“My boyfriend in high school used to beat me up, verbally berate me, and...rape me,” She explains, her voice breaking on the last two words.
As if summoned by her tears Ethan appears from the kitchen and puts an arm around her.
“What’s going on?” He looks to me like I did something to upset her.
“Relax macho man, I was just talking to Eve about Brahm,” Eve assures him.
He takes her face in his hands and kisses the tears off her cheeks. My heart aches at the tenderness of the gesture.
“No offense Eve, but that guy is a complete tool,” Ethan says.
I have no idea what a ‘tool’ is but it definitely doesn’t sound like a compliment.
“I know guys, I’ve been thinking I was going to break up with him anyway,” I assure them.
“Good,” Abby gives me a hug.
“Thanks for being my friend.”
I’ve never had so many people worry so much about me before. It’s really nice.
Chapter 9
Eve
Nikki: we’re going clubbing tonight, wear something sexy
Eve:...I don’t really know how to dance
Nikki: Lol. see you in an hour
In spite of the nervous butterflies in my stomach I can’t keep the smile off my face at the idea of going out dancing with my friends. I’d imagined scenarios like this for years and I almost wonder if I’ve hit my head and this whole thing has been a wonderful coma dream.
The image of Asher’s lips quirked up in a smile makes my toes tingle and my stomach dance.
Eve: You free tonight?
Asher: That depends what you have in mind ;)
Eve: clubbing with the girls. It’d be more fun with you there
Asher: I’m in, see you soon
Yeah, this is definitely a coma dream. And, I hope I never wake up.
Asher
“Where are you off to in such a hurry?” Dex asks suspiciously when I jump off the couch as soon as I get Eve’s text message.
“Clubbing with Eve and the girls.”
“Oh yeah? You think Remy’ll be there?” Dex attempts to sound casual but fails miserably.
Poor guy’s got it just as bad as I do.
“I would assume so.” I shrug before heading down the hallway to my room so I can get some clean clothes on.
“Don’t leave without me,” Dex calls out.
I chuckle to myself and shake my head.
Thirty minutes later we’re standing outside Eve’s dorm room waiting for the door to open.
“Be right there,” Eve’s voice rings out.
I grin and tug my lip ring between my teeth imagining Eve in a tight little skirt, grinding against me on the dance floor. And, then I have to discretely adjust my erection. Dex gives me a knowing smile and shakes his head. I shoot him the finger without comment.
The door finally opens and Eve stands there in a pair of skintight black pants, a red strapless shirt that pushes her tits up to her neck, and a pair of red fuck me heels. My mouth goes instantly dry as I stand silently staring at her until she begins to fidget under my gaze, tucking her dirty blond hair behind her ear and shifting her weight.
“What in gods name are you wearing?” I ask hoarsely.
Eve glances down at her outfit and tugs at the bottom of the shirt until her tits actually almost pop out the top. I suck in a sharp breath and Dex is silently shaking with laughter beside me and trying to cover it with a cough.
“Um...it’s a corset. Hadley convinced me to buy it. Does it look bad? I didn’t know what to wear clubbing.”
“No, it definitely doesn’t look bad.”
I look her up and down once more before taking a steadying breath.
“You look gorgeous. I’m just worried I’m going to be beating guys off you with a stick all night.”
A beautiful blush creeps into her cheeks. My hands itch to reach out and grab her around the waist so I can haul her against me and kiss the shit out of those sweet pink lips of hers.
“You ready to go?” Dex asks, interrupting my wildly inappropriate thoughts.
Eve nods and steps out of her dorm, closing the door behind her. For some reason I expect her to walk like a newborn giraffe in those shoes. But, to my surprise, and extreme turn on, she walks with ease and confidence like she’s on a goddamn runway. I’m sure Dex thinks I look like a total idiot panting after Eve like a lovesick fool. I’m not sure if I have the energy to care.
