Chapter nine

Allison

Three damn days and Ash has chosen to ignore my existence ever since I told Justin about what he was up to.

Not that it bothers me, I feel relieved to see less of him at home. I no longer have to feel anxious around him or struggle to catch my breath.

"What do you think about this set of pants and sleeves? They go well with the bag, don't you think?" Cara asked, interrupting my thoughts.

I looked at the outfit in her hands, trying to decide if it was a good match or not. It was my day off, and Cara had decided to take advantage of my free time to go shopping.

I couldn't refuse her, as I needed new jeans and sneakers myself. Walking over to the jeans section, I ran my hand over the different pairs hanging on the rack.

"So, did anything happen while I was on a date with Jace?" Cara asked, her gaze fixed on me.

I shrugged, trying to hide my emotions. "Why do you ask?"

"Well, Ash has been acting strange – I mean, he's always weird, but Justin, nope. So please don't tell me they got into a fight again," Cara said.

Cara was protective of both Ash and Justin, and I couldn't tell if it was because of their family ties or if there was something else going on that Cara and Justin knew about Ash.

I couldn't shake the feeling that they were keeping something from me.

"Surely you would have noticed if they got into a fight. The house probably wouldn't be in one piece if that had happened. They are guys, after all," I joked.

Cara and I burst out laughing, drawing annoyed looks from other customers in the shop before they returned to their shopping.

"Cara," a voice called out from behind us. We turned to see a blonde girl standing there.

"Amanda," Cara said, looking surprised as she glanced from Amanda to me.

"I knew it was you. Isn't it just unbelievable that we ran into each other?" Amanda said, giving Cara a mischievous smile.

"Well, Amanda, it is a small world," Cara replied, sounding irritated as she crossed her arms in annoyance.

"And who is your friend?" Amanda asked, turning to face me and giving me a once-over, ignoring my introduction.

"So, how's Ash?" Amanda inquired, a smile on her lips.

A smile spread across Cara's face. "So, Allison, this is Amanda. She was once Ash's girlfriend, but now she's an ex."

I expected Amanda to be angry, but she simply smiled. "Still holding a grudge, Cara?" she asked.

"Why would I? It's all in the past. It's like it never happened after all the drama you caused. I'm sure it's nothing," Cara replied.

Amanda shrugged uncomfortably, her gaze dark and emotionless. I reached out to touch Cara's hand to try to calm her down.

"Are you okay?" I whispered to her.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Cara replied, looking away as she stared at the clothes she had picked out. "I think I'm done shopping, Allison. What about you?"

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by her abrupt decision. I didn't know who Amanda was or what had happened between her and Ash, but judging by Cara's reaction, it seemed like something unforgivable had occurred.

"Yeah, I'm done too. We can pay for the rest and leave if you're still buying them," I said.

Cara nodded, taking my hand as we made our way to the counter to pay for our clothes and then headed out of the boutique.

Cara was unusually quiet on the ride back, which was out of character for her. She was typically the chatterbox, but after her encounter with Amanda, she remained silent.

When we finally got home, I was exhausted. I desperately needed a long shower and a good night's rest.

"Don't worry about the shopping bags. I'll ask the maids to bring them in," Cara said as we arrived home.

"Are you sure?" I asked, but she ignored my question, walking towards the door and unlocking it before stepping inside.

I decided not to get involved in Cara's family drama. I ordered a pizza for dinner, locked myself in my room, and indulged in my favorite anime series.

Glancing at my phone, I realized it was already 7:30 pm. I had no idea it was getting so late.

I grabbed my towel, changed into my nightgown, and made my way to the hot water cave. Ash had been gone for three days, so I felt safe knowing he wasn't around.

I couldn't help but feel guilty when I glanced at his room. I blamed myself for his disappearance, and his cold stare haunted my nights.

As for Justin, he had been avoiding me. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was the one at fault. I hadn't done anything wrong – I hadn't even slept with Ash.

Why was Justin acting this way? I was no child, and I could handle myself around Ash, or so I thought.

But the truth was, I couldn't handle myself around Ash. And there he was, in the water with me, staring at me from across the pool.

"I thought you had disappeared off the face of the earth. You have a way of showing up where you're not wanted," I managed to say.

"Is that your way of saying you miss me or that you don't want me here with you in the water?" Ash replied sarcastically.

I said nothing, refusing to let him see how he was getting to me. "How did you know I was here? Are you spying on me now?" I questioned.

Ash raised an eyebrow, running his fingers along his lips. "Let's just say it's instinct, cupcake." I rolled my eyes at his teasing, playing with the water with my feet. Ash moved closer.

I smiled, still watching the water dance around my legs. He was just inches away from me when he suddenly stopped.

"I'm thinking of kissing you cupcake," he said quietly, intently.

Surprised by his words, I raised my face to stare at him. My gaze never left his. "Then do it" I blushed at my boldness, knowing fully well I was naked in a tube with a guy.

Not just any guy but Ash Hoover, hot and Cara's cousin. I was screwed.

Ash gave me a breathy laugh, leaning in. Caging me. His left hand caressed my face and his right gripped me by the waist, pulling me against him.

My full breast pressed against his bare chest. His chin tilted towards mine, and his lips parted. "God I want to know how you taste like" he whispered.

His lips brushed against mine, testing, soft and warm. He pulled back a little staring at me, and I stared right back as he kissed me again, harder, but nothing like the way he had kissed me before.

I kissed back hungrily and short of breath, his grip on my waist tightened, his mouth, coupled with the way his hand slide down my waist as he grabbed my butt cheek, squeezing it.

Everything felt so fast and so good at the same time, I whimpered, and as soon as the sound left my mouth, Ash pressed me against the tube wall.

Kissing me harder, his lips warm and so soft. His hair brushed against my face.

I ran my hand through his hair, pulling him closer. Our lips moved in sync, tasting each other in a frenzy of passion.

I could feel the heat between us, the electricity sparkling in the air.

But suddenly, reality crashed back in. I pulled away, panting and trying to catch my breath. "Wait, Ash, we shouldn't be doing this," I protested, regret and desire warring within me.

He looked at me with dark eyes, filled with longing and desire. "I know, but I can't help it. I want you, cupcake," he whispered, his voice husky with need.

I knew I should stop, that this was wrong on so many levels. But at that moment, all I could think about was the way his lips felt against mine, the way his hands roamed my body with urgency.

And with a shaky breath, I gave in to the temptation, letting myself drown in the pleasure and passion of his kiss.

His hand found my breast, and he grabs hold of it, slowly squeezing it gently. I moan, calling out his name.

Ash's phone rang bringing us back to reality again, this time I forced myself to free my lips from his.

"Allison" He whispered my name.

I bit my lower lips unable to meet his eyes, my finger trailing the scar on his chest area.

"We can't continue Ash, we might get caught, I already feel like am doing something I shouldn't" I managed to say hoping he would get my point.

He grabbed hold of my waist, placing kisses on my neck, his phone kept ringing nonstop but he ignored it.

His finger trailed the line on my back, I flinched as his touch sent electricity coursing through me.

"How long can you keep avoiding your needs Allison, I know you want it as I do, you will have to give in eventually" he whispered, his lips so warm as they brushed against my ear.

He pulled away turning his back from me, I watched him get out of the water. Picking his shirt and phone, he walks towards the exit door.

I let my body relax in the water finally, a smile appearing at the corner of my lips. I couldn't help but touch my lips as memories of his touch filled my mind.

"Now I want him so bad" I murmured to myself.