Chapter 4

Mike's Pov

Everyone one was sat quietly in a circle in the living room. The small glass table had been moved to the far corner. Throw pillows scattered on the floor. Truth or dare was in action and it was my turn to answer the god dammed question. I suddenly regretted why I agreed to play this ratchet game in the first place, damn my vulnerable naive self.

It was never supposed to reach this far. I was supposed to come out, stay for five minutes like Lila had said then go back to my peaceful bedroom.

I was doomed the minute I stepped out of my bedroom. I should have just known I was never going to go back no matter how much I wanted to.

Looking around the circle I couldn't recognize even one of the faces of those teenagers gathered in the circle. They were all foreign to me well I did spot Jax in the kitchen eating some poor girl's face off this whole setup was foreign to me but I had blindly gotten myself into, the spotlight.

Earlier on when Lila had entered my room asking me to join them I had known right there and then who had sent her. It had Luke written all over it, I could have sworn even the atmosphere smelt like him spicy with a dose of trouble. A typical bad boy scent associated with my best friend Luke. And sometimes in the past I'd smelt that scent on my father as well.

Lila was very beautiful, more beautiful than any woman I'd ever set my pair of eyes on. There was no way she was interested in me. No way. I was sure of it.

Also how else could she had known I was cooped up in my room hiding if not for my so called best friend. I was almost certain Luke had paid her to drag me out. What had made me say yes to the seductress although I knew the trap that laid before those closed doors will always be a mystery to me. Because deep down I knew this was a trap set to destroy me.

Perhaps it was because of the spark in her eyes when she'd entered the room. Or maybe it was the way she had looked so deflated when she realized I was about to decline her. Maybe just maybe she really liked me. Naaa, that's not it, I shut that thought down not wanting to get my hopes up over a lie. Because I knew very well that she was sent to me if not then she and her friends were playing a very sick joke with me and I had fallen right into it. This was all too much too good to be a coincidence. A pretty girl whom I've had a crush on since I hit puberty coming into my room and begging me to come play a game with her, that sort of thing happened in movies not in real life, never. I knew that which again brought back the question what the fuck was I doing here and why did I agree to play.

But it was a little too late now to pounder over spilt milk I'll just have play along for now.

I may be an antisocial nerd but I wasn't stupid, I knew deception when I saw it and this one starred right in the face. But since they took me for a fool I'd let them think they have won Make them feel special like they have won, play with their ego.

Chugging the remains of my beer I glared once more at the strangers in the room, my eyes landing on Lila and locked them only on her as I spoke the next word in that husky voice that I hardly used "Dare".

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Luke's Pov

Luke gasped at Mike's brave reply, he was not expecting that. His silence had indicated his anxiety, his fears of communication, but for the first time his best friend surprised him. And he couldn't be more proud. Maybe someone had finally gotten to him. He made another mental note to thank Lila later before speaking his next words, which were also a test. To test Mikey's capabilities. "I dare you to kiss Lila, tongue and all for five minute" he finished his words never betraying him. And his smirk making appearance too suddenly. It was like second nature to him. It also surprised him when it made appearance sometimes. Almost like it had a mind of its own.

For the second time that evening , Mike surprised him by getting up and striding although hesitantly toward Lila who sat just opposite him. Wasting no time he captured her lips with his. Their lips moving in sync , molding, sharing spit.

All Luke could do was watch dumbfounded as his best bud since kindergarten assaulted Lila's mouth. He didn't even know Mike knew how to baby kiss a girl. Let alone shove his tongue so far her throat. But judging by the moans Lila was emitting, it could only mean Mike was pretty good.

But more importantly it meant his shy friend had a secret to share. A first time kisser didn't kiss like that. He ought to have had practice. But no matter how much Luke wrecked his brain to think of the culprit he drew blanks. Outside of their group Mike talked to no one else unless it was one of Michelle's friends. His heart ached as he thought of little Elle. She was his first love, young as he was Luke knew he loved Elle provided he was a year older than the twins. Elle had been the glue that had held their group of friends together. And when she died their group just fell apart but Luke had tried his best to be friends with Mike. During the first month's since Elle's death he'd also been devastated and had sought out comfort from the next great person from his Elle, her twin.

Elle and Luke had had so much fun together when she was alive. Pranking people breaking the rules and beating the shit out of anyone who tried bullying Mike. They had been the best of friends until the accident. Ridding himself of those memories Luke schooled his face and smirked not smile he never could not after her.

"Time’s up, get out of there you little player, you " he said as he playfully shoved his friend away from Lila.

Their five-minutes wasn't up yet but he had had enough and had his point proven.

But mainly he could see Mike was close to losing his mind. This was a big step forward and Luke didn't want him to overdo it only to regret it later or humiliate himself and then go back to square one.