“So, the boyfriend doesn’t mind you going to the club without him?” I’m sure the jealousy comes across in my tone, and I know I shouldn’t be shit stirring. But, I’m only human, give me a break.
Eve shrugs.
“I didn’t tell him. I don’t think he’d be into it, but he’s not the boss of me.”
A sliver of hope dares to shine through at her words. Could it be that the boyfriend may not be around that much longer?
Get your shit together Asher, even if she’s single she’s too good for you. I mentally scold myself.
Eve
The pulsing beats of the music pound through my chest making my entire body feel like it’s vibrating. The moment we stepped into the club I felt like I was in an alternate universe filled with sweaty, writhing bodies and hypnotic bass.
Asher has a firm grasp on my elbow to guide me through the crowd on the outskirts of the dance floor. He leans close to me and I shiver as his hot breath tickles my ear.
“I see everybody at a booth to the left of the dance floor.”
I nod and head in the direction he suggested. Sure enough Abby, Ethan, Lee, Nikki, and Remy are waiting for us in a booth, with a tray full of shots in front of them.
“Dayum girl, you look fucking hot!” Nikki exclaims, jumping up from her seat on the outside of the booth and pulling me into a sloppy hug.
“I see you’re already a few drinks in.”
“Oh, yeah. But, we just ordered some very special shots for you to take with us.”
I slide into the booth next to Nikki. Asher slides in beside me and Dex makes his way to the other side of the half circle bench to squeeze in next to Remy.
“Here, Eve,” Abby slides a shot in my direction and then slides identical ones in front of Nikki, Lee, and Remy. “It’s called a blowjob and you have to take it without using your hands.”
My mouth drops open and my cheeks burn. Is she messing with me?
“I’ll show you,” Remy offers before winking at Dex. She puts her hands behind her back and leans forward to wrap her lips around the shot glass. She tosses the drink back expertly and then carefully sets the glass back on the table and slowly licks her lips, keeping her eyes trained on Dex the entire time.
I nod resolutely and then put my hands behind my back. I feel Asher’s gaze on me as I wrap my lips around the shot glass and then toss my head back. The sweet liquid slides easily down my throat with a gentle burn in its wake. I set the glass back down and then lick the remnants of whipped cream off my lips and I swear I hear a soft groan from Asher. I look over at him and he’s worrying his lip rings. My lower abdomen knots with the overwhelming desire to lean forward and flick my tongue against the silver hoop.
“Hey, Asher, I got you a special shot,” Abby announces with an evil gleam in her eye.
Asher raises a curious eyebrow as he reaches for the drink she pushed his way.
“What is it?” He asks studying the drink.
“It’s called Angel’s tits.”
My face flames even hotter than it did when she explained the blow job shot. Asher sputters out a laugh but then lifts his glass and looks around at everyone.
“A shot without a toast is like sex without foreplay, so here it goes.”
Everyone reaches for another shot and Asher’s gaze remains trained on me.
“Here’s to women’s panties, not the best thing on earth but close to it,” Asher declares before shooting me a playful wink and downing his shot.
“Here, here,” Nikki shouts enthusiastically.
&nb
sp; We all laugh and down our drinks.
When I set my glass down Asher’s eyes are on me again. My head is already starting to swim a little from just the two shots, or maybe it’s the way Asher’s looking at me.
“How did the Angel’s tits taste?” I ask boldly.
Asher’s blue eyes simmer with liquid heat. A zing of excitement travels through my body and settles between my thighs. He leans close and I can smell the sweet alcohol on his breath.
“Fucking delicious,” He leans back and appraises me. “Let’s dance.”
“I don’t know how to dance,” I admit reluctantly.
Asher grabs another shot and passes me another as well. Once we’ve downed them he grabs my hand and leads me out into the sea of writhing bodies until he finds a spot he likes. Asher spins me around and pulls me up against him so my back is flush against his front.
“Dancing is easy, it’s like fucking. Your body already knows what to do, so don’t over think it.”
