Page 90 of A Luna's Dynasty
Bring on the scary movie,she thought, letting the warmth of Asher's embrace drown out any lingering doubts.I can handle it this time.
Chapter 55
Lita sank deeper into the couch, fingers in her ears. She was humming, blocking out the noise from the movie. Asherwatched, barely containing his laughter. She felt his chest rumble and she gave him a side glare.
"Effective," he whispered. She snorted at him, shrugging him off with her shoulder. The movie stretched toward a tense silence, and she peeked between her knuckles just in time to see a body fly toward the camera. She was out of her seat before the others could react, beelining for the kitchen. Popcorn was the goal, and she set to scooping it into bowls with trembling hands, humming again as she rummaged through the fridge for a drink.
Asher snuck up behind her, silent as a shadow, wrapping his arms around her waist. She shrieked, more surprised than scared, and twisted in his embrace to swat at him playfully. "You're cruel!" she accused, her laughter cutting through the tension.
He kissed her cheek, eyes dancing with mischief. "You're easy to spook."
"Only when it comes to scary movies.” She shrugged, feeling his warmth chase away the movie's chill. He pulled her tighter, capturing her mouth with a kiss that sent heat rushing through her.
"We don’t have to watch movies if you’re scared," he cooed, voice low and suggestive, lips brushing against her ear. She felt the flush rise to her cheeks.
"Ha! Nice try," she said, flicking his nose and squirming free of his arms. "You’re just trying to get out of the romance marathon that’s happening later." Her eyes sparkled. He had no idea of her plan to mark him as her mate tonight.
Mmmhmm, can’t wait to sink my teeth into him. In every aspect.
Mira, private thoughts!
“Why are you blushing? What dirty thoughts are going through your mind?” Asher teased her as he traced his fingers over her back.
“Nothing! Let’s get back to the movie.” She grabbed her snacks and sprinted away, listening to Asher’s deep chuckle behind her. For some reason, it felt like she was struggling more tonight than he was. She needed to get her head in the game.
The movie crawled to its terrifying conclusion, and Lita pried herself from Asher's embrace, helping the others reset for round two. "The Exorcist 2?" Lita read the slip in disbelief, and Grayson glanced around, eyes suspicious.
"Seriously?" Garrett grinned, peeking over her shoulder and raising a triumphant fist. "Someone's a horror fan," he accused, eyeing the guys. Asher shifted uncomfortably, and Caden shrugged with feigned innocence.
"Who says it wasn't Lita?" Kristen joined in, shooting a look at Lita. "Girls corner. Come on, we're not sitting with these man brats."
Garrett whined, throwing his hands in the air. "But I want to hold you, baby girl."
She blew him a kiss as she dragged Lita toward the bean bags. "Too bad, babe."
Asher watched them, sulking on the couch. He glared at Caden, who was unaffected by the girls sitting on their own. Instead, he looked amped up as he settled excitedly into a recliner with a bowl of popcorn.
"I'd rather watch Texas Chainsaw Massacre," Grayson mumbled, drawing Asher's attention. "Who actually likes this possession stuff?"
Caden smirked and stuffed a handful of popcorn into his mouth. "Who says we can’t do both?"
Asher sighed and kept his eyes on Lita. She was nestled beside Kristen, doing her best to look brave.
The movie started with eerie music and ominous promises, and three-quarters through it, Lita realized she needed to use the bathroom. She nudged Kristen, who was immersed in the movie.
“I have to pee. I’ll be right back.” Kristen nodded absentmindedly as Lita tiptoed away, Asher’s eyes following her until she left the room. She half hoped he would come with her this time, but she was too proud to ask him to.
She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the unparalleled, dangerous journey. It was only a little way, but the thought of navigating the dark house filled her with dread. At any point, she could easily be snatched. It was always that one friend who went off on their own that ended up being the target. She always told herself how foolish that person was, and here she was, being them. Braving the unknown in order to use the restroom. It all came down to this defining moment of courage.
The house felt endless and eerie, shadows stretching like threats in the corners as Lita tiptoed her way to the bathroom. Every thump and crash from the theater set her nerves blazing, but she pushed forward, determined to survive the journey. She made it to the toilet, her heart racing in the silence, and quickly did her business, washing her hands and heading for the kitchen. Her mouth was dry from the perilous journey and she needed a drink. Screams followed her, ghostly echoes, and a possible shadow that moved. Yeah, she was sure that shadow came closer. She frantically swiped her hands for the light switch, and a loud, roaring sound pierced the air. She had hit the garbage disposal instead.
She shrieked in terror, frantically turning it off, breathless and wide-eyed, sliding down to sit against the counter. When sherealized what had happened, a laugh bubbled up inside her. She shook her head and began giggling.
The lights flicked on, blinding in their suddenness as everyone rushed in, feet thundering and faces painted with concern.
"What's wrong?" Kristen yelled, eyes darting wildly. "Are you okay?"
Asher knelt before her, the sound of her laughter replacing his panic with relief.