Mike's Pov

The next morning when I woke up the apartment was quiet. Last nights game came back to me like a bang. I'd never been so scared as I was yesterday. Kissing Lila wasn't supposed to feel as good as it did. I was supposed to be disgusted by her, repulsed even. She had conspired with Luke to play me for a fool and I played right onto their open hands.

I had my first kiss with a girl I'm meant to hate in front of strangers. Although I had put up a good front last night I had been terrified thank God Luke stopped me before I did anything more stupid. And like the coward I am I ran to my room immediately after kissing my crush.

Deciding to stop the one-man pity party I woke up and went to freshen up. Once done I sauntered to the kitchen to help Luke clean the mess up.

I took deep breaths bracing for the mess I was to see only to see a very clean living room with no evidence of there ever being party the night before. I was all too sure Luke had someone clean up his mess. He was way too lazy to clean the room all by himself. His own bedroom was evidence enough. But being rich came with benefits of hiring help . Rubbing the sleep off my eyes the smell of breakfast invited we further into the kitchen. My breath hitched when I saw a middle aged woman behind the kitchen island instead of Luke. I got closer and greeted the woman. She responded with a quiet 'good morning' back.

" uhmm. Sorry ma'am but have you seen my friend we are suppose to be going shopping"

I shyly asked averting my eyes from the mouth watering food eyeing me.

"Yes, honey he did mention that. Said to tell you he's off for a run and will be back in 20 minutes" she rushed out. She gave me thorough look as if assessing me before adding as an after thought as gathered Luke probably didn't tell me who she was " I'm Mrs. Mitch, I cook and clean for Lucas on weekdays. Breakfast will be ready in a few"

20 minutes later and a very filling breakfast from Mrs. Mitch Lucas still hadn't came home from his morning run. I was even starting to think he'd forgotten I really wouldn't put it past him to. I knew I couldn't rely on Luke for much, so I just decided to just take a cab to the mall.

Thanking Mrs. Mitch for breakfast I went back to my room to shower. I just couldn't believe Luke forgot about this. He knew we needed supplies and I still had to go the dealership to get my own car as to avoid situations like this one. Now I really regret turning dad's offer down to use his old beat up truck for the time being.

Mrs. Mitch was already gone by the time I came back to the living room. But I didn't pay much attention to that. She was probably used to coming in and out unnoticed. I just wished I had had a chance to say goodbye to her and thank her again for breakfast . For God knows, I was clueless when it came to making food.

One time I had deep fried eggs and the outcome had not been good. And after that incident mom had banned me from the her kitchen. Not that I could ever blame her though, I did after all burn half of her kitchen and almost killed myself in the process , again.

Just the thought of that fire brought me tears. I had been fine for a short while not thinking about it much. But it was always there at the back of my mind. The fire. Watching her burn and not being able to help her. That was what got to me the most the fact that I was there but was too weak to help my twin sister. And instead watched as her flesh burned and turned to nothingness.

•••••••••••<~>••••••••••<~>•••••••••

I woke up with a startle, I was sweating terribly from the nightmare. But really I couldn't say it was a surprise. I hardly ever slept anyways and if I did I'd always be haunted by her burning body. Sleeping pills had helped once upon a time till they too ran their toll. I couldn't remember the last time I'd ever had a good night sleep. Every time I closed my lids I always saw her, the picture was forever branded in my brain.

I couldn't remember how I'd fallen asleep on the couch. I had just been about to leave on my own when Luke sent me a text that he was just around the corner. So I had wanted to wait for him, just five minutes I'd told myself. But five minutes turned to ten and ten turned to fifteen and before I knew it I was dosing off.

Provided I didn't catch a wink of sleep after running off last night. I kept reminiscing about the kiss I shared with Lila, her soft her lips molding with mine, her perfect face struck with disbelief and lust. My whole body had seemed to awoken at that kiss.

So I'd spent the whole night listing the pros and cons about her. Not that there were many of the latter she was perfect in every way, well except for one thing. And that one thing was the main reason for my dilemma. Why did she come to my room. Surely she and Luke were playing some sick game on me. I was sure of. The look on her face said it all last night. The look of pride at her accomplishment but I blindly just ignored it. But my assumptions had been proven right. She had that triumph look on her after our kiss which gave me more reason to get the hell away from there.

My decision last night had been foolish, she had caught me at my weakest moment. That was the only plausible reason. I'm good at making decisions. I have always been the over thinker. I always list his pros and cons, prepare myself for an outcome, a positive one before taking a decision. When the chances of it backfiring on me then I never take the challenge. I have always been calculative. But last night, last night I had made a poor decision. I didn't think it through I just acted on impulse and fell victim to lust . It was foolish of me to think I could resist her. And now, now I had to face harsh consequences for my dumb actions. The rules are made for a reason I reminded himself. And if they are ever to be broken I must take my punishment without any complains.

And last night I forgotten his own rules. How h—

Knock knock