My heart pounds at our close proximity and his searing words. His hips begin to move to the beat and I do as he said, I try not to over think. I close my eyes and follow his smooth movements. His grip on my hips tightens and I swear I feel something long and hard grinding against my butt. But, it can’t be what I think it is. Can it?
“See, you can dance.”
I smile and tilt my head back, resting it against his shoulder while I continue to move my hips against his in time with the beat.
“Eve,”
My name on his lips is barely more than a whisper but the tone of his voice makes my nipples tighten against the fabric of my corset and my legs shake. What is this man doing to me?
“Eve!” Nikki’s loud voice breaks the trance and I swear I hear Asher curse under his breath. “Come dance with us.”
Without waiting for an answer Nikki grabs my arm and pulls me towards Her, Lee, Remy, and Abby all dancing wildly to the music. I turn to look back at Asher, but he’s already gone.
I groan in pain as I blink awake and realize that it feels like I’ve got a jackhammer inside my head. I attempt to roll over to check the time and my stomach roils violently.
“Oh god,” I groan, putting a hand over my mouth in an attempt to stifle the vomit rising in my throat.
“Asher left a garbage can by your bed for you to puke in,” Hadley informs me sympathetically.
I spot the can and pull it to my face before emptying the contents of my stomach into it.
As soon as my stomach starts to settle I look down and realize I have absolutely no memory of how I got home, let alone how I managed to get out of my club clothes and into my pajamas.
“Did Asher carry me in?”
“Yeah, he was so sweet.”
“Did he...uh…”
“Change your clothes?” Hadley finishes my sentence for me. “No, I changed you.”
I breathe out a sigh of relief. If Asher ever does see me naked I’d rather be conscious for it.
My head continues to pound and the idea of getting out of bed sounds terrible. Luckily the only class I have today is one I can skip because the professor always posts a video of the lecture.
“Welcome to your first hangover darling. Stay in bed, drink plenty of water, and if I know Asher he’ll be over later with some hangover food for you.”
Hadley was right. At around four in the afternoon Asher shows up with greasy burgers and fries that smell like heaven and do wonders for settling my stomach and easing my headache.
“Scoot over and let me in,” He nudges my legs over and climbs into my bed next to me.
Asher pulls me against himself and inhales deeply.
“Did you just sniff me?”
“Um...no?”
Suddenly it occurs to me I didn’t shower today.
“Do I smell bad?”
“No,” He answers with a hint of sad resignation in his voice.
“Okay then weirdo, if you’re done sniffing me can we find something to watch?”
“Sure thing, Angel.”
“By the way, thanks for getting me home last night. I don’t remember anything after you and I danced together.”
“Yeah, the girls kept your drinks flowing. I’m not surprised you don’t remember much.”
“Well, I think I had a fun time.”
“Welcome to drinking.”
Chapter 10
Eve
“We’re going to a prayer rally tomorrow night,” Brahm informs me.
It rankles me that it’s a statement rather than a question. What if I have plans for tomorrow night?
“I actually think I’m having a girls night tomorrow night,” I lie, more to test the waters than anything.
He frowns at me.
“I don’t think so Eve,” He says firmly.
I don’t know why but his words make me feel demeaned and less than him. I suddenly imagine what Abby would say to a guy like this, and that thought empowers me.
“I wasn’t asking Brahm, I’m going to hang out with my friends.”
Brahms gaze turns dark and his frown deepens.
“I have to tell you, you keep pretty questionable company. You really think you bring glory to the Lord by hanging around with a couple of lesbians and a woman who doesn’t know her place? And, don’t even get me started on the Godless men they keep company with,” He scoffs.
My blood boils. Those people took me in as a friend, no questions asked. They’ve patiently tried to teach me about living in the real world, while at the same time giving me the gift of friendship. Not to mention the fact that Ethan and Abby took a chance on me by hiring me to work in their fledgling bar even though I had no experience.
