The Dare (North Woods University 2)

Vance’s face deadpans. “I got shot, baby. My dick didn’t fall off.”

“Well no sex, not until you’re fully healed. I don’t want to be responsible for any other injuries you might incur. I feel bad enough as it is.”

“Don’t. I’d much rather have been shot than had you shot. It was my choice, and one I would make again and again.”

I lean into his face, lifting my hand, I cup him by the cheek. “Truth or Dare?”

“Truth,” he says, his full lips begging to be kissed. “Always the truth from now on out.”

“Maybe just one last dare?” I tease.

“Okay…” He pauses, thinking and I wonder what I’ve got myself into. “Since sex is off the table…I… dare you… to… kiss me.”

I press my lips to his before he can say anything else, swallowing up whatever words were going to come out of his mouth next. Our relationship was never going to be perfect, but I don’t want perfect.

I just want Vance Preston, today, tomorrow, forever.

My best friend, my bully, my love.

Epilogue

Vance

“Do we have to go?” Ava pouts, and I squeeze her hand in mine. Now I understand why Remington is so territorial over Jules. Love makes you do crazy things.

“Yes, we have to go. No way in hell am I not showing you off. I want everybody to know we are together, so no one dares to hit on you when I’m not with you.”

“But, you are always with me.” She grins. It’s true, we have been inseparable for the last few weeks. While I was recovering, she played my nurse and even now that I’m all healed up, we do everything together.

My father successfully covered up the whole shooting incident. At least he got that right. Ava didn’t want people to know what her dad did, and I was more than happy to help make it go away. No one besides our family and Clark knows that I was shot.

I’ve kept my promise to right all my wrongs, and tonight I’m going to right another wrong. I’m going to make it known to the entire campus that she’s mine, and shut down any rumors that might be floating around.

“We don’t have to stay late. Just long enough for everybody to see us together.”

“You make it sound like I’m a trophy or something.”

“Trophy wife, maybe?”

“Slow down, we just moved in together. Marriage is like a thousand light years away.”

“I can wait, but one day you will be my wife…just so we’re clear on that. You’ll carry my last name, and then my babies.” I can’t help but grin, even though I know me speaking of the future terrifies Ava, I know she’s it for me, and I need her to know that too.

“Okay, someday.” Ava giggles as we walk up to the porch. Inside, the party is in full swing. Loud music, laughter, and chatter can be heard from the street and when we walk through the front door those noises only get louder.

I let go of Ava’s hand and instead wrap an arm around her, tucking her small body into my side as we walk through the crowd. Heads turn and people stare at us while I lead us across the living room. Our relationship is still somewhat new, and the gossip about us being together will spread like a wildfire, the sorority girls wanting to get in every last word.

Spotting Remington and Jules in the far corner of the open space, I decide to go and hang out with them. At least Ava knows Jules, and they seem to like each other. I would hang with Clark, but lately he’s been MIA.

“Vance,” Remington greets me with a broad grin and a chin nod. Ava pulls away and greets Jules with a hug. The girls break out into conversation about classes and some new books that just released.

“I’m guessing you fell hard for the pain in the ass stepsister?”

“You have no idea. I’ll never be able to forgive myself for the things I did.” For some strange reason, the words just come out. Remington doesn’t have the first clue what I put Ava through, so he couldn’t possibly understand.

“Yeah, I put Jules through some bad shit too. I’ve had to learn to let go of the pain, the hate I feel for myself for doing so. I do everything I can for her now, and eventually I’ll marry her, whenever she lets me.” He chuckles. “There was a time when I was the bully and she was my punching bag though, and I’ll never truly forget that.”

Okay, so maybe I was wrong. Maybe Remington Miller did know what it felt like. My lips part and I’m about to respond when Sarah and her gang of hyenas strut up to us. Jules and Ava stop talking when Sarah stops right in front of Ava.