “We have to take you out more often. You are a hot guy magnet!” Lori yelled, leaning into Sophie. Her voice barely registered over the music. Sophie only responded with a tense smile. It wasn’t long before they found the guys leaning against the bar ordering drinks.

  “Hey, big brother!” Megan elbowed Jack and snatched his drink off the counter.

  “Hey,” he complained, but a smile quickly followed. “Can I get you a drink, Sophie?”

  “Um…yeah, sure.” Sophie tried to relax. She looked over at Ashton and immediately regretted it. His hot stare was zeroed in on her. She couldn’t stop the traitorous thought when it entered her mind of how gorgeous he looked leaning on the bar. He was tall and his shoulders filled his shirt beautifully. The thoughts caused anger to heat her face. She looked away quickly, hoping that ignoring him would be the best solution. I hate you. I hate you.

  “What would you like?” Jack asked.

  “Oh…” She didn’t really drink so she wasn’t even sure what her options were.

  “Nothing hard. She looks like she’s a bit of a lightweight.” Ashton’s gaze wandered to her exposed chest. “Or maybe not.” Sophie had to stop the urge to cover her chest with her hands.

  “I can hold my liquor just fine, thank you very much,” Sophie proclaimed and turned to Jack. “I’ll have what he’s having.” She pointed toward Ashton without looking at him. Her practical side, which she prided herself on, diminished in Ashton’s presence. Her turmoil of emotions seemed to cloud over common sense.

  “Whiskey on the rocks?” Jack asked skeptically. “You sure you don’t want something more…”

  “Girly, like a Long Island iced tea?” Lori suggested, holding hers up for Sophie to see.

  “No, whiskey sounds good,” she insisted. Truth was that she had never tasted whiskey before and she hoped that she would be able to stomach it. She had tasted beer before and a few wines but she didn’t really have a taste for either of them so she usually opted out of drinking. The knot in her stomach twisted in warning that she was about to get in over her head, but seeing Ashton standing there with his judging eyes, she couldn’t stop her downward spiral.

  When Jack placed the drink in her hand, she smiled thankfully and brought it to her lips. The smell of it made her stomach groan in protest but she was determined to drink it out of spite. She took a sip and looked up to see everyone waiting for her reaction. It took everything she had not to make a sour face from the disgusting taste that lingered in her mouth. “It’s great.” She forced a smile despite the burning sensation in her throat that made her eyes water.

  Megan encouraged conversation between Sophie and Jack, playing the obvious matchmaker. Sophie actually didn’t mind—in fact she was surprised to discover how much she enjoyed Jack’s company. He had a good sense of humor and an easy personality, but as much as she found Jack attractive and appreciated his company, the similarities between him and his sister made it hard to think of him outside the “friend zone.”

  Sophie made every attempt to ignore Ashton’s presence, but as she continued to consume alcohol it was becoming increasingly difficult. Ashton disrupted her concentration and affected her on many levels. All of the deep regressed feelings seemed to surface around him. Even now at the bar with her back turned toward Ashton, she was aware of him.

  “Sophie?” Jack brought her back from her thoughts.

  “What?” Sophie focused on Jack standing in front of her.

  “I must be boring you,” he stated lightly with a chuckle.

  “No, no, of course not,” Sophie said reassuringly. “The whiskey is just getting to me.”

  “I asked if you wanted to dance.”

  “Sure, I would love to.” Sophie noticed Megan stumble and practically fall into Ashton. He had an amused look on his face as he righted her. Sophie grabbed her drink off the bar and downed the rest of the liquid in the glass and tried to ignore the fire that erupted in her as it flowed down her throat. She found her eyes following Ashton’s hands as he placed them on Megan’s waist. A twinge of jealousy twisted in her, and she almost gasped in disbelief at her double-crossing emotions. She quickly replaced the feeling with anger, setting her jaw. Anger was safe when it came to Ashton. Safe and justified, she reminded herself.

  “I think Megan is having a good time.” She tried to keep her words light.

  “Too good. At this rate I’ll be carrying her home. Unfortunately, it won’t be the first time,” he said with a disappointed tone. “Let’s go. I think my time is limited.” Jack pushed off the bar and went to whisper something in his sister’s ear before turning back toward Sophie. Whatever he said didn’t sit well with Megan, who stuck her tongue out and ordered another drink from the bartender.

  Sophie followed Jack out onto the dance floor. “Are you sure Megan is safe to leave with Ashton? In her condition, I mean?”

  “It’s not Ashton I’m worried about.” Jack led them through the many dancing bodies. Sophie turned back in Megan and Ashton’s direction, but she couldn’t see them through the sea of people.

  Jack knew how to move his body; she found herself giving in to the music quickly and a smile took over her face. She couldn’t remember the last time she really let go and enjoyed the moment. The effects of the alcohol were giving her body a newfound confidence.

