Love or Lust (LOL): Part 3

“Thank God we didn’t have to go with them. Although, I wouldn’t mind cuddling under the stars.” I can’t see her eyes, but Teegan turns to face me as she speaks. “That might make it worth it.”

“I didn’t realize you and Milo had a thing,” I remark, turning my back to her as I make my way over to the bar. Jace isn’t here to make drinks, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t getting drunk. If I have to spend my afternoon and evening in Teegan’s presence, I’m going to need at least a few to keep me from punching her in her perfect nose.

“Milo couldn’t handle me. Plus, there’s only one set of arms I want wrapped around me.”

Clenching my fists, I search the mini-fridge for something stronger than spiked lemonade. That’s when I spot Jace’s candy infused vodka. Pouring a heavy-handed amount of the red, cherry-flavored vodka into a glass, I top it off with lemonade and take a sip. Puckering my lips, I open a can of lemon-lime soda and pour a little in.

Once I have the perfect balance, I head back to where Bella and Teegan are still congregating. Teegan has a wicked look on her face as she watches me approach. That’s when I notice the pair of dice sitting on the lounger next to her.

Truth or Dare dice.

I noticed them on game night the first week we were here. The night Jace and I almost got kicked off the show. I was relieved when no one pulled them out that night, yet here they are for some reason. I have a feeling this is just another attempt for Teegan to get under my skin, and I’m not going to let her win.

“You gonna play with us?” Bella asks, her voice filled with hope.

“Why not,” I reply, forcing a smile in her direction.

I feel bad for Bella. The last thing I want is her caught in the middle of the tension between me and Teegan, but there’s no avoiding it. There’s only three of us left. It’s bound to happen. I won’t make her choose sides, but I can’t say the same for Teegan. Now that her BFF and partner in crime, Courtney, is gone, she needs a replacement.

Because Teegan strikes me as the kind of girl that can’t do this on her own. She needs to be part of a group. A team.

Think Mean Girls, circa 2004.

Natasha was Gretchen. Courtney was Karen. Teegan, she’s Regina. The queen bee calling all the shots, though I was convinced Courtney was the real mastermind. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if they made their very own “burn book.”

Taking a seat next to Bella on her lounger, Teegan hands me the dice and pulls six cards, placing them face down.

“Draw a card and then roll,” she states.

It might be my imagination, but I swear I can hear the hatred in her voice twisting with pleasure as I reach for the middle card. A small smile flashes across Teegan’s face, quickly disappearing when I decide to take the card on the left and flip it over.

Lennon.

One simple word. A name.

“Now roll.” Her voice is encouraging.

Twisting the single die in my fingers, I read the words truth and dare over and over again before shaking it in my closed fist and dropping it on the table.

Dare.

“Bella do you want to go first, or do you want me to?” Teegan asks as she pulls out her phone, tapping a few buttons before laying it face up on top of the middle card.

She wants to take notes. Sure. Why not. I’d hate to forget what I’m dared to do.

“Hmmm.” Bella ponders the offer before shaking her head, granting Teegan first dibs on torturing me.

“Okay, Presley. I dare you to run into Lennon’s arms when they get back, wrap yourself around him, and plant a memorable kiss on his lips.”

Her motive is crystal clear. She’s hoping I’ll do it right in from of Jace. No problem. I can handle that, and so can they. Why? Because I’ll give them fair warning of what’s about to happen.

I’ll give all the guys fair warning.

And make sure they know Teegan’s behind every little detail.

Smiling at Teegan, I brush off her dare as if it’s no big deal and hand her the single die I’ve had clenched in my first. “Your turn.”

We pass the die around, each of us rolling a few times and landing on truth. The questions are silly. Who do we think is the hottest? Who do we think is going to win? Fuck, marry, kill. We rate the guys based on personality and body. It’s clear who has everyone’s attention, though it was a close race between Lennon and Jace, mainly because Bella seems to be leaning toward Lennon these days. They would make a cute couple. Both are the silent-but-strong type.