Page 21 of Doesn't Count

“That’s what I thought.” She challenges, but before I canget a word out, she turns to Than. “So, how did you all meet? High school? College?”

God, the thought of high school makes me want to laugh in her face, let alone college. If she even had the slightest insight to my life, she’d be running for the hills. Suddenly, it doesn’t seem like such a bad idea. Show her what a monster I really am and maybe, just maybe she’ll give in and leave us alone. Only, that would require me to divulge secrets no one in this world has been worthy enough to hear.

“We met in Detroit about five years ago. Just some hoodlums banding together to share a common interest.” Hypnos answers.

“Detroit, Huh? I’m not too far from there.” She tells them.

“Born, raised, and never left the big city of Chicago.” I accuse.

Her head tilts in confusion, “What do you know about where I was born and raised?”

“Not hard to google, sweetheart.” I goad her.

Her small nostrils flare and it has to be the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. Like a little Chihuahua playing tough guy, egging on the Pit bull. It’s almost laughable.

“So what? You googled me, decided I didn’t fit your vibe, and now you think you can run all over me until I get sick of it and leave?” She sums up.

“Basically.” I decide her explanation is far better than mine.

“Well look at that.” Than turns his empty wrist to his face, “It’s three in the morning, I’m going to bed.”

“Yeah... This was fun and all, but I’m out too.” Hypnos shakes his head at me and scoots out of the booth.

Before Koke follows the other two, he turns to Ash, “Welcome to the tour. Most of us are glad you’re here.”

She gives him a genuine smile and something inside mychest caves. It feels like a sharp pain from a knife, digging in and settling deep like it's finally home.

It’s just the two of us now, both sitting on opposite sides of the table. She doesn’t look at me, but I can’t stop from soaking her in. She’s not at all what I expected, yet I’m not all that surprised either. Maybe I was just hoping Ash would be easier to push away, even if a small part of me was excited she decided to stay.

The lights shut off, the guys subtly trying to force us to bed, so I stand.

“Unless you want to curl up beside me, you’re sleeping out here on the couch.” I tell her.

“I’m not sleeping out here. Especially naked.” She growls, ready for another fight.

“Suit yourself.” I shrug, knocking her shoulder as I pass her to the room.

She yanks the back of my shirt. “Come on! I’m on a bus with four men I just met today, can you spare me just a little bit?”

“I did.” I yank on my cloak. “And unless you want me to take it back, I suggest you choose one of the options I’ve given you.”

She’s silent, releasing her hold on my shirt, but makes no move. So, I take it she’s sleeping on the couch.

Chapter Six

Ashton

Aray of sunlight beams down from the window above me and into my eyes. My body aches as I try to stretch out on this tiny couch, remembering how my first day on the job went. Anger, embarrassment, and fear slam into me all at once. A part of me wondering if it ever happened. My fingers graze the scrape on my collarbone, it’s still there confirming that last night was real. The horror, the chase, the hatred. I replay every moment between Khaos and me. Everything about him grates on my nerves, there is no doubt in my mind that I loathe him deeper than a black hole, but something else lingers there that I try hard to ignore.

Only, I can’t. I feel spelled by him, the same way I felt while watching him in that video on the plane. He has a way of luring you in, trapping you in his presence, and then wrecking you. Even when he’s threatening me, tormenting me, humiliating me, I still feel this sick desire to be near him. It’s a desire I desperately need to keep in check before I embarrass myself further.

As I lay here, my face buried into the back of the couch, Ihear the strum of an acoustic guitar and a soft melody. My body freezes, realizing I’m not alone out here, but when a pain filled voice croons out of masked lips, I keep quiet to listen.

“Unworthy was I, kneeling before an Angel

Surrounded by a golden glow,

Your presence always graceful.

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