  A new song took over the energy in the room. The beat was slower and more sensual in nature and Sophie found her body pressed against Jack’s as more people crowded the dance floor. She felt his hand slide around her waist and pull her closer. Do I want this? Jack leaned in to whisper in her ear, but the unceremonious arrival of Megan startled them both. Megan was closely followed by Ashton, who suddenly became a beacon, drawing her complete attention. Megan stumbled on her heels, practically taking out a few bystanders, but Ashton caught her and pulled her close. Megan immediately began to run her hands over Ashton’s body seductively, reaching up under his shirt. Sophie could see Jack’s body tense because of his sister’s display.

  “Sorry, Sophie. I had a great time but I have to take my sister home. Do you need a drive?” Jack’s concern toward his sister was apparent in his whole demeanor, but he still had a gentle touch as he placed his hand upon her back.

  “No, I’m good. Take care of Megan. I had a great time too.” She smiled at him when he pulled away to look into her eyes.

  Jack’s gaze lingered as he looked down at her. He seemed as if he had more to say, but instead he just nodded and turned his attention toward his sister. She watched as Megan and Jack began to argue. He took her arm and led her off the dance floor. Megan was obviously not being compliant with her brother, but at least she had enough sense not to make too much of a scene. Sophie was left staring up at Ashton’s imposing form. He raised a brow at her but she didn’t wait for his obnoxious remark. Instead, she turned toward the bar where Lori and Matthew had returned to order drinks.

  “Hey guys. Megan and Jack just left,” Sophie informed them as she took the empty stool next to Lori.

  “Yeah, we saw.” Matthew shook his head slightly. “Hard to miss.”

  “It’s not an unusual occurrence. Megan doesn’t know her limit.” Lori dismissed it, though Sophie could tell it was a sore spot. “How’s your night going?”

  “Good. I’m having fun.” Sophie smiled. She turned when another glass of whiskey was slid in front of her. It made her nauseous just looking at the amber liquid
.

  “What’s the matter? I thought you liked it. In fact, your exact words were ‘It’s great,’” Ashton mocked. She could feel his heat upon her side from his close proximity.

  “It is. In fact it’s probably the best thing I’ve ever tasted,” she said stubbornly. She sipped the foul liquid and made an exaggerated moan of pleasure.

  “I wouldn’t do that or you might regret it,” Ashton said into his glass as he took a drink.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” She turned her body toward him, squaring her shoulders.

  “Do you remember the last time you made something look that appealing?” He smirked. Heat flamed through her at the memory. She knew immediately what he was referring to, but tried to force herself to remain unaffected.

  It had been four painful months since she started her new school. Lucinda was showing no signs of getting bored with making Sophie the front page gossip. It was after school. Sophie had lingered in the library, waiting for the hallway to clear out. She was heading toward her locker when she stopped at the bake sale table as they were packing up for the day. She recognized the seniors from around the school. They had been raising money for their prom for weeks.

  “Can I buy that blueberry turnover?” Sophie asked, eyeing the pastry.

  Ashton rounded the corner with his bag slung over his shoulder. The hallway was basically clear now with everyone gone for the day, so the sound of his footsteps echoed as he approached.

  “Hey ladies,” Ashton charmed. The girls were two years his senior, but they still swooned when he spoke to them. Sophie just kept to herself. She didn’t acknowledge him as she passed over the money.

  “Those turnovers look good. Have any more?” Ashton asked the girls.

  “No, sorry. That was the last one,” the girl apologized.

  Sophie turned around and looked back at Ashton.

  “Too bad.” She called back to him shamelessly. “They are really delicious.” She didn’t know what got into her. Sophie took a bite of the pastry, doing her best to accentuate how good it tasted. “I think this is actually the best thing I have ever tasted.” Sophie turned the corner and continued down the hall. She dropped her books and leaned against her locker. “Mmmm…” The pastry was sinfully good. She took the last bite and licked the icing from her fingers before spinning her lock and opening her locker.

  Sophie gasped in shock when Ashton suddenly leaned in next to her. “What are you doing?” She looked up and down the hallway and was horrified to realize they were alone. Her heart beat so loudly she was terrified Ashton would be able to hear it.

  “That was mean.” He leaned in toward her.

  “You would know,” Sophie said quickly. She opened her mouth to speak but he cut off her words when he brought his lips against hers. His hands reached up and cupped her cheeks, pulling her into his kiss. She was shocked and overcome with the pleasure of how he felt against her. His tongue caressed the inside of her mouth and she found herself melting against him. She was horrified when a moan of pleasure escaped, bringing her back to reality. She couldn’t believe she had given him the satisfaction. Ashton abruptly pulled back with a smug look on his face and Sophie wanted to scream.

  “You’re right, it was as good as it looked,” he said, licking his lips. “Blueberry is my favorite.” She stood in front of him, dazed. She was floored with how desperately she wanted to kiss him again.

  “I always knew you secretly wanted me,” he boasted.

  “I do not!” Sophie gasped. “You just took me by surprise.” Her face flamed with embarrassment. She never wanted to disappear so much in her life.

  He chuckled at her pathetic display. “See you never.” He called out as he walked away from her.

  Sophie remembered watching him turn the corner before she let her tears fall. Nothing that Lucinda had ever done to her had left her so devastated. She was crushed.