“You need to leave. We’re through here,” I say calmly as I walk to the door and hold it open for him.
“No Eve, I’m not going to let you walk away like this. I need you to talk to me,” He insists, grabbing my arm and squeezing it hard.
“Stop, that hurts,” I protest.
His grip tightens further and I cry out.
“Tell me you didn’t mean it,” He commands through gritted teeth.
“Go fuck yourself,” I spew, surprising both Brahm and myself.
“Nice language, no doubt a reflection of the company you keep.” He huffs as he finally storms out.
I slam the door closed and breathe a sigh of relief. I know you’re supposed to be sad after a breakup, but I just feel like a weight has been lifted.
My phone buzzes.
Asher: Hey Angel, up to anything tonight?
Eve: well I was supposed to do something with Brahm, but I decided to dump him instead.
Asher: I’m sorry...hang tight I’ll be over in a few
My heart gives a little squeeze at the fact that Asher is willing to just rush over here at a moments notice because he’s worried I might be upset. He’s a good guy, a better guy than Brahm that’s for sure.
“So do you want to talk about it?” Asher asks as we lounge on my bed with some quiet music playing from his Ipod.
“Not much to talk about. I mean it was no great love affair. He was getting really pushy with me. And, even though I don’t know much about dating, I do know that I don't like someone talking down to me like he has the right to make my decisions for me.”
“Good girl,” He says with a gentle kiss on the top of my head.
The words should be condescending but his tone is nothing but proud.
“I even used the f-word when I broke up with him,” I admit with a laugh.
Asher barks out a laugh as well.
“I never noticed until I started hanging around you, how much I actually swear.”
“I don’t mind, I think I’m picking a few things up. The next time I spill my coffee I’ll be able to let loose a string of curses worthy of a truck driver,” I joke.
“Can I ask you something?” Asher asks hesitantly.
“Of course.”
“Why were you dating that dull, ass clown to begin with?” His tone holds reserva
tion, like he’s not sure he actually wants to know the answer.
I shrug and sigh.
“I think because it was comfortable. He was a tricycle.”
Asher’s eyebrows go up in confusion.
“A tricycle?”
“Yeah, you know safe to learn on,” I explain with a laugh. “I have no experience so I can’t just jump on a mountain bike, I need to start on a tricycle. Even if the mountain bike is…sexy.”
Lust flashes through his eyes and I blush. I can’t believe I just said that.
“Where did you come up with all that?”
“The girls. They told me that I needed to watch out for you because you’re a mountain bike and I need a tricycle.”
His expression darkens somewhat. But, he doesn’t look surprised to hear I was warned away from him.
“They’re probably right,” He sighs.
“But, the problem is I don’t want to be stuck with the safe choice. I had fun playing beer pong and getting drunk with you. Maybe, I want to be touched by a man who knows what he’s doing.”
The energy between us feels charged with electricity. Asher swallows hard and moves a few inches away from me.
“Sometimes I can’t believe all the things you haven’t experienced.”
“Want to tell me a dirty joke?” I ask hopefully.
His midnight blue eyes go bright with mischief. He pauses for a minute while he tries to think of a joke to tell me.
“Okay, I’ve got it,” He says rolling onto his side so that he’s facing me.
I mimick his movement so we’re facing each other on my bed with only a few inches of space between us. Heat licks at my skin and I have the crazy urge to kiss him.
“So this guy decides to get his girlfriend’s name tattooed on his junk. The guy goes to the tattoo parlor and tells the artist that he wants “Wendy” tattooed on his dick. He gets the tattoo and it turns out that when his dick isn’t hard the only visible letters are W and Y. One day he goes to use a public restroom and ends up at a urinal next to a black gentleman. He looks over and notices that guy also has the letters W and Y on his junk. So the guy asks ‘is your girlfriend named Wendy too?’ And the black guy says ‘no, it says Welcome to Jamaica and have a nice day’.”
Naughty Angel (Sexy Nerd Boys #2) Page 7
