CHAPTER5
Hadley
Ihear the vibrating, the buzzing of my phone, but I’m too comfortable to move. Ashton damn near killed me last night with his bedroom, or rather, living room shenanigans. I’ve never woken up quite so happy. So carefree.
My burdens have been lifted.
I’ve never, in all the years since it happened, told anyone how I felt about Aria’s childhood abduction. I never spoke the words out loud. I think it’s why I’ve always overcompensated with my friendships. Been so protective.
I can’t say the feelings will vanish, but they’ve diminished slightly, and I hope to be able to forgive myself one day.
The damn phone starts vibrating again, and I reach over to the table, searching for the device before dragging my arm back under the warmth of the blanket.
“What?” I bark as I answer.
“Where the hell are you?” Hendrix’s voice on the other end is filled with anger.
“At Ashton’s,” I reply.
“You have a curfew. Dad is pissed.” Sounds like he isn’t the only one.
“I texted Mom like she asked me to if I wasn’t going to be home. She replied to me. There’s nothing to be angry about.” I get it, sort of, mostly. Being the weaker sex in our family means we’re all potential targets for my dad and uncles’ enemies. I’m not irresponsible, though. I make sure someone knows where I am at all times. If they aren’t already following me, that is.
“Not good enough, Hads. You’re being immature and childish.” I take exception to that.
Sitting up in bed, I notice that Ashton isn’t here, but I smell caffeine and immediately crave it. “Look, Hen, big brother, fierce protector. I love you; I love your concern for me. But insult me again, and you won’t like what happens. Back. Off.” I bite the last two words out.
Standing up, I search for something to put on and grin when I spy what looks like a sweater of Ashton’s. Slipping the garment over my head, I listen to my brother steam his anger out his ears. I never thought that would be something aimed at me, but I know what he looks like when he’s mad.
“You’re better than this, Hadley. Better than him.” Okay, now I’m getting angry.
Pinching the bridge of my nose, I fight to remain calm. Otherwise, I might go home and slap the stupid out of his head. “I don’t know what your problem is with Ashton, Hendrix, and frankly, I don’t care, but you should trust and respect me enough to know I will make good choices. And Ashton is just that, my choice.” I can’t tell him all the reasons why I grew to like Ashton so quickly because that shitstorm will open a can of worms I am not ready for my family to know.
“Since when do you slut around?” Stunned at his devastating words, tears instantly form, and I don’t know how to respond. Hendrix has always, always been extremely caring towards me. Going so far as to get stung by a bee once when we were kids so I wouldn’t have to because it landed on me. He grabbed it right off my arm.
I can’t hide the hurt in my voice as I tell him, “I don’t know what’s happened to you, Hen, and I hope you’ll confide in me one day. But right now, you've broken my heart. Don’t call me until you can explain what your problem is.” Hanging up, I wipe the tears from my face with the sweater's sleeves and head out to find Ashton.
Hearing a masculine voice from the direction of the living room, I think it’s him only to find the bodyguard from yesterday pacing in the kitchen. I forget his name. I don’t even think we were introduced.
“Hi,” I squeak out. He looks up from his phone with a scowl on his face.
“Morning.” His voice sounds rusty, like he doesn’t use it often.
“Where’s Ashton?” Might as well get right to the point.
He puts his phone away as I pour myself a coffee. After adding milk, I chug it till the cup is empty. He frowns.
“Mr. DeMarco had a meeting that is running longer than expected.” The man reaches down on the couch for a bag. “He had this sent over for you and asked that you get ready. He would like to take you to breakfast.” I almost feel brushed off.
Slowly walking forward, I accept the bag and peek inside. Tissue covers everything. “What’s your name?” I ask the stranger as I begin to head to Ashton’s room. “I’d like to tell my friend who’s with me, so she knows where to direct my dad when I get serial killed.”
His scowl deepens before a smirk lifts the corner of his mouth. “Ryan Parker.”
“Nice to meet you, Spiderman.” I’m off and shutting the door before he can correct me, but I hear his amused chuckle.
Pulling out the tissue paper, I’m excited to find a pair of white slip-on chucks with a cute sundress. It’s white with watercolor flowers all over. Stripping off Ashton’s sweater, I glimpse myself in the mirror and notice his handprints on multiple parts of my body.
I heat up thinking of how they got there and decide to be a little naughty. Picking up my phone, I pose in such a manner that my hand covers my boobs and I’m twisted to the side, so you can’t see much else but the handprints, and send it to Ashton.
After getting dressed, I find a blood-red thong in the bag and slip it on. He seems to enjoy me in this color. My phone beeps and I rush to grab it.
Ashton: Look at your thighs.
I do.
More prints and beard burn.
Holy crap, that’s hot.
Me: Mercy you can make a girl wet.
I don’t know how to do sexy talk.
Ashton: I’ll lick you up later.
Apparently, that does not matter to him, however.
Me: Spiderman says we’re having breakfast? I’m ready.
Ashton: Who the fuck is Spiderman?
I can see his scowl.
Me: Ryan…
Ashton: I’ll be at the restaurant in 15.