  Chapter Four

  Sophie wanted to slap the satisfied look off Ashton’s face. “I tried every mouthwash I could get my hands on trying to get the taste of your foul mouth from mine.” Sophie narrowed her eyes accusingly.

  “If I remember correctly you quite enjoyed it,” he argued arrogantly.

  “Well, you remember wrong. Next time you try to do something like that you’ll regret it. You just caught me off guard.”

  “Next time? Trust me, I regretted it the first time.”

  Sophie already knew the truth, but it didn’t make it any less painful as he waved it in front of her.

  Sophie turned and caught Lori and Matthew watching them. Lori seemed desperate for insight on what was unfolding between the two of them. Sophie tried to seem casual but she wasn’t selling it to either of them.

  Sophie brought her attention to the drink in her hand. The heat of her anger burned at her skin. “I hate you.” Her eyes flicked toward Ashton before she downed her entire glass. Her senses were now numb to the horrible taste and burn of the whiskey. There was only a slight warming in her stomach. Sophie stood up on her unsteady feet and stormed off to the dance floor. The rush of the new liquor fueled her body as she moved. She suddenly realized that she may have overdone her consumption. Her body felt lighter, the room swayed, the music called to her on a primal level, and she no longer felt the uncomfortable press of bodies as she moved to the music.

  Strong hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her back against a hard warm body. Her numb state of mind was driven purely by physical response and was no longer processing on a logical level. She knew it was Ashton. Excitement rushed through her at the sight of his hands on her body. She didn’t question it. She was fueled by the lust that the music pumped through her. She leaned into him, letting her soft curves press against him. He felt too good to be true, the way his hands moved over her. In her foggy state of mind she couldn’t think about anything other than wanting this.

  Ashton leaned down against her neck, his breath hot against her skin. It caused an explosion of desire to blossom deep within her, and she reached up to pull him down to her. “Admit how much you want me,” he said close to her ear, causing her eyes to snap open. She spun around to face him. Her breath was still heavy with the need. She clamped her eyes shut, overcome with dizziness. She couldn’t believe she didn’t see this coming. She had actually encouraged him to touch her. Her illusion came crashing down. Why do I always fall into his stupid trap?

  She ran off the dance floor and headed straight for the exit. She needed to get away from Ashton. He had a power over her that scared her. The cool night air offered little relief as she continued up the street without stopping.

  “Sophie!” She heard her name being called. She didn’t turn around—she knew who it was. Ashton was probably trying to gloat about the fact that she practically had given herself to him on the dance floor. Embarrassment consumed her and burned away at the effects of the liquor.

  She ignored him as long as she could but he remained insistently on her heels. “Why are you following me? If you haven’t figured it out, I’m trying to get away from you.”

  “Your friends would kill me if they knew I let you walk home alone.” He justified his pursuit. “I know Jack well enough to know he would have my throat. He’s a stickler for chivalry.”

  “Chivalry isn’t really your style, is it? Well, don’t worry your pretty little panties. I can take care of myself. I always have,” Sophie fumed as she heard his chuckle. She didn’t want to amuse him. She wanted to cause him great physical harm.

  After another block, she swung around to face him. “What do you not understand about leave…me…alone? You’re the last person on this entire planet that I want following me home.”

  “I hardly believe I am the last person, especially after that display on the dance floor,” he said in his irritatingly confident tone.

  “Grrr…” She picked up her pace, hoping he would back off.

  “Did you just growl at me?”

  “I hate you!” She looked back and loathed the fact that he
had long legs and seemed to be keeping up with her pace easily. I hate you so much!

  “So you keep saying.” She hated that he was so unaffected by her, and she could barely think straight in his company. “Funny, I don’t believe you.”

  When Sophie reached her apartment, she grabbed her keys from her purse. “Well, believe it!” Sophie yelled back.

  “I’ll walk you to your door, that way I know you won’t trip and fall on your face between here and there.” His tone took on a more serious tone, making her nervous.

  Sophie stomped up the flight of stairs to her door. “If you have some big plan to humiliate me even more, then I hate to disappoint you, but there is no audience here. I am at my door. Go away now.” When she turned around, Ashton was closer than she expected. He leaned in and muffled her gasp with his demanding lips. The kiss was so unexpected, but she responded greedily before she could register what she was doing. She pulled him closer, lost in a moment of pure physical weakness as she devoured his lips. She reveled in the way he knew how to kiss. In that moment she wanted him with more passion than she thought physically possible until a small breach of clarity shone through her fog of lust. Sophie bit down on his lip until she threatened to draw blood. Ashton pulled back abruptly with a curse.

  “I told you you’d regret it.” She was determined to gain the upper hand in the situation. She hated the fact that she was breathless and could feel the heat in her face.

  A sly smile spread across his face. Sophie noticed his lip already looked swollen from her bite. “Admit how much you want me.” He reached out for her, and Sophie slapped his hand away.

  “I don’t want you.” Sophie tried to keep her voice calm but he rattled her.

  “You’re biting your lip, Sophie. We know what that means.”

  “I am completely unaffected by you, Ashton King, and I have hated you from the moment I saw you,” Sophie stated angrily. “Don’t ever kiss me again!” Why the hell did he just kiss me? “I hate